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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 RABI ALTHANI 10, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Duo deported Xi visits First flower Nadal, Halep for cutting Saudi Arabia blooms on stunned as grass to sell to bolster international shocks rock as animal4 feed relations9 space15 station Aussie20 Open KPC denies reports of Min 10º Max 21º cuts in fuel subsidies High Tide 09:35 & 20:07 Low Tide MP warns oil below $20 a barrel will be a catastrophe 02:48 & 14:16 40 PAGES NO: 16761 150 FILS By B Izzak and agencies

Gulf banks eye Amir meets Yazidi IS survivor KUWAIT: The spokesman of the oil sector Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Sabah denied yesterday the veracity of Iran prospects reports alleging “cuts in gasoline and kerosene subsidies” in the first quarter of this year. In a press statement, DUBAI/LONDON: Gulf banks including Dubai’s Sheikh Talal quoted CEO of Kuwait Petroleum largest lender Emirates NBD are already meeting Corporation (KPC) Nizar Al-Adsani as saying the reports prospective clients and taking legal advice about are “untrue”. The government is weighing various entering Iran’s financial system now that many inter- options to cope with plummeting oil prices, amongst national sanctions have been lifted. European banks them a review of energy subsidies in the local market, are more cautious with some, including Deutsche Sheikh Talal said. Bearing optimal living conditions in Bank, remembering past fines from regulators for mind, the government, in conjunction with the National breaking sanctions, though Commerzbank said it was Assembly, will find the best possible solution, he noted. reviewing its policy of not doing business in Iran. “The Kuwait government gives huge subsidies. For many banks there are concerns about being Subsidies will be taken out gradually... In the first quarter caught up in ongoing US sanctions. Many interna- of 2016, probably there will be something on subsidies tional sanctions relating to Iran’s nuclear program on gasoline and kerosene,” Adsani reportedly said earlier were lifted but most involving US players remain in during a panel discussion at an energy industry confer- place. Non-US banks may trade with Iran without fear ence in Abu Dhabi. But KPC said Adsani was misquoted of punishment in the United States but US banks may as he only referred to government plans to study cutting not do so, directly or indirectly. Other sanctions pre- subsidies without providing specific dates. vent US persons from trading with Iran and also pro- Adsani also said any possible rise in domestic prices hibit Iran trades in US dollars from being processed would not impact citizens’ livelihood. “The Kuwaiti gov- through the US financial system via the New York ernment is currently studying several options for Federal Reserve. This is a significant complication giv- addressing the budget deficit amid weak crude oil en the dollar’s role as the world’s main business cur- prices. Among those options was a review of petroleum rency. products in the domestic market,” he said, according to Regional banks are likely to lead the way on busi- an official statement. This will be done in coordination ness deals. Banks from the UAE, Oman, Qatar and with the parliament to agree on a mechanism “taking KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives yesterday at Bayan Palace Kuwait have spent months drawing up plans for into account the standard of living of citizens”, he added. Nadia Murad, a Yazidi survivor from the so-called Islamic State. — KUNA Continued on Page 15 Continued on Page 15 LOCAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016

KUWAIT: (From left) His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Amir Supreme Council for Planning and Development members attend the meeting with His Highness the Amir. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah attend — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos a meeting with members of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development. Amir informed of islands’ development projects Part of vision to turn Kuwait into economic center

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh thus raising Kuwait’s regional and interna- cance of such major projects as cooperation Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received tional competitiveness. Meanwhile, the proj- is needed to enact required legislations and yesterday at Bayan Palace His Highness the ect will also attract top foreign investments, laws to face any barrier when carrying out Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- which will have a positive impact on the project. Hamad Al-Sabah accompanied by members Kuwait’s security, as countries owning these In the meantime, some senior officials of of the Supreme Council for Planning and projects will exert efforts to protect their the Supreme Council for Planning and Development. His Highness the Crown properties. Development presented before His Highness Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- the Amir the first phase of the comprehen- Sabah and Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Exceptional resolutions sive vision of building Kuwait’s future, Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah were also Meanwhile, His Highness the Prime including new projects. present at the meeting held in Bayan Palace. Minister said making use of Kuwaiti islands Jasser Al-Jasser said “we present the first The officials presented to His Highness would be the country’s future project. phase of the five islands’ project so as to the Amir thorough information on the proj- His Highness Sheikh Jaber made the make use of their areas.” The aim of this ect to develop the islands of Boubyan, statement yesterday in a speech before His move is to achieve development through Failaka, Warba, Miskan and Awha. The proj- Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad some projects inside these islands and turn ect is part of His Highness the Amir’s vision Al-Jaber Al-Sabah while presenting a brief- them into free trade zones between the East to turn Kuwait into a cultural and economic ing on the project. The project needs cer- and the West, he added. center, while also boosting development in tain legislations and exceptional resolutions, Also yesterday, His Highness the Amir, His the country. in addition to measures taken by the gov- Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness The council is studying the benefits of the ernment to carry out with it, His Highness the Prime Minister separately met the visit- islands’ development in light of similar inter- said. His Highness Sheikh Jaber expressed ing General Director of the French national models, aiming to create a compre- his confidence that the government would Gendarmerie General Denis Favier and his His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah greets French hensive and multi-purpose free trade zone, persuade National Assembly over the signifi- accompanying delegation. — KUNA Gendarmerie General Denis Favier. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled meets Azhar Grand Imam

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received yesterday the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad El- Tayeb, who is on a visit to the country. Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Khaled Al-Jarallah, Assistant Foreign Minister for the First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister’s Office Sheikh Dr Zain honors Kuwaiti Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for Protocol Affairs Dhari Al-Ajran and a number of Jet Ski champion Foreign Ministry officials also attended the meeting. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunica- ue to put Kuwaiti National teams and indi- then held a luncheon banquet in honor tions company in Kuwait, honored Kuwaiti vidual athletes at the forefront of its priori- of the Grand Imam of Al-Azha, in pres- Jet Ski champion Yousef Al Abdulrazzaq at ties and pledges to continue motivating ence of several ministers and officials. its main headquarters in Shuwaikh. The them to achieve the recognition they honoring came in recognition of Al deserve. Positive role Abdulrazzaq’s achievements and accom- Al Abdulrazzaq achieved a number of Meanwhile, Minister of Information plishments during 2015. prominent titles during 2015, most notably and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Zain expressed its pride in Al the Runabout GP1 world title during the Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al- Abdulrazzaq’s latest achievement, which UIM AQUABIKE World Championship and Humoud Al-Sabah asserted the positive recently saw the Kuwaiti champion achiev- the first place title of the Pro-Am Runabout role Al-Azhar institution has played for ing the Runabout GP1 world title during LTD category during his participation in the over a thousand years. the UIM AQUABIKE World Championship International Jet Sports Boating This transpired in a cultural meeting that was recently concluded in Sharjah, Association (IJSBA) World Championship KUWAIT: Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad El-Tayeb (center) speaks during a meeting at the UAE. 2015 marked the seventh year in 2015 held in Lake Havasu in Arizona, USA. held yesterday at the Kuwait National Kuwait National Library. — Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh which the company sponsors Yousef Al Zain affirmed that its role not only con- Library to which Dr Tayeb was invited Abdulrazzaq, who continued to show centrates on economic and business activi- along with a bevy of Kuwaiti intellectuals speech, Dr Tayeb said that thousands of ization in a way that it would appeal to unmatchable determination in raising the ties but also contributes significantly in var- and media pundits. Sheikh Salman, in a students from all over the world attend the youth. Further, he expressed dismay Kuwaiti flag high by achieving internation- ious areas within the Kuwaiti society, espe- speech at the meeting, praised Al-Azhar Al-Azhar where they are taught the mer- at the ubiquity of extremism and vio- ally renowned titles. cially towards Kuwaiti champions. This institution for its moderate and level- its of open-mindedness, lack of prejudice, lence across the landscape of the Arab As a leading telecommunications com- resembles the company’s endless confi- headed approach to promoting Islamic lack of bias, and respect for others’ faiths, world, noting that it behooved all pany in Kuwait, Zain is constantly looking dence of the competencies of these young teachings and values, with emphasis on creeds, and values. He decried the cur- Muslims to adhere to the Islamic tenets to identify and support excellence across athletes and their capabilities in excelling tolerance and eschewal of extremism and rent status of the Arabic language, that teach tolerance and respect for the sports sector. The company will contin- in different fields. non-acceptance of ‘the other.’ In a similar demanding its regeneration and revital- diversity of opinion. — KUNA INJAZ-Kuwait kicks off 2016 volunteer drive at Gulf Bank

KUWAIT: INJAZ-Kuwait (INJAZ) recently kicked among many other exciting benefits. Global network include: Omar Kutayba Alghanim, Gulf Bank (CSR) program is committed to educational off its 2016 “Superhero” campaign at Gulf Bank INJAZ forms part of the global network of Chairman and CEO of Alghanim Industries, initiatives that make a sustainable impact to recruit business professionals to volunteer Core values Junior Achievement worldwide. The programs who is also the Chairman of INJAZ-Kuwait, with youth and in the community. To find out for its programs. INJAZ-Kuwait is a non-profit Rana Al-Nibari, INJAZ-Kuwait CEO said: are designed to narrow social inequities, along with Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager more about Gulf Bank’s initiatives and pro- (NPO), non-governmental organization (NGO) “INJAZ-Kuwait’s core values have always encourage social engagement, foster creativi- Human Resources at Gulf Bank, among other grams, visit the Bank’s bilingual website at driven by Kuwait’s private sector. Through revolved around the concept of youth ty and experience, and develop generations of notable individuals. www.e-gulfbank.com or its social media strategic partnerships with Kuwait’s business empowerment and developing this core value highly skilled individuals. Board members Gulf Bank’s corporate social responsibility channels. and education sectors, and with the help of through the power of partnership. The contin- qualified and dedicated volunteers, INJAZ uous participation and support of Gulf Bank as delivers both Arabic and English language partners and the number of volunteers who educational programs on entrepreneurial and dedicate their time to mentor students, reaf- leadership skills to build successful careers. firms INJAZ’s stance in investing in Kuwait’s Gulf Bank employees from various depart- future by educating the country’s youth in ments and backgrounds signed up during the entrepreneurial and business culture.” kickoff of the “INJAZ Superhero” volunteer Hajjaj, General Manager of Human drive, making a commitment to mentor and Resources at Gulf Bank, said: “We are proud of encourage students. our partnership with INJAZ and look forward INJAZ’s volunteer drive is calling for young to supporting their programs in 2016. Gulf professionals with 2 - 15 years of experience Bank has been a long time partner and sup- to share their knowledge and expertise to porter of INJAZ, and we will continue our affect change in student’s lives and be a investment in youth educational programs. Superhero in the process. Through the INJAZ Gulf Bank employees have thoroughly Superhero campaign, volunteers will be enjoyed being part of these programs, and we making an impact in a student’s life and for encourage other committed professionals to their efforts they will: be recognized annually also get involved.” on International Volunteers Day; receive a INJAZ’s programs run throughout 2016 aca- certificate of recognition and receive a thank demic year and there are several ways to be you letter from INJAZ after completing a pro- involved. Interested volunteers can contact gram; have a chance to win the ‘INJAZ INJAZ at [email protected], call KUWAIT: Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager, Human Resources at Gulf Bank and Rana Al-Naibari, INJAZ-Kuwait’s CEO along with their Superhero of the month’ title and a chance 9555-7012, or tag INJAZ on #injazsuperheroes respective teams. to win the ‘INJAZ Superhero of the year’ title; through social media platforms.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 LOCAL Crimes report

KUWAIT: Hisham Al-Baghli registers as a candidate yesterday. — Photos by Fouad Abdul Kareem Al-Hendal Al-Shaikh

Competition heats up for Two people arrested yesterday for cutting grass in vio- 3rd constituency by-election lation of the environment law.

By Meshaal Al-Enezi passports department to issue a one-time use certificate valid only for election day. KUWAIT: The total number of candidates Speaking on the occasion, candidate applying to run for by-elections in the Hisham Al-Baghli said that in view of the third electoral constituency reached 39 short time remaining for the current par- and then dropped to 38 (including one liament in office, and if he wins the elec- female candidate) when one of them with- tions, he would support current lawmak- drew by the end of working hours on the ers. seventh day. Candidate Abdul Kareem Al-Hendal In this regard, the elections department said that the most important issue he manager, Lt Colonel Salah Al-Shatti said would focus on if he wins would be build- that four new candidates applied yester- ing Kuwait. day to reach a total of 39 candidates and Candidate Ali Jamal Al-Zanki said that An environment police officer takes a picture using his that one of the candidates withdrew and he would review his electoral program on cell phone of the two men. cancelled his candidacy. He added that launching his campaign headquarters. candidates registry would end by Friday, The Third Constituency seat came open Duo deported for January 22. upon the demise of the late lawmaker Shatti added voters would have to Nabeel Al-Fadhel who passed away sud- cutting grass present their original citizenship certificate denly during the 22 December parliamen- on election day and that those who do not tary session. Fadhl’s son, Ahmed, has regis- By Hanan Al-Saadoun have it could apply to the citizenship and tered to contest his late father’s seat. Ali Jamal Al-Zanki KUWAIT: Two people were arrested by environmental police yesterday for cutting grass and plants on Sixth Ring Road, and were deported, the Ministry of Interior’s public Kuwait active to UK, Kuwait business relationship relations and security information department said. The action was taken during an inspection tour by Director of secure kidnapped Environment Police Lt Col Hussein Al-Ajmi, who spotted takes vital next steps the two violating the environment law, so they were arrest- citizen’s return: ed. They said that they collect the vegetation and take it to KUWAIT: The Lord Mayor of the City animal farms. MP Huwailah of London Alderman the Lord (Jeffrey) Mountevans yesterday opened the Kuwait British Business Complaint against food company By A Saleh Center with Dr Yousef Al-Ali, Minister Environment police in cooperation with Ministry of of Commerce and Industry for the Public Work’s environment affairs department inspect- KUWAIT: MP State of Kuwait and launched a new ed a food preparation company following complaints Mohammad Al-Huwailah initiative: the “Kuwait British Business of the company’s kitchen dumping untreated oil in said that he had contact- Club.” drainage sewers which clogged all manholes in that ed top state officials to Office space has been developed line. The complaint was sent to the public prosecution follow up the latest adjacent to the British Embassy for further action. developments in the Kuwait into a business center to abduction of Kuwaiti citi- attract, support and develop British zen Mohsen Al-Ajmi in businesses seeking to enter the Restaurant fire Lebanon. The officials Kuwaiti market. Up to 9 UK compa- Firefighters tackled a blaze that was reported at a restau- include His Highness the nies can use the space, at any one rant in the transit lounge at Kuwait International Airport Prime Minister Sheikh MP Mohammad time, to meet prospective Kuwaiti yesterday. No injuries were reported. An investigation was Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Al-Huwailah partners, benefit from a dedicated opened to reveal the causes of the fire. Sabah, Parliament Kuwait telephone number, access to Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, and First Deputy Prime wifi and store their brochures and Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- samples. Material stolen Khaled Al-Sabah, his undersecretary and Kuwait’s In addition, the Lord Mayor Hawally detectives arrested two expatriates trading in Ambassador to Lebanon Abdul Aa’l Al-Qena’e. launched the new “Kuwait British stolen copper from several Ministry of Electricity and Huwailah added that the foreign minister stressed Business Club”. This service, extended Water facilities, and utilize a fenced area in Amghara that Kuwait would spare no diplomatic efforts to to subscribers, has been created to scrap area where they cut and melted the copper and ensure Ajmi’s wellbeing and safe return. “We also develop trade and investment stored it. Two containers full of stolen metal were contacted the charge d’ affaires at our embassy in between Kuwait and the UK. found, of an estimated weight of 25 tons. Both were Lebanon, Mohammed Al-Weqayyan, who stressed Delivering high quality events with sent to concerned authorities. that the entire embassy staff was on alert to locate Kuwaiti and British Business leaders Ajmi,” he added. and VIP visitors, the Kuwait British Business Club will also offer an annu- Projects going through Drug smugglers nabbed at airport al London conference, regular trade Housing projects that are already planned will be Airport customs officers foiled attempts to smuggle mari- missions of UK companies to Kuwait, executed regardless of falling oil prices and the juana and 5,000 illicit tablets in two separate cases. The but most importantly act to intro- state’s budget deficit, well-informed sources said. first according to a customs source was when roaming duce UK and Kuwaiti companies, “These projects had been planned earlier and are companies in both countries and Club represent excellent progress officers suspected a Bangladeshi national entering Kuwait. developing relationships for future basic components of the development plan,” added offering events and opportunities to towards achieving this common When customs searched his luggage they found marijuana mutual benefit. the sources, noting that the projects would help pro- foster ongoing relationships is the objective.” in a tamarind can, estimated at one kilogram. In the sec- vide enough housing units, especially when the vital next step and I urge both UK and Commenting on the occasion ond case, another Asian man who works in a furniture Excellent relationship budgets needed for them had been already allocated Kuwaiti companies to sign up and Martin Hall, CEO of the Kuwait British store hid 5,000 tablets in his suitcase. The two were sent Commenting on the occasion the long ago. take part”. Business Center said: “Today’s excit- for investigations and prosecution. In a third drug case at Lord Mayor said: “Developing the Welcoming the occasion of the ing event has been a long time in the the airport, customs officers, in cooperation with Mubarak excellent bilateral relationship Vehicles impoundment Kuwait British Business Center open- planning, organization and delivery, Al-Kabeer detectives foiled an attempt by a Syrian man between Kuwait and the UK in order Traffic police have started putting a recent deci- ing, British Ambassador Matthew but now our brand new, professional and a citizen to smuggle 230,000 Captagon tablets that to promote shared economic benefits sion to impound violators’ vehicles for up to two Lodge said: “The British Embassy, UK business center is up and running arrived from Syria by air, and both were arrested. The is what this initiative is all about. months into practice, said informed sources, noting Trade and Investment and the Kuwait and we have launched our subscriber tablets were hidden inside car transmission parts. Offering British businesses a high that the decision was made to help the Interior British Business Center work closely service I am confident that the quality space from which to work is Ministry enforce laws and protect all motorists, espe- together to strengthen further the Kuwait British Business Center will the first step in driving up the num- Spying cameras confiscated cially since 429 traffic deaths were reported in 2015 economic and commercial links offer a step-change in the way UK bers of UK companies doing business A container loaded with spying cameras was confis- and over 4,000 over the past 10 years. “Strict meas- between our two countries. Today’s companies approach doing business in Kuwait and working with Kuwaiti cated at the instructions of Acting Director General of ures made 2015 have the least number of accidents formal opening of the Kuwait British in Kuwait and indeed how Kuwaiti companies. Creating a professional Customs Department Adnan Al-Qudaibi. The cameras over the past five years,” the sources highlighted. Business Center office space and the companies approach doing business subscriber network of likeminded launch of the Kuwait British Business with and in the UK.” were not mentioned on the customs declaration form in order to avoid paying fees.

KIPCO commended for supporting Wafra liquor factory raided Ahmadi police sent four men to the Drugs Control General young entrepreneurs Department for distilling liquor in Wafra area. Police KUWAIT: The Kuwait Projects authorities in Ahmadi received information about four Company (KIPCO) was com- Indian citizens who were making liquor in their Wafra area mended for its support of residence, so a warrant was obtained and raided the home young Kuwaiti entrepreneurs where they found equipment and a large quantity of local through its recent collabora- liquor ready for sale. A total of 141 barrels full of liquor, 37 tion with the Youth distillation barrels and 420 bottles were found. Empowerment Symposium (Tmkeen) on the KIPCO Municipality head congratulated Tmkeen Award for Young Communications Minister and State Minister for Entrepreneurs. The award, Municipality Affairs Essa Al-Kandari said his top priori- worth 100,000 in services ty now is completing strengthening of municipality from the KIPCO Group, was law 5/2005, which was studied by the municipality won by Ajar Online. KIPCO’s Vice Chairman (Executive), Faisal Al-Ayyar (right) with Tmkeen CEO, Ali Al-Ibrahim and fatwa and legislation department, and is being KIPCO’s Vice Chairman discussed at the Cabinet for approval. He said the new (Executive), Faisal Al-Ayyar, sion, KIPCO’s Group collaboration with Tmkeen has law will deal with many negatives with regards to con- received Tmkeen representa- Communications Director, allowed us to engage in a dia- struction violations and will untangle conflicts tives to discuss the impact Eman Al-Awadhi, said: “Young logue with Kuwait’s talented, between the municipality and other departments, that the award has had on the people have an important role young business community besides organizing the work of the municipal council entrepreneurial community to play in the development of and to understand how the in cooperation with the National Assembly. Kandari in Kuwait and means to pro- Kuwait’s business sector. At collective expertise of KIPCO was speaking during an event to congratulate Ahmad vide more mentorship and KIPCO, we strongly believe as a Group can be passed on Al-Manfouhi over his appointment as director general support to businesses set up that the private sector must to them so that they can of the municipality. He said “we congratulate the by Kuwait’s talented young offer its support to young develop and grow their busi- youth Ahmad Al-Manfouhi for the Cabinet’s approval people. entrepreneurs as they pursue nesses into more sustainable of his appointment as director general”. Commenting on this occa- their passion in business. Our models.”

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 LOCAL Kuwait cultural festivals kick off Azhar Grand Imam, veteran actors honored

KUWAIT: Celebrations marking Al-Qurain Cultural Festival and Kuwait Capital of Islamic Culture 2016 kicked off on Monday, sponsored by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Addressing inaugural ceremony of the cele- brations, held late Monday at Abdulhussein Abdulredha Theater, Minister of Information Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al- Sabah said the two celebrations genuinely underline the State of Kuwait status in the Muslim world. Sheikh Salman, also the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said while speaking on behalf of His Highness the Premier that organizing the festival is intended to affirm Kuwait’s keen- ness on maintaining its cultural role; a role that has been characterized with moderation, openness, advocacy of peace, noble humani- tarian values-adoption of such values has earned the country the UN designation, the “Global Humanitarian Hub.” KUWAIT: Veteran actor Abdulhussein Abdulredha is honored by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak and Information Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud at a cere- The Minister, also Chairman of the National mony held to launch the Al-Qurain Cultural Festival. (Right) Actors perform on stage during the ceremony. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, expressed gratitude to His Highness the Prime Minister, age, distinguished with technological devel- Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for his continu- Abbar, Faisal Abu Slaib, Abdullah Al-Saleh, ment in society life, basic source for overall the chairman of the festivals’ steering commit- opment, speedy communications and interac- ing support for ISESCO and efforts for safe- Abdulaziz Al-Mtairi, Sami Saad, Mshari Al- development, and strong motivation to acti- tee, for his generous patronization of the tion making the world a small village.” guarding higher interests of the Muslim Obaid and the director Kamel Alabduljelil. vate fruitful initiatives, His Highness the Prime event and unlimited support for the major Sheikh Salman pledged to continue to back nation. Islamic capitals are chosen with con- Minister noted, praising all the efforts exerted activity. Minister Sheikh Salman noted in his up the cultural sector for boosting values of sideration to their rich histories and contribu- National celebrations by Kuwaitis, including intellectuals, thinkers, address participation of the Grand Imam of Al- tolerance, affection and peace, as well as for tions to boosting cultural action, he said, not- His Highness the Prime Minister meanwhile and artists who carried their humanitarian Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb-in his capacity affirming moderation as an approach, also ing that the Islamic organization’s programs in expressed his great joy in Kuwait’s cultural cel- message to boost Kuwait’s place in the world. as “the Personality of Kuwait as the Capital of vowing to adhere to “our Islamic traditions and this respect aim at bolstering cultural unity of ebrations, saying that these festivals coincide He also stressed the importance to invest Islamic Culture”-in the ceremony marking genuine customs so that we may chart a the nations and deepening the concept, with Kuwait’s national day celebrations, such important events in presenting the civi- Kuwait as the capital of Islamic culture, laud- future of peace ..” The steering committee has Islamic solidarity. including the 55th National Day, the 25th lized side of the State of Kuwait, and launch ing the veteran religious foundation that has planned such activities, throughout the year, Dr Abdullah Al-Ghnaim. in a statement on Liberation Day, and the 10th anniversary of His serious steps towards supporting intellectual enriched the Islamic civilization and culture. on basis of such values, as well as in line with behalf of winners of the State encouraging Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad and cultural creativities, accepting other cul- He praised Director General of the Islamic guidelines set by the supreme political leader- awards, said such awards depict the State Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s assumption of power. He tures, and boosting tolerance and brother- Educational, Scientific and Cultural ship namely His Highness the Amir, “the sponsorship of the citizens and guidelines for wished long lasting grace and wellbeing for hood values in the world. Organization (ISESCO) Dr Abdulaziz bin Leader of Humanitarian Action,” His Highness the individuals toward realizing development the country, as well as further development His Highness the Premier also confirmed Othman Al-Tuwaijri for his efforts within the the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prime objectives. During the ceremony, Al-Azhar and prosperity for the Kuwaiti people. the government’s keenness on providing the organization as well as for sake of cementing Minister, who are concerned for the Muslims’ Grand Imam was honored in his capacity “the Selecting Kuwait as the capital of Islamic appropriate atmosphere for creating and solidarity and cooperation among the mem- unity, peace and prosperity of the nation, the Personality of Kuwait as the Capital of Islamic culture this year is a crowning moment for all innovating, and encouraging creative ber states for serving joint Islamic action. Minister of Information said. Culture.” its efforts throughout the past years in spread- Kuwaitis in various cultural and artistic fields, Noting that distinguished artists will be Among the honorees was the veteran actor, ing culture, awareness and enlightened intel- noting that inaugurating Abdulhussein Heritage honored during the festival, Sheikh Salman re- Abdulhussein Abdulredha, Dr Abdullah lection, in addition to its keenness on present- Abdulredha Theater reflects Kuwait’s great He stressed Kuwait “will remain faithful to affirmed Kuwait will remain advocate of open- Yousef Al-Ghnaim, the poet Yaqoub Yousef Al- ing the true image of Islam as a religion of appreciation of its artists and pride of their its heritage, approach and role for sake of ness and innovation. He reiterated the Sbayee, Sami Mohammad, the director Ahmad peace and tolerance, he said, pointing out role in enriching the artistic and cultural life emitting the best image possible of Islam at approach for maintaining the youth role in the Abdulrahman Al-Khalaf, Dr Abdullah Kuwait’s pioneering role, which dates back to in Kuwait and the region. The celebration of times where some .. are seeking to tarnish this sectors of culture, arts and literature. Mohammad Al-Hajri, Dr Maha Naji Ghannam, the 1950s, and strive in spreading the modera- Kuwait as the Islamic capital will proceed till image, on purpose or unintentionally, thus it is Meanwhile, Tuwaijri expressed deep grati- Dr Ahmad Sayyed Yaqoub Al-Refaee, Amal Al- tion principle, one of Islam’s main characteris- the year-end. Al-Gurain festival will end on our duty to face challenges of the modern tude to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Randi, Dr Ouayed Al-Meshaan, Fadhel Al- tics. In all its forms, culture is an important ele- February 6th. — KUNA Service Hero: Earning customers’ trust helps companies make money

By Ben Garcia nies; yes, such people exist, but these ideas can never be enter- KUWAIT: Bad customer service is a tained. We have a system to validate usual and oftentimes valid com- votes. There are some immature plaint made by unsatisfied con- companies that offer bribes, but we sumers, and many companies try to do not condone and accept such improve when there are third parties acts,” she explained. involved in analyzing or assessing products and services they provide. Evolving techniques Service Hero, Kuwait’s only annual Research techniques are also customer satisfaction index, advises evolving, since companies in Kuwait companies to perform better and are growing. “Before we used to gain more satisfied customers to invite companies to join the Service eventually make more money. Faten Abu-Ghazaleh, President of Service Hero Hero nominations awards, but this Speaking to Kuwait Times, Faten year, we decided they’ll be automat- Abu-Ghazaleh, President of Service ically included in the list which Below the list of nominees for Hero, said the annual index collects removes any biases. We automatical- Diplomats hail Horeca’s a record number of validated data 2015 from Service Hero ly list the names of companies in the assessments from more than 25,000 categories. The problems are in the customers. The index measures cus- clothing and restaurant categories, organization, exhibitors tomer expectations versus actual because they are so many of them,” customer satisfaction across various Abu-Ghazaleh said. KUWAIT: A number of diplomats vision to achieve comprehensive services - reliability, speed, quality, This year’s annual index statistics and businessmen praised Horeca touristic development and build value for money, location of offering, include about 380 brands in Kuwait. 2016, stressing that it is superbly new cities and urban communi- staff performance, call center and They are not all big companies, but organized and would surely con- ties. Farm Land Co owner Tony website. are representative of international tribute in diversifying sources of Obaid said that Kuwait was lead- “Service Hero is the Arab World’s and local brands in the market. “We income, providing job opportunities ing in organizing such specialized only 100 percent consumer powered overlook small stores or baqalas and and supporting small and medium exhibitions that attract high level customer satisfaction index. The small restaurants, because they are businesses, especially in view of the participation from Kuwait and var- scores are based entirely on con- many and we do not have time to participation of over 60 companies ious countries from around the sumer feedback and satisfaction, rate them all,” she stressed. specialized in hospitality, food world. Chairman of Horeca’s and they are validated via email and Data are collected from Jan 1 to industries and hotel equipment. organizing committee phone calls by our team,” she said. Dec 31, 365 days a year, and voting Speaking at the opening cere- Mohammed Najia said that partici- “We have partnered with the ends on Dec 31 for that year. “You mony held under auspices of pating companies were displaying American Customer Satisfaction can vote anytime during this period. Information Minister and Minister the latest in the hospitality busi- Index, are members of ESOMAR and We have finalized the results for of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Saleh Al-Tunaib ness under one roof in addition to backed by an independent advisory 2015 already; we have the nominees Salman Al-Humoud and attended cooking competitions in which council, ensuring results that are and an announcement will be on by his undersecretary for foreign media and acting 250 of the best chefs competed with 16 cuisines impartial, objective and accurately Feb 15. We are validating them and undersecretary for tourism Faisal Al-Metalqam, the under the supervision of nine international jury reflect the voice of the consumer,” authenticating them as needed. We dean of the diplomatic corps in Kuwait, Senegalese panel members. The manager of Star Fruit Co for Abu-Ghazaleh said. are now open for 2016 assessments Ambassador Abdou Lahad Mbacke, praised the fruits and vegetables stressed that his company and nominations. We have two types exhibition and stressed that it contributes in boost- imports fresh fruits and vegetables from various Accuracy and authenticity of customers - companies that want ing the economy and enhancing cooperation countries. How accurate is Service Hero and to be categorized, and we list their amongst various companies with the ultimate goal how does the Service Hero team strengths and weaknesses; and con- of developing tourism. First participation authenticate survey participants? sumers, who trust us because we tell Mbacke also hoped that embassies would be The Sultan Center’s development manager The answer, according to Abu- them the value of companies, and invited to participate in future editions at least Rabee’ Khalifa said that this was the first participa- Ghazaleh, is based on trust and cred- they are satisfied with us,” Abu- three months before the exhibition, so that compa- tion of TSC with the aim of getting in contact with ibility of her institution. “Even if Ghazaleh mentioned. nies from Senegal could participate. He also sug- hotels and restaurants and display the services it there are inaccurate votes - and we gested allocating special booths for embassies to provides to them. Marooj representative, Amin don’t claim 100 percent accuracy - Transparency display their countries’ cuisines. Talaat said that this was his company’s third partici- we are confidently sure and vouch Customers respond to three Professional pation and that it was a great opportunity to dis- 95 percent preciseness of our survey questions: Will they hear (the com- Lebanese Ambassador Dr Kheder Hilwe stressed play the company’s services and products. results, considering the margin of pany) if they include them in the that Horeca Kuwait 2016 was professionally organ- ONCOST’s operations executive manager Saleh error is plus or minus 3 percent. We list? Are they listening and do com- ized and was the outcome of private sector cooper- Al-Tunaib said that his company’s participation in validate every single vote from panies really care anyway? The deci- ation in both Kuwait and Lebanon, as the co-orga- Horeca 2016 comes within the company’s strategy 25,000 survey participants; we slash sion and answer to customers’ nizer, Hospitality Services Company, is Lebanese. to take part in the most important hospitality, food about 4,000-5,000 votes that we queries lies in the trustworthiness “This exhibition is one of the most important ones industries and hotel equipment exhibitions in know and suspect are bogus, as we and transparency of the Service in the Middle East,” he underlined. Kuwait. Al-Zad Company’s purchase manager know their names; we validate email Hero Award. “This year, the result of Also speaking on the occasion, chairman of the Mazen Al-Areedhi said that his company provides addresses and we assess the compa- the survey is now published on our hotel owners union Ghazi Fahd Al-Nafisi hailed over 1,600 international products. Chairman of the ny and remove suspicious votes; we website and the scores can be Horeca’s continuous success in boosting the hospi- Green Torch Gas Company Bashar Al-Qattan said do a lot of hard work to ensure what reviewed. The strong performers are tality, food industries and hotel equipment sector that Horeca 2016 was well-organized according to we are presenting is true and happy, but many find it hard to with the aim of ultimately achieving the state’s the highest international standards and levels. authentic and that our company can accept, but what can we do - it’s the be trusted,” she pointed out. result of transparent and scientific Service Hero, according to Abu- studies. The aim is to empower con- Ghazaleh, is a most reliable and sumers, and we feel that we are giv- trustworthy company, not just in ing people a voice,” she mentioned. Kuwait but globally. “Our company is For the past six years, Service the most trusted, unbiased, inde- Hero has gained respect from vari- pendent and neutral company col- ous companies all over Kuwait. lecting data for future use. We are “What we do gives them an advan- independent organization powered tage. But there is more to this - to by a team of people collecting data raise awareness and have healthy and we look and study the data very competition with scientific bases,” intently; there are a number of pat- she noted. Service Hero is part of terns before we finally determine Khayal Company, a consultancy firm that a particular person is legitimate with over 150 people. “The Service or not. We use the formula that has Hero team is small, but they are been sent to us by our American helping us greatly. We have acade- partners ACSI. I don’t want to give mies involved in the ratings too,” anyone a chance to cheat compa- Abu-Ghazaleh said.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 From the Arabic press

Airport bribery Al-Anbaa Al-Jarida attempt thwarted Stock market Robbed KUWAIT: An employee at Kuwait International Airport generations foiled a bribery and prevented a banned person from traveling outside the country. The employee reported By Saleh Al-Shayeji that a police officer was offered KD 2,000 to allow a Canadian citizen who is banned from traveling to leave t is obviously clear that fear and concerns the country. A security source said that a non-commis- about Kuwait’s financial and economic deteri- sioned officer asked a data entry employee at the air- oration have not yet reached many Kuwaitis - port to help him enable a Canadian of Lebanese origin I probably the majority of Kuwaitis! We have to leave the country illegally, by not registering his become dominated by the spirit of consumption. movement in the computer because he is wanted. The We are living over-luxurious lives and have employee pretended to agree but he then reported the become eager for more, demanding more than issue to his superiors headed by airport passports direc- we ever give and take more than we ever need. tor Colonel Bader Al-Shaye, who coordinated with resi- Our houses are more like small palaces lined dency detectives. The public prosecution was informed with marble and alabaster. We step on the most to get a court order to record video and audio of the luxurious and expensive carpets, we sleep in bribery taking place. But when the police officer went kings’ beds, we sit on couches covered with silk with the wanted man to the airport and reached the and some are decorated with gold. Each house departure gate gave the money to the employee after has a long convoy of vehicles on its doorsteps. receiving it from the Canadian both were arrested and We even allocate certain ones for various tasks, sent to residency detectives. like having one for the chalet, one for the farm, one for the madam, one for the master of the Drugs at farm house and the rest for the beloved children Two citizens were arrested in Kabd farms with 200g including boys and girls. We even allocate one for shabu, 2 firearms and DK 3800. Both were sent to Drugs the diver, which he uses to visit the co-op to prosecution. The arrest was made following information bring back and load the house’s fridges and received by the Drugs Control General Department. freezers with many of the goods sold there — Al-Rai, Al-Anbaa before we throw away much of these for expiring before we can even use them. Many households are competing in the num- ber of housemaids and domestic helpers, which reminds me of one I know that has nine men and women, while family members are only six! We wear the most luxurious attires and the most expensive perfumes. We burn thousands of dinars worth of incense and bakhoor than soon vanish into thin air and never last. Because of such alarming extravagant life pat- terns, we started to look down on others and evaluate people according to how much they own, as if barely living and having enough to lead moderate lives is a disgrace. Those less off are looking up to wealthy people and million- aires and trying to imitate them in their houses, vehicles, nutrition and beverages, so that they can be viewed as equals, because they know that the society’s impression about people is limited to appearances, where they live, how their hous- es look, what type of vehicles they use and so on. I have not been exaggerating in this article and most of what I said is true and from real life firsthand experiences. These dreadful facts have The winners in a group photo. existed for decades, not years, and more than one generation grew up to such wasteful values. I am not writing to change facts, but rather to Ooredoo Congratulates Winners describe them so that future generations, who will curse us and accuse us of robbing them, can read about it. of 3rd Arab Mobile Challenge —Translated by Kuwait Times

KUWAIT: Ooredoo has congratulated the who received extensive training by Congress in Barcelona in February. These more than twenty teams representing dif- winners of the regional finals of the 3rd Ooredoo Kuwait in coordination with start- teams were the developers of “SYNOOS” ferent countries participated in the regional Arab Mobile Challenge, at a special ceremo- up accelerator Brilliant Lab since last from Algeria, “DOHA GUIDE” from Qatar, final, including teams from Algeria, Qatar, ny held in Algiers, Algeria, earlier this October. “MY U TEAM” from Kuwait, “GRAVILOG” from Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, Kuwait, Jordan, month. As a founder and a key partner of the Palestine and “RAYE7” from Egypt. Egypt, Oman and Sudan. Each team pre- Launched in 2013, the Arab Mobile App Arab Mobile Challenge, Ooredoo was proud Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani, Group sented their idea for an app that could have Challenge enables teams of up to six mem- to participate in the regional final, which CEO, Ooredoo, said: “Ooredoo is a long-term a positive impact on their communities, bers under the age of 35 to develop mobile saw 24 teams from across the region pres- partner of the Arab Mobile App Challenge, including concepts to address specific apps designed to make a difference across ent their app designs and business plans to and we continue to be impressed by the issues in education, healthcare, entrepre- their communities. a jury of industry experts and professionals. quality of the entries and the commitment neurship, employability, and entertainment. Two winners won in different categories Two teams received the prize of financial of the young developers looking to build Ooredoo supports a wide range of incuba- from Kuwait; Zeina Al-Bader, for developing support for their apps, in order to bring these applications. Ooredoo is working tion activities and entrepreneurial programs Bookr, an app for booking appointments in them to market. These were the hard to encourage the creation of more across its footprint, including Ooredoo’s salons and spas in Kuwait, while Bader Al- “VISIONGEEKS” developers from Sudan and locally-relevant content and applications, tStart and iStart programs in Algeria; Start- Essa’s student social networking app My U “BOOKR” from Kuwait. because we believe they can have a real up Factory in Tunisia, Ooredoo Indosat’s qualified for the next phase which will take Five other winner teams advanced to impact on the lives of people across our Ideabox in Indonesia and the “Digital and place in Barcelona in February. Both win- compete at the Global Mobile Challenge, to footprint.” Beyond” incubator in the Qatar Business ners were among some forty applicants be held during GSMA Mobile World Organized by IMTIAZ MIDDLE EAST, Incubation Center. Indicative oil price in 2016-2017 budget is $25: Finance Ministry

KUWAIT: At a time when oil prices dropped to record levels of $21.5 per barrel, high-ranking oil sources recently stressed that deputy prime minister and acting oil minister Anas Al-Saleh decided that all ministries and government establishments should set their 2016-2017 budgets using indicative oil prices at $25 per barrel. The sources added that this price would be temporary until a further decision was made on calculating the indica- tive oil prices in the new budget according to average prices of Kuwaiti oil. The sources said that the finance ministry urged KPC, various ministries and government establishments to cancel success bonuses, cut expenses, cancel annual raises, excellent performance bonuses and promotions. The sources added that cancelling the annual raises Zeina Al-Bader Bader Al-Essa would freeze salaries in the oil sector as they were the highest in the public sector, with an annual total of KD EQUATE Issues its 1st G4 Sustainability Report 1.5 billion. — Al-Anbaa

KUWAIT: EQUATE Petrochemical Company, then published more comprehensive GRI ‘Making the Impossible Possible’ with other aspires for sustainable excellence by bene- Govt reviews Kuwait’s first international joint-venture in compliant reports. In addition, the 2014 world-class achievements, such as being fitting from the advantages of combining this industry, has issued its first Sustainability Report has set precedence in the first company to realize a number innovation and industrial expertise with subsidies with Sustainability Report as per the Guideline 4 Kuwait by completing GRI’s Materiality unprecedented milestones locally, region- competent human resources, technological (G4) set by the Global Reporting Initiative Disclosures Service regarding the feedback ally and globally. The achievements includ- breakthroughs, rich feedstock, and valu- (GRI). of EQUATE’s stakeholders on its sustainabil- ed establishing Sweater Cooling Towers, able infrastructure. We are fully committed assembly soon EQUATE has issued its first Sustainability ity efforts and other applicable items. applying Highly Reliable Organization to sustaining solid partnerships with our KUWAIT: The government is about to finish putting final Report for the year 2011, and has since GRI is an international independent (HRO) principles, initiating Plant Water stakeholders in How We Conduct Business, touches on its plan concerning lifting subsidies, said organization that helps businesses, govern- Recycling Project, executing Six Sigma pro- Our Impact on the Economies Where We informed ministerial sources, noting that once it was con- ments and other organizations understand gram, as well as obtaining Responsible Operate, Our Community, Environmental cluded, the Cabinet would refer a memo on the decisions and communicate the impact of business Care accreditation and certification.” Stewardship, Our People and Quality in Our to be taken on subsidies to the National Assembly in a few on critical sustainability issues such as cli- Operations, within and outside Kuwait.” days. The sources added that the memo would neither be mate change, human rights, corruption and Strategic objective discussed in public nor behind closed doors, and that the many others. Husain noted, “For EQUATE, sustainabili- government would only discuss it with MPs in a meeting in ty is a core strategic objective. It is applica- the parliament’s office. “The government does not need to World record ble to every aspect of the company, and hold a parliamentary session to discuss its decisions since EQUATE President and CEO Mohammad not a mere term or expression. EQUATE they are executive measures that are being reviewed with Husain said, “The title for our 2014 realizes the importance of sustainability to lawmakers for cooperation purposes only and do not need Sustainability Report of ‘Making the ensure being ‘Partners in Success’ with all to be voted on,” said the sources. Impossible Possible’ is based on EQUATE stakeholders who represent individuals, But parliamentary sources slammed discussing the deci- setting a new world record in maintaining organizations and communities, such as sions in a meeting and demanded discussing them in a and updating petrochemical plants by employees, their families, customers, share- public session. “The government had previously stressed finalizing a full-scale Turnaround (TA) with- holders and members of societies. In addi- full cooperation with the Assembly and that all related in 30 days. With the participation of over tion, sustainability is a key element in steps would be subject to discussion with lawmakers in a 10,000 employees and contractors, EQUATE EQUATE’s overall value creation for the ben- public session attended by citizens,” stressed the sources. has realized the first of its kind internation- efit of individuals, economic growth and MP Abdulrahman Al-Jeeran stressed that he would al achievement by completing all opera- environmental protection.” demand allocating two hours of the Jan 26 session to dis- tions within a record-time for petrochemi- Husain added, “EQUATE is not only a cuss the economic situation and KSE’s performance in view cal plants based on global standards. We producer of petrochemicals, it is a fully EQUATE President and of falling oil prices and the government’s austerity meas- have witnessed additional success in integrated world-class organization that CEO Mohammad Husain ures. — Al-Anbaa WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016

Khamenei warns Pak child sex abuse victims struggle to rebuild lives against US ‘deceit’ Page 13 Page 10 Xi in Saudi Arabia to bolster ties

RIYADH: Chinese President Xi Jinping of its nuclear capabilities. China and five arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday, the first other world powers helped broker that stop on a trip to raise the economic giant’s agreement. But Riyadh fears it will further political profile in a troubled Middle East. Xi, embolden Iran, which it accuses of interfer- making his first presidential visit to the ence in Yemen, Syria and elsewhere. region, will also travel to Egypt and Iran dur- Last week a Chinese diplomat urged ing his five-day tour. State television showed “calm and restraint” between Saudi Arabia Xi meeting with King Salman and the official and Iran, but Xi’s trip was probably organ- Saudi Press Agency said the monarch held a ised before the discord, Zhu Feng, professor luncheon banquet in his honor attended by at Peking University’s School of International several members of the royal family. “Since Studies, told AFP. “Clearly now there are ten- China and Saudi Arabia forged diplomatic sions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, so he ties 26 years ago, our relationship has devel- will be going there in the role of persuader,” oped by leaps and bounds, with mutual Zhu said before the visit. “China will try and political trust deepening continuously and do what it can, but it still won’t play a main rich results in cooperation in various fields,” role.” Xi said in written remarks, cited by China’s In the past month, Beijing hosted high- official Xinhua news agency. level members from both the Syrian regime Xi said he foresaw a fruitful visit “con- and its opposition. China has consistently ducive to lifting our cooperation in various urged a “political solution” to the Syrian war, fields to a new level and to elevating the col- despite being seen as sympathetic to lective cooperation between China and GCC President Bashar Al-Assad. Iran is one of nations.” He was referring to the six-nation Assad’s main allies while Saudi Arabia backs Gulf Cooperation Council to which Saudi rebel forces. In December Riyadh hosted an Arabia belongs. Today, Xi is to join Salman unprecedented meeting of the Syrian oppo- for a ceremony to inaugurate an energy sition aiming for unity before peace negotia- research centre in Riyadh. And they will also tions sought with Assad’s regime. open, remotely from the capital, a refinery The United Nations hopes those talks will on the kingdom’s Gulf coast. The refinery is a begin in Geneva on Jan 25. “China is the joint venture between state-owned Saudi biggest importer of Middle Eastern oil,” Zhu Aramco and China Petrochemical Corp. said. “So stability in the Middle East is what Red flags of China are flying in central China would most like to see.” Beijing was Riyadh for the high-profile visit, to which trying to project power and influence in the the Arab News daily devoted a 10-page Middle East, seeing an opening as US policy special supplement. Tensions between “hasn’t been very successful under (US regional powerhouses Saudi Arabia and President Barack) Obama”, said Willy Lam, Iran reached a new high this month when professor of politics at Chinese University of Riyadh and a number of its Sunni Arab Hong Kong. At the same time, Riyadh has allies cut diplomatic ties with Tehran. They RIYADH: Saudi King Salman bin Abdelaziz meets Chinese President Xi Jinping upon the latter’s arrival in the Saudi capital. — AFP been deepening ties with major powers acted after protesters burned Saudi diplo- beyond its traditional ally Washington, matic missions in Iran following the king- of those executed were Sunnis. towards world stability, peace and security. tight control on civil society and have been which it sees as insufficiently engaged, par- dom’s January 2 execution of Shiite cleric And the kingdom appreciates your efforts criticized by rights activists. Xi arrived three ticularly in the face of alleged Iranian inter- Nimr Al-Nimr. He was among 47 people put Seeking Stability towards this,” Salman told Xi, according to days after a historic international deal lifted ference. Xi’s predecessor Hu Jintao visited to death in a single day for “terrorism”. Most “The kingdom and China both work SPA. Both Saudi Arabia and China maintain sanctions on Iran in return for a scaling back the kingdom in 2009. — AFP Libya unity government formed, UN urges support

TRIPOLI: A Libyan unity government was ‘Game Changer’ formed yesterday under a UN-brokered Analysts say the unity government is deal aimed at ending years of bloodshed, unlikely to be quickly embraced by contro- but it was unclear whether the leaders have versial army chief General Khalifa Haftar, wide support from the warring sides. World who has already said he was unhappy with powers are appealing to the country’s rival the UN deal. “The main question is whether parliaments to back the new administration this government is supported by Haftar,” to break political paralysis that has provid- said Mattia Toaldo of the European Council ed fertile ground for jihadists and people- on Foreign Relations. “Reading the name of smugglers. But less than half of the mem- the defense minister it seems not to be the bers of the two parliaments signed up to case.” The key defence portfolio was given the UN-sponsored agreement last month. to Colonel Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi, a promi- The unity government, headed by Fayez nent military figure who is popular in east- Al-Sarraj, who was named prime minister- ern Libya, from where he hails, and in the designate under the UN-sponsored accord, west where the GNC is based. comprises 32 ministers, the administration Barghathi is seen as a rival of Haftar announced on its Facebook page. Sarraj, a Fayez Al-Sarraj although they fought side by side in businessman in his 50s from the capital Operation Dignity, an offensive led by Tripoli, holds degrees in business manage- chaos since the 2011 ouster of longtime Haftar against Islamists in second city ment and architecture and was a member dictator Muammar Gaddafi. A militia Benghazi. His selection to be defence min- of a committee that paved the way to alliance including Islamists overran Tripoli in ister could help to win the support of the national dialogue in Libya. UN envoy Martin August 2014, establishing its own govern- GNC - which opposes Haftar - for the unity Kobler urged the country’s internationally ment and parliament and causing the inter- government, according to analysts. “The recognised parliament, the House of nationally recognised administration to flee name of the defence minister could be a Representatives, to “promptly convene” and to the country’s remote east. On Dec 17, game changer in shifting the position of endorse the unity government. under UN guidance, around 80 of 188 law- some of the people in Tripoli,” said Toaldo. Two-thirds of the legislature must makers from Libya’s internationally recog- Other key nominations are Al-Aref Al-Khoja, approve the new administration within 10 nized parliament and 50 of 136 members of as the next interior minister and Marwan days so that it can begin carrying out its the Tripoli-based General National Abusrewil as the future foreign minister. work. There was no immediate reaction Congress signed the unity government from the two parliaments. Libya has been in deal. Fighting IS ‘Priority’ The power-sharing deal has been given added urgency by fears that the Islamic Ex-FBI agent’s family ‘outraged’ State jihadist group, under pressure in Syria and Iraq, is building a new stronghold on WASHINGTON: “Crushed and outraged” Moriarty denounced “the calculated Europe’s doorstep. France and Italy urged relatives of an American missing in Iran risk that was taken to decide that five the opposing parties Tuesday to seize the for nine years expressed deep frustration hostages were enough for this deal.” “A chance to bring stability to the country. Monday that he was not included in a deadline to wrap up everything about European Union foreign policy chief prisoner exchange over the weekend. our current relations with Iran in a pretty Federica Mogherini said Libya was at a “criti- “Why did Iran prisoner swap not include bow on January 16... meant to our family cal juncture” and urged all sides to endorse my father?” asked Sarah Moriarty, daugh- that our government was satisfied with the unity government quickly. “It is now for ter of ex-FBI agent Robert Levinson, who leaving my father behind. Again,” the House of Representatives and its presi- has been missing for nearly a decade. Moriarty added. “We watch as the TV dency to show the same spirit of compro- Levinson, 67, disappeared in mysterious cameras and newspaper and Internet mise and sense of leadership, and promptly circumstances in March 2007 during a vis- headlines capture every moment of these convene to endorse the proposed cabinet,” it to the Iranian island of Kish. He was families happily embracing their long- she said. reportedly investigating cigarette coun- missed loved ones, while my father, the “Only a united Libyan government, sup- terfeiting in the region. longest-held hostage in American history, ported by all its citizens, will be able to end Speaking on behalf of her “crushed languishes somewhere over there, grow- political divisions, defeat terrorism, and and outraged” family, Moriarty noted the ing weaker by the day. All but forgotten. address the numerous security, humanitari- capture and US negotiations for the Again.” She also spoke of the American an and economic challenges the country release of a number of Americans during government’s “betrayal” for not giving faces,” she added. British ambassador Peter her father’s long captivity - 3,237 days Levinson’s family advance warning of the Millet echoed Mogherini. “Action against thus far. “We are happy for their families. prisoner exchange. Moriarty noted that We shared their pain. But this news US officials took more than an hour to Daesh a priority,” he said on Twitter, using deeply hurts. And we can’t hold back our confirm to his wife that he was not part of an Arabic acronym for IS. The group first devastation, let alone our anger, any the deal. “We are thankful that the presi- appeared in Libya in 2014 and has since longer,” she wrote on CNN.com. Of the US dent mentioned my father in his speech claimed responsibility for beheadings and citizens who have been freed by Iran, four on Sunday, but he has yet to reach out to suicide bombings. It has established a were part of a prisoner swap with my mom to tell her what ‘cooperating’ stronghold in the coastal city of Sirte, America, while a fifth was released in a means, or what he is doing next to get Gaddafi’s hometown, and is reported to separate process. In exchange, my dad home,” Moriarty wrote. “We have at least 3,000 fighters in Libya. In Washington granted clemency to seven believe the US government did not use recent weeks its fighters have pushed east Iranians. And it withdrew international the best leverage it ever had to demand towards the so-called “oil crescent” along arrest notices for 14 Iranians. that my dad be brought home.” — AFP Libya’s northern coast, attacking oil facili- ties. — AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 ‘Staggering’ death toll for Iraqi civilians since 2014

GENEVA: The number of civilians killed from the lack of access to basic food, ly killed 18 minors for having run away in violence in Iraq over the past two water or medical care.” from fighting on the frontline, following years is “staggering”, the United Nations Some 3.2 million people have been a ruling from an IS self-appointed court, said yesterday, with at least 18,802 peo- internally displaced in Iraq since the the report said. ple killed and another 36,245 injured. beginning of 2014, including more than It also said IS in May had used child The figures count only documented one million school-aged children, soldiers to execute 15 of its fighters who casualties from January 1, 2014 through according to the UN. “Many displaced had lost or retreated from battles. October 31, 2015, and the actual num- persons are living in under-resourced Jihadists meanwhile continue “to subject bers of people killed and maimed are locations in poor conditions, and are women and children to sexual violence, likely far higher, according to a new subject to violence and abuse,” the particularly in the form of sexual slavery,” report by the UN Assistance Mission for report said. “The violence suffered by it said, adding that it believed around Iraq (UNAMI) and the UN human rights civilians in Iraq remains staggering.” 3,500 people were currently being held agency. in IS slavery. “These acts may, in some “These are the minimum figures ... in ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ instances, amount to war crimes, crimes terms of the impact of the violence on The dramatic upsurge in violence and against humanity, and possibly geno- civilians,” UNAMI chief Francesco Motta in the numbers of people fleeing their cide,” according to the report, which was told reporters in Geneva by phone from homes came with the rise of the Islamic based largely on witness and victim tes- Iraq, adding that the report authors used State (IS) group, which in 2014 declared timony. “very high standards for verification”. UN a “caliphate” in a large swath of territory The experts said numerous mass human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein stretching across the Iraqi-Syrian border. graves had been discovered in Iraq, meanwhile said that the toll only count- Yesterday’s report accused IS of “system- including several in areas that had been ed people killed in violence and did not atic and widespread violence and abuses liberated from IS control, each contain- take into account those who perished of international human rights law and ing the remains of dozens of people. from the broader impact of conflict. humanitarian law.” The UN also docu- BRUSSELS: UNHCR representative in Baghdad Bruno Geddo addresses the Some of the mass graves found mean- “Even the obscene casualty figures fail to mented violations and abuses carried media on the humanitarian situation in Iraq at the UN Regional Information while date back to the rule of Saddam accurately reflect exactly how terribly out by Iraqi security forces and associat- Centre yesterday. — AP Hussein. The largest, found in Basra, con- civilians are suffering in Iraq,” Zeid said in ed militia and other groups, including jihadists, detailing “numerous examples people off the top of buildings.” It also tained the remains of 377 people, a statement. “The figures capture those killings and abductions. of killings ... in gruesome public specta- condemned reports of IS murdering including women and children, killed who were killed or maimed by overt vio- But the report gave particular atten- cles, including by shooting, beheading, child soldiers who tried to flee. In one during the 1991 Shiite uprising against lence, but countless others have died tion to the atrocities committed by IS bulldozing, burning alive and throwing incident, on Aug 14, IS members alleged- the long-time Iraqi dictator. — AFP Khamenei warns against US ‘deceit’ Pak offers to host Saudi-Iran reconciliation talks

TEHRAN: Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned yesterday against American “deceit”, just days after the end of sanctions under a nuclear deal that the central bank said would unblock $32 billion. The remarks under- scored the still-strained relations between Tehran and Washington, which unveiled new HEBRON: A Palestinian street vendor sells cauliflower on the side of a road near this missile-linked sanctions against Iran on Sunday West Bank city on Monday. — AFP almost as soon as the nuclear-related measures were scrapped. In his first comments since the Israel arrests Palestinian teen atomic agreement was implemented at the weekend, Khamenei told President Hassan BEIT AMRA: Israel yesterday arrested a murder has an address,” he said. “It is the incite- Rouhani in a letter to “guard against deceit and Palestinian teen accused of stabbing a Jewish ment campaign led by the Palestinian Authority violations of arrogant states particularly the woman to death in the occupied West Bank and and other elements such as the Islamic United States”. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to Movement and Hamas, and it is about time the Rouhani wrote to Khamenei on Monday to demolish his home after the attack provoked international community stopped their provide an update after the UN atomic watch- Israeli outrage. Sunday’s killing and another stab- hypocrisy and called things by their names.” dog declared Saturday that Iran had met condi- bing of a pregnant woman inside an Israeli set- A wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ram- tions stipulated in the nuclear deal. “We have to tlement on Monday further boosted tensions ming attacks erupted in October, and many of watch if the other parties fulfil their commit- after months of unrest, raising fears of an escala- the assailants have been young people, includ- ments,” the supreme leader wrote in response. tion in violence as well as a harsh Israeli crack- ing teenagers. Some analysts say the attacks Washington cut diplomatic ties with Iran in down on Palestinians. Most of the previous knife have been in part driven by frustration with the 1979, when its embassy in Tehran was stormed attacks occurred in public places, including complete lack of progress in peace efforts, as by students, months after the Islamic revolution, checkpoints and junctions. well as by Israel’s occupation of the West Bank leading to a 444-day hostage crisis. Khamenei Sunday’s incident saw the woman stabbed to and the fractured Palestinian leadership. Israel has never endorsed repairing relations with the death at her home in the Otniel settlement while says incitement by Palestinian officials and news US and has largely followed a similar tack to some of her children were in the house. Even media has been a main cause of the violence. Iran’s late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, after the arrest was announced, Palestinian work- In Sunday’s attack, the Israeli army initially ers were being temporarily barred from Israeli said the assailant broke into the home of Dafna who dubbed America the “Great Satan”. settlements in the West Bank as part of security Meir, a 38-year-old nurse and mother of six, and Meanwhile, Pakistan’s prime minister offered measures. The family of arrested 15-year-old stabbed her to death. Israeli media have since yesterday to host talks between Iran and Saudi TEHRAN: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani meets Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Murad Ideis said the raid occurred around 2:00 quoted witnesses saying she was stabbed at the Arabia aimed at resolving disputes between the yesterday. — AP am at their home in the Palestinian village of Beit entrance to the house as she painted the door- Middle Eastern rivals. Nawaz Sharif met Rouhani “Today, our main problem is unemployment and managed to curb inflation to 13 percent. Amra near Otniel. Brief video footage of the raid frame. None of her children was hurt. in Tehran, a day after meeting Saudi Arabia’s King recession, the lack of a booming economy and Iran needs annual foreign investment of $30- distributed by the Israeli military showed forces Salman in Riyadh. After his meeting with Rouhani, many structural and economic deficiencies.” $50 billion to reach an eight percent growth target arriving at a home in darkness before entering ‘Concerned and Perplexed’ Sharif told reporters that Iran had expressed an Iran hopes that steps to ease its isolation, and cash in on sanctions relief, the president said and advancing into a bedroom, where it appears Hours later on Monday, a new knife attack on interest in improving relations with Saudi Arabia including the re-admission of its banks to the Sunday. “Untapped potential in many industries two people are sleeping. The footage ends there. a street in another West Bank settlement wound- and would appoint a focal person for future talks. SWIFT system of international transactions, will indicates that domestic demand alone cannot drive Ideis’s father defended his son, saying such ed a 30-year-old pregnant woman. The 17-year- Sharif said he would speak to Saudi Arabia to inject new vigour into the economy. The central the economy” towards that goal, he said, signalling an attack would be out of character. “His life is old Palestinian assailant was shot by security per- encourage the appointment of a focal person, bank said that $28 billion (25.8 billion euros) of a shift in policy. Iran announced a major boost of only school and home,” Badr Ideis told AFP at his sonnel and taken to hospital in severe condition and described reconciling the two countries as the unfrozen funds would go to it and $4 billion 500,000 barrels per day in oil production on home. “I don’t believe this. I know my son. Even if after the attack in Tekoa, south of Jerusalem. Pakistan’s “prime duty and sacred mission.” “will be transferred to the state treasury as the Monday - a move Tehran had long planned for once he tells me ‘dad I did it,’ I won’t believe it. I won’t Israeli military chief of staff Gadi Eizenkot told a Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said that Islamabad is share of the government”. The assets, which had its nuclear deal with world powers took effect. believe a 15-year-old-ignorant kid. How could he security conference on Monday that there had deeply concerned at the recent escalation of ten- been held in foreign banks, will be kept “in cen- The next budget starting in March is based do this?” been no advance warning for the dozens of stab- sions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. tralised and safe accounts” abroad, central bank on a projected oil price of $40 per barrel price bings, making it difficult for security forces to chief Valiollah Seif was quoted by state televi- and exports of 2.25 million barrels per day. Iran, Controversial Demolitions counter them, local media reported. Recession and Unemployment Netanyahu, during a visit to Otniel and facing At the same time, he spoke of seeking to sion as saying, adding that the money could be a member of the Organization of Petroleum pressure over a wave of Palestinian attacks, avoid a harsh crackdown, such as new restric- Opening up to the world cannot completely used to pay for imports. Exporting Countries (OPEC), now produces 2.8 pledged to destroy the house where the suspect tions on Palestinian workers, that could push fix the economy, Rouhani said yesterday in a tel- Iran’s economy suffered greatly under the million barrels of oil per day and exports just lives with his family. Israel regularly demolishes more Palestinians toward violence. “It would be a evised speech, warning the “difficult road has international sanctions that since 2006 targeted over one million barrels. the homes of alleged attackers in what it bitter mistake to impose curfews and closures,” just begun”. “Today is just the start for an inno- the Islamic republic’s nuclear program and finan- Low oil prices and years of US and European describes as a deterrent. Rights groups say it he said. “That would work against Israeli inter- cent human who was kept chained unjustly by cial systems. Under the previous hardline gov- Union sanctions that barred much of Iran’s for- amounts to collective punishment, with families ests.” US ambassador Dan Shapiro on Monday the hands and feet for 12 years,” said the presi- ernment of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, inflation eign oil sales hammered its income from crude. forced to suffer for the acts of relatives. condemned the stabbings as “barbaric acts of dent. “Sanctions are gone but there is a long way topped 40 percent. But moderate Rouhani, But despite global prices falling below $30, Iran Netanyahu again accused Palestinian leaders of terrorism,” but also questioned Israel’s policies between sanctions and development,” he said, whose election in 2013 heralded more than two intends to increase production to recoup lost stirring up violence. “The hatred that caused this concerning settlements in the West Bank. —AFP speaking to an economics conference in Tehran. years of nuclear negotiations with world powers, market share. — AFP Sunni MPs boycott Iraq News in brief

parliament over violence Warrant filed for men dancing in uniforms BAGHDAD: Iraq’s parliament suspended Sunnis and win them over to push Islamic Sunni casualties in Muqdadiya and neigh- Shiites. The level of violence has receded DUBAI: Prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates have filed its meeting yesterday amid protests by State out of the mainly Sunni-populated bouring villages. The ministry’s spokesman but tension remains with the town still an arrest warrant for two men who wore military uniforms Sunni Muslim MPs over violence that tar- areas in the country’s north and west was not available to provide details on the under the control of Shiite militiamen, and danced in an Internet video. The state-run WAM news geted their community in eastern Iraq which it seized in 2014. “These killings are latest violence. Dahlaki and Daini said. agency announced yesterday that Abu Dhabi prosecutors and left dozens killed in apparent retalia- hindering Abadi’s efforts to rebuild trust Badr Organisation has established itself had filed the warrant for the men. It described the video as showing “two men donning military uniforms and making tion for anti-Shiite bombings claimed by with the Sunnis which is essential to Sectarianism as the ascendant militia in the region outrageous physical movements that did not respect the Islamic State. Sunni lawmakers urged recover territory under ISIS control,” said Badr Organization, the Iranian-backed since rolling back Islamic State’s advance. uniform, the morale and the value of national service.” The Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to disband Mona Alami, a Beirut-based analyst with Shiite militia which is dominant in Diyala, Amiri last week expressed regret over the country has suffered dozens of casualties in the ongoing and disarm the Shi’ite militias which they the Atlantic Council think tank, using an rejected the casualty figures quoted by violence in Diyala and offered to rebuild Saudi-led war against Shiite rebels in Yemen, making accuse of being behind the latest attacks acronym for Islamic State. the Sunni MPs. “Yes, there are people the destroyed Sunni mosques there. Iraqi authorities especially sensitive about its military. in and around the town of Muqdadiya, 80 Abadi toured Muqdadiya yesterday, killed but this number is exaggerated,” officials declared victory over the insur- km northeast of Baghdad. walking through the town surrounded by Mohammed Naji, an aide to Badr leader gents in Diyala nearly a year ago, but the Raad Al-Dahlaki and Nahida Al-Daini, guards and security officials. He Hadi Al-Amiri, told Reuters. He described militants have remained active. Many UAE officer in court for two Sunni MPs from Diyala province denounced the use of force by non-state the attacks on Sunni mosques as viola- Sunnis fled their homes in the province as filming Messi’s passport where Muqdadiya is located, said 43 peo- actors, without specifically mentioning tions by people who want to stir up sec- Badr advanced and accused the militias of DUBAI: A police officer in the United Arab Emirates has ple had been killed over the past week the militias. “We consider any weapon tarian tension in Diyala, which lies abuses, which they have denied or appeared in court over filming himself holding Barcelona and nine mosques fire bombed. Salah outside this framework as a weapon (ben- between Baghdad and the Iranian border blamed on rogue members. star Lionel Messi’s passport. Abu Dhabi’s state-run The Muzahim, another MP, said the toll was efiting) the terrorist Daesh gangs”, he said, and has a mixed population of Shi’ites and Shiite militias were left out of last National newspaper reported yesterday that the police over 40 dead. The rise of the Islamist mili- according to a statement from his office, Sunnis. month’s battle against Islamic State in officer appeared in Dubai’s Court of Misdemeanors over tant group Islamic State, which follows a referring to Islamic State. At the height of Iraq’s civil war nearly a the western city of Ramadi over fears the posting the video to the mobile phone app Snapchat Sunni jihadist ideology, has exacerbated a Earlier yesterday, Sunni politicians said decade ago, such violence often they would aggravate tensions in the in December. The newspaper said the video included the long-running sectarian conflict in Iraq, they were boycotting two sessions of par- unleashed revenge killings and counter mostly Sunni area. Abadi has touted the caption: “Shall I burn the passport or just put it back!” The mostly between the Shiite majority and liament, leading to its adjournment, in con- attacks across the country. Shiite militia- victory in the largest population centre police officer, identified as J M, faces a charge of violating minority Sunnis. demnation of the violence in Muqdadiya. men deployed in Muqdadiya last week retaken from the militants as vindication Messi’s privacy. He said he made the video in jest and had A surge in such violence would repre- “We demand the dissolution and disarma- after two blasts killed 23 people near a of his strategy to rely on US-led air the permission of Messi’s bodyguard. The forward was in sent a further challenge to Prime Minister ment of the (Shiite) militias,” said the state- coffee shop where they often meet. strikes and rebuild Iraq’s army, which Dubai to receive the Player of the Year award at the Globe Haider Al-Abadi, a moderate Shi’ite ment read by MP Ahmed Masari. Iraq’s Islamic State claimed responsibility for the collapsed in the face of Islamic State’s Soccer Awards. Messi also is a global ambassador for the Islamist who is trying to reconcile the Interior Ministry has not published a toll for attacks which they said had targeted initial advance. —Reuters coming Expo 2020 in Dubai.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 INTERNATIONAL Hamtramck, a 12-mosque town in the heart of America

HAMTRAMCK: Three faces from afar a man in a just over two square miles. was founded by German farmers in the 1910s. Eastern Europe character,” he said, adding that headdress and a veiled girl and woman-greet On its two main streets, women in hijabs and Hamtramck next became a bastion of Polish Muslim youths had disrupted processions before. patrons at a Yemeni restaurant in the US city of niqabs-the latter cover the face completely except immigrants fleeing discriminatory laws in Detroit. “I tell them as long as you come to the church, as Hamtramck, gazing into the distance from a mural for an opening for the eyes-girls in tight jeans, men However, the number of Polish residents has shrunk long as you participate in events here in outside the eatery. The colorful painting is just with closely shaved heads and youths in baggy from 90 percent of the population in 1970 to 12 Hamtramck, the city will have a small percent of another piece of the ever-changing backdrop in pants pass by each other. percent today, said historian Thaddeus Radzilowski, Eastern (European) character.” There is also a fear this industrial Michigan town, which made history Stores, restaurants and supermarkets are equal- himself a Polish American. Most moved on to sub- that Polish celebrations could disappear now that in November when it became the first in America to ly diverse, welcoming Middle Eastern, Southeast urban areas. The city has also seen a steady exodus the six-person city council is majority Muslim, elect a Muslim majority to its city council. Amid Asian and Polish clientele. Kebab vendors coexist of African Americans, said Radzilowski. Meanwhile, Radzilowski said. “We are known for our nightlife, heated rhetoric on Muslims across the county dur- alongside Indian food joints. the proportion of immigrants from Bangladesh (20 music, food, restaurants and bars, and that’s also a ing the presidential campaign season, Hamtramck- percent), Bosnia (seven percent) and Yemen (23 really important part of our identity and our eco- located just a 15-minute drive from Detroit-has Call to prayer percent) has grown, attracted by low crime rates, nomic vitality, so I think it’s important that isn’t con- embraced them. Sitting across from a church is Al-Islah Mosque, cheap real estate and the now bygone US auto strained,” Majewski said. The Paris attacks and San Bernardino killings one of the largest of the city’s 12. Since 2004, a boom, according to the researcher. However, plants Anam Miah, who was born in Bangladesh and is sent a knee-jerk reaction through some quarters, muezzin, who calls Muslims to prayer five times a belonging to the “Big Three”-Chrysler, Ford and one of the four Muslim city council members, said with Republican presidential frontrunner Donald day, has belted out from makeshift minarets. “We General Motors-have closed, and the city now has that he cherished “the diversity of cultures in our Trump going so far as to call for an outright ban on have no problem with the Polish, we have no prob- one of the highest poverty rates in the state of community.” Many residents, like Polish art center Muslims entering the country. But such is not the lem with the black community. We are living Michigan. co-owner Joan Bittner, are holding judgment to see case here. Hamtramck is “a manifestation of what together peacefully. Nobody complains about the how things go. “I am waiting to see,” she said. America is meant to be. A place of opportunity,” call to prayer anymore,” said mosque secretary Open bar Meanwhile, ads and signs for alcohol-which practic- said Mayor Karen Majewski, who proudly Masud Khan. Muslim holy days, he noted, are public In front of the large Saint Florian Church, where ing Muslims largely consider banned by the Qoran- announced that Syrian refugees were recently wel- holidays here, and schools and city offices close on Mass is still delivered in Polish, Father Mirek still run rampant in the city. On Thursday evenings, comed into the city. One-story houses squeeze in those days. A five-minute walk away, an imposing Frankowski said rapid demographic and political Hamtramck, which has the largest number of liquor tight next to each other in Hamtramck, which is statue of late pope John Paul II serves as a reminder change has caused concern among the older gen- licenses in Michigan, practically turns into an open home to 22,300 residents and has a total area of of a Catholic past in the city of immigrants, which eration. “They are afraid that the city will lose its bar, Ladzilowski said. — AFP

News Why British pollsters in brief

MI5 named Britain best got election wrong? gay-friendly employer LONDON: Britain’s MI5 spy agency was yesterday named the country’s best employer for promoting Sampling methods blamed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender diversity. The domestic counter-intelligence and security agency LONDON: A post-mortem into why opin- potential alliances with smaller parties. This main problem was the make-up of sam- polls. “When they’re choosing what to do, came top of the annual Workplace Equality Index ion polls failed spectacularly to predict a may have influenced the outcome, the ples. In particular, the samples had too they may be influenced by what they think conducted by Stonewall, an LGBT rights charity. It Conservative Party victory in Britain’s 2015 argument goes, because there was little many young voters and too few elderly the result should be. That comes from the found the security service provided staff with quality parliamentary election has blamed sample scrutiny of what a one-party Conservative ones. Young people are more likely to sup- other polls,” Sturgis said, adding herding employment policies, training, career development recruitment methods and, potentially, government would do. It also bolstered port Labor but less likely to vote, while the was unintentional. opportunities, and especially support for LGBT unintended herd behavior by pollsters. For Conservative warnings that Labor would elderly are overwhelmingly Conservative- Ben Page, chief executive of Ipsos MORI, employees. MI5 beat more than 400 organizations to months, right up to the eve of the May need support from the pro-independence leaning and more likely to vote. said the pollster would make changes, such top Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list for 2016, after election, opinion polls were showing a Scottish National Party to govern, an “We’ll be suggesting some things that as asking extra questions to better filter out coming seventh in 2015. “Diversity is vital for MI5, not dead heat between the ruling unpopular scenario in England. we think will reduce the risk of being data from respondents unlikely to vote. just because it’s right that we represent the commu- Conservatives and opposition Labor Party. The accuracy and impact of opinion wrong, but there’s no silver bullet,” inquiry Page said it was almost impossible to prove nities we serve, but because we rely on the skills of In the event, Prime Minister David polls remain live issues ahead of a referen- chairman Patrick Sturgis, professor of whether the inaccuracy of the polls had the most talented people whoever they are, and Cameron’s party was ahead by well over 6 dum on whether Britain should remain in research methodology at the University of affected the result. “It may have influenced wherever they may be,” said the agency’s director- percentage points. the European Union that could take place Southampton said. The panel also said it the media and that’s why they’re so cross general Andrew Parker. “This accolade from Stonewall The polling fiasco angered many in poli- this year. Polls suggest a tight race could not rule out “herding”, where poll- about it,” he told Reuters. “But would more is a great acknowledgement of the continued tics and the media because expectations between the “in” and “out” campaigns. After sters considering ways to adjust their raw accurate polls have prompted the voters to progress we have made over recent years in ensuring that neither party would win an overall the May election, an association of pollsters data select the option that produces the conduct forensic scrutiny of Conservative we draw on the widest possible pool of talent in our majority in parliament meant the cam- commissioned an inquiry by a panel of sta- most “reasonable” results, which they may policies? I think that’s much less likely.”— vital work.” Stonewall’s workplace equality index uses paign was dominated by speculation about tistics experts, who reported yesterday the perceive to be those in line with other Reuters a range of criteria and questions to establish employ- ers’ efforts to tackle discrimination against LGBT peo- ple, both in Britain and in their global operations. British website targets parents who fear 1,200 flee as Indonesian children may join IS volcano spews ash, gas KUPANG: More than 1,200 people have been evacuated LONDON: Britain launches a new website yesterday from their homes to escape a gurgling volcano in eastern which aims to educate Muslim teenagers against groups Indonesia spewing clouds of ash and toxic gas into the air. like Islamic State, as the government backed the right of Officials said yesterday they had distributed thousands of schools to ban girls from wearing veils. The Educate gas masks to villagers around Mount Egon in eastern Against Hate site will warn parents and teachers to watch Flores island as the choking fumes from the volcano inten- out for signs of radicalization amongst youngsters and sified. All residents within three kilometers of the volcano keep track of what they are looking at online. It says the were ordered to evacuate and roads were also closed. symptoms include “wanting to shut down debate or pur- Authorities said they were prepared to issue a wide-scale sue the path of segregation” as well as spending too evacuation order if the situation deteriorates further. “We much time online. are on a high alert and ready to evacuate any time,” disas- Education Secretary Nicky Morgan was launching the ter mitigation official Silvanus Tobi said yesterday. The vol- initiative at a school in east London, several of whose stu- cano began rumbling last month but has become more dents went to join the Islamic State group in Syria last active in recent days, sending villagers fleeing from their year, some becoming jihadi brides. Ahead of the launch, homes. During its last serious eruption in 2008, Mount Prime Minister David Cameron’s government was drawn Egon blasted smoke and volcanic material nearly six kilo- into a fresh debate about whether Muslim girls should be meters into the atmosphere. It is one of 129 active volca- allowed to wear veils at school. Morgan told BBC radio noes in Indonesia, which sits on the Ring of Fire, a belt of that “it is very much up to the schools” to decide their seismic activity running around the basin of the Pacific own policy on the veil. Ocean. But she added: “There are certain things, particularly in relation to teachers who are teaching young children, particularly learning to read and to speak, where actually seeing the teacher’s mouth is very, very important”. Missing HG bookseller in Michael Wilshaw, the head of schools watchdog Ofsted, China: City government has backed a ban on veils in schools. And Cameron said he supported the right of schools to forbid students from HONG KONG: China has confirmed that a missing wearing the veil as he announced Monday that Muslim LYNCHBURG: Supporters of US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attend a rally at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia on January 18, 2016. — AFP Hong Kong-based bookseller, one of five men whose women who fail to learn good English could face depor- disappearance fuelled fears of an erosion of the city’s tation from Britain. “When you are coming into contact freedoms, is on the mainland, the city’s government with an institution or you’re in court, or if you need to be Trump courts evangelicals said. The news will add to fears of pro-democracy law- able to see someone’s face at the border, then I will makers, activists and some residents who believe always back the authority and institution,” he said. mainland authorities are kidnapping critics to try to The numbers of Britons travelling to Syria to try and Christianity ‘under siege’ silence dissent. Lee Bo, who works for a publishing join jihadist groups such as IS is the subject of grave con- house that sells titles critical of Beijing, was last seen LYNCHBURG: Donald Trump declared Christianity at the fore as he spoke at issue of immigration, saying “we need cern in Britain and Cameron’s government has at a book warehouse in Hong Kong on December 30. himself a defender of besieged the university founded by Southern powerful borders, strong borders,” as he announced a string of initiatives to bring the numbers He was the fifth employee of the Mighty Current pub- Christians in a campaign speech to Baptist pastor Jerry Falwell. “You look at once again pressed for building a wall down. Some 800 Britons have travelled to the war-torn lishing house to go missing in recent months. Three more than 11,000 people Monday, as the different places, and Christianity, it’s at the US border with Mexico. “Two country since 2012, with half of them still thought to be were in China when they vanished, but the disappear- the Republican presidential frontrunner under siege,” he said. “I’m a Protestant, thousand years ago, China built the there. A further 600 have been stopped from travelling. ance of Lee from Hong Kong and of another man from openly courted evangelicals two weeks I’m very proud of it, Presbyterian to be Great Wall of China. This is a serious The Department of Education also promised Tuesday a Thailand has raised fears of Chinese authorities oper- before the first nomination vote. The exact, but I’m proud of it, very, very wall, and they didn’t have Caterpillar “significant escalation” of investigations into unregis- ating internationally. A Hong Kong government 69-year-old billionaire found a recep- proud.” tractors,” he quipped. “I have to make it tered schools. Ofsted inspectors said in December they spokesman said yesterday police had received infor- tive audience at Virginia’s Liberty but I have to make it beautiful. Why? had found 18 unregistered schools in recent months, mation from Chinese authorities that Lee was in University, an evangelical bastion and a Controversy never far Because someday they’ll name the wall including some whose curriculums were focused on China. The spokesman said the letter was issued by rite of passage for conservative presi- Trump, who has urged a ban on Trump Wall.” Audrey Bennit, sporting a Islam as opposed to the centrally-approved National the public security department of Guangdong dential candidates from Ronald Reagan Muslims entering the United States, Trump pin on her sweater, said she was Curriculum. — AFP province, which borders Hong Kong, but it did not in the 1980s to Ted Cruz, Trump’s main upset some by speaking on a US holi- blown away. “I think it was amazing, he specify where the missing man was. Republican rival. day commemorating civil rights leader talked about a lot of the things I was After a Christian rock band warmed Martin Luther King. A handful of stu- looking forward to him to talk about,” up the crowd, the real estate tycoon dents who came to protest were quick- she said. “Immigration is just a really big stressed his ties with evangelicals, who ly corralled by Secret Service agents problem in this country... He’s one of S Korea implements largely vote for conservatives and play behind barricades at a distance from the only ones that talk about protect- a key role in which candidate ultimately the amphitheater. “Dr King is someone ing Christians, that’s very important.” ‘anti-nut rage’ law wins the party’s nomination. But evan- who spent more than a decade fighting gelicals also typically back Republicans for equality for all people,” said protest Two weeks from voting SEOUL: South Korea brought a new “anti-nut rage” law into that are conservative on social issues, organizer Eli McGowan, 21. Trump is locked in a tight race with effect yesterday, prompted by an angry outburst by the an area of weakness for Trump. The “Mr Trump, in his words and actions, Cruz in Iowa, which on February 1 daughter of Korean Air’s boss over a bag of macadamias. audience at the Vines Center was most- likes to divide people and ridicule becomes the first state to vote for par- The revised aviation law, which drastically toughens pun- ly filled with youths, including students them. He magnifies people’s differ- ty nominees. Cruz, a Texas senator ishments on unruly passengers, was a direct result of the who were excused from class, but also ences. Their racial, ethnic and religious whose father is a Cuban-born evangeli- “nut rage” incident by Cho Hyun-Ah in December 2014, the included other supporters. Many atten- differences.” During his speech, Trump cal preacher, already enjoys strong transportation ministry said. “The amended law reflects dees at the event, which was open to brushed the criticism aside, declaring: support from the evangelical commu- mounting public demand for enhanced aviation safety and Syrian refugee Fatimah who came from the central the public, wore t-shirts and sweat- “It’s an honor to be here, especially on nity. According to polls, nearly two- the prevention of unruly behavior during flight following Syrian city of Palmyra, speaks to The Associated shirts bearing Trump’s name. Martin Luther King Day. He was a great thirds of evangelical Republicans say a the Korean Air nut rage incident”, the ministry said in a Press soon after arriving in the Turkish town of “We’ve done great with the evangel- man.” Trump again directed his anger candidate’s position on abortion is the press statement. Under the new law, anyone who disturbs Reyhanli. She compared the Islamic State group’s icals. The evangelicals have been amaz- and frustration at Washington politi- most important issue driving their vot- the pilot during a flight could face up to five years in prison rule to that of Syrian President Bashar Assad, with ing,” Trump told the crowd to cheers. cians, which he says are incompetent, ing decision. But Trump, who during or a 50-million-won ($41,000) fine. In the past, the same the widespread use of informers to spy on the “We’re going to protect Christianity. If as the candidate, who has never served his political life has been a Democrat offence incurred only a five-million-won fine without the public. “We were also afraid to talk against Daesh you look what’s going on throughout in public office, bolstered his anti- and an independent, is only a recent risk of a jail term. Under the new law, crew members are to anyone we don’t fully trust,” said Fatimah, using the world-you look at Syria, where if establishment credentials. “We’ve been convert to the “pro-life” anti-abortion obliged to hand over unruly passengers to authorities and the Arabic acronym for the group. She spoke on you’re Christian, they’re chopping off dealing with politicians for so long. All position. In recent weeks Trump has risk a 10-million-won fine for failing to do so. Cho, 41, condition that her last name not be printed, fear- heads.” Trump, who is known more for they do is debate, but they never get stressed his own faith as he steps up served five months in jail before walking free in May last ing for her safety. — AP his multiple wives, extravagant lifestyle things done,” Trump said. efforts to reach out to the critical year after an appeals court overturned her conviction for and bombastic rhetoric than piety, kept He also delved into the hot-button group. — AFP violating aviation safety laws. INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 Afghan husband cuts off wife’s nose

KABUL: A young woman in a remote Faryab, it is across the entire north of the with marital issues, Salimi said. Khan had northern region of Afghanistan had her country - poverty, high unemployment, disappeared from the village, and local nose cut off by her husband, officials in ignorance about marriage,” he said. security forces including the intelligence the region said yesterday. Fawzia Salimi, a Faryab borders Turkmenistan and is agency and police were searching for hospital director in Maymana, capital of among the poorest regions of him, said the provincial governor’s Faryab province, said 22-year-old Reza Afghanistan, with many people relying spokesman Ahmad Jawed Dedar. Gul was brought in early Monday having on government food handouts. The Taleban is also looking for him. lost a great deal of blood. Gul’s husband, Corruption is also rife, and many residents Taleban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid 25-year-old Mohammad Khan, has since complaining that officials pilfer the aid. said that the group’s gunmen were “seri- fled their village. Salimi said the Afghan- Over the past year, the Taleban’s presence ously searching the area to find” Khan. If Turk Hospital in Maymana was trying to in the region has grown. The militant and when he was found, “then he will be arrange transport for Gul to Turkey for group has intensified its campaign fol- dealt with according to Shariah law,” further treatment. lowing the drawdown of the international Mujahid said, referring to the Islamic legal Domestic violence is widespread in combat mission in 2014. system.Before cutting off his wife’s nose, Afghanistan, where women are often The district where Gul’s family lives is Khan had promised Taleban leaders in denied constitutional rights designed to under Taleban control, said Rahmatullah the village that he would stop harming protect them. Violence has also become Turkistani, a member of Fayab’s provincial Gul. As the village was under their con- somewhat entrenched in Afghan society council. Salimi said Khan had returned trol, the Taleban would likely find him after 40 years of war, with nearly non- from Iran three months ago, and since first, Dedar said. Severing women’s noses existent mental health care and few then had repeatedly beaten and tortured is not unheard of in Afghanistan and like options or outlets for a traumatized pop- his wife. He had also taken another wife most abuse probably happens more ulation. who is just seven years old, she said. often than is publicly acknowledged. The Hafizullah Fetrat, the head of Fayrab’s Community elders and Taleban represen- case of Aisha Mohammadzai shocked the provincial human rights commission, said tatives in their village had tried mediating world in 2010 when she appeared on the FARYAB: Afghan woman Reza Gul, 20 whose nose was sliced off by her husband violence in the area had risen by at least with the family to help sort out their cover of Time magazine with her nose in an attack, lies on a bed with her baby as she receives treatment at a hospital 30 percent in the past year. “It’s not just in problems, a traditional method of dealing cut off.—AP in the northern province of Faryab yesterday. —AFP Child sex abuse victims trying to rebuild lives Sex scandal rocks Pakistan

HUSSAIN KHAN WALA: “I don’t regret to the national news media in July, the increased reporting was welcome, cases speaking out, but since then, people have local police were found to have turned a must be handled sensitively-noting that looked at me with strange eyes,” laments blind eye to the crimes for several months activists, judges and police were not 16-year-old village boy Irfan. He was one “which amounts not only to criminal negli- trained in how to question child victims. of 20 children sexually abused by a gang gence, rather it was connivance,” according Another obstacle to greater reporting of who sold videos of the acts and used them to a report by the National Commission for crimes are the families themselves, who are for blackmail purposes, in a scandal that Human Rights. often reluctant to intervene when they feel shocked Pakistan. The police, who had con- Several of the accused belong to locally their “honor” is at stake, according to Jilani. NEW DELHI: Indian police detain students protesting the death of an Indian student spicuously failed to act despite pleas from influential families. It took a series of clash- who, along with 4 others, was barred from using some facilities at his university in some parents, eventually arrested 37 men es between the survivors’ families and Loss of self-worth the southern tech-hub of Hyderabad, in New Delhi yesterday. The protesters accused after clashes between relatives and author- police, in which dozens were injured, for Eighteen-year-old Sonia says it was Hyderabad University’s vice chancellor along with a federal minister of unfairly ities brought the issue into the media spot- politicians to act and demand arrests. The unreported childhood abuse, and the sub- demanding punishment for the five lower-caste students after they clashed last year light last summer, years after the abuse families and survivors were then served up sequent loss of her honor that drove her with a group of students supporting the governing Hindu nationalist party. —AP began. to the media, with some local leaders plac- toward prostitution. Forced to abandon Six months after one of the country’s ing the number of abused children at 280 - her studies to work following the death of Suicide of student triggers biggest pedophilia scandal broke, police though that figure is believed to have been her father at the age of 16, she found her- now confirm 17 of the accused remain in inflated as a result of attempts to leverage self at the mercy of an employer who she protests in southern India prison awaiting trial, while three more are the tragedy for business and political gain. says raped her. “If I would tell my family, out on bail. But the young survivors who Authorities established that 20 youths they would not go to the police station,” HYDERABAD: Shouting slogans and hold- shouted as scores of police stood by. defied taboos to seek justice say they have were raped and sodomised, the only two says the frail young woman, because of the ing placards, hundreds of students yester- Police detained eight students overnight little hope for rebuilding their lives. In sex crimes recognized under Pakistani law. shame it would bring. It was difficult for day angrily protested the death of an yesterday following day-long protests on recent years, more and more families in The country’s penal code does not pro- her to make her complaint herself because Indian student who, along with four oth- Monday. Students in Mumbai University this socially conservative Muslim country hibit sexual abuse that does not involve “there (are) no lady police” at the station, ers, was barred from using some facilities also held protests yesterday and demand- of 200 million have dared to speak out penetration, nor child pornography. “This she said, and she quit her job fearing more at his university in the southern tech-hub ed the removal of the Hyderabad against sexual abuse of their children. But scandal shows there are no institutional attacks. of Hyderabad. The protesters accused University vice chancellor. Rohith Vemula the fight against predators remains in its structures to tackle sexual abuse or to pro- Having lost her sense of worth, she Hyderabad University’s vice chancellor ‘s body was found hanging in a hostel infancy. Powerful taboos, gaps in legisla- tect children,” says Valerie Khan, the direc- turned to an intermediary at a beauty and a federal minister of unfairly demand- room, weeks after university authorities tion and a lack of awareness continue to tor of Group Development Pakistan, a local salon who guided her toward prostitution, ing punishment for the five lower-caste barred the five students from staying in students after they clashed last year with a the students’ hostel or using the library or fuel a phenomenon that remains hidden, NGO which advocates legal reforms. A law which she now uses to support her family. group of students supporting the govern- other facilities. The five had been living in yet deeply embedded within society. criminalizing sexual abuse of children is Wearing light make-up and modern but ing Hindu nationalist party. Police are a tent outside the gate of the university currently being debated by Pakistan’s modest clothing, she has all the airs of a investigating whether actions by the offi- since their suspension on Dec 21. Media glare Senate. These reforms are all the more carefree high-schooler-apart from the fact cials contributed to the 26-year-old doc- University officials had cleared the five Irfan drags his feet listlessly in the nar- urgent given the growing number of cases she walks the streets alone at night. Back toral student’s death, which they say was a Dalit students in a preliminary inquiry into row winding streets of Hussain Khan Wala, being reported, according to child rights’ in Hussain Khan Wala, the parents of suicide. He had been a member of a group the clash, but reversed that decision in a large village in rural Punjab. Like the oth- group Sahil, which records statistics based abused children are waiting for the gov- representing Dalits, the lowest caste in December and ordered that they be sus- er abused teens, he feels stigmatized and on press reports in the absence of official ernment to help them rebuild their lives India’s Hindu caste hierarchy. pended. The protesting students say the without any kind of support after five years data. anew elsewhere. Muhammad, a laborer The demonstrations in Hyderabad university’s decision to punish the five was of abuse. “I feel terrible when my friends The group recorded fewer than 2,000 whose 17 year old son was among those drew nationwide attention, with TV chan- due to pressure from federal minister stare at me. I know what they are thinking,” cases in 2008, but more than 3,500 in 2014, abused, said “(They) should be sent to nels running updates throughout the Bandaru Dattatreya, who sent a letter to he mutters. “My classmates and teachers a rise it said “reflects an increase in social Islamabad or abroad because they can not morning. The students have boycotted the Human Resource Development look down on me, so I stopped going to awareness of the problem”. Veteran human study here, you must remove them from their classes and were holding a sit-in in Ministry demanding action against the school.” Though the scandal finally made it rights activist Hina Jilani said that while the atmosphere.”— AFP the university. “We want justice,” they Dalits. —AP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 ANALYSIS

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Issues Indonesia jails breeding ground for militancy

By Randy Fabi and Kanupriya Kapoor

fif was an inmate in a high-security Indonesian jail when he transformed from aspiring radical Islamist Ato soldier for Islamic State, ready to sacrifice his life for a group based thousands of miles away in the Middle East. His journey ended with his death last week on a busy inter- section in central Jakarta, after the gun and suicide bomb attack he launched with three other militants that brought Islamic State’s brand of violence to Southeast Asia for the first time. Afif’s graduation from jailbird to jihadi shines a light on a prison system where staff shortages, overcrowding and cor- ruption have allowed extremists to mingle and emerge as determined killers in the name of Islam. Security officials say Afif, also known as Sunakim, was sentenced to seven years IS double standards sow growing disillusion in prison for taking part in a militant training camp in the province of Aceh, where Islam is generally practised in a By Hamza Hendawi rule, bringing justice through its extreme inter- their towns and cities and prices for oil and gas requiring the swift burial of the dead. stricter form than other parts of Indonesia. pretation of Shariah and providing services to have risen. “Many of those moderate clerics disappear, Once behind bars, he refused to follow deradicalisation ohammed Saad, a Syrian activist, was residents, including loans to farmers, water and are killed or jailed for crimes they did not com- programs, the officials added. Akbar Hadi, spokesman for imprisoned by the Islamic State group, electricity, and alms to the poor. Its propaganda Acceptance mit,” said Abu Manaf, who left Deir el-Zour in the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, declined to com- hung by his arms and beaten regularly. machine promoting the dream of an Islamic Abu Salem, an activist from the eastern city November, then stayed in the Islamic State ment on whether Afif’s activities were monitored after he M Then one day, his jailers quickly pulled him and caliphate helped attract jihadis from around the of Deir el-Zour, said public acceptance of IS rule group’s de facto capital, Raqqa, for three weeks was released last August. Police said he planned the Jakarta other prisoners down and hid them in a bath- world. is eroding. “It has made an enemy of almost before he reached Turkey. Saad’s account of his siege with the three other attackers, one of whom was also room. The reason? A senior Muslim cleric was In Istanbul and several Turkish cities near everyone,” he told the AP in the Turkish city of imprisonment in his home city of Deir el-Zour a former convict. Four civilians died in the attack along with visiting to inspect the facility. The cleric had told the Syrian border, the AP spoke to more than a Reyhanli on the Syrian border. One sign of the reflected the tensions between the fighters and the militants. the fighters running the prison that they dozen Syrians who fled IS-controlled territory distance between the claims and realities is a some clerics. He was arrested because of his A report by the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict shouldn’t torture prisoners and that anyone in recent months. Most spoke on condition 12-page manifesto by IS detailing its judicial media activism, reporting on the anti-Assad (IPAC) last year said that 26 prisons across Indonesia housed held without charge must be released within 30 they be identified only by their first names or system. The document, a copy of which was opposition. IS suspected him of belonging to about 270 “convicted terrorists”, but Islamic State supporters days, Saad told AP. Once the coast was clear, the by the nicknames they use in their political obtained by the AP, heavily emphasizes justice the rebel Free Syrian Army, which is fighting the accounted for only a small minority of them. National Police prisoners were returned to their torment. activism for fear of IS reprisals against them- and tolerance. For example, it sets out the extremists. The day the cleric came to inspect Chief Badrodin Haiti told Reuters that at least five jailed mili- “It’s a criminal gang pretending to be a selves or family. duties of the Hisba, the “religious police” who the prison - set up in a former police station - he tants were believed to have been in communication with state,” Saad said, speaking in Turkey, where he “Daesh justice has been erratic,” said Nayef, ensure people adhere to the group’s dress heard the cleric asking the guards if the prison- the plotters in the lead-up to the attack. fled in October. “All this talk about applying who hails from IS-held eastern Syrian town of codes, strict separation of genders and other ers were getting enough food and water, and Shariah and Islamic values is just propaganda, al-Shadadi and escaped to Turkey in November rules. whether they were being beaten, Saad said. Couriers, Cell Phones Daesh is about torture and killing,” he said, with his family, largely because of Russian A Hisba member “must be gentle and pleas- On another occasion, a cleric and a judge While inside Jakarta’s Cipinang prison, Afif was one of using the Arabic acronym for IS. Syrians who airstrikes. “They started off good and then, ant toward those he orders or reprimands,” it visited and spoke to the prisoners in their cells. some 20 convicts heavily influenced by fellow convict and have recently escaped the Islamic State group’s gradually, things got worse.” He insisted that his says. “He must be flexible and good mannered Saad said they told him to write on a piece of firebrand Islamist cleric Aman Abdurrahman, experts said. rule say public disillusionment is growing as IS last name not be printed, fearing for his safety. so that his influence is greater and the response paper his name, why he’d been jailed and From behind bars, Abdurrahman heads an umbrella organi- has failed to live up to its promises to install a The group has recruited informers in the towns (he gets) is stronger.” Yet, the escaped Syrians all whether he had been tortured or made to con- zation formed last year through an alliance of splinter utopian “Islamic” rule of justice, equality and and cities it controls to watch out for any sign complained of the brutal extremes that the fess under duress. He wrote that he had not groups that support Islamic State. “They shared the same good governance. of opposition. “Like under the (Assad) regime, Hisba resorts to. One woman who lived in been beaten, because he knew the guards cells, they prayed together, they cooked together,” said Instead, the group has come to resemble we were also afraid to talk against Daesh to Raqqa said that if a woman is considered to would punish him if he said he had been, Saad Taufik Andrie, Jakarta-based executive director of the the dictatorial rule of Syrian President Bashar anyone we don’t fully trust,” said Fatimah, a 33- have violated the dress codes, the militants flog said. After five months in custody, Saad said he Institute for International Peacebuilding. Assad that many Syrians had sought to shed, year-old whose hometown of Palmyra was tak- her husband, since he is seen as responsible for secured his release by agreeing to do media Abdurrahman regularly spread “takfiri” doctrine, a belief with a reliance on informers who have silenced en over by IS early last year. She fled to Turkey her. When her neighbor put out the garbage work for IS. For three months, he helped put among Sunni militants who justify their violence by brand- a fearful populace. Rather than equality, society in November with her husband and five chil- without being properly covered, she said, the together videos and other propaganda before ing others as infidels, through his sermons and lectures. has seen the rise of a new elite class - the jihadi dren to escape Russian and Syrian airstrikes. woman’s husband was whipped. escaping to Turkey. Abdurrahman was moved to a maximum security prison in fighters - who enjoy special perks and favor in IS has also become less able to provide Abu Manaf, a 44-year-old from Deir el-Zour, The Syrians interviewed in Turkey said that Nusakambangan in Central Java in 2013, but continued to the courts, looking down on “the commoners” public services, in large part because military said some clerics challenged the group’s in IS courts the judges often show a bias toward communicate with Afif and a growing group of around 200 and even ignoring the rulings of their own cler- reversals appear to have put strains on its enforcers over their wanton use of strict Shariah IS operatives in any legal dispute with the gen- followers using couriers and cell phones. A lawyer for Abu ics. finances. US and Russian airstrikes have heavily punishments like beheadings, stoning to death, eral public. Judges justify the bias by pointing Bakar Ba’asyir, another high-profile radical inmate at Despite the atrocities that made it notorious, hit its oil infrastructure - a major source of flogging and cutting off limbs. More moderate to Quranic verses or sayings of Prophet Nusakambangan, told Reuters it is easy to convey messages the Islamic State group had raised hopes funds. Over the past year, the group has lost 30 clerics in IS argued that such punishments can Muhammad (PBUH), including “God prefers to the outside world from inside prison. “Any kind of visitor among some fellow Sunnis when it overran percent of the territory it once held in Iraq and only be implemented under specific conditions. those who fight in jihad over those who sit.” is allowed and even if they don’t exchange any cell phones, their territories across parts of Syria and Iraq Syria, according to the US-led anti-IS coalition. They also complained about the jihadis’ custom Often, IS members refer to the general popula- there is still an exchange of information and the visitor can and declared a “caliphate” in the summer of Many of those interviewed by the AP said there of displaying bodies of the beheaded in public tion by the dismissive term “al-awam,” Arabic for interpret that,” said Achmad Michdan. 2014. It presented itself as a contrast to Assad’s are lengthier cutoffs of water and electricity in as an example to others, violating Islamic tenets “the commoners”. — AP Social Media a Key Tool Experts say radical inmates like Abdurrahman still get away with disseminating sermons by email, Facebook, and hard copies. Despite being behind bars, Abdurrahman was Syria regime’s secret weapon: Motorbikes able to make an online pledge of allegiance to Islamic State in 2014. “Those with more radical thinking can also hold reli- By Maher Al-Mounes wounded, carry light ammunition and food with an advanced course on street fighting and little by little we began using them in our gious sermons on a regular basis and it is very easy to con- and were used by fighters carrying machine and guerrilla warfare, and fighting on motor- tactics and attacks,” he told AFP. vey radical ideas to others,” said Farihin, a former militant s Syrian forces battled to recapture the guns and night vision binoculars,” he said. He bikes may become a tactic that regular armies who participated in a government deradicalisation pro- rebel stronghold of Salma last week, too had ended up riding one to inspect his come to rely on,” he added. ‘Essential Equipment’ gram during his time in a prison in Palu on the island of Athey relied not only on Russian air troops and frontlines. “I check on my troops Another soldier, 38-year-old Reda Haj, said Haj said motorbikes were introduced to Sulawesi. support but also a secret weapon: by motorbike because they are fast and light, his first encounter with motorbikes on Syria’s the battle for Salma some nine months ago, Indonesia’s counter-terrorism chief, Saud Usman Motorbikes. Adapting a tactic used by both and much more difficult to track than a car battlefields was in Qalamun in Damascus when the regime committed to a new offen- Nasution, told Reuters in November that prison officials their rebel opponents and the pro-regime would be,” the commander said. province, where the pro-regime Hezbollah sive to take the town. “We were divided into were unable to halt this type of communication because of fighters of Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement, Motorbikes have long been used by rebels movement used them. The Shiite militant groups, with each group assigned three overcrowding. “We are aware that there is a problem with government forces used dozens of the vehi- in Syria and beyond, and the commander group has been a key force multiplier for the motorbikes that were used to move food and convicts being allowed to communicate using the Internet cles to navigate the town’s tiny alleys. acknowledged the tactic is one regime forces Syrian regime, fighting alongside its troops ammunition and transport the wounded and cell phones. There is definitely room for improvement,” Soldiers said they were key to the recapture picked up from their foes. “We don’t deny that on several fronts. “We observed the great from areas that ambulances couldn’t access,” said Ministry of Law and Human Rights spokesman Hadi, of Salma, a town that was a rare rebel strong- we learned the tactic of using motorbikes flexibility that the speed of a motorbike gives, he said. “It’s fun to ride in times of peace, and adding that inmates cannot be forced to join deradicalisa- hold in the regime bastion of coastal Latakia from the militants,” he said. “We’ve come up and that it was harder for the enemy to track, in times of war they are useful. Eventually tion programs. province. they’ll become an essential piece of equip- Experts say access to social media and messaging apps Syrian army soldier Hany, 25, said he spent ment, like a gun or ammunition.” like Telegram is a large part of the problem. Police believe most of the past nine months on a motor- The battle for Salma was fierce and the alleged mastermind of the Jakarta attack, an Indonesian bike, fighting street battles for the town that destructive, and much of the town has been fighting with Islamic State in Syria called Bahrun Naim, used fell from government control in 2012. “The left in ruins. Whole facades of buildings have social media to communicate his radical ideas to followers way we fight has changed since the begin- been ripped down and balconies that once in Indonesia. He may also have transferred thousands of ning of the war, and we have developed our looked out into the hills surrounding Salma dollars to accounts here, police said. Since the attack, offensive methods,” he said, dismounting have collapsed. For now, civilians have yet to Indonesia has blocked websites and sent letters to social from his muddy vehicle after a spin through return, and graffiti left by rebel groups that media networks Twitter, Facebook and Telegram, asking the recaptured town. “Nowadays, we use included Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front, is them to take down radical content. — Reuters motorbikes for their speed and mobility,” he still daubed on walls. But the capture of the said. town has been a key victory for the regime, While rebel snipers managed to hit a car which last year suffered a string of defeats. delivering meals to regime forces several The government launched several offen- All articles appearing on these times, Hany said he could outmanoeuvre sives across Syria after staunch ally Russia pages are the personal opinion of such fire. “My bike is harder to track and is too began air strikes in late September. Some of the writers. Kuwait Times takes no light to set off landmines,” he said. While small, those operations have stalled, but the Salma Salma’s many narrow alleys, and the forests recapture, which saw Russian planes carry out responsibility for views expressed and hills that surround it, made the fight for dozens of air strikes, has been a much-sought therein. Kuwait Times invites read- its recapture long and hard. Some of the boost for government forces. In one alleyway ers to voice their opinions. Please streets were entirely unnavigable with cars, in the town, a group of Syrian soldiers sat send submissions via email to: opin- armoured vehicles or tanks, troops said. warming themselves around a fire, drinking yerba mate, a tea drink popular in Syria. “I [email protected] or via snail Guerrilla Tactics haven’t put my weapon down for nine mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. “It was the use of more than 80 motor- months,” said Abdul Karim Mahfuz, a 26-year- The editor reserves the right to edit bikes in the last battle for the town that had old soldier, smiling as he sat with his com- the greatest impact in terms of winning in the rades. “We were always at the ready... But any submission as necessary. final 72 hours,” one field commander told AFP. Syrian army soldiers ride a motorcycle in the village of Salma in the north- today I’m holding a cup of mate in my hands, “The motorbikes allowed us to transfer the western province of Latakia on Jan 15, 2016. — AFP and my gun is by my side.” — AFP NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016

People take selfies on the seafront at the Corniche, or waterfront promenade, in Beirut yesterday. Temperatures in Beirut took a dip, reaching 10 degrees Celsius at night. — AP Gulf states unlikely to Extinct crustacean was all eyes PARIS: A tiny but scary-looking marine critter that died served samples of internal eye structure. The first com- out with the dinosaurs, caught prey with the aid of two pound eyes, made up of many individual units like drop dollar peg: S&P monstrous eyes - each a quarter of its body length, sci- those of ants, are thought to have appeared in the entists said yesterday. The giant peepers were com- Cambrian period some 500 million years ago - revolu- DUBAI: Gulf states are not expected to drop their rates to follow similar measures by the US Federal posed of 18,000 lenses each - a record only ever sur- tionizing animal development, according to study co- long-term monetary link to the US dollar after the Reserve. “At a time of already significant change and passed by modern-day dragonflies, a team wrote in the author Jean Vannier from France’s University of Lyon. sharp drop in oil prices and fiscal reserves, Standard regional geopolitical instability, politically conserva- science journal Nature Communications. The sophisti- “To see and be seen changed everything - with eyes and Poor’s said yesterday. “We expect (Gulf tive regimes such as the GCC are unlikely to decide to cated organs belonged to Dollocaris ingens, an extinct you could become a more effective hunter, while prey Cooperation Council) GCC countries to maintain the increase uncertainty about their economic stability by arthropod which lived about 160 million years ago, dur- became more easily detectable,” he explained. “All this exchange rate peg over the medium term, mainly amending this fundamental macroeconomic policy,” ing the Jurassic geological period better known for the led to a new dynamic - for some to better protect them- because we assess GCC states as having sufficient S&P said. The inflationary and social repercussions of rise and fall of the dinosaurs. selves, for others to become better at detection, and funds available to defend their currencies,” the ratings a lower exchange rate are likely to outweigh the ben- An arthropod is an animal with an exoskeleton and new evolutionary pressures.” Their examinations con- agency said. efit to the fiscal budget, the agency said. If the segmented body - including groups like today’s insects, firmed that C. ingens was a “visual hunter,” said Vannier. Five of the GCC states - Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi exchange rate loses value as a result of de-pegging, spiders and crustaceans. D. ingens, a swimmer, would Its eyes shared features with those of modern-day Arabia and United Arab Emirates - peg their curren- the GCC states could become less attractive to foreign have had a crab-like shell, with three pairs of clawed, insects and crustaceans. “It is clear that its huge, cies to the greenback while Kuwait links its dinar to a investors, it added. segmented legs with which to catch tiny shrimps, and panoramic, multi-faceted acute eyes were crucial to basket of currencies. Due to the sharp drop in oil Saudi Arabia last week said its currency was stable eight pairs of stubby swimming appendages. It would scanning its environment and to detecting potential prices, most GCC states have posted a budget deficit despite volatility in the futures market and that it have been about five to 20 cm long, and each eye about moving prey,” the study authors wrote. It was probably and resorted to their fiscal reserves to finance the would maintain the peg to the dollar. “In our view, the a quarter of that. not a very dexterous swimmer, and more likely an shortfall. Speculation has increased recently about GCC pegs are to a large degree consistent with the For the study, experts used special microscopes and “ambush predator” pouncing on prey from a concealed GCC states ending the dollar peg in favour of a flexi- reliance of their economies, to varying degrees, on US scans to examine fossilized D. ingens eyes dug up in position. While this line of animals disappeared, its eye ble exchange rate regime because of the divergence dollar-based oil revenues,” S&P said. “Over the longer southeast France. It is extremely rare to find well-pre- type continued independently in other animals. — AFP between slowing GCC economies and the US econo- term, should GCC economies continue to diversify, my. the case for more exchange rate flexibility is likely to Last month, most GCC states raised their interest become more convincing,” it said. — AFP First flower blooms on ISS

WASHINGTON: A bright orange zinnia has blossomed an eye to long, manned missions to Mars. Such auton- aboard the International Space Station, marking a first omy is key to astronauts’ survival in space, NASA says. in space. “First flower even grown in space makes its Crew on the ISS have already grown and eaten let- debut,” US astronaut Scott Kelly wrote on Twitter, with tuce last year aboard the orbiting craft and hope to a photo of the flower. Zinnias grow easily on Earth and produce tomatoes by next year. Growing vegetables blossom in abundance in summer. But on the ISS, on the space station began in mid-2014. They are where they were taken to carry out experiments, they grown aeroponically - without soil, in an air or mist have had trouble adapting to microgravity. environment. The system requires much less water and Several were doing poorly back in December as fertilizer, and plants grow three times faster than on This handout image provided by the science journal Nature Communication yesterday shows an artist’s mold grew on some of their leaves because of high Earth, NASA says. Gioia Massa, a scientist working on reconstruction of a Dollocaris, a visual predator of the Jurassic seas. — AFP humidity, NASA said. But Kelly was seemingly able to the Veggie project, said the plants grown so far are not nurture them back to health. Growing such flowers - perfect but have helped researchers on Earth under- zinnias are edible - is part of a long term NASA project stand better how they grow in conditions of micro- Gulf banks eye Iran prospects known as Veggie. It is designed to produce food with gravity. — AFP Continued from Page1 $667 million in 2012 for breaking US sanctions and branded a “rogue institution” by New York’s banking reg- entering the Iranian market, two sources familiar with ulator at that time, and threatened with loss of its state the matter said. “Regional institutions will test the water license. A spokeswoman for the Asia-focused bank said it and other foreign banks will watch to see what happens,” would not undertake any new transactions involving said Stuart Jones Jr, an executive director at EY and a for- Iran. mer US Treasury attache to the Middle East. “There are Foreign banks considering establishing a subsidiary certain regional institutions taking legal advice to man- in Iran will in most cases require a partnership with a age very real risks associated with doing business with local entity unless they set up in one of a handful of free Iran.” zones, said Nicholas Gilani, senior partner at Arjan Emirates NBD (ENBD), Dubai’s largest lender, has in Capital, a consultancy advising on Iran business. Since recent months met with the Iranian business community Saturday’s deal, many Iranian banks are in the process of in Dubai and discussed potential banking opportunities being switched back into the SWIFT financial message involving Iran once sanctions lifted, the two sources said. system, a key to them re-entering the international ENBD said its lawyers were reviewing the sanctions financial network. changes but would not be making any changes to its But some Iranian banks remain on the sanctions list, a policies yet. “Any re-engagement with Iran will take potential obstacle for any foreign bank seeking a part- place in several stages and will require updates to poli- ner. SWIFT said in a statement it “remains prohibited cies, procedures, systems and controls as well as ongo- from providing specialized financial messaging services ing communication with regulators and correspondent to the EU-sanctioned Iranian banks that remain listed banks,” the bank said in a statement, adding it did not under EU Regulation”. The Dubai office of consultancy currently have any material assets or liabilities in Iran. Promontory Financial Group, which advised several ENBD and Qatar National Bank (QNB), the Middle global banks on sanctions compliance, has received a East’s largest bank, have representative offices in Tehran, flood of enquiries from lenders since Sunday including but ENBD’s has not been operational since 2008. The sta- from the Gulf, Lebanon and Turkey. “They are very inter- tus of QNB’s office is unclear and the bank did not ested, but very cautious,” said Walid Alameddine, respond to a request to comment on its Iran plans. The Promontory boss for the Middle East and Turkey. This Monday handout photo taken by US astronaut Scott Kelly onboard the International Space Station UAE is Iran’s fourth largest trading partner, home to a Another complication is that banks and businesses shows a zinnia in bloom.— AFP large number of ethnic Iranians and a channel for con- will not be able to use US correspondent banks for clear- sumer goods imports into that country. But that rela- ing or settling any Iranian business deals. Iran will tionship has been dented by sanctions and a spat instead have to secure dollars through non-US banks, KPC denies reports of cuts in fuel... between Iran and Saudi Arabia. State Bank of India also money changers or convert other currency reserves into has an Iran representative office, according to its web- dollars. In turn, for those banks to maintain relationships Continued from Page 1 rel a day after dropping below $29 a barrel. The fall came site, although calls to the branch were unanswered. with US clearing banks, they will have to find ways to as global and Gulf stock markets were routed with con- Aside from trade finance, wealth management and demarcate their dollar business from their Iran dealings. Meanwhile, MP Faisal Al-Kandari yesterday warned tinuous losses since the start of the year. Gulf bourses project finance are seen as potential sweet spots for Some Gulf lenders have already been taking legal advice that a drop of oil prices below $20 a barrel is a catastro- however made a comeback yesterday with Qatar banks entering Iran, though some banks will be wary on how to facilitate such a move, a legal source said. phe and urged the government to propose alternative rebounding 5.5 percent and Saudi Arabia gaining 4.1 of their chequered history of Iranian business dealings. There are other potential risks. Sanctions remain in measures to diversify sources of income, which heavily percent. Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank are among several place for Iran’s hardline elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard depend on oil. Kandari also called on the government to Kandari said that contingency plans must be devised international banks fined in the past for violating US Corps (IRGC) and companies and entities linked to it. submit its vision for the present and the future in the and implemented within well-defined periods in order sanctions. Commerzbank is nevertheless looking into Banks or other entities found to be trading with the IRGC face of low oil prices, adding that Kuwait’s dependence to face the consequences of the price collapse. All Gulf Iran. “Commerzbank is monitoring the development or affiliates faces being fined or frozen out of the US on oil as the only source of income poses a serious risk states except Kuwait have cut energy subsidies in a bid very closely and is reviewing a possible adjustment of financial system or even sanctioned themselves. “One of for economic collapse. He warned that Kuwaiti fiscal to boost non-oil revenues. But the government plans to its policy (of doing business with Iran),” a spokes- my biggest concerns is the possibility of snapback. What reserves are not enough to support public spending if meet with MPs to brief them about plans to cut subsi- woman said. happens if the US turns around in, say, six months and oil prices continue to fall in the current pace. dies on commodities and services including petrol, elec- Other Western lenders are more cautious though. says Iran has reneged on its commitments,” said a sanc- KPC yesterday said the price of Kuwaiti oil plunged to tricity and water. No time has been fixed for the pro- “Deutsche Bank will, for the time being, stick to its deci- tions manager at a major UK-based bank. “I don’t think $20.20 on Monday, the lowest level in 13 years. Brent posed meeting between ministers and MPs to discuss sion of withholding from doing business connected to any of the banks will want to be seen as the ‘go to’ bank - and WTI crude prices rallied slightly to around $30 a bar- the issue. Iran,” a spokesman said. Standard Chartered was fined at least for now.” — Reuters WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 SPORTS

Embattled Coe ‘not in denial’ of challenge facing IAAF

PARIS: Embattled IAAF president the IAAF Council that should have been from Pound’s report, criticizing the IAAF Sebastian Coe admits that his five- aware of the astonishing level of corrup- Council but then backing Coe. “Yes, I do month tenure of athletics governing tion, WADA said. Dick Pound, former understand and I think that is in large body has been a “real challenge”, but WADA president and author of the part because it’s not at all obvious to insisted in an interview with AFP that he reports, handed Coe a lifeline, however, most people the nature and structure of is under no illusions about the problems when he publicly endorsed him as the sport,” he said. “You have an elected ahead. Since taking over from the dis- right man to lead the IAAF out of the council and four vice-presidents and a graced Lamine Diack, Coe has had to storm engulfing the Olympics’ top sport. senior vice-president. I was never senior battle through a scandal that has seen “I’m grateful to the independent com- vice-president, I was never number two Russia banned over “state-sponsored” mission because they have spent a lot of in the organization. I was a vice-presi- doping and a raft of top officials, includ- time helping shed light onto something dent and this sits at the heart of changes ing Diack, accused of taking bribes from we need to understand as much as we I want to make.” doped athletes. possibly can,” Coe said. Coe has come under attack in the “The last few months have been a “I took some comfort from some of media and from some athletes over his real challenge, you would be surprised if the conclusions that our systems are not apparent inaction-he insists he suspect- I said it wasn’t. The sport has been hit chronically broken, that the IAAF has a ed nothing, even giving Diack a glowing hard,” Coe said in a wide-ranging inter- good record in addressing these issues, valedictory speech when he took over in view. “I can’t tell you that I sit here taking that it did do the pioneering work on the August. Coe also does not consider him- a great deal of comfort from very much blood passport and accredited laborato- self facing a personal attack. “I tend not at the moment.” In a career that has seen ries, and, in their (WADA) words not to see this as a personal issue,” Coe said. UNTERSCHLEISSHEIM: The International Association of Athletics Federations him win two Olympic 1500m gold mine, the IAAF did follow up where it “There are two very different issues here. (IAAF) ‘s President Sebastian Coe attends a press conference on the report of medals before becoming a successful was at all possible. “We’re not in denial There is the scrutiny that my own organ- the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) concerning allegations of widespread businessman and a member of the about the challenge that there is, but I ization, the IAAF, has been under and doping in international atheltics, in Unterschleissheim near Munich, southern British parliament, Coe knows how to was pleased to have the report confirm the broader issue about anti-doping Germany.— AFP dodge and take a bullet or two. The 59- that good people did do what they protocols around the world. So I don’t year-old found himself at the eye of the could to raise their concerns and tend to sit here, really genuinely think- restore the trust and confidence of both added: “I feel the pain that we all feel at storm after a World Anti-Doping Agency through an ethics commission and we ing I’m the subject of a witch hunt. “I the public and athletes would take time. the moment because we love our sport. (WADA) independent commission pub- need to make sure the future of our have to go on doing what I’m doing. I’m “We cannot expect the public to imme- It’s been painful to see where our sport lished two damning reports detailing sport is built on good people.” not oblivious to the commentary accom- diately turn around and say we trust is at the moment in public perception, “embedded” corruption within the top panying what we’re trying to do and I you,” he said. “It’s a long process. The so I only have one focus which is to do echelons of the IAAF. Baffled will absorb. There’s no monopoly on wis- changes I can make may not take that whatever I can to put systems in place Coe, who served eight years as a vice- Coe said he understood widespread dom here.” long to make, but the journey to trust is that regain the trust primarily of the president under Diack, was a member of confusion over conflicting messages Coe said reforms he has instigated to a longer one and it’s not scientific.” He clean athletes.”— AFP

Sri Lanka captain Mathews defends players after coach gets fixing ban COLOMBO: Sri Lanka captain Angelo ducted in this regard, Sri Lanka Cricket has Mathews defended the team’s cricketers decided to suspend Anusha Samaranayake yesterday after recording a statement for a period of two months until further before police in connection with a match- investigations are concluded. “Gayan fixing scandal that has led to the suspen- Vishwajith has been totally barred from sion of a bowling coach. Sri Lanka Cricket participating in any capacity whatsoever in (SLC) handed Anusha Samaranayake a two- Sri Lanka Cricket in the future.” The police’s month ban on Monday over his relation- Financial Crime Investigation Division ship with net bowler Gayan Vishwajith, (FCID) has interviewed wicketkeeper Kusal who allegedly approached national team Perera and leading spinner Rangana Herath players to under-perform during a test about an alleged offer of thousands of dol- match against West Indies in October. “Sri lars to engineer a batting collapse for a Lanka Cricket has received several com- West Indies victory in the match at Galle. plaints regarding the close acquaintance of “We all want this game to be clean and Anusha Samaranayake and the main sus- whoever has done something wrong, we pect Gayan Vishwajith, who had want them to bring before the courts and take certain decisions,” the 28-year-old Mathews told reporters after spending five hours at the FCID. “As captain of the team I have to mention that the cricketers felt really uncomfortable the last few days because they are the ones who came for- ward and reported this to ICC (International Cricket Council) and SLC.” Sri Lanka went on to win the first test by an innings and six MELBOURNE: India’s Ishant Sharma falls to the ground after bowling to Australia’s James Faulkner during their one day international cricket runs and the two-match series 2-0 after match in Melbourne, Australia.—AP another victory in Colombo. Perera, 25, is facing a four-year ban after world governing body the ICC provisional- ly suspended him for failing an out-of- Pakistan gambles on T20 competition anti-doping test in October. Sri Lanka Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera suggested last month that Perera could have paid the price for League to boost coffers reporting the alleged match-fixing offer and said the country would appeal against COLOMBO: Sri Lanka cricket skipper the wicketkeeper’s suspension. “Both play- KARACHI: Pakistan is rolling the dice on global and attracted a whopping $1.75 billion from the Australian reporter in the BBL. He remains a Angelo Mathews leaves the police Financial ers (Perera and Herath) had been superstars such as Chris Gayle and Kevin sale of TV rights over a 10-year period. box-office pull however, and warmed up for his Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) build- approached by some people to lose the Pietersen to boost the country’s cash-strapped By contrast, the PSL’s five teams were sold for PSL stint with a record-equalling 50 off just 12 ing in Colombo yesterday. —AFP second test match against West Indies in cricket board when its new high-octane, short- $93 million for a period of a decade while TV balls in his final BBL innings on Monday night. Galle last year,” a sports ministry official form Twenty20 league begins in the UAE next rights and title sponsorship fetched around $20 approached several national players for the said. “Then they both complained to the month. But insiders warn Pakistan’s first fran- million for three years. While the teams - Bringing the game home alleged illegal activities of match-fixing,” authorities and the sports minister. Based chise-based league may not be enough to over- Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, Lahore and On the financial side, bringing the league to the SLC said in a statement. on the complaints, the FCID started the come revenue and time lost during the coun- Peshawar - were given a total salary cap of $1.1 Pakistan soil as soon as possible is key to its last- “Pursuant to a preliminary inquiry con- investigations.”— Reuters try’s long exile from hosting international crick- million each, the IPL salary cap rose to $52.8 ing success, a management source said. et. Pakistan has been forced to play nearly all its million for all teams combined in 2011. In 2014, “Everybody’s hoping and projecting that the home series at neutral venues since Islamist India’s World Cup heroes Gautam Gambhir and league will come to Pakistan. If it doesn’t come fighters attacked the Sri Lanka team’s bus in Yuvraj Singh earned $2.4 million and $2.33 mil- in two to three years then the viability becomes RugbyU: Noves rings the 2009, killing eight people and injuring nine oth- lion. But the top five “icon players” in the PSL- difficult. “It’s a bit untested. You’re playing 25 to ers, including six touring cricketers. Chris Gayle of the West Indies, England’s maver- 30 matches in two venues. There is a limit you changes for Six Nations After two aborted attempts, the first edition ick Kevin Pietersen, Australian all-rounder Shane can draw. You don’t get the league feel of home of Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held next Watson, and Pakistan’s all-round pair of Shoaib and away games until you bring it to Pakistan- PARIS: New France coach Guy Noves rang paign against Italy on February 6. The eight month at two venues-Dubai and Sharjah - in the Malik and Shahid Afridi - will earn $200,000. that’s when you can create a genuine buzz.” He the changes, calling up eight newcomers, newcomers have already linked up with the United Arab Emirates, the team’s home away With its comparatively lower wage structure added that the concept of merchandising was including France Sevens star Virimi team during group training sessions on from home. “This was long overdue,” former PCB and smaller returns, former Pakistan captain new to Pakistan, where rampant piracy remains Vakatawa, in his 31-man squad for the January 4 and 11. Veteran fly-half Francois CEO Ramiz Raja said. “I think the spread and the Rashid Latif fears PSL could be particularly sus- an issue, and it would be difficult to give the upcoming Six Nations tournament. “We Trinh-Duc, still recovering from a shinbone pie will be larger and the PSL will give hope and ceptible to fixing. “Teams will not be able to competition a genuine league feel away from tried to involve young players on every injury, has been provisionally left out of the scope to Pakistan cricket besides helping recover expenses without fixing,” Latif, who as a home. But some in Pakistan’s business commu- line,” explained Noves, who took over fol- squad and replaced by Toulouse’s Jean- emerging and middle-tier players.” But insiders player blew the whistle on fixing teammates, nity are more optimistic. “Our money box is lowing France’s ignominious World Cup exit Marc Doussain. agree there is little hope for the tournament to said. “If they don’t use that, they will suffer huge empty and we have to cajole India (to partici- in October and a record 62-13 quarter-final “We had a discussion with Francois .. He continue if it can’t eventually return home for losses.” Gayle, arguably the tournament’s most pate), but I am sure people will support it and in defeat to winners New Zealand. Fiji-born knew that his presence depended on his greater gate and TV revenues. high-profile T20 star, recently damaged his own my opinion in the next three to five years it will centre Vakatawa, 23, who started his career performances on the pitch. We know that With lower salary caps than leagues else- standing after being involved in a sexism row make profits,” said Pakistani businessman Zafar at Racing 92, has over the past year estab- Francois has resumed training very serious- where, it will also need to steer clear of the ever- following flirtatious remarks made to an Motiwala.— AFP lished himself as a star of international cali- ly,” said Noves. The main surprise however present threat of fixing that has hit its predeces- bre in France’s Sevens team, with his explo- was the inclusion of Stade Francais flanker sor leagues in India and Bangladesh, resulting in sive and versatile style catching the eye of Antoine Burban, also on the comeback trail bans for the likes of international stars Noves and his coaching staff. after three months out injured. Burban, 28, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth of India and IAAF scandal ‘worse “We tried to build a team which will who has three caps, replaces South African- Mohammad Ashraful of Bangladesh. With allow us to work in continuity, with an eye born flanker Bernard Le Roux, who is Pakistan’s young pace star Mohammed Amir to the next four years,” said Noves. Scrum- absent for personal reasons. France begin making his international comeback after five than soccer’s crisis’ half Sebastien Bezy, lock Paul Jedrasiak, their Six Nations campaign at home to Italy years in the wilderness for spot-fixing, the coun- flankers Yacouba Camara and Kevin at the Stade de France in Paris on February try can ill afford a repeat of the sort of contro- LONDON: The corruption scandal that has FIFA is facing the worst crisis in it history as a Gourdon, prop Jefferson Poirot, hooker 6. In four tournaments under Noves’ prede- versy that has blighted it more than any other rocked athletics is worse than the one that total of 41 individuals and entities have been Camille Chat and centre Jonathan Danty cessor Philippe Saint-Andre, Les Bleus nev- team since the phenomenon emerged in the has plunged soccer body FIFA into crisis charged with corruption-related offences in will also join the group from January 25-27 er finished above fourth and even took the late 1990s. because it punished clean athletes, four- the United States. FIFA also faces a parallel before France open their Six Nations cam- wooden spoon in 2013.—AFP times Olympic gold medalist Michael Swiss probe. Sepp Blatter, the soccer body’s Lost time, lost revenue Johnson said yesterday. “With athletics, if you long-serving head, has been banned for The board estimates it has lost nearly $200 think about the victims, it is absolutely eight years. million in TV and ticketing revenue from 2009 to worse,” the 400 metres world record holder Johnson said the IAAF, now led by date, a period which has also coincided with a told BBC radio. “The victims here are those Britain’s Sebastian Coe, needed to be “com- boycott by India-cricket’s wealthiest nation, (clean) athletes. They never had the opportu- pletely restructured” but saw little merit in a which guarantees massive paydays for oppo- nity to stand on the podium and they should suggestion that world records should be nents. To set about improving its economic have,” added the American sprinter. An inde- reset as a way of moving on from the crisis. health, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided pendent commission of the World Anti- “It doesn’t make sense to me how a reset of it needed to replicate the success of the cash- Doping Agency (WADA) has stated in a all the world records is going to deal with rich Indian Premier League (IPL), but two earlier damning report that “corruption was embed- the issue of people cheating,” said Johnson. attempts were aborted after a lack of sponsor- ded” at the International Association of “It doesn’t create a clean competition and ship, in 2013 and 2014. Athletics Federations (IAAF). that does not deter anyone from cheating.” PSL chairman Najam Sethi was bullish. The report found that a clique run by for- The American also questioned whether “Teams will use merchandising and hopefully mer IAAF president Lamine Diack covered up Russia’s ban from all competitions as a we will make this product profitable which will organized doping and blackmailed athletes result of state-sponsored doping should help us stand on our feet and we will not need while senior officials looked the other way. extend to this year’s Rio Olympics. “Do you to take money from anyone,” he said on a TV Diack is under formal investigation in France ban an entire country that ostensibly could show he hosts recently. But compared to the IPL on suspicion of corruption and money-laun- include clean athletes, from participating in and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), the PSL dering linked to the concealment of positive Rio? That is a very difficult decision to looks like a “poor man’s league”. The IPL earned drug tests in concert with Russian officials. make,” he said.—Reuters France coach Guy Noves $700 million from the sale of eight franchises WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 SPORTS

The first National Guard Shooting Championship

By Abdellatif Sharaa during the closing ceremony, Eng Duaij port in the annual Late Sheikh Fahad Al- Al-Otaibi highly appreciated the role of Salem Al-Sabah Tournament, which will KUWAIT: The first National Guard the National Guard President HH Sheikh be held from Jan 21 until Jan 23. The Shooting Championship was just con- Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, and Vice-presi- tournament will include the 10 Meter cluded at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad dent Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Pistol and Rifle, the 50 Meter Pistol and Olympic Shooting Complex in the pres- in supporting the development of rifle and Archery with the participation ence of Brig Bader Abdallah Al-Ahmad, shooting. Al-Otaibi thanked the political of national teams, club shooters and the operations commander at the National leadership that gave Kuwait Shooting National Guard. Guard, President of Kuwait and Arab the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Al-Osaimi said the tournament car- Shooting Federations Eng Duaij Al- Shooting Complex. ries the name of one of the national Otaibi, Kuwait and Arab Shooting Results of the tournament were as symbols who participated in the devel- Federations Secretary General Obaid Al- follows: SKEET: Abdallah Hadi, Abdellatif opment of modern Kuwait, when he Osaimi, Kuwait Shooting Sport Club Al-Namlan, Abdallah Hamad. - TRAP: headed several departments and laid Board Member, Eng Hussam Al-Roumi Abdelaziz Mane, Abdallah Sultan, Fahad the corner stones for a large number of and officials from the National Guard. Awadh. Meanwhile, the Secretary vital facilities that are still bearing his The championship included Olympic General of Kuwait and Arab Shooting name. Al-Osaimi lauded the major sup- Skeet and Trap as a large number of Federations thanked Sheikha Latifa Al- port Sheikha Latifa Al-Fahad gives to guardsmen participated. In his speech, Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah for her sup- shooting and shooters. Ewan storms 1st stage of Tour Down Under

ADELAIDE: Australia’s newest cycling star Lake was joined at the front by France’s Caleb Ewan unleashed a withering turn of Alexis Gougeard (AG2R La Mondiale) and speed to claim the opening stage of the Dutchman Martin Keizer (Lotto NL-Jumbo) UCI Tour Down Under in South Australia with the trio breaking away to lead by over yesterday. Ewan, 21, burst onto the world two minutes. But the peloton, led by ORICA cycling scene in 2015 with a series of GreenEDGE’s Michael Hepburn, never let strong results, including winning a stage at them get away and slowly began to reel Spain’s Vuelta. He showed his class yester- them in. Keizer was dropped with 38 kilo- day, biding his time perfectly to overwhelm meters to go and Gougeard gave up at the the rest of the field and win in three hours, 22km mark, but Lake persevered until 24.13 minutes. The ORICA GreenEDGE rider inside the last 10 kilometers, when he was finished a clear bike length ahead of fellow finally caught. First Team Sky and then Australian Mark Renshaw (Team Dimension African outfit Dimension Data came to the Data) and Cannondale’s Wouter Wippert front to try and set the race up for their from the Netherlands. “I felt really good all respective sprinters Ben Smith and day and the team obviously backed me all Renshaw. day because they rode at the front from the But Ewan glided up on the long finishing start,” Ewan said. straight and with 50 meters to go, changed “I’m just so happy I could finish it off for gear and surged to the lead for an emphatic them.” The 130.8-kilometre opening stage victory. “You have to be super-conservative from Prospect, just north of Adelaide, to because the sprinters are so fast these days the Barossa Valley town of Lyndoch, went it’s usually the guy with the freshest legs ahead in oppressive heat that tested the and the strongest team who wins,” said cyclists in their first race of the year. Ewan, who will now wear the ochre leader’s Temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius jersey. “It’s a really proud moment for me. throughout the day, while riders also had I’ve never led a World Tour race and to lead to deal with strong winds and high humidi- my first one in my own country is a real ty. The first stage had a familiar feel to it honor for me.” Today’s 132km second stage when UniSA’s Sean Lake attacked at the starts in Adelaide and finishes in the pictur- GLENDALE: The Buffalo Sabres and Arizona Coyotes get involved in a post game fight following the NHL game at Gila River Arena on January four-kilometer mark, a standard tactic at esque town of Stirling, a ride expected to 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Sabres defeated the Coyotes 2-1. — AFP the Tour Down Under from the local team favor the general classification hopefuls made up of promising Australian riders. rather than the sprinters.— AFP Blues fly over Penguins 5-2

ST LOUIS: Paul Stastny had a goal and three assists, Jose. Max McCormick and Bobby Ryan scored to pucks off the post. He was perfect in the shootout and the St Louis Blues beat the Pittsburgh Penguins stake the Senators to a 2-0 lead, but Ottawa once to earn the win. Tomas Hertl, Logan Couture and 5-2 on Monday night. Alexander Steen, Vladimir again needed a late comeback two days after scor- Matt Nieto scored for the Sharks, who had their Tarasenko, Troy Brouwer and Kevin Shattenkirk also ing four third-period goals to win 5-3 in Los five-game winning streak snapped. Alex Stalock scored for the Blues, who have won four of five fol- Angeles. Craig Anderson made 32 saves and helped made 14 saves but was beaten by Zibanejad in the lowing a five-game losing streak. Brian Elliott made kill a late penalty in overtime with the help of two second round of the shootout.—AP 36 saves. Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz scored, and Kris Letang had two assists for the Penguins. They have lost three of four and five of seven. Jeff Zatkoff, making his first start since Dec. 31, stopped 20 shots.

OILERS 4, PANTHERS 2 Taylor Hall snapped a scoring drought with two goals, Cam Talbot stopped 30 shots and Edmonton added to Florida’s slide. Teddy Purcell had a goal and two assists for Edmonton, which led 3-0 after two periods and then withstood a Florida rally in the final 20 minutes. Jordan Eberle also scored for the Oilers. Hall, who had an assist as well, scored just one goal in his previous 14 games. Reilly Smith and Quinton Howden scored early in the third peri- ADELAIDE: Australian Caleb Ewan from Orica Greenedge wins stage 1 of the Tour od for Florida, which has dropped four straight Down Under from Prospect to Lyndoch in Adelaide yesterday.— AFP since winning 12 in a row. Al Montoya gave up three goals on the first seven shots he faced, and the Panthers had their club-record home winning streak snapped at seven games. Since their winning Journeymen pros crowd fund, streak, the Panthers have been outscored 16-5.

couch surf to chase tour dream AVALANCHE 2, JETS 1 Carl Soderberg had a goal and an assist to help FLORIDA: Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle (14) shoots for a goal against Florida MELBOURNE: Aspiring tennis professionals been approached about match fixing and Colorado defeat Winnipeg. Jarome Iginla scored his Panthers goalie Al Montoya (35) during the first period of an NHL hockey game on Monday, Jan are washing their shirts in hotel baths, sleep- was surprised by the reports. While he now 13th of the season and Semyon Varlamov made 36 18, 2016 in Sunrise, Fla. — AP ing on sofas and relying on crowd funding makes a comfortable living from the tour, saves for the Avalanche. Joel Armia scored his sec- to chase their Grand Slam dreams-a stark many of his colleagues do not. According to ond NHL goal for Winnipeg, and Connor Hellebuyck contrast with star players which some fear research conducted on behalf of governing stopped 31 shots. The Jets again failed in an NHL Results/Standings could be fuelling corruption in the sport. body, the International Tennis Federation, attempt to win a third straight game this season. Tennis was rocked on Monday following almost 45 percent of the 13,736 players at all Edmonton 4, Florida 2; St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 2; Colorado 2, Winnipeg 1; Buffalo 2, Arizona 1; Ottawa 4, San Jose 3 (SO). reports that authorities had failed to deal professional levels of the sport earned noth- SABRES 2, COYOTES 1 Western Conference Detroit 23 14 8 111 116 54 with widespread match-fixing, just as the ing from it in 2013. Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist, Chad Central Division Tampa Bay 24 17 4 119 107 52 Australian Open, the first grand slam tourna- Only about 10 percent covered their Johnson made 26 saves and Buffalo beat struggling ment of the year, kicked off in Melbourne. costs. The research carried out by Kingston W L OTL GF GA PTS Boston 23 16 5 133 116 51 Arizona. Jamie McGinn also scored and Rasmus Chicago 31 13 4 140 110 66 Montreal 23 19 4 128 118 50 Experts said tennis was ripe for corrup- University in London, also found that players Ristolainen had two assists for the Sabres, who have Dallas 29 12 5 154 124 63 tion due to the ease of fixing a one-on-one ranked in the top 50, on average, earn more won two straight and four of five following a six- St. Louis 27 15 7 126 123 61 Ottawa 22 18 6 129 141 50 sport, as well as the large disparity between than $1 million a year on both the men’s and game skid. Antoine Vermette’s goal at 8:04 of the Minnesota 22 15 8 113 106 52 Buffalo 19 23 4 107 123 42 the multi-million dollar earnings of top play- women’s tours. Those from 51-100 earn in third period ended a scoreless drought of more Colorado 23 21 3 131 130 49 Toronto 16 20 7 108 122 39 ers and the lower rungs of professionals, excess of $200,000, while 101-250 average than six periods for Arizona in its third straight loss. Nashville 20 17 8 116 123 48 Metropolitan Division Winnipeg 21 22 3 119 131 45 where even mundane costs like laundry add around $85,000. For those players ranked Louis Domingue stopped 26 shots in his first regula- Washington 34 8 3 149 97 71 up. “Hotel laundry was $10 a shirt and there from 251-500 the earnings drop away to just Pacific Division tion defeat in 11 starts since taking over for injured Los Angeles 28 13 3 118 99 59 NY Islanders 24 15 6 123 112 54 was no other laundry, so I hand washed $16,000 a year. The average cost just from Mike Smith. Johnson made 11 saves in the first peri- NY Rangers 24 16 5 129 120 53 everything,” American pro Denis Kudla, who food, travel, accommodation and equip- San Jose 23 18 3 127 121 49 od when the Coyotes failed to score despite being Arizona 22 18 5 123 135 49 Pittsburgh 21 17 7 110 113 49 balked at the cost at a hotel in the South ment to play professional tennis in 2013 was on the power play for 6 minutes. Arizona went 0 for Vancouver 19 17 10 111 127 48 New Jersey 22 19 5 101 110 49 Pacific island of Noumea, told a small group $38,800 for men and $40,180 for women, 5 with the man advantage. Anaheim 19 18 7 88 105 45 Philadelphia 20 15 8 98 114 48 of reporters. the Kingston research found. By compari- Calgary 20 20 3 116 131 43 Carolina 20 19 8 111 129 48 “I filled up a bath and did 30 pieces of son, US secondary school teachers earn Edmonton 19 23 5 115 136 43 SENATORS 4, SHARKS 3, SO Columbus 17 25 4 116 146 38 clothing then used anything I could to hang roughly $59,000 a year, while journalists Zack Smith tied the game with a short-handed Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the everything all over the place.” Kudla, now earn about $45,000 according to US penalty shot and Mika Zibanejad scored the lone Florida 26 15 5 121 105 57 standings and are not included in the loss column (L). 69th in the ATP rankings, says he has never Department of Labor statistics.—Reuters goal in a shootout to help Ottawa rally past San WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 SPORTS

MELBOURNE: Melbourne Victoria Azarenka of Belarus makes a backhand return to Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium during their first oundr match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne yesterday. — AP Tennis stars ask why is courtside gambling OK?

MELBOURNE: Andy Murray finds it “hypocrit- but did not name names. For the first time at Melbourne Park, elec- what’s wrong.” Fernando Verdasco joined the conversa- ical” that tennis authorities are trying to The governing bodies for tennis have pre- tronic advertising boards at Rod Laver Arena, Tennis officials defended the partnership tion, after staging the tournament’s biggest stamp out match-fixing run by gambling syn- sented a unified front in rejecting the claims, Margaret Court Arena and Hisense Arena dis- with gambling sponsors and provided an upset so far by beating Rafael Nadal in a first- dicates but have partnered with a major and highlighted the fact that five players and play the name “William Hill” during breaks in explanation that one Australian paper, The round five-setter Tuesday. The No 45-ranked gambling company that is now advertising an official had received life bans after investi- play. “I’m not really pro that,” Murray, a four- Age, called “positive topspin.” ATP Chairman Verdasco was still basking in his victory over on the Australian Open’s show courts. The gations from the Tennis Integrity Unit which time finalist in Melbourne said Tuesday, after Chris Kermode said that betting on sports was the 14-time Grand Slam winner when asked, two issues are separate but have collided at was set up in 2008. No 2-ranked Murray and advancing to the second round. “I think it’s a “a legal pastime” - not to be confused with in English, at his post-match news conference this year’s Australian Open, where tennis was other top players, including Roger Federer little bit hypocritical,” Murray added. “You corrupt forms of gambling like match-fixing. about the match-fixing allegations. He said overshadowed for a second day Tuesday by and Novak Djokovic, say authorities could be know, because I don’t believe the players are “The distinction to make is that betting itself he did not approve of gambling on tennis allegations that match-fixing has gone doing more to combat the problem. The play- allowed to be sponsored by betting compa- is not an illegal pastime and many people do matches. “I would take out the betting. But I unchecked in tennis. The controversy ignited ers said they have known the issue existed nies, but the tournaments are. I don’t really bet on sport. What we are talking about is cor- can’t take it out,” Verdasco said. “We are trying Monday when the BBC and Buzzfeed News but they doubt any top players have been understand how it all works. I think it’s a bit ruption,” he told a news conference Monday to fight against that.” For No 13 Milos Raonic published reports alleging that the sport’s involved. Murray said the sport was sending strange.” A day earlier, No 1-ranked Djokovic called to reject claims that any evidence on the focus on gambling was an unwanted dis- highest authorities had ignored evidence of mixed messages by allowing betting compa- called it “borderline.” “It’s a fine line. Honestly, match-fixing had been suppressed or gone traction. “Tennis is a beautiful (sport),” said match-fixing involving 16 players who had ny William Hill to become one of the it’s on a borderline, I would say,” Djokovic said. unchecked. Kermode added that legitimate Raonic, after winning his first-round match. been ranked in the top 50 over the past Australian Open’s sponsor’s this year and “Whether you want to have betting compa- betting agencies could even help tennis He called it unfortunate that “the attention of decade. The report said that half of those advertise on the tournament’s three main nies involved in the big tournaments in our authorities to spot corruption, since stamping the first Grand Slam of the year is more on players were at this year’s Australian Open show courts. sport or not, it’s hard to say what’s right and out illegal gambling benefits them too. that than the Australian Open.”—AP Curry humbles LeBron as Warriors rout Cavs CLEVELAND: Stephen Curry scored 35 points Brooklyn with 29 points and 10 rebounds. The in three quarters, Andre Iguodala added 20 and Nets have lost three straight and eight of their the Golden State Warriors returned to the floor last nine. The game featured eight lead where they won the NBA championship last changes and 11 ties. Toronto took a 103-98 lead season and embarrassed the Cleveland with 5:48 left behind five straight points from Cavaliers 132-98 on Monday night. The Warriors Terrence Ross. built a 30-point lead in the first half and bounced back from a shocking loss in Detroit MAVERICKS 118, CELTICS 113, OT over the weekend by winning their fifth Dirk Nowitzki scored 31 points for Dallas, straight over Cleveland. Only a late flurry of and Deron Williams had 10 of his 20 points in points helped the Cavs avoid their worst home overtime. Dallas hit its first four 3-pointers to loss in franchise history. Curry made seven 3- open overtime. The Mavericks rallied from a six- pointers - his last put the Warriors ahead by 40 point fourth-quarter deficit after leading by 17 late in the third quarter - and the reigning in the first half, and Nowitzki scored 14 points league MVP seemed right at home in Quicken in the fourth and seven in overtime. Isaiah Loans Arena, where the Warriors clinched their Thomas and Marcus Smart led Boston with 20 first title since 1975 last June. LeBron James points apiece. Avery Bradley had 19. Jae scored 16 for Cleveland, just back from going 5- Crowder, traded from Dallas to Boston last sea- 1 on its longest road trip this season. son, sent the game to overtime by hitting three free throws with 6.7 seconds left after being CLIPPERS 140, ROCKETS 132, OT fouled by Raymond Felton. Sharp-shooting JJ Redick scored a career- high 40 points and Los Angeles made a fran- TRAIL BLAZERS 108, WIZARDS 98 chise-record 22 3-pointers in an overtime win CJ McCollum made six 3-pointers and against Houston. Redick connected on his first scored 25 points, helping Portland rebound five attempts behind the arc and finished 9 for from its worst loss of the season. Portland was 12 on 3-pointers, tying Caron Butler’s club up by 17 points in the first half, but Washington record for 3s and coming within three makes of grabbed the lead in the third quarter. The Trail the NBA single-game record shared by Kobe Blazers responded with a 23-1 run. Meyers Bryant and Donyell Marshall. Chris Paul had 28 Leonard added 18 points for Portland, which CHARLOTTE: Charlotte Hornets’ Cody Zeller (40) gets his dunk attempt and head blocked by Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half of points and 12 assists for the Clippers. He, lost 114-89 at lowly Philadelphia on Saturday. an NBA basketball game on Monday Jan 18, 2016. — AP Redick and Jamal Crawford each made 3-point- Damian Lillard scored 16 points, and Mason ers while the Clippers opened overtime on a 9- Plumlee had 10 points, 11 rebounds and seven 2 run. Dwight Howard had 36 points and tied a assists. Washington star John Wall was limited NBA Results/Standings career high with 26 rebounds en route to his to nine points on 4-of-17 shooting. He had 36 10th straight double-double, the league’s points and 13 assists in Saturday’s 119-117 loss NY Knicks 119, Philadelphia 113 (OT); Charlotte 124, Utah 119 (OT); Portland 108, Washington 98; Memphis 101, New Orleans 99; Chicago 111, Detroit 101; Atlanta 98, longest active streak, and his longest since a to Boston. Orlando 81; Toronto 112, Brooklyn 100; Golden State 132, Cleveland 98; Dallas 118, Boston 113 (OT); LA Clippers 140, Houston 132 (OT). 14-game run three seasons ago. He secured it before halftime with 13 points and 15 boards. GRIZZLIES 101, PELICANS 99 Eastern Conference Western Conference Atlantic Division Northwest Division Marc Gasol had 16 points and 10 rebounds, W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 30 12 .714 - HORNETS 124, JAZZ 119, 2 OT leading the balanced Grizzlies to the victory. Toronto 26 15 .634 - Utah 18 23 .439 11.5 Kemba Walker scored a franchise-record 52 Matt Barnes, Jeff Green and Courtney Lee also Boston 22 20 .524 4.5 Portland 19 25 .432 12 points, powering Charlotte to the double-over- had 16 points apiece for Memphis, which has NY Knicks 21 22 .488 6 Denver 16 25 .390 13.5 time win. Walker made 16 of 34 shots from the won three in a row and five of six. Mike Conley Brooklyn 11 31 .262 15.5 Minnesota 13 29 .310 17 field, including 6 of 11 3-pointers. He was 14 of added 15 points and 10 assists. Lee converted a Philadelphia 5 38 .116 22 Pacific Division 15 on free throws. Walker broke the franchise free throw with 3.5 seconds left. He missed the Central Division Golden State 38 4 .905 - mark of 48 points set by Glen Rice on March 6, second one, but Gasol tapped the ball into the Cleveland 28 11 .718 - LA Clippers 27 14 .659 10.5 Chicago 24 16 .600 4.5 Sacramento 17 23 .425 20 1997, in an overtime win against Boston. backcourt, and Barnes let it roll until time Indiana 22 19 .537 7 Phoenix 13 29 .310 25 Marvin Williams added 19 points for the expired. Jrue Holiday led the Pelicans with 23 Detroit 22 19 .537 7 LA Lakers 9 34 .209 29.5 Hornets, and Frank Kaminsky scored 17. points and nine assists. Anthony Davis had 21 Milwaukee 18 25 .419 12 Gordon Hayward scored 36 points for Utah, points, eight rebounds and three blocks, and Southeast Division Southwest Division which trailed 65-50 with 6:11 remaining in the Ryan Anderson scored 14 points. Atlanta 25 17 .595 - San Antonio 36 6 .857 - Memphis 24 19 .558 12.5 third quarter. Trey Burke added 25 points. Miami 23 18 .561 1.5 Orlando 20 20 .500 4 Dallas 24 19 .558 12.5 BULLS 111, PISTONS 101 Houston 22 21 .512 14.5 KNICKS 119, 76ERS 113, 2 OT Pau Gasol had 31 points and 12 rebounds, Washington 19 21 .475 5 Charlotte 19 22 .463 5.5 New Orleans 13 27 .325 22 Carmelo Anthony returned from a two- and Chicago won again without Joakim Noah. game absence and made a tying 3 pointer with Noah dislocated his left shoulder Friday and 3.4 seconds left in regulation, and the Knicks likely will miss the rest of the season, but the beat the 76ers in two overtimes. Anthony was Bulls have had success without him. They just 7 for 28 from the field after sitting out two improved to 9-2 in 2015-16 when he doesn’t Tennis world reels amid allegations games with a sprained right ankle, but he play. Ersan Ilyasova had 19 points and 11 made the most important shot he took, a 3- rebounds for Detroit, which was outplayed pointer from straight away over Nerlens Noel after taking a 13-point lead in the first quarter. of endemic corruption, betting scam after the Knicks were on the verge of losing a The Pistons also lost their cool, getting called game they led by 18 points in the third quarter. for three technical fouls in the third. Detroit PARIS: A pioneer in terms of prevention, the fight (IRIS). In this way tennis, which represents an esti- witnessing corruption involving more important They finally won it in the second extra period, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope received two against match-fixing and corruption, tennis is also mated 20-25 percent of global online sports bet- games,” said Kalb. On a “big” game, in fact, the sparked by two baskets and a blocked shot of them and was ejected. Derrick Rose had 20 one of the most vulnerable sports, tempting for ting, has climbed to a 50 percent share of the live- amount of money wagered makes it easier to hide from reserve guard Langston Galloway. Arron points and Jimmy Butler added 16 for Chicago. international mafia groups’ bid to thwart the bet- betting market-the highly specialized betting potential match-fixing where bets can go up to Afflalo led the Knicks with 25 points and ting markets. A report alleging widespread corrup- offered throughout a game until its conclusion. several hundred thousand euros. Anthony had 19 points, seven rebounds and HAWKS 98, MAGIC 81 tion in tennis cast a shadow over the start of the British website Bet 365, one of the leaders in seven assists. Philadelphia’s Ish Smith had 16 Al Horford scored 15 points, Paul Millsap Australian Open as officials vigorously denied sup- online betting, has specialized in point by point 200 billion euros points and 16 assists. had 13 points and 12 rebounds, and the Hawks pressing evidence of match-fixing. Pim betting on major tournaments including It is estimated that the fortnight of the French Verschuuren, co-author of ‘Sports betting and cor- Wimbledon. Open generates more than a billion euros in bet- earned their second straight win. Atlanta had ruption’, believes however that tennis has “several And the more precise the bet, the easier it is to ting globally, and the entire tennis season over RAPTORS 112, NETS 100 six players score in double figures and led the risk factors” which makes it particularly easy to manipulate. “You can say to a player to lose the 200 billion euros. Of this, only 15 percent relates to Kyle Lowry scored 13 of his 31 points in the entire game. Jeff Teague had 14 points, and manipulate. fifth game, or someone in the crowd signals so he the legal market. A situation so flourishing that the fourth quarter, DeMar DeRozan scored 30 Mike Scott scored 12. Aaron Gordon finished “Firstly it’s an individual sport, so easier to loses a point,” explains Christian Kalb, former head sums offered by match-fixers are swelling faster points and Toronto matched a season high with 18 points and Elfrid Payton scored 16 for manipulate. Then, there is a big financial gap of the sports betting for France’s state-controlled than the prize money being offered by tourna- with its fifth straight win. Lowry had eight the Magic. Orlando was held to 34.5 percent between the players, and finally, you can bet on lottery and betting monopoly La Francaise des ment organizers. “If a mafia wants to launder hun- assists and hit three of his seven 3-pointers in shooting from the field, lowest this season for anything, any aspect of the game,” continued Jeux, who now works as a consultant on the sub- dreds of thousands of euros via a bet, it can put the final quarter. The Raptors outscored an Atlanta opponent. The Magic have lost sev- Verschuuren, who works as a researcher at the ject. “While five years ago this type of thing mainly 50,000 or 100,000 euros ($55,000/$109,000) on the Brooklyn 31-16 in the fourth. Brook Lopez led en of eight.— AP Institute of International and Strategic Relations concerned small tournament matches, now we are table to bribe a player,” explained Kalb. —AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 SPORTS

Infantino eyes regional World Cup if elected FIFA president

LONDON: The World Cup could be honor and benefits of hosting the World tions will be handed $40 million to invest has to be an objective assessment based spread across entire regions, emulating Cup,” Infantino’s manifesto says. in development projects and their on the best interests of football.” the continent-wide 2020 European The first World Cup bidding after the regional offshoots in Asia, Africa, the The International Football Association Championship, if Gianni Infantino wins Feb. 26 election is for the 2026 tourna- Caribbean and Central America can Board is already preparing to approve tri- next month’s FIFA presidential election. ment. The launch of the contest has been request another $4 million to organize als with a type of video replay system for The UEFA secretary general used his stalled since last year when FIFA was youth tournaments. The amounts are all referees. One idea Infantino proposes, manifesto, which was published Tuesday, swept up in a global soccer corruption within a four-year cycle. “If the target of which seems unique in an election cam- to say FIFA should not limit the tourna- scandal, which led to Sepp Blatter 50 percent of distribution of FIFA’s paign with few differences between the ment to be being held in one or two announcing plans to quit before being income is reached, these amounts will candidates, is starting a globe-trotting countries. The 2002 World Cup in Japan banned. Infantino, who is Swiss, is one of further increase significantly,” Infantino team of the game’s greats. Legends and South Korea is the only time the five presidential candidates currently said. games, organized by third-parties, have event has been co-hosted. Infantino, seeking votes from FIFA’s 209 member Infantino only entered the race after attracted big crowds in recent years. working alongside Michel Platini at UEFA, associations. In an attempt to entice fed- Platini, his boss at European governing Infantino envisages that the FIFA spearheaded spreading Euro 2020 across erations, Infantino is also offering them a body UEFA, was initially suspended by Legends Team would organize matches UEFA secretary general 13 countries. greater share of FIFA’s wealth, saying a FIFA in October before being handed an “against local line ups throughout all Gianni Infantino In November, Infantino told The “proper risk analysis must be conducted” eight-year ban last month. Distancing continents to promote football, social Associated Press of his plan to expand into whether the governing body requires himself from Platini, who blocked high- projects and charitable aims.” was born in the Swiss town of Brig - close the World Cup to 40 teams. Allowing sev- cash reserves as high as $1.5 billion. tech goal-line aids being used in the “Players who wish to give something to Blatter’s birth place of Visp. For the eral countries to stage matches in about Each of FIFA’s members will be offered Champions League, Infantino champions back to the world of football should be FIFA presidency, Infantino is competing a dozen stadiums would ensure the tour- $5 million to invest in development proj- expanding technology in the game. “FIFA positively encouraged to do so and FIFA against Asian Football Confederation nament is not limited to just a few ects and running costs - a huge increase shall start an open debate with all stake- should provide a platform for them,” President Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al wealthy potential hosts. “FIFA should on the $2.05 million per federation 2011- holders on the further use of technology writes Infantino, who is best known to Khalifa of Bahrain, former FIFA vice presi- investigate the possibility of organizing 2014 - and another $1 million, if required, in the game,” the manifesto says. soccer fans as the face of Champions dent Prince Ali bin al Hussein of Jordan, the World Cup not only in one or two for travel, which would be attractive to “Proposals should be fully tested and the League draws. The 45-year-old Infantino, former FIFA official Jerome Champagne countries but in a whole region, so small nations in remote regions. potential impact on the flow of the game a lawyer who has risen to UEFA’s top and South African businessman Tokyo enabling several countries to enjoy the Additionally, each of the six confedera- should be studied in detail. Finally, this administrative job since joining in 2000, Sexwale.—AP Eibar rout Granada

MADRID: Two goals each by Borja Baston Fernandez for Eibar’s second. Morocco for- and Sergi Enrich helped Eibar down ward Youssef El-Arabi pulled one back for Granada 5-1 in the Spanish league on Granada in the 65th, but two minutes later Monday. Japan midfielder Takashi Inui Enrich put the match beyond doubt when opened the scoring for Eibar after he raced he added Eibar’s third. Baston got his first into the box and connected with Sergio goal in the 74th and added another five “Keko” Gontan’s looping cross to beat goal- minutes later to complete Granada’s rout. keeper Andres Fernandez in the 35th Eibar is sixth-placed on 33 points with minute. Three minutes later Keko supplied Granada in 17th with 17 points after 20 another assist for Enrich to put past rounds.— AP Spanish League results/standings

MADRID: Spanish La Liga table after Monday’s match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Atletico Madrid20 15 2 3 30 8 47 Valencia 20 5 9 6 25 21 24 Barcelona 19 14 3 2 50 15 45 Malaga 20 6 6 8 15 17 24 Real Madrid 20 13 4 3 57 19 43 Real Sociedad 20 5 6 9 23 28 21 Villarreal 20 12 4 4 26 16 40 Espanyol 20 6 3 11 18 33 21 Celta Vigo 20 10 4 6 32 30 34 Real Betis 20 5 6 9 13 28 21 Eibar 20 9 6 5 32 21 33 Las Palmas 20 4 6 10 19 30 18 Sevilla 20 9 5 6 28 22 32 Granada 20 4 5 11 21 41 17 Deportivo 20 6 10 4 27 24 28 Rayo Vallecano20 4 4 12 23 45 16 Athletic Bilbao 20 8 4 8 27 28 28 Sporting Gijon 19 4 3 12 17 34 15 Getafe 20 7 5 8 24 28 26 Levante 20 3 5 12 17 36 14 Sepp Blatter Monreal extends Arsenal Blatter still receives stay, signs new contract

LONDON: Nacho Monreal has signed a because I was a new signing and I didn’t new contract with Arsenal, the English speak English. “But now I feel more com- his salary despite ban Premier League leaders announced yester- fortable with my team-mates and with day. The Gunners said Monreal, 29, had everything in general so that has helped signed a “long-term” deal but did not dis- me to play better because I have more con- MIAMI: FIFA’s Sepp Blatter may have been close the exact length of his contract. fidence in myself.” banned for eight years from the game but he is Monreal, who joined the north London Meanwhile veteran manager Wenger still receiving his president’s salary from world club from Malaga for a reported £10 million acknowledged Monreal’s influence since soccer’s governing body, a spokesman for FIFA’s Ex-prodigy Pennant inks ($14 million, 13 million euros) in January the defender’s arrival from La Liga three Audit and Compliance Committee told Reuters 2013, has been an ever-present in all of years ago. “He is a very important player at on Monday. Blatter was suspended for 90 days by ‘sexy’ deal in Singapore Arsenal’s 22 Premier League matches so far the club because he can play left-back and FIFA on Oct 8 and then banned from the game this season. “I’m really happy because my centre back,” said Wenger, whose side lead for eight years last month for ethics violations SINGAPORE: Former Arsenal and Liverpool January 7. “The financial component (of the intention was to keep playing for Arsenal. I the Premier League table on goal differ- over a $2 million payment FIFA made to winger Jermaine Pennant signed with a contract) is one not typical to what we tradi- feel really good playing here,” Monreal told ence from surprise title contenders European soccer boss Michel Platini with Blatter’s Singapore football club yesterday, hoping to tionally pay our players. We’ve been fortu- Arsenal Player. Leicester City. “He has the consistency in his approval in 2011. revive what was once one of the game’s nate that a couple of sponsors have stepped “I have a good relationship with my performances that is requested at the top But Blatter, a Swiss national who has been most promising careers and boost the ailing up to absorb the cost associated with the team-mates and we keep improving year level.” The Frenchman added: “Everyone in president of FIFA since 1998, will continue to be local professional league. The 33-year-old signing on,” Ramachandra told AFP last after year,” added the Spaniard, who has the Premier League would say that he has paid until a new president is elected on Feb 26, reformed wild boy joined Tampines Rovers, week. won successive FA Cups with Arsene become a very strong player. Arsenal are the spokesman Andreas Bantel said. That would five-time winners of the local S-League, Team officials hope Pennant’s star appeal Wenger’s side and displaced Kieran Gibbs gifted at the moment, I must say, with two mean Blatter would have been paid for nearly under a one-year contract. Tampines chair- can help revitalize the S-League, which has as the Gunners’ left-back. “I wanted to stay top-class left backs. We have many young five months during which time he was unable to man Krishna Ramachandra would not give seen dwindling attendances since crowds of here and I could extend my contract. I players. They need to be surrounded by carry out his duties, and a period in which FIFA details of his salary, telling reporters only it 30,000 packed the stands during the inau- would like to play here for many more experienced players, especially at the back. has appointed an acting president, African soccer was a “sexy” figure. The Straits Times news- gural season in 1996. “It will inject more con- years.” But Monreal said he had found it “We now have experience at the back. head Issa Hayatou. paper said last week that Pennant would be fidence into the fan base. In the long term, hard, initially, to adjust to life in England. Nacho is part of that - he’s a good example The compensation sub-committee of FIFA’s paid about Sg$40,000 ($28,000) a month, or this is the necessary fillip that Singapore “I’m very happy with my performances this for the young players and we have a good Audit and Compliance Committee recently ruled less than a quarter of his last drawn salary football has needed,” Ramachandra said. season. At the beginning it was difficult bunch of young players.”—AFP that it could stop Blatter’s bonuses but not, with Wigan Athletic. Ahead of Tuesday’s signing, a Facebook fan according to his contract, his salary. “Until the His salary could rise with bonuses related page for Pennant was set up. Pennant was election of a new president on February 26, Mr to his number of appearances, performance England’s most expensive teenager when he Blatter is the elected president and therefore - and team’s achievements, state broadcaster was snapped up for two million pounds by Hayatou gives up according to his contract - is entitled to receive Channel NewsAsia reported. Despite the Arsenal as a precocious 15-year-old. He was his remuneration,” Bantel said. Blatter’s US lawyer hefty cut, Pennant will be the highest paid acquired by Liverpool in 2006 for 6.7 million and his Switzerland-based spokesman could not player in the S-League’s 21-year history. He pounds. He later featured for a number of some CAF duties be immediately reached for comment. was also presented with a car at the signing clubs including Stoke City, Wolves, Wigan FIFA is facing the worst corruption crisis in it ceremony. “No matter where you go in the and Spanish side Real Zaragoza. history as a total of 41 individuals and entities, world, it’s always a great chance to prove But Pennant’s career was marred by his CAIRO: FIFA’s acting president Issa Ali has asked FIFA’s Electoral Committee including many former FIFA officials, have been yourself, no matter the level,” said Pennant, off-pitch misdemeanors, including discipli- Hayatou has given up some of his powers to look into an accord made on Friday by charged with corruption-related offences in the who has insisted that his wild days are nary issues and drink-driving convictions. In as Confederation of African Football (CAF) the CAF and the AFC, which is headed by United States. The US investigation is far from behind him following the birth of his son in 2005, while on loan from Arsenal at leader ahead of the increasingly contro- Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa a over and FIFA also faces a parallel Swiss probe. 2010. “I don’t look at it as lesser league, it’s Birmingham City, Pennant played wearing versial election campaign to head foot- leading rival for the FIFA presidency. Blatter’s bonuses have been stopped because he just another chapter in my career,” Pennant an electronic tag after being freed from jail ball’s world body. Hayatou will leave CAF’s “I am concerned that there has been was not carrying out his duties of supervising the added, referring to the S-League, which has for drink-driving. Despite his chequered handling of the FIFA election and rela- an attempt to breach electoral rules in the organization, including its general secretary. Only suffered from waning attendances. past, Ramachandra has been impressed by tions with other regional confederations FIFA presidential election,” Prince Ali said last week, FIFA announced that Jerome Valcke Pennant will don the number nine jersey the player, describing him as a “total profes- to his two vice presidents, according an of the CAF-AFC accord announced in was fired from his position as general secretary. It for Tampines, the league’s runners-up last sional”. Before arriving in Singapore, Pennant official statement. CAF decided the move Kigali on Friday. But Shaikh Salman has gave no reason but an investigation had fol- season. The winger, approaching the tail- also had a spell with Pune City in India and on Saturday, a day after FIFA presidential strongly denied any hint of misconduct end of his once-promising career, had been tried out with Thai Premier League outfit contender Prince Ali bin al Hussein made lowed allegations of corruption related to World saying negotiations had started before he on trial with the club since arriving on Muangthong United.—AFP a complaint over an accord made by the Cup ticket sales. CAF and the Asian Football Confederation became a candidate for the FIFA presiden- (AFC). cy. “I am astonished about my friend’s Compensation a secret CAF officials denied there was a link comments, which are wholly dismissed “The duty of supervision is listed explicitly in however. “The president, in agreement and entirely inaccurate,” Shaikh Salman the target agreements for the payment of bonus- with the executive committee, just wants said in a statement. The other FIFA candi- es. The compensation committee has therefore to exclusively wear his FIFA hat in han- dates are UEFA secretary general Gianni decided, at its last meeting, not to make any fur- dling the election for which the final Infantino, South African business tycoon ther bonus payments to Mr Blatter,” said Bantel. phase will start on January 26 with the Tokyo Sexwale and former FIFA official The size of Blatter’s compensation from FIFA has final list of candidates,” said a CAF Jerome Champagne of France.— AFP remained secret although reforms to be voted on spokesman Junior Binyam. Hayatou took at the organization’s February Congress call for over at FIFA when Sepp Blatter was sus- the disclosure of individual compensation for the pended by the world body in October. president and top executives. Blatter faces a criminal investigation in It is also unclear what Hayatou is getting paid Switzerland over a suspect $2 million pay- to be acting president. FIFA’s finances may have ment to UEFA chief Michel Platini. CAF taken a blow in the past year because of the said its executive committee on Saturday costs and distractions of the corruption scandal. “authorised a delegation of powers” to According to a report from the UK’s Press first vice president Suketu Patel and sec- Association late last year, the organization suf- ond deputy Almamy Kabele Camara. fered its first loss last year since 2001. Bantel “They will be in charge of relations declined to discuss what proportion of Blatter’s between CAF, other confederations, mem- payments came from his bonuses. The FIFA Ethics bers and candidates for the FIFA presiden- Committee said the payment to Platini, made at tial elections until the conclusion of the a time when Blatter was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented conflicts of FIFA electoral process.” Patel and Camara SINGAPORE: Teo Hock Seng (right) advisor for Tampines Rovers presents former Arsenal will also lead the African delegation at the interest, though both men denied any wrongdo- ing. Platini has also been banned from soccer for and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant a jersey with his name after the signing ceremo- FIFA election in Zurich on February 26. ny with Tampines Rovers in Singapore yesterday. — AFP CAF is to decide on February 5 which of eight years. Both Blatter and Platini have said the five FIFA candidates it will back. Prince Issa Hayatou they will appeal against their bans.— Reuters Curry humbles FIFA’s Blatter still LeBron; Warriors receives salary rout Cavaliers18 despite19 ban WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016

Eibar rout Granada 5-1 in Spanish league Page 19

MELBOURNE: Rafael Nadal (right) of Spain is consoled by compatriot Fernando Verdasco after his first round loss to Verdasco at het Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia yesterday. — AP Nadal, Halep stunned as shocks rock Open Wawrinka takes easy route into round two MELBOURNE: The more familiar shock of falling seeds had echoes of their marathon 2009 semi-final but with a been struggling with an Achilles injury, told reporters. “She Van Uytvanck 6-0 6-0 in the final match of the day. added to the ructions caused by allegations of tennis cor- reversed result. The fifth seed, who failed to win a grand beat me. It’s tough but it’s only one day, only one match Murray’s earlier encounter with teenager Alexander Zverev ruption as former champion Rafa Nadal and highly-fancied slam title last year for the first time in a decade, lost the last and I have many matches ahead of me.” was delayed in the second game when the German suf- Simona Halep both departed in the first round of the six games as world number 45 Verdasco unleashed a series Zhang burst into tears after winning her first grand fered a nosebleed but the former Wimbledon champion’s Australian Open yesterday. Nadal arrived at Melbourne of explosive forehands to take his place in the second slam singles match at the 15th attempt, later revealing that path to the second round otherwise ran smoothly. Park with high hopes of arresting his recent grand slam round. “He was playing amazing in the last set. If you she had considered quitting the sport. “I wanted try one The British four-times runner-up won 6-1 6-2 6-3 on decline only to depart, his optimism crushed, under a bar- decide everything in one set, the opponent is ready to hit more time, only one more time, yeah,” she said. “If Australia Hisense Arena while Wawrinka, his possible semi-final rage of winners from fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. all the balls at hundred percent, then you are in trouble,” Open not good, maybe I finish tennis.” Like Nadal, veteran foe and the only man to have broken Novak Djokovic’s Shortly after a dejected Nadal walked off court having the 2009 champion told reporters. Williams had been hoping to carry a resurgence in form grip on the Melbourne Park title in the last five years, tasted his first opening round loss at the Australian Open, from 2015 into the New Year but she was similarly disap- had an even shorter day, going through when Russian women’s second seed Halep bid farewell while another Tearful Zhang pointed after a 6-4 6-2 defeat at the hands of British num- Dmitry Tursunov retired hurt after the second set of high-profile casualty was seven-times major champion “The real thing is I was not enough aggressive with my ber one Johanna Konta. The 35-year-old eighth seeded their contest. Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt Venus Williams. Andy Murray, the men’s second seed, and forehand during the whole match. I didn’t feel it. I tried. I American faces a likely fine from organizers after holding a delighted the Rod Laver Arena crowd by extending his 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka both impressed as the on- fought. I was ready to do it, and I didn’t. I am sad for that.” post-match news conference. career for at least another two days with a 7-6(5) 6-2 6-4 court action took centre stage after the allegations of Halep gave similar reasons for her 6-4 6-3 defeat at the Seventh seed Angelique Kerber had to save a match victory over fellow Australian James Duckworth. Hewitt, matchfixing in the sport overshadowed Monday’s pro- hands of Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai, who was ranked point to stave off a fourth shock, rallying to beat Japan’s who is retiring after his 20th Australian Open, sent his gram. 131 places below the Romanian in the rankings going into Misaki Doi 6-7(4) 7-6(6) 6-3, while third seed Garbine compatriots into a frenzy when he wrapped up the Nadal appeared confused at how he had managed to their contest over on Margaret Court Arena. “I think it Muguruza beat Estonian Anett Kontaveit 6-0 6-4. Victoria match with a trademark lob to set up a clash with blow a 2-0 lead in the final set to go down 7-6(6) 4-6 3-6 7- wasn’t my good day but I give her a lot of credit as she Azarenka, twice an Australian Open champion, underlined eighth seed David Ferrer. “This is what I’m going to miss 6(4) 6-2 to Verdasco in a four hour 41 minute battle that played without fear and hit every ball,” Halep, who has her return to form and fitness, thrashing Belgium’s Alison the most, the buzz from the crowd,” he said.-— Reuters

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE Williams lifts Swansea LONDON: English Premier League table after Monday’s match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Arsenal 22 13 5 4 37 21 44 out of relegation zone Leicester 22 12 8 2 39 26 44 Man City 22 13 4 5 43 21 43 Tottenham 22 10 9 3 38 18 39 Man Utd 22 10 7 5 28 20 37 half goal secured Swansea’s first win skirmishes, Curtis’s team were West Ham 22 9 8 5 34 26 35 in their last five games in all competi- rewarded in the 27th minute when Stoke 22 9 6 7 24 22 33 Swansea 1 tions. Swansea’s second success in Wales international Williams rose Crystal Palace 22 9 4 9 23 24 31 their last 13 matches lifted them highest to power in Ki Sung-yueng’s Liverpool 22 8 7 7 25 28 31 Southampton 22 8 6 8 31 24 30 above Newcastle into 17th place and cross for the first goal by any Everton 22 6 11 5 39 32 29 Guidolin will begin work with the Swansea defender since March 2014. Watford 22 8 5 9 25 25 29 south Wales club one point clear of Watford didn’t have their first shot West Brom 22 7 6 9 22 30 27 Watford 0 Chelsea 22 6 7 9 31 34 25 the bottom three as he bids to main- on target until a minute before half- Bournemouth 22 6 6 10 26 37 24 tain their top-flight status for a sixth time when Ben Watson’s free-kick Norwich 22 6 5 11 24 38 23 successive season. With only one vic- was only cleared as far as Jurado, Swansea 22 5 7 10 20 30 22 SWANSEA: Swansea gave new head Newcastle 22 5 6 11 24 39 21 tory in seven games under Curtis who shot straight at Swansea goal- Sunderland 22 5 3 14 27 45 18 coach Francesco Guidolin the perfect since he replaced the sacked Garry keeper Lukasz Fabianski. Watson was Aston Villa 22 2 6 14 18 38 12 welcome present as they beat Monk, Swansea felt compelled to the provider again when Watford Watford 1-0 to climb out of the make a change and the early signs came close to equalizing early in the Premier League relegation zone on were promising. second half, but this time Miguel Monday. Guidolin was announced as Since leaving his role at Udinese Britos flicked a header narrowly over Swansea head coach, to work along- last May, Guidolin had worked as a the crossbar from the midfielder’s side interim manager Alan Curtis, technical supervisor for the three inswinging free-kick. The visitors just hours before kick-off at the teams belonging to the Pozzo fami- were starting to hit their stride and Liberty Stadium. The 60-year-old ly-Udinese, Watford and Granada-so Jurado was just off-target from the SWANSEA: Watford’s Uruguayan defender Miguel Italian will have the final say on team he may have had a few interesting edge of the area after exchanging Britos (right) clears the ball with an overhead kick selection, but he was in a watching insights to pass along to Curtis. Jack passes with Odion Ighalo. Jurado away from Swansea City’s Gambian-Swedish striker brief only as he looked on from the Cork fired over from long-range and forced Fabianski into a decent save Modou Barrow during the English Premier League stands before his first official fixture Andre Ayew prodded a shot straight as Watford pushed for a late equaliz- SWANSEA: Watford’s Miguel Britos centre left, heads football match between Swansea City and Watford at Everton on Sunday. at Watford goalkeeper Heurelho er but when Troy Deeney shot wide the ball towards the goal during the English Premier at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales on Guidolin’s presence had the Gomes in a lively opening from the in stoppage-time, Guidolin was final- League soccer match between Swansea and Watford, January 18, 2016. — AFP desired effect as Ashley Williams’ first hosts. After dominating the initial ly able to start celebrating. — AFP at The Liberty Stadium, in Swansea, Wales. — AP Iranian dotcoms eye foreign investment, new customers Page 22

Your smartphones’ parts may be made by DR Business Congo’s child labor WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 Page 23 Davos chief says Europe, oil among The most powerful V8 performance cars ever developed by Lexus key worries

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BEIJING: A man delivers goods in the street of Beijing. — AFP China growth slows to weakest in 25 years Nation aims for a more sustainable economy model

BEIJING: China’s GDP grew at its slowest in an analyst at Central China Securities said. ed to lower the growth target this year, not be able implement reforms to make a quarter of a century last year, creating China’s leaders-who targeted growth of and President Xi Jinping has said expan- the economy more market-driven. Julian pressure for more stimulus policies to “about seven percent”-are looking to sion of 6.5 percent will be sufficient for Evans-Pritchard, China economist for Twitter suffers ensure a soft landing for the economy that transform the economy away from the China’s needs. “It’s a very difficult balancing Capital Economics, said in a note: “The con- is a crucial driver of global growth. The 6.9 investment and exports of the past to one act for the Beijing authorities,” Standard tinued stability of the official GDP figures global outage percent figure was the slowest in the more oriented towards domestic con- Bank China economist Jeremy Stevens will do little to assuage concerns over their People’s Republic since the 3.8 percent of sumer demand. The services sector said. credibility.” PARIS: Millions of Twitter users were blocked 1990, a year after the bloody Tiananmen accounted for 50.5 percent of gross “What we expect is growth to slow, and While official figures should not be tak- from their feeds yesterday as the social network- Square crackdown rocked the country and domestic product (GDP) in 2015, the first them to limp ahead with the reforms they en at face value, he said, the data “don’t ing site went down in several countries, suffering isolated it internationally. time it was more than half the economy, can, at the time that they can. “And when suggest that China is now entering a deep- one of the worst outages in its 10-year history. But while the outcome is much smaller the National Bureau of Statistics said as it the macro-economic data is too weak, they er economic crisis” and his group expects “Some users are currently experiencing problems than the double-digit rates seen before the released the figures. probably pause or flip-flop on some of China’s results “to gradually turn more accessing Twitter. We are aware of the issue and financial crisis, it is seen as the “new nor- those policy choices. “The economy is in upbeat over the next few months”. But mal” and within Beijing’s target range as it ‘Crucial period’ the process of stabilization, but it hasn’t some economists forecast a rockier year. are working towards a resolution,” the US site said, looks to recalibrate the economy to a more The structural transformation was still stabilized yet,” Liao Qun, chief economist at Zhao Yang of Nomura reiterated the without giving details of the cause of the outage. sustainable model. underway, it added, calling it “a crucial Citic Bank International in Hong Kong said. bank’s 5.8 percent forecast for 2016 due to A spokesperson for Twitter Europe confirmed The data-in line with a median forecasts period during which challenges need to be Questions have repeatedly been raised “strong headwinds” and overcapacity in the site was down, while users in South Africa, in an AFP survey-was welcomed by strong overcome and problems need to be about the accuracy of official Chinese eco- manufacturing, along with an excess sup- Brazil, the Philippines, Nigeria and Uganda also gains on markets in China and across Asia resolved”. Last year’s growth was well nomic statistics, which critics say can be ply of property. China’s industrial produc- reported problems accessing the site with the and Europe as dealers bet on a new round below the 7.3 percent of 2014, and the AFP subject to political manipulation, and even tion, which measures output at factories, hashtag #twitterdown on Facebook. Users in of monetary easing measures, including survey projected it would fall to 6.7 per- Premier Li Keqiang has reportedly workshops and mines, rose 5.9 percent affected countries were met with the message: more interest rate cuts. Global markets cent this year. expressed doubts about the data. year-on-year in December, the NBS said, “Something is technically wrong.” have been hammered in recent weeks by NBS chief Wang Baoan told reporters and retail sales, a key indicator of con- After a shutdown lasting about an hour yester- worries over China, the world’s number that this year would be “more or less the ‘Strong headwinds’ sumer spending, were up 11.1 percent- two economy, wiping trillions off valua- same as in 2015 and China’s economic Unexpected moves in the Yuan both below the forecasts in a survey by day morning, the site was back online in London tions. growth will still face a complicated and exchange rate-after a surprise devaluation Bloomberg News. Fixed asset investment, a and Paris-but users in both cities experienced “Expectations for further cuts in interest volatile international situation”, but said he in August-have also disturbed investors in measure of spending on infrastructure, intermittent service in the afternoon. Users else- rates and banks’ reserve ratios increased was confident growth will “remain stable”. recent weeks, with fears the real picture is expanded 10.0 percent in the year-its where, including Russia, were also still experienc- after the economic figures,” Zhang Gang, The Communist party is widely expect- worse than portrayed and authorities may weakest since 2000. — AFP ing problems. Many took to Facebook to report the outage with the hashtag #twitterdown. The shutdown was also the butt of jokes from some social media Iran sees $32bn of unfrozen assets channels, with British TV channel E4 posting on its Facebook page: “Twitter is down. Worker produc- tivity hits record levels. UK is out of recession!!!” TEHRAN: Iran will receive $32 billion of unjustly by the hands and feet for 12 years,” for once its nuclear deal with world powers foreign oil sales hammered its income from Rick Devens, a local US radio host, posted on unfrozen assets after sanctions were lifted he said. “Sanctions are gone but there is a took effect. The next budget starting in crude. But despite global prices falling under its nuclear deal, the central bank said long way between sanctions and develop- March is based on a projected oil price of below $30, Iran intends to increase produc- Facebook: “We may never get back some of the yesterday, in a boost to an economy sapped ment,” he said, speaking to an economics $40 per barrel price and exports of 2.25 mil- tion to recoup lost market share. clever thoughts I had during this tragic outage.” by years of isolation. The unblocking of conference in Tehran. “Today, our main prob- lion barrels per day. Tehran aims to seize the momentum of Twitter has regularly suffered outages since its funds, which had been held in foreign lem is unemployment and recession, the Iran, a member of the Organization of its thawing relations with the outside world launch in 2006, but generally of a shorter dura- banks, comes after the UN atomic watchdog lack of a booming economy and many struc- Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), now to attract foreign investment. EU foreign pol- tion. Its social media rivals Facebook and confirmed at the weekend that Iran had tural and economic deficiencies,” he added. produces 2.8 million barrels of oil per day icy chief Federica Mogherini, who was Instagram have also had to deal with brief shut- complied with measures in the July atomic Iran’s economy suffered greatly under the and exports just over one million barrels. actively involved in the negotiations that led downs. accord. international sanctions that since 2006 tar- Low oil prices and years of US and European to the nuclear accord, said Monday that she During a site breakdown in July 2012, frustrat- The assets will be kept “in centralized and geted the Islamic republic’s nuclear program Union sanctions that barred much of Iran’s planned to travel to Iran soon.— AFP ed Twitter addicts were unable to post for two safe accounts” abroad, central bank chief and financial systems. Under the previous hours due to problems at its data centres. Twitter Valiollah Seif was quoted by state television hardline government of Mahmoud as saying, adding that the money could be Ahmadinejad, inflation topped 40 percent. shares have tumbled 20 percent on the New York used to pay for imports. Seif said that $28 But moderate Rouhani, whose election in stock exchange since the start of the year-notably billion (25.8 billion Euros) would go to the 2013 heralded more than two years of on rumors that it may scrap the 140-character lim- central bank and $4 billion “will be trans- nuclear negotiations with world powers, it that has kept its posts pithy for the last decade. ferred to the state treasury as the share of managed to curb inflation to 13 percent. Tech news website re/code reported this the government”. Iran hopes that steps to month that tweets of up to 10,000 characters ease its isolation, including the re-admission Foreign investment could be available from March, winning a mixed of its banks to the SWIFT system of interna- Iran needs annual foreign investment of response from netizens. Twitter chief executive tional transactions, will inject new vigor into $30-$50 billion to reach an eight percent Jack Dorsey did not confirm the plan, but said the the economy. growth target and cash in on sanctions company is “not going to be shy about building relief, the president said Sunday. “Untapped Recession and unemployment potential in many industries indicates that more utility and power into Twitter.” The site con- But opening up to the world cannot domestic demand alone cannot drive the tinued to lose money over the first three quarters completely fix the economy, President economy” towards that goal, he said, sig- of last year. In October it reported a third quarter Hassan Rouhani said yesterday in a televised nalling a shift in policy. loss of $132 million, on a disappointing 11 per- speech, warning that the “difficult road has Iran announced a major boost of 500,000 cent year-on-year increase in regular users to 320 just begun”. “Today is just the start for an barrels per day in oil production on TEHRAN: Iranian shareholders monitor shares prices on screens at the Tehran Stock million. —AFP innocent human who was kept chained Monday-a move Tehran had long planned Exchange. —AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 BUSINESS Iranian dotcoms eye foreign investment, new customers

DUBAI: Tehran-based e-commerce firm Takhfifan asks corporate clients to offer dis- Takhfifan found it impossible to attract foreign counts to customers and charges a commis- investment when it launched in 2011 but it sion. There is also an Iranian version of online took only two days for a potential foreign retailer Amazon , named Digikala, and a local investor to get in touch after sanctions on Iran incarnation of ride-hailing service Uber, were lifted. named Snapp. “When I was launching my company I “Iran’s economic recovery could significant- talked to several foreign investors but none of ly boost our business. More money would only them was interested in doing any business mean more consumers,” said Ilia Vakili, 32, with Iran,” the company’s 32-year-old founder, Snapp’s chief technology officer, a graduate of Nazanin Daneshvar, said in a telephone inter- Tehran’s prestigious Shahid Beheshti University view yesterday. “There are now VCs (venture who began programming computers as a boy. capital firms) that are ready to sign contracts “We are interested in meeting potential new with us.” Daneshvar declined to name the partners and/or investors, in the local market European company that had expressed inter- or abroad.” est in her company but said a deal, if it went Founded in late 2014, the company says it ahead, would be that firm’s first investment in has nearly 100 staff and tens of thousands of Iran. The United States, European Union and people use its homegrown app. Eventually, United Nations on Saturday lifted international Snapp may seek to expand internationally, sanctions imposed over Iran’s nuclear pro- Vakili said, sounding like a Silicon Valley start- gram. The move has caused huge excitement up investor as he discussed business metrics, in the community of dotcom entrepreneurs the strength of his pricing algorithm and the who set up online businesses in the Islamic need to maintain service quality. Republic, some of which are growing rapidly, Hamid Mohammadi, 36, who founded despite international isolation and a slumping Digikala eight years ago, said the end of sanc- economy. They could now face tougher com- tions could benefit his firm by making it easier petition as foreign companies, with deeper for top foreign brands to sell their products in pockets and more sophisticated technology, Iran. “Our main challenge during the sanctions enter Iran’s market of almost 80 million people. was that the main brands were not directly pres- But the Iranian ventures, which are ent in Iran. The imports were taking place believed to number in the dozens, also see through non-transparent channels, and Digikala, new opportunities: Now that sanctions are no as a retailer, couldn’t create a successful partner- longer stifling the economy, they expect a ship with international brands,” he said. consumer boom and some hope to obtain for- Some brands, especially South Korean ones eign partners and funding. Many say they do such as Samsung and LG, eventually had suc- not fear foreign competition because they cess by establishing operations in Iran. “It was LAHORE: Pakistani traders wait for customers at a fruit and vegetable market. — AFP believe foreigners will need local assistance to much easier to work with them compared to negotiate obstacles such as Iran’s complex Apple, which despite high demand, could not bureaucracy, sometimes erratic Internet serv- provide a sustainable supply chain or cus- Kuwaiti banks’ risks increase ice and cultural differences. “Experience shows tomer service in Iran,” Mohammedi said. the international companies that tried to That may now start to change. “I think after launch their business in Iran without the help the lifting of sanctions the purchasing behav- of local entrepreneurs failed, or did not ior of the Iranian consumers will be more simi- amid real estate slowdown achieve what they expected,” said Daneshvar. lar to the international market,” he said. Also, some US sanctions on Iran will remain, Digikala says it employs 900 people and which could make American tech giants more processes 10,000 orders a day, but that with KUWAIT: Last Wednesday, a Kuwait International Bank wary of entering the country, even though the online shopping still accounting for less than 1 report showed a significant 29% decline in Kuwait’s (Aa2 stable) 2015 real estate sales amid softening US Treasury has said it will allow foreign sub- percent of retail sales in Iran, it has plenty of prices, suggesting low sales volumes and lower real sidiaries of American firms to deal with Iran. room to grow. Mohammadi said he would wel- estate values in 2016. A decline in real estate sales Daneshvar founded Takhfifan - meaning come investment in his firm by “strategic and would adversely affect banks’ new business volumes “discounts” in Farsi after learning about the credible” firms. and earnings. A decline in real estate values would model used Groupon, a global e-commerce International banks are expected to move increase credit risks for Kuwaiti banks that are highly marketplace that connects millions of sub- into Iran only slowly, partly because of the exposed to real estate through collateral. More granu- scribers, when she was working in Germany as risk of falling foul of the US sanctions that lar data show that by November 2015 all major real an information technology manager. Her com- are still in place. But Mohammadi said that estate segments suffered declines in aggregate sales pany says it now has over 100 employees, when they did enter, credit-card use could after several years of strong performance and a record more than 1 million active subscribers and take off, and this would revolutionize online year in 2014, with investment property sales declining contracts with 10,000 merchants in Tehran. shopping in Iran. “We see the lifting of sanc- 32% year-on-year - more than other segments, as tions more as an opportunity than as a shown in the exhibit below. Start-ups threat. We are so established in Iran’s e-com- “Investment property” is an official classification in Many of the Iranian dotcoms resemble merce ecosystem that it would be very diffi- Kuwait for apartments that are typically rented out and well-known US tech firms, with adjustments to cult for international companies to compete provide income to landlords. We attribute the slow- suit Iran’s business conditions. For example, with us,” he said. — Reuters down in this sector partly to reduced investor interest amid low oil prices. It has not yet affected real estate companies: listed companies’ aggregate profits were up Insurer caution to slow 7% year-on-year for the first nine months of 2015. The sector was one of most severely affected in the dential measures to address the resurgence of real- However, further pressures in 2016 will adversely affect wake of the global financial crisis in 2007-08 and banks’ estate related risks. In late 2013, it issued guidelines on Iran’s oil tanker market the sector’s revenues and likely drive prices down. Real- asset quality experienced significant impairment. loans for purchasing and/or developing real estate. estate-related lending drove banks’ growth for the past Nonetheless, Kuwaiti banks are now better posi- These guidelines include loan-to-value ceilings of 50% several years and the real estate sales slowdown reduces tioned to withstand higher impairments from potential for the purchase of undeveloped land, 60% for the pur- LONDON: Foreign oil tanker owners are back provisions in the P5+1 agreement.” growth prospects. Between year-end 2008 and 2014, shocks in the real estate market. At the end of 2014, chase of existing real estate and 70% for construction expected to make a slow return to Iran “So, any additional increase in Iranian the compound annual growth rate of real estate and Basel III Tier 1 ratios were 14.8% on average for rated purposes. Together with the initial implementation of despite the lifting of many sanctions as barrels being produced will be shipped on installment loans (ie, long-term personal loans for the banks. We also expect capitalisation will continue to Basel III capital requirements, the central bank also insurers tread carefully, leaving shipping Iranian vessels.” Securing international insur- repair and purchase of private homes ) was a high 8.1%, improve because the Central Bank of Kuwait is conserv- issued regulations in December 2014 where the previous players unwilling to pick up cargoes as ance cover as well as reconnecting with the compared to 4.5% growth in total domestic loans. atively introducing Basel III capital requirements that treatment of real estate collateral as a risk mitigant in the quickly as Tehran has wanted. A nuclear deal international banking system will be key to Declining real estate prices in 2016 will also increase are 2.5 percentage points higher than Basel recommen- calculation of risk-weighted assets (RWAs) is to be between world powers - known as the P5+1 determine how quickly Iran can ramp up oil credit risks for Kuwaiti banks, which are highly exposed dations. Rated banks in Kuwait also maintain a high lev- phased out. In the past, banks could use 50% of the val- - and Iran led to the removal on Saturday of exports and re-engage with the foreign to the sector. According to the Central bank of Kuwait, el of general provisions, equivalent to 3.6% of gross ue of real estate collateral as a discount against relevant international oil export prohibitions as well shipping sector. as of September 2015, 25% of banks’ domestic loans loans as of year-end 2014, because the central bank has RWAs. The elimination of this discount, by 10% yearly as restrictions on banking, insurance and Third-party liability insurance and pollu- were to the real estate sector, while a further 28% were been requiring banks to book substantial precaution- over five years, will gradually increase RWAs, forcing shipping for Tehran. tion cover for vessels is provided by P&I installment loans to individuals. Furthermore, around ary provisions against performing loans. Kuwaiti banks to hold higher capital buffers against real With US sanctions still in place, which clubs - marine insurers owned by shipping 40% of banks’ total loan collateral is linked to real estate. The central bank has also taken various macro-pru- estate exposures. — Credit Outlook exclude US persons, banks and insurers from clients and reinsured internationally. “There trading with Iran including dollar business, will be a time period whilst all financial serv- shipping and marine insurance sources say ices and businesses sit there and work out Canon top Japanese company for US many foreign companies are likely to take what the opportunities are, what the risks their time. They are also mindful of sanctions are before re-engaging,” said Mike being re-imposed in a “snap back” if Iran Salthouse, deputy global director with ship patents for 11th consecutive year reneges on commitments. “In shipping insurer North of England P&I Association. terms, we think the impact will be a slow “Some of the teething issues will need to DUBAI: Canon, leader in imaging solutions, ing into consideration local business strate- in developing a wide variety of powerful development. The initial oil sales will be the be worked through.” Salthouse said since announced that it was again ranked first gies and technology trends. Among these, tools, solutions and services within its core oil currently stored on (Iranian) ships in the the 2008 financial crisis, the financial servic- among Japanese companies and third overall the United States, with its many high-tech markets and in new business areas. Persian Gulf,” said Paddy es industry had become more focused on for the number of US patents awarded in companies and large market scale, repre- Through close cooperation between Rodgers, chief executive of oil tanker compliance, which included sanctions regu- 2015, according to the latest ranking of pre- sents a particularly important region in terms Canon’s technology and intellectual property company Euronav. “It will take time for this lations. “There is probably less appetite for liminary patent results issued by IFI CLAIMS of business expansion and technology divisions, the Company aims to improve its increase in production to be transported on risk in the world today than in 2010 and we Patent Services in January 2016. alliances. technological capabilities while further the commercial tanker fleet given the finan- are all much more aware of the risks pre- As part of its research and development Canon’s focus on research and develop- enhancing its intellectual property rights. cial sanctions still in place and reluctance of sented by any jurisdiction that presents efforts, Canon actively pursues patents in a ment is a high priority and key attribute of its Canon has ranked in the top five patent insurance providers to cover given the snap- compliance-type issues,” he said. —Reuters number of countries and regions while tak- corporate DNA, with continued investment holders for 30 consecutive years.

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Saudi Riyals 81.960 Asia 20 Gram 223.100 Jordanian Dinar 429.370 Bangladesh Taka 0.003525 0.004125 10 Gram 114.500 ASIAN COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound 38.814 Chinese Yuan 0.044811 0.048311 5 Gram 58.100 Japanese Yen 2.597 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.123 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036910 0.039660 Indian Rupees 4.563 Indian Rupees 4.507 Indian Rupee 0.004227 0.004617 Pakistani Rupees 2.902 Pakistani Rupees 2.901 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 Srilankan Rupees 2.122 Bangladesh Taka 3.877 Philippines Pesso 6.470 Japanese Yen 0.002502 0.002682 Nepali Rupees 2.819 Cyprus pound 580.550 Kenyan Shilling 0.002967 0.002967 Singapore Dollar 212.350 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Japanese Yen 3.595 Korean Won 0.000241 0.000256 Hongkong Dollar 39.050 Australian Dollar 200.70 Canadian Dollar 213.40 Syrian Pound 2.380 Malaysian Ringgit 0.066000 0.072000 Bangladesh Taka 3.878 Swiss Franc 306.88 Nepalese Rupees 3.850 Nepalese Rupee 0.002887 0.003057 Philippine Peso 6.381 Euro 334.61 Malaysian Ringgit 69.735 Pakistan Rupee 0.002626 0.002906 Thai Baht 8.391 US Dollar 304.70 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.740 Philippine Peso 0.006332 0.006612 Sterling Pound 436.91 Thai Bhat 9.355 GCC COUNTRIES Sierra Leone 0.000071 0.000077 Japanese Yen 2.63 Turkish Lira 101.100 Singapore Dollar 0.208339 0.214339 Saudi Riyal 81.217 Bangladesh Taka 3.884 South African Rand 0.012054 0.020554 Qatari Riyal 83.661 Indian Rupee 4.508 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001767 0.002347 Omani Riyal 791.060 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.122 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 808.820 Nepali Rupee 2.819 Taiwan 0.008919 0.009099 UAE Dirham 82.920 P0kistani Rupee 2.901 Thai Baht 0.008076 0.008626 UAE Dirhams 0.08292 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT ARAB COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 0.8098 Europe Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.500 Egyptian Pound 0.03881 British Pound 0.427219 0.436219 Bahraini Dinar 0.800802 0.808802 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.942 Jordanian Dinar 0.4334 Czech Korune 0.004235 0.016235 Egyptian Pound 0.035481 0.039817 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.421 Omani Riyal 0.7912 Danish Krone 0.040315 0.045315 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 Euro 0.325747 0.333747 Tunisian Dinar 150.690 Qatari Riyal 0.08401 Iraqi Dinar 0.000201 0.000261 Saudi Riyal 0.08122 Norwegian Krone 0.030161 0.035361 Jordanian Dinar 429.130 Jordanian Dinar 0.425485 0.432985 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.029 Romanian Leu 0.072950 0.072950 Slovakia 0.009104 0.019104 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.170 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Lebanese Pound 0.000151 0.000251 Morocco Dirham 31.061 Swedish Krona 0.031394 0.036394 Swiss Franc 0.295568 0.305768 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021569 0.045569 Turkish Lira 0.096146 0.106446 Nigerian Naira 0.001259 0.001894 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Omani Riyal 0.784488 0.790168 US Dollar Transfer 304.400 US Dollar 304.800 Australasia Qatar Riyal 0.082927 0.084140 Euro 435.320 Canadian Dollar 216.885 Australian Dollar 0.201197 0.212697 Saudi Riyal 0.080313 0.081263 Sterling Pound 436.210 Sterling Pound 443.575 New Zealand Dollar 0.189829 0.199329 Canadian dollar 210.440 Euro 334.510 Syrian Pound 0.001291 0.001511 Tunisian Dinar 0.146521 0.154521 Turkish lira 100.120 Swiss Frank 304.295 America Turkish Lira 0.096146 0.106446 Swiss Franc 304.700 Bahrain Dinar 806.370 Canadian Dollar 0.204590 0.213090 Australian Dollar 211.860 UAE Dirhams 83.225 US Dollars 0.300400 0.304900 UAE Dirhams 0.081923 0.083072 US Dollar Buying 303.200 Qatari Riyals 84.445 US Dollars Mint 0.300900 0.304900 Yemeni Riyal 0.001376 0.001456 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 BUSINESS

Your smartphone’s parts may be made by DR Congo’s child labor

KINSHASA: Cobalt mined dangerously by health and their lives. The firms contacted work long shifts with no protective equip- ion batteries in their products to conduct one of the least developed nations in the children in the Democratic Republic of by the report were identified as clients of ment, in danger of fatal accidents and per- human rights due diligence, investigate world. Rather than easing poverty, mining Congo could end up in the lithium batteries Asian battery manufacturers that acquire manent lung damage. whether the cobalt is extracted under haz- has helped fund more than 20 years of con- of smartphones and electric cars made by processed cobalt from Chinese mineral ardous conditions or with child labour, and flict, particularly in the eastern North and Apple, Samsung or Sony, Amnesty conglomerate Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Ltd, Investigating the claims be more transparent about their suppliers.” South Kivu provinces, which furnish large International said yesterday. which wholly owns a subsidiary in DR One company interviewed the link, but “Millions of people enjoy the benefits of amounts of gold, tin, coltan and tungsten. After questioning 16 multinationals, the Congo, the report said. two multinationals denied sourcing cobalt new technologies but rarely ask how they To prevent companies from indirectly human rights watchdog said world-class The report describes how traders buy from DR Congo and others took intermedi- are made,” said Mark Dummett, business financing conflicts, a US law on so-called electronics brands are failing to ensure that cobalt from areas where child labour is rife ate positions. Six said they were investigat- and human rights researcher for the non- “blood minerals” took effect in 2014 no child miners were involved in lithium- and sell it to a local subsidiary of Huayou ing the claim. “Crucially, none provided governmental organisation. “It is a major obliging firms listed in the United States ion batteries used in their products, accord- Cobalt. Once processed, the cobalt is sold enough details to independently verify paradox of the digital era that some of the to inform its regulators if they use such ing to a joint report released with to battery component manufacturers in where the cobalt in their products came world’s richest, most innovative companies raw materials, mined not only in DR Afrewatch. The DR Congo accounts for China and South Korea, which supply the from,” the report said. are able to market incredibly sophisticated Congo but its nine neighboring countries. more than half of global production of multinationals. Leading automobile and electronics devices without being required to show In a report published jointly in April 2015 cobalt, mainly from the southeastern The report, entitled ‘This is what we die firms such as Daimler, Lenovo, Microsoft where they source raw materials for their with Global Witness, another non-govern- Katanga province. for: Human Rights Abuses in the and Samsung were unable to declare the components,” Afrewatch executive director mental organization, Amnesty Thousands of clandestine miners includ- Democratic Republic of Congo power the origin of the cobalt used in their lithium-ion Emmanuel Umpala said. International accused major American ing numerous young children work in tun- global trade in cobalt,’ also includes testi- batteries, Amnesty said. Amnesty urged The vast DR Congo in central Africa has firms of neglecting their duties under the nels with rudimentary tools at risk to their mony from adult and child miners who “multinational companies who use lithium- immense mineral resources but remains legislation. — AFP Loonie’s decline hits Canadians hard

MONTREAL: The rapid fall of the Canadian dol- prices for fresh vegetables have skyrocketed in lar alongside plunging oil prices is hitting recent months after local harvests-the last one Canadians hard, with a marked increase in the usually in September or October-were eaten up. cost of imported goods forcing households to The phenomenon was illustrated in a reduce spending. At parity with the US green- National Post editorial cartoon last Thursday back from 2010 to 2013, the Canadian dollar has showing a couple at a bank asking for a loan to lost nearly a third of its value since then, falling buy cauliflower. The price of this vegetable has below 70 cents last week for the first time in quadrupled in recent months (also partly due to more than a decade. supply shortages in the United States), costing The plummeting “loonie,” named after the as much as Can$8 in some Canadian cities. bird that appears on the Canadian dollar coin, has closely followed the drop in commodity Soaring hockey salaries prices, notably oil, which was until very recently The devaluation of the currency has also hit the country’s main export product. Crude prices Canadians’ vacation plans, with many choosing have fallen below US$30 a barrel, after reaching to stay home instead of flying south for a splash new highs above $100 in 2014. of sun and warmth in the southern United Meanwhile, Canadians are paying more for States or Caribbean in the dead of winter. fresh fruit and vegetables imported from the That might normally mean less empty seats United States, and winter vacations to equatori- at Canadian hockey arenas, except that tickets al hotspots. And they can expect more steep for hockey games are likely to rise too, because price increases in other areas soon, including National Hockey League teams pay their player likely for hockey tickets, with no bounce expect- salaries in US dollars but the seven Canadians ed in the currency for the foreseeable future. NHL teams earn their revenues in Canadian dol- In 2015, food prices rose faster than inflation lars. Canadians won’t be out of the woods any- for a fourth year in a row, with an increase of time soon, warned economist Hendrix Vachon four percent, according to a study from the of Desjardins bank. He is predicting a wide- University of Guelph in Ontario. Vegetable price spread price increases going forward, including increases hit 10 percent, while the prices of for clothing and electronics. In 2015, he pointed fruits and nuts rose nine percent. Overall, out, the Canadian dollar depreciated “against all DAVOS: People are seen outside of the Congress Center at the opening of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting. — AFP Canadians spent Can$325 more at checkout for other currencies of developed countries,” a groceries in 2015 than the previous year, and dozen in all, from the Chinese yuan to the South according to the University of Guelph study, Korean won, and the British pound to the euro. Davos chief says Europe, food prices are forecast to rise another four per- In the short term, there is hope that a recovery cent this year. in the United States-Canada’s neighbor and And there’s little way around it. “Of all the biggest trading partners-will bolster the fruits and vegetables (Canadians) consume, 80 Canadian economy and currency. Vachon said oil among key worries percent is imported,” explained Sylvain the loonie could rise to US$0.75 by the end of Charlebois, one of the study’s authors. Canadian the year, if that happens. — AFP Gaping worldwide inequalities another chief concern

DAVOS: As leaders from the world of politics and busi- prompted a sharp letter of retort by its ambassador in economic ties with the long-isolated, oil-rich Islamic ness arrived yesterday in droves for the start of the Geneva, but Schwab insisted Davos organizers had lit- republic. Iran’s Oil Ministry announced plans Monday World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of tle choice amid a growing prospect of new sanctions to boost oil production by 500,000 barrels per day Davos, the event’s founder is in somber mood. Klaus against Pyongyang. after the sanctions were lifted, and Schwab noted the Schwab, the 77-year-old chief of the world’s most rec- With the world facing a myriad of problems such possible harmful impact of even more supply on ognized annual economic meeting, said he’s worried as climate change and war, Schwab said he wanted a developing countries that depend on oil revenues at a about Europe’s future, the fallout from plunging oil “forward-looking” theme to dominate discussions this time when crude prices have already slumped to their prices and gaping inequalities worldwide. year, which officially runs from Wednesday through to lowest level in more than 12 years. In an interview with The Associated Press, Schwab Saturday: and has built this edition around the idea of “Of course, we will have to absorb now a larger also justified the decision of the WEF to disinvite a del- the Fourth Industrial Revolution. supply dimension. What concerns me is the impact - egation from North Korea, including its foreign minis- He said vast, speedy technological advances in the the social impact - it has on certain countries,” said ter, for its claim earlier this month that it had tested a digital age in areas like nanotechnology and automa- Schwab. “Just think of Nigeria, which so much hydrogen bomb. The WEF has been working hard to tion threaten to leave many unskilled workers without depends on oil, and other African countries ... not to bring the North Koreans to the 45-year-old annual jobs or at an economic disadvantage. In Davos, about speak about what’s the impact on Russia and so on.” gathering at the highest level since the 1980s. two-thirds of the 2,500-plus attendees are decision- As for Europe’s struggle to manage an influx of makers from the business world: The boardroom, not more than 1 million refugees and migrants last year, ‘Global world opinion’ the shop room floor, has an outsize representation in he said the continent was at a “crossing point.” Europe “We had to show solidarity with the global world this snow-capped, ultra-chic Alpine resort. World lead- needs to find the right balance between its values and opinion,” Schwab said late Monday. “We never cede to ers, including U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, Prime its capabilities of taking them in, and assuage tensions any pressure, but we have one principle which means Ministers David Cameron of Britain and Nawaz Sharif that have put the Schengen zone - which eases cross- that we observe UN sanctions. We do not know yet of Pakistan, and German President Joachim Gauck are border travel - to the test, he said. “My concern is that AHMADABAD: Clothes and other belongings of Indian laborers hang from above how the UN sanctions will come out, but we didn’t set to attend. Europe, at the moment, is in a phase of disintegration,” as they rest under a tree where they live on a roadside in Ahmadabad, India. The want to have the coincidence of the UN expressing Schwab said. “Europe would be completely marginal- world’s political and business elite are being urged to do more than pay lip serv- sanctions - tough sanctions - this week and at the Iran deal ized if we break up into different nation-states again.” ice to growing inequalities around the world as they head off for this week’s same time, we act against those sanctions.” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is He said solidarity with refugees was a core World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos. Two reports published Schwab said he was “very much looking forward” likely to be a headline-act after international sanctions European value. “It’s not a question whether we Monday, from Oxfam and public relations firm Edelman, warned that the widen- to the arrival of the North Korean delegation and laid against his country were lifted over the weekend should have solidarity or not, it’s how much can we ing gap between the haves and have-nots since the global financial crisis is out his hope that the country would qualify one day under a deal on Tehran’s nuclear program. Some busi- afford? And here I think we haven’t found the right undermining a decades-long effort to reduce global poverty and fueling the rise “hopefully sooner rather than later.” The revocation ness leaders will be contemplating a resumption of answer yet,” he said. — AP of populist politicians. — AP Morgan Stanley swings to Tech ‘unicorns’ facing profit, beats expectations tough road for funds WASHINGTON: Those billion-dollar ventional path of a stock market initial ter. CB Insights in a separate report said NEW YORK: Morgan Stanley swung bank said yesterday it had a profit of state and federal regulators over its role tech startups known as “unicorns,” public offering (IPO). But some venture there were 150 unicorns worldwide as back to a profit in the fourth quarter as $908 million in the three month period in the housing bubble and subsequent which feasted on record capital inflows capital investors have been warning of Friday with a total valuation of $525 the bank moved on from large legal set- ending in December, or 39 cents per financial crisis. Removing an adjustment for much of last year, are facing about a bubble in private funding val- billion. “An uncertain global economy, tlements, its wealth management divi- share. That’s compared to a loss of $1.6 tied to the value of Morgan Stanley’s tougher challenges for funding, a sur- ues, and these fears have been borne a projected slowdown in China, and sion improved and investment bank billion, or $1.37 per share. Morgan debt, the bank earned $986 million, or vey showed yesterday. Venture- out to a degree in late 2015. expected interest rate increases follow- advisory activity picked up. Stanley had $3.1 billion in legal expens- 43 cents per share. Analysts were look- backed startups globally saw a 30 per- ing the recent increase in the US The New York-based investment es in 2014, when the bank settled with ing for Morgan Stanley to earn 33 cents cent drop in funding in the fourth Falling short appear to be driving many VC investors per share, according to FactSet. quarter to $27.2 billion, according to “A number of IPOs fell short of to be more cautious,” the report said. Morgan Stanley’s institutional securi- the survey by KPMG and research firm recent private valuations, no doubt rat- The report added that venture ties division, which includes the bank’s CB Insights. The number of funding tling VC investor confidence,” the investors are paying closer attention to trading desk and investment banking rounds fell 13 percent from the previ- report said. “In the US, several mutual the profit potential of startups, not just businesses, had a mixed quarter due to ous quarter to 1,742. funds marked down a number of start- how fast they are expanding. “Up until the difficult trading environment last Some of the exuberance has worn up valuations related to ‘unicorn’ com- the third quarter of 2015, we saw as quarter. While equity sales and trading off after the feverish pace of funding in panies-no doubt prompting more much capital going into companies revenues rose to $1.8 billion from $1.6 the first nine months of 2015, accord- scrutiny of additional VC investment that were generating negative cash billion a year earlier, bond trading and ing to the report. “Although it ended activities.” Mobile payments startup flows as those that were generating commodities sales and trading fell to with a bit of a whimper, 2015 was a Square made its stock market debut in positive ones,” said Brian Hughes of $550 million from $599 million in 2014. gargantuan year for venture capital- November, raising $243 million at a KPMG’s venture capital practice. “Now, Morgan backed companies. In aggregate, they market value of $3 billion-or roughly there’s been a divergence. In 2016, the Stanley’s investment bank advisory raised the most money since 2000,” half the level from its latest private fundamentals are really going to start revenue was $516 million in the quarter said Anand Sanwal, chief executive of funding round. to matter again. Startups that may be compared with $488 million a year earli- CB Insights. For the year, the report Several other startups such as the operating with negative gross margins, er. The bank’s wealth management busi- found $128 billion in venture funding social network Snapchat and benefits excessive burn rates and inflated valua- ness, which includes what used to be for startups, up 44 percent from 2014. administrator Zenefits have seen their tions will be the most impacted.” The known as Smith Barney, had a pre-tax The number of funding rounds was valuations slashed, although the report said tech startups took in some profit of $768 million compared with more than 7,800. biggest unicorns such as Uber and 78 percent of venture funding in the $736 million a year earlier. Yet the latter part of the year saw Airbnb have seen their values continue past quarter, a level consistent over the Under CEO James Gorman, Morgan some signs of cooling, with less fund- to rise. The latest trends have fueled past year. By region, North America Stanley has been trying to focus more ing and write-down’s in the value of fears of “wounded unicorns” and lower received the largest amount in the on wealth management in an effort to some hot startups, the researchers not- valuations, which could spill over to quarter ($14.1 billion) but the drop make Morgan Stanley less exposed to ed. Unicorns-a moniker designed to publicly traded tech firms. from the past quarter was 32 percent. the wild swings of the financial markets. highlight the relatively rare occurrence Asian startups raised $9.7 billion in the Morgan Stanley’s revenue was $7.74 bil- of billion-dollar startups-have been Unicorn ‘births’ down quarter, a drop of more than 31 per- lion compared with $7.76 billion the growing as companies found private The report cited 72 unicorn “births” cent, while European startups took in NEW YORK: This Aug 12, 2014, file photo, shows the headquarters of Morgan year before. Morgan Stanley shares rose equity funding without using the con- in 2015, but only 12 in the fourth quar- $3 billion, down 17 percent. — AFP Stanley, near Times Square. — AP 3.5 percent in pre-market trading. — AP BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 Stocks rise as slowing China boosts stimulus prospects

LONDON: Shares in Europe and Asia rose and China’s economy grew 6.9 percent last year, 300 index rose 2 percent, rebounding from a BNP Paribas Fortis Global Markets. Wall sharp slowdown in Chinese trade and the dollar gained after data showing China’s and 6.8 percent year-on-year in the fourth 13-month low hit on Monday. The STOXX Street looked set to open higher, with e- weak commodity prices. economy grew last year at its slowest pace in quarter, down from 6.9 percent in the third Europe 600 Basic Resources index, which mini index futures up 1.6 percent. The dollar gained against the safe- a quarter of a century prompted investors to and the weakest pace since the first quarter of includes miners, added 5.5 percent. Britain’s MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific haven Japanese yen in anticipation of anticipate more efforts to spur growth. 2009, data showed. Quarter-on-quarter, FTSE 100 index rose 1.9 percent, with Anglo shares outside Japan rose 1.7 percent, further action by Beijing, possibly as Oil prices rose after strong Chinese fuel growth slipped to 1.6 percent in the last three American up 11 percent and Glencore adding bouncing off a four-year low touched soon as next month. The US currency demand halted a slide to 2003 lows triggered months of 2015 from 1.8 percent in the third. 10.5 percent. earlier. Chinese shares rose on strength- gained 0.6 percent 117.97 yen while the by the lifting of sanctions on Iran, while met- In a harbinger of slower growth to come, ened expectations of more stimulus. The euro fell 0.2 percent to $1.0872. The als prices rose. Concerns about Chinese retail sales, industrial output and fixed-asset Additional measures CSI 300 index of the largest listed compa- Australian dollar, whose fortunes are authorities’ ability to rebalance the slowing investment last month all came in below the nies in Shanghai and Shenzhen closed closely linked to China, a major market economy have rattled investors this year after expectations of analysts polled by Reuters. “As figures weaken in absolute terms, we up 3.0 percent while the Shanghai for Australia, rose 1.1 percent to $0.6935. a plunge in stock markets and the yuan cur- Mining company shares led European shares can potentially see additional stimulus meas- Composite gained 3.2 percent, after hit- The rise in stock markets nudged rency raised concerns growth may be slowing higher after metals prices rose following the ures. That is helping investors’ appetite for ting a 13-month low on Monday. yields on low-risk German government more rapidly than previously thought. Chinese data. The pan-European FTSEurofirst risk,” said Philippe Gijsels, head of research at Tommy Xie, economist at OCBC Bank bonds higher. Ten-year yields rose 1.7 in Singapore, said he expected more basis points to 0.49 percent. Oil prices stimulus from the Chinese central bank, took heart from data showing Chinese but that the stability of the yuan, also fuel demand last year rose compared known as the renminbi, was critical to with 2014, up 2.5 percent to 10.32 mil- maintaining growth. “If the renminbi lion barrels a day. continues to weaken, the volatility and Brent crude, the global benchmark, capital outflows get worse, then that is rose $1.30 a barrel to $29.81. It hit lows likely to pose a challenge to growth.” not seen since 2003 on Monday on the The yuan traded at 6.5785 to the dol- prospect of Iranian output swelling a lar in onshore markets, little changed global glut. Copper, of which China is the 7XHVGD\-DQXDU\ from the previous close. The major consumer, rose 1.3 percent to International Monetary Fund cut its glob- $4,434 a ton, having earlier hit a one- ,QGH[ &KDQJH &ORVLQJ /DVW&ORVLQJ +LJK /RZ al growth forecast for the third time in week high at $4,476 a ton. Nickel prices 3ULFHLQGH[ Ÿ      9ROXPH  less than a year, to 3.4 percent in 2016 also rose. Gold held broadly steady at

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Unveiling the most powerful V8 performance cars ever developed by Lexus NEW BENCHMARK FOR THE MIDDLE EAST LUXURY HIGH PERFORMANCE CAR SEGMENT

KUWAIT: Mohamed Naser Al Sayer has launched the produced sound in a new, advanced four-speaker “F” technology from Lexus powered by innovative system (two speakers in front and two behind) that engineering, setting new benchmark for the Middle provides more powerful engine and exhaust noises . East luxury high performance car segment. Under the F line two of the most powerful Lexus cars ever Exceptional performance that thrives on the track made: GS F performance-oriented GS F four-door To achieve superior body stiffness, the GS F sports sedan and RC F were unveiled. makes use of the latest Lexus body technologies. The launch press conference was attended by Mr. These include laser welding, an increase in the num- Faisal Bader Al Sayer Vice Chairman Al Sayer Group ber of spot welding points, high-stiffness adhesives Holding, representatives from Lexus Mr. Yukihiko and laser screw welding. The vehicle achieves high Yaguchi Chief Engineer for GS F, Mr. Nobuyuki body rigidity well suited to all conditions, even on Takemura General Manager Sales and Marketing, Mr. the track. Simon Frith Business Director and Mr. Bader Musaed The GS F utilizes an engine under-cover with a Al Sayer Deputy Business Director from Lexus Kuwait, flat, streamlined surface, allowing the vehicle to General Manager from Al Sayer business units, achieve outstanding aerodynamic performance. In Celebrities from social media Mr Yaqoob Boushari, addition, the attachment of aero-stabilizing fins to Ms Fatema Al Momen, Mr Abdulwahab Alissa, Mr each section of the under-cover actively directs air- Mohamed Al Shemmari along with distinguished Management (VDIM) that incorporates an Expert flow to guarantee superb driving stability. members of the press and media. mode and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that uti- The GS F’s stopping power is provided by With a style eminently suited to everyday driving, lizes vertical acceleration sensors. Brembo(r) brakes that feature lightweight, highly the Lexus GS F conveys the appeal of the ‘F’ series to The interior and exterior of the GS F fuse a breath- rigid opposing six-piston aluminum mono-block a wide demographic, thus enabling Lexus to further taking simplicity and elegance of design, and cap- calipers on the front, and opposing four-piston alu- enhance its brand image of exhilarating perform- ture the mature, luxurious sportiness unique to the ‘F’ minum mono-block calipers on the rear. By increas- ance. Speaking during the launch event Mr Faisal series. In addition, the vehicle utilizes the Lexus ing the diameter of the master cylinder and optimiz- spoiler mounted on the trunk lid, a rear diffuser crafted rear seats share design characteristics with Bader Al Sayer Vice Chairman Al Sayer Group Holding Safety System+ active safety package to provide a ing pedal ratios, the brakes achieve superb respon- beneath the rear bumper section, fin-shaped aerody- the high-back sports seats used in the front, includ- “Lexus brand is always in motion driving positive multi-faceted approach to active safety, further siveness and linear stopping performance. They also namic enhancements adopted at the bottom edge ing the same distinctive sewing and stitching pat- changes. During the past decades the transforma- enhancing the safety and peace of mind of its occu- guarantee high rigidity and anti-fading performance of the rear bumper’s lower garnish to improve air- terns. tion it has made is incredible. The 2 Lexus models - pants. through the use of high-friction pads. The high-per- flow and reduce drag, and organically-shaped rear The genuine-leather steering wheel has a thick- GS F and RC F which will be unveiled today under the formance brakes can be emphasized by selecting taillights. Available exterior paint colors include Lava ness and grip perfected through repeated track out- F line, are groundbreaking, it will set new bench- GS F Key Features optional front and rear orange brake calipers. Special Orange, Heat Blue, White Nova, Sonic Silver, Sonic ings by Lexus test drivers. The large paddle-shift marks in the industry.” Engine that emphasizes sound, response features of the GS F’s vehicle control systems include Titanium, Mercury Gray, Graphite Black and Red. levers are designed to be operated while holding The GS F embodies the philosophy of the ‘F’series and acceleration a newly adopted vertical G sensor in the ABS control, the steering wheel, even when cornering. The steer- which stands for fast dynamic response, high effi- Equipped with Direct Injection 4-stroke Gasoline to ensure optimum brake force even when the vehi- Interior that promotes driving styles ing wheel and shift knob employ three-color over- ciency and seamless performance on everyday roads Engine Superior Version (D-4S), the 5.0-liter V8 cle is airborne. to the highest levels of luxury lock stitching in white, black, and blue -colors that in addition to racetracks that can be enjoyed by engine features an optimized Variable Valve Timing- The GS F’s suspension parts have been The interior of the GS F tastefully melds superior symbolize the F series. The GS F utilizes aluminum everyone. The GS F is the first new ‘F’ series sedan intelligent (VVT-i) to produce exceptional power. The redesigned with the aim of achieving the ideal craftsmanship and affluence with world-class sports pedals and foot rests. geometry. The steering response has been improved ergonomics and functionality. However, with the GS The foldable rear center armrest is equipped by retaining high suspension rigidity, optimizing roll F being a performance premium sedan, designers with a cup holder, storage box and control panel to stiffness, and by harmonizing these with the steering system. The TVD torque control system is equipped as standard and provides optimal electronic control of the torque of the left and right rear wheels accord- ing to the driving situation, achieving ideal vehicle behavior during cornering. The GS F comes with three modes-Standard, which delivers a high level of stability and agility, Slalom, which places additional emphasis on steering response, and Track, which provides additional stability when driving at higher ensured that they place special emphasis on creating manage air conditioning, audio and electric rear speeds, allowing the driver to accelerate with confi- a driver-centric cockpit. This pilot-focused design window sunshade. The genuine aluminum orna- dence. The ‘Expert’ mode, which is part of the VDIM theme is characterized by the information ment panel, front doors and rear armrest-in Naguri system, allows drivers to hone their trackdriving display/gauges positioned directly in front of the finish, medium-silver-are produced using Naguri skills. In this mode, VDIM is almost fully disengaged driver. Close attention has been paid to important machining techniques that have been recreated and only intervenes to prevent loss of control. VDIM details such as the size and thickness of fonts and with the latest production technologies and work- has further evolved through integration of TVD with indicators for easy recognition by the driver. manship. Carbon and forged composite carbon are ABS, which uses acceleration sensors to deliver both The large-diameter instrument panel is located in available as additional options. In developing the high vehicle stability and an enjoyable ride. the center of the dashboard and displays essential audio systems for the GS F, the engineering team driving data. The data content displayed on the targeted a speaker system that replicates the sensa- Exterior design with dynamism large-diameter LCD center meter changes depend- tion of sound experienced in a concert hall or movie and functional beauty ing on which out of the four drive modes-NORMAL, theater.a 17-speaker Mark Levinson(r) surround The exterior of the GS F exudes dynamism and ECO, SPORT S and SPORTS+-is selected, while sports sound system with an amplifier capable of out- functional beauty -the front view emphasizes a wide driving is supported through a carefully thought-out, putting the equivalent of 750 watts, which includes model since the launch of the IS F in 2007 . engine delivers 471hp at 7,100 rpm and 54.0kg-m of stance with a low center of gravity. From the side, the easy-to-use multi-information display. The optional GreenEdge(tm) speaker technology that enables According to Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi, torque at 4,800-5,600 rpm. After assembly, the bal- substantial overhang of the fender flares underscores color heads-up display (HUD) allows the driver to more than double the sound output with the same “With the GS F, our aim was to develop a car that ance of each engine while running is adjusted, fur- the high performance of the V8 unit. The front fascia view necessary information swiftly and without the amount of power. combines the versatility of a sedan with the agility ther enhancing the linear power and superior is defined by an aggressive representation of Lexus’ need for excessive eye movement. On top of funda- and dynamic character of the ‘F’ brand. A car that is response that are characteristic of a naturally aspirat- trademark spindle grille, featuring a special ‘F’ series mental information such as speed and basic map- Advanced safety technologies protect fun to drive every day, whether it is on a busy street ed engine. The GS F’s engine uses the Atkinson cycle mesh and a pair of dramatically wide and tall air ping, in both of the ‘Sport’ modes, HUD also provides passengers through Lexus Safety System+ or a winding road, regardless of one’s driving skills. to improve fuel efficiency and environmental per- inlets beneath the headlights. These openings funnel data on engine rpms and shift position. Lexus Safety System+ helps avoid or mitigate Having the driver say ‘That was fun’, ‘That was great’ formance. The Atkinson cycle essentially allows the massive amounts of air into specially-designed duct- The gauge hoods, upper part of the instrument collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds and after driving the car - that’s what the ‘F’ brand is all engine’s intake valves to remain open during com- ing inside the grille to maximize brake cooling and panel, center console, palm rest and door trim arm- conditions. Introduced globally as either standard or about.” “To enhance its dynamic performance and bustion, improving the breathing qualities of the provide excellent performance. The grille also fea- rests are finished in Alcantara(r) in a design that com- optional equipment, Lexus Safety System+ inte- hone its handling, our team also spent countless unit. This reduces pumping losses and increases the tures a new black lacquer plated lower molding bines the performance of a premium sports model grates several technologies: number of hours on some of the most famous tracks engine’s thermal efficiency. exclusive to the ‘F’ series, which provides down force with the feel of a luxury interior. In addition, the sur- of the world, including Fuji Speedway in Japan and To maintain the same level of efficiency, the GS F’s Active Safety the N¸rburgring in Germany,” added Yaguchi. V8-engine comes mated to an equally efficient gear- ● Pre-Crash System (PCS): Utilizing a camera Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, box; the 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic and a millimeter wave radar sensor, the available Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, transmission that offers smooth shift feel, excellent PCS detects other vehicles or (depending on the region) pedestrians in front of the vehicle. If the sys- TOYOTA Motor Corporation, said, “True to the spirit of drivability, instantaneous acceleration and excep- tem judges that there is a possibility of a collision, a all the’F’-line models, we developed the GS F to cre- tional fuel economy under all driving conditions. In warning is activated so that the driver may perform ate a senseof excitement for our customers whenev- the M-position, the transmission takes as little as 0.1 evasive maneuvers. After the warning, the amount er and wherever they drive it. The GS F’s high-speed seconds per shift, enabling the driver to enjoy gen- of additional hydraulic brake pressure generated performance and handling, which have been nur- uine sporting performance. The Drive Mode Select when the driver depresses the brake pedal is tured on race tracks around the globe, reflect our system offers enhanced driving performance and attempt to provide the ultimate driving experience.” increased in stages according to the level of the col- enjoyment by allowing the driver to choose the most Yoshitsug uadded: “The sedan embraces the lision possibility. appropriate drive mode to match their preferred virtues of sound, response and limitless power feel to ● Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System (DRCC): driving style and/or situation. Selections include support Lexus’ ‘F’ brand identity of a performance car. In addition to maintaining a set cruising speed, the NORMAL, ECO, SPORT S and SPORT S+ modes. We look forward to delighting our customers with DRCC also has a vehicle-to-vehicle distance control Transmission performance is further improved this latest model and would like to acknowledge mode. with the adoption of the Lexus G-force Artificial their support over the years.” Highlighting the Lexus ● Lane Departure Alert (LDA): The LDA issues an F technology Simon Frith Business Director Lexus Intelligence Shift control (G AI-SHIFT). When driving audible signal if the vehicle strays from its intended Kuwait “Lexus F cars are the pinnacle of performance. in the SPORT S mode, the system selects the suitable lane. From concept to completion Lexus uses the most gear ratio for sporty driving by monitoring the vehi- to the front of the car. Wide front fender flares with face of the instrument panel features four rivet plates ● Automatic High Beam (AHB)/Adaptive High- innovative engineering to help overcome any chal- cle’s G sensor while simultaneously tracking the large air outlets allow excess airflow to escape down bearing the Lexus logo, which were used in the leg- beam System (AHS): AHB helps provide optimal for- lenge. F is an exceptional achievement of obtaining degree of throttle opening; if the driver invokes a the sides of the vehicle, while broad fenders and endary Lexus LFA and are a symbol of Lexus sports. ward visibility during nighttime driving and auto- optimal performance that would satisfy the most higher degree of throttle (i.e. wants to accelerate sculpted rocker panels provide visual muscle, hinting A new white LED interior illumination concept matically turns off the high beam headlamps when demanding of performance drive enthusiasts.” more briskly), a quicker upshift will take place due to at the car’s sporty character. In addition, the center has been implemented that combines warmth with another vehicle is detected. When no other vehicle The GS F is based on the partially revamped GS high-response shifting. Furthermore, the G AI-SHIFT pillar and outer mirrors are painted in a dark, glossy superior illumination qualities. Interior color is present, the system turns on the high beams. AHS, model and boasts outstanding performance; the 5.0- control further elevates spirited driving by intuitively metallic hue that is coordinated with the color of the schemes available on the GS F include Black and an optional upgrade for the AHB, automatically opti- liter V8 engine features enhanced response and and succinctly blipping the throttle on downshifts. wheels to further enhance the element of sportiness Accent White, Flare Red and Black. mizes the headlamp light distribution so that the engine-revolution smoothness, while chassis stiff- When driving in the top-flight SPORT S+ mode, per- in the’F’ series. The newly designed, 19-inch polished Inside, the high-back sports seats fitted in the high beams do not directly illuminate preceding or ness has been improved through cutting-edge tech- formance driving is further aided by the system aluminum wheels are first forged, and then subject- front of the GS F are manufactured through an inte- oncoming vehicles. nologies such as laser screw welding. Furthermore, allowing the engine to maintain a higher rpm level, ed to three-dimensional cutting. grated foaming technique, and have been designed ● Blind Spot Monitor (BSM): Employing aquasi- the vehicle comes equipped with a variety of stan- which comes in handy when driving under high-load The rear of the vehicle follows the same aggres- to resemble form-fitting athletic sportswear to sup- millimeter wave radar installed on the back of the dard features to ensure both excellent driving stabili- conditions such as on a race track or a winding road. sive design theme as the front, highlighted by the ‘F’ port and cosset occupants. The seats provide both vehicle, BSM can detect a vehicle present in adjacent ty and an enjoyable ride, including Torque Vectoring Active Sound Control (ASC) combines the natural brand’s trademark quad exhaust tips. Other high- high performance required on a track as well as the lanes as well as the vehicle traveling at a high speed Differential (TVD), Vehicle Dynamics Integrated noise of the vehicle’s enginemainly with artificially lights here include a downforce-generating rear comfort needed for general driving. The specially approaching into the driver’s blind spot. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 BUSINESS

Accessorized Tahoe HE the US Ambassador checking the new Silverado 2 The 2016 Silverado steals the light at Mall 360 show Part of Chevrolet Alghanim’s outstanding participation in the 2016 AutoMoto event

usuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the tures integrated cruise control, power train grade ble cab and crew cab models, while the High exclusive distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in braking and diesel exhaust braking to enhance Country - Chevrolet’s premium heavy-duty pickup YKuwait, is participating in the 2016 Auto control. Also included is the new Digital Steering - is offered exclusively on the crew cab. Moto show that is currently taking place at Mall Assist system that continuously adjusts the 360, from January 17th until January 23rd, 2016. amount of hydraulic assist provided to the driver Functional form Showcasing its latest additions to its wide range of while he or she is steering. Not to mention the The design of the Silverado is all about func- cars, Chevrolet Alghanim promises its attendees a award-winning MyLink system, which has been tional form, with elements such as a grille great time at its stand where not only it will display enhanced for the 2016 model, offering greater designed to deliver more efficient airflow to the its most coveted masterpieces, but also assist cus- connectivity and improved performance as well as cooling system and engine air intake, helping tomers in answering their questions, scheduling a new radio with a 7-inch-diagonal capacitive maintain power when towing under adverse con- their test drives and booking their purchases. In touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ditions. The bold and upright two-port grille is addition, Chevrolet Alghanim is proud to unveil capability (which is also available in the 8-inch sys- flanked by prominent headlamps pushed to the the main attraction of the show and the toughest tems.) corners. Halogen projector-beam lamps are stan- truck ever, the 2016 Silverado, among a slew of Regular, double cab and crew cab models are dard on all models. Silverado’s cabs also feature other vehicles that not only are available at great offered across the lineup, as well as gas and inlaid doors, which fit into recesses in the body prices and with even greater offers, but also with Duramax diesel power trains. 2500HD and 3500HD side to help reduce wind noise for a quieter cab, impressive customizable features. regular cab models are matched with an 8’box, and the double cab body features front-hinged Engineered to make the toughest jobs easier and trim levels include Work Truck (WT), LT, LTZ rear doors with outside pull handles at the rear, for with new technologies, the 2016 Silverado fea- and High Country. The LTZ trim is offered on dou- easy access in tight parking spaces. When it comes to the interiors, they are Kuwait Trucks Group visit to Chevrolet Alghanim Stand roomy, quiet and functional as Silverado are designed to make cabins feel like intuitive exten- cally for cell phone storage. to 1,000 KD upon purchasing any of the afore- sions of the owners’ workplaces. All models have mentioned vehicles. Interested customers will be extensive interior storage, tailored to the way Impala and Tahoe guided to a Chevrolet showroom near them, as to customers use their trucks. The center console - At the Auto Moto show, Alghanim Automotive take full advantage of this promotion and make available on vehicles with front bucket seats - is also showcasing the refined Impala and the their dreams of owning a Chevrolet car come true. offers nearly one cubic foot (24.5 liters) of com- powerful Tahoe, which customers can customize All customers who purchase a Chevrolet from bined storage space, with the depth and width to through a designated list of specs for each car. For Alghanim will receive the benefits of the conceal a laptop computer. the Impala, customers can add carbon fiber stick- Chevrolet Care, which entails new levels of post- Additionally, the locking console accommo- er on the roof, mirrors, and handles; add a black sale support and trust. The Chevrolet Care is an dates hanging files for owners who use their matte sticker on grille; paint the wheels smoke sil- exceptional customer service that is based on four truck as a rolling office, as well as controls for ver; install black leather with red piping; restyle main pillars: competitive and transparent service overhead ambient lighting, map pockets along the interior with carbon fiber; and tint the win- costs (especially for four-wheel drive vehicles), the side, movable cup holders and reconfigurable dows. As for the Tahoe, customers can customize scheduled service appointment booking with compartments. It also includes USB ports, two 12- and add 2 1/4” leveling kit, off road wheels and same day delivery, quality service by certified volt power points, a 110-volt outlet and a cord tires, front grille guard, front LED light bar, Z71 technicians and 3yr/100,000km warranty with management system, allowing owners to leave sticker as well as tint the windows. Chevrolet 24x7 roadside assistance. Customers are welcome their phone charger plugged in for quicker access Alghanim is also availing to both attendees and to visit Chevrolet Alghanim’s Auto Moto stand at when it’s needed, but remains concealed and customers its limited time offer on Tahoe, Mall 360, from January 17th until January 23rd, without a dangling cord when it’s not. Plus, Silverado, Malibu, Trailblazer, Impala and Traverse, 2016, and marvel at the stunning lineup of New Silverado 2016 - Z71 there’s a location on the console designed specifi- which includes the highest trade-in value, plus up Chevrolet cars available. EQUATE Issues its first G4 Sustainability Report

KUWAIT: EQUATE Petrochemical Company, Kuwait’s first international joint-venture in this industry, has issued its first Sustainability Report as per the Guideline 4 (G4) set by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). EQUATE has issued its first Sustainability Report for the year 2011, and has since then published more comprehensive GRI com- pliant reports. In addition, the 2014 Sustainability Report has set precedence in Kuwait by completing GRI’s Materiality Disclosures Service regarding the feedback of EQUATE’s stakeholders on its sustainabili- ty efforts and other applicable items. GRI is an international independent organization that helps businesses, govern- ments and other organizations understand Nissan’s Award-Winning Juke gets and communicate the impact of business on critical sustainability issues such as cli- personal with new optional kits mate change, human rights, corruption and many others. EQUATE President & CEO We have witnessed additional success in ty is a core strategic objective. It is applica- DUBAI: Nissan has made the award-win- Mohammad Husain said, “The title for our ‘Making the Impossible Possible’ with other ble to every aspect of the company, and ning new Nissan Juke crossover even more 2014 Sustainability Report of ‘Making the world-class achievements, such as being not a mere term or expression. EQUATE distinctive for Middle East customers and Impossible Possible’ is based on EQUATE the first company to realize a number realizes the importance of sustainability to enthusiasts, with two new optional setting a new world record in maintaining unprecedented milestones locally, regional- ensure being ‘Partners in Success’ with all ‘Personalization Packs ‘exclusive to the and updating petrochemical plants by ly and globally. The achievements included stakeholders who represent individuals, region. “The new Nissan Juke recently won finalizing a full-scale Turnaround (TA) within establishing Sweater Cooling Towers, organizations and communities, such as the ‘Best Compact Utility Vehicle’ categories 30 days. With the participation of over applying Highly Reliable Organization employees, their families, customers, share- in two important regional industry awards 10,000 employees and contractors, EQUATE (HRO) principles, initiating Plant Water holders and members of societies. In addi- with the judges for both Middle East Car of has realized the first of its kind international Recycling Project, executing Six Sigma pro- tion, sustainability is a key element in the Year and Arab Wheels justifiably giving achievement by completing all operations gram, as well as obtaining Responsible Care EQUATE’s overall value creation for the ben- it top honors,” says Samir Cherfan, Nissan within a record-time for petrochemical accreditation and certification.” efit of individuals, economic growth and Middle East’s Managing Director.”Building plants based on global standards. Husain noted, “For EQUATE, sustainabili- environmental protection.” on these significant achievements, Nissan is now giving Juke enthusiasts the opportuni- ty to make their iconic cars more personal NBK rewards customers with big draws to them - something that motorists are extremely keen to do in this part of the gulf markets. As in Saudi Arabia, customers The Nissan Juke SLis powered by a 1.6- and instant prizes upon salary transfer world.” can choose between two packs, the ‘black litre naturally aspirated engine that gener- Available as options on both SL and SL & yellow’ and ‘yellow & black’. “The new ates 117hp and 158Nm of torque, while the KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) salaried customers at NBK will get the Turbo model Jukes, two packs are available Nissan Juke is already one of the world’s SL Turbo punches above its weight with launched a new campaign, the largest of chance to win one of 6 brand new Range depending on the specific market. With most distinctive and individual vehicles,” direct injection and forced induction bring- its kind in Kuwait, dedicated to existing Rover Evoque,” Al Othman added. contrasting colored exterior mirrors and adds Cherfan. “It offers class leading levels ing 190hp and 240Nm. Standard features and new customers who transfer their NBK provides its customers with easy, door handles, as well as interior accents, of safety, practicality, efficiency and value include cloth upholstery, four-speaker salary to NBK. The campaign will run until convenient and fast services. Customers they make the Nissan Juke stand out from for money. Now our customers have even CD/MP3 stereo with AUX port, power win- December 31st, 2016. will enjoy easy salary transfer process, the crowd like never before, asserting its greater choice when it comes to expressing dows, electric mirrors, rear-view camera Upon establishing a salary account at instant card issuance and quick loan big personality with attention grabbing col- their unique personalities through their and the 60/40 folding rear seats. Leather NBK, new customers will get to choose approvals. Moreover, unique services and or combinations of ‘red & white’ or ‘black & cars, with fun color schemes that cannot fail upholstery is available, as is NissanConnect, between either an instant cash prize start- benefits are available to suit the cus- yellow’ available for customers in the lower to turn heads wherever they go.” sunroof, fog lamps, automatic air condition- ing from KD 100 up to KD 10,000 or a 0% tomer’s lifestyle and needs. This includes ing and intelligent keyless entry with starter interest loan up to KD 10,000. The cam- the NBK Rewards program, the largest loy- button. Over the past year, the Nissan Juke paign also rewards existing and new cus- alty program in Kuwait that offers guaran- has forged ahead with highly impressive tomers with chances to win one of six teed rewards and instant redemption sales results. The vehicle now has a six per brand new Range Rover Evoque. New service at many of the best international cent share of the SUV-S market segment - customers will get one chance while exist- Mohammed Al Othman and local brands in Kuwait. NBK cus- jumping from five per cent a year ago. In ing customers will get two chances in the tomers will also enjoy a free credit card for the UAE, the Juke’s share has jumped from draw that will occur every two months. Group. “NBK expands its focus by offering the first year. Complimentary airport eight to 11 per cent and, in March 2015, it “This campaign is part of NBK’s customers unique and wide range of serv- lounge access, concierge service and was the best-selling car in its segment in approach to provide customers with new ices and benefits.” many exclusive global offers are available the entire country. It’s a success story products and special offers,” said “New salaried customers will receive a when using NBK Credit Cards. For more repeated throughout the region and, as Mohammed Al Othman, NBK’s Deputy host of offers and unique benefits and information please contact NBK Call Center 1 Nissan looks forward to 2016, it does so General Manager, Consumer Banking services, including instant prizes, while all 801 801 or visit the website www.nbk.com. from a position of enormous strength through ‘Innovation that Excites’. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 technology

Windows 10 Now Active on over 200 Million Devices DUBAI: As 2016 begins, Microsoft is • Over 44.5 billion minutes spent in excited to bring you more Windows Microsoft Edge across Windows 10 innovations, more incredible devices, devices in just the last month. and great new Windows apps and • Over 2.5 billion questions asked of games that will deliver more produc- Cortana since launch. tivity and entertainment experiences • Around 30% more Bing search across the broadest range of devices. queries per Windows 10 device vs. pri- As of today, there are more than or versions of Windows. 200 million monthly active devices • Over 82 billion photos viewed around the world running Windows within the Windows 10 Photo app. 10. And Windows 10 adoption is accel- • Gaming continues to grow on erating, with more than 40% of new Windows 10 - in 2015, gamers spent Windows 10 devices becoming active over 4 billion hours playing PC games since November last year. Windows 10 on Windows 10. Gamers have streamed also continues to be on the fastest more than 6.6 million hours of Xbox growth trajectory of any version of One games to Windows 10 PCs. Windows - ever - outpacing Windows 7 These are just a few of the recent by nearly 140% and Windows 8 by highlights for Windows and devices. nearly 400%. Here are a few fun facts We’re grateful for a strong 2015 and on what people have been doing on look forward to delivering more great Windows 10: experiences in 2016! Microsoft Lumia 950 phones a treat to use

By Islam Al-Sharaa

he latest flagship smartphones by Microsoft seek to make the Windows 10 experience seam- Tless across desktop, tablet and mobile. The Lumia 950 XL and Lumia 950 devices loaned to Kuwait Times for testing proved that Microsoft is on the right track to narrow the gap between its Windows phones and its Android and iOS rivals. The phones are sleek, comfortable to use and packed Securing enterprise data with features to make life easier. With a standout cam- era and impressive controls, the phones are fun for from DNS-based threats both professional and casual users. As the name indicates, the XL telephone is the By Cherif Sleiman There are whole spectrums larger of the two sets. Its exquisite features means of attacks that can target DNS: that it is the dream phone for fanatics in technology NS, or Domain Name • Dos/DDoS - Send 10s or 100s on paper, yet are those features enough to attract the System, is the protocol of thousands of queries per sec- attention of users, and compete with Android and iOS Dused for converting fully ond to the DNS server in order sets? qualified domain names to exhause resources on the (FQDNs) like www.google.com server and cause a service out- Design into machine-usable IP address- age On the front: es that computers use to com- • DNS reflection/DrDoS - Use It has a 5.7 inch AMOLED screen covered with a municate with each other. 3rdparty DNS servers (open Gorilla glass sheet to protect the screen. This screen Without a working DNS proto- resolvers) to propagate DDoS occupies most of the front side with the “Microsoft” col, it would be almost impossi- attacks mark on top. On the back, just like the rest of compa- 5 things you may not know about Windows Lumia ble to have an Internet of • DNS amplification - Use spe- ny sets, has a large area of dull black polycarbonate Things that communicate with cially crafted queries to amplify and it has a large camera with a pure view Zeiss silver ring, in addition to the Windows mark in the middle ur mobile phones have become an camera reacts to its environment so that you each other and organizations Cherif Sleiman response and congest band- would not have a cyber-pres- width of the back cover. extension of who we are. They’re our can get the best possible shot no matter the ence. In short, the internet as we know it would • DNS-based exploits - Attacks that exploit vul- The power button and voice control buttons are Ofirst port of call for communication, conditions. For example, if you’re trying to get a business, photography and entertainment. photo of your child on the soccer field, your not exist without a robust DNS infrastructure. nerabilities in the DNS software on the right side of the set, as the power button in the middle, and although it is easy to press on the but- Microsoft’s range of Windows Lumia phones phone will adjust its own shutter speed to cap- Given that DNS servers are mission-critical • Protocol anomalies - Cause the server to tons, they have a sharp touch. The photography but- are no different. Not only are they sleek in ture the shot without the usual motion blur. infrastructure, it is crucial that they continue to crash by sending malformed packets and ton is on the same side, making it easier to take shots. design and easy on the wallet, but they also respond to queries even when they are under queries On the backside, which is one of this phone’s fea- boast several features that make everyday life 4. Make your phone child-friendly attack. When designing a DNS infrastructure, it • Reconnaissance - Attempts by hackers to get tures, as the rest of companies are opting for irremov- easier. We picked out the top five things you For those parents who know all too well how is important to build an environment that is information on the network before launch- able covers, we find two slots for nano SIMS, as the probably didn’t know your Lumia could do. We it feels to have children who are more tech- not only sufficient for current needs, but also ing attacks phone has a dual SIM feature, in addition to a slot for think they’re game changers no matter what savvy than you are, this one’s for you. Windows provides room for future growth. In addition, • DNS tunneling - Tunneling of another proto- a micro SD card, which accepts a memory of 200 GB you use your phone for. Mobile’s Kid’s Corner feature separates pre- while architecting the DNS, it is also important col through DNS for data exfiltration capacity, in addition to a removable battery. Though selected content such as apps, videos and to understand the security threats the DNS Protection from these attacks should be done the set is a phablet, it is very comfortable to use with 1. Unlock your phone just by looking at it games that your kids can access. No more wor- might be vulnerable to. Securing the DNS plat- at the DNS level. The DNS appliance should one hand. Thanks to Windows 10’s new Hello feature ries about them getting their hands on unsuit- form against hacking have: and an iris scanner located in the top right hand able content or sending an inappropriate email Hacking of DNS servers is becoming more • Intelligent detection and mitigation - It Screen: corner of the Lumia, unlocking your phone has to your boss. prevalent every day. Conventional DNS servers should detect and drop the attack queries The vision under the sun is very good, but it would never been easier. You can unlock your phone To activate this feature on your Lumia, go to have multiple attack surfaces and extraneous before they reach the core DNS server. The be better if the screen becomes a little brighter. easily and securely, simply by looking at it - no Settings > Accounts > Kid’s Corner and select ports such as port 80 and port 25 that are DNS server should not spend valuable CPU Accuracy of the screen: K2 PIN or password required. To do this, go to which content you’d like to make available. open for attack. Hackers can use these ports to and memory resources to process these Pixel density: PPI pixel density 518 making it an Settings > Personalisation > Lock Screen > Sign- Once it’s set up, you can access Kid’s Corner by access the operating system (OS) and hack the requests. This can be achieved by offload- outstanding screen, and as expected from AMOLED In Options. Find the Windows Hello option and right swiping from the lock screen. servers. If an enterprises’ DNS servers don’t ing the threat protection to built-in dedi- screen, the contrast is outstanding. once you’ve taken a few seconds to stare into support tiered security privileges, any user cated compute Colors are clear and black is deep, the corners are the front-facing camera, you’re all set. 5. Track your movements to stay healthy could potentially gain access to OS-level • Automatic threat updates - It should stay up- great without variation in brightness, and there are It’s never been easier to keep track of your account privileges and cause configuration to-date with new and evolving threats options to adjust the white color balance from the 2. Turn your phone into a PC health and fitness, with a little help from your changes that could make the servers vulnera- automatically. There should be no need for setting list, while the phone supports the Glance fea- The Continuum feature allows you to turn Lumia. The phone tracks your movements so ble to hacks. writing scripts or manually applying new ture, as it displays some information on the screen your Lumia into a fully-fledged PC simply by that your health apps can use the data. To cus- In order to protect DNS services from vari- protection rules to the DNS server every while in the sleep mode. connecting it to Microsoft’s Display Dock, a tomise how this works on your phone, go to ous hacks, DNS servers should be secured in time a new threat is detected mouse and keyboard, and an external display. Settings > Extras > Lumia Motion Data and the following ways: • Fine-tuning of protection - DNS traffic pat- Features of Lumia 950 Just like that, all your phone’s content appears select your options. You can switch between • Hardened appliance with minimal attack sur- terns and attacks might not be the same Design: on the bigger screen, automatically adjusted to basic and detailed data collection to choose face - The infrastructure should not have for each organization and customization of It has the same design as Lumia 950 XL, but little fit the new size and resolution. It looks just like whether to include your standing, walking, run- any extra or unused ports to access server protection is necessary to minimize false smaller, as we said the frame is made of the polycar- Windows 10 on a PC. ning, driving and cycling data. or power external devices (e.g. Wi-Fi) and positives. It should allow for adjusting of bonate plastic, which is saddening for Windows Even better, when your phone is connected Besides these features, the Lumia also has a no root login access within operating sys- parameters for each rule and customize phone users, as it was expected the phone will come to the external monitor and you are using the host of shortcuts to make using your phone as tem. It should have role-based access to them for the environment with metal design to compete with other phones, but display to work in the Office apps or let your easy as possible. For example, the Outlook maintain overall control anyway, the attractive design may compensate for kids watch a movie, you can continue to use email app has gesture-based actions and • Secured access methods - There should be Preventing malware and APTs from using that, and it is easy to use in the hand. Microsoft your phone to check emails and answer calls. If shortcuts; SMS Messages can integrate with two-factor authentication for secured login DNS removed the front screen buttons and placed them in you don’t have an external mouse, you can also Skype; and the Quick Reply feature means you access, web and API access should use Data breaches are growing at a staggering the screen to reduce the phone dimensions. choose to use your phone’s screen as a trackpad. can see your messages and pull down to reply encryption to secure communication and pace. Investing in next-generation firewalls or to them without switching from whatever you DNS TSIG keys should be used for strong Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPSs) can stop Screen and sound 3. Take great photos wherever you are are doing. authentication of DNS updates some Malware from entering the network, but The screen is slightly different, as the phone The Lumia’s 20-megapixel sensor, Zeiss optics Whatever you use your phone for - work or • High availability and disaster recovery - not all. Trends like Bring Your Own Device comes with 5.2 inch with 1440 x 2560 pixel accuracy, and triple LED natural flash all mean the photos play - these features and shortcuts are Simple, configurable fail-over and fail-back (BYOD) complicate the situation further and with AMOLED color technology and density of PPI you take on your phone are of higher quality designed to make your life easier. Give them a to ensure service availability provide new avenues for Malware to enter and 564 pixels, and although it is smaller, it is clearer as far than ever before. Added to this, the phone’s try and see how they work for you. • Simple, unified updates for OS and applica- go undetected for longer periods of time. as the pixels density is considered. The screen is pro- tions - Updates for both the OS and appli- Malware and APTs evade traditional tected with Gorilla glass to protect it against any scratches. System: be charged from 0% to 50% in 30 minutes only. It is a cations should be accomplished in a single defenses by using DNS to find and communi- As we said above all Microsoft phones are now good battery compared with the phone size, and process to reduce downtime and risk of cate with botnets and command-and-control Both phones have AMOLED screens with the tech- nology of clear back, which reduces the light reflec- working with Windows 10 system, which is good, and Windows 10 does not use much energy contrary to its incompatibility servers. Botnets and command-and-control there is an investment by the company with many com- Android competitor. Thee Windows Hello feature, • Simple DNSSEC implementation - DNSSEC servers hide behind constantly changing com- tion on the screen and makes vision clear under the sun. The phone has four microphones in order to panies to improve Windows 10 store for applications. which allows the identification of the users phone to reduces the risk of attacks like cache poi- binations of domains and IP addresses. Once open the phone, and it is available in Lumia 950 XL soning. It should be simple to implement internal machines connect to these devices, improve the quality of the sound for calls and video recording with the least distortion. Battery: and also allows the opening of the phone through and self-manage the updating of encryp- additional malicious software is downloaded 950 Lumia comes with li-ion 3000 removable bat- the eye’s iris! tion keys between servers or sensitive company data is infiltrated. Performance and processor tery, and works for 18 continuous hours of calls We now come to a fantastic feature, which is con- • Secure Forwarder Configuration - Restrict Sometimes Malware and APT attacks are It comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 with through third generation networks and 67 continu- tinuum, which is a small system that allows you to queries to DNS Forwarder servers to those hidden or disguised by external attacks on net- hexagonal nucleous with 1.8 gigahertz frequency, ous hours of music. transform your small phone into a personal computer sent by authorized addresses works. During an external attack, IT staff are while the problem of that processor remains the Both phones support the quick charging technol- that operates with Windows 10, with a keyboard, • Detailed audit logging - This enables compli- distracted in protecting the network and excessive heat, but Microsoft solved the problem by ogy quick charge 2.0, through which the battery can mouse and everything. ance and control over server configurations might miss alerts or warning logs about providing the phone with a water cooling feature, and operations Malware and APT activity within the network. and equipped with drawing processor of the Adreno In order for DNS to detect and block queries 418 category, and a USB Type - C to transfer data Defending against DNS attacks for malicious domains and networks, a faster. Another consideration is the protection of Response Policy Zone (RPZ) must be config- It has a large random memory at 3 G of DDR4, so the DNS infrastructure from external attacks. ured and implemented. there is no problem for multi functions and applica- Authoritative DNS servers are reachable from Many IT organizations today are using load- tions with an internal memory of 32 GB and expand- the internet. Even though the server sits balancers, IPS and firewall devices, generic DDoS able to 200 GB. behind a firewall, most of these attacks cannot protection solutions and cloud-based solutions be mitigated by typical firewalls. Firewalls are to try and counter DNS-based attacks. All of Camera: ill-prepared to protect DNS against applica- these solutions are limited in what they can and Lumia 950 is equipped with a 20 megapixel cam- tion-layer attacks. The ones that do, the so- cannot protect. Most of them are external solu- era and an F1.9 lens with pure view technology and a called NextGen firewalls, tend to have very lit- tions that are “bolted on” rather than built from triple flash, with a front camera of 5 megapixel accu- tle coverage for DNS protocols. These solutions the ground up to secure enterprises’ DNS racy. Video recording with K4 accuracy and a speed of typically spread their security policies across a against attacks. None of them can compare to 30 frames per second, while the front camera has large number of protocols and sacrifice depth the effectiveness of a purpose-built, DNS-specif- 1080p accuracy and 30 frames per second, and these for breadth of coverage. ic defense solution. — Courtest of Infloblox are the same features of Lumia XL 950. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Heading home after Ebola, Ivorian refugees in Liberia bear scars of war

BAHN REFUGEE CAMP, Liberia: Yamthe to go home. Most of the Ivorians who sought Repatriation and Resettlement Commission. Lambert’s eyes fill with tears as he recalls refuge in Liberia started heading home a year Many refugees bear the scars of the abuse searching for his wife and six children while after the 2011 conflict. But some 35,000 and violence they witnessed and suffered, masses of people fled their homes in fear at refugees who remained were left in limbo and some are unsure if they will or can ever the height of Ivory Coast’s 2011 civil war. The when the spread of Ebola caused Liberia to go back. Mother-of-five Theodile Goun fixes 63-year-old, who was working as a miner shut its borders to curb the outbreak. her eyes on the ground as she explains how away from his home city of Guiglo when the With the epidemic under control, and the she was forced to strip naked by armed rebels conflict erupted, rushed home to search for establishment of a humanitarian corridor as loyal to Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara his family as the country descended into the border remains closed, the United and threatened with rape in front of her chil- chaos, but instead found his house and car Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has restart- dren. set ablaze. “I was too late, they had already ed a drive to take refugees home and help to “My youngest girl is traumatized and gone,” he said, sitting inside his home at Bahn rebuild their lives. Several convoys carrying often has flashbacks - screaming for her refugee camp in northeast Liberia, a vast tract hundreds of people have crossed the border brother who died after being shot in the leg.” dotted with trees and clay-brick houses some since December, and with almost a third of While some of Bahn’s 5,000 refugees refer to 50 km (30 miles) from the Ivory Coast border. the refugees having expressed a desire to go the camp as a big family, tensions have flared Lambert was among more than 200,000 home as soon as possible, thousands more between supporters of Ouattara and those Ivorians who fled to Liberia after a disputed are set to follow in the coming months. “We loyal to former leader Laurent Gbagbo. presidential election in November 2010 are desperate to go back - to have a real Gbagbo’s refusal to accept Ouattara’s win in KENEMA, Sierra Leone : This file photo taken on November 15, 2014 shows a plunged Ivory Coast into its second civil war home, and a real life,” said Lambert, squeezing 2010 sparked the brief conflict that killed health worker wearing protective equipment giving to drink to an Ebola young in a decade. Having crossed the border to his wife’s hand tightly. around 3,000 people, and refugee Richard patient at Kenama treatment center run by the Red cross Society. — AFP Liberia alone in 2011, Lambert feared he Gouanoun said his status as a former mem- would never see his family again. But when Scarred by violence ber of Gbagbo’s Ivorian Popular Front party provided by the camp, many refugees have The UNHCR has provided training to teach an aid worker who moved from Bahn to On the outskirts of Bahn, one of three had made him a target in the camp. He said struggled to adapt to life in Bahn - frustrated skills such as soap making, hairdressing and another camp spotted a boy that resembled camps hosting Ivorian refugees in Liberia, he was arrested and detained for weeks after by limited food rations and lack of opportuni- tailoring, but only a few refugees have been Lambert and discovered that it was his son, several women sift through a wheelbarrow pro-Ouattara refugees accused him of train- ties. “It isn’t easy being in a remote area, with given such opportunities, said mother-of-four the family were reunited - after three years piled high with clothes, picking out tops, ing other refugees in the camp to carry out no power, living in darkness - it is a far cry Veh Elisee. The lack of secondary education in apart. “When my family arrived at Bahn, we skirts and shoes. Nearby, a group of men in attacks in Ivory Coast. “There is no way I can from Abidjan,” said Philochard Gonto, 30, who Bahn camp means that children also have lit- embraced tightly for 20 minutes without let- brightly coloured shirts huddle in the shade ever go back to my country, it would be too is impatient to return home to finish his tle to do, leading to a number of young girls ting go - we couldn’t let go,” Lambert said. to avoid the midday sun as they discuss their dangerous. But I don’t feel safe in the camp degree in Ivory Coast’s main city. Monthly rice falling pregnant, according to the 33-year old Now, five years after the civil war forced futures. “Many people have been eager to go either, we are too close to Ivory Coast here,” rations have been cut by almost half as fund- Ivorian. “There are 12-year-olds having sex them to seek refuge in Liberia, and a year- back since December, but there are also a lot 44-year-old Gouanoun said. ing has dried up, and those picking up the and children of their own because their is and-a-half after their hopes of heading home waiting to hear what life is like for those who sacks are subdued as they balance them on nothing to occupy them... what can you do if were crushed by the world’s worst Ebola out- return before making a decision,” said Struggle to adapt their heads or bundle them into wheelbar- your child meets a boy who promises her a break, Lambert and his family are preparing Augustus Taylor from the Liberia Refugee While grateful for the shelter and security rows. few dollars for sex?” — Reuters

First lady, school meal directors World Health Organization may be headed for truce hopes to eradicate polio in 2016 AMMAN, Jordan: An official says the dropping. Fight ‘until the bitter end’ World Health Organization hopes to Maher spoke Sunday at the inaugura- eradicate polio in 2016, after containing tion of a WHO regional center for health outbreaks in conflict-ridden Syria, Iraq emergencies and polio eradication in WASHINGTON: A bipartisan Senate agreement committee’s top Democrat, Sen Debbie Stabenow of whole grain and sodium standards within 90 days of and Somalia by immunizing millions of Jordan’s capital, Amman. The agency would revise healthier meal standards put into place Michigan. the bill’s enactment, meaning the new standards children over two years. Christopher says it faces unprecedented demand for over the last few years to give schools more flexibility could be in place by next school year if Congress acts Maher, who runs the regional polio erad- basic health services. It says half the in what they serve the nation’s schoolchildren, easing School nutrition quickly. Under the agreement between those negoti- ication program, says there’s a chance to region’s 22 countries are in conflict or requirements on whole grains and delaying an “In the absence of increased funding, this agree- ating the bill, the new rules would scale back the “finish polio forever” this year. He says affected by it, and that the Middle East is upcoming deadline to cut sodium levels on the lunch ment eases operational challenges and provides whole grain standards to require that 80 percent of the disease still occurs in Pakistan and home to the largest number of internally line. While legislation released by the Senate school meal programs critical flexibility to help them grains on the lunch line must be whole grain rich, or Afghanistan, but that the caseload is displaced people anywhere.—AP Agriculture Committee on Monday would placate plan healthy school meals that appeal to students,” the more than half whole grain. Currently, all grains are some schools that have complained the rules are bur- association’s president, Jean Ronnei, said. The White required to be whole grain rich, though some schools densome, it is greatly scaled back from an unsuccess- House has yet to weigh in, but committee aides said are now allowed to get waivers from that require- ful 2014 House Republican effort to allow some the administration was involved in negotiations and is ment. Schools have said the whole grain rules were Limiting infants to almond too tough in some cases, as whole grain pasta is hard- er to cook and some kids don’t like it as much. Southern schools have had problems finding tasty milk can result in scurvy whole grain biscuits and grits; schools in the Southwest say their students reject whole grain tor- NEW YORK: Plant-based beverages like rays revealed fractures in his legs and back tillas. almond milk can’t be used to replace and thinning bones. The almond formula breast milk or infant formula, a new report was stopped and replaced with infant for- New standards warns. The authors of the report describe mula, cereals, meat, fruits and vegetables The agreement would also delay stricter standards an infant in Spain who was fed only supplemented with vitamin C and D on sodium that are scheduled for the 2017 school almond beverages or almond flour-based replacement therapy. One month later his year. They would now be delayed two years, and a formulations from age two months to 11 x-rays had improved. Soon afterward, his study would measure the benefits of those reduc- months and developed fractures and fail- vitamin C and D levels had normalized. tions. The legislation would also require the govern- ure to thrive due to scurvy. Scurvy is a seri- Two months after stopping the almond ment to figure out how to reduce waste of fruits and ous condition caused by lack of vitamin C formula he started walking, the authors vegetables, which children are now required to take in the diet. Once the scourge of sailors who reported in Pediatrics. In the first year of on the lunch line. Some just throw them away. did not have access to sources of vitamin C life, babies should consume 50 to 60 mil- The bill requires the Agriculture Department and during many months at sea, scurvy is rare ligrams of vitamin C every day, the authors Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to come today. say. On average, 8 ounces (240 ml) of up with solutions like sharing tables where children Dr Isidro Vitoria of the Hospital breast milk contains about 11 milligrams of can leave food they don’t want. Some local health Universitario y Politecnico La Fe in Valencia, vitamin C Infant formulas should contain authorities have discouraged that approach. The legis- Spain, and coauthors report the case of a 10 to 30 milligrams per 100 calorie serving, lation would also put more resources into summer male baby who was born at term, vaccinat- the authors write. feeding programs and attempt to expand the ways in ed according to Spanish guidelines, and The American Academy of Pediatrics which those foods are served. The rules phased in fed with a cow’s milk based formula for the recommends that infants be exclusively since 2012 set fat, calorie, sugar and sodium limits on first two and a half months of life. When he breastfed for about the first six months of foods in the lunch line and beyond. Schools have long developed skin inflammation, a medical life, and then solid foods can be intro- been required to follow government nutrition rules if doctor recommended he be switched to duced. Fruits like oranges, strawberries and WASHINGTON: In this file photo first lady Michelle Obama speaks in the State Dining they accept federal reimbursements for free and daily intake of a prepared mixture includ- kiwis are also good sources of vitamin C Room of the White House. — AP reduced-price meals for low-income students, but the ing almond drink, almond flour, sesame When almond beverages are processed, new standards are stricter. powder, brown rice malt, brown rice, millet some vitamins, including vitamin C, lose schools to opt out of the rules entirely. The panel is expected to be supportive. The aides declined to be The compromise seemed impossible just a year and a sachet of probiotics and prebiotics their biological activity, the authors note. scheduled to vote on the measure today. identified because they were not authorized to speak and a half ago, when the association aggressively lob- marketed in Spain. Although some such beverages in Spain After more than two years of public quarreling, the publicly about the legislation. Nutrition advocates bied against the administration’s standards and From age six months onward, his moth- are fortified with vitamins and nutrients, bill signals a possible truce for a group of school nutri- who have fiercely defended the rules were also posi- backed the GOP effort to allow schools to opt out of er offered him pureed fruits and vegetables the particular formula this baby received tion directors and first lady Michelle Obama, an out- tive. them. The first lady held a rare event at the White that he would not eat. At 11 months of age, was deficient in vitamin C, D, calcium, iron spoken proponent of healthier eating during her hus- “Given all of the aggressive lobbying against House, calling out the School Nutrition Association by the baby was tired, irritable, had failed to and zinc. “Pediatricians and parents should band’s seven years in office. The School Nutrition school nutrition over the past few years, it’s remark- name. She said she would fight “until the bitter end” to thrive and refused to support his legs on a be aware that plant-based beverages are Association, which represents school nutrition direc- able that the Senate bill is as strong a way forward as it keep the rules intact. Supporters of the Senate bill are solid surface, crying even when an adult not a complete food and they may not tors and companies that sell food to schools, said it is is,” said Margo Wootan of the Center for Science and hoping that an agreement among the formerly feud- moved his legs for him. He had abnormal replace breastfeeding or infant formula,” supportive of the agreement negotiated by Senate the Public Interest. The five-year Senate legislation ing parties could influence the House, which has not levels of zinc, vitamin D, thyroid stimulating the authors write. — Reuters Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and the would direct the Agriculture Department to revise the yet introduced a bill. — AP hormone and ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. X-

Tobacco giant Philip Morris Volunteers send water as faces $2.2 billion Thai tax fine S African temperatures soar BANGKOK: Tobacco giant Philip Morris is standards of customs valuation,” the com- facing an eye-watering $2.2 billion fine if pany said in a statement. The cigarette BOKSBURG, South Africa: In a large between their homes and passed more donations flooded in. Administration (NOAA) is expected found guilty of dodging tax on cigarette manufacturer added that their import val- shed to the east of Johannesburg the day’s collection over the wall to to declare 2015 the hottest year on imports to Thailand, prosecutors said yes- uations complied with World Trade men stacked tens of thousands of store at Boshoff’s house-in the hall- Record highs record worldwide. On one Tuesday terday. The allegations are part of a long Organization agreements and had been liters of water onto a flatbed truck as way, on the patio, and in every avail- The regional drought, now in its last October, 18 weather stations simmering tax dispute between the king- cleared by local Thai customs officials. part of a neighborhood volunteer able room. For 14 years, the families second year, has been brought on by across South Africa recorded new dom the local unit of the tobacco compa- The investigation first surfaced in 2006 campaign to save South Africa’s dry had been neighbors without so the El Nino weather phenomenon monthly highs, all above 38 degrees ny, which has also clashed with authorities under the administration of Thaksin towns. much as a friendly wave between and exacerbated by climate change, Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit). And in over plans to increase the size of health Shinawatra, shortly before his ousting in a The water comes in two-liter soft them. Now they plotted the water pushing temperatures higher in a early January, both Johannesburg warnings on cigarette packets. military coup. Thailand has since been hit drink bottles, five-liter plastic drums delivery rescue mission together in string of blistering heat waves. This and the capital Pretoria saw all-time Thai prosecutors say Philip Morris, by a decade of political instability with fre- and a 1,000-litre bowser-all of it Du Plessis’ lounge, their phones ring- week, the Washington-based record maximums of 38 and 42.5 which owns the Marlboro and L&M brands, quent government changes and a second donated by city residents, as intense ing and pinging as messages of National Oceanic and Atmospheric degrees Celsius respectively. avoided around 20 billion baht ($551.27 coup in 2014. In 2011, the attorney general drought and continuous heat waves Such figures highlight the huge million) tax by under declaring import at the time recommended against charg- devastate South Africa’s farms. For challenge of capping global warm- prices for cigarettes from the Philippines ing the tobacco giant, but the prosecution Janine Boshoff, 35, the spur to action ing at below two degrees Celsius between 2003 and 2006. “Philip Morris as a was restarted two years later. That year was a Facebook post by a cattle from pre-industrial levels-the goal corporation, as well as seven Thais, were Philip Morris was among leading cigarette farmer who was distraught at the set at UN negotiations in Paris in indicted yesterday on custom tax evasion,” firms to challenge in court plans by Thai choice of either watching his starv- December. “The abnormally high Somnuk Siengkong, a spokesman for health officials to increase health warnings ing herd die-or shooting them. “I temperatures and low rainfall during Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General on cigarettes. The World Health thought if a farmer could feel that 2015 are a combination of a natural told reporters yesterday. Chartpong Organization has accused the tobacco much for an animal, I would hope effect, which is the El Nino phenom- Chirabandhu, deputy director general of industry of deploying legions of lobbyists that humans could feel something enon, and the rising baseline caused the office’s special litigation department, and lawyers to block packaging changes. for each other, too,” she told AFP. by human-caused global climate said a court could impose a fine of up to 80 The tobacco lobby has also tried to She began rallying neighbors in change,” explained Robert Scholes, billion baht ($2.2 billion) if the company block laws curbing advertising or raising suburban Boksburg to fill their old systems ecology professor at the was found guilty. taxes on cigarettes. But more countries are bottles and bring them to her house. University of the Witwatersrand. “At Four foreign executives at the company adopting the approach with Thailand Within days, her sister’s employer this stage, they approximately equal- have also been charged but are outside something of a regional leader on the issue had offered a company truck to ly contribute to the observed high the country, prosecutors added. Philip in Southeast Asia. Action on Smoking and transport the haul a few hours’ drive temperatures.” But while emergency Morris Thailand Limited described the Health Foundation Thailand says more to parched towns in the Free State, community efforts can provide charges as “unjust” and vowed to fight than 50,700 people die every year from South Africa’s agricultural heartland. drinking and washing water to oth- them. “The company intends to vigorously smoking-related diseases with around 13 Boshoff’s neighbor, Jolanda du erwise crippled small towns, they defend itself against these meritless million of the country’s 67 million inhabi- Plessis, 46, and her housekeeper BENONI, GAUTENG, South Africa : Factory workers pile up donated cannot replace the absent rains as charges and demonstrate that it is in full tants addicted to cigarettes, 2.2 million of began walking the local streets water bottles by South African residents from the Johannesburg out- fields turn to dust. Nor are they a compliance with Thai law and international whom are minors. — AFP handing out flyers. At night, the two skirts town of Benoni to be delivered in drought stricken rural com- long-term solution to the country’s families shut down the electric fence munities. — AFP hot, dry future. — AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE More than 7,000 babies stillborn every day

PARIS: About 7,200 babies are stillborn entirely preventable reasons during the Malaria infection accounted for about high-income country,” the study said. But Pakistan with 43.1 stillbirths per 1,000 every day some 2.6 million per year — next few hours should be a health scan- eight percent of stillbirths and syphilis the series also highlighted wide gaps total births. and half of these deaths occur during dal of international proportions. Yet it is 7.7 percent, the analysis showed. An esti- between rich and poor people even in The rest of the bottom 10 were delivery, according to a quintet of stud- not.” For the purposes of the study, still- mated 6.7 percent of stillbirths was high-income countries. A poor woman in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Guinea-Bissau, ies published by The Lancet yesterday. births were counted as foetuses lost dur- attributed to the expectant mother a wealthy country has about double the Somalia, Djibouti, Central African The figures for 2015 represented a mea- ing the final three-month trimester, or being older than 35, and 4.7 percent to risk of stillbirth than a rich one. Republic, Togo and Mali. In 2014, the gre drop from around 24.7 to 18.4 after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Deaths eclampsia-a serious condition of preg- “Stillbirth rates for women of south World Health Assembly-the world’s high- deaths for every 1,000 total births from before this cutoff are termed miscar- nancy that can cause seizure-inducing Asian and African origin giving birth in est health policy body-endorsed a target 2000 to last year, the medical journal riages. The series found that prolonged high blood pressure. Europe or Australia are two-to-three of 10 or fewer stillbirths per 1,000 total reported. The overwhelming majority of pregnancy-delivery several days beyond times higher than white women,” said a births by 2035. But the Lancet series stillbirths, about 98 percent, occur in the estimated birth date-was the main Rich, poor gap statement. The country with the lowest found the average annual rate of reduc- low- and medium-income countries. cause of stillbirths, contributing 14 per- Sub-Saharan Africa had more still- rate, with 1.3 stillbirths per 1,000 total tion, at two percent, was far slower than “But the truly horrific figure is 1.3 mil- cent. Next in line were maternal health births than any other region. Given the births, was Iceland, and Denmark was for maternal deaths (three percent) or lion” stillbirths that occur during deliv- problems. Nutrition, lifestyle factors such slow rate of improvement, “over 160 next at 1.7 per 1,000. They were followed deaths of children under five (4.5 per- ery, The Lancet editors Richard Horton as obesity or smoking, and non-infec- years will pass before the average preg- by Finland, the Netherlands, Croatia, cent). The series was comprised of five and Udani Samarasekera wrote in a com- tious diseases like diabetes, cancers or nant woman in sub-Saharan Africa has Japan, South Korea, Norway, Portugal research papers compiled by more than ment. “The idea of a child being alive at cardiovascular problems, each account- the same chance of her baby being born and New Zealand. The worst performer, 200 authors, investigators and advisers the beginning of labor and dying for ed for about 10 percent of stillbirths. alive as does a woman nowadays in a out of 186 countries measured, was from 43 countries. — AFP Study quantifies faulty gene’s role in ovary cancer risk ‘Finding these women will help prevent more cancers and save lives’

PARIS: Women who carry an inherited fault in a silent killer. About 60 percent of patients die could eventually form the basis of a genetic the BRIP1 gene are three times more likely to within five years. test to identify women at greatest risk,” said develop ovarian cancer than those without it, There is no standard or routine test for early Paul Pharaoh, a cancer epidemiology professor researchers said yesterday. The gene variant detection of ovarian cancer a process known at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. had already been linked to cancer of the as “screening” to boost survival chances by “Finding these women will help us prevent ovaries, but the size of the additional risk has allowing for treatment to begin as soon as pos- more cancers and save lives. This would be now been quantified in a study in the Journal sible after disease onset. The study compared important in a disease like ovarian cancer, of the US National Cancer Institute. “Around 18 the genes of over 8,000 European women- which tends to be diagnosed at a later stage women in every 1,000 develop ovarian cancer, including a group diagnosed with ovarian can- when the chances of survival are worse.” but this risk increases to around 58 women in cer, a healthy group, and a third with a family Women with a mutation on the BRCA1 gene, every 1,000 for women with a fault in the BRIP1 history of the disease. for example, carry a very high risk of developing gene,” said a statement from Cancer Research breast and ovarian cancer. Those diagnosed UK, whose researchers led the research. Lower their risk with the variant is found, can opt to surgically The fault inhibited tissue cells from properly They found that women who carried the remove their breasts and ovaries in order to repairing their own DNA, causing genetic dam- BRIP1 mutation were more likely to be diag- lower their risk. Ovarian cancer is the seventh age to build up over time, and leading to can- nosed with an aggressive form of cancer, at a most common cancer in women worldwide, cer, said the team. The rare but deadly disease, later stage and at an older age. “Our work has with 239,000 new cases diagnosed in 2012, with few early symptoms, is often diagnosed at found a valuable piece of the puzzle behind according to the World Cancer Research Fund a very advanced stage, hence its reputation as ovarian cancer and we hope that our work International. — AFP JAPAN: In this Aug 21, 2015, file photo, Yasutaro Koide, 112, holds the Guinness World Records certificate as he is formally recognized as the world’s oldest man at a Saudi suspends French imports over bird flu nursing home in Nagoya, central Japan. — AP RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday suspended the import of The world’s oldest man, poultry, eggs and dairy products from seven French regions over a bird flu outbreak. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority said the regions include France’s southwestern Dordogne, a Japanese, dies at age 112 where the highly virulent H5N1 strain of the virus was identi- fied in November. Several countries including Japan and he world’s oldest man, a Japanese had been treated for chronic heart prob- China have already banned French poultry imports as a result. who died at the age of 112, said his lems. In Japan, 111-year-old Tokyo native “This temporary ban is to continue until the health status of Tsecret to a long life was not to smoke, Masamitsu Yoshida, born on May 30, 1904, the livestock is stable,” SFDA said. drink or overdo it. Yasutaro Koide, born on succeeds Koide as the oldest man. It was It added that poultry, eggs and dairy products that have March 13, 1903, died two months short of not immediately known whether Yoshida is been treated thermally or in another way to eliminate the his 113th birthday. Koide (pronounced also the world’s oldest male. Japan, a rapid- virus are exempt from the suspension. According to Business “Koy-deh”) worked as a tailor when he was ly aging country, has more than 61,000 France, the French export promotion agency, France was the younger. He was recognized by Guinness centenarians, according to the nation’s second-biggest exporter of poultry products to Saudi Arabia World Records as the world’s oldest man in family registration records. Nearly 90 per- in 2013 and volume had risen 64 percent since 2009. The August. cent are women. The world’s oldest person BENESSE-MAREMNE, Southwestern France: This file photo taken on December World Health Organization says the H5N1 virus does not infect The Ministry of Health, Labor and is an American woman, 116-year-old 10, 2015 shows ducks roaming in an outdoor enclosure in a farm in Benesse- humans easily but when it does it is fatal in about 60 percent Welfare said he died early yesterday at a Susannah Mushatt Jones of Brooklyn, New Maremne, southwestern France. — AFP of cases. — AFP hospital in Nagoya, central Japan, where he York. — AP High fish consumption in pregnancy tied to brain benefits for kids

NEW YORK: When mothers eat three sizeable serv- brain development, but at the same time accumu- note in the American Journal of Epidemiology. But, Women were tested for blood levels of vitamin Strongest associations ings of fish each week during pregnancy it may lates mercury from the environment, which is the study team writes, the effects of maternal fish D and iodine, and cord blood was tested after The researchers also saw a consistent reduction benefit children’s brains for years to come, accord- known to be neurotoxic,” lead author Jordi Julvez, consumption during development are still not well delivery to measure fetal exposure to mercury and in autism-spectrum traits with increased maternal ing to a large study in Spain. Researchers followed of the Center for Research in Environmental understood and more research could help give PCB pollutants. At ages 14 months and five years, fish consumption. Mothers’ consumption of lean nearly 2,000 mother-child pairs from the first Epidemiology in Barcelona, said in an email. pregnant women clearer guidance. the children underwent tests of their cognitive fish and large fatty fish appeared most strongly trimester of pregnancy through the child’s fifth The researchers analyzed data from the Spanish abilities and Asperger Syndrome traits to assess tied to children’s scores, and fish intake during the birthday and found improved brain function in the Women’s consumption Childhood and Environment Project, a large popu- their neuropsychological development. On aver- first trimester, compared to later in pregnancy, also kids whose mothers ate the most fish while preg- In an attempt to balance the potential harms of lation study that recruited women in their first age, the women had consumed about 500 g, or had the strongest associations. “I think that in gen- nant, compared to children of mothers who ate the such pollutants with the general health benefits of trimester of pregnancy, in four provinces of Spain, three servings, of seafood per week while preg- eral people should follow the current recommen- least. Even when women averaged 600 grams, or fish, the US Food and Drug Administration’s 2014 between 2004 and 2008. Julvez and colleagues nant. But with every additional 10 g per week dations,” Julvez said. “Nevertheless this study point- 21 ounces, of fish weekly during pregnancy, there guidelines encourage pregnant women to eat fish, focused on records of the women’s consumption above that amount, children’s test scores ed out that maybe some of them, particularly the was no sign that mercury or other pollutants asso- but no more than 12 ounces per week. The of large fatty fish such as swordfish and albacore improved, up to about 600 g. The link between American ones, should be less stringent.” Julvez ciated with fish were having a negative effect that European Food Safety Authority recently issued a tuna, smaller fatty fish such as mackerel, sardines, higher maternal consumption and better brain noted that there didn’t appear to be any additional offset the apparent benefits. “Seafood is known to scientific opinion endorsing 150 g to 600 g of fish anchovies or salmon, and lean fish such as hake or development in children was especially apparent benefit when women ate more than 21 oz (about be an important source of essential nutrients for weekly during pregnancy, Julvez and colleagues sole, as well as shellfish and other seafood. when kids were five. 595 g) of fish per week. — Reuters WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 Hilton Kuwait wins Hilton Worldwide Excellence in Quality Award 2015

ilton Kuwait Resort has been awarded the ing, Brand Standards and cleanness and condi- lenging but with the contribution of all depart- prestigious “Excellence In Quality” Award tion. The property successfully showcased its ments and their dedicated team members, we Hfrom Hilton Worldwide after completing commitment to quality in all areas of businesses, have achieved recognition worthy of sharing five consecutive Outstanding Quality Assurance with the award win also recognizing the hotels’ with the Hilton family and guests. “I would per- evaluations. sustainable achievements. sonally like to thank everyone involved at Hilton The resort underwent stringent audits over a Commenting on the momentous achieve- Kuwait Resort for their ongoing commitment to three-year period achieving outstanding results ment, Ziad Tantawi, General Manager, Hilton excellence and for helping to win this extremely each time. The process included bi-annual Kuwait Resort said, “To maintain a high standard important award.” checks on hotel operations, team member train- of quality of well-established property is chal-

Chevrolet Alghanim’s free winter checkup promotion a resounding success

n one of the biggest auto service cam- ing the company’s reputation as Kuwait’s paigns created to offer customers best customer-centric automotive com- Imaximum value and highest safety pany. With great savings on maintenance standards, Yusuf A Alghanim and Sons cost and professional service, customers Automotive, the exclusive distributor of are guaranteed to enjoy a peace of mind Chevrolet vehicles in Kuwait, is still con- all year long, especially during the begin- tinuing its massive free winter checkup ning of winter and summer seasons promotion on all Chevrolet vehicles when potential malfunctions and risks being serviced in Chevrolet service cen- can be easily identified and prevented. ters at Shuwaikh and Fahaheel until The Yusuf A Alghanim and Sons February 13th, 2016. Service Center in Shuwaikh is the biggest The promotion, which has been and most advanced automotive service enjoying an amazing customer response center in the world, with 73,000 sq m of since launch, entails a professional, built up area, servicing 1,000 vehicles detailed checkup and report that guar- every day. Throughout the facility, antees the safety and peace of mind of advanced technology is used to provide all Chevrolet passengers. Performed by customers with high-quality and efficient professionally trained service advisors, service, including a team of technicians the checkup includes a thorough inspec- highly trained in modern technology tion on all aspects related to car safety who provide necessary advice and sup- such as wipers, brakes, engine and oil, all port as well as reliable and cost-effective Kuwaiti fashion designer Muntaha Al-Ajeil was recently awarded in Dubai as ‘Fashion Icon’ by the Emirates International Business Group in at a no cost to the customer. operation of customers’ vehicles. cooperation with the GCC Chambers Union, American Leading Development, and the Malaysian Business Leaders Magazine. Once the checkup has been per- In addition, the service center hosts formed, customers will receive an spacious and comfortable lounges for exhaustive report detailing the condition customers whose cars are being profes- of the car, the required maintenance and sionally attended and serviced. With a pricing. Customers will also benefit from variety of TV channels, ready-to-use a 30% discount on spare parts and a 10% Internet stations, free wireless access and discount on labor for work ordered out KromOzone shopping outlets, customers of the technical report provided by the can kick back, relax, and enjoy a sip of service advisors. And because Chevrolet coffee from the cafÈ as they utilize their Alghanim is committed to total customer time more effectively. satisfaction, the promotion will also cov- Valid until February 13th, 2016, er Chevrolet vehicles with expired war- Chevrolet Alghanim encourages cus- ranty. tomers to take advantage of this free The discounts mentioned above are checkup and service discount promotion valid for a period of 2 months from the before it’s too late, and certainly before date of inspection, which reflects their cars get untimely malfunctioned in Chevrolet Alghanim’s dedication to cus- the middle of a rainy street. tomer excellence and support, cement-

Main skating hall closed Milad Mahfil, Doa held for peace of departed soul he Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) announced Milad Mahfil and Doa was held for teer team of Central Executive and associates elder son Kamrul Hasan Bablu discussed also Tclosing the main skiing hall seeking eternal peace of the departed bodies , relatives, friends and well-wishers are many points of his late father and requested at the Ice Skating Rink as of last Asoul which organized by deceased son joined the Milad and Doa Mahfil. A special to all attendance for Doa of departed soul. Monday to prepare the theater Kamrul Hasan who is a well-known Electronics Munajat was offered for deceased Nurul The occasion attended the Leader of Awmi that will host concert during the Print Media personality and organizer from Haque Majumder on the occasion. The League and its associate bodies BNP and its Hala February 2016 festival. The Bangladesh. Munajat likely was conducted by eminent associate bodies, Jatiyo Party, various Social Ice Skating Rink will continue to The occasion was held at Rajdhani Hotel in Islamic scholar and Imam Bangla Khutba Organization, Journalists and more than 5 welcome visitors at its minor hall, Kuwait City attended by Bangladesh most Mosque Kuwait Maulana Masudur Rahman. hundred expatriates attended the occasion. said Omar Al-Samera’ie, the Ice popular Private TV Channel- ‘Bangla Vision,’ President of BNP Kuwait Ikram Ali Babul Late Nurul Haque Majumder was served Skating Rink’s Supervisor at TEC, ‘Daily Dinkal’, Daily Manab Kantha’, Kuwait presided over the occasion and brief dis- Bangladesh Air force before liberation in 1984 adding that the hall is open Representative and Editor of Online cussed about many points on activities of late and after then he was Joint Kuwait Air force every day from 8:30 am to 10:00 Newspapers www.primenewsbd24.com. and Nurul Haque Majumder. TV Channel- Bangla invited by UNO from 1984 to 1999. pm. Omar Al-Samera’ie Secretary General of Kuwait BNP and volun- Vision representative and Politician deceased WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016

Burgan Bank sponsors ‘SPARK Marathon 2016’

urgan Bank is proud to have been a awareness across Kuwait as well as support- gories: 5 km run, 10km run, 21 km run and During the awards ceremony, His social dedication to the wellbeing of the sponsor of ‘SPARK Marathon 2016’, ing charities and non-profit organizations 42 km run. Participants and visitors alike Excellency Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem society. As part of its overall social responsi- Bwhich was held on Saturday January through the Burgan Bank Marathon Village enjoyed a fun program full of entertaining Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Minister of bility framework, the bank has pledged to 16th, 2016 at Marina Mall Crescent Area. in Marina Crescent. activities for all ages. At the awards cere- Information and Minister of State for Youth support initiatives that work on familiariz- The event was organized by Spark Athletic The event took place for 3 days and mony Burgan Bank presented the winners Affairs, stated that SPARK Marathon was an ing the public with the benefits of main- Centre, and came under the patronage of demonstrated great success and a promise of the 42 km race with their awards. At the ideal platform to raise sports awareness taining a healthier lifestyle as well as His Excellency Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud to provide a healthy outlet for people to end of the event, all sponsors were hon- and encourage sport activities among the engaging all segments of the society in an Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and participate in and enjoy in Kuwait. Families ored for their support to the community citizens of Kuwait. interactive manner. Minister of State for Youth Affairs. The and people from all ages participated in the and to the Spark Marathon charity initia- Such community interactions further marathon aimed at spreading health marathon, which was divided into 4 cate- tive. reinforces Burgan Bank’s leadership and

The Ministry of Health concluded its first training program for medical staff at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital, which was held under the patronage of Dr Jamal Al-Harbi, the Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services. —Photos by Joseph Shagra Rehab training program concludes WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 TV PROGRAMS

17:00 The Next Step 17:25 Liv And Maddie 17:50 Jessie 18:15 Austin & Ally 18:40 I Didn’t Do It 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 00:20 Misfit Garage 19:05 First Class Chefs Wilmore 00:00 22 Jump Street 01:10 Bear’s Wild Weekend With 19:30 Violetta 02:30 The Big C 02:00 The Devil Wears Prada Stephen Fry 20:20 The Next Step 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 04:00 Happy Gilmore 02:00 Dual Survival 20:45 Good Luck Charlie Jimmy Fallon 06:00 Blues Brothers 2000 02:50 River Monsters 21:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 05:30 Young & Hungry 08:00 Streetdance: All Stars 03:40 Storage Hunters UK 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 06:00 Til Death 10:00 Happy Gilmore 04:05 The Liquidator 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:00 The Devil Wears Prada 04:30 Storage Wars Canada Teenage Witch 08:30 Young & Hungry 14:00 The Ladykillers 05:00 What Happened Next? 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 Streetdance: All Stars 05:30 How Machines Work Teenage Witch Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Date Night 06:00 Yukon Men 23:10 Wolfblood 12:00 Til Death 20:00 Mystery Men 06:50 Wheeler Dealers 13:00 Young & Hungry 22:15 Without Men 07:40 Misfit Garage 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 08:30 Storage Hunters UK Wilmore 08:55 The Liquidator 16:30 Til Death 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 00:00 Stewarts And Hamiltons 09:45 What Happened Next? 18:30 Benched 00:55 The Grace Helbig Show 10:10 How Machines Work 19:30 Baby Daddy 01:30 Middle Of Nowhere-PG15 01:25 Keeping Up With The 10:35 Bear’s Wild Weekend With 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:15 Blood-PG15 Kardashians Stephen Fry Jimmy Fallon 05:00 Late Bloomers-PG15 02:20 Giuliana & Bill 11:25 Dual Survival 22:00 The League 07:00 The Truth About Emanuel 03:15 Christina Milian Turned Up 12:15 River Monsters 22:30 Girls 09:00 Reclaim-PG15 04:10 E! 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Garvin 07:15 Tinker Bell And The Legend 05:39 Food Factory 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Of The NeverBeast-FAM 06:03 What Could Possibly Go 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 01:00 Good Morning America 09:00 Brick Mansions-PG15 Wrong? 11:00 Dragonheart 3: The 06:50 Prototype This 06:00 Chopped 03:00 Downton Abbey 07:00 Man Fire Food 04:00 Blood & Oil Sorcerer’s Curse-PG15 07:37 How Do They Do It? 12:45 The Imitation Game-PG15 08:00 Chopped 05:00 Good Morning America 08:23 Mythbusters 14:45 Get On Up-PG15 09:08 How The Universe Works 09:00 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 07:00 Coronation Street 07:30 Coronation Street 17:00 Brick Mansions-PG15 09:53 Prototype This 10:00 The Kitchen 19:00 Lucy-PG15 10:38 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 11:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 09:00 Supernatural 21:00 Madame Bovary-PG15 11:23 Strangest Weather On Earth Basics 23:15 The Gambler-18 12:08 What Could Possibly Go 10:00 Coronation Street 12:00 Chopped 10:30 Coronation Street Wrong? 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 12:53 Prototype This 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 13:38 Mythbusters 12:00 Resurrection 14:23 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 15:00 Man Fire Food 13:00 Shark Tank 15:10 How The Universe Works 15:30 Man Fire Food 14:00 Supernatural 15:57 Strangest Weather On Earth 16:00 Chopped 15:00 Survivor: Cambodia 01:30 Egon And Donci 16:44 What Could Possibly Go 17:00 The Kitchen 16:00 The Voice 03:00 Daddy I’m A Zombie Wrong? 18:00 Siba’s Table 18:00 Shark Tank 04:30 Mamma Moo And Crow 17:31 Prototype This 18:30 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 19:00 Supernatural 06:00 True Story Of Puss’n Boots 07:30 Ghatothkach - Master Of LAST PASSENGER ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 18:18 How The Universe Works 19:00 Chopped 20:00 Resurrection Magic 19:05 Mythbusters 21:00 Shark Tank 15:45 Brannigan 17:00 Sofia The First 16:55 Gamers Guide To Pretty 20:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 09:30 The Dragon Pearl 03:45 Art Attack 19:50 Invent It Rich 22:00 Downton Abbey 17:35 Nobody’s Fool 17:25 Jungle Cubs Much Everything 21:00 Chopped 11:15 Charlie And The Chocolate 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster 20:40 What Could Possibly Go 23:00 Blood & Oil 19:20 Everybody’s Fine 17:50 Aladdin 17:25 K. C. Undercover 22:00 All Star Academy Factory 04:20 Calimero Wrong? 21:00 Ricochet 18:15 Gummi Bears 17:50 Supa Strikas 23:00 Iron Chef America 13:15 Daddy I’m A Zombie 04:35 Zou 21:25 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 22:50 Les Miserables (1998) 18:40 Jake And The Never Land 18:15 Lab Rats 14:45 Bamse And The City Of 04:45 Loopdidoo 21:50 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 01:10 Kuffs Pirates 18:40 Mighty Med Thieves 05:00 Art Attack 22:15 How The Universe Works 02:50 Ricochet 19:05 Miles From Tomorrow 19:10 Annedroids 16:00 Back To The Sea 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 23:00 Invent It Rich 19:30 Sofia The First 19:35 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 00:00 Ironclad: Battle For Blood 18:00 The Dragon Pearl 05:35 Calimero 19:55 Doc McStuffins 20:00 Kirby Buckets 20:00 Christmas Is Here Again 05:50 Zou 02:00 The Liability 20:15 Jake And The Never Land 20:25 Gamers Guide To Pretty 22:00 Bamse And The City Of 06:00 Loopdidoo 04:00 The Outsider Pirates Much Everything 06:00 Jaws III Thieves 06:15 Art Attack 00:10 Pick Me! 20:45 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 20:55 K. C. Undercover 08:00 Marvel’s Next Avengers: 23:30 Back To The Sea 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster 01:05 Emmerdale 03:00 They Took Our Child, We Got 06:50 Calimero 21:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:20 Supa Strikas 00:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? Heroes Of Tomorrow 21:35 Sofia The First 21:45 Lab Rats 01:30 Coach Trip Her Back 07:00 Zou 01:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 10:00 Stranded 04:00 When Life Means Life 07:20 Loopdidoo 22:00 Jungle Cubs 22:10 Mighty Med 01:30 The Haunted 02:00 Coronation Street 12:00 Last Passenger 22:40 Super Matrak 02:30 Murdoch Mysteries 05:00 Campus Nightmares 07:35 Art Attack 02:20 Ghost Lab 14:00 Jaws: The Revenge 06:00 My Ghost Story 08:00 Calimero 23:05 Super Matrak 03:10 Deadly Sins 03:25 Vera 16:00 Marvel’s Next Avengers: 07:00 Crime Stories 23:30 Boyster 00:00 A Single Shot-18 08:10 Zou 04:00 Deadly Women 05:15 The Chase Heroes Of Tomorrow 08:00 Surveillance Oz 00:00 Programmes Start At 7:00am 02:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear 08:25 Loopdidoo 04:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:10 Cook Me The Money 18:00 The Prince 09:00 Surveillance Oz KSA 04:00 The Mistle-Tones-PG15 08:40 Jake And The Never Land 05:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 07:05 Coach Trip 10:00 I Killed My BFF 19:45 Last Passenger 06:00 Befriend And Betray-PG15 Pirates 05:30 The Haunted 11:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 07:00 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 07:30 Vera 21:30 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 08:00 Life After Beth-PG15 09:05 Sofia The First 06:20 Deadly Affairs 12:00 Crime Stories 07:25 K. C. Undercover 09:20 Murdoch Mysteries 09:45 The Past-PG15 09:30 Miles From Tomorrow 07:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 13:00 Homicide Hunter 07:50 Supa Strikas 03:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:15 The Chase 12:00 Next Goal Wins-PG 09:55 The Hive Jones 14:00 I Survived 08:15 Lab Rats 03:24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:10 Coach Trip 14:00 Mercenaries-PG15 10:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 08:00 Dr. G: Medical Examiner 15:00 I Killed My BFF 08:40 Annedroids 03:48 Henry Danger 16:00 Life After Beth-PG15 10:35 Doc McStuffins 08:50 On The Case With Paula 11:35 Pick Me! 16:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 09:10 Kirby Buckets 04:12 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 18:00 Grudge Match-PG15 11:00 Sofia The First Zahn 12:30 Cook Me The Money 17:00 Crime Stories 09:35 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 04:36 The Haunted Hathaways 20:00 Hot Pursuit-PG15 11:30 Jake And The Never Land 09:40 Fatal Encounters 13:25 Emmerdale 00:00 The Liability-PG15 18:00 The First 48 10:00 Rocket Monkeys 05:00 Winx Club 22:00 Filth-R Pirates 10:30 Murder Shift 13:50 Coach Trip 02:00 The Outsider-PG15 19:00 I Survived 12:00 Miles From Tomorrow 10:25 Ultimate Spider-Man 05:24 Sanjay And Craig 11:20 Deadly Affairs 14:20 Coronation Street 04:00 Jaws III-PG15 20:00 Homicide Hunter 12:25 Special Agent Oso 10:50 Boyster 05:48 Sanjay And Craig 12:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 11:20 Boyster 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 06:00 Marvel’s Next Avengers: 21:00 Crime Stories 12:40 The Hive 06:12 SpongeBob SquarePants Jones 11:45 Pair Of Kings 15:35 Pick Me! Heroes Of Tomorrow-PG 22:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 12:50 Handy Manny 06:36 SpongeBob SquarePants 13:00 The Will 12:10 Pair Of Kings 07:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 16:30 Code Of A Killer 08:00 Stranded-PG15 23:00 My Haunted House 13:15 Jungle Junction 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 00:00 The Haunting Of... 13:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 12:35 Lab Rats 07:24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 17:25 Safe House 10:00 Last Passenger-PG15 14:40 California Investigator 01:00 The Ghost Inside My Child 14:00 Sofia The First 13:00 Lab Rats 07:48 Sanjay And Craig 15:05 Dr G: Medical Examiner 18:20 Cook Me The Money 12:00 Jaws: The Revenge-PG15 Wednesday, 20/01/16 13:30 Phineas And Ferb AMC 02:00 My Haunted House 14:25 Doc McStuffins 08:12 Harvey Beaks 15:55 Fatal Encounters 19:10 Coronation Street 14:00 Marvel’s Next Avengers: 13:55 Phineas And Ferb 04:35 Duplex 14:50 Henry Hugglemonster 08:36 Breadwinners 16:45 On The Case With Paula Heroes Of Tomorrow-PG 14:20 Kickin’ It 19:35 Pick Me! 06:05 Pork Chop Hill 15:15 Zou 09:00 Get Blake Zahn 20:30 Code Of A Killer 16:00 The Prince-PG15 15:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 14:45 Kickin’ It 09:24 Rabbids Invasion 17:35 Murder Shift 07:40 Clifford 15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 21:25 Safe House 17:45 Last Passenger-PG15 15:55 Loopdidoo 09:48 Henry Danger 18:25 I Almost Got Away With It 09:10 The Norseman 15:15 Rocket Monkeys 22:20 Coronation Street 19:30 The Amazing Spider-Man 2- 10:40 Captain Jack 16:10 Miles From Tomorrow 10:12 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 19:15 The Will 03:05 Calimero 16:35 Jake And The Never Land 15:40 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 10:36 The Haunted Hathaways 20:05 Deadly Affairs 22:50 Emmerdale PG15 12:20 Earthbound 03:20 Zou 16:05 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 14:00 Beat Street Pirates 11:00 Winx Club 20:55 True Crime With Aphrodite 23:15 Cook Me The Money 22:00 Dead Drop-PG15 03:30 Loopdidoo 16:30 Kirby Buckets 11:24 SpongeBob SquarePants Jones 12:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 21:45 California Investigator 13:00 Breadwinners 22:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 13:24 Breadwinners 22:35 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 13:48 Get Blake 23:00 Scorned: Crimes Of Passion 14:12 Rabbids Invasion 23:50 Deadline: Crime With Tamron 14:36 100 Things To Do Before Hall High School 15:00 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 15:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 16:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 17:00 Sanjay And Craig 17:24 Harvey Beaks 00:00 Violetta 17:48 Breadwinners 00:45 The Hive 18:12 Henry Danger 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 18:36 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn Teenage Witch 19:00 100 Things To Do Before 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A High School Teenage Witch 19:24 Max & Shred 01:40 Wolfblood 19:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 02:05 Wolfblood 20:12 Harvey Beaks 02:30 Violetta 20:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 03:15 The Hive 21:24 Breadwinners 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 21:48 Breadwinners Teenage Witch 22:12 Sanjay And Craig 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A 23:00 SpongeBob SquarePants Teenage Witch 23:48 Henry Danger 04:10 Wolfblood 00:12 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 04:35 Wolfblood 00:36 Max & Shred 05:00 Violetta 01:00 100 Things To Do Before 05:45 The Hive High School 05:50 Mouk 01:24 Sanjay And Craig 06:00 Lolirock 02:12 SpongeBob SquarePants 06:25 Sofia The First 06:50 That’s So Raven 07:15 Gravity Falls 07:40 Jessie 08:05 Shake It Up 08:30 Shake It Up 04:00 The Great Train Robbery 08:55 That’s So Raven Pt.2 09:20 That’s So Raven 05:30 Choking Man 09:45 Austin & Ally 06:50 Everest 10:10 Austin & Ally 07:40 Marc Bolan: The Final Word 10:35 A.N.T. Farm 08:35 ATP: All Tomorrow’s Parties 11:00 A.N.T. Farm 10:00 Miss Fisher’s Murder 11:25 Jessie Mysteries 11:50 Jessie 11:00 Good Rockin’ Tonight: 12:20 Hank Zipzer Legacy Sun Records 12:45 Fish Hooks 12:55 Les Paul: Chasing Sound 13:10 Good Luck Charlie 14:25 Charge! 13:35 I Didn’t Do It 16:00 All On The Line 14:00 Dog With A Blog 17:00 Miss Fisher’s Murder 14:30 H2O Mysteries 14:55 Girl Meets World 18:00 Heartland 15:20 Liv And Maddie 19:40 Good Rockin’ Tonight: 15:45 Jessie Legacy Sun Records 16:10 Violetta THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 21:35 Les Paul: Chasing Sound Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016

Kuwait

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (14/01/2016 TO 20/01/2016)

SHARQIA-1 RIDE ALONG 2 1:15 AM KUNG FU STYLE 1:00 PM KUNG FU STYLE 3:00 PM FANAR-1 FORECLOSURE 5:00 PM DADDY’S HOME 11:30 AM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 7:00 PM DADDY’S HOME 1:30 PM FORECLOSURE 10:15 PM THE REVENANT 3:30 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 12:15 AM NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 3:30 PM NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 6:30 PM SHARQIA-2 NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 9:45 PM THE 5TH WAVE 11:30 AM DADDY’S HOME 1:00 AM RIDE ALONG 2 1:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 3:45 PM FANAR-2 RIDE ALONG 2 5:30 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 11:30 AM THE 5TH WAVE 7:30 PM FORECLOSURE 2:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 10:00 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 4:30 PM THE 5TH WAVE 12:05 AM FORECLOSURE 7:45 PM FORECLOSURE 9:45 PM SHARQIA-3 THE HATEFUL EIGHT 11:45 PM THE REVENANT 12:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 PM FANAR-3 THE REVENANT 3:30 PM KUNG FU STYLE 12:15 PM NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 3:30 PM KUNG FU STYLE 2:15 PM Passport No. K2095732, THE REVENANT 6:30 PM KUNG FU STYLE 4:15 PM CHANGE OF NAME address: Seffipura Bada, NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 6:45 PM THE REVENANT 6:15 PM Partapur, Banswara (Raj), THE REVENANT 9:30 PM THE REVENANT 9:15 PM I Syed Abbas Ali S/o Syed hereby change my name to NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 10:00 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:30 AM Nazeeruddin holder of Akil Fakhruddin. (C 5113) THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:15 AM FANAR-4 Indian Passport No. 16-1-2016 RIDE ALONG 2 12:15 PM G2275319 Marathi Str, MUHALAB-1 RIDE ALONG 2 2:15 PM Akkayapalli R.V. Nagar, KUNG FU STYLE 1:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 4:15 PM KUNG FU STYLE 3:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 6:15 PM Kadapa, hereby changed Automated enquiry KUNG FU STYLE 5:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 8:15 PM my name to Syed Abbas Ali about the NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 7:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 10:15 PM Syed Nazeeruddin. (C 5114) Civil ID card is DILWALE - Hindi 7:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 12:15 AM 20-1-2016 NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 10:15 PM 1889988 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 AM FANAR-5 THE 5TH WAVE 11:30 AM Akil, holder of Indian MUHALAB-2 THE 5TH WAVE 1:45 PM THE 5TH WAVE 12:45 PM THE 5TH WAVE 4:15 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 6:45 PM THE REVENANT 3:30 PM THE 5TH WAVE 9:45 PM SOGGADE CHINNI NAYANA -Telugu 3:30 PM THE 5TH WAVE 12:45 AM Prayer timings THE REVENANT 6:30 PM SOGGADE CHINNI NAYANA -Telugu 6:30 PM MARINA-1 SOGGADE CHINNI NAYANA -Telugu 9:30 PM FORECLOSURE 1:00 PM Fajr: 05:20 THE 5TH WAVE 3:00 PM MUHALAB-3 FORECLOSURE 5:30 PM Shorook 06:43 RIDE ALONG 2 11:30 AM THE 5TH WAVE 7:30 PM THE REVENANT 1:30 PM FORECLOSURE 10:00 PM Duhr: 11:59 NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 1:30 PM THE 5TH WAVE 12:05 AM THE REVENANT 4:30 PM Asr: 14:56 NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 4:45 PM MARINA-2 RIDE ALONG 2 8:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 12:45 PM Maghrib: 17:16 RIDE ALONG 2 9:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 2:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 11:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 4:45 PM Isha: 18:36

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 20/1/2016 KAC 284 Dhaka 14:45 Departure Flights on Wednesday 20/1/2016 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 512 Mashhad 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time IRC 6522 Lamerd 13:55 MSC 415 Sohag 00:05 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 SYR 343 Damascus/KAC 00:10 JZR 1359 Mashhad 14:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KNE 462 Madinah 14:55 MSC 404 Asyut 00:55 CLX 792 Hanoi 14:30 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:55 IZG 4168 Mashhad 14:30 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KNE 472 Jeddah 15:05 MSC 416 Sohag 01:00 KNE 481 Taif 14:50 THY 772 Istanbul 01:05 MRJ 4815 Mashhad 15:15 SYR 344 Damascus 01:10 IRC 527 Mashhad 14:55 DLH 635 Doha 01:35 OMA 645 Muscat 15:30 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:10 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 CLX 784 Luxembourg 01:45 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:35 QTR 1079 Doha 15:10 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 791 Madinah 15:10 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 KAC 203 Lahore 03:05 IRM 1187 Tehran 15:30 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 CLX 784 GYD 03:15 SVA 503 Madinah/Jeddah 15:45 KKK 6507 Istanbul 02:50 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 KAC 381 Delhi 03:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 FDB 051 Dubai 16:30 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 KAC 617 Doha 15:45 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 KKK 6508 Istanbul 03:50 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 RJA 644 Amman 03:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:40 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:55 KNE 463 Madinah 16:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 KAC 539 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:15 KAC 542 Cairo 16:55 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:05 CEB 7694 Manila 03:15 SYR 341 Damascus 17:00 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 554 Alexandria 16:10 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:25 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:15 MRJ 4814 Mashhad 16:15 AGY 680 Alexandria 04:30 IRC 6521 Lamerd 17:20 QTR 1077 Doha 05:00 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 PGT 5620 Istanbul 04:35 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 765 Istanbul 05:15 OMA 646 Muscat 16:30 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 MSR 614 Cairo 17:50 CEB 7695 Manila 05:20 KAC 563 Amman 16:45 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 AGY 685 Sohag 05:30 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 FDB 5061 Dubai 06:30 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 560 Sohag 06:10 JZR 238 Amman 17:30 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 502 Beirut 18:00 PGT 5621 Istanbul 06:25 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:30 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:05 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 FDB 052 Dubai 17:35 QTR 1086 Doha 07:40 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 RJA 645 Amman 07:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 THY 771 Istanbul 07:05 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 OMA 641 Muscat 07:55 ABY 123 Sharjah 18:45 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:10 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 SYR 342 Damascus 18:00 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 08:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:25 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 352 Kochi 08:30 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:30 KAC 511 Mashhad 08:30 IRC 6512 ABD 18:20 KAC 344 Chennai 08:30 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 QTR 1087 Doha 08:40 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:35 BAW 156 London 08:45 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:50 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:45 OMA 642 Muscat 08:55 MSR 615 Cairo 18:50 KAC 362 Colombo 08:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 JZR 1358 Mashhad 08:55 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:10 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 19:55 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 792 Madinah 19:55 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:25 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 117 New York 09:55 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 361 Colombo 20:45 KAC 541 Cairo 09:55 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 351 Kochi 20:50 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 IAW 157 Al Najaf 10:50 KAC 546 Alexandria 20:35 QTR 1081 Doha 20:50 KAC 561 Amman 10:00 UAE 873 Dubai 11:05 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 KAC 343 Chennai 21:00 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:25 FDB 8055 Dubai 11:20 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 10:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 QTR 1088 Doha 21:00 KAC 501 Beirut 10:30 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 AGY 684 Sohag 11:35 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 DLH 634 Doha 21:45 KAC 204 Lahore 12:20 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:40 SAW 701 Damascus 12:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 IRM 1188 Mashhad 12:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:00 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 JZR 502 Luxor 22:00 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 IAW 158 Al Najaf 11:50 QTR 1089 Doha 22:00 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 KAC 540 Sharm el-Sheikh 22:20 FDB 8056 Dubai 12:10 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:10 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:25 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 IRC 6511 ABD 13:00 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 KAC 564 Amman 22:25 KAC 103 London 12:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 IZG 4167 Mashhad 13:30 BBC 044 Dhaka/Dammam 22:40 AGY 681 Asyut 12:35 ETD 920 Dubai 22:35 KAC 382 Delhi 13:50 JZR 239 Amman 23:05 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KNE 460 Riyadh 13:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 23:00 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:55 JZR 555 Alexandria 23:25 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 QTR 1083 Doha 23:05 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 PIA 215 KHI 23:40 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:10 FDB 057 Dubai 14:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 545 Alexandria 13:25 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:15 IRM 1186 Tehran 14:15 THY 764 Istanbul 23:50 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 FDB 060 Dubai 23:35 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:55 SAW 702 Damascus 13:35 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:40 KAC 672 Dubai 14:45 MSC 403 Asyut 23:55 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:40 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 CROSSWORD 1143 STAR TRACK

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

Starting new projects can be quite exciting since you can't wait to You are certain your future holds the promise of success and you're see what's next. Although your mind is on fire with lots of amazing ideas, willing to wait a little while longer if you think it will help you get what you want. you're not interested in jumping into an unstable set of circumstances just for Nevertheless, your patience is running thin and your desires are growing strong. the thrill factor. But you need to know that even the most brilliant plans you Luckily, it's more constructive to be optimistic because you truly believe that initiate now might not produce tangible results for at least another week. your hard-earned rewards are right around the corner. Your positive attitude, in Take your time and make sure you're working toward sensible goals before turn, directly impacts your chances for satisfaction. you set out in a new direction.

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

You might think you are rounding a corner now and are ready to Although channeling most of your energy into your career may be apply everything you know to get ahead at work. But even your most innova- required these days, you still need to schedule a little downtime for yourself. The tive plan will fail unless you can thoroughly ground it by taking the most Sun's shift into conceptual Aquarius and your 4th House of Home and Family practical approach. Leaning on your peers is tempting but only carries you so motivates you to downplay professional pressures so you can focus on more far. Even if you receive unexpected support today, you'll still be disappointed personal goals. Thankfully, slipping away from the office early won't raise any if you expect too much from others. Practicing self-sufficiency is the safest eyebrows or make you any less productive now. In fact, your newly found joie way to ensure your success. de vivre enables you to wrap up your work quicker than before.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You're conflicted about your options today, yet you know the Your efforts may be for naught today, especially if you try to importance of keeping your word. But with serious Saturn settled accomplish too much at once. You want to participate in every cool activity on into your sign for the long haul, you're tired of being the one who rides to the ACROSS DOWN your radar, but it's best to limit your involvement in projects that don't further 1. A graphical recording of the cardiac cycle 1. A person who acts as host at formal occa- rescue to bail someone out at the last possible moment. You're tempted to just your agenda. Trusting your initial impulse is dangerous now because you are produced by an electrocardiograph. sions (makes an introductory speech and let things fall apart now, but it's not a smart idea to abandon your commit- likely to underestimate the resources needed to complete a task. Just do the 4. Soviet physicist and dissident. introduces other speakers). ments. Give it your absolute best shot to help those in need and then call it a best job you can without making promises that are impossible to keep. Say 12. The residue that remains when something 2. A seat for one person, with a support for day without trying to take responsibility for the actions of anyone else. "less is more" until you believe it. is burned. the back. 15. A unit of conductance equal to the recip- 3. Italian histologist noted for work on the rocal of an ohm. structure of the nervous system and for his 16. Variety of endive having leaves with irreg- discovery of Golgi bodies (1844-1926). ular frilled edges. 4. A space reserved for sitting (as in a theater Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which or on a train or airplane). the pilot is talked down by ground control 5. United States writer (born in Poland) who It's tempting to fantasize your way to success because today's vision Making an appointment is easy today, but showing up for one may using precision approach radar. wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957). can grow into tomorrow's reality. However, the Moon's presence in your 12th House be a lot tougher. However, your current story is not about irresponsibility or dis- 18. A high-crowned black cap (usually made 6. One thousand periods per second. of Imagination gives you the wrong impression if you play out a familiar scenario in respect. It's just that you might choose to avoid making commitments for a while of felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey 7. An established custom. your mind and assume it will automatically occur. One way to take control is to color because you believe it's wise to explore all your options now. Unfortunately, your and Iran and the Caucasus. 8. An edilbe seaweed with a mild flavor. your mental pictures in with as much detail as possible. Adding specific pieces of newly found compulsion to keep a flexible schedule is counterproductive to your 20. An imaginary elephant that appears in a 9. A mechanism that can move automatically. information to your developing ideas facilitates bringing them into existence. ambitions. Ironically, honoring a calendar gives your day the structure you need series of French books for children. 10. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm Creating a viable plan is the most logical first step as long as it's followed by lots of to achieve your goals. 21. The most common computer memory used in India for writing paper. determination and hard work. which can be used by programs to perform 11. Italian fashion designer (1946-1997). 12. A city in northern India. necessary tasks while the computer is on. 13. Singing jazz. 22. Coming next after the seventh and just Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 14. Stable gear consisting of either of two Leo (July 23-August 22) before the ninth in position. curved supports that are attached to the col- 23. The United Nations agency concerned You've been patient long enough; you're pacing the floors, anxious lar of a draft horse and that hold the traces. It seems as if your current life path is on a collision course with your with international maritime activities. to make your move. The Sun's shift into your heady sign may find you sitting on 19. Any of a class of weakly acidic organic dreams once you realize where you're going today. However, learning the truth 24. Sports equipment that is worn on the feet pins and needles. The road ahead leads into unknown territory, which might sur- compounds. is only the first step in a longer process that can help you break through to enable the wearer to glide along on wheels prisingly rattle your nerves. Fortunately, you can reduce the negative effects of 25. Sluggish tailless Australian arboreal mar- blocked energy in a relationship. Free yourself from responsibilities you no and to be propelled by the alternate actions longer need to carry by letting go of old habits and unhealthy patterns. Exercise your uncertainty by recognizing the pressure comes from within. Take all the supial with gray furry ears and coat. time you need to determine your most intelligent course of action before you of the legs. 28. Twist or braid together, interlace. your individuality and set yourself back on a realistic course that will lead you embark on the next amazing phase of your journey. 26. A member of an Iroquoian people former- 30. An Arabic speaking person who lives in straight to your true goals. ly living on the south shore of Lake Erie in Arabia or North Africa. northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania 31. An aggressive remark directed at a person and western New York. like a missile and intended to have a telling 27. Type genus of the Tetraonidae. effect. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 29. (Babylonian) God of wisdom and agricul- 33. Popular music originating in the West ture and patron of scribes and schools. Indies. Your natural efficiency often separates you from others because You don't want everyone to know your business now that the Sun 32. Very small free-living arachnid that is para- 34. A Greek island west of Greece. you are less worried about social acceptance than you are about getting the is camping out in your 12th House of Secrets. Although there's no need to hide sitic on animals or plants. 35. Quieten or silence (a sound) or make (an details exactly right. Nevertheless, your pursuit of perfection could become a your emotional reactions from your friends, it's still prudent to use discretion 36. A city in central Tanzania. image) less visible. when revealing your true feelings today. It's really not about the words you 41. Remove or make invisible. major obstacle on your way to finding happiness today, especially if you feel the 37. The fourth month of the Hindu calendar. speak since people are able to read your intentions through your actions. 42. A rectangular block of hewn stone used pressure of being short on time. Sometimes it's wiser to be expedient rather 38. God of wealth and love. than getting stuck struggling with the minutiae. The sense of pride you feel is so Thankfully, you can contain your energy by simply monitoring your thoughts for building purposes. 39. Evergreen trees and shrubs having oily 43. Of a quality, as in. much more satisfying if you finish the job on time. and carefully choosing which ones to share. Rely on your instincts to tell you the one-seeded fruits. best time to bring others into your confidence. 45. Title for a civil or military leader (especially 40. A cylindrical drawstring bag used by in Turkey). sailors to hold their clothing and other gear. 46. The cry made by sheep. 44. Agency of the United States government WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 47. A small pellet fired from an air rifle or BB charged with mediating disputes between gun. management and labor. 48. A British peer ranking below a Marquess 51. Fast-growing herbaceous evergreen tree and above a Viscount. of South America having a broad trunk with 49. An anxiety disorder characterized by high water content and dark green oval chronic free-floating anxiety and such symp- leaves. toms as tension or sweating or trembling of 52. A lawyer who pleads cases in court. light-headedness or irritability etc that has 53. An assertion of a right (as to money or lasted for more than six months. property). 50. (used as a sentenced connector) Therefore 55. Sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or or consequently. doors. 54. Cleansing agent consisting of soaps or 56. A Turkish unit of weight equal to about detergents used for washing the hair. 2.75 pounds. 57. The blood group whose red cells carry 58. Large brownish-green New Zealand par- both the A and B antigens. rot. 59. A port city on the Caspian Sea that is the 60. (Greek mythology) The last king of Troy. capital of Azerbaijan and an important center 62. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tanger- for oil production. ine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled 61. A Penutian language spoken by the Maidu skin. people. 63. A correctional institution used to detain 68. Title for a civil or military leader (especially persons who are in the lawful custody of the in Turkey). government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence). 69. A mountain peak in the southern Sinai 64. Large burrowing rodent of South and Peninsula (7,500 feet high). Central America. 72. Made from residue of grapes or apples 65. A Hindu prince or king in India. after pressing. 66. A republic in the Middle East in western 73. (Greek mythology) The Muse of history. Asia. 77. A vessel (usually cylindrical) with a wide 67. A very light brown. mouth and without handles. 70. An agency of the United Nations affiliated 78. A large oven for firing or burning or drying with the World Bank. such things as porcelain or bricks. 71. Horny projecting mouth of a bird. 79. A state in the southeastern United States 74. In operation or operational. on the Gulf of Mexico. 75. An informal term for a father. 80. A Kwa language spoken by the Yoruba 76. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali people in southwestern Nigeria. earth group. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 FEATURES

This file photo taken on April 24, 2014 shows an artist redrawing a Lascaux A worker completes the finishing touches on a facsimile at the future inter- The facsimile of a rock painting stored at the future international cave arts painting in a workshop in Montignac, southern France. — AFP photos national cave arts museum, Lascaux IV. museum. French artists finish replica of ‘magical’ cave paintings

n army of artisans have laid down their and panthers make up Europe’s most important A ‘magical’ feeling paintbrushes, chisels and pigments after collection of prehistoric art and were inscribed The artists benefitted from 3D digital scans Athree years of painstaking work to create on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1979. The of the original paintings that were projected a true-to-life replica of renowned Stone Age caves, discovered in 1940 by four teenagers, onto the walls, creating a task akin to using trac- cave paintings long hidden away in southwest- quickly became a massive tourist draw, with ing paper as they applied layer upon layer of ern France. “Absolutely all the work you see on around a million people flocking to see the natural pigments. Chief painter Gilles Lafleur the wall has been engraved, worked and sculpt- work of the oldest known modern humans, said of the original works: “We try to understand ed, chiselled by hand, with little paintbrushes who came to Europe from Africa via Asia. them really, to understand how and why they and sometimes even tools used in dentistry,” Authorities closed them to the public in 1963 were painted this way.” But he admits that “time said Francis Ringenbach, the artistic director of out of concern over the danger posed by has taken its toll and these animals don’t look the project to replicate the 18,000-year-old humans to the delicate micro-climate. the way they would have when they were paint- Lascaux cave paintings. A limited set of reproductions have been on ed. Time has had a visible impact, so we must The meticulously faithful copy of what has display in Montignac since 1983, while also recreate that.” Ringenbach says he doffs his been dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of prehistoric Chicago’s Field Museum hosted the first exhibit cap to the talent of our ancient forebears who art” is now ready to be transported one seg- outside France of copies of the paintings last only had rudimentary tools to create their mas- ment at a time — 46 all together-and installed year titled “Scenes from the Stone Age”. The 57 terpieces. “They were extraordinary technicians, just down the road from the original at a site million-euro ($65 million) project to replicate reproducing animal likenesses from memory semi-buried in a hillside in Montignac, in the the entire set has married cutting-edge tech- with their highly vivid movements,” he marvels. Dordogne region. The International Centre of nology with a desire for the utmost authenticity Reproducing the originals is, he says, a “magical” Parital (rock wall) Art, 150 meters long (500 feet) in the reproduction. Ringenbach, himself a feeling. Whereas the smaller-scale original and nine meters high, designed by Norwegian sculptor, says the need to be as faithful as possi- museum could give only “limited insight” into architectural firm Snohetta, will open by the ble to the original slowed the team down. the site’s significance, “here, we reach a whole end of the year. “Sometimes one has to spend hours reproduc- new level in terms of helping people to under- The nearly 2,000 Upper Paleolithic wall ing just 10 square centimeters (1.5 square inch- stand what Lascaux represents for science, the paintings depicting rhinos, horses, bison, deer es),” he says. Painters work on a facsimile from the bull room, a famous painting of the Lascaux cave. history of art, prehistory.”— AFP Hunt for stolen Kashmir sapphire takes mysterious turn

hen Geneva-based jeweler Ronny Totah received an offer last November to view a rare Kashmir Wsapphire set for auction with an asking price of up to $12 million, his jaw dropped. The large glimmering blue sapphire pictured in the prospective from the Phillips auction house was, he was convinced, a gem his company once owned before it was audaciously snatched from a Milan hotel nearly two decades earlier. “I looked at the certificate, and I had this feeling. I said to myself: ‘That’s it. That’s it’,” he told AFP in an interview last week. The story reads like the plot of a mystery novel, with a multitude of twists and turns, a second disappear- ance and yet unresolved ending centered around a New York pawn shop. It all started in 1996, when the Horovitz & Totah (H&T) jewelers had offered for auction a Cartier bracelet bearing a stunning 65.16-carat unheated Kashmir sapphire with an unusual elongated cushion-cut. On November 14 that year, days before the anticipated This handout sale in Geneva focused exclusively on Cartier jewels, auc- picture released tion house Antiquorum displayed the pieces at the Four on January 14, Seasons hotel in Milan. According to Swiss daily Le Temps, 2016 by the more than 50 people were in the viewing room when the Office of the bracelet, the main attraction of the show, vanished. Public Prosecutor of Geneva shows ‘A shock’ a detail of an “It was terrible. It is always a shock when you get Etruscan robbed,” Totah said. H&T’s insurers dished out the $1.8 mil- sarcophagus in lion-the price they had expected to fetch at the time-and Geneva. Totah and his colleagues put the uncomfortable incident — AFP photos behind them. Until November 8, 2015, when he received an email from Phillips offering a Geneva viewing of a 59.57-carat Kashmir Sapphire ahead of an auction in New Switzerland returns looted York. Totah did not view the stone, but studied the certifi- cate carefully. Considering “there are basically no stones with this origin, weight and shape out there ... it is “very, very, very probably” the stolen H&T sapphire, he said. archaeological treasures to Italy The fact that the gem in the prospectus was a little smaller than the one stolen 19 years earlier did not make witzerland has returned to Italy 45 Totah less suspicious, since jewel thieves will often file boxes of ancient Etruscan art down a stone to alter its weight or shape. He suggested the Sstolen during illegal excavations sapphire being offered by Phillips had been filed down to and stashed away for more than 15 just under the 60-carat mark to make it less spectacular and years, including two rare sarcophaguses, noteworthy. Renowned US gem expert Donald Palmieri authorities. “The antiques were given agreed. “The Stolen H&T Sapphire and the Subject Sapphire back to Italian authorities today,” a state- that Phillips intended to auction are much more likely than ment from Geneva’s public prosecutor’s not to be one and the same stone, albeit after an apparent office said. Italy had asked the wealthy re-cutting or re-polishing,” he said in an affidavit. He point- Alpine country for assistance in 2014 to ed out that in his 45-year career, “I have never seen evi- track down a stolen Etruscan sarcopha- dence of a faceted Kashmir sapphire approaching or gus that was believed to have transited exceeding 60 carats in weight,” besides those “two” stones. through the toll- and customs-free zone Soon after receiving the viewing invitation, Totah con- that makes up the Geneva Free Ports. tacted Phillips to voice his suspicions, and also put in a call “The search led by prosecutor to his insurers, who had become the rightful owners of the Claudio Mascotto ... at the Geneva Free stolen gem. But when the insurers contacted Phillips, they Ports revealed an unexpected treasure,” learned that the auction house had withdrawn the sap- the statement said. Two rare Etruscan phire from the sale, and sent it back to its alleged, undis- earthenware sarcophaguses, with beau- closed owner in New York. tifully sculptured lids representing a reclined man and woman, were found Pawn broker in a warehouse at the Free Ports, along Worried the stone had vanished again, the insurers side “many other invaluable archaeolog- hired New York lawyer Owen Carragher to help track it ical remains”. down. According to court filings, he determined that a “The prosecutor ordered the seizure A detail of an Etruscan sarcophagus. company named Auction House 43, based in New York’s of the sarcophaguses first, then extend- linked to trading looted antiquities, the diamond district, had presented the sapphire to Phillips ed the decision to all items, considering prosecutor’s office said, without for auction. The firm is owned by a Boris Aronov, who also their suspected illegal provenance,” it divulging the art dealer’s name. owns a number of other companies, including Modern said. Among the items were delicately The artefacts had remained stored in Pawn Broker, listed at the same address. painted bas-reliefs, vases and fragments the warehouse for more than 15 years, Court filings indicate that the pawn broker received of decorated vases, frescos, heads, registered under the name of an off- the sapphire and other jewels from a man named Rafael busts, and several other votive or reli- shore company, it said. An Italian expert Koblence in 2011 as collateral for a $3.75-million loan. gious pieces, it added. The mysterious, had concluded that the artefacts came Koblence, who according to Le Temps is in fact a business seafaring Etruscan civilization ruled from illegal excavations mainly carried partner of Aronov, failed to repay the loan, offered at an swathes of the Mediterranean until it out in the Umbria and Lazio regions, annual interest rate of 60 percent-or more than $6,000 a was swallowed up by Rome in the first and Italian investigators linked some of day. Modern Pawn foreclosed and said his collateral would century BC The antiques had been the items to so-called tombaroli, or be sold at auction, court documents showed. —AFP brought to Geneva by a former high- tomb raiders, they already had in their A detail of an Etruscan vase. profile British art dealer, previously sights. — AFP A detail of an Etruscan sarcophagus. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 MUSIC& MOVIES Eagles guitarist Glenn Frey dead at 67 uitarist Glenn Frey, who helped make The Eagles one of the most successful Gacts in US rock history with hits such as “Hotel California,” died Monday. He was 67. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our comrade, Eagles founder Glenn Frey, in New York City,” the Grammy Award-winning band wrote on its website. Frey died of complications from rheumatoid arthri- tis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia, The Eagles said. “We are all in a state of shock, disbe- lief and profound sorrow,” fellow Eagle Don Henley said in a statement. “He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit.” The Eagles, fronted by Frey and drummer- vocalist Henley, dominated the American rock charts throughout the 1970s with hits includ- ing “Take It Easy,” “One of These Nights” and “Hotel California”-songs that endure as cover- band classics to this day. The Eagles pioneered the West Coast sound of laid-back, country-tinged rock that dominat- File photo shows musicians Glenn Frey, left, and Don Henley, of the Eagles, perform at This file photo taken on October 16, 2013 shows Glen Frey and Don Henley of the Eagles ed early 1970s American pop and saw a chang- Madison Square Garden in New York. —AP performing during “History Of The Eagles Live In Concert” at the Bridgestone Arena in ing cast of core members throughout the Nashville, Tennessee. — AFP decades. The Eagles’ 1975 greatest hits collec- six Grammys range from Record of the Year in told CBS television’s “60 Minutes” in 2007, refer- tion has sold more than 29 million copies in 1977 for “Hotel California” to Best Pop ring to the notoriously rough-living Rolling does that mean? But it works, it means whatev- row, nor our love and respect for all that he has the United States, more than any album except Instrumental Performance in 2008 for “I Stones and the Mormon family singers The er the listener wants it to mean.” given to us, his family, the music community and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” according to the Dreamed There Was No War.” The Recording Osmonds. Pressed on where The Eagles stood millions of fans worldwide.” Recording Industry Association of America. The Academy, which presents the Grammys, in a on the spectrum, he replied: “Closer to the Perfectionist until end Voices from across the music community Eagles had been due in December to receive statement called Frey’s death “a huge loss for Stones than The Osmonds-that’s right.” Frey Frey and Henley pursued successful solo proj- chimed in to wish Frey farewell. “Glenn Frey, you the prestigious Kennedy Center Lifetime the music community,” saying he was “an inte- stayed cryptic until the end about the meaning ects in the 1980s but reunited as The Eagles in will be sorely missed. Thank you for all you gave Artistic Achievement award but the band said gral part of one of the most storied bands in of “Hotel California,” which was generally seen 1994. The Eagles last performed together in July us,” folk-pop singer Sheryl Crow wrote on it would postpone its appearance by a year pop history.” The Eagles split following a 1980 as a wide-eyed account of the state’s excesses last year in Louisiana, capping two years of tour- Twitter. Fellow Detroit-born rocker and frequent due to Frey’s health. political benefit concert that exposed dis- by two transplants but has long inspired elabo- ing that followed a documentary on the band. collaborator Bob Seger told Billboard magazine agreements within the band. The tensions had rate theories on potential alternative mean- Frey “was like a brother to me; we were family, that Frey was a perfectionist and the driving Triumphs and tensions been exacerbated by drugs and alcohol, ings. In a 2003 interview with the San Francisco and like most families, there was some dysfunc- force behind The Eagles. Seger said that every Frey was born in Detroit on November 6, although the band members did not have the Chronicle, Frey said that vagueness was the tion,” Henley said. “The bond we forged 45 years time he saw Frey in recent years he would tell 1948, the son of a machinist. The rock group same bad-boy image as some of their peers. “primary tool of songwriters.” “‘I’ve seen fire and ago was never broken, even during the 14 years him, “‘Isn’t it amazing, Bob, we’re still doing this was founded in the early 1970s and inducted “We weren’t the Stones, but we weren’t The I’ve seen rain,’” Frey said, quoting a line from that the Eagles were dissolved.” The band’s web- at our age? I am so grateful that these fans keep into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Its Osmonds either. Somewhere in between,” Frey contemporary James Taylor. “What the hell site added: “Words can neither describe our sor- coming out.’” — AFP Star of film about dolphin killing detained at Tokyo airport he star of the Oscar-winning documentary O’Barry into the country or deport him. The tim- “The Cove,” about a dolphin-killing village ing of the decision isn’t clear, but is expected Tin Japan, has been detained by immigra- within the next several days. Takano said tion authorities at Tokyo’s Narita international O’Barry’s treatment sent a negative message airport. Ric O’Barry, the former dolphin trainer about Japan. for the “Flipper” TV series, said immigration offi- “It seems to show Japan does not allow criti- cials barred him at the airport Monday and told cal views,” he said. “The Cove,” which won the him he couldn’t enter Japan on a tourist visa 2009 Academy Award for best documentary, because he wasn’t a tourist, according to his shows dolphins being herded into a cove in the lawyer, Takashi Takano. fishing village of Taiji and then speared and Takano said officials accused O’Barry of hav- bludgeoned to death. “The Japanese govern- ing close ties with the anti-whaling group Sea ment is cracking down on those who oppose Shepherd, which O’Barry denies. O’Barry is the their war on dolphins,” O’Barry said in a state- director of Dolphin Project, which is dedicated to ment sent by email to The Associated Press the protection of dolphins worldwide. through his son, Lincoln O’Barry. Officials in Taiji, Immigration officials said it is their policy not to a small village in central Japan, and fishermen comment on individual cases. Takano said he have defended the hunt as traditional, saying In a Thursday, June 25, 2015 file photo, Jada Pinkett-Smith arrives at the Los Angeles appealed the detention, and that the Japanese that eating dolphin meat is no different than eat- premiere of “Magic Mike XXL” at the TCL Chinese Theatre. — AP government will decide whether to allow ing beef or chicken. —AP This file photo shows singer Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses as he performs at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino during Calls for boycott of Oscars grow the opening night of the band’s second res- idency, “Guns N’ Roses - An Evening of over diversity of nominees Destruction. — AFP mid calls for a boycott of the Academy a more inclusive show this year. The Feb 28 In this Nov 2, 2010, Guns N’ Roses Awards over its all-white acting nomi- broadcast will be hosted by Chris Rock and pro- file photo, Ric Anees and Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett duced by “Django Unchained” producer O’Barry, a leading announce new Smith both announcing they would sit out this Reginald Hudlin and David Hill. On Saturday, global dolphin year’s ceremony, the academy’s president said it Rock, unveiling a new promotion for the broad- activist whose reunion shows was time for major changes - and soon. cast, called the ceremony “The White BET efforts to save Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Awards.” When Oscar nominations were dolphins is in Las Vegas President Cheryl Boone Isaacs issued a state- announced Thursday, Isaacs acknowledged she documented in the ment promising more diversity, and quickly, was “disappointed” that all 20 acting nominees Oscar-winning film ard rock legends Guns N’ Roses yesterday after both Lee and Pinkett spoke out Monday. were again white and promised to “continue ‘The Cove,’ speaks Hannounced two more concerts for their In a lengthy Instagram post, Lee said he “cannot the conversation” on diversity. Isaacs has to the media in reunion, which is shaping up to be one of the support” the “lily white” Oscars. Noting that he worked to diversify membership for the acade- Taiji, western year’s most coveted tickets. Guns N’ Roses was writing on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lee - my, which a 2012 study by the Los Angeles Japan. —AP were revealed earlier this month as the head- who in November was given an honorary Oscar Times found is overwhelming white and male. liners for California’s Coachella festival, with at the Governors Awards - said he was fed up: But on Monday, Isaacs was more explicit and singer Axl Rose and guitarist Slash performing “Forty white actors in two years and no flava at promised an examination of the academy and a McLean arrested for together after 23 years. The band announced all,” he wrote. “We can’t act?!” more intense drive to diversify. “This is a difficult on its website that it would also play on April 8 but important conversation, and it’s time for and 9 at the new T-Mobile Arena that is open- big changes,” she said in a statement released ing on the Las Vegas Strip. Monday night. “The Academy is taking dramat- domestic violence The concerts threaten to steal some thun- ic steps to alter the makeup of our member- der from Coachella as they will come before ship. In the coming days and weeks we will con- on McLean, the author and singer of the Guns N’ Roses take the stage at the festival on duct a review of our membership recruitment enigmatic hit song “American Pie,” was April 16 and April 23. Coachella, one of the in order to bring about much-needed diversity D arrested Monday for domestic violence in the world’s most prominent and profitable festi- in our 2016 class and beyond.” state of Maine, US media reported. The 70- vals, takes place over two consecutive week- year-old was detained without incident after ends. Tickets quickly sold out after the lineup Viewed as racist police responded to a call at his residence in announcement. Guns N’ Roses roared onto the Many awards handicappers expected nomi- the city of Camden, local news affiliate Fox411 global music scene in 1987 with “Appetite for nations for Idris Elba of “Beasts of No Nation” said, quoting the city police chief. He was then Destruction,” which remains the top-selling US and Benicio Del Toro for “Sicario.” The N.W.A. taken to nearby Knox County Jail and released debut album ever. biopic “Straight Outta Compton” also failed to on bail, it said. Celebrity gossip website TMZ The band won critical praise for merging earn a best picture nomination, despite some reported that bail had been set at $10,000. Rose’s soaring range and raw anger with predictions it would. Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed McLean is scheduled to appear in court on Slash’s intricate guitar, but the pair also had Rocky sequel “Creed” scored a nomination only February 22. well-publicized off-stage tensions. The original for Sylvester Stallone. (Lee’s own movie, the In a Tuesday, Dec 1, 2015 file photo, Spike “American Pie” was named the fifth great- lineup last played together in 1993 in Chicago gang violence hip-hop musical “Chi- Lee attends the premiere of “Chi-Raq” at est song of the 20th century by the Recording auction in New York in April for $1.2 million. Argentina at the end of the “Use Your Illusion” Raq” - celebrated by some and scorned by oth- the Ziegfeld Theatre, in New York. Industry of America and the National McLean said he wanted to release the lyrics to tour, although Rose kept leading Guns N’ ers - also went unnoticed.) The hashtag Endowment of the Arts, and was also induct- help people understand the true meaning of Roses without Slash. The Los Angeles rockers “OscarsSoWhite,” created last year, was quickly In a video message on Facebook, Pinkett ed into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. The the song, which depicts turbulent upheavals are believed to have long received multimil- resurrected online following the nominations. Smith also said she wouldn’t attend or watch original manuscript for the 1971 song sold at of the latter half of the 20th century. — AFP lion-dollar offers for a reunion. — AFP the Oscars in February. Pinkett Smith, whose The Rev. Al Sharpton - who last year met with husband Will Smith wasn’t nominated for his former Sony head Amy Pascal following leaked performance in the NFL head trauma drama emails that some viewed as racist - on Friday “Concussion,” said it was time for people of col- lambasted the academy. Sting, Peter Gabriel announce or to disregard the Academy Awards. “Begging “Hollywood is like the Rocky Mountains, the for acknowledgement, or even asking, dimin- higher up you get the whiter it gets and this ishes dignity and diminishes power,” she said. year’s Academy Awards will be yet another joint North America tour “And we are a dignified people and we are Rocky Mountain Oscar,” said Sharpton. In his wo of Britain’s most influential rock artists, both separately and together on stage. “I’m very powerful.” She added: “Let’s let the academy do post, Lee made it clear the Academy Awards is TSting and Peter Gabriel, yesterday happy that we’re taking the chance to experi- them, with all grace and love. And let’s do us only part of the problem in an industry with announced a tour of North America that will ment this way. I think people will be intrigued; I differently.” The video had amassed 4.5 million deep-rooted diversity issues. In his Governors include collaborations on each other’s songs. certainly am,” Sting said in a statement. Both by mid-Monday afternoon. Awards speech, Lee said, “It’s easier to be the The 19-date “Rock Paper Scissors” tour will open artists fronted popular bands in the 1970s- president of the United States as a black person June 21 in Columbus, Ohio and include headlin- Gabriel was a founder of Genesis and Sting led ‘Disappointed’ than be the head of a studio.” “The Academy ing slots at two festivals, the Festival d’Ete de The Police. Gabriel in particular has focused on Last year’s all-white acting nominees also Awards is not where the ‘real’ battle is,” wrote Quebec in Quebec City and Summerfest in experimentation as a solo artist and founded drew calls for a boycott, though not from such Lee. “It’s in the executive office of the Milwaukee. Gabriel and Sting, who first toured Real World Records and the Womad festival to prominent individuals as Lee and Pinkett Smith. Hollywood studios and TV and cable networks. together in the 1980s to support Amnesty bring a greater audience to international artists. This file photo taken on November 28, Whether it had any impact or not, the audience This is where the gate keepers decide what gets International, have stayed active in recent years Sting, who merged reggae into pop music with 2012 shows English musician and singer- for the broadcast, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, made and what gets jettisoned to ‘turnaround’ but have focused on side projects as much as The Police, recently wrote a Broadway musical, songwriter Gordon Sumner known by was down 16 percent from the year prior, a six- or scrap heap. This is what’s important. The gate their own work. “The Last Ship,” that had mixed commercial suc- his stage name Sting, as he performs year low. Isaacs has made a point of presenting keepers. Those with ‘the green light’ vote.” — AP On the tour, Gabriel and Sting will perform cess.— AFP during a concert in Beirut. — AFP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 FASHION Milan designers look to the future and past

Models present creations for fash- ion house Gucci during the Men Fall - Winter 2016 / 2017 collection ilan designers looked both to and Woodstock motifs on T-shirts, a shows at the Milan’s Fashion Week the future and the past to create theme that he elaborated later into a in Milan. — AP/AFP photos Mcontemporary looks for men Charlie Brown sweater, and a crinkly next winter and fall. The fashion world Western cowboy shirt with boot-leg continued its heartfelt tributes to David jeans. But the boyhood lens also picked Bowie, celebrated as an icon in the up on the adult world, and there was flo- music, art and fashion worlds alike, the ral tapestry that became coats and suits, crocheted capes and hats that suggested a loving hand, and cozy pajamas with flo- ral embroidery. Each memory was also elaborated: colorful totems were applied

he intends to include in a film for the fall/winter 2016/2017 collection. Some highlights from Monday’s shows, includ- ing looks from Gucci, Emporio Armani, Ermanno Scervino, Fendi and Canali.

Fragmented beauty Creative director Alessandro Michele some with pendants, and headbands created a dreamlike backdrop to with a hand motif. Michele also reinter- unpack a chest full of 1970s memories preted classic 1970s Gucci. A golden for his latest Gucci menswear collec- handbag was realized with glittery Gucci tion. The looks were presented under a red-and-green stripes. The Gucci trench reddish light in the freshly red-carpeted was white, worn with a dramatic red hat. disused train depot that the designer, Michele’s show notes were intimidatingly now in his second year at Gucci, has titled “Poetic Reactivation,” and cited claimed as his theater. “These are my three philosophers, one French, one aesthetic memories that in the end are German, and one Russian. Backstage, he completely different from yours, but it’s said the starting point for the collection remembrances touching in their under- an idea to work after,” Michele said was the idea of “fragmented beauty” that stated persistence. Giorgio Armani backstage after his menswear preview to the back of floral jackets; knitted hats he took from the late Walter Albini, one opened his Emporio Armani show with for next fall and winter. had whimsical ears or fantastical monster of the pioneers of Italian ready-to-wear. “I notes from the singer’s “Space Oddity,” His runway-realized memories speak faces; detective capes came in striking love the idea that there is an energy in while Gucci creative director Alessandro of a happy boyhood, with a Sherlock red, rich fur and classic plaid. every single thing you do, and every sin- Michele created a jacket with “Bowie” Holmes-style detective cape and cap, this The looks were finished with a gle piece that you put on the clothes. printed boldly on the back that he said one with crocheted ear covers; Snoopy mÈlange of rings, beaded necklaces, Everything is very precious,” Michele said.

Models present creations for fash- ion house Giorgio Armani during the Men Fall - Winter 2016 / 2017 collection shows. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 FASHION

Models present creations for fashion house Giorgio Armani during the Men Fall - Winter Urban acceleration of triangles, creating emblems that wouldn’t be as a man, as Scervino demonstrated by sending 2016 / 2017 collection shows. The Emporio Armani man is urban and out of place on a space shuttle. The color both down the runway together. sleek, able to move easily in his metropolitan scheme was likewise regimented, stone grays, The designer took glam to new heights with environment. He has a well-defined geometry, forest green and deep blue, with fabrics some- crystal-encrusted fabric, which he fashioned but also fluidness. There is no excess, just the times taking on the speckled effect of granite, into knee-length coats, trousers and a side- essential. Giorgio Armani used new technology or a repeating Escher geometrical pattern in a wrap dress. What’s good for the goose is good to bond materials for his print. There was just line aimed at more one flash of color, a teal youthful dressers, creat- blue and magenta tie. Shoes were thick-soled, while bags were prag- matic large backpacks and shoppers. Armani announced his futuris- tic intent at the open- ing of the runway show, sending out a team of snowboarders outfitted in tin-foil sil- ver snow parkas paired with swirling black, white and gray leg- gings. Perhaps the out- of-this world look was in its way another Bowie tribute.

Fashion Week Fashion Sporty elegance Ermanno Scervino’s collection for next win- ter takes a trajectory ing new forms and a from sporty to ele- futuristic feel. More for- gance. That’s not only

Milan mal double-breasted the looks but the artis- jackets were worn with fluid pleated trousers, tic method. Scervino built on his expertise with for the gander. “It’s not enough for a designer while bonded denim trousers were wide and lace to create elegant, dressy coats out of to have a business. He needs to innovate and stiff, paired with a matching jacket for an embroidery, weaving strands of thread togeth- experiment,” he said. The Florentine designer, almost robotic effect. A shawl jacket had a er as if macramÈ to create swirls of movement who counts Kim Kardashian and Oprah Winfrey casual diagonal zipper worn with athletically with an Astrakhan effect. The three-quarter among his clients, has recently opened a Miami cut pants. The designer adorned trouser legs length sleeves were finished in fur. What’s store as part of a rapidly growing boutique net- with laser-cut squares and shirts with clusters more, the coat is equally fetching on a woman work - his first in the United States.

Models wear creations for Ermanno Scervino men’s Fall-Winter 2016-2017 collection. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 FASHION

Models wear creations for Ermanno Scervino men’s Fall-Winter 2016- Milan 2017 collection. Fashion Week

Lush and plush look got even more cozy with a bell- Life is pretty plush at Fendi, with a shaped hat. model gliding down the carpeted spiral Fendi emblazoned T-shirts, jackets staircase in a soft plaid overcoat-cum- and accessories with a text bubble day robe with matching trousers to the with Fendi inside, as the brand latches soothing tones of soul music. Think of on to the digital conversation. And the Jack Nicholson playing golf in his robe, designer also created her own emojis, one of the references on Silvia Venturini otherwise known as Fendi Faces, by Fendi’s mood board backstage. Fendi’s positioning, for example, downcast looks for next winter were all about eyes over a bag’s latch standing in as soft, cozy comfort, right down to the the mouth. One leather coat cleverly pleasantly lush accessories: A parka placed eyes on each elbow, giving a with yellow fur trim was paired with a wink to whoever is walking behind the large yellow, furry bag. Plaids and wearer. The attention to detail and lux- checks on jackets, pants and bags cre- ury were clearly evident in a shearling ated a homey feel, and Fendi boldly coat with a check pattern created with paired mohair jackets with matching the same inlaid leather techniques per- pants, for a definite Fozzie Bear feel. The fected by the fashion house. — AP

Models wear creations for Fendi men’s Fall-Winter 2016-2017 collection.

Indian acid-attack survivor becomes face of fashion brand

n acid-attack survivor in India has been while,” said Manan Shah, managing director Last year, the court ruled that victims Amade a model for a fashion brand, draw- at Viva N Diva in Surat, in the western state of should receive free medical treatment and a ing attention to the crime in the country with Gujarat. “We have received a very good minimum compensation of 300,000 rupees one of the highest rates of acid violence in response and we hope other companies will ($4,500). Laxmi, who was 15 when she was the world. Laxmi, who goes by one name, follow the example.” attacked by a 32-year-old man whose features in an advertising campaign for a new Globally, there are as many as 1,500 advances she had spurned, has petitioned range of apparel from Viva N Diva in an initia- recorded acid attacks every year, with more the court for a complete ban on the sale of tive the company said is aimed at raising than 1,000 cases estimated to occur in India acid. She received an International Women of awareness of those who have lost their physi- alone. However, many attacks go unreported Courage Award from US First Lady Michelle cal beauty to acid attacks. because victims are too afraid of reprisals to Obama in 2014. A video clip titled ‘Face of Courage’ shows come forward. Attackers frequently target “We want to bring acid-attack survivors Laxmi being made up and then striding the head and face to maim, disfigure and into the mainstream world, and this cam- down the catwalk while smiling at the cam- blind the victims. Despite the severity of the paign shows it is possible,” said Alok Dixit eras, her scarred face in focus. “We had seen crime, acid remains easily available in India, with the Chhanv Foundation in New Delhi, some pictures of other acid-attack survivors, where it is used in the manufacture and pro- which has led a campaign to stop acid and we thought, if we can create an opportu- cessing of cotton and rubber, even after a attacks. “It shows even survivors can be seen nity for even one of them, it would be worth- 2013 Supreme Court order to curb sales. as normal.” — Reuters French artists finish replica of ‘magical’ cave paintings

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 35

A picture shows a murmuration of starlings performing their traditional dance before landing to sleep near the village of Tidhar, in the northern Negev desert. — AFP Breed-your-own insect ‘revolution’ for the kitchen

Katharina Unger (left) and Julia Kaisinger (right) are pictured with their “Hive”, a Katharina Unger (left) and Julia Kaisinger (right) are pictured with salads with Chocolate cakes with mealworms from the “Hive”. machine to produce edible mealworms. — AFP photos mealworms from their “Hive”. seething mass of larvae in the kitchen In the next section, the “loveshack”, the Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that feeding the world’s growing population. event, plans to post a recipe of risotto with is not everyone’s cup of tea, particular- insects mate and their eggs fall into the next insects form part of the traditional diets of at “Compared to beef you need only 10 per- mealworm, calling the taste “nutty, or mush- Aly for squeamish Westerners. But for layer. Helped by a controlled microclimate, least two billion people, with more than 1,900 cent of the land to grow mealworms and you roomy”, but “not spectacular”. But she said two young Austrian entrepreneurs, it’s a food the eggs hatch into larvae which gradually species reportedly enjoyed worldwide. In need only around a quarter of the feed that it that it will take some time for people in revolution that can help save the planet. grow and descend to a drawer at the bottom Europe, Romans and ancient Greeks ate them- typically takes to grow the equivalent amount Europe to get over the “yuck” factor and really Katharina Unger and Julia Kaisinger, 25 and where, around three centimeters (an inch) Aristotle was partial to cicada larvae-and of beef,” she said. Indeed a 2013 by the FAO embrace creepy-crawlies as food. “The first 28, have developed a device to breed in the long and plump, they are “harvested”. “Our some European cheeses, like mimolette in noted the “huge potential” of insects, not only step is mentally to get over the fact that you comfort of your own home the protein-rich team eats them almost every day,” Unger said, France or the Sardinian casu marzu, contain or for feeding people but also livestock, are eating an insect. Once you eat them you grubs of the meal beetle, to then eat. “With showing off some of her creations-Greek sal- use insects. although it cautioned more research was realize they’re not so bad,” she told AFP. “It’s this current design you can make 200-500 ads topped by toasted grubs, quinoa-and- A few insect restaurants have sprung up in needed. about getting rid of the fear.” grams (seven to 18 ounces) of mealworms mealworm meatballs and even chocolate Europe and North America in recent years, “I think in the future everyone will eat every week,” Unger told AFP at a recent tast- (and worm) cake. and some products, ranging from salt-and- The yuck factor insects, or at least almost everybody,” pre- ing and fundraising event in Vienna. “You vinegar crickets to lollipops with scorpions The mealworms are also nutritious, con- dicted Kaisinger, the co-founder of Livin freeze them and then you make them like any Scorpion lollipops (actually arachnids), are available. But for the taining the same amount of protein as beef, Farms, which already has 200 pre-orders for other type of meat. You can cook them, roast Eating insects-entomophagy-is not new. most part, Westerners generally see bugs as a more vitamin B12 than eggs and more fibre its $499 (459 euros) hives. “People actually them, make them into burger patties and mix Humans have been doing so for thousands of nuisance, not as nutrition. This is a shame, than broccoli, according to Unger and consume around half a kilo (about a pound) them into sauce for pasta,” she said. years and today they are a common food in Unger said, since insects are not only tasty Kaisinger’s firm, Livin Farms. of insects every year without knowing it, Into the top of the sleek, white “desktop many developing countries across Asia, Africa, but a more sustainable source of protein than Alexandra Palla, a well-known Austrian from tiny traces in chocolate to orange juice hive” go pupae which then hatch into adults. Latin America and Oceania. The UN Food and traditional farmed livestock-and are vital to food blogger present at the recent tasting and the like.” — AFP

Salted mealworms as snack from the “Hive”. Roasted and salted mealworms as snack from the “Hive”. A mealworms salad from the “Hive”.