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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 JAMADA ALAWWAL 19, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net New solar plant Malaysia police At NY fashion Real fight to meet 15% arrest woman week, hijabs back to beat of oil sector’s over N Korean top looks fit Napoli; Bayern needs by3 2021 assassination7 for38 royalty rout20 Arsenal Rouhani visits Kuwait, Min 08º Max 22º Oman to improve ties High Tide 02:25 & 15:31 Low Tide Iranian president supports Amir’s call for dialogue 09:25 & 21:53 40 PAGES NO: 17143 150 FILS KUWAIT: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visited Kuwait yesterday as part of a lightning two-nation Gulf tour aimed at mending ties strained by the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Rouhani held talks with HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who last month launched a dialogue with the Islamic republic to normalize Iran-Gulf relations. An official statement cited by the KUNA news agency said they discussed bolster- ing bilateral ties in all fields. They also held talks on “lat- est regional and international developments,” said the statement, without giving further details. Ahead of his visit to Oman and Kuwait, Rouhani had expressed support for the latter’s efforts to “resolve misunderstandings and boost relations” with Gulf countries. “On this trip, there will be discussions about the region, the situation in Iraq, Syria and in particular in Yemen,” Iran’s official news agency IRNA quoted him as saying. Tehran’s ties with other Gulf states have been strained over its support for the Syrian regime of Bashar Al-Assad and alleged backing of Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah visited Tehran last month, calling for a “normalization of ties and opening dialogue”. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit held in Manama in December asked Kuwait to initiate contacts with Tehran to start a dialogue to improve ties. Kuwait has maintained normal relations with Tehran despite taking part in the Saudi- led military campaign against the Houthi rebels. HH the (Left) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is welcomed by HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah at Kuwait International Airport yesterday. Amir visited Iran in 2014. (Right) Rouhani is welcomed by Oman’s Sultan Qaboos during an official arrival ceremony in Muscat earlier yesterday. — AP (See Page 2) Continued on Page 13 India puts 104 satellites in orbit

SRIHARIKOTA, India: India successfully progress of the Polar Satellite Launch put a record 104 satellites from a single Vehicle (PSLV). Trump drops US rocket into orbit yesterday in the latest tri- Prime Minister Narendra Modi congrat- umph for its famously frugal space pro- ulated the scientists for achieving the feat gram. Celebrations erupted among scien- which smashes a record previously held by commitment to tists at the southern spaceport of Russia. “They have hit a century in space Sriharikota as the head of India’s Space technology,” Modi said at an election rally ‘two-state’ deal Research Organisation (ISRO) announced in northern Uttar Pradesh state. The rocket all the satellites had been ejected as took off at 9:28am (0358 GMT) and cruised WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump halted planned. “My hearty congratulations to at a speed of 27,000 km per hour, ejecting Washington’s quest for a two-state solution to the the ISRO team for this success,” the all the 104 satellites into orbit in around 30 Israeli-Palestinian conflict yesterday, saying he agency’s director Kiran Kumar told those minutes, according to ISRO. would back a single state if it led to peace. The new gathered in an observatory to track the Continued on Page 13 president warmly welcomed Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House and hailed the “unbreakable” bond between their countries. And - while he urged Netanyahu to “hold back” from building Jewish settlements for a “little bit” - Trump broke with the international consensus insisting on two states. “So I’m looking at two state and one state, and I F KUWAIT: ( rom left) Scott Gegenheimer, Bader Al-Kharafi, Patrick Grove and Mark like the one that both parties like. I’m very happy Britt are seen during the press conference. with the one that both parties like. I can live with either one,” he said. “I thought for a while the two- state looked like it may be the easier of the two but, Zain, iflix set up ‘iflix honestly, if Israel and the Palestinians are happy, I’m happy with the one they like the best.” Arabia’ joint venture If this change in the US stance was calculated to please Netanyahu and his rightwing coalition, KUWAIT: Zain, a leading mobile and data million customers, the joint venture will Trump’s views on the shortcomings of the services operator in the Middle East and benefit from and leverage the mobile Palestinian position will delight them. “I think the Africa and iflix, the world’s leading operator’s established market leadership Palestinians have to get rid of some of that hate Internet TV service for emerging markets, in conjunction with learnings iflix that they’re taught from a very young age,” he said, yesterday announced the establishment acquired in consolidating its dominance echoing Netanyahu’s argument that Palestinians are of their joint venture, ‘iflix Arabia’ to bring throughout Asia. iflix Arabia will capitalize not ready for peace. iflix’s world class service to the Middle on the MENA’s large youth population, Continued on Page 13 SRIHARIKOTA, India: Onlookers watch the launch of the Indian Space Research East and North Africa (MENA). iflix Arabia, rapidly growing internet and smartphone Organisation (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C37) yesterday. — AFP will be headquartered in Dubai and trade penetration, and huge appetite for digital commercially as “iflix”, adding Zain’s terri- content and entertainment. tories of operation to iflix’s global foot- Bader Al Kharafi, “The establishment print, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, of the joint venture ‘iflix Arabia’ instantly Adasani reopens MP deposits case Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and creates enormous value for both Zain Sudan, with the potential to further and iflix stakeholders, given the syner- By B Izzak lic prosecution, which decided not to press any extend into additional regional markets. gies created and the new revenue charges against any of the accused over not The commercial launch of iflix’s streams that will be generated by the KUWAIT: Opposition MP Riyadh Al-Adasani finding sufficient evidence and for a legal loop- Internet TV service across the MENA expected takeup of this appealing inter- yesterday claimed that 13 former and current hole that prevented it from prosecuting those region is planned for the second quarter net TV service from the general public lawmakers had received KD 51 million in accused. of 2017, at which time iflix Arabia will and Zain customers. This is a monumen- “political bribes” from the government, and Opposition lawmakers said the case should offer consumers across the region and tal step forward for Zain in our journey to demanded action. Speaking in a heated not be considered dead because it involved an Zain mobile customers its extensive become the premier digital lifestyle debate, Adasani showed documents he said encroachment on public funds. Many of the range of thousands of TV shows, movies provider in the MENA region.” were evidence of the highly-publicized lawmakers called for reopening the legal pro- and more with Arabic and English subti- Scott Gegenheimer, Group CEO of deposits that were allegedly made in 2011 cedures in the case. The debate witnessed sev- tles, including many first run exclusives Zain commented: “iflix has done an and led to the resignation of former prime eral heated arguments between MPs. Adasani and award winning programs. In addition exceptional job in spearheading the minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- clashed with MP Saleh Ashour over the need to to having the best of Hollywood, entertainment revolution in Asia and tru- Ahmad Al-Sabah. debate the issue years after the public prosecu- Bollywood, regional and local programs, ly has an industry leading product. What Adasani was prevented by Speaker tion shelved it. Islamist opposition MP Jamaan as well as over 2,000 episodes of chil- distinguishes iflix is its constant innova- Marzouq Al-Ghanem from showing the list of Al-Harbash also clashed with MP Ahmad Al- dren’s content, the service will additional- tion and commitment to offering its cus- names of those involved on the Assembly Fadhl, trading accusations of corruption. At ly offer an extensive collection of highly tomers an exceptional and entertaining screen, but nevertheless, he read out the one stage, they started calling the names of acclaimed Arabic shows and movies with digital experience, which is at the heart of names and the amounts involved. He even their fathers, which angered Ghanem, who iflix Arabia planning to introduce exclu- what Zain stands for. We look forward to named highly influential people of paying the brought the proceedings to order. sive Arabic content series. bringing our 47m customers and regional bribes to the politicians, and in some cases, to A number of lawmakers who spoke during Having first launched its service in May mobile operations into the iflix footprint.” their wives too. the brief debate strongly lashed out at the gov- 2015, iflix quickly established its domi- iflix co-founder and Group CEO, Mark The government categorically denied any ernment for not doing enough to stop the nance in the Asian region, rolling out its Britt said: “Zain is a true pioneer in innova- involvement in the issue, which triggered large spread of corruption in the country and for KUWAIT: MP Riyadh Al-Adasani speaks during street demonstrations in 2011 and 2012 and doing nothing to prosecute the lawmakers world class service to nine markets in less tion with a deep understanding of the cul- a special session at the National Assembly resulted in a major political dilemma in the who received bribes. than two years, acquiring over 4 million ture and evolution of digital businesses. yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat country. The case was investigated by the pub- Continued on Page 13 members over the period. With Zain’s 47 Continued on Page 13 LOCAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attend the official reception ceremonies. Amir, Rouhani discuss ties, regional, int’l issues KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met yesterday with visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his accompanying delegation, in presence of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and senior officials were present at the talks. The talks focused on bilateral relations and ways of promot- ing and developing them in all fields, and means of expanding cooperation between Kuwait and Iran, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah said. The talks were held in a friendly atmosphere that reflected mutual understanding and friend- ship, and good relations between both sides. Later, His Highness the Amir held a dinner ban- quet in honor of the visiting President his accompanying delegation at Bayan Palace. Upon his arrival at the airport yesterday, Rouhani was received by His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Iranian President Deputy Chairman of the National Guard Sheikh Hassan Rouhani are pictured shortly after the president’s arrival. — Amiri Diwan photos Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Anas Al- includes Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, Sheikh Saleh, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Zarif, Chief of Staff of the President of Iran Sabah Al-Khaled, Deputy Minister of Amiri Minister of Information Sheikh Mohammad Al- Mohammad Nahavandian and Minister of Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and other sen- Industry, Mining and Trade Mohammad Reza His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah welcomes Iranian Deputy Prime Minster and Interior Minister ior state officials. Nematzadeh, along with other senior Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy In addition to Rouhani, the Iranian delegation officials. — KUNA

National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem welcomes Iranian His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al- President Hassan Rouhani. Al-Sabah welcomes Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah welcomes Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Deputy Prime Minster and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Anas Al-Saleh wel- Deputy Chairman of the National Guard Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Al-Sabah welcomes Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. comes Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Jaber Al-Sabah welcomes Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in presence of His Highness the His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah welcomes Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other top state officials. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. LOCAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

Ministry clarifies reports on TB patient’s death By A Saleh ing that the teacher recently discovered of patients was beyond the office’s capacity ing uncollected debts’, Manfouhi Tenders role to be infected with tuberculosis had died. of serving 400 patients at a time, which led explained that such accusations could be The Ministry of Commerce and KUWAIT: Assistant Undersecretary for It confirmed that the fatal case happened to the delay because of the office was made if an executive body neglected Industry urged the Finance Ministry to Public Health at the Ministry of Health last year, in which the victim passed away understaffed of qualified accountants. doing its duties to protect public funds. cooperate on putting the public tenders (MOH) Dr Majida Al-Qattan said all med- while receiving treatment outside Kuwait Harbash described accusations pointed at Manfouhi said the government’s uncol- law into practice, especially in terms of ical tests done on people who came in last December. him of wasting or violating public funds as lected debts usually accumulated purchases made by government bodies. contact with a female teacher found laughable, untrue and driven by personal because of companies’ violation of the infected with tuberculosis (TB) in Ahmadi 10,000 patients motives and a wish to defame even his fam- contracts of investing in hoardings and Prostitutes arrested came negative. Qattan added that the In other news, former head of Kuwait’s ily by questioning the credibility of those banners, which results in fining them, and Vice police arrested 17 female expats teacher had been hospitalized for three office in Germany Dr Suleiman Al-Harbash who exposed real corruption. the delay in paying the fees plus the fines. of various Asian nationalities in separate weeks and is now completing her treat- said that although the office had to deal He also said that one of the reasons was cases for engaging in prostitution, said ment at home and enjoying good health. with over 10,000 Kuwaiti patients in 2015 Uncollected debts the debts of some employees concerning security sources. The sources explained Qattan further mentioned a case of and 2016, it is being criticized for delaying Kuwait Municipality Director Ahmed deduction of social allowances and schol- that the suspects include two Chinese another female teacher who was suffering its bills. As health attache and head of the Al-Manfouhi said accumulation of uncol- arships for non-deserving employees after women arrested in Salmiya, where they from non-infectious tuberculosis meningi- office in that period, Harbash explained that lected debts happens for reasons out of they already get them. Manfouhi also charged clients KD 80-100. The sources tis and who died in 2016. MOH released a some documents were sent to the ministry the municipality’s control. Speaking in stressed that long litigation periods that added that by tracking a social media ad statement later to clarify Qattan’s com- late, and that he completed all documents response to inquiries made by Municipal can go on for years before a sentence is about offering ‘sex services,’ a group of 15 ments which had caused confusion after up to the beginning of 2016 before con- Council member Fahd Al-Sane about passed are also a main reason for accumu- Asian women were arrested. All suspects she was misquoted in social media as say- cluding his tenure. He said the large number what he described as ‘corruption concern- lation of debts. are awaiting deportation. New station to generate 15 percent of energy consumption in 2021: Minister Oil production stands at 2.75 million bpd: KOC KUWAIT: Kuwait’s ‘Al-Dabdaba’ solar plant, expected to be completed in the fiscal year 2020/2021, will produce around 15 percent of the oil sector’s power consumption, Minster of Oil Essam Al-Marzouq said yesterday. In a speech to open Kuwait’s International Health Safety and Environment (KIHSE) Conference and Exhibition, Marzouq, who is also Minister of Electricity and Water, said that the solar plant will help reduce carbon emissions by 1.3 million tons yearly. Moreover, he noted that the project fits into national strategies to rely on renewable energy KUWAIT: A file photo for a previous activity organized by the Kuwait Motor Sports Club. and promote environment conservation, adding that the use of renewable energy requires sup- port of sustained development in the country. 11th Jaber Al-Ahmad On the conference, the Minister of Oil said it will tackle solutions to environmental chal- Championship for Cars and lenges, against the backdrop of plummeting oil prices, noting that oil production methods in Motorcycles opens today Kuwait strictly adhere to environment safety procedures. By Nawara Fattahova ing and a live music performance will be KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Oil Minister Essam Al- KUWAIT: Omani Oil and Gas Minister Dr Marzouq added that Kuwait is eager to invest held during the event. Local and interna- Marzouq delivers a speech during the Kuwait Mohammad Al-Ramhi delivers a speech in highly efficient energy sources with minimal KUWAIT: Jaber Al-Ahmad Circuit on the tional drivers will show their talent and International Health, Safety and Environment during the Kuwait International Health, carbon content, which highlights the need to 6th Ring Road is hosting the 11th Jaber Al- skills in drifting. (HSE) conference yesterday. — Photos by Safety and Environment (HSE) conference invest in projects dealing with renewable energy Ahmad Championship for Cars and On Friday, a band from Yemen will per- Yasser Al-Zayyat yesterday. — KUNA and petrochemicals locally and abroad. He also Motorcycles, organized by the Kuwait form at 6:30 pm, and on Saturday, an Indian pointed out that Kuwait is always on the lookout revealed that free gas output totals out to be Free gas Motorsports Club. The event will be held on band will perform at the same time. Visitors for new energy sources to meet the country’s 180 million cubic feet per day, while production On a related note, Marzouq said that free gas Feb 16, 17 and 18, and attendance to all can also try their skills in karting and partic- increasing power needs. of associated gas is at 40 million cubic feet per production remains one of Kuwait Petroleum activities is free of charge. “This champi- ipate in the races by registering at the ven- day for every 100,000 barrels. Corporation’s (KPC) top priorities. Speaking to onship is organized annually. This year is ue free of charge. Around 30 booths selling Production The KOC official noted that the company is journalists on the sidelines of the conference, the very unique, as we have a special perform- food, beverages, merchandise, accessories Meanwhile, CEO of Kuwait Oil Company eyeing a boom in natural gas production to Minister said that KOC will consider an offer next ance by a professional freestyle MX and other stuff will be available during the (KOC) Jamal Jaafar said that Kuwait’s total oil around 800 or 900 million cubic feet per day, Monday dealing with measures to expedite free motocross team from Europe. They will three-day festival. production has reached around 2.75 million bar- adding that KOC’s production capacity amounts gas production, adding that plans are in the present the show on Thursday and Friday at “I invite all people to come and visit the rels per day (bpd). In a statement to the press on to 3.1 million bpd. works to privatize oil projects. Meanwhile, Al- 9:00 pm at Jaber arena, with live coverage festival with their families, as we have the sidelines of conference, Jaafar underscored Moreover, Jaafar said that the company has Marzouq’s Omani counterpart Dr Mohammad Al- by KTV3,” Sheikh Ahmad Al-Dawood, activities for all ages and categories. The Kuwait’s commitment to an OPEC deal to cut oil launched a plethora of monumental projects Ramhi, who was in attendance at the conference, President of Kuwait Motorsports Club, told venue can welcome up to 6,000 people, so output, which has no bearing on production. that aim to ratchet up production capacity, all of said that OPEC’s decision to reduce oil production Kuwait Times. don’t miss these great activities,” Sheikh On Kuwait’s production of natural gas, he which are environment-friendly. is a measure to protect consumers. — KUNA A drift show, meeting point expo, kart- Ahmad said. Farmers allowed to sell products at parks By Meshaal Al-Enezi problems faced at both Wafra and Abdaly farms. (CSC) Ahmed Khalifa Al-Abduljaleel announced that according to law number 20/2014 pertaining KUWAIT: Chairman of the Public Authority for Technical disputes electronic transactions, CSC has experimentally Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Minister of Public Works Abdulrahman Al- started providing packages of e-services on its Faisal Al-Hasawi said the authority will continue Mutawwa started efforts to resume work at the website and through smartphone applications supporting productive Kuwaiti farmers and pro- Sixth Ring Road intersections project leading into pending officially launching them and using e-sig- vide them with all their needs. Speaking to new residential areas to the west of Jleeb Al- natures in all forms for over 55 bodies. Abduljaleel reporters after receiving a delegation from Kuwait Shuyiukh, after a legal dispute with the contrac- said CSC is receiving Public Authority for Civil Farmers Association represented by the newly- tors was resolved. Mutawwa stressed the need to Information (PACI) employees in February to file in elected board of directors headed by Barrak Fahd accelerate resuming the project and resolve the their e-signature forms to be used later in highly Al-Sabeeh, Hasawi said both sides discussed the problems it faced while protecting the ministry’s secured e-transactions. He added that the same is problems of subsidies and distribution of produce. rights, especially since the project has been halted in progress for CSC employees, and that e-signa- Hasawi added that the Municipality allowed out- for around four years. Notably, the project had tures are electronic certificates to be loaded on cit- KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al- lets to be opened to sell national agricultural been halted because of some technical and con- izens’ and expats’ smart civil IDs, so that they could Hamad Al-Sabah leaves for Belgium yesterday. — KUNA products in a number of PAAAFR parks in all tracting disputes with the contractor that had to be used at various Kuwaiti and GCC bodies. Kuwaiti areas. be taken to court. Abduljaleel also said that employees would have Hasawi added that he made an agreement to to memorize their PIN codes to have access to the Defense Minister heads to Belgium hold a weekly meeting with the association to dis- E-services system and stressed that these codes should be cuss various problems. Sabeeh highly commended Assistant undersecretary for information tech- kept secret. He also noted that lost civil IDs should to attend int’l coalition meeting PAAAFR’s cooperation and understanding of the nology affairs at the Central Statistical Comission be reported to avoid legal accountability. KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Major General Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Amiri, and Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Director of Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled’s Office Al-Sabah, alongside an accompanying delegation, Sheikh Rakan Salem Al-Sabah. left for Belgium yesterday to attend a meeting of Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled and his delega- defense ministers of the international coalition to tion were seen off at the airport by Army Chief of combat the so-called Islamic State (IS). Staff Lieutenant General Mohammad Khaled Al- Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled’s delegation Kheder, Defense Ministry’s Undersecretary Jassar includes Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence Al-Jassar, Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant General and Security, Major General Abdulrahman Al- Abdullah Al-Nawaf Al-Sabah, and a number of Hadhoud, Army Deputy Chief of Staff for planning senior army officers. — KUNA Fireman kills aunt, commits suicide By Hanan Al-Saadoun 500 to KD 800 per transaction. Tips received from undercover sources were verified after data on the KUWAIT: Detectives solved the mystery behind the transactions were checked and discovered to be not stab-murder of a woman who was found dead at her matching with those in the labor database. Official residence in Yarmouk on Feb 12, 2017. They discov- departments were asked about the stamps and sig- ered that her nephew, who reportedly committed sui- natures on the transactions, and they said that they cide on the same day, had killed her before ending his were not aware of them. The suspects were identi- life. Detectives inspected footage taken by cameras in fied, arrested and sent to concerned authorities. front of the victim’s house which showed her nephew, a fireman, committing the crime. They were also sure Camping violations that the fire officer called the victim before going to Public Relations Department at Kuwait her house and had a dispute with her. Information Municipality said a campaign carried out recently in further revealed that the officer was not married, suf- Mubarakiya and Shuwaikh resulted in issuing 51 cita- KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan (right) attends the conference. — KUNA fered psychological problems lately, and was absent tions. Director of Inspection and Municipality from his work for a few days. Police found narcotics Services Department Imam Al-Kandari said the viola- when they searched his apartment as well. DNA tests tions varied between expired health licenses, hiring Commerce Minister underlines need for traces found on the murder weapon also matched workers without obtaining a health certificate, failure samples taken from the victim and her nephew, the to comply with hygiene standards, using spoiled to keep abreast of legislative changes Interior Ministry said in a statement yesterday. food material and dealing with food stuff before receiving proper health licenses. Meanwhile, Kuwait KUWAIT: It is imperative that accountants and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said that the Kuwait into a financial and commercial hub Forgery Municipality announced that spring camps commit- auditors remain aware of legislative develop- global financial crisis has led to the reevaluation should come to fruition. He also highlighted the Residency detectives arrested a mandoub (com- tee’s report until Jan 2017 showed that 348 camps ments in Kuwait, given the rapid change in of plans dealing with credit ratings. Moreover, he significance of a wide range of services to cope pany representative) and a typist for forging labor- were removed for violating municipality rules. The that sector, Minister of Commerce and spoke of the need to establish solid inspection with constant change in the legislative sector, related transactions issued by a state department report said, the number of warnings issued since the Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan said yesterday. apparatuses that would help increase trans- noting that Kuwait should curb its reliance on oil and altering the type of profession written there to start of camping season was as follows: 424 in Jahra, In a speech to open the fifth conference on parency in financial transactions, adding that His revenues, which in turn, will help create a more facilitate receiving driver’s licenses. They carried out 123 in Farwaniya, 53 in Ahmadi, 281 camps in Jahra, accounting and auditing, Roudhan, who is also Highness the Amir’s vision of transforming vibrant economic environment. — KUNA the forgery in exchange of amounts ranging from KD 35 in Farwaniya and 32 in Ahmadi. LOCAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

In Brief

Omani Sultan Qaboos Diwan Minister meets Kuwait, Brazil discuss receives Amir’s letter arts society chief media cooperation MUSCAT: Omani Sultan Qaboos Bin Said KUWAIT: Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh received yesterday a letter from His Highness Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received yes- KUWAIT: KUNA Board Chairman and Director General Sheikh Mubarak Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- terday Chairman of the Kuwait Society for Jaber Al-Sabah on Omani-Kuwaiti relations. The received Brazilian Ambassador to Kuwait at his office Formative Arts Abdelrasoul Salman and the yesterday. During the meeting, the ambassador not- letter was handed by Kuwaiti Ambassador in society’s members who introduced to him the ed KUNA’s role to create media and cultural Muscat Fahad Al-Mutairi to Secretary-General of winners of the 11th Kuwait Youth Creativity exchange between the two countries, while Sheikh the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bader Al- Award. — KUNA Mubarak lauded the strong media cooperation Busaidi. — KUNA between Kuwait and Brazil. — KUNA Photo of the day

KUWAIT: Russian artists draw portraits to be displayed at a gallery organized by the Russian Embassy recently at the embassy’s premises in Daiya. The artists, who were invited to Kuwait by the embassy, also gave training lessons on basics of arts to members of the International Women Group (IWG). — Photo by Joseph Shagra Alghanim Industries hosts merit scholars’ event for Kuwaiti students in US at company headquarters To introduce them to the company and job opportunities KUWAIT: Alghanim Industries, one of the region. Hadeer Shelash, Assistant Manager the same vein, we’ve been strong support- units and between them. The company largest private companies in the region, - Corporate Communications, also dis- ers of NUKS-USA’s annual conference, also held a similar session during its spon- held an information session for merit cussed the company’s Corporate Social which is the largest gathering of Kuwaiti sorship of the 32nd annual NUKS confer- scholar students studying in the United Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including students outside Kuwait, during which we ence in the United States. These initiatives States about the history of the company the various programs addressing youth always make sure to meet with merit stu- come as part of Alghanim Industries’ and its diverse businesses. The event was education and entrepreneurship, in addi- dents in particular. This year we were able Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pro- hosted at the company’s headquarters in tion to the range of charity work targeting to host these students at Alghanim gram, which is committed to empowering Al-Hamra Tower, and included 13 students, the underprivileged. The following seg- Industries, giving them a better idea about the underprivileged, supporting education from various universities, interested in ment included Senior HR Officers - Talent our company, and a chance for direct dia- and encouraging entrepreneurship. It is learning more about the company and Management and Diversity, Noora Amin logue with the employees. We are always worth noting that the company was the career opportunities. and Hebah Al Rasheedan, who shared happy to host our promising youth, and Strategic Sponsor for the fifth annual Students were met by both the Talent details about the company’s student we hope to welcome these distinguished Tmkeen Youth Symposium, an initiative Management and Diversity team, internship opportunities and the fresh students as colleagues in the near future. “ that provides youth with valuable insights Corporate Communications, and employ- graduate initiative, “Alghanim Industries The session concluded with a tour of about entrepreneurship from industry ees from different departments who Future Leaders Program”, which is the Alghanim Industries headquarters leaders, academics and experts, and was shared their experience at university, dis- designed to develop the professional located at the top four office floors in Al held under the patronage of His Highness cussed their areas of work, and spoke capacity of new Kuwaiti graduates. Hamra Tower, from the 70th to the 73rd the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- about the general environment at Commenting on the students’ visit, floors. Employees in the Al Hamra office Sabah. The company is also the largest Alghanim Industries. Abdullateef Al-Sharikh said: “We strive to enjoy a modern design and open space supporter for INJAZ-Kuwait, as it encour- Director of Corporate Communications, be present at events that involve promis- between different business departments, ages its employees to volunteer regularly Abdullateef Al-Sharikh, welcomed stu- ing and talented Kuwaiti youth. This stems creating an atmosphere of cooperation in INJAZ’s different programs. In addition dents with an overview of the company’s from our deep belief in the vital role they and teamwork. The layout also helps in to being a platinum sponsor of “ArabNet diverse businesses and brands, in addition play, especially when it comes to growing creating a culture of collective participa- Conference” and providing free event tick- Abdullateef Al-Sharikh speaks to the students. to Alghanim Industries’ rich history in the and developing Kuwait’s private sector. In tion in responsibility within the business ets to 100 university students in Kuwait.

KUWAIT: Group photo of the students with Alghanim Industries employees. Students take a tour in Al-Hamra Tower’s offices. LOCAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

Center to develop stem cell research

KUWAIT: Sheikha Salwa Al-Sabah eases. According to the company, Health Zone, opposite the Maternity Center for Stem Cell and Umbilical KIPCO and its Group companies will Hospital. It has a total built up area of Cord will pave the way forward to hand over the Sheikha Salwa Sabah 7,800-square-meters and includes a develop services and researches in the Al-Ahmad Stem Cell and Umbilical three-floor main building, a utilities healthcare sector, said Kuwait Holding Cord Center in mid-September 2017, building, in addition to external land- Projects Company (KIPCO) yesterday. with 70 per cent of the construction scaping and parking. The facility The center will help advance research of the building now complete. The includes testing and research laborato- within the stem cell and umbilical cord center, financed through a KD seven ries, blood and cord storage banks, domains and will aid in developing a million donation made to the research and medical libraries, as well strong partnership between the public Ministry of Health by Masharee Al- as a lecture theater. and private sectors within health serv- Khair Charity Organization on behalf In addition to KD 7 million dona- ices, KIPCO Vice Chairman Faisal of KIPCO Group, is the Gulf region’s tion, the Advanced Technology Hamad Al-Ayyar said in a statement. first-ever center to be dedicated to Company, a member of the KIPCO Hopefully, this facility will make it stem cell research and the storage of Group, has pledged to provide state- easy for the public to access neces- umbilical cords. of-the-art equipment for the center’s sary healthcare in Kuwait, said Ayyar The Sheikha Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmad specialized laboratories, cooling sys- who affirmed stem cell and umbilical Stem Cell and Umbilical Cord Center is tems and stem cell storage facilities. cord researches will be crucial to the being built over a 12,000-square- ATC’s contribution is valued at KD 1 treatment of various Intractable dis- meters plot of land in the Al Sabah million. — KUNA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 LOCAL Crime Report Al-Anbaa

Police officer forged Glory builders investigation’s report KUWAIT: The criminal court sentenced a police officer and a citizen to five years in jail, and relieved the officer from his duties. The two By Salah Al-Sayar were convicted of forging a drug case investigation’s report. The officer, who was commissioned to carry out the investigations and ur Arab mentality overburdens us with illu- write a report on it, entered the house of the suspects in the case sions that the West intentionally works to without permission, taking advantage of his job, and arrested two Odefame us. But even if the West does deliber- people contrary to what the law stipulates. He also helped the sec- ately misrepresent us using stereotypes, this is not ond defendant in the case file a complaint; in which the latter gave true of the Far East. The religious wars (Crusades) we false information to implicate the detainees. participated in caused the loss of a considerable number of lives, but were never fought against the Far East. Our region never fell under their influence Fake doctor arrested the way it did the West’s during ‘European Criminal detectives arrested an Asian man in Khaitan who Colonization’, as it is known in Arabic politics. practiced medicine for five years without license. The suspect As a result, I am talking about an oriental perspec- gave diagnoses and prescriptions to patients, according to tive, comparing Arabs’ reaction to the recent US trav- his statements made during questioning. Furthermore, the el ban to those of the Japanese in the aftermath of man admitted that he carried out several abortions for expa- World War II. A comprehensive perspective is out- triate women who got pregnant out of wedlock. The suspect lined by a Japanese Contemporary Arab Literature was placed under surveillance after detectives received infor- Professor at Tokyo University, Nobuaki Notohara, who mation about his illegal activities. They noticed after monitor- spent over 40 years in Arab countries. In his book, ing his ‘clinic’ for a week that an average of 10 patients would Al-Jarida ‘The Arabs: A Japanese Point of View,’ the writer says visit him a day. Based on these findings, a warrant was Arabs were constantly curious as to why Japan main- obtained and the place was raided where three expats were tained relations with the US, even after the atomic found, along with banned medicine including pills used for abortion. The suspect said most of his customers are residen- cy violators and that he uses certain medicines to facilitated Arabs, he believed, expect abortions for KD 50 an operation, which was refundable if the Japanese to harbor a there were no results. Al-Qabas deep hatred for the US Theft because of the destruction An Egyptian man accused his Sri Lankan domestic helper ‘Protectors’ of virtue and decency of stealing his wife’s Spanish-made jewelry. He said the it wreaked in WWII stolen material includes a diamond stone, as well as a gold- en ring and earrings, adding that the maid had disap- By Ahmad Al-Sarraf peared. Detectives are working on the case. hey are calling for hijab and fight women who are order to get a bite or clothing for her or her children. And bomb attacks at Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Arabs, he not wearing veils. They call for gender-based segre- that is only if her estranged husband allows her to see believed, expect the Japanese to harbor a deep Auto theft gangs arrested Tgation at schools from kindergarten through to uni- them. They punish her if she deviates from their rules, but hatred for the US because of the destruction it versity. They call for virtue, decency and dignity. They ask give themselves leeway because, after all, they are men wreaked in WWII. Criminal detectives put an end to the activities of members of a parents to prevent their daughters from flaunting, urging with mustaches and beards. “Taking the matter this way will do us no good. We vehicle theft gang, whose members confessed that they stole their women to dress in heavy, all-covering clothes. It They hate a woman’s look, shape and figure, and all she must first admit our mistakes in World War II and cor- eight buses and many cars of various models. They smuggled would be better if they take after Taliban. represents to them. Yet you find them chasing her, mostly rect them,” Notohara wrote, explaining that the issue the stolen vehicles to Iraq and sold them there. The gang used They hate the woman and call, both secretly and open- secretively, begging for her attention, and spend their was not whether to hate the US. “We must criticize our- to hide the cars with Styrofoam, then take it to Iraq in large con- ly, for her to remain at home, obey her husband, and put money to try to sleep with her with or without her consent. selves and then correct our mistakes. Awareness of a tainers. Detectives found invoices, indicating that they bought a up with beatings. She should accept that she will not leave Afterwards, they do not hesitate to insult her, put her problem is the right approach to correcting it. We have large quantity of Styrofoam needed to hide the cars. The securi- the house without the approval of her husband, father, or down, deny her rights, or describe her as lacking in mind paid the price and remained in grief and bitterness but ty source said the gang was discovered after an Egyptian man brother. They ban education for women, watch carefully and faith. This is to support the stands of their clergy and we, somehow, succeeded in correcting our mistakes.” complained that a bus belonging to his company was stolen. for anything they do not like on TV; their senior “brother” government, which attempt to refuse her most basic rights. This comes from a sincere, passionate observer. In The source said investigations were intensified resulting in find- admits he scrambles what his household can see on TV. They fight her, curse her, attribute to her the worse of the book’s introduction, the author frankly points out ing the stolen bus in Sulaibiya. The vehicle was loaded on a trail- But as soon as democracy came with its enticements, the characteristics and warn us against her corrupting evil. In that Arab societies are full of oppression, tension and er’s bed after it was covered with Styrofoam, and was on its way act of a woman exiting the home to vote became a reli- secret, meanwhile, they would do anything just to gain her aggressiveness. That probably explains Arab reactions to Iraq. Detectives obtained a warrant against one of the sus- gious duty. approval! Do you know who they are? They are the ones to America’s travel ban, when they should be criticizing pects, a Syrian man identified by his initials, (S.A.A) and raided They hate women, not hesitating to kick them out of whose personal sexual exploits and ethical scandals are themselves. The Japanese people managed to turn the his house, where invoices for the Styrofoam purchased were the house without mercy, after uttering barely a few words quickly pushed aside as they claim virtue and the defense destruction of their country into a golden opportunity found. The first suspect confessed to being involved along with to her. She will then be humiliated in court or police sta- of good morals. for self-reflection. another Syrian man (A.A.A) and a third person (S.H.N) who had Translated by Kuwait Times tions, lawyers’ offices becoming her daily destination, in —Translated by Kuwait Times — left Kuwait few days before.— Translated from the Arabic press Kuwait Airways proud sponsors of annual festival of Khaleeji music: ‘Febrayer Kuwait’ Six nights of musical entertainment concludes this weekend

KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways, the official national carrier of the State of Kuwait, has announced its pride in supporting the successful sponsor- ship of the well-loved, annual musical celebration ‘Febrayer Kuwait.’ As one of the main sponsors and “Official Carrier” for the event, Kuwait Airways stated that it hoped it had played its part in bringing joy to regional and international visitors to this annual celebration - a coming together of Khaleeji (Arabian Gulf) musical talents and its famous singers. With 11 artists performing over the six-night program, spread over three weeks, this year’s event has offered up a special treat to fans of Khaleeji music, with the line-up of stars including the renowned and hugely respected Saudi singer, Rashed Al Majed. His solo performance tomorrow being the showpiece finale to the event. This will be Al Majed’s first public performance, in Kuwait, in over eight y�ars. If you have not got a ticket to see Majed then, unfortunately, you are already out of luck (or will need to check on E-Bay) because, according to organizers, tickets for his show sold out within an hour of tickets going on sale in January. The venue for all of the ‘Febrayer Kuwait’ events have been held at the Sheikh Jabar Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, otherwise known as The Opera House. On each night of the event, apart from Majed’s finale evening, audi- ences have been treated to performances of two well-renowned Khaleeji singers. The program’s dates for this year: 26-27 January; 2-3 February; and 16-17 February. On 26 January, ‘Febrayer Kuwait’ was opened by the famous Kuwaiti singer, Abdullah Al Rwaished, followed by Aseel Abu Baker Salim. On 27 January, audiences were treated to the inimitable sounds of Nawal and Rabih Sager. On 2nd February, the talents of another Kuwaiti singer, Nabeel Shuwail, and Shereen, were the headliners. Mohammed Abdu and Angham performed on 3 February; and on 16 February it will be the turn of Majed Al-Mohandis and Asala. Rashed Al-Majed completes the line-up with a solo performance, on 17 February. “As the ‘Official Carrier of Febrayer Kuwait’, Kuwait Airway� is proud to be lending its support and sponsorship to an event that celebrates both Kuwaiti and regional cultural heritage,” said Rasha Al-Roumi, Chairperson and CEO, Kuwait Airways. “Over the years, Febrayer Kuwait has proven to be a key attraction for visitors to come to the country, along with the many other events and activities that are traditionally held during this month.” “As the official national carrier of the State of Kuwait, we have wel- comed on-board many GCC citizens, Arab nationals and many other visi- KUWAIT: As official carrier of ‘Febrayer Kuwait,’ Kuwait Airways flew in both Majed tors from around the world to this wonderful celebration of music and Al-Mohandis and Angham Soliman on Tuesday for Thursday’s performances culture,” Roumi added. KFH launches advertising campaign to celebrate National, Liberation days Lyrics hail solidarity among Kuwait’s people

KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has The lyrics narrate “there is a secret in this land, importance to the society, primarily the nation- launched a distinct advertising campaign on the it is in the people... Their kindness and big heart”. al events. This affirms KFH’s prestigious status occasion of the 56th National Day and 26th These words incarnate the unity of Kuwaiti peo- and underlines its unremitting efforts in push- Liberation Day anniversary that confers the joy of ple, which forms impenetrable dam that saves ing other private sector institutions to follow freedom and solidarity among Kuwait’s people. Kuwait from any harm. The lyrics also affirms the suit in shouldering the social responsibility in This emanates from KFH’s firm belief in the strength of Kuwait’s people and their ultimate all its fields. importance of its social and national role. love to their land “no matter what we have been It is worth noting that the ad will be aired and The add lyrics, which has been produced through, and all the challenges we faced, our sol- published on TV channels, newspapers, KFH using human voices as per Islamic Sharia, hail the idarity has been protected by God... to that we social media accounts and radio. This includes solidarity among Kuwait’s people. It reveals the are forever grateful”. KTV1 and Alrai TV, Quran Radio Kuwait, KFH secret of the cohesion of the Kuwaiti national KFH is keen on embracing its social responsi- accounts on social media; Instagram, Twitter, fabric, which is the kindness of its people. bility, while participating in every event of YouTube, Snap Chat and Facebook. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 , 2017 Palestinians caution against abandoning a two-state concept What’s your poison? A history of killing with chemistry Page 12 Page 8

PUTRAJAYA: A hospital van is escorted by a police vehicle as it leaves the hospital forensic department in Putrajaya, Malaysia yesterday. Kim Jong Nam, 46, was targeted Monday, Feb. 14, 2017, in a shopping concourse at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia, and died on the way to the hospital, according to a Malaysian government official. —AP Woman arrested over N Korean killing Kim half-brother pleaded for his life • N Koreans try to stop autopsy KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian police probing airport and was alone at the time of arrest,” sought to defect to the EU, the US or South results had yet been issued by the hospital. A the killing of the half-brother of North Korea’s Khalid said in a statement. Korea as far back as in 2012, he said. black Jaguar sedan bearing the North Korean Assassi-nation: North leader arrested a woman yesterday as they Meanwhile, pathologists in the Malaysian South Korea’s spy chief Lee Byung-Ho said flag was seen outside the department, and tried to unravel a Cold War-style assassination capital examined the body for clues as to how the two women struck on Monday morning four officials wearing flag pins were observed Korea’s state killings the South said was carried out by he died, in a killing that has echoes of Soviet- as Kim was readying to board a flight to within the forensics compound. The officials Pyongyang’s agents. As Seoul pointed the fin- era spycraft. If confirmed, the assassination, Macau where he has spent many years in left the department around 8 pm (1200 GMT) without commenting to reporters. No party SEOUL: If North Korean agents are responsible for the ger at poison-wielding female spies from which analysts said could have been ordered exile. Malaysian police said Kim, a portly 45- assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, the estranged half- North of their shared border, police in Kuala over reports he was readying to defect, would year-old, was walking through the departure had yet laid claim to the body, Abdul Samah brother of North Korea’s leader, it would be the latest in Lumpur said they were holding a woman be the highest-profile death on Kim Jong-Un’s hall when he was attacked. “He told the said. “As for now the body will be kept at the a long line of targeted killings by the isolated state. with a Vietnamese passport. Her arrest came watch since the 2013 execution of his uncle, receptionist... someone had grabbed his face Kuala Lumpur morgue.” Kim, whose younger brother Kim Jong-Un has ruled around 24 hours after news broke of the Jang Song-Thaek, in a country with a long from behind and splashed some liquid on Three sources told Reuters the North North Korea since the death of their father in December death of Kim Jong-Nam, the elder sibling of record of meting out brutal deaths. him,” Selangor state’s criminal investigation Korean officials spent hours trying to talk 2011, died after reportedly being poisoned by two North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, with It emerged yesterday that Jong-Nam had chief Fadzil Ahmat was reported as saying by Malaysia out of conducting the autopsy. female agents at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on reports saying female assassins had sprayed pleaded with his younger brother for his life Malaysia’s The Star newspaper. Malaysian authorities refused the request, said Monday. Here are some other fatal attacks carried out toxins in his face at Kuala Lumpur to be spared after an earlier assassination “He asked for help and was immediately the sources, all Malaysian government offi- by North Korea on foreign territory. International Airport. attempt. “Jong-Nam in April 2012 sent a letter sent to the airport’s clinic. At this point, he cials. The body of Kim Jong-Nam was taken in CCTV images that emerged in Malaysian to Jong-Un saying ‘Please spare me and my was experiencing headache and was on the the morning to the hospital for investigations into his mysterious death. North Korean 1968 Blue House assault media, purportedly of one of the suspects, family,’” Kim Byung-Kee, a member of South verge of passing out,” said Fadzil. “At the clinic, At the height of the Cold War, a team of 31 comman- showed an Asian woman wearing a white top Korea’s parliamentary intelligence committee, the victim experienced a mild seizure. He was embassy officials followed, and were there so dos were sent from Pyongyang to assassinate then South with the letters “LOL” emblazoned on the told reporters. Cheong Seong-Chang of the put into an ambulance and was being taken long that they ordered a meal from KFC, Korean president Park Chung-Hee. They were stopped front. Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar independent Sejong Institute in Seoul said to the Putrajaya Hospital when he was pro- reporters at the hospital said. Journalists at some 100 meters (330 feet) away from the presidential said 28-year-old Doan Thi Huong was arrest- the assassination was “unthinkable without a nounced dead.” An autopsy at Kuala Lumpur the hospital said North Korea’s ambassador to Blue House. Gunfights erupted and more than 90 South ed at the airport yesterday morning - two direct order or approval from Kim Jong-Un Hospital’s forensics department was complet- Malaysia, Kang Chol, and colleagues arrived at Koreans were killed including many civilians on a bus. days after the killing. The suspect was “posi- himself”. His killing was likely motivated by a ed by yesterday evening, Selangor Police the hospital in the early afternoon and Only two of the 31 commandos survived, one fled to the tively identified from the CCTV footage at the recent news report that Kim Jong-Nam had Chief Abdul Samah Mat told AFP, but said no remained there into the evening. —Agencies North and one was captured.

1974 presidential attempt In 1974, Park, late father of the current South Korean president Park Geun-Hye, survived another assassina- tion attempt.A pro-Pyongyang Korean living in Japan, Mun Se-Gwang, opened fire with a revolver while Park was delivering a speech. He missed Park but killed Park’s wife Yuk Young-Soo. Mun was executed that year.

1983 Myanmar North Korean undercover agents killed 21 people, including four South Korean cabinet ministers in a bomb attack in Yangon.A timed device planted under the roof of the city’s Martyr’s Mausoleum was intended to kill then South Korean president Chun Doo-Hwan. It exploded before the president arrived, but his entourage was badly hit. Three North Korean agents fled the scene, one was killed and two others were cap- tured by Burmese authorities.

1987 Korean Air A South Korean plane flying from Baghdad to Seoul exploded over the Andaman Sea. All 115 people on board were killed. The two bombers were traced to Bahrain where a male agent committed suicide by bit- ing a cyanide capsule hidden in a cigarette as they were about to be taken into custody. The other agent, Kim Hyon-Hee, was captured and brought to Seoul. She later confessed her attack had been aimed to hamper the 1988 Seoul summer Olympics. She was sentenced to death but later pardoned.

1996 diplomat killing South Korean diplomat Choi Duk-Keun was found bludgeoned to death in Vladivostok in 1996 in what South Korean media said was revenge for the death of 25 North Korean submariners who died when their ves- sel ran aground in the South during an infiltration attempt.

1997 family affair Yi Han-Yong, a nephew of Jong-Nam’s mother Sung Hye-Rim, was fatally shot in 1997 outside his home. The two assailants were never caught. Yi had been living in the South since his 1982 defection, where he had pub- lished his memoir revealing details of the Kims’ private lives. That book was believed to have been the trigger for the assassination.—AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 Russian jets pound Syrian city of Deraa

AMMAN: Russian jets pounded rebel-held trolled parts of the city. Ground-to-ground areas of the Syrian city of Deraa yesterday missiles were also deployed from army for a second day in the first such intensive barracks to pound rebel held quarters of bombing campaign since Moscow’s major the city, residents said. The battles inside intervention in Syria more than a year ago, the city are the most intense since an rebels and witnesses said. Rebel groups on alliance of mainstream rebels, known as Sunday stormed the heavily-garrisoned “The Southern Front” who are backed by Manshiya district in a battle dubbed Western and Arab foes of President Bashar “Death rather than Humiliation” saying the Al Assad launched an unsuccessful large campaign sought to obstruct any army scale military campaign to capture the attempts to capture a strategic border whole city in 2015. crossing with Jordan. The army’s control of The province that borders both Israel the rebel held crossing and swatches of and Jordan has escaped the devastation territory in the southern strip of the city wreaked by Russia’s aerial bombing of would sever the rebel link between the northern Syria after Moscow stepped up eastern and west parts of the city. The its military involvement in Syria in 2015. Syrian army said the “terrorists” had failed The Syrian army has so far failed to recap- to make gains and its troops had inflicted ture the border crossing, a once thriving many casualties. passenger and commercial gateway with State media said the armed insurgents Jordan, despite repeated efforts. “There is showered civilian districts of the southern not a single day that passes without the city with mortars, wrecking many homes. regime trying to make advances,” Salamah The opposition fighters are drawn from Aba Zaid, a resident in Deraa said. both moderate Free Syrian Army groups At least half of the southern province is and members of a newly formed alliance - in the hands of Free Syrian Army rebels but Tahrir Al Sham - spearheaded by a faction groups affiliated with the Islamic State have JERUSALEM: A general view taken yesterday shows buildings in Ramat Shlomo, an Israeli settlement in the mainly Palestinian that was once Al-Qaeda’s official affiliate. A a foothold in an area to the west of Deraa eastern sector of Jerusalem. —AFP rebel source said there were at least 30 in the Wadi Yarmouk area near the Golan Russian sorties on Tuesday, thwarting fur- Heights. Aid workers said jets hit a Western- ther rebel gains in the heavily defended funded field hospital in Deraa and raids Palestinians caution US against enclave that had allowed them so far to killed at least seven members of one family secure significant parts of the Manshiya. in the border area, where many residents “When the regime began to lose control fled in the early days of the Syrian conflict. abandoning two-state concept of some areas ... the Russian jets began The Washington-based International their operations,” said Ibrahim Abdullah, a Rescue Committee, which supports the senior rebel commander. The fighting also hospital that was targeted, said in a state- Palestinian statehood long an international goal spread across other parts of the city as ment that four health workers were injured rebels fired mortars on government con- in the attack. —Reuters

JERUSALEM: Palestinians warned the priority” would not try to “dictate” an Netanyahu committed, with condi- “The two-state solution is not United States yesterday against aban- agreement. For Palestinians, who seek tions, to the two-state goal in a something we just came up with. It is doning a two-state solution to the a state in the Israeli-occupied West speech in 2009 and has broadly reiter- an international consensus and deci- conflict with Israel after a White House Bank, East Jerusalem and in the Gaza ated the aim since. But given regional sion after decades of Israel’s rejection official said peace did not necessarily Strip, even the notion of a US retreat instability and long-running divisions of the one-state democratic formula,” have to entail Palestinian statehood. from the internationally backed goal in Palestinian politics, many in his cab- Zomlot told Reuters in Jerusalem by US President Donald Trump and Israeli of a future Palestine existing alongside inet argue the time is not ripe for a telephone from the West Bank city of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel was alarming. “If the Trump Palestinian state to emerge. Far-right Ramallah. On his departure for meet later in the day for the first time Administration rejects this policy it cabinet ministers in Israel have called Washington on Monday, Netanyahu since the US election in November would be destroying the chances for for the annexation of parts of the West sidestepped a question on whether that brought the Republican to office. peace and undermining American Bank, which was among the territory he still backed a two-state solution, On the eve of the meeting, a senior interests, standing and credibility Israel captured in the 1967 Middle saying he would make his position White House official said it was up to abroad,” Hanan Ashrawi, a senior East war. Netanyahu has not endorsed clear in the US capital. But he has spo- the Israelis and Palestinians them- member of the Palestine Liberation that demand. Commenting on the ken of a “state minus,” suggesting he selves to decide on the shape of any Organization, said in response to the White House official’s remarks, Husam could offer the Palestinians deep-seat- future peace. “Whether that comes in US official’s remarks. “Accommodating Zomlot, strategic affairs adviser to ed autonomy - they already exercise the form of a two-state solution if the most extreme and irresponsible Palestinian President Mahmoud limited self-rule in the West Bank that’s what the parties want, or some- elements in Israel and in the White Abbas, noted that Palestinian state- under interim deals - and the trap- thing else,” the official said, adding House is no way to make responsible hood has long been at the heart of pings of statehood without full sover- that Trump, while giving peace “high foreign policy,” she said in a statement. international peace efforts. eignty. —Reuters

West Mosul eating once a AZRAQ: Young Syrian refugees standing at the Azraq refugee camp in northern Jordan. Almost six years into a war that has devastated their country, Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon say they expect nothing of peace talks this day and bracing for worse month but still dream of going home. —AFP

ARBIL: As the noose tightens around holdout jihadists in Refugees shrug off peace west Mosul, so does the belt around the waists of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians trapped there with dwindling talks but dream of home supplies. “We’re trying to build up some reserves but we have very little food left at home,” said Umm Sameer, a mother from the Ras l-Jadda neighborhood of west Mosul. After AZRAQ REFUGEE CAMP: Almost six years ‘All I want is home’ retaking eastern Mosul from the Islamic State group last into a war that has devastated their coun- “Despite the dignified life we have here, month, Iraqi federal forces are now preparing to move on the try, Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon I’ll go back as soon as security returns-even part of the city that lies on the west bank of the Tigris River. say they expect nothing of peace talks this if my home is destroyed... I’ll rebuild it,” says All the bridges connecting the two sides have been month but still dream of going home. “I the father-of-eight, who is also from Daraa. dropped and the jihadists holed up in the west have nowhere don’t think anything will come of the talks” Beside him, Abdelmonem al-Muthib listens to run to, setting the stage for what could be Iraq’s bloodiest this week in Kazakhstan and the next in to the chirping of a caged bird brought battle yet in the fight against IS. “We’re already only eating Switzerland, says Ahmad al-Khabouri, 32, at from Syria. But he says Syria will have to be once a day,” said Umm Sameer. “The shelves are almost bare a refugee camp in Jordan. But the young much safer for him to return. “I won’t start in the shops and when you do find something it’s too expen- man, who fled Syria with his wife and chil- again from scratch, even if the fighting sive, like a kilo of onions which now costs 15,000 dinars dren in 2014, says he still clings on to hope stops... unless the situation looks at least 35 (around $12),” she said. Umm Sameer said 30 eggs fetched of returning home some day. percent like it did before the war,” says the around $50 and sugar was impossible to find, a shortage that “I don’t know if my house has been father-of-six. “If not, I’ll stay here.” affects all households in a country where tea is consumed in destroyed or not, but I want to return home The UN refugee agency says Jordan has large quantities and with abundant sugar. “People are so des- even if we’ve managed to make a new life taken in 655,000 Syrians since the start of perate that they are using sugar substitutes for diabetics to for ourselves here,” he says. The war has the conflict, but Amman says the number MOSUL: Members from the ‘Rebirth Generation’, an Internet born group of sweeten their tea,” she said. The jihadist gunmen who have killed more than 310,000 people and dis- is much higher at 1.4 million. In Lebanon, Iraqi youths who are trying to revive the embattled city of Mosul, pose for a ruled the area for almost three years are growing more para- placed millions since it started with the where the UNHCR says it has registered photo as they organize an event to mark Valentine’s Day at a school in the east- noid by the day as air strikes by the US-led coalition continue brutal repression of anti-government more than one million Syrian refugees, ern part of Mosul on February 14, 2017. Valentine’s Day returned to the eastern to target their hideouts, residents said. protests in 2011. In the Azraq refugee camp residents express similar frustration sector of the Iraqi city of Mosul from where the Islamic State group was camp, Khabouri runs a small shop that sells at the stagnant peace process. “We’re not expelled last month, at least for a group of enthusiastic schoolchildren. —AFP IS raids shisha tobacco and bicycles, the only expecting anything. They’ve already met “(IS) members are raiding people’s houses more often, method of transport for around 54,000 resi- five or six times without any results,” says looking for mobiles. If you have one, you face execution,” said dents in the settlement. Tarek Salloum, 24, standing outside a Abu Mohammed, who lives in the Al-Shafaa neighborhood. Sitting beside him outside his shop, makeshift home in a camp in east He said some residents who had secretly kept a mobile Khabouri’s 65-year-old uncle says he still Lebanon. phone since 2014 had recently destroyed their device. None thinks about his home and surrounding “There’ll be no solution because no one of the residents contacted by AFP by phone would give their fields in Daraa, the southern cradle of wants to make any concessions,” says the full names out of fear. Abu Mohammed said the only ones not Syria’s uprising. But he says he is just as dis- refugee, who fled to the Marj area from the to suffer from the food shortages were IS leaders, many of illusioned about the latest rounds of talks Syrian town of Zabadani across the border. them foreigners, who still had access to some supplies from between the regime and rebels set to take “The losers are the Syrians who left their Syria. “Local IS fighters however are more or less facing the place in Astana on Thursday and in Geneva country.” Qasiya Ezz, who has 10 children, same situation as the rest of the population,” he said. on February 23. “It’s all lies, whether from says all she wants from the talks is “security Some residents have been displaced internally by the the regime or the opposition. They’re all and a small house for me and my children”. preparations IS is making for the offensive federal forces are laughing at the Syrian people,” says the “Whether the regime falls or not, I don’t expected to launch against the jihadists’ west bank strong- man in a long white robe and a traditional care,” says the 38-year-old, her head hold. Fighters have set up positions along the river front in a keffiyeh headscarf. At a nearby electronics wrapped in a black scarf. “We used to have bid to counter any attempt by Iraqi forces to cross the Tigris stall, Ali al-Ghouthani, 42, says he’ll return peace in our beautiful country. All I want is on pontoon bridges. The jihadists have also punched holes in to Syria as soon as it is safe. to go home.” —AFP people’s homes, which enables them to move across a neigh- borhood from one house to another without exposing them- selves to aerial surveillance by stepping into the street. Residents also said that the homes of those who managed to Libya still in the mire as flee are being systematically seized by IS, as well as the shops whose owners happened to live on the east bank. another ’versary passes

Burning clothes for fuel TRIPOLI: Libya’s transition has been plunging value of the Libyan dinar. That leaves some residents with the choice of abandoning bogged down by insecurity and chaos, Libya’s executive and legislative their homes and belongings or staying in a place that is being leaving the country looking like a “failed branches have been paralyzed by fierce used by IS fighters and risks being considered a military tar- state” six years after the NATO-backed rivalries between political movements, get. “We are extremely concerned about the rapid deteriora- uprising that ended Muammar Gaddafi’s ideologies and tribes. “The protagonists tion of the conditions in west Mosul,” United Nations humani- rule. “We got rid of one dictator only to have not understood that no single ideo- tarian coordinator in Iraq Lise Grande told reporters yester- see 10,000 others take his place,” said logical branch or political or tribal clan day. “Families are in big trouble, half of the shops have been Fatma Al-Zawi, a Tripoli housewife, can govern the country on its own” in the closed,” she said while visiting a nearby displacement camp. bemoaning the multitude of warlords post-Gaddafi era, said Rachid Khechana, Abdelkarim al-Obeidi, who heads a Mosul civil society and militias which have run the North director of the Mediterranean Centre for organization, urged the government to start air dropping African country since the armed revolt Libyan Studies in Tunis. “This is why the food supplies. Water and electricity are intermittent at best which erupted in mid-February 2011. country is not ready for ‘classic’ demo- and some Mosul residents have told of how they are resort- Ordinary Libyans are showing little cratic competition” through elections, he ing to burning their own furniture to stay warm in a city enthusiasm for the anniversary, which said. In the absence of a strong regular where temperatures have regularly dipped below zero in the authorities plan to mark on Thursday army, the oil-rich country with long, recent weeks. A man from the Tammuz 17 neighborhood with cultural and sporting events in porous borders has turned into rich ter- who gave his name as Abu Zeid said he was even burning old Martyrs’ Square in the capital. Living con- rain for smugglers of arms and people clothes because gas and kerosene were also hard to come by. ditions have deteriorated badly through from sub-Saharan Africa desperate to “We have suitcases filled with old clothes in the basement, a combination of insecurity, power cuts, reach Europe via perilous Mediterranean we’ll be spending a lot of time down there when the fighting water shortages, a cash crunch and the crossings. —AFP starts,” he said. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 INTERNATIONAL

Woman chained in metal container says captor ‘bragged about killing’ COLUMBIA: A South Carolina woman into a pattern, she said. He took her to who spent two months chained inside a the garage twice a day, where she ate, large metal container says her captor used the bathroom and was allowed to raped her daily and bragged that he was bathe every other day using a washcloth good at killing, claiming that his victims and a small plastic bowl of water. But tallied nearly 100. Kala Brown says she she was never unchained, she said. did what she had to do to survive. “He “He would put more chains on told me as long as I served his purpose, I before he took other chains off,” she was safe,” Brown told Phillip McGraw, the said. Kohlhepp, 45, faces murder, kid- host of the television show “Dr Phil.” napping and weapons charges. He is It was the first time she has talked not charged with sexual assault. publicly since her Nov 3 rescue, which Spokesmen for the sheriff and prosecu- authorities say helped them solve seven tor declined to address the rape allega- killings in the area dating back 13 years. tions or whether more charges are Police said Todd Kohlhepp, a real estate forthcoming. His attorney did not agent with his own firm until his arrest, return messages. The Associated Press killed Brown’s boyfriend, a couple who normally does not identify victims of had been missing nearly a year and four sexual assault but is naming Brown people at a motorcycle shop in 2003. after she publicly identified herself. Brown said she and her boyfriend had The day after her rescue, investigators gone to Kohlhepp’s rural property Aug found Carver’s body in a shallow grave 31 to help him clear some underbrush. on Kohlhepp’s property. Brought to the She’d cleaned houses for him previously site in handcuffs, Kohlhepp showed to prepare them for sale. After the cou- authorities the graves of the couple ple followed him to a two-story garage missing since December 2015. Kohlhepp on the 95-acre property in Spartanburg told Brown he held that woman captive, BRUSSELS: US Defense Minister James Mattis (2nd left), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (left), Netherlands’ Defense Minister Jeanine County, Kohlhepp handed them hedge too, before killing her. Hennis-Plasschaert (center) and Italian Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti attend a NATO defense ministers meetings at NATO headquarters in clippers and bottles of water. He said he Police said Kohlhepp acknowledged Brussels yesterday. — AFP needed to get something inside and the grisly 2003 cold case after authori- came out shooting, Brown said. ties granted him several requests, He shot Charles Carver three times in including letting him speak to his moth- Nervous NATO allies put on the chest, she said. He gagged Brown er. Brown said Kohlhepp told her he and handcuffed her ankles and wrists. killed Carver because “it was easier to Kohlhepp took her to a “pitch black,” 30- control someone if you took someone foot-long storage container nearby, they loved.” She thought Kohlhepp was a brave face for Trump era chained her by the neck in a back corner infatuated with her and didn’t want to kill and raped her, she said. He “let me her, even saying he would let her go and know that if I tried to run, he’d kill me. If I give her money “if he ever got old and Europe unsettled by Trump’s comments tried to hurt him, he’d kill me. If I fought sick,” she said. He explained Stockholm back, he would kill me. And then he syndrome, in which a hostage starts feel- BRUSSELS: Nervous European allies put a brave when asked about the Flynn’s resignation. Increased spending raped me,” Brown said in episodes that ing sympathetic toward their captor, and face on the troubled debut of President Donald Denmark’s Claus Hjort Frederiksen said every- In his debut trip to Europe as Pentagon chief, aired this week. “He would rape me said “it would kick in and we’d be happy Trump’s administration, expressing confidence in thing he had heard was “calming and reassuring.” Mattis is set to echo longstanding US calls that twice a day, every day.” The days evolved together.” —AP US engagement with NATO as they prepared to Still, European allies are expected to privately European allies invest more on defense, some- hear from Trump’s defense chief at talks in seek details from Mattis about Trump’s attitude thing his predecessors under Republican and Brussels yesterday. The meeting at NATO head- toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Democratic administrations have done for years. quarters is seen as an opportunity for Defense which has guaranteed Europe’s security for But experts say that message will have to be cali- Secretary Jim Mattis to reaffirm US commitment almost 70 years. Trump has deeply unsettled allies brated, because while Trump has eased off his to European security after an election campaign with his contradictory remarks on NATO - calling criticism of NATO since taking office, he has in which Trump appeared to question the value it “obsolete” but also voicing support - and with maintained criticism of some allies for failing to of the alliance. his praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin. make “full and proper financial contributions.” His administration was jolted again this week Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, NATO Europe argues it is increasing defense by the resignation of national security adviser Ukraine’s Black Sea peninsula, and its direct sup- spending, upping outlays by $10 billion last Michael Flynn, who was seen in Moscow as a port for rebels in eastern Ukraine have prompt- year. NATO defense ministers from Europe, leading advocate of warmer ties with Russia. But ed NATO to begin sending alliance troops to Canada and Turkey will also want to hear from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg dis- Russia’s borders to deter the Kremlin from any Mattis, who will be first to address the 27 other missed concerns about the turmoil or US backing other moves. The White House said on Tuesday defense ministers, on how the alliance can meet for NATO. “I’m absolutely certain that the mes- that Trump expected Russia to hand back Trump’s demands to do more to counter Islamic sage of this meeting will be a message of transat- Crimea to Ukraine. One senior European NATO militants. NATO says it is already active, training lantic unity, of the importance of that we stand diplomat said allies are under no illusion that troops from Afghanistan to Iraq, and cannot do together and protect each other, and a very Trump might not still undo careful diplomatic the work of police or social workers seeking out strong commitment of the United States to work with a single message on Twitter. But they returning foreign fighters from Syria. “We need NATO,” he told reporters. Britain’s defense secre- would still look for his support as they try to to be clear that the response to international tary echoed that mantra. manage tensions with Russia. “We need to bring terrorism cannot be led by NATO, but it can a WOODRUFF: The shipping container that an abducted woman was held in for “There is no uncertainty about America’s com- the family together,” the diplomat said. “Things part of that,” a second senior European NATO two months is removed from Todd Kohlhepp’s property in Woodruff, SC. — AP mitment to NATO,” Michael Fallon told reporters have been made to feel fragile.” diplomat said. — Reuters THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 INTERNATIONAL News German authorities raid in brief

UAE’s ambassador dies homes of Turkish imams of bomb attack wounds DUBAI: The ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Afghanistan died yesterday of wounds sustained in a bomb attack in Kandahar last month that also killed five Muslim preachers suspected of spying for Erdogan Emirati aid workers, the UAE’s ministry of presidential affairs announced. “With great sadness and sorrow, we BERLIN: German police yesterday searched Palatinate. News site Spiegel online report- tude of the crackdown, saying it has gone (PKK) and the ultra-left. Merkel also wants mourn the martyr of the nation and his duty, the right- the homes of four Turkish Muslim preachers ed the imams belong to Ditib, an organiza- well beyond alleged coup plotters. Turkey to keep implementing a deal that eous son Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al-Kaabi, who on suspicion they spied for President Recep tion controlled by Ankara that manages has reduced migrant flows to Europe, gave his pure soul for the sake of humanity,” the ministry Tayyip Erdogan’s government, officials said. some 900 mosques or religious communi- ‘Deepening divisions’ despite threats by Erdogan to walk away said in a statement quoted by official news agency WAM. The imams are accused of reporting on ties in Germany. In Germany, thousands of Turkish citi- from it due to a failure to fulfil a pledge to Turkish followers of US-based Islamic The Erdogan government has cracked zens have applied for asylum since, among grant Turks visa-free travel. Erdogan’s gov- preacher Fethullah Gulen, who Erdogan down hard on followers of Gulen, who them reportedly dozens of Turkish soldiers ernment meanwhile has also irritated Berlin N Zealand wildfires blames for last July’s failed coup attempt denies he was behind the attempted stationed at NATO bases. Germany is home by campaigning for Turkish votes in prompt evacuation against him. The four imams allegedly putsch. More than 41,000 people have to some three million people of Turkish ori- Germany. Next Saturday, Prime Minister passed on information through the Turkish been arrested over their suspected links to gin, the biggest population of Turks in the Binali Yildirim plans to speak in WELLINGTON: Hundreds of people in New consulate in the western city of Cologne to Gulen’s movement, and 100,000 fired or world outside Turkey. Chancellor Angela Oberhausen, in North Rhine-Westphalia, to Zealand’s second-largest city were evacuated from the Turkish Religious Affairs Directorate, suspended. Many of them are teachers, Merkel’s government has repeatedly criti- promote a “yes” vote in an April 16 referen- their homes yesterday as wildfires burned down sev- known as Diyanet, prosecutors said. police, magistrates and journalists. The cized the scale of the crackdown and urged dum that would expand Erdogan’s powers eral houses and threatened to encroach further into “The purpose of today’s searches is to government says the purges are necessary Erdogan to safeguard civil liberties. by creating an executive presidency. some suburbs. A helicopter pilot who was a decorat- gather further evidence on the alleged to clean the state of the “virus” of Gulen’s Erdogan, meanwhile, is exasperated that Germany’s integration commissioner, Aydan ed soldier died in a crash while fighting the blaze on activities of the accused,” prosecutors said movement, which encourages its members Germany has failed to extradite hundreds Ozoguz, told Bild daily that with such Tuesday. The mayors of Christchurch City and the after the raids in the western states of to work in public services. Human rights of suspects linked to the coup, as well as events, Ankara was “deepening divisions” adjacent Selwyn District declared a state of emer- North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland- activists have fiercely criticized the magni- the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party among Turks living in Germany. —AFP gency. Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton said changing winds had made the fires unpredictable. He said the region had been unusually dry for three years and Hollande fears the grass in the hills had turned brown over the Southern Hemisphere summer. Smoke and ash were being blown across Christchurch. Broughton said cyberattacks displaced residents were staying at evacuation cen- ters or with relatives. “They need to look after one PARIS: French President Francois Hollande called yesterday for measures to prevent cyberattacks ahead of upcoming another, and make sure they have a place to go to elections after US intelligence accused Russia of meddling tonight,” he said. Phil Claude told Radio New in that country’s vote to boost Donald Trump. Hollande Zealand he and his family ran down a grass track to asked his security cabinet to brief him on the “specific vigi- escape the fire, which destroyed their home. “I could lance and protection measures being taken during the see that the smoke and the flames were being electoral campaign, including in the cyber domain”, the blown right up toward our house,” he said. presidency said in a statement. Hollande, who is not himself seeking re-election, did not say what kind of threat the two-stage April 23-May 7 Cyclone threat bears presidential election faces, nor did he point the finger at down on Mozambique any group or country. But the call comes in the midst of a furor over Russia’s alleged interference in the US campaign MAPUTO: Mozambique braced for flooding, sea surges that has already forced out one of Trump’s top aides. and evacuations yesterday as forecasters predicted a Trump’s national security advisor Michael Flynn resigned “formidable” storm system could become a tropical on Monday after it was revealed that he misled top officials cyclone before it hits land later in the day. Severe over his contacts with Russia during the campaign. Tropical Storm Dineo is now predicted to make landfall The revelations have added to suspicions over Russia’s in the southern district of Massinga in the early evening, role in the election. US intelligence agencies had already packing winds of about 130 kilometers an hour. The accused Russian intelligence of hacking Democratic Party storm is “quite likely to undergo a final surge of intensifi- emails that embarrassed Trump’s rival Hillary Clinton. With cation, just before arriving over land and there is a good France going into a high-stakes election that could see the chance that it will reach Tropical Cyclone status”, the country tack sharply to the right, the country’s anti-cyber- South African Weather Service said. It forecast torrential attacks agency, ANSSI, is on high alert. rain, widespread flooding and a marine storm surge, This week, aides to one of the leading candidates, the warning Dineo was “a formidable storm system which staunchly europhile Emmanuel Macron, accused Russia of has the potential to cause much damage to coastal and trying to derail his bid. Macron’s spokesman Benjamin In this file photo, migrants and refugees wait to be helped by members of the Spanish NGO Proactiva inland infrastructure”. The Mozambique government’s Griveaux on Tuesday accused Moscow of being behind a Open Arms, as they crowd aboard a rubber boat sailing out of control in the Mediterranean Sea about flurry of cyberattacks over the past month on Macron’s 21 miles north of Sabratha, Libya. —AP emergency response centre has issued an alert over the campaign website and email servers. “Half of the attacks, cyclone threat, and advised people to prepare food and and there are hundreds a day, come from Ukraine, which is water supplies and be ready to seek shelter. known for its links to hackers and people responsible for cyberattacks in Russia,” Griveaux said, accusing the Kremlin Migrant deaths on of trying to boost conservative nominee Francois Fillon Montenegrins protest; and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. oppn MPs face arrest Macron’s aides have also accused the state-owned Russia Today (RT) channel and the Sputnik news agency- the rise despite aid PODGORICA: Some 400 people protested yesterday both of which have French-language sites-of waging a outside Montenegro’s parliament ahead of a vote to “smear campaign” against the 39-year-old former economy lift the immunity of two pro-Russian opposition MPs minister for reporting allegations about his private life. BRUSSELS: Migrant deaths have well known: the number of migrants were “aware of and rely on humani- allegedly involved in a foiled coup last October. Macron, who is married, last week denied rumours of hav- risen to a record level on the Libya- now (arriving) on very small tarian assistance to reach the EU.” Prosecutor Milivoje Katnic has requested that parlia- ing had a gay affair. —AFP to-Italy Mediterranean Sea smug- dinghies.” Leggeri said smugglers along the ment allow the prosecution and detention of gling route, and the increasing The Frontex report “Risk analysis lawless Libyan coast put an average Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic, who are both number of rescue boats trying to for 2017” said smugglers have of about 100 people on a small boat leading members of the opposition Democratic prevent mass drownings there grown more bold and reckless, in 2015 then increased that to 160 Front (DF). The authorities have accused the alleged might actually be helping the knowing that rescue boats will be per boat last year. He said that, coup plotters, including DF leaders, of seeking to smugglers, the European Union’s right on the edge of Libya’s territori- together with a decrease in food and seize parliament and assassinate former premier border and coast guard chief says. al waters. “Dangerous crossings on survival equipment like life vests, it Milo Djukanovic on the day of the October 16 elec- Frontex Executive Director unseaworthy and overloaded ves- was a prime reason for the number tions. Mandic, 52, and Knezevic, 36, were suspected Fabrice Leggeri said yesterday that sels were organized with the main of casualties. Compared to the of “creating a criminal organization ... and preparing authorities face a “sad paradox,” for purpose of being detected” by mili- record number of deaths last year, an attempt on the constitutional order and security as the international community tary, EU or civilian vessels ready to the central Mediterranean route saw of Montenegro,” according to a statement on the increases its efforts to send more pluck desperate migrants out of the 2,869 deaths in 2015 and 3,161 in parliament website. The DF, which has 18 MPs in the rescue ships close to Libya, more water if necessary. “Apparently, all 2014. There is little sign the surge is 81-seat parliament, is a fierce opponent of people die as smuggling rings pack parties involved in (search and res- abating, even during this winter. Montenegro’s bid to join NATO and has been behind ever more people onto tiny cue) operations in the Central There were 228 recorded deaths in violent protests against the nation’s proposed mem- dinghies and push them out toward Mediterranean unintentionally help January, by far the biggest total for bership of the alliance. the open sea. He said the recorded criminals achieve their objectives at the month in recent years. Overall, number of migrant drowning minimum cost, strengthen their central Mediterranean migrant cross- deaths on the route in 2016, which business model by increasing the ings increased 17 percent last year to Israel bars its basketball PARIS: French President Francois Hollande walks might be much less than the true chances of success,” the report said. 181,459 people. “This is and should team from Turkey game at the Elysee Presidential Palace after a cabinet loss of life, stood at 4,579. Leggeri It said migrants and refugees set- be the focus we have to deal with,” meeting yesterday. —AFP called it “tragic and the reasons are ting off on the dangerous voyage Leggeri said. —AP JERUSALEM: Israel’s domestic security service said yes- terday it had barred the country’s Ironi Nahariya basket- ball team from playing a Europe Cup match in Turkey, due to “exceptional” safety concerns. Nahariya had been Deported from the west, Afghans scheduled to play Gaziantep away in a round of 16 sec- ond leg game on February 22, after beating the Turkish side 96-75 in Israel. Gaziantep, in southeastern Turkey, lies near the Syrian border. Police in the city last week seek asylum in freezing Croatia detained four suspected members of the Islamic State group and seized explosives and weapons intended for a “sensational” attack, Turkish news agency Dogan OSIJEK: At 16, Afghan migrant Ashkan Barak is already has been rejected and the teenager faces deportation Grundmann is trying to change, having convinced a few reported. A statement by Israel’s Shin Bet security service tired of life. For the past year, the orphan has been on the once again. The pressure is often too much to bear, he of the 90 residents in the migrant centre to apply for asy- said it had worked extensively with the Nahariya club’s lum to stay in Croatia. run - fleeing Taleban militants, paying smugglers to cross says. “I do activities and play sports to feel better. But my management, sporting officials and Turkish security but the Mediterranean, and avoiding detection in countries life is very hard and I feel depressed,” he said. “I’m not “Croatia is not a destination country but I try to talk to had failed to find a solution which would allow the he never knew existed. After spending nine months in a sure if they’re going to accept me here or send me back migrants and asylum seekers here - it’s not the best, but it’s former police station turned migrant centre in Osijek, to Afghanistan. I’m not sure what’s going to happen.” not so bad. You have no more options. Give it a try,” said game to go ahead. “In view of the exceptional threat lev- eastern Croatia, Barak says he has given up on joining his While there is no limit to how often Barak can apply Grundmann, who manages volunteers at the camp. For el posed in the region where the game was to take older brother in Germany. for asylum, under Croatian law he must leave the country Afghan migrant Zarife Heidari and her family of six, staying place, it was decided to forbid the delegation from “I only want peace and to live away from the Taleban - if his third application fails. Afghans made up a fifth of all in Croatia is not an option they want to take. Having spent departing,” the Hebrew-language statement said. it’s not important where I go. I want to stay here in migrants entering Europe in 2015, the second biggest almost a year rebuilding their lives in Austria, going to Croatia. I’m tired of travelling,” he said in Farsi through a share after Syrians. But the mass influx has raised con- school and learning German, Heidari said they were translator. “I can go out and walk without fear that some- cerns in many EU countries over security and integration. deported to Croatia without warning four months ago. Japan hotel operator under thing will happen. There’s no war, no guns,” said Barak, Germany, which has the most refugees in the bloc, has Heidari, speaking in Farsi through a translator, said fire for anti-Semitic remarks dressed in a T-shirt, black tracksuit pants and flip-flops, taken a firm stance on deportations, reaching an agree- she and her husband, as well as her mentally disabled TOKYO: The operator of a Japanese hotel chain grateful to be shielded from the winter snow outside. ment with Afghanistan last October. Only people who daughter, no longer have the vital medical support they already in hot water for denying a Japanese World There are around 950 asylum seekers living in the can prove they are fleeing persecution, war or violence received in the Austrian capital Vienna. “It’s not bad here. War II atrocity has come under fire for reported anti- are eligible for asylum. But I don’t want to stay because we don’t have the right Western Balkans nation, according to the UN refugee Semitic remarks. Toshio Motoya is CEO of APA Group, agency (UNHCR), many of whom have fled conflicts and The Afghan Ministry of Refugees has said it will help medical treatment,” said Heidari who has applied to be which calls itself Japan’s largest hotel chain, and has poverty in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Syria. returnees get back to their homes and that about 10,000 legally reunited with her brother, daughter and son-in- Although Croatia houses significantly fewer migrants Afghans returned from Europe in 2015. Yet Afghanistan’s law in Vienna. The Interior Ministry’s Anita Dakic, who drawn China criticism for writing a book denying the than most European Union (EU) countries, its interior min- Western-backed government is still battling militants oversees migrant centres in Croatia, said it was difficult 1937 Nanjing massacre happened and placing istry said it was expecting more asylum seekers to arrive who have stepped up attacks since the withdrawal of to manage the expectations of deported migrants, as copies in hundreds of APA hotel rooms. The group from western Europe due to increased deportations when most foreign troops in 2014. Western military officials many are disappointed and frustrated, especially after also runs 40 hotels in North America and its February the weather improves. At the height of the refugee crisis estimate the Taleban control or contest nearly a third of months of a new life elsewhere. edition of an in-house magazine for guests staying at in 2015, some 650,000 people passed through Croatia on the country. Civilian casualties are near record levels, “It is hard because you’re trying to provide for them, its Canada properties contained the anti-Semitic the so-called Balkan route used by migrants heading with thousands killed and wounded every year. The gov- and they refuse because they’re nervous ... and don’t remarks. “Jewish people control American informa- west, especially towards Germany. The route was largely ernment is also struggling to develop the economy. know what to expect for their future,” Dakic said. While it tion, finance, and laws, and they benefit greatly from shut down last March after a series of border closures. pains Barak to think about his future, the teenager is globalization because they move their massive prof- Choose Croatia? hopeful that months of Croatian and English lessons will its to tax havens so they don’t have to pay any taxes,” In a limbo In 2016, there were 2,235 asylum seekers registered in not be in vain. “It’s peaceful so that’s why I want to live Motoya said in the magazine, according to Canadian Barak said he realized his intended journey to Croatia compared to 211 in 2015, but UNHCR said most here. It’s a nice country,” he said. “I’m 16 years old and I’ve online news website National Observer and the Germany was futile when he was deported from Slovenia were continuing their journey to the west. UNHCR said never been to school - I would like to go to school. I want Japan Times newspaper. In response to a complaint to Croatia and watched as border police beat migrants no refugees have been officially resettled in Croatia so to play football, make some friends and have a normal by the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, with batons. Since then, his claim for asylum in Croatia far. But it’s a trend that CARE International’s Vanja life like all children.”—Reuters Motoya denied being anti-Jewish. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 INTERNATIONAL ‘There was a lot of blood’: Myanmar sisters scarred by abuse

MAWLAMYINE: Khin Khin Tun’s back is a before Aye Aye Soe “poured hot water” over office, the teenager described how her patchwork of burns, searing memories she her body, she said. I could only watch this employers would accuse the girls of stealing says from when her former employer poured scene. What could I do? I cannot say any- food, then tie them up and brand them with two flasks of boiling water over her flesh-one thing,” she added tearfully. burning wood if they denied it. for each orange she was accused of stealing. The sisters are among tens of thousands of Sometimes they would be forced to hit The 14-year-old and her sister spent years youngsters who support their families each other until they bled, then rub chilli working as domestic helpers in the city of through domestic work for the growing urban powder, MSG and vineger into the wounds. “If Mawlamyine, southern Myanmar, part of a elite in Myanmar’s booming cities. Alone, we did not want to beat each other, they vast invisible workforce of child servants hid- invisible and without any legal protection, would beat us. So we had to do it,” she said den in the country’s wealthy houses. experts say they are highly vulnerable to softly, tears in her eyes. “They wanted us to “Aye Aye Soe took a flask and poured it on exploitation and abuse. The issue came to hate each other.” Aye Aye Soe appeared in the left side of my body. She told me to tell light last year when two teenage domestic court on Monday accused of causing griev- the truth. When I replied I didn’t have (the helpers were freed from a tailor shop in ous bodily harm and voluntary hurt-but not orange) she beat me,” she said this week. Yangon, where they said they spent five years child abuse charges that would ensure she “When I shouted I was burning, she beat me being beaten, stabbed and deprived of sleep was denied bail. The widow and her mother around the head. There was a lot of blood.” and food. The case shocked the country and refused to speak to AFP journalists outside Khin Khin Tun was rescued after three years the president ordered an investigation into the Mawlamyine court. Instead they tried to working for Aye Aye Soe, a 40-year-old wid- how it was handled, but no concrete steps get reporters barred from observing the trial. ow, and her mother Tin Pyone in their home have been taken despite de facto leader Aung The girls’ aunt Hla Kyi decided to bring the and as a waitress for their catering service. San Suu Kyi’s pledge to protect human rights. case, braving Myanmar’s slow and often cor- The girl was sent by her father to be a rupt legal system, after being contacted by domestic helper to fund his medical bills. Her ‘Monitoring is impossible’ Thi Thi Nwe. At first the employers accused younger sister Thazin Aung, now 12, was later “Monitoring is almost impossible,” accord- Khin Khin Tun of spilling the water on herself, also taken in by the women. At first Khin Khin ing to Piyamal Pichaiwongse, deputy liaison saying she had “mental problems,” Hla Kyi Tun was paid 30,000 kyat ($22) a month for officer for the International Labor said. “When I saw the child, I felt sorry. I’m working more than 17 hours a day, but that Organization based in Yangon. “The best form angry too. That’s why I opened the case,” she stopped after her father passed away in 2015. of protection is still education and reducing said. Today Khin Khin Tun says she still feels Soon the beatings started. Hla Shwe, who household poverty.” Khin Khin Tun and her dizzy sometimes, but is hopeful she can now also worked at the catering company, said sister were rescued in late December when forge a new life with her sister. “I want my sis- MAWLAMYINE: Photo shows 14-year old Khin Khin Tun with deep scars she witnessed the boiling water attack in the founder of a local NGO, Thi Thi Nwe, dis- ter to go back to school,” she said. “Can I go on her back at Mawlamyine, some 300 kms southeast of Yangon. —AFP December. The teenager was forced to strip covered her in hospital. Sitting in the NGO’s back to school at this age?” —AFP Tolerance test as Muslim Indonesia’s capital votes Religion divides Jakarta voters

JAKARTA: The race to become gov- expected to announce official from Widodo’s cabinet after a reshuffle ly after these elections,” Widodo said ernor of Indonesia’s capital was results in around two weeks. in mid-2016, has largely stayed out of after casting his vote. heading for a second round the headlines as the other two candi- Purnama, dressed in his signature between the incumbent Christian ‘Struggle not over’ dates - Purnama and Yudhoyono - checkered shirt, met cheering sup- and a Muslim former education min- Indonesia has the world’s largest fought a bitter campaign. porters at his campaign headquar- ister after neither appeared to win a Muslim population but is officially sec- But Baswedan’s strategy of tar- ters. “The struggle is not over,” he told majority in yesterday election. The ular and home to minority Christian, geting the Islamic vote, at a time them. “Everyone wants just one Jakarta poll has been overshadowed Hindu, Buddhist and other communi- when conservative Muslim groups round but we’re grateful to have by religious tensions, with Islamist- ties. Overshadowing the campaign were urging voters to shun a non- come at least this far.” Baswedan said led protests against Governor Basuki has been Purnama’s trial for allegedly Muslim leader, gave him a late his campaign for a second round Tjahaja Purnama, an ethnic Chinese insulting the Koran in connection with boost, analysts say. “The votes may would focus on policies. “We will Christian, and calls for voters to remarks he made about how people have shifted from Yudhoyono to focus on programs, about jobs, about choose a Muslim leader for the city. vote. He denies the charge. The trial, Baswedan,” said Irine Gayatri, a polit- quality education, needs that are Analysts say divisions could which began in December, seemed to ical analyst at the Indonesian important and urgent for families and linger and even deepen as the vote, dent his support initially but more Institute of Sciences. Ethnicity and people in Jakarta,” he told reporters. CHITTAGONG: Workers look on as Malaysian ship Nautical Aliya, with relief which is also being widely seen as a recently he has rebounded in opinion religion would likely again be major The votes in Jakarta and scores of aid for Rohingya Muslims, is unloaded as she sits moored at the port of proxy battle for the next presidential polls, helped by middle class approval issues in a second round, Gayatri other regions in the world’s third- Chittagong. —AFP election, in 2019, appeared to be of his efforts to improve the bureau- said. The president said he hoped largest democracy were peaceful and heading for a second round, accord- cracy and tackle traffic jams and flood- for an easing of tension. “We hope mostly running without hitches, ing to unofficial sample vote counts. ing. Baswedan, who was dropped that everybody can return as a fami- police said. —Reuters How Rohingya girls become Purnama is backed by President Joko Widodo’s ruling party. His main child brides in Malaysia rival, former education minister Anies Baswedan, is backed by a retired general, Prabowo Subianto, Sold into marriage who is promising a comeback to the national stage after losing to been complicit in the abuse of Rohingya asy- KUALA LUMPUR: The slight girl in a turquoise Widodo in the 2014 presidential lum-seekers because they are treated as illegal headscarf held back tears as she recalled what vote. “There would be tension that migrants with no official access to jobs, health- happened when she fled to Malaysia from will be stored until 2019, because of care or education. They live in poverty working Myanmar’s violence-hit Rakhine state. Just 12- course all this is not really against illegally in restaurants or construction sites. The years-old at the time, she was forced to wed a Purnama, it’s against Widodo. Malaysian government launched a project this man she did not know, and who was more than Prabowo is coming in now,” said month that enables 300 Rohingya people to be a decade older than her. The teenager, who is Wimar Witoelar, a Jakarta-based employed, a move welcomed by rights groups. not being named by Reuters because she is still political analyst. The Malaysian government did not return only 13, is like hundreds of Rohingya girls Purnama had secured 43.08 per- requests seeking comment for this story. escaping persecution, violence and apartheid- cent of the votes, just ahead of like conditions in Rakhine, only to be sold into Baswedan on 40.14 percent, based Child marriages allowed marriage to Rohingya men in neighboring on a quick sample count of about 95 Child marriages are also tolerated in Muslim- Malaysia, migrant groups and community percent of the vote by private majority Malaysia. Under Islamic law, Muslim members said. polling firm SMRC. girls under 16 can marry with permission from Separated from her family while escaping to The other candidate, Agus the Shariah court, though in the case of the Malaysia, she said she was caught by traffickers Yudhoyono, the son of former Rohingya marriages in Malaysia there is no and held for weeks in a filthy and brutal jungle President Susilo Bambang court involvement - Rohingya imams conduct camp near the Thai-Malaysian border with Yudhoyono, was in third place with them and while a marriage certificate is printed dozens of others. Her captors told her a 16.78 percent. Other pollsters there is no indication it is a legal document Rohingya man was willing to give her freedom showed similar results. A candidate under Malaysian law. The girl who was married if she agreed to marry him. “The (trafficking) needs to get more than 50 percent was taken to Kuantan, on Malaysia’s east coast, agent said I had been sold to a man and I asked, of the votes in the first round to win where she said she quickly learned that her new how could do they do that?... My heart was outright. The earliest a second husband was controlling and abusive. He con- JAKARTA: Incumbent governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (center) gestures as he meets his sup- heavy and I was scared,” the girl said in an inter- round will be held in April. The fiscated her mobile phone and did not allow his porters and the media after voting in local elections in Jakarta yesterday. —AFP view in Kuala Lumpur. Reuters could not inde- General Elections Commission is pendently verify certain aspects of her story but family to see her. She was left alone for days in her mother confirmed she was held in the camp the house. for weeks before being released. Eight months into the marriage, she recon- The girl’s plight is just one illustration of the nected with her parents and four younger sib- Nepali women row against tide of hardships faced by many Rohingya Muslims, a lings, and was rescued by her father, who had minority group in Myanmar who are regarded travelled to Kuantan to find her. The girl’s hus- by the nation’s government as illegal migrants band did not respond to calls seeking comment discrimination on tourist lake from Bangladesh, entitled only to limited for this story. She now lives with her family in a rights. Since 2012, violence and communal one-room shack in a small village on the out- clashes have seen hundreds of Rohingya killed skirts of Kuala Lumpur. While she feels safer POKHARA: Batuli Bhujel weaves deftly through birthday even though the legal age for marriage Earnings while tens of thousands have fled, seeking now, she said she was afraid that she may have the colourful wooden boats and paddles into the in the country is 20. After giving birth to her son Unlike the other women on Phewa Lake who refuge in neighboring countries such as to return to her husband, who has refused to shore of Phewa Lake in west Nepal, stepping at the age of 18, Nepali’s husband abandoned only row small boats seating up to six people, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Bangladesh. grant her a divorce. lightly out of her boat and steadying it as she her. Shortly after, her parents took in their grand- Nepali operates the larger twin-hulled boats, earn- In the most recent crackdown, security forces Sharifah Shakirah, a refugee herself and helps her young passengers off. For years, Bhujel son but disowned their daughter. “Deep inside ing fractionally more than the others. The average and police committed mass killings and gang founder of the Rohingya Women Development has paddled tourists out at dawn to be rewarded I’m heartbroken, but I don’t feel anything,” said fee paid by tourists for an hour on a boat is 500 rapes and burned villages in northern Rakhine, Network, said Rohingyas have no legal status in with majestic views of the snow-capped Nepali, whose second marriage also ended, leav- rupees ($5) with the skipper getting just 100 a UN investigation published earlier this Malaysia, and their marriages are not recog- Himalayas reflected in the glassy waters. But the ing her to bring up a 10-year-old daughter alone. rupees. Boatwomen hope to earn around 500 month found. nized. This can make it harder for law enforce- 60-year-old wonders whether she will be able to The Phewa Boat Association, in charge of boat rupees a day, plus tips, but sometimes they leave ment to intervene in domestic abuse cases, do this work much longer. “Quite often my whole hire on Phewa Lake and nearby Begnas Lake, empty-handed. Malaysia criticized even when they involve children. “To ask help body hurts, so I just rest for a day or two. If I had allows anyone over 16 to row their boats with no When business is quiet, Bhujel, Nepali and the It has been common for Rohingya women from lawyers and police is not easy because other sources of income, I would not have done training, and offers equal pay to women and others may only get a turn every two or three days. escaping Myanmar to wed Rohingya men in the they (Rohingyas) don’t have legal status. Even this job,” she said, tugging the boat onto firm men. Even though the association treats male Foreign tourists tend to be the meanest tippers, country they fled to, usually through marriages when cases of child brides are reported, the ground. Bhujel is one of only about 30 women and female workers as equals, women some- Bhujel said. “If they speak Nepali, we tell them we arranged between families, rights groups said. police don’t take action,” said Sharifah, who among 250 men who row boats commercially on times face discrimination from their colleagues can’t even get a cup of tea with 10 or 20 rupees but Some of these arranged marriages would be for provides help and counseling to Rohingya Phewa Lake, the leading attraction in Pokhara, a and passengers. Passengers - Nepali men, in par- foreigners don’t understand us. We don’t under- underage girls. But a growing number are women. resort town 150 km northwest of the Nepali capi- ticular - sometimes refuse to get in a woman’s stand them, so whatever little they give, we just becoming victims of human traffickers who sell tal Kathmandu. boat. “The first thing they do is look at my face, accept it,” she said. To boost their earnings, espe- women and girls to Rohingya men as brides. ‘Life of dignity’ Working on the lake gives women like Bhujel and some get annoyed and go to another boat, cially after the devastating earthquake in 2015 led Matthew Smith, executive director of the According to UN statistics, some 56,000 some independence in a country where women saying they don’t want to go with an old woman to a drop in tourist numbers, many of the boat- Southeast Asia-based migrant and refugee pro- Rohingya are living in Malaysia, although are often destined to a life of servitude to their like me,” said Bhujel. “It feels bad when people women seek casual work elsewhere including on tection group Fortify Rights, said the group had migrant groups say the number is much higher in-laws as well as denied the same access as men say nasty things but what can you do?” construction sites, breaking and carrying stones. seen a “significant” rise in the number of child as many are undocumented. The community is to education, health and jobs. Parents, particular- Nepali, who said she used to be “bad- “I feel I have become like a man and even my brides following increased violence in Rakhine. mainly spread across impoverished suburbs ly in rural areas, often see no benefit in educating mouthed” and verbally abused over her job, heart has become like that of a man,” said Nepali, There are no official statistics on how many around the capital Kuala Lumpur. their daughters since they leave home to live recalled a group of boys who at first refused to stabbing the lake with her oar. She sees educa- girls have been sold into marriage. In 2015, the For young men in this small, marginalized with their husbands and in-laws after marriage. allow a woman to row them across the lake. They tion as the way out of poverty for her daughter, United Nations High Commissioner for community, finding a partner and having a fam- Although school attendance numbers in Nepal eventually hired her, persuaded by others who but it is a constant battle to make ends meet. Refugees said in a report it had identified 120 ily is a way of elevating their social status and are improving, only 66 percent of girls attend advised, “by appearance she looks like a woman, State schools are free for all children but parents Rohingya child brides in Malaysia but it was having a normal life, according to Rohingya secondary school compared with 74 percent of but she is like a man”. In 2015, she competed still need to find money for uniforms and sta- unclear how many were trafficking victims. men interviewed by Reuters. The lack of eligible boys, the UN children’s agency UNICEF says. against male rowers in a boat race on Begnas tionery. Sometimes they are forced to pay annual Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has spo- women in Rohingya communities in Malaysia Lake and came second, winning 3,000 rupees admission and exam fees. “I don’t have any ken out strongly in the past few months against has created a demand for brides, while some ‘Badmouthed’ ($28) in prize money, about six times her daily dreams for myself but I have dreams for my Buddhist Myanmar over its handling of the vio- families see marriage as a way to reduce their Like many others on the lake, Laxmi Nepali earnings. “I was given a lot of respect, even here,” daughter, to provide her with an education so lence in Rakhine and the Rohingyas’ plight. financial burdens, said Belal Hossain Shamia, 32, has never stepped inside a classroom. Married at said Nepali, who eschews the traditional saris or that she does well,” Nepali said. “My wish is that But rights groups say Malaysia, which has a Rohingya father of three in Kuala Lumpur the age of 15, she is among almost 40 percent of tunics and trousers that other women wear for people look at her and say, no matter how I am, I not signed the U.N. refugee convention, has whose sister was a child bride. —Reuters girls in Nepal who are wed before their 18th Western clothes. have raised my daughter well.” —Reuters THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 INTERNATIONAL

What’s your poison? A history of killing with chemistry

BANGKOK: From the courtiers of Ancient Greece Malaysian airport has revived fascination in the reports suggesting a toxin was sprayed in his face. blooded murder. Shakespeare took to the theme, to Soviet spies and maybe now North Korean poisoner’s methods. An autopsy was being carried out Wednesday. A with a penchant for poison-tipped endings for his agents, poison has a long history as a weapon of In a story that could be cribbed straight from a would-be poisoner can choose from a catalogue of characters, while Snow White’s demise after eat- murder, favored by assassins for its stealthy deliv- spy novel, intelligence chiefs in South Korea say deadly chemicals, some of which are relatively easy ing the poison apple became a cautionary tale on ery of the fatal blow. The killing of Kim Jong-Nam, female agents dispatched by their secretive north- to obtain. Ricin-naturally occurring in castor oil jealousy. the half-brother of the North Korean leader, at a ern neighbor administered the lethal dose, with plant seeds-and thallium (rat poison) are notorious In real-life, academics still debate whether it is for their murderous properties. was arsenic or the asp that did for the Cleopatra, Arsenic delivers a slow and miserable death, toxic wine that killed Alexander the Great or poi- while strychnine induces extreme body spasms as sonous secretions in his wallpaper that accounted the victim’s respiratory system collapses. But for Napoleon.Anguished housewives of Victorian “cyanide is the fastest killer and the easiest to Britain earned notoriety for dosing the food or detect, its pathology appears all over the body,” said drink of brutish husbands with arsenic. More Porntip Rojanasunan a forensic expert and adviser recently poison featured prominently in Soviet-era to Thailand’s Justice Ministry. She said the victim’s tradecraft. In 1978 Bulgarian dissident Georgy “bright red blood” in post-mortem is the telltale Markov died after receiving a fatal dose of ricin sign of a potential cyanide poisoning. delivered through the tip of an umbrella on a Other chemicals such as potassium can cause London street. His killer has never been caught. “an extreme heart arrhythmia.. and can lead to a Moscow was accused of carrying out an assassi- heart attack very quickly.” Slow-acting poisons may nation on British soil in 2006 when tea laced with allow assailants to slink away from the crime scene highly-radioactive Polonium-210 was served to ex- undetected. But chemical compounds are not easy Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, condemning him to store or handle and many carry a giveaway to a slow death. In Asia, members of a shadowy residue, smell or color that makes them hard to Japanese cult dropped plastic bags of liquid sarin, a conceal, Porntip added. nerve agent, on packed Tokyo subway trains in 1995, killing more than a dozen people. Nine years Apples, umbrellas and wine later Indonesian rights campaigner Munir Said Tales of poisonings-real or imagined — have Thalib was killed after being poisoned on a flight formed their own mythology. Poisoning has from Jakarta to Amsterdam. If Seoul’s spy chief is This combination of file photos shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (left) and Kim Jong Nam, become a byword for backroom scheming by right, North Korea now appears to have added a exiled half brother of Kim Jong Un. — AP treacherous political rivals, revenge and cold- new chapter to the chilling history of poison. —AFP ‘Hits and misses’ Notable N Korea assassinations or attempts

SEOUL: The killing of the North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un has executed or purged notable assassinations or attempts it is sus- leader’s outcast half brother could be the lat- a slew of high-level government officials pected of carrying out: est addition to a long list of high-profile since taking power in late 2011, and experts assassinations or attempts in which the coun- believe he might have been trying to elimi- Traitor cousin try is suspected of targeting estranged rela- nate a potential challenger to his leadership. Lee Han-young, a nephew of one of the for- tives of the Kim clan, turncoats and South Others think he was enraged over recent mer wives of North Korea’s second leader, Kim Korean public figures. Kim Jong Nam told news reports that his brother tried to defect Jong Il, was found dead of gunshot wounds in medical workers he had been attacked with to the South in 2012. North Korea has denied front of a Seoul apartment in 1997. Lee had chemical spray at the Kuala Lumpur airport carrying out some of the killings and not defected to South Korea through Switzerland before he died, Malaysian officials have said. commented on others. Some of the most in 1982, but Seoul kept his arrival secret until 1996, when his mother also fled the North. Lee had harshly criticized the country and his dic- tator uncle. The investigation into his death PYONGYANG: Swimmers perform in a synchronized swimming gala event in concluded that Lee was killed by North Korean Pyongyang yesterday. The gala was part of a series of events being held to celebrate agents sent to deliver Pyongyang’s payback the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, who oversaw the country’s first and the assailants returned to North Korea nuclear tests. —AFP before they could be captured. Festival on ice with Kim’s Blast in Yangon North Korean agents set off a bomb meant for South Korea’s leader while he was visiting brother body barely cold Burma in 1983. President Chun Doo-hwan nar- PYONGYANG: Less than two days after the red banner dangling over the ice. “Let us rowly escaped the attack, but more than 20 assassination of the half-brother of North uphold great leader Kim Jong-Il as the eter- people were killed, including four of his Korea’s leader, small girls in frilly pastel leo- nal sun,” proclaimed another. Others read: Cabinet ministers, his ambassador to Yangon tards opened an ice skating gala in ‘Peace’, ‘Independence’ and ‘Friendship’. and several top aides. One North Korean agent Pyongyang to honor the late father of both was shot to death by police, a second was exe- men. The Paektusan Prize International ‘Shining star’ cuted and a third reportedly died in prison in Figure Skating Festival is held every year to North Korea marks Kim Jong-Il’s 2008. Burma, now known as Myanmar, cut celebrate Kim Jong-Il, the leader who over- February 16 birthday as the “Day of the diplomatic ties with North Korea following the saw the North’s first nuclear tests. Shining Star”, although accounts differ as blast, but they restored relations in 2007. His children-by different women-includ- to where and when he was born. Officially, ed both Kim Jong-Un, who inherited power he came into the world on the slopes of South Korean President from him five years ago, and Kim Jong- Mount Paektu, the spiritual birthplace of A team of 31 North Korean commandos Nam, older by several years, who fell from the Korean nation, in 1942 — which slipped undetected into South Korea in 1968 grace after a bizarre attempt in 2001 to would make Thursday the 75th anniver- and came within striking distance of the enter Japan on a false passport to try to vis- sary of the event. But according to inde- Seoul presidential palace. South Korean secu- it Disneyland. In exile Jong-Nam voiced pendent historians he was actually born a rity forces managed to repel the assault at the occasional criticism of the regime. He was year earlier and in the Soviet Union, where last minute. The only commando that was murdered at Kuala Lumpur’s international his father Kim Il-Sung enjoyed the backing captured said he had come to “slit the throat airport on Monday, apparently by two poi- of Moscow. of (then-President) Park Chung-hee.” A furious son-wielding female agents. With no Kim Il-Sung would go on to found the Park established a secret commando team announcement of the death by the North’s Democratic People’s Republic of Korea the tasked with demolishing the Pyongyang official Korean Central News Agency North’s official name-and the Kim dynasty palace of North Korea’s founder. Tensions later (KCNA), the vast majority of Wednesday’s in 1948. Events scheduled for the occasion eased, but the South Korean commando audience at the ice rink in Pyongyang include a synchronized swimming show team, incensed that the planned infiltration would have been oblivious of the killing. and a firework display. Above the ice rink was aborted, mutinied in 1971, killing the But for anyone who was aware, some hung portraits of Kim Jong-Il and his father, team’s trainers and marching on Seoul before elements of the program could have smiling benevolently. Serried ranks of being stopped. appeared darkly ironic: one early number around 3,000 government officials in dark was set to Pink Floyd’s Hey You, lyrics: “Hey uniforms packed the arena, with other sec- High-profile defector you, out there in the cold, getting lonely, tions filled by women wearing colorful han- In 2010, two agents posing as defectors getting old.” In another, a skater performed bok, traditional Korean dresses. The per- were arrested in a plot to assassinate Hwang a pistol-shot gesture to James Bond-like fomers included double Olympic gold Jang-yop, a former Workers’ Party secretary theme music. “Let us safeguard with our medallist and triple world champion Evgeni who remains the highest-level North Korean lives the Central Committee of the Party Plushenko of Russia, and Brian Joubert of headed by the respected Supreme Leader France, who won the world championship to seek asylum in the South. South Korean offi- Comrade Kim Jong-Un,” read a white-on- men’s singles gold in Tokyo in 2007. —AFP cials said both agents were majors in North Korea’s main army intelligence agency and were under orders to slit Hwang’s throat. Hwang, who once tutored Kim Jong Il, bitterly criticized the North Korean government after 8 killed in knife This image provided by Star TV yesterday shows a woman (center in white) at Kuala Lumpur his 1997 defection. North Korea called him a International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, who police say was arrested yesterday in connection traitor and “human scum.” He died six months with the death of Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. — AP after the arrests at the age of 87. — AP attack in China

BEIJING: Eight people were killed in a young Uighurs who shared information knife attack on a crowd in China’s restive about the incident over mobile phones. Xinjiang region, including three “Armed forces in the county are tar- Myanmar activists fight assailants who were gunned down by geting Uighurs for investigation and police, local officials said yesterday. Ten demanding that Chinese people avoid other people were injured in the attack leaving their homes,” he said, citing his Tuesday evening in Pishan county, sources in Xinjiang. “I am worried the for child servant rights according to an announcement issued case will provide China with a new politi- by the government of the nearby city of cal excuse for repression and will cause Hotan. Police sped to the scene within a more people to face discriminatory MAWLAMYINE: Thi Thi Nwe waited three days ed out her employer had attacked her, the lat- recent training session, officers were given minute of the attack, which remains inspections or detentions.” Last month until the girl was left unguarded in her hospital est incident in what she says were years of comic book-style leaflets with pictures of chil- under investigation, the announcement police killed three “rioters” following a said, calling the attackers “rioters”. The manhunt for suspected members of a bed to approach her, the first step in a months- abuse inflicted on her and her sister. Today her dren being beaten and abused to help them far-western region is the homeland of “violent terror group” linked to a 2015 long process highlighting the challenges of former boss, Aye Aye Soe, is on trial for grievous understand. the Uighurs-a traditionally Muslim group, attack in Pishan county, according to the protecting child servants. The NGO worker first bodily harm after Thi Thi Nwe persuaded the Lawyers also face an uphill struggle as there many of whom complain of cultural and regional government’s official website. saw the teenager, whose back and torso were girls’ aunt to press charges. The case is a rare are no specific laws covering domestic helpers, religious repression and discrimination- Weeks earlier state media reported covered with livid burns, in December but there prosecution under Myanmar’s crumbling legal meaning cases must be brought under human- and is often hit by deadly unrest. that three attackers were shot dead after was always someone by her bedside ensuring system, which provides little protection for tens trafficking legislation or treated as common Beijing regularly accuses what it calls detonating an explosive device at a local no one could get close. “When I saw her, she of thousands of children thought to work as assault.Mawlamyine Justice Centre director exiled Uighur separatist groups such as party office in Moyu County, killing two covered her chest with a cloth. Her back was domestic servants. Thurayn Thee said the system was full of “weak- the East Turkestan Islamic Movement of and injuring three. In November 2015, covered with a bandage,” Thi Thi Nwe told AFP Tackling the issue is one of the key chal- ness” and blamed the government for not orchestrating attacks in the vast, police killed 28 members of a “terrorist during a recent visit to the southern city of lenges facing the new democratically elected doing enough to protect child workers. resource-rich region. But overseas group” over the course of a 56-day man- Mawlamyine. “Some people... asked me not to government as it seeks to heal the country after Anyone who does stand up for victims can face experts have expressed doubts about hunt following an attack on a colliery in talk to her because her guardian didn’t like it. 50 years of oppressive military rule. Experts say harassment and threats. Thi Thi Nwe said the the strength of the groups and their links Aksu two months earlier that left 16 peo- Then I suspected something. It’s not right if many victims are too scared to complain, fear- accused’s mother has tried to intimidate the to global terrorism, with some saying ple dead. In March 2014, 31 people were they don’t even want any questions asked.” ing they will not be believed or their abusers girls, following them and berating them for China exaggerates the threat to justify knifed to death at a train station in When she and her colleague finally man- will lie to get them thrown in jail. Authorities being “ungrateful” to their former employers. tough security measures. Dilxat Raxit, Kunming, in southwestern China, with aged to approach Khin Khin Tun the 14-year- regularly turn a blind eye to allegations against “We are not afraid,” said her colleague Win Win spokesman for the exiled World Uyghur four attackers killed, with Xinjiang sepa- old was too scared to talk, saying she had spilt wealthy and powerful families in return for Maw, who is also working on the case. “We try Congress, told AFP that police arrested ratists blamed and state media dubbing boiling water on herself by accident. It was bribes, while police are often under-resourced to keep in mind that we are all equal in the eyes six people after the attack, including two it “China’s 9/11”. —AFP only when they turned leave that the girl blurt- and ignorant of the law. When AFP visited a of the law.” — AFP NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

Zain, iflix set up ‘iflix Arabia’ joint venture Adasani reopens MP deposits case

Continued from Page 1 With over 170 studio and distributor relationships Continued from Page 1 amendments to the anti-corruption laws to be able to worldwide, iflix offers users the broadest and most com- prosecute those who took the bribes. This collaboration represents an exciting step in iflix’s prehensive selection of content available, Now available But Ashour said raising the issue now is part of political The Assembly also entered into heated arguments growth story as we launch in the MENA region with a in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri score settling and is not intended to serve justice, adding when it discussed a report by the legislative committee partner who shares our vision and commitment to deliv- Lanka, Brunei, the Maldives and Pakistan, and soon that those who have the evidence must submit it to the pub- over the controversy around the election of the deputy er an outstanding service and create awesome experi- across the MENA region, iflix will continue to roll out its lic prosecution, otherwise they are partners in the crime. Assembly speaker. Several MPs criticized the report and ences for our customers.” world-class service to key additional emerging markets MP Abdulkarim Al-Kandari said the anti-corruption law said it was biased in favor of opposition contender John-Paul McKerlie, CEO of iflix Arabia added: “The in the coming months. includes the necessary articles to hold the lawmakers to Harbash, but members of the committee strongly denied account in court. MPs then voted to call on the Anti- the accusation. Ghanem took part in the debate and said teaming of Zain and iflix has empowered both businesses The creation of ‘iflix Arabia’ builds on the establish- Corruption Authority to accept cases related to the bribes that the issue will be settled by the constitutional court. with the capacity to offer customers the most incredible ment of the Zain Digital Frontier and Innovation (ZDFI) content services. A great mix of local and international received by MPs, starting from the 2006 Assembly. They The Assembly also agreed to move the next session from business unit in 2014, which is charged with launching also passed a recommendation to make the necessary Feb 28 to March 7 because of the national holidays. catalogues will reach audiences using Zain’s leading net- Zain into the digital space and the view to growing the works, guaranteeing the best speeds for streaming and company through new innovative business streams user experience, bringing even more content to cus- that contribute to Zain’s financial viability and market tomers and enhancing their viewing experience. We are Rouhani visits Kuwait, Oman to improve... capitalization. ZDFI focuses on the areas of innovation; very excited about the launch and what it means for our customers and shareholders in the future.” digital services; corporate venturing; and smart cities, Continued from Page 1 news agency reported. “Tehran has always been in iflix’s propriety compression and adaptive bit rate tech- with the ultimate aim of Zain becoming a regional inno- favor of resolving problems and disputes through dia- nology further ensures that users have a great viewing vation trendsetter. Kuwait’s deputy foreign minister Khaled Al-Jarallah logue,” Rouhani said, according to Iranian media. “Iran’s experience, by enabling the service to stream smoothly iflix Arabia aims to redefine how consumers in the said in remarks published yesterday that he hopes military power is only defensive.” on low internet speeds. Each subscription allows users to MENA region enjoy entertainment content, with Rouhani’s visit will open the dialogue between the Gulf He appealed for a ceasefire, increased humanitarian access the service on up to five devices, including phones, groundbreaking features and continuous platform states and Iran. The elements needed for the dialogue, aid and political dialogue to resolve the conflict in laptops, tablets, and television sets, for viewing wherever, innovation. The collaboration forms a key pillar for which were included in HH the Amir’s letter, call for non- Yemen. “Today, the Yemenis are in a particularly disas- whenever. A special feature for iflix subscribers is that they Zain’s transformation into a truly digital telecommuni- interference in the internal affairs of the Gulf states, trous situation and we all have to act as Muslim coun- can also download TV shows and movies from iflix’s cations company offering customers an exceptional respecting their sovereignty and establishing good tries to help these people,” he said. Iran traditionally extensive catalogue for offline viewing. mobile experience. neighborly relations, Jarallah said in the comments maintains good relations with Oman, with which it published in Al-Qabas newspaper. shares control of the key Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. In Muscat, Rouhani was welcomed by Sultan “There are now good conditions for developing and Qaboos, where the two discussed bilateral relations consolidating relations between Iran and Oman,” Trump drops US commitment to ‘two-state’... and the situation in the region, Oman’s official ONA Rouhani said, calling for stronger economic ties. — Continued from Page 1 reality on the ground. Naftali Bennett, the right-wing leader of the hardline Jewish Home party and an oppo- India puts 104 satellites in orbit “They’re taught tremendous hate. I have seen what nent of any Palestinian state cried victory. “A new era. they’re taught... it starts in the school room, and they New ideas. No need for third Palestinian state beyond Continued from Page 1 option, relying in part on its famed skill of “jugaad” - creating have to acknowledge Israel.” Jordan and Gaza. Big day for Israelis and reasonable a cheap alternative solution. Experts say much of its credibil- Netanyahu had warm words for the US alliance, and Arabs. Congrats,” he tweeted. The rocket’s main cargo was a 714-kg satellite for Earth ity stems from India’s successful launch of the Mars orbiter, hammered home his own prerequisites for peace. “First, Speaking in Cairo after talks with Egypt’s President observation but it was also loaded with 103 smaller “nano which gave it an edge over its rivals in the space race. the Palestinians must recognize the Jewish state. They Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned satellites”, weighing a combined 664 kg. The smallest “India is proving to be a very viable option because of the have to stop calling for Israel’s destruction,” he said. that “everything must be done” to preserve the two- weighed only 1.1 kg. Nearly all of the nano satellites are cost and the reliability factor,” said Ajay Lele, a senior fellow from other countries, including Israel, Kazakhstan, at the Delhi-based “Second, in any peace agreement, Israel must retain the state solution. France, which organized the January Switzerland and 96 from the United States. Eighty-eight of Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. “India has overriding security control over the entire area west of peace conference, was also unimpressed. Its ambassa- them are from Planet Inc - a San Francisco-based Earth been doing these launches successfully and has established the Jordan River,” he added. dor to the UN, Francois Delattre told reporters “our com- imagery company - and weigh 4.5 kg each. Only three satel- itself as a very reliable player.” Mathieu J Weiss, a liaison offi- This area contains the entire West Bank area that mitment to the two-state solution is stronger than ever.” lites belonged to India. cer for France’s CNES national space agency who is currently would represent the heart of any Palestinian state as Trump has tapped son-in-law Jared Kushner and lawyer Scientists sat transfixed as they watched the progress of in India, said ISRO had pulled off a major feat. “It’s a great conceived in all previous international agreements. The Jason Greenblatt to lead peace efforts. Kushner had din- the rocket on monitors until the last payload was ejected, technical challenge to launch so many satellites at once into change in the US stance, which was trailed overnight by ner with Netanyahu - a longtime family friend - and US and then began punching the air in triumph and hugging orbit on the right trajectory so that they don’t make contact a US official, triggered Palestinian despair and conster- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday night. each other. This was PSLV’s 39th successful mission, known as with each other,” he told AFP. Weiss said India had become a nation in international capitals. The second ranking offi- Israel sees Iran and its Lebanese ally the Hezbollah India’s space workhorse. The launch means India now holds major player in the space race by making itself very competi- cial in the Palestine Liberation Organization, Saeb militia as the greatest threats in an unruly region, a view the record for launching the most satellites in one go, sur- tive with its low costs and by working with private compa- Erekat, denounced it as an attempt to “bury the two shared by the leaders of the main Sunni Arab states of passing Russia which launched 39 satellites in a single mis- nies which are space specialists. “India has become a space state solution and eliminate the state of Palestine.” And the region. So yesterday, Netanyahu held out the sion in June 2014. power in its own right in recent years,” he added. he warned that any single state that emerged would prospect of a broader realignment, with the US and And it is another feather in the cap for ISRO which sent an Last June, India set a national record after it successful- lose Israel’s Jewish character. “There’s only one alterna- Israel partnering with Sunni Arab states in an anti- unmanned rocket to orbit Mars in 2013 at a cost of just $73 ly launched a rocket carrying 20 satellites, including 13 tive,” he told a news conference. “A single democratic Iranian alliance. “I think that if we work together... on the million, compared with NASA’s Maven Mars mission which from the US. The 50-year-old space agency plans to send state that guarantees the rights of all: Jews, Muslims great magnitude and danger of the Iranian threat, then I had a $671 million price tag. ISRO is also mulling the idea of four more rockets into space later this year ahead of its and Christians.” think we can roll back Iran’s aggression and danger,” missions to Jupiter and Venus. The business of putting com- second lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 slated for 2018. The new US message deliberately echoed the long- Netanyahu said. “That’s something that is important for mercial satellites into space for a fee is growing as phone, Modi has often hailed India’s budget space technology, standing Israeli position: No peace deal can be imposed Israel, the Arab states, but I think it’s vitally important for Internet and other companies, as well as countries, seek quipping in 2014 that a rocket that launched four foreign from outside and the agenda for talks must reflect the America.” —AFP greater and more high-tech communications. satellites into orbit had cost less to make than Hollywood India has carved out a reputation as a reliable low-cost film “Gravity”. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 ANALYSIS

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Focus Tiger trumps man in Indian tribal villages

he tigers that roam the dense forests of eastern India have more clout than the people they live alongside, Ttribal activists say, as a drive to boost lucrative wildlife tourism trumps the rights of poor indigenous villagers. Tiger and man both exist in dwindling numbers in Similipal forests, with a race now on to see which mammal will win priority in the place both call home. “Why are indigenous people being asked outright to leave without even attempting to explore reasonable options of co-existence with wildlife?” asked Sanghamitra Dubey who works with an informal Indian advo- cacy group for forestry rights. Dubey said families had been stripped of their ancestral lands to protect the shrinking tiger stock and traditional ways Few good alternatives to Palestinian state of life - such as ancient rope plaiting - had been decimated. India has about half the world’s estimated 3,200 tigers in dozens of reserves established since the 1970s, with some of he Trump administration appears to upheaval in neighboring Arab countries, Interim Agreement 1994. Adding to the difficulties, the the designated land shared with ancient tribal villagers. be easing away from longstanding perhaps tectonic shifts in the prevailing Many Israelis have concluded that a Palestinians reject it altogether as well. Wildlife tourism is a growing money maker for India though TUS support for Palestinian statehood world order. final peace agreement with the conservationists are divided as to whether travellers help pro- as the preferred outcome of Middle East Ahead of yesterday’s White House Palestinians is simply not possible because Partial Unilateral Pullout tect threatened species or encroach on their habitat. peace efforts, which may please some meeting between President Donald Trump the Palestinians are asking for the moon Under these vexing circumstances allies of Prime Minister Benjamin and Netanyahu, a senior US official sug- as a result of a feeling that they hold the many Israelis conclude no peace is possi- Notice to quit Netanyahu in Israel. But the alternatives gested a two-state solution was optional, demographic cards. It is not just about ter- ble, but they still want to be rid of the Last November, hundreds of families from 44 tribal villages are few, and each comes with daunting bringing condemnation from Palestinian ritory: The Palestinians still in theory Palestinian population of the West Bank. were asked to leave their homes to ensure the security of a and combustible complications, including officials. But many of them have for years demand a “right of return” to Israel proper In the mid-2000s the government of Ehud local tiger habitat. The villages, spread over hills and valleys for Israel itself. The idea of two states in the been quietly preparing for an alternative for millions of descendants of Palestinian Olmert planned a unilateral pullout from around Odisha’s Similipal Tiger reserve, had secured rights to Holy Land - a Jewish Israel and an Arab strategy of a single bi-national state in the refugees living around the region and the most of the territory, to follow the 2005 the area - nearly 25,000 hectares of woodlands - just months Palestine - rests on a particular logic: There Holy Land. Here’s a look at that option, and world, which the vast majority of Jewish withdrawal from Gaza. But those plans before. Under India’s Forest Rights Act of 2006, tribal house- are two quite different peoples of roughly other scenarios that might arise: Israelis reject. were upended when Gaza was taken over holds can harvest and use forest resources to maintain their equal size living between the But perhaps a partial deal is possible by Hamas militants and became a launch- ancestral livelihoods. Anup Kumar Nayak, a senior forest officer Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River; One State whereby the Palestinians would not have ing pad for rocket attacks on Israel, lead- in Bhubaneswar, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that each wants their own nation-state to con- For years this was the goal of the to forego future claims but for now get ing to several mini-wars. wildlife protection laws forbid humans from living within criti- trol and dominate numerically; each has Palestine Liberation Organization, and for their state on, say, 80 percent of the West Few want to see that scenario repeat- cal wildlife habitat or what is deemed the ‘core zone’ of a shown tenacity toward this goal. many Palestinians it is indeed the pre- Bank, with some sort of preferred access ed with the West Bank, which is much national park. He said relocations are voluntary but a number This would require Israel to let go of ferred option: A single democratic state, or new regime in the Old City of larger and closer to Israel’s main cities. of villages around Similipal were in the ‘core’ habitat zone or so most and maybe all of the territory it cap- not defined as specifically Jewish or Arab, Jerusalem? Even the current nationalist Now talk grows of a pullout of settlers close they were “as good as inside it” and would need to move. tured in the 1967 war, when it completed in the area of British colonial Palestine. Netanyahu government would probably from some areas, to create a more con- “(Only) the buffer zone is for human-animal co-existence” its takeover of all the land that British colo- Many prefer it anyway to the two-state accept such a thing, but the Palestinians vincing reality of partition, while the mili- Nayak said. Yet activists say Indian wildlife protection laws stip- nizers abandoned in 1948. That includes notion whereby even if Israel gives up all have ruled it out, fearing the temporary tary stays for now, pending some future ulate there must be scientific evidence that human activity is the West Bank, where there are now the land it captured in 1967 it retains would become permanent. To get them to arrangement. NATO? A global or Arab irretrievably destroying tiger habitat before any relocations. islands of Palestinian autonomy, scattered almost 80 percent of Palestine. The prob- agree would require massive global and peacekeeping force? Perpetual Israeli Jewish settlements and overriding Israeli lem is that almost no one in Israel is argu- Arab world pressure, and risks huge inter- control? No one can say. One-off payment military control; the eastern part of ing for the true extension of full rights to nal conflict among the Palestinians. Villagers reported a visit in November by parks officials Jerusalem, which Israel has fully annexed Palestinians in the currently occupied ter- Status Quo who offered them a one-off payment to leave their homes and populated with Jews; and the coastal ritories because even with Gaza excluded, Jordanian Option When the best that can be hoped for is and lands under a plan to clear forest lands of human activity. Gaza Strip, which was actually evacuated it would leave Arabs constituting close to Jordan took over the West Bank and the least bad option, the status quo looks Tribandha Barja, a member of a 144-tribal household in in 2005 and is now controlled by the half the country’s population - and that is east Jerusalem during the 1948-1949 attractive to some. But Israel is constantly Khejuri village on the outskirts of the reserve, said most peo- Islamic militants of Hamas and blockaded clearly the end of the Zionist dream of a Arab-Israel war that followed the British changing the landscape by adding set- ple refused the payment. “(They told us) take one million by Israel and Egypt. Jewish state. pullout, lost the areas to Israel in 1967 and tlers - already there are some 350,000 rupees ($14,960) keep it in the bank and live better with the Over the years many and probably most This is why Israel has never annexed the then gave up all claims to them in favor of Israelis in the West Bank and a quarter bank interest,” Barja told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Israelis have come around to the idea of a West Bank and why the more sophisticated the Palestinians in the 1980s. But Jordan is million in East Jerusalem. This arrange- Dubey, of advocacy group CFR, said 50 families in the neigh- partition largely because they want to be nationalists profess to support a partition, a country with a majority Palestinian- ment, brittle and loved by few, under- boring village of Kiajhari were also targeted for relocation. “It is considered a democracy and do not want albeit on terms the Palestinians have not descended population, and some Israelis mines Israel’s democratic credentials by not even close to the core zone,” Dubey said. Official figures all the Palestinian future citizens that accepted and are not likely to. If the still think that it can play a role in satisfy- leaving millions of people without a vote show the tiger reserve covers about 2,750 sq km of dense forest would come along with the territory. For Palestinians formally drop the two-state ing Palestinian national aspirations while for the government that has ultimate con- and rich, bio-diverse land and adjoining forest that is used by almost two decades, US policy has been to strategy and demand incorporation into resuming control over only a part of the trol over their fate. The Palestinians do other wildlife as a corridor. Authorities estimate that 10,000 advocate a two-state solution. But over Israel it will put Israel in the awkward posi- West Bank. But this would probably not have a history of acquiescing for long: people live within the park and in buffer-zone areas, while half a two decades of peace talks have failed to tion of refusing to annex territories where require a collapse of Hashemite rule, There were multi-year uprisings in the million people in 1,200 villages live in a 10-km radius around produce agreement on the details, and it has been settling Jews for decades. founded on Jordan’s Bedouin population, late 1980s and early 2000s and a spate of the park. Odisha’s 10-year tiger conservation plan suggests that many on both sides consider it impossible Down this path lie coercion efforts in the and as such is anathema to the Jordanian violence in late 2015 and early 2016. a population of 80 to 100 tigers need an inviolate space of without a major change in circumstances - form of international sanctions on Israel, or monarchy, which is beloved by many Down this path lies the very strong likeli- between 800 and 1,000 sq km. Nayak said the relocation pro- massive global pressure on Israel, more Palestinian violence. Israelis for making peace with them in hood of more. —AP gram follows this plan. However after 43 years as a protected area, the official Odisha government tiger count last year found just 26 Royal Bengal tigers in the Similipal reserve. Five-star prices, without the service End of the rope In the village of Jamunagarh, in the park’s ‘core’, just three families of more than 35 families have decided to stay on and ould anything be better than a winter in a country where hospitality training is continue to use the land they won in 2015. The others chose to getaway to Cuba, complete with a stay scarce and wages are meager - less than $30 a take the compensation and move away. Telenga Hasa, one of Cin one of the Caribbean island’s five-star month. Orsini said his Cuba trip reminded him China piles into Cuba the holdouts, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that luxury hotels? Actually, yes, say many of the of traveling in the former Soviet Union in the neighboring families had been paid one million rupees tourists flocking to the Caribbean’s new “it” 1960s. “You spent three hours waiting to eat,” rom buses and trucks to a $500 mil- While Cuba does not publish invest- ($14,960) via bank deposit in Sept 2015 - of which 30,000 destination, who complain the state-owned he said. “Since they were state restaurants, the lion golf resort, China is deepening ment data, the state press has been abuzz rupees ($449) was paid in cash. All are still waiting to be allo- hotel industry is underwhelming and over- staff could have cared less.” Fits business footprint in Cuba, help- with news of Chinese projects lately, cov- cated the two acres of farmland they were promised. “Now priced. Tourists have been flooding Cuba ever ing the fellow Communist-run state sur- ering infrastructure, telecoms, tourism they have no forests, no farm land and no livelihood - how can since its historic rapprochement with the ‘More expensive than Paris’ vive a crisis in oil-benefactor Venezuela and electronics. Yutong buses, Sinotruk they live with dignity?” Hasa said, adding that another 25 fami- United States was announced in Dec 2014. In one well-known four-star hotel in and insulate against a possible rollback of trucks, YTO tractors, Geely cars, Haier lies who live in the hillside village of Bakua have decided to A record four million visited the commu- Havana, the rate has risen from $110 a night US detente. Cuban imports from China domestic appliances and other products stay on, too. Deepak Pani, a spokesman for the activist group nist-ruled island - population 11 million - last to $285 in less than two years. In another, the reached a record $1.9 billion in 2015, are prominent in Cuba, where the main Gram Swaraj, says the Mankidia and Khadia - two nomadic for- year, an increase of 13 percent from 2015. price jumped from $90 to $202 in a year. But if nearly 60 percent above the annual aver- US products on display are cars dating ager groups - are the worst affected. He said the Forest Rights That has sent prices soaring. But, in a coun- anything, surging demand has only stretched age of the previous decade, and were at back to the 1950s, thanks to the ongoing Act is supposed to protect their ancient cultural and livelihood try where limited supply and years of under- the hotels’ staff and resources further. “Cuba $1.8 billion in 2016 as the flow of oil and economic embargo. traditions, but had not been enforced. Arun Mankidia, whose investment are hallmarks of the hotel indus- still hasn’t managed to match the internation- cash slowed from Venezuela due to eco- Cubans flock every day to hundreds of family live in Dengam village on the outskirts of the tiger try, price doesn’t necessarily mean quality. al quality standards those prices imply,” said nomic and political turmoil in the South Huawei supplied Wi-Fi hot spots and the reserve, said his people have been forced to abandon their Jean Orsini, a French tourist, found his room Jose Luis Perello, an industry expert at the American country. firm is now helping to wire the first homes. ancient rope-making traditions. The rope, plaited from a sacred had a rust-stained shower, and spent so long University of Havana. “The value-for-money China’s growing presence gives its com- “Business is really booming, more than we grove creeper known as ‘siali’, which grows in abundance in the waiting for his dinner that he nearly gave up. issue... causes a lot of complaints,” said a panies a head start over US competitors in could have ever imagined,” said the man- park, is very strong and in high demand among farmers in “At the travel agency in Marseille, they told European hotel manager in Havana, speaking Cuba’s opening market. It could leave the ager of a shipping company which brings rural areas. Now, local families have been forced to buy plastic us they were sending us to the best hotel. on condition of anonymity. island less exposed to the chance US in Chinese machinery and transport equip- potato sacks at three rupees ($0.04) each so they can painstak- But you pay 175 euros a night, and you just Some are even more blunt. “Four-star President Donald Trump will clamp down ment and who asked not to be identified. ingly unravel the strands and re-plait them into ropes, which know it’s not worth the price,” said the 82- rooms (in Cuba) are equivalent to a barely on travel to Cuba and tighten trade restric- The foreign ministry in Beijing described are sold for little more than their cost. —Reuters year-old retiree. three-star hotel in Paris,” said Stephane Ferrux, tions loosened by his predecessor Barack China and Cuba as “good comrades, broth- Spanish tourist Pilar Esteras was appalled a Frenchman who runs a travel agency in Obama. A deterioration in US-China rela- ers, and partners,” and said the relations by the staff’s nonchalance at her hotel. Maria Havana. The tourism ministry and the army - tions under Trump could also lead Beijing “were not influenced by any third party,” Teresa Gutierrez of Colombia had no running the sole owners of Cuba’s hotels - are aware of to dig in deeper in Cuba, some analysts say. when asked whether US policy was All articles appearing on these pages are water at times and found her $250 a night the threat this perception poses. Tourism, “If and when the Trump administration encouraging China to deepen its presence. the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait room was less than clean. Yet all three tourists Cuba’s top industry, generated $2.8 billion in increases pressure on China ... China may “We are happy to see that recently Times takes no responsibility for views stayed in four- and five-star hotels. Their expe- revenue last year. But the sector faces tough decide to double down on its expanding countries around the world are all expand- riences are an indication of the industry’s competition from other Caribbean destina- expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites footprint in the United States’ neighbor- ing cooperation with Cuba. I think this problems in Cuba, even though the state now tions such as the Bahamas and the Dominican hood,” said Ted Piccone, a Latin America shows that all countries have consistent readers to voice their opinions. Please send co-manages many hotels with foreign compa- Republic, which have more experience cater- analyst at the Brookings Institution think expectations about Cuba’s vast potential submissions via email to: opinion@kuwait- nies such as Accor of France, Iberostar of Spain ing to foreign clients’ expectations. tank. China, the world’s second largest for development,” Chinese Foreign Ministry times.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 and Blue Diamond of Canada. Earlier this year, Deputy Tourism Minister economy, sells goods to Cuba on soft credit spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters. In fact, 17 private companies operate two- Mayra Alvarez pledged to “work to improve Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves the right terms. It is Cuba’s largest creditor and debt The US State Department and White House thirds of the hotels in Cuba. But they have lit- hotel infrastructure, raise facilities’ standards is regularly restructured, though amounts did not immediately respond to requests to edit any submission as necessary. tle control over things like infrastructure and provide a well-trained workforce.” But she and terms are considered state secrets. for comment. —Reuters maintenance and the availability of good staff announced no specific plans. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 SPORTS

Spanish police called to Rooney, Carrick, Jones Manchester City sign Maradona’s Madrid hotel out for Man United US women’s star Lloyd MADRID: Spanish police were called to a Madrid hotel by concerned staff yesterday MANCHESTER: Captain Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick LONDON: FIFA Women’s Player of the Year Carli Lloyd has joined Manchester City on a over an argument between former Argentine footballer Diego Maradona and his girl- and Phil Jones will all miss Manchester United’s Europa short-term contract, the English club announced yesterday. The 34-year-old United States friend. “My lawyer Matias Morla contacted the Spanish authorities. There are no com- League clash with Saint-Etienne today, manager Jose captain arrives from the Houston Dash and will play in the 2017 Spring Series, the FA plaints and nobody was able to explain to me the reason for this media show,” said Mourinho revealed yesterday. Jones has not played since Women’s Cup and the Women’s Champions League. Lloyd has won 232 Maradona via his official Facebook page. “I’m having a great time, let them tell their sustaining a foot injury in United’s recent 0-0 draw with international caps and scored a hat-trick, including a goal from 55 stories.” Spanish police confirmed they had attended the hotel, but that Hull City and Mourinho said Rooney and Carrick had “lit- yards, in the United States’ 5-2 win over Japan in the 2015 World Cup they had only spoken to the couple. “When the agents and emer- tle muscular problems”. The three England internationals final. “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Manchester City, a club gency services arrived, those people (Maradona and his girlfriend) missed yesterday’s pre-match training session at United’s which is leading the development of women’s football both on and showed no sign of injuries and did not press charges, there was Aon Training Complex west of Manchester. “Phil is still off the pitch,” Lloyd told the City website. “Having played in the US just a discussion,” police sources told AFP. According to the same recovering from the injury,” Mourinho told reporters throughout my career, the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition to source, the events took place around 8:30 am (0730GMT) after ahead of the last 32 first-leg match. “Wayne and Carrick I test myself in a new footballing environment, as well as playing in hotel staff overheard an argument. Maradona is in Madrid to the Champions League, is something I am relishing.” The move watch his old side Napoli take on European champions Real don’t want to say ‘injuries’ because I don’t think we are speaking about injuries. We are speaking about little will see Lloyd link up with England internationals including Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 captain Steph Houghton, defender Lucy Bronze and striker muscular problems and protection of these problems. tie. “I am enjoying time with my family in Madrid and Toni Duggan. Lloyd, who has also scored the winning goal in looking forward to the Napoli game in the Champions “So all three are out tomorrow and apart from that two Olympic finals, will begin training with her new team- League,” added Maradona. - AFP everything is right.” — AFP mates next month. — AFP

Kuwait Tennis Federation U-18 tournament concludes

By Abdellatif Shara’a TENNIS KUWAIT: Kuwait Tennis Federation U-18 tournament con- cluded earlier in the week at Qadisiya Sports Club Courts. The final match saw Tamim Al-Hallaq from Kuwait Marin Cilic holds off temperamental Paire Sports Club defeat Kazima’s player 6/1 - 6-1, winning first place, while Kazma’s Abdallah Maayouf took second while ROTTERDAM: Top seed Marin Cilic bat- know where to play at the start or what to champion Gilles Muller after the defeat of Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 0-6, 6-1 third place went to Essa Qabazard from Yarmouk Club. tled past temperamental French oppo- expect. The entire match went like this. He Luxembourg veteran beat Dutchman while last year’s semi-finalist Philipp In the doubles Tamim Al-Hallaq and Ali Al-Harz from nent Benoit Paire 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 for only his went for it sometimes, other times he Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 6-2 with 14 aces as Kohlschreiber took out eighth seed Lucas Kuwait S.C. won first place, while in second were Essa second win of the year at the Rotterdam stayed back and was waiting. the number 317 youngster made his ATP Pouille of France 7-5, 6-2. Frenchman Qabazard and Daniel Ghassan from Yarmouk S.C. while World Tennis on Tuesday. Cilic, a 2014 “He surprised me during the entire main draw debut. Holder Martin Klizan of Gilles Simon overcame compatriot Nicolas Abdelaziz Maayouf and Ali Buhamad from Kazima won finalist, struggled with an out-of-sorts match.” In round two Tsonga faces Sydney Slovakia began his title defence with a Mahut 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. third place. and injured Paire, whose racquet-smash- The final standings of clubs was Kuwait club in first with ing antics left him flirting with the wrath 230 points, Yarmouk in second with 190 points, Salmiya in of the chair umpire in a match lasting third with 156, Kazima in fourth with 108 points, and more than two hours. Kheitan in fifth with 58 points. Cilic lost the opening set as Paire, who later suffered a hamstring problem, saved two of set points. But Cilic slowly began turning the tables in a first-round match in which the Croat committed 39 unforced errors while Paire had 43 and was able to convert only one of 10 break points. “It was a tough match but that is what I expected,” Cilic said. “He is always tricky and difficult, a talented shotmaker - you never know what is coming. “After I lost the first set I had to keep my level up. I did that, got a break in the second set and things started to roll to my side. “It was good to get into the match after being a set down and winning in the end, It’s good for the confidence, obvious- ly.” Sixth-seeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was kept guessing by unheralded Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas before grinding out a 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) first-round win. The 19- year-old wildcard entry came onto the court as a complete unknown to Tsonga, who played the Dutch final in 2011, losing to Swede Robin Soderling. Tsonga, returning to the Ahoy stadium for the first time since 2014, led by a set and 5-3 in the second set against the 205th-ranked chal- lenger but was unable to kill off the match. Instead, the 31-year-old had to take it into a tiebreaker, eventually making it into the second round in 89 minutes with four breaks of serve. “It was difficult as I did not know him at all,” said the num- ber 14. “That is unusual on the tour, never seeing someone before at all. “I didn’t Marin Cilic Barbados King upsets 5th seeded Aussie Tomic

MEMPHIS: Darian King of Barbados won his ing rounds to get into the tournament, is mak- true.”“Playing against Bernard, the No. 5 seed is Challenger against former top 50 player Victor ond serve points. Earlier this year, Tomic opening match at the Memphis Open, surpris- ing just his second appearance in the main draw a dream come true,” King said. “The discipline Estrella [Burgos]. Then I realized I can play.” reached the third round of the Australian Open ing fifth seeded Bernard Tomic 6-4, 6-4 to of an ATP Tour event. in Barbados is not as big so to come from there King booked a second round match against and the quarter-finals of this event two years become the first player from his country to win He hammered four aces, won 75 percent of and compete against these guys, it’s a lot of Steve Darcis of Belgium who beat Radu Albot 7- ago. In other first round matches Tuesday, an ATP Tour match. This was uncharted territory his second-serve points and had no double progress. I’m glad to get my first ATP win. “I 5, 3-6, 6-4.During his only other main draw Tomic’s fellow Aussie Matthew Ebden rallied to for King who is also the first player from faults in Tuesday’s 66 minute match between played at least three years in Futures against appearance, at the 2015 Washington ATP event, beat Canadian qualifier Peter Polansky 6-7 (4/7), Barbados in the 41-year history of the tourna- the two 24-year olds. King, who is ranked college guys and Americans then basically had King lost in the first round. Australia’s Tomic had 6-3, 6-1 and American Ryan Harrison eased past ment. King, who had to go through the qualify- 140th in the world, said it was a “dream come my first breakthrough in Cali, Colombia, in a one double fault and won just half of his sec- Russian Konstantin Kravchuk 6-3, 7-5. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 SPORTS

OLYMPICS Confusion over 2020 golf venue dates back to bid: Report

TOKYO: Problems surrounding the venue for the 2020 After the venue was selected to host the tournament the issue was resolved, opted not to mention the policy Ono said the Organising Committee was not aware of Tokyo Olympics golf events, which does not allow full in 2012, it received approval from the International Golf in documents prepared in English. any communications between the Bid Committee and membership for women, stem from documents pre- Federation (IGF) but the club’s policy was not included A Kasumigaseki Country Club official confirmed to other parties during the bidding process. pared for the original bid, a Japanese media report said in explanatory material at that time, NHK public televi- NHK that the club had been warned but said it had “If the media reports are correct, we believe the Tokyo yesterday. Calls have arisen to move the tournament sion said. Despite earning selection, a member of the replied: “If this becomes a problem, we will have a Metropolitan Government should explain clearly to away from the private Kasumigaseki Country Club in Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s bid committee mutual discussion at that time. We did not say we Kasumigaseki Country Club what actually transpired at the Saitama prefecture because of a policy that forbids warned the club that its policy could create problems would fix things.” The International Golf Federation was time,” Ono added in an email response to written ques- women from playing on Sundays and excludes them for violating the Olympic charter’s rules on equality. quoted by NHK as saying they did not know until tions. “Kasumigaseki Country Club is aware of the IOC’s from becoming a full members. Quoting information given to the government in recently that the club did not admit women as full request to change its membership policy and is holding A board meeting last week postponed a decision on 2012, NHK added that the bid committee member was members. Nobody was available at the club for com- internal discussions. The Organising Committee will con- the issue, which its head called “a nuisance”. told by the club that it would “fix things” and thinking ment yesterday and Tokyo 2020 spokesperson Hikariko tinue to monitor developments carefully.” — Reuters

GOLF Quiet revolution brews at Super 6 event in Perth

MELBOURNE: Golf has clung slavishly to its cen- turies-old traditions and long ignored growing calls for reform but the ancient sport will be nudged gently towards modernity at the inau- gural World Super 6 tournament in Australia this week. The European Tour co-sanctioned event at Perth’s Lake Karrinyup Country Club will ditch convention by deciding Sunday’s winner in a final day matchplay shootout after three rounds of regular strokeplay. The innovation will promise a more “punchy” finish for spectators and television audiences, organisers hope, as a full field whittled down to 24 players compete in pairs in six-hole playoffs until only one remains. While more evolution than revolution, it’s a tweak unprecedented on any of the world’s major professional tours. It also counted as a necessary experiment for a game that was strug- gling to lure a new generation of participants and fans in golf’s mature markets, according to the Australian PGA Tour. “The challenge for a lot of sport, and particularly for golf, is the demo- Grant Hackett graphic of the average golfer and golf fan is a bit older,” PGA Australia’s chief commercial officer SWIMMING Steve Ayles told Reuters yesterday. “We’re basically the number one sport for over-45s. “This form of event certainly appeals Olympic great Hackett to a younger demographic and certainly appeals to people who are time-poor. “And we believe arrested after ‘breakdown’ that this will be a great spectacle.” The Scottish city of Perth is renowned for its rich golf her- MELBOURNE: Australian long distance being driven to a local police station in itage, with King James IV having made the first KUALA LUMPUR: In this Oct. 28, 2016 file photo, Lydia Ko of New Zealand checks her line on swimming great Grant Hackett was arrest- handcuffs. A Queensland Police spokesman recorded purchase of golf clubs from a local the eleventh green during the second round of the LPGA golf tournament at Tournament ed and detained by police in the Gold said a man had been arrested “following a bowmaker there in 1502, but its Australian Players Club (TPC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A day ahead of the start of the Women’s Coast yesterday after a “breakdown” at his disturbance at a Surfer’s Avenue address at namesake is an unlikely launch-pad for reform. Australian Open at Royal Adelaide, the 21-year-old Thai golfer Ariya Jutanugarn also says she’s parents’ home, local media reported. Mermaid Waters around midday”. With most of the world’s top golfers competing not putting pressure on herself to overtake Ko for the No. 1 ranking. — AP The troubled triple Olympic champion’s Grant Hackett’s agent was unavailable at the $7 million Genesis Open on the PGA Tour, ning. Australia, where huge crowds once attempted to foment revolution with the recent father told local newspaper, the Gold Coast for comment. Hackett won 1,500 metres a modest field headlined by Swedish world flocked to local courses when favourite son Greg staging of the inaugural Nitro Series in Bulletin, that he had called the police so his gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and at number 11 Alex Noren and former British Open Norman was in his pomp, has battled to attract Melbourne, where Usain Bolt and his ‘All-Star’ 36-year-old son could be given help. Athens in 2004 before retiring after the winner Louis Oosthuizen will battle in the sponsors and fans to its marquee events in internationals competed against five nations in a “Grant’s got a medical problem and it 2008 Games in Beijing, where he won silver A$1.75 million ($1.34 million) event at Lake recent years, while struggling to arrest declining team-based event held over three meetings. manifested itself here this morning... he in the event. The 10-times world champion Karrinyup. rates of participation. Golf tourism fuelled by Organisers promise a similarly relaxed and was raving and ranting a bit,” Neville returned to the pool last year to make an international visitors has taken up some of the informal atmosphere at Lake Karrinyup, where Hackett told the paper. unsuccessful bid to qualify for the Rio DECLINING PARTICIPATION slack for the embattled industry but scores of there will be live music, DJs and a specially built “He’s been receiving treatment from a Olympics. He was questioned by airport “I think it’s great that we try new things and I lower-profile private clubs have slashed fees to 90-metre ‘shootout hole’ to act as a tie-breaker doctor. He’s big and powerful when he’s police in Melbourne last April after an alter- think it’s going to be exciting for the crowds and lure new members. for pairs who halve their six-hole matchplay not happy. We decided he needed some cation with a passenger on a flight. He said nice for the TV viewers too,” Noren said. Australia has never wanted for a pioneering duels. But with the tournament still dominated treatment but there was no way he was he had been binge drinking in the wake of “I think anything where the crowd experi- spirit, however, and local sports have gladly by conventional strokeplay over the opening going to go and get treatment this morn- his Olympic disappointment and publicly ences a new way for us to play the game is good. ditched tradition in a bid to innovate and open three days, it will not be so revolutionary as to ing, so we called the police. apologised. Hackett has previously strug- I think we should work out more ways to do this new markets. upset the silver-haired set. “This tournament is “The only way the police can do any- gled with prescription drug problems and kind of thing.” The nation’s domestic Twenty20 cricket com- not to say that strokeplay events aren’t still pop- thing under the law of the land is to arrest admitted he became dependent on a sleep The top 10 rankings are laden with 20-some- petition, the ‘Big Bash’, has proved an outrageous ular,” Ayles added. “They are immensely popular him for domestic violence.” Neville Hackett medication. The swimmer flew to the things, including Australian world number one success since its inaugural tournament in 2011- around the world. This really just provides an said the swimmer had not made any United States in 2014 to spend time in a Jason Day and Northern Ireland’s second-ranked 12, its glitzy mix of sport and entertainment alternative. “If all goes well, we would certainly threats but was not “what you say is a nor- rehab centre after he was spotted topless Rory McIlroy, but in the sport’s traditional mar- drawing huge attendances and television audi- consider expanding this across Australia and mal person”. Local broadcaster Channel and disoriented in the lobby of a kets, fans and participants are ageing and thin- ences. The national athletics federation has also then potentially, Europe and Asia.” — Reuters Seven posted video footage of Hackett Melbourne casino. — Reuters RUGBY SAILING Top cyclist joins Team colon NZ Giants aim to build on as grinders turn to pedal power

WELLINGTON: London Olympics bronze absence from their sport’s high perform- Widnes win against Salford medallist Simon Van Velthooven has been ance programme but was unsure as to what he was doing. training with Team New Zealand’s for this LONDON: Huddersfield were one of the year’s America’s Cup regatta as the syndi- Former Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker, who is leading Japan’s chal- favourites for Super League glory a year ago cate turned to pedal power for their chal- before an underwhelming campaign ensued-so lenge, local media reported yesterday. The lenge for the America’s Cup, however, was not overly impressed with the innovation, coach Rick Stone knows the importance of a team, who officially launch their new good start this time around. AC50 boat today ahead of the regatta that having also considered switching to ped- al power but ruled it out. The Giants play their first home game of the starts in May, were photographed on season against Salford today after an impressive Tuesday with their grinders seated and “We evaluated it and didn’t think it would pay for itself,” Barker told Radio 28-16 opening-round win at Widnes hinted at a powering the hydraulics needed to con- brighter season ahead after they finished bot- trol the wingsail with their legs. Sport. “There’s a real balance... the theory is 100 percent correct. Cycling will produce a tom of the 2016 table and narrowly survived rel- Local television then showed the egation via the Qualifiers. super-fast foiling yacht on Waitemata hell of a lot more power. “But the dynamics of these boats, changing sides frequently, Stone arrived mid-way through last season Harbour in Auckland on Wednesday with from NRL’s Newcastle Knights in Australia so was four members of the six-man team ped- different manoeuvres, there is a cost to go down that path. “Good on them for giving forced to focus on survival. alling, rather than using their arms to But he has bigger goals this year, and says power the winches that provide the a different concept a go. All the teams have evaluated-we have, Oracle also-and Huddersfield’s season could be shaped by their hydraulic pressure. first six fixtures, which includes winnable games TVNZ reported that Van Velthooven, the decision we took is that it isn’t going to pay for itself.” The regatta for the challeng- against Wakefield Trinity and newly-promoted who won bronze in the kierin at the Leigh. “A good start is important in every season London Games but missed selection for ing syndicates-from Britain, Sweden, Japan, France and New Zealand-starts in but probably a bit more so for the Giants this last year’s Rio Olympics, had been season considering the way we finished last involved in helping with the design of the Bermuda on May 26 with the America’s Cup beginning on June 17 between the year,” Stone said. system. A Cycling New Zealand “For us the first six games are really important spokesman also told local media that Van winner of the qualifying regatta and hold- ers Oracle Team USA. — Reuters and we can get some confidence and some con- Velthooven had been granted a leave of tinuity to help give us a springboard forward for the rest of the year. “I think the Giants have been under the radar quite a bit and I am happy to see CYCLING that. “If you win more than you lose, you will be in the top eight and if you win a high percentage Hermans wins Oman 2nd then you can keep going forward from there. “If we can get the right kind of balance and a bit of luck with injuries I know we will be com- stage to take lead petitive.” Salford mounted a strong second-half comeback against champions Wigan in their opening fixture, but it was not enough to pre- AL-BUSTAN: Belgian Ben Hermans is the in particular marking Romain Bardet. I tried Huddersfield Giants in action vent a 26-16 defeat. new leader of the Tour of Oman after win- my luck at the best moment 150 metres ning yesterday’s 145km second stage. from the line,î said Hermans, who succeed- “It will be a good opportunity against are already under pressure in the race for the top CARNEY WAIT The 30-year-old surprised a group of ed Norway’s Alexander Kristoff, winner of Huddersfield today to see if we have learnt our four. “Pressure is what you put on yourself,” the The Red Devils will be without injured sec- stage favourites with a late attack on a Tuesday’s opening stage, as race leader. lessons.” In the only other Super League fixture 27-year-old said. “We don’t take anything on ond-row pair Weller Hauraki and Ben Murdoch- steep climb to the finish in Al Bustan, with Van Abermaet finished ninth with this week due to the World Club Series, Leigh board from the outside. We worry about what Masila against Huddersfield, while new signing Portugal’s Rui Costa second and Jakob Bardet, second behind Chris Froome at last will host their first top-flight match in 12 years we can control and we put in every week and Todd Carney is yet to receive a work visa. Fuglsang of Denmark third. year’s Tour de France, 10th. against Leeds on Friday. prepare the best we can. “We know it’s in the final stages and hopeful- Hermans was supposed to be helping All the favourites for overall victory, The Centurions’ first game back in the Super “We have had a really good pre-season. I’ve ly we’ll have some positive news this week,” said his BMC team leader and compatriot Greg including Italy’s seventh-placed Fabio Aru, League ended in a heavy 44-16 defeat by been to a few clubs and I can honestly say it’s Salford coach Ian Watson. Van Avermaet, the Olympic champion, but winner of the 2015 Vuelta a Espana, fin- Castleford, while Leeds lost 6-4 to St Helens. one of the best pre-seasons I’ve been involved “He (Carney) is ready to come, his bags are all jumped on his opportunity to claim victory. ished in the top 10. Thursday’s 162km third Despite that narrow defeat, Rhinos prop in. “A lot of young kids got what they needed to packed. “We’ve got to perform like we did in the ìGreg was supposed to contest the stage is a hilly run from Sultan Qaboos Mitch Garbutt was encouraged by his side’s per- out of pre-season. They improved a lot and we second half (against Wigan) for 80 minutes. sprint finish whereas me, I had a free role, University to Quriyat. — AFP formance and has dismissed suggestions Leeds are only going to get better,” he added. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 SPORTS Black Cap Guptill out for three South Africa matches

WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s in-form open- Ross Taylor for the T20, the Black Caps first place after a strong performance gainst ousted them from the 2015 World Cup in a “New Zealand are a street-smart team and ing batsman Martin Guptill will miss the first instead turned to uncapped 20-year-old Australia and Larsen said he was the logical dramatic semi-final in Auckland. South they find ways to compete but we have a three matches of South Africa’s tour after Glenn Phillips. Chief selector Gavin Larsen replacement for Guptill. Africa’s one-day captain AB de Villiers has decent record there,” de Villiers said, referring suffering a hamstring injury, officials said said the South African-born Aucklander had New Zealand and South Africa have only described that agonising result as “unfin- to series wins for the tourists in 2012 and yesterday. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said shown outstanding domestic form and was played 14 T20 internationals, with the ished business”, saying the Proteas are keen 2014. The Black Caps’ battling qualities are Guptill strained his hamstring during train- an exciting prospect. “He bats with power, Proteas victorious in 10 of them. They arrive to exact revenge. But New Zealand are also expected to be less of a factor in the Test ing and was out of this Friday’s one-off has shown he can clear the rope, and gets a in New Zealand as the world’s top-ranked performing well in ODIs and are ranked third series beginning in Dunedin on March 8, with Twenty20 international against the Proteas deserved opportunity to showcase his skills one-day team after winning their last 11 in the 50-over format. They helped South South Africa enjoying a superior record in the in Auckland. He will also miss two of the five on the international stage,” Larsen said. one-dayers, including 5-0 clean sweeps Africa topple Australia from the number one format. New Zealand have never won a Test one-day internationals in South Africa’s busy Dean Brownlie will replace Guptill in the against Australia and Sri Lanka. spot by defeating their trans-Tasman rivals in series against the Proteas and the last time touring schedule, which includes three Tests. first two ODIs. Brownlie was considered They also have added motivation against the recent Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series they defeated the South Africans in a five-day Rather than call up the vastly experienced unlucky to miss out on the ODI squad in the the New Zealanders after the Black Caps and whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0. match was in Wellington in 2004. — AFP Root vows to captain England ‘his way’

LEEDS: Joe Root insisted he would captain added: “I’ve obviously known Michael England “his way” as he gave his first insight Vaughan for a long time and maybe a few into how he would lead the Test side. Two people away from cricket to get a different days on from being named as the successor perspective on things.” to former England Test skipper Alastair As for his lack of leadership experience, Cook, Yorkshire batsman Root outlined his Root-who has an impressive batting aver- approach when speaking to reporters at his age of over 52 in his 53-Test career-said: “I Headingley home ground yesterday. didn’t have much county experience before “I don’t think you should be scared of I got onto the Test team and I managed to asking for help on occasions but for the find a way to be successful in that environ- most part I like to think I’ll be able to put ment. “I’ve got a lot of experience now with my stamp on things and do things my 50-odd games under my belt and I’d like to way,” Root told BBC Radio Five. The 26- think for the past few years I have started to year-old Root, previously vice-captain to think as a captain in my own mind, so if Cook, has little senior captaincy experi- Cooky ever needed help or advice or the ence, with just a handful of matches as bowlers came up to me and asked what I stand-in Yorkshire skipper behind him. But thought then I was switched on enough to he has plenty of time to ease himself into think ‘this is what I’d do’.” his new role as England’s next Test is not Cook resigned following a 4-0 series until their July series opener against South reverse in India that crowned a difficult Africa at Lord’s. For the time being, their 2016 for England that saw them lose eight focus is on limited overs cricket, particular- Tests in all. ly June’s 50-over Champions Trophy tour- But Root believed England, who after nament on home soil. home series against South Africa and the West Indies begin the defence of the Ashes ‘INSTINCTIVE’ in Australia in November, were on the cusp Root is a senior batsman in all formats of great things. “There’s a core group of for England but Eoin Morgan will remain players that have played 20-30 games, I the side’s captain in white-ball cricket “I think it’s the right time for them to take a bit think the beauty of the position right now is more responsibility and become slightly I have plenty of time to think about that,” more consistent.” said Root. Root said he had been offered the “I’d like to think I’d be quite instinctive, I England captaincy while looking after his want us to always look to win and I want us five-week-old son. “On Sunday afternoon I to be a tough side to play against. “I think it had just taken Alfie for nappy changing and would be silly of me not to speak to people I got a nice call from Andrew (Strauss) say- MINNEAPOLIS: Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James gets off a pass as Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns, left, and Gorgui Dieng of who have been in the position before... like ing ‘this is the one call you get in your life... Senegal defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, in Minneapolis. — AP Cooky, Straussy (England director of cricket we’d like you to take the role’,” he told Sky Andrew Strauss, Cook’s predecessor as cap- Sports. “I immediately accepted it. It was BASKETBALL tain).” Root, who in common with 2005 dad’s birthday weekend and I went down Ashes-winning skipper Michael Vaughan for Sunday dinner with the family. It was a played for the Sheffield Collegiate club, special time in our family life.” — AFP LeBron helps Cavaliers to win over Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS: LeBron James had 25 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds to turn back a charge NBA results/standings from Andrew Wiggins and help the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 116-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Sacramento 97, LA Lakers 96; Cleveland 116, Minnesota 108; Chicago 105, Toronto 94. Channing Frye had 21 points and 10 rebounds Eastern Conference Western Conference while starting for All-Star Kevin Love, who will Atlantic Division Northwest Division miss at least the next six weeks after having sur- W L PCT GB Utah 34 22 .607 - gery on his left knee. Kyre Irving scored 25 Boston 36 19 .655 - Oklahoma City 31 25 .554 3 points for the Cavs and James sealed the victory Toronto 32 24 .571 4.5 Denver 25 30 .455 8.5 with a stepback 3-pointer with two minutes to NY Knicks 23 33 .411 13.5 Portland 23 32 .418 10.5 play. Wiggins scored 41 points against the team Philadelphia 21 34 .382 15 Minnesota 21 35 .375 13 that drafted him and Karl-Anthony Towns scored Brooklyn 9 46 .164 27 Pacific Division 26 for the Wolves, who finished a six-game Central Division homestand at 2-4. The Wolves allowed Cleveland Golden State 46 9 .836 - Cleveland 38 16 .704 - LA Clippers 34 21 .618 12 to shoot 51 percent and hit 13 3s. Indiana 29 26 .527 9.5 LEEDS: England’s newly-announced cricket Test captain Joe Root poses for photogra- Sacramento 24 32 .429 22.5 phers ahead of a news conference at Headingly stadium in Leeds, north-east Chicago 27 29 .482 12 BULLS 105, RAPTORS 94 LA Lakers 19 38 .333 28 England, yesterday. Root said he felt “privileged, humbled and very excited” after Detroit 26 30 .464 13 Doug McDermott scored 20 points, All-Star Phoenix 17 39 .304 29.5 being given the “huge honour” of being named England’s new Test captain. — AFP Milwaukee 24 30 .444 14 Jimmy Butler had 19 points and 12 assists in his Southeast Division Southwest Division return to the lineup, and Chicago beat Toronto for Washington 33 21 .611 - San Antonio 42 13 .764 - the 11th straight time. Taj Gibson had 14 points Atlanta 32 23 .582 1.5 Houston 40 17 .702 3 Shaharyar says PCB and Rajon Rondo added 12 for the Bulls, who led Charlotte 24 31 .436 9.5 Memphis 34 23 .596 9 by as many as 23 points and never trailed in the Miami 24 32 .429 10 Dallas 22 33 .400 20 won’t spare match-fixers final three quarters to snap a three-game skid. Orlando 21 36 .368 13.5 New Orleans 22 34 .393 20.5 Toronto’s last win in the series was Dec. 31, 2013. ISLAMABAD: A top official of the 30s had been arrested on Feb. 13 and Kyle Lowry scored 22 points to lead the Raptors, Pakistan Cricket Board says two players released on bail until April in connection who lost their third straight and fell one-half rebounds, and Sacramento held on for its Sacramento. Williams’ potential game-winning accused of involvement in spot-fixing in with bribery offences as part of an ongo- game behind idle Atlanta for the No. 4 seed in the fourth straight win. 3 went wide right of the basket at the buzzer. the Pakistan Super League tournament ing investigation into international crick- Eastern Conference. DeMar DeRozan was limited Lou Williams scored 29 points off the bench He was 4 of 11 from long range. will face maximum punishments if they et match spot-fixing. to 18 points - 10 below his season average. He to lead the Lakers, who rallied from 13 down The Lakers got within two in the third only confess. Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif A third Islamabad United player is also was whistled for his second technical found in the early in the fourth quarter and tied the game to have the Kings run off nine points in a row arrived in Lahore yesterday and were under investigation and a player from final minute and ejected from the game. 91-all on his 3-pointer with 1:31 to play. Los and extend their lead to 68-57. Williams made a scheduled to appear before the PCB’s each of the Karachi Kings and Quetta Angeles pulled even twice more, including on 3 and another basket, and Larry Nance Jr. head of anti-corruption unit Col. Gladiators franchises was questioned by KINGS 97, LAKERS 96 another 3 by Williams, but couldn’t overcome scored to cut Sacramento’s lead to 70-64 head- Mohammad Azam. “If they confessed the PCB’s anti-corruption unit in the DeMarcus Cousins had 40 points and 12 Cousins, who scored the final 10 points for ing into the fourth. — AP there’s no need to form a tribunal, but we United Arab Emirates, where the Super will hand them maximum punishment so League is being staged. All three players that nobody could do this thing in were allowed to continue playing in the CRICKET future,” PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan tournament. told reporters. “We know what we are doing,” PSL Shaharyar said the players will be chairman Najam Sethi said late Tuesday. Ashwin ‘Bradman of handed the charges and the PCB will give “We have all the evidence and we knew them around 14 days to respond. “We this for a while. We had information, but will give evidence to them which we we cannot talk about stuff right now, a bowling’: Steve Waugh have against them ... it’s necessary to give charge sheet will be given to players them a chance,” Shaharyar said. soon.” Sethi said the PCB’s anti-corruption Shaharyar said the PCB was aware of unit had information about spot-fixing NEW DELHI: Former skipper Steve Waugh on a record-breaking 19-Test unbeaten run the fact that bookmakers were targeting before the PSL began on Feb. 9. “We had has warned that Australia’s only hope of and have also won six series on the trot players in the PSL and that was the rea- identified a few players and then at final beating India in their upcoming series is by under the captaincy of their star batsman son players were briefed before the inau- stages we knew the ICC had some infor- taming Ravichandran Ashwin, branding the Virat Kohli. Ashwin is the team’s undoubted gural match between Islamabad United mation as well,” he said. record-breaking spinner “the Bradman of star bowler, ranked number one in Test and Peshawar Zalmi on Feb. 9 in Dubai. “When we compared it, the informa- bowling”. bowling rankings and top of the all- Both accused players were part of the tion was the same and then we decided After the off spinner became the fastest rounders’ list after picking up 61 wickets in defending champions Islamabad United. to act on this.” “We have these players’ bowler to claim 250 Test wickets last week- the last three series-all of them at home. Sharjeel played in the first match, which phones in which there is more informa- end, Waugh paid Ashwin the ultimate His latest match-winning performance was under the scrutiny of the PCB’s anti- tion - who they were in touch with, what Australian compliment by comparing him came during the one-off Test against corruption unit while Latif was rested. they talked about.” Sethi said the cricket to the game’s greatest batsman, the late Bangladesh in Hyderabad, which ended on PCB provisionally suspended both board’s anti-corruption unit had infiltrat- Donald Bradman. “He is the Bradman of Monday when Ashwin recorded figures of Sharjeel and Latif while another former ed gambling operations in Pakistan bowling. Ashwin is doing what Don 4-73 in the second innings. test opener Nasir Jamshed was also pro- ahead of the tournament. It’s not the first Bradman did with batting. Pretty incredible India have been in red-hot form in recent visionally suspended on Monday - the time Pakistan cricketers have been stuff and he is a handy batsman too,” Waugh months, with the victory over Bangladesh day he was arrested and then released on embroiled in corruption controversies. In was quoted as saying in the Times of India following a 3-0 whitewash of New Zealand bail in England. “Jamshed and another 1999 Salim Malik and Ataur Rehman yesterday. “Ashwin is the player that in September and a 4-0 drubbing of man, Yusuf, were arrested by the National were banned for life following a match- Australia have to overcome and probably England at the end of last year. Crime Agency,” a PCB official told The fixing investigation. then we have a chance. His record in India is “India are very hard to beat in India and Associated Press yesterday. In 2010 three players - Mohammad just phenomenal,” said Waugh, who was that has been proved in the last couple of The PCB official spoke on condition of Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif - attending an awards ceremony in Monaco. years. They are a very settled side and anonymity because he was not author- were suspended for five years for their Australia have not won a Test in India everyone is very confident in their role,” said ized to comment on the issue. Britain’s involvement in the bowling of deliberate since their 2-1 series victory in 2004 and few Waugh. The four-match series between National Crime Authority released an ear- no-balls at pre-determined times during observers give them much hope of success India and Australia begins in Pune on lier statement saying two men in their a test match in England. — AP this time round against what is currently the February 23. The other Tests are in world’s number one ranked team. India are Bangalore, Ranchi and Dharamsala. — AFP Ravichandran Ashwin THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 SPORTS Short-side goals rise as shooters adjust to goalies NEW YORK: It’s the kind of goal that makes Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog went to their knees into the Reverse VH and sometimes it can be overused.” MUSICAL COACHES fans groan because the goalie probably short side on Stanley Cup-winning become sitting ducks for Alex Ovechkin, Flyers teammate Jakub Voracek said he Michel Therrien became the fifth coach should’ve stopped it. A shooter skating down Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Sidney Crosby, Joe Pavelski and some of the just shoots “wherever it’s open,” but that’s fired this season when the Montreal the wing or even behind the net fires the puck Murray on a textbook sharp-angle shot that best snipers around. often the short side nowadays. When the Canadiens canned him Tuesday and between a goaltender and the near post for a looks like a bad goal but is more the prod- “The shooter knows the goalie’s going to best shooters can anticipate a goalie going replaced him with Claude Julien, who was short-side goal. It looks like it shouldn’t go in, uct of shooters understanding techniques. drop into this stance, which means he can down early and putting the puck where he fired by Boston last week. Julien took five but it has been happening a lot more this sea- “Guys are realizing that the sharp-angle release a puck a half a second or a half a isn’t, Goldman said it’s so difficult to get more days to get a new job than Bruce son as players figure out what goalies are shots are extremely difficult to stop,” Vezina step sooner than usual and he knows what back up that the key is being patient and Boudreau did when fired by Washington on doing ... or at least trying to do. Trophy winning goalie Braden Holtby of the his target is before he even looks up and staying upright longer. a Monday in November 2011 and joining “Those goals, they don’t look good, but I Washington Capitals said. “You do see more sees where the goalie is,” Goldman said. “The problem is because goalies rely on the Anaheim Ducks yesterday. think if people knew how hard it was to do and more guys trying it because it’s a high- “They’re almost over-anticipating what a this stance so often, they’re dropping down that maneuver, they might be a little less quality scoring chance. Guys figure out shooter is going to do before he actually into it before the puck is actually off the MILESTONE WATCH quick to jump to judgment on the goalies,” trends now. They kind of figure them out a does it and the shooter has the capacity shooter’s stick,” Goldman said. “You want After registering a point Tuesday in the Chicago Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling little quicker than they used to, which isn’t now, he has the wherewithal and he has the the shooter to make the first move. You Penguins’ win over Vancouver, Crosby is one said. That maneuver is called the “Reverse great for us.” Jonathan Quick led the Los accuracy to pick that spot.” want to hold your feet. You want to keep away from 1,000 for his career . He’s at 756 VH” and it’s the most widespread way for Angeles Kings to two Cups by using the Darling thinks some goalies are still mas- yourself as patient as possible so you read games now and will soon become the sec- goalies to cover the post and not allow soft Reverse VH and taking advantage of his tering the relatively new Reverse VH, and what the shooter does first and then you ond-fastest active player to hit 1,000 after goals to be scored. An opposite of the previ- Gumby-like athleticism. The stance, which 2006 Cup winner Cam Ward of the Carolina react.” Easier said than done, perhaps, even the ageless Jaromir Jagr. ously-used “VH” stance, it means a goalie’s originated in Sweden a few years before, Hurricanes acknowledged he still uses the for the best in the game. A lot has changed pad against the post is horizontal along the took off in the NHL after Quick won the Cup old VH style because he’s more comfortable since Boucher set the consecutive shutout GAME OF THE WEEK ice while the back leg is vertical. in 2012 and now it’s a go-to for most goalies. in it. Ward looks at Tuukka Rask of the record in 2003, and he doesn’t even know if The Blue Jackets host the Penguins on The Reverse VH is more effective than its Goaltending analyst Justin Goldman Boston Bruins as someone who can push he’d be able to perfect the Reverse VH and Friday in what very well could be a first- predecessor, but as NHL Network analyst points out that when a skater is coming side-to-side with power out of the Reverse deal with the expectations of goaltenders round playoff preview. and former goaltender Kevin Weekes has down the ice, there’s actually more room for VH, and Goldman called 2013 Vezina winner today. “You’ve got to be in position to make said : Short side has become the new five the puck on the short side than the far side Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue the second and third saves because at the LEADERS hole. And everyone in hockey knows it. because there’s less distance for it to travel. Jackets the “posterchild” for doing it right. end of the day it’s about keeping the puck Points: Crosby (Pittsburgh), Connor Brian Boucher, another retired goalie More short-side goals isn’t a result of the “It’s a tough position to get fully square, out of the net,” Boucher said. “Whether it’s McDavid (Edmonton), 61; Goals: Crosby, 30; turned analyst, said you can’t go two or Reverse VH being a bad stance, but instead but when the puck’s behind the net it gives your fault or it’s not your fault, if you don’t Defenseman points: Brent Burns (San Jose), three nights without seeing a short-side he believes it’s goalies overusing it and los- you good coverage for pass outs and things keep it out of the net you’re going to have a 59; Goals-against average: Devan Dubnyk goal somewhere around the league . As ing the cat-and-mouse game between like that,” Philadelphia goaltender Steve tough time winning games and you’re going (Minnesota), 1.97; Save percentage: recently as Thursday night, Colorado them and shooters. Too often goalies drop Mason said. “It’s complicated, but I think to have a tough time having a job.” Dubnyk, .933. — AP

SOCCER Footballers prone to brain damage: study

LONDON: Professional footballers are at mid-70s for the general population-and 12 heightened risk of developing a brain dis- of the 14 died with advanced dementia. ease that can cause dementia and is usually Permission from next of kin for post- found in boxers and American football play- mortem examinations to be carried out was ers, a study published yesterday suggests. granted for only six of the players. The play- The study, published in the journal Acta ers whose brain autopsies showed signs of Neuropathologica, looked at 14 retired foot- CTE also had Alzheimer’s disease, though ballers with dementia who had started play- Ling said the relationship between the two ing football and heading the ball in child- diseases remained unclear. hood or their early teens. “They’re two potential brain disorders Post-mortem examinations carried out that can cause dementia,” she said after the on six of the players found that four of them study was presented to the media in London. showed signs of chronic traumatic “It’s most likely that a combination of these encephalopathy (CTE), far in excess of the pathologies have contributed to dementia in average rate of 12 percent found in the gen- these retired footballers. “The most pressing eral population. “The findings of our study research question is therefore to find out if show a potential link between playing foot- dementia is more common in footballers than in the normal population.”

HEAVY, LEATHER FOOTBALLS The post-mortems were carried out by researchers from University College London and Britain’s National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. The study did not show whether the damage inflicted on the footballers’ brains had been caused by heading the ball, aerial collisions with other players or something else. Unlike boxers and American football players, who regularly receive major blows to the head, footballers are unlikely to expe- PITTSBURGH: Loui Eriksson #21 of the Vancouver Canucks is taken to the ice by Olli Maatta #3 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena rience significant neurological symptoms or on Tuesday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. — AFP losses of consciousness. Instead, they are subjected to what the researchers termed NHL “repetitive, sub-concussive head impacts”. CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously and a very small number of former foot- Crosby gets 999th career ballers are known to have had the disease. They include former Brazil captain LONDON: Consultant psychiatrist Dr Don Hilderaldo Bellini and ex-West Bromwich Williams speaks to the Associated Press Albion striker Jeff Astle, who died in 2002 in his office in London, Tuesday. The pt, Penguins beat Canucks aged 59. Astle was originally diagnosed degenerative damage potentially caused with early-onset Alzheimer’s, but a re- by repeated blows to the head in soccer examination of his brain revealed he had has been highlighted by a rare study of died from CTE that a doctor said was PITTSBURGH: Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an brains of a small number of retired play- brought on by repeatedly heading the ball. assist in his return from a lower-body injury and ers who developed dementia. Williams NHL results/standings An American semi-professional foot- Sidney Crosby got his 999th career point with an played a key role in the research after baller called Patrick Grange died of CTE in assist as the Pittsburgh Penguins rolled by the starting to monitor former footballers 2012, which researchers say is a sign the Vancouver Canucks 4-0 on Tuesday night. Phil Edmonton 5, Arizona 2; Winnipeg 5, Dallas 2; Anaheim 1, Minnesota 0; Toronto 7, NY Islanders 1; who were diagnosed with dementia condition cannot only be linked to the Kessel, Jake Guentzel and Matt Cullen also Buffalo 3, Ottawa 2; New Jersey 3, Colorado 2; Pittsburgh 4, Vancouver 0. from 1980. — AP repeated heading of old, heavy, leather scored for the defending Stanley Cup champi- Western Conference Eastern Conference ball and CTE,” the study’s lead author, Helen footballs. Several high-profile former play- ons. Matt Murray stopped 29 shots for his third Central Division Atlantic Division Ling from University College London’s ers have contracted Alzheimer’s, including shutout this season and the fourth of his career. Montreal 31 19 8 165 150 70 WL OTLGFGAPTS Institute of Neurology, told AFP. three of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning Pittsburgh broke it open with three third-period Ottawa 29 19 6 145 146 64 “There’s now a pressing need to identify team: Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles and Ray goals past Ryan Miller. Crosby fed a streaking Minnesota 37 13 6 187 130 80 Boston 29 23 6 157 155 64 the risk involved. “Large-scale study is need- Wilson. England’s FA says it supports Guentzel down the slot 2:27 into the third to Chicago 35 17 5 166 147 75 Toronto 26 18 11 172 162 63 ed and cooperation from professional bod- research into degenerative brain diseases in make it 2-0 and pull Crosby within a point of St. Louis 29 22 5 161 165 63 Florida 24 20 10 134 153 58 ies such as the FA (Football Association) and former players and has called on world gov- becoming the 86th player in NHL history to Nashville 27 21 8 158 151 62 Buffalo 24 23 10 141 161 58 Tampa Bay 25 24 7 154 160 57 FIFA will be required.” erning body FIFA to investigate. reach 1,000. Miller made 38 saves while under Winnipeg 26 29 4 171 187 56 It is the first time CTE has been con- Jiri Dvorak, FIFA’s former chief medical Detroit 22 24 10 141 169 54 siege for most of the night as the Penguins Dallas 22 26 10 160 187 54 firmed in a study involving a group of ex- officer, has said there is “very little evidence” remained unbeaten in regulation since the All- Metropolitan Division football players. The unnamed players were linking footballers’ brain trauma and Star break (5-0-2). Colorado 15 37 2 109 184 32 Washington 39 11 6 192 121 84 13 former professionals and one “commit- dementia. In the United States, children Pacific Division Pittsburgh 35 13 7 197 155 77 Columbus 35 15 5 177 136 75 ted amateur” who had played football regu- under 11 have been banned from heading San Jose 34 18 5 156 135 73 DUCKS 1, WILD 0 NY Rangers 37 18 1 192 147 75 larly for an average of 26 years. the ball in response to a lawsuit brought by John Gibson made 37 saves for his fourth Anaheim 30 18 10 152 147 70 Philadelphia 27 22 7 147 168 61 They had all been referred to a psychia- parents and players concerned about con- shutout of the season, rookie Joseph Cramarossa Edmonton 30 19 8 162 148 68 NY Islanders 25 20 10 162 165 60 try service in Swansea, south Wales cussion. The British researchers say the risk scored his fourth goal and Anaheim blanked Los Angeles 28 23 4 138 136 60 New Jersey 24 22 10 131 159 58 between 1980 and 2010. The earliest signs of recreational footballers developing brain Minnesota. Gibson stalled the league’s fourth- Calgary 28 26 3 149 164 59 Carolina 24 22 7 140 156 55 of dementia started when they were in their problems through playing the sport is highest scoring team, beating Minnesota and for- Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point Vancouver 25 26 6 135 164 56 mid-60s-compared to an average of the “extremely low”. — AFP mer coach Bruce Boudreau for the first time in in the standings and are not included in the loss three meetings. Arizona 19 29 7 131 174 45 column (L) The Wild were 0 for 5 on the power play and Champions League progress lost in regulation for the first time in six games and the fifth time since the start of December, a go-ahead goal on a power play and Kyle Palmieri JETS 5, STARS 2 near impossible: Neymar span of 34 games. Devan Dubnyk made 22 saves. converted on an odd-man rush with Taylor Hall Patrik Laine got his third hat trick of the sea- Cramarossa scored for the first time in 16 games to lead New Jersey over struggling Colorado. son, including the go ahead goal with 5:07 left BARCELONA: Barcelona’s Brazil star Neymar atypical, we are not in the habit of finding our- 4:38 into the first period. Cory Schneider made 28 saves and Pavel Zacha to lift Winnipeg over Dallas. The Finnish rookie says it will be a virtual ‘mission impossible’ for selves in this sort of situation. added a goal as New Jersey won for the fourth has 26 goals, including two in the third period as the Spanish giants to progress in the “It will be very difficult to prepare for the MAPLE LEAFS 7, ISLANDERS 1 time in six games (4-1-1) in its push to make the the Jets broke open a tight game. Joel Armia Champions League after their 4-0 first leg return match, with a four-goal deficit. I don’t Auston Matthews scored twice, Frederik playoffs. Jeremy Smith stopped 37 shots in his and Blake Wheeler also scored to help Winnipeg demolition by Paris Saint-Germain. think this has ever happened to me.” Andersen earned his 100th NHL win and Toronto NHL debut after seven seasons in the minor snap a four-game skid. No team has ever come back from a 4-0 He said that Barcelona had not prepared routed New York in a game with playoff implica- leagues. Recent waiver pickup Mark Barberio Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin scored in the first leg deficit to remain in the Champions well for the game but were still surprised by tions. The Maple Leafs set a season high for goals and Mikhail Grigorenko scored for Colorado, second period for the Stars to erase a two- League and Barcelona are under no illusions the punishment they had received. and won for the third time in nine games. They which has lost four straight and is 4-22-1 in its goal deficit. Connor Hellebuyck made 34 saves about the mountain they will have to climb “We were not good, we did not do our moved three points ahead of the Islanders for last 27 games. The win was only the Devils’ sec- in his third straight start for the Jets since for the second leg of the last 16 clash at Camp work as we should have done and we were the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. ond against the Avalanche in 11 meetings. Ondrej Pavelec sustained a lower-body injury. Nou on March 8. “Now we have to think about surprised by this result,” he said. The joint New York fell to 10-4-2 in its past 16 games. Antti Niemi stopped 19 of 22 shots for Dallas. the return match and see what we can try to heaviest defeat in coach Enrique’s three sea- Matthews increased his rookie total to 27 goals SABRES 3, SENATORS 2 The victory ended a five-game home losing do to reverse this situation,” the Brazilian star sons in charge means Barcelona face missing and Andersen stopped 33 shots. Josh Leivo had Robin Lehner made 39 saves against his for- streak for the Jets, and Dallas took its sixth loss told journalists. “But it will be very difficult, out on the quarter-finals for the first time a career-high three points with one goal and mer team, and Matt Moulson and Justin Bailey in seven games. practically impossible. However, we can’t give since losing on away goals to Liverpool in the two assists for Toronto. scored in the third period to rally Buffalo past up.” Barca were totally dominated during the last 16 in 2006/07. “It was a disastrous night Nazem Kadri and William Nylander each had Ottawa. Lehner is 4-0-2 against the club that OILERS 5, COYOTES 2 game in which Angel di Maria scored twice for us in which we were clearly inferior,” a goal and an assist. Tyler Bozak and Matt selected him in the second round of the 2009 Leon Draisaitl and Oscar Klefbom each had a alongside further goals from Julian Draxler Enrique acknowledged. Neymar, Lionel Messi Hunwick also scored for the Maple Leafs. Jason NHL draft. He was traded away with David goal and two assists as Edmonton overcame a and Edison Cavani in a match Barca coach Luis and teammates took part in a closed-door Chimera scored on a penalty shot for New York. Legwand in June 2015 to Buffalo for the 21st slow start to beat Arizona. Matt Hendricks, Mark Enrique dubbed a disaster for the Spaniards. training session at Camp Nou earlier yesterday Thomas Greiss and Jean-Francois Berube com- overall pick in that year’s draft. Ryan O’Reilly also Letestu and Patrick Maroon also scored for the Neymar poured praise on PSG and said to wind down after the PSG defeat. A glum bined to give up seven goals on 41 shots. scored for the Sabres. Bobby Ryan ended a five- Oilers, who won for the second time in six that being hammered was unfamiliar to looking trio of Messi, Luis Suarez and Gerard game run without a point by getting a goal and games. Cam Talbot finished with 23 saves. Josh Barcelona’s galaxy of international stars. Pique were pictured on the club website tak- DEVILS 3, AVALANCHE 2 an assist for the Senators. Dion Phaneuf also Jooris and Martin Hanzal had the goals for the “All credit to PSG,” he said. “This match was ing part in the session. — AFP Devils defenseman Andy Greene scored the scored, and Craig Anderson made 22 saves. Coyotes, who won their previous two. — AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 SPORTS Form not reputation the key for England’s Southgate

LONDON: England manager Gareth after a disastrous Euro 2016 campaign. “I’m “We have players of great potential but at unprecedented run of success. deliver? Because that’s what we are trying to Southgate has vowed to select players based very conscious I’ve got to get the balance the moment we’re 13th in the world. We’ve “It’s clear they don’t believe they can be take into the England team: how do we cre- on form not reputation while admitting that right because ultimately my responsibility got to be better, everything we do has got to beaten. That plays a huge role,” Southgate ate an environment that will bring the best the team’s current world ranking of 13th is is to produce a winning England team,” the be better. Even being second in the world said after Jones’ side scored a late converted out of the players? just not good enough. 46-year-old told the Daily Telegraph in an isn’t good enough, we have to be the best try to beat Wales 21-16 in Cardiff last “Confidence plays a part. As a coach, Southgate, who replaced Sam Allardyce interview. we can be, and that’s the best.” Saturday to extend their winning streak to you’re working out how to challenge at on an interim basis in September and was “I never pick on reputation-form has to Southgate also said his side needed to 16 games. “You get a sense of the culture every moment. That said, the challenge named full-time manager in November come into it. You have to look at the opposi- develop the same ruthless winning mentali- that’s there. One of the things I was interest- should also come from the players them- after four matches in charge, has been tion and the type of game you’re expecting ty that Eddie Jones has instilled in the coun- ed in was that culture. selves. Ownership of what they are doing is tasked with reviving England’s fortunes and select the players best suited to that. try’s rugby team, which has led to their “How are they working? How do they really important.” — Reuters The Pogbas, brothers turned sibling rivals

LONDON: A family football story born on ing in central midfield, their paths may not the pitches of Paris’s eastern suburbs cross too often, but with both players com- arrives at Old Trafford today as brothers fortably over six feet tall (183 centimetres), Paul and Florentin Pogba face off in the any clashes could be seismic. Europa League. “The day has come,” says elder brother ‘HE GOES MAD’ Florentin, a defender with Saint-Etienne. “If he arrives at full pelt and I have to “We’re going to face each other on the tackle him, I will,” Florentin told French tele- pitch, rather than on our neighbourhood vision show Telefoot. mini-pitch.” The two Pogbas’ lives have “I’m not going to knock him out-he’s my veered in different directions since their brother-but if I have to commit a foul, I’ll do childhood scraps on a synthetic pitch in it.” For Pogba Jnr., the game represents Roissy-en-Brie, 24 kilometres (15 miles) another opportunity to prove himself as a from the centre of the French capital. big-game player. Paul, 23 and capped 44 times by France, A guaranteed starter, he has played a is the world’s most expensive footballer fol- leading role in United’s current resurgence, lowing his return to Manchester United but remains without a league goal or assist from Juventus for a fee of £89.3 million in 2017. “In terms of being the world’s most ($111 million, 105.2 million euros). expensive player, I think he has put that to Florentin, 26, opted to represent Guinea one side because it’s more an issue for the at international level and has an estimated media,” says Florentin, whose twin brother, transfer value of three million euros accord- Mathias, plays for Sparta Rotterdam. ing to the respected Transfermarkt website. “He’s just playing his football, even ISTANBUL: Turkey announced yesterday an ambitious bid to host the Euro 2024 football tournament yesterday. United are the richest club in the world. though everything he does gets three or Saint-Etienne are not even the richest club four times more attention, good or bad. He in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, can handle all of that because of the men- SOCCER where Lyon are the local powerhouse. tal strength he has had since his youth. “Even if United are a great club, anything “He is quite irritable though. He doesn’t is possible in football,” Florentin told the like to lose. His head starts buzzing when UEFA website this week. he loses. I learnt to lose and I would say Turkey seeks to “The fact they’re better than us on paper that you’re not losing, but learning. But for doesn’t matter.” Florentin has become him, when he loses, he goes mad.” accustomed to watching his little brother United’s other France international, win from afar and the chances are he will Anthony Martial, knows defeat will be hard have an opportunity to do so up close in to take for whichever brother ends up on Thursday’s last 32 first leg. Saint-Etienne the losing side. “They are well known for host Euro 2024 may be fifth in Ligue 1 and United sixth in being big jokers and mickey-takers, but the Premier League, but Jose Mourinho’s once they are on the field, it will be like two star-studded team have gone 16 league warriors who are going all-out to win the ISTANBUL: Turkey announced yesterday an built venues was the United States. European cities. Kilic did not rule out another games without defeat. game,” Martial told the United website. ambitious bid backed by President Recep Tayyip “In the last years, Turkey has made a great bid in the future to host the Olympics, saying the It will be up to Florentin and his team- “If one beats the other, he’ll immediately Erdogan to host the Euro 2024 football tourna- step forward in terms of stadiums,” he added. failed 2020 candidacy “taught us a lot” and mates to try to prevent United settling into start giving out loads of stick so they’ll be ment, brushing off concerns over security and “Turkey is able to organise anything on a world helped “increase our capabilities”. a rhythm that is often set by Paul’s driving desperate to do all they can to win!” infrastructure. The football authorities hope it sporting level.” Turkey has in the last years In the 2024 race, Turkey will face competition runs and passes to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Florentin adds: “My parents will have mixed will be second time lucky for the bid after losing embarked on a massive spree of stadium build- from 2006 World Cup hosts Germany-which has Florentin has not been a regular starter feelings because whatever happens there out to France to host the 2016 event by one ing, opening a new 42,000 seat venue in Konya already confirmed its interest-as well as possibly this season, but in recent weeks Saint- will be one winner and one loser. However, vote, but Turkey is likely to face strong competi- in 2014, a similar size venue for Istanbul side a joint bid from Scandinavian nations. Etienne coach Christophe Galtier has found there are two winners because this game tion from Germany. Turkey in 2014 withdrew its Besiktas last year and most recently a new stadi- But the bid may be shadowed by concerns a place for him at left-back. With Paul play- will be an unforgettable occasion.” — AFP bid to host final stage matches of Euro 2020 — um for Trabzonspor by the Black Sea. over security after the July 15 failed coup and a which uniquely will be held across Europe-in slew of terror attacks in 2016 that left hundreds favour of focusing on a one country bid for 2024. ‘OLYMPICS BID TAUGHT US’ dead, as well as whether Turkey’s transport infra- Turkish Football Federation (TFF) chief The Turkish authorities were bitterly disap- structure is up to hosting a nationwide tourna- Yildirim Demiroren said the bid would be for- pointed that Istanbul lost out to Tokyo in the ment. “I don’t think there will be any problems mally presented to UEFA on March 2, just before race to host the 2020 Olympics and believe the with transport,” said Kilic. the March 3 deadline for candidates. country now has the infrastructure in place to He compared the rapid construction of “This time it is our right to host the champi- host a global sports event. Turkey had also in Istanbul’s third airport-due to open next year- onships,” he told reporters at TFF headquarters. 2010 lost out narrowly by one vote-and in con- with the repeated delays in opening Berlin He thanked Erdogan for the support, adding: troversial circumstances-to France in the bidding Brandenburg airport in Germany. “I believe we are moving together on this path.” to host the 2016 Euro competition. The country has seen in the last years a mas- Sports Minister Akif Cagatay Kilic said that It had also been keen to host Euro 2020 and sive overhaul of its infrastructure in projects Turkey now had the best stadium infrastructure the Turkish authorities were angered by UEFA’s spearheaded by Erdogan as he seeks to make in Europe and its only rival in terms of recently decision to hold the competition across Turkey a top 10 global economy. — AFP Angel reborn in Champions League thrashing of Barca

PARIS: One month ago, Angel di Maria was an outcast on the Paris Saint-Germain substitutes’ bench, but the striker was reborn in the Champions League demolition of Barcelona. Two goals in the 4-0 thrashing of Argentina teammate Lionel Messi’s Barca saw birthday boy di Maria hit near perfection in a way that he rarely managed at Manchester United or Real Madrid. Superstar Messi has rarely looked so poor. Long-suffering PSG players and fans, so often at the receiving end against the Spanish Paul Pogba giants, still could not believe the scoreline when they woke up yesterday. “You saw 14 warriors out there, people who Busquets blames wanted to help each other. And when you play like that you have nights like that. It was fabu- lous,” said midfielder Blaise Matuidi. fitness and tactics Di Maria hit a goal in each half on his 29th birthday and each time gave his traditional cele- bration, forming a heart with his hands. for Paris nightmare But di Maria’s heart has not really been in the MADRID: Barcelona midfielder Sergio Luis Enrique said his side were utterly PSG game this season. Last month, coach Unai Busquets has criticised their tactical and outplayed although he rejected sugges- Emery banished the second most expensive physical frailties after a 4-0 thrashing at tions he had not prepared his players import into the French league — 63 million Paris St Germain in the last 16 left them properly for the high pressing game PSG euros paid to United in 2015 — to the substi- on the brink of their earliest Champions carried out to perfection. tutes’ bench. Julian Draxler had arrived from League exit in a decade. “We weren’t surprised at all, we had Germany and Lucas was playing well. Being out The five-times European champions spoken about their pressing before the in the January cold jolted di Maria into action. were crushed in every aspect of the first- game but that doesn’t mean you can leg clash by Unai Emery’s side, suffering overcome it. We lost so many individual DI MARIA’S METAMORPHOSIS their heaviest defeat in Europe since duels. PSG played as we expected and Already against Bordeaux last Friday, he 2013 and under coach Luis Enrique, who played at their best and we did not,” he scored one in the 3-0 win that kept PSG in the appeared ruffled in front of the media. said. “It’s pretty simple. Our opponents French title race against Monaco. “They (PSG) played much better than were better than us with and without the PSG back Thomas Meunier said di Maria hat- us and they overwhelmed us physically,” ball. They won battles, they were more ed being on the bench and hailed di Maria’s game against Bordeaux as “an Angel who has Busquets told Catalan television network effective and the result clearly reflects PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian forward Angel Di Maria celebrates after scoring a TV3. “They pressed us harder, they were what happened. I don’t think I have to gone through a metamorphosis.” Di Maria said he had problems with the tac- goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Paris much better tactically than us, they had a give a huge explanation to Barca fans.” Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. — AFP plan and executed it how they wanted to Luis Enrique gave midfielder Andres tics brought in by Emery last year. “Those who and they were the better team”. Iniesta his first start for a month after his know me know that I like to run everywhere, a tacular finale. “It was a very special day. It’s of at least reaching the Champions League semi- The midfielder also appeared to criti- recovery from an ankle injury alongside bit haphazard. He wants every player to take impossible to have a better performance and finals. The Spaniard has now had a lot of pres- cise the team’s preparation for the game, Busquets who had also only recently care of his own space and press from that posi- birthday. It was a wonderful display and fully sure taken off his shoulders. But he warned that adding: “We expected something else returned from a layoff while Gerard Pique tion. It was a problem at the start, but I under- deserved,” he said on BeIn TV after the match. the players must make sure they finish the job in but that’s what can happen. We hope to had just come back after a muscle injury. stood and now I like it,” di Maria told the Spanish “We controlled the game for 90 minutes. It the second leg in Barcelona and reach the quar- be able to turn things around at the Nou “We had players that had just recov- sports daily Marca after the Bordeaux game. was hard to control Neymar, Luis Suarez and ter-finals. “The only feeling I have is that the Camp but I can’t lie, it’s very difficult.” ered but I don’t want to individualise, Di Maria forced Lucas out of the starting line Lionel Messi but we managed it in the end.” team produced a massive effort against the Luis Enrique cut an uneasy figure in an now is not the time. I have every confi- up for the Barcelona game and received a stand- PSG had twice been eliminated from the great Barca,” Emery said after the triumph. interview with TV3 which he cut short, dence in my players, it’s time to talk ing ovation from the Parc des Princes crowd Champions League at the hands of Barcelona in “I respect Barca and the message was clear in saying: “Stop looking for more reasons. about coaches and I assume full respon- when he left in the 61st minute. the previous four seasons. Barca also had a fear- the dressing room: there is still 90 minutes to go This is my responsibility and I hope you sibility for this as always,” added Luis He scored with a curling free kick and a sec- some record in games against sides coached by and we are going to suffer there in Barcelona. use the same tone now we have lost as Enrique. “The players are the same ones ond half shot, both attempts from outside the Emery, losing just one of 23 games before being “So, prudence, satisfaction, concentration on when we win.” In his news conference, that have won on other days.” — Reuters penalty area. Di Maria now has nine goals for the put to the sword yesterday. the second match and respect for the great season and hopes it will set him up for a spec- PSG’s Qatari owners have set Emery the task opposing team and its players.” — AFP Olympic great Footballers Hackett arrested prone to brain after16 ‘breakdown’ damage:18 Study THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

Root vows to captain England ‘his way’ Page 17

MADRID: Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema jumps over Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina during the Champions League round of 16, first leg, soccer match between Real Madrid and Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, yesterday. — AP Real Madrid bounce back to beat Napoli

MADRID: Real Madrid shrugged off conceding an early made the trip from Naples for only their side’s second with the outside of his right boot picked out Benzema 10 minutes of the restart however. Firstly, Ronaldo away goal to take a huge step towards a seventh ever appearance in the last 16. Maradona even gave the to power home a header from close range. played provider once more with a fine run down the straight Champions League quarter-final as goals from Napoli players a pep talk in the dressing room before Cristiano Ronaldo should have had one of the two right and measured cut-back for Kroos to slot home Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Casemiro sealed a 3-1 kick-off. By contrast, Real are in the knockout stages for goals he needs to reach 100 in European competition from the edge of the box. Then Napoli were struck by a win over Napoli yesterday. Lorenzo Insigne’s stunning the 20th straight season and it was the home fans who on 27 minutes when great work from Benzema and thunderbolt from the most unlikely source as defensive 40-yard strike had the travelling hordes in dream land nearly had something to cheer inside 30 seconds as Luka Modric freed the World Player of the Year inside midfielder Casemiro pounced on a looping clearance to after just eight minutes of the last 16 first leg. Benzema’s shot from close range was parried by Pepe the area, but he blasted well over the bar. volley first-time past a helpless Reina. Napoli had the However, Benzema soon headed home an equaliser Reina. bHowever, it was Napoli who got off to the per- Madrid’s control of the first 45 minutes grew as the chances to set up a thrilling return leg as Dries Mertens, before Kroos and Casemiro fired home from outside the fect start just eight minutes in when Insigne took aim half went on and only a combination of Reina and the who had scored 14 goals in his previous 11 appear- box early in the second half to give the holders a com- from 40 yards and caught Madrid ‘keeper Keylor Navas post denied the hosts a lead at the break. ances, fired over with the goal at his mercy from former manding lead ahead of the second leg on March 7. out of position with a superb effort that curled around This time Ronaldo was inch-perfect with his low Madrid winger Jose Maria Callejon’s fine lay-off. Mertens With former Napoli great Diego Maradona watching the Costa Rica international. cross for Benzema, but his effort was tipped onto the also saw another effort smothered by Navas from close on, the atmosphere reached fever pitch before kick-off Madrid, though, showed the response of champions woodwork and behind by Reina. range and Callejon a goal ruled out for offside as Napoli as up to 10,000 travelling fans were estimated to have to level just 10 minutes later when Dani Carvajal’s cross The tie did swing decisively in Madrid’s favour within slumped to their first defeat in 19 games.— AFP Thiago-inspired Bayern hand Arsenal 5-1 rout

MUNICH: Arsene Wenger’s future was plunged into fur- outside the area. Arsenal then raised the tempo and ther doubt yesterday as Thiago Alcantara inspired started pressing the hosts. Bayern defender Mats Bayern Munich to a 5-1 rout of his hapless Arsenal team Hummels was given a yellow card for fouling Sanchez which left the Gunners facing a seventh straight just outside the box. Champions League last-16 exit. Mesut Ozil drilled the resulting free-kick at Neuer, Bayern extended their Champions League record to but moments later Arsenal were awarded a penalty. 16 home wins by flooring the Gunners with three goals Lewandowski mistimed his clearance kick in the area in ten second-half minutes. and struck Laurent Koscielny’s raised leg. Bayern knocked Arsenal out at the same stage in Despite Bayern’s furious protests, Serbian referee 2005, 2013 and 2014 and were looking comfortably Milorad Mazic pointed to the spot. placed to make it four times after romping through yes- Neuer saved Sanchez’s penalty, but the Chile interna- terday’s first leg. tional drilled home the rebound from a tight angle at The Allianz Arena defeat raises the pressure on the second attempt. Wenger for the return leg on March 7 with only Alexis It was the valuable away goal Bayern had talked Sanchez’s away goal for comfort. The result matched about not conceding in the match’s build-up. the 5-1 group-stage thrashing Arsenal received in There were equally furious Bayern protests at the Munich in November 2015 — the club’s joint record other end when David Alaba’s cross struck Hector away defeat in Europe. Arjen Robben’s superb curling Bellerin on the hand, but the referee waved play on. shot gave Bayern the lead on 11 minutes, but Sanchez It was 1-1 at the break, but Bayern stepped up the levelled by drilling home Manuel Neuer’s save from a pressure in the second half. penalty on 30 minutes. Robben released Philipp Lahm who put in a perfect Bayern moved up a gear after the break with a flurry cross and Lewandowski twisted to tuck his header past of goals in quick succession. David Ospina’s reach. Robert Lewandowski headed Bayern back into the The Poland hot-shot then flicked Xabi Alonso’s pass lead on 53 minutes before Thiago added two in quick into Thiago’s path to tuck his shot past Ospina. succession while Thomas Mueller came off the bench to Lewandowski hit the crossbar on 61 minutes, but complete the rout. Thiago added his second when his shot from the edge Bayern spent the opening minutes camped in the of the box deflected past the Arsenal goalkeeper on Arsenal half and took the lead on 10 minutes through 63 minutes. MUNICH: (L-R) Bayern Munich’s Chilian midfielder Arturo Vidal, Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, Bayern Robben’s wonderful strike. Mueller came on for Lewandowski on 86 minutes Munich’s Dutch midfielder Arjen Robben and Bayern Munich’s defender Mats Hummels jump for the ball during The Dutch winger cut in from the right, and curled and added Bayern’s fifth two minutes later after Thiago the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen football match between FC Bayern Munich and Arsenal in home a superbly-weighted shot off his left foot from squared the final pass. — AFP Munich, southern Germany, yesterday. — AFP Lufthansa agrees to hike pay for pilots by 8.7% Page 22 Protectionism, political risk threaten eurozone Business economic revival THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 Page 23 Al-Sayer renews social Ooredoo continues to give Xpress customers 100% extra credit commitment with Atahub partnership Page 26 Page 25

NEW YORK: Pedestrians walk by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in Manhattan on an unseasonably warm afternoon in New York. Unusually high temperatures last month prompted a sharp decline in the need for heating, which dragged down overall US industrial output in January, the Federal Reserve reported yesterday.—AFP US inflation hits fastest pace in 4 years Retail prices picked up, factory output rose in January

WASHINGTON: US consumer prices in Lee, a senior economist at BMO Capital at 0.8 percent. Still, monthly sales were stronger a private survey of purchasing managers. January rose at their fastest pace in nearly Markets in Toronto. “This morning’s reports than expected. Analysts had forecast growth of That survey also found that factories are hir- four years, a fresh sign that a pickup in infla- add a little more impetus for the Fed to move only 0.1 percent. ing more. And a separate gauge of new EU workers in tion may be approaching, Labor Department this quarter. Still not our call but it is becom- US manufacturers cranked out more steel, orders for US factory goods rose in December figures showed yesterday. The consumer ing very interesting.” machinery and electronics last month as fac- at a solid pace, lifted by greater business Britain drop after price index showed a 0.6 percent gain for the The Commerce Department said retail tories appear to be rebounding after two spending on big-ticket items such as machin- month, the third consecutive monthly accel- sales increased 0.4 percent last month. years of stagnation. Factory output rose 0.2 ery and computers. A strong dollar has Brexit vote eration and the largest increase since December’s retail sales were revised up to percent in January, its second straight weighed on exports because it makes US February 2013. show a 1.0 percent rise instead of the previ- increase, the Federal Reserve said yesterday. goods more expensive overseas, though LONDON: A steady rise in the number of European January also saw its largest 12-month CPI ously reported 0.6 percent advance. While modest, the gain is equal to the indus- manufacturers appear to be adjusting to the Union migrants working in Britain stalled at the end increase in nearly five years, rising 2.5 percent Last month’s fairly solid sales came despite try’s growth in all of 2016. Manufacturers are currency’s strength. of 2016, suggesting the Brexit vote, and the subse- over January 2016. Even excluding the more motor vehicle purchases posting their benefiting from increased spending by busi- quent fall in the value of the pound, might have volatile categories of food and energy, prices biggest drop in 10 months. Compared to nesses on industrial machinery and other Home builders pessimistic made the country less attractive as a place to work. were still up by almost as much at 2.3 per- January last year retail sales were up 5.6 per- equipment. Oil and gas drillers are building US homebuilders are feeling a bit less con- The number of non-UK EU nationals employed in new rigs now that energy prices have stabi- fident this month, reflecting a dimmer out- cent. The new figures may help persuade US cent. Excluding automobiles, gasoline, build- Britain fell by 19,000 in the final three months of central bankers to tighten monetary policy ing materials and food services, retail sales lized after falling sharply two years ago. look on sales in the months ahead and fewer 2016 from the previous quarter, to stand at 2.24 mil- more quickly this year after a decade of near- increased 0.4 percent after a similar gain in Cutbacks by drillers had caused orders for would-be buyers dropping by builders’ sales lion. That was the biggest drop in any other October- zero interest rates. December. These so-called core retail sales steel pipe and other drilling equipment to offices. The National Association of Home December period since records began 20 years ago, Meanwhile’ US retail sales rose more than correspond most closely with the consumer plummet. And weak overseas economies in Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index expected in January as households bought spending component of gross domestic Europe and China also cut into exports. Yet released yesterday fell to 65 this month. That’s official data showed. It compared with a rise of electronics and a range of other goods, point- product. Economists had forecast retail sales those trends have largely reversed. Mining down two points from a revised reading of 67 12,000 in the same period of 2015 and a jump of ing to sustained domestic demand that ticking up 0.1 percent and core sales gaining production rose 2.8 percent last month, in January. Readings above 50 indicate more 121,000 in the fourth quarter of 2014. should bolster economic growth in the first 0.3 percent last month. pushed higher by a solid gain in oil and gas builders view sales conditions as good rather After a surge in immigration over the past 20 quarter. The economy’s improving prospects drilling. Utility production fell 5.7 percent last than poor. The index has been above 60 years, Britain has one of the highest proportions of were also underscored by other data yester- Factories rebound month, as unseasonably warm weather since September and reached the highest lev- non-native workers among European countries. day showing consumer prices last month Consumers in the United States shelled out a reduced demand for heating. A broader el in 11 years in December. Worries about migration were a big factor in last recording their biggest increase in nearly four total $472.1 billion in January, a 0.4 percent measure of industrial production, which The February number falls shy of analyst year’s referendum vote to leave the European Union. years. The upbeat reports came a day after increase over the prior month. Auto sales, how- includes manufacturing, mining and utilities, predictions. They expected the index to hit The rights of Europeans based in Britain, and of the Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen appeared ever, saw their sharpest decline in eight months, dropped 0.3 percent. Other measures of man- 68, according to FactSet. Builders’ view of estimated 1.2 million Britons living in continental to put an interest rate hike next month on the falling 1.4 percent. Excluding the more volatile ufacturing output show steady improvement. sales now and over the next six months also Europe as of 2015, will need to be thrashed out dur- table. “The US economy has quite a bit of auto category, the overall increase in retail sales Factories expanded at the fastest pace in fell, as did a gauge of traffic by prospective ing a complex two-year negotiating period that will momentum as the year began,” said Jennifer for the month would have been twice as large more than two years last month, according to buyers. —Agencies start next month. The last time there was a fall in non-British EU workers during the last three months of any year occurred in 2009, around the time of the global financial crisis. The previous time it fell in any period EU Parliament backs Canada trade deal was in the third quarter of 2014. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the data was not sea- STRASBOURG, France: The European building, before being dragged off by riot farm customs duties between the two industries are left untouched. The CETA sonally adjusted and should be treated with caution. Parliament backed a contested EU-Canada police. “Saying yes to CETA is a trampling of sides, a big win for exporters on both sides deal will not remove tariff barriers for pub- free trade deal yesterday, facing down the people,” said a banner. of the Atlantic. And unlike classic trade lic services, audiovisual and transport serv- Wage pressures protests by activists and Donald Trump- Following the approval by parliament, deals, CETA harmonizes regulations on ices and a few agricultural products, such The Bank of England is watching for signs of a inspired calls for protectionism. MEPs Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will matters such as health and the environ- as dairy, which is heavily subsidized in slowdown in the supply of people coming into the ment, a major concern for activists. Some Canada.—AFP hailed the deal as a rare victory for an address MEPs in person today. EU states labour force because it could push up wages and imperilled global trade system that is under and Canada formally signed the deal in inflation. Many employers have said they are strug- threat from US President Trump who October after seven years of tough talks, gling increasingly to find suitable candidates to fill opposes far-reaching trade deals. overcoming last-minute resistance from a their vacancies and are worried that a reduction in The accord, known as CETA, is tipped as small Belgian region that blocked its Europe’s most modern ever and a possible national government from approving the foreign workers could aggravate the problem. model for relations with Britain after its accord. “By adopting CETA, we chose open- The Chartered Institute of Personnel and leaves the EU. MEPs meeting in Strasbourg, ness and growth and high standards over Development, a human resources body, said on France, solidly approved the pact with 408 protectionism and stagnation,” said Latvian Monday that over a quarter of British employers votes in favour, 254 against and 33 absten- MEP Artis Pabriks, a conservative from the believed that non-UK EU staff members might leave tions. “This is a watershed moment - EU EPP group who sponsored the law. their firms or the country in 2017. The value of ster- trade policy will never be the same again,” Opponents to CETA slam the deal as a ling has fallen about 10 percent against the euro said senior Scottish MEP David Martin, “trojan horse” to big business and a danger since the referendum. “The figures offer further evi- whose Socialists and Democrats group split to health, democracy and the rule of law. dence that Brexit has had a discernible impact on the on the issue. Approval by the parliament “The disconnect between MEPs and public allure of the UK as a place to live and work,” said allows the provisional implementation of concerns over living standards, public Gerwyn Davies, the CIPD’s labor market adviser. the Comprehensive Economic and Trade health and the environment is another “Employers in sectors that employ relatively large Agreement as early as next month. blow to the EU,” said Greenpeace’s EU trade numbers of EU nationals, which also account for a Protesters attempted to disrupt the policy adviser Shira Stanton. sizeable proportion of vacancies, are likely to come vote, with about 700 people marching out- Some of the more controversial aspects, under further recruitment pressures if, as we expect, side parliament to voice their opposition to including a much-derided investor court this trend continues,” he said. The ONS’s first overall the deal. Anti-globalization activists system, still require ratification by EU mem- official migration figures to cover the post-referendum dressed in surgical masks dramatically ber states, which could take years. STRASBOURG: Demonstrators march against the so-called CETA trade deal near the period are due to be published on Feb. 23.—Reuters blocked the entrance to the parliament CETA will remove 99 percent of non- European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, yesterday.— AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 BUSINESS

Global Market launches intelligence platform Umbrella

KUWAIT: Global Market, a leading mar- subsidiaries, business affiliates, estimated region with its store openings and clos- have long been lacking the credible infor- ultimate goal of the platform is to ket research company set in Kuwait, has sales. The service can be accessed on ings, operating companies, and map view mation and data sources in the industries enhance the business decision practices in launched Umbrella, a user-friendly https://umbrella.global/. Subscribers can of its locations. Subscribers can compare they compete in the region. The research the GCC. business intelligence platform with find information to connect with business estimated sales, features, and facilities of methodology undertaken by Global Global Markets is a market research comprehensive data about businesses owners through the “People” page. The two locations from the brands page. Markets has proven reliable and trustwor- and a business intelligence company that in the region. page includes contact information about Additionally, subscribers can find infor- thy by many conglomerates. Conducting was established in 2010 in Kuwait. The The subscription-based service boasts business owners along with any news mation about the location opening date, intensive primary research with 100 per- company estimates market sizes and a user-friendly platform, designed to focus update about their direct involvement in staff count and their nationalities, working cent sample coverage is key in reducing shares by conducting on-site primary on quantifying business locations and the business world. hours, store facilities and features such as the margin of error and developing more and secondary research. The detailed and connecting their operational and per- Subscribers can also find the legal front of house areas and furniture, sales micro level understanding of market micro study of businesses and brands is formance characteristics. Umbrella is structure, business subsidiaries and affili- estimates, and news. dynamics. the key differentiator factor for Global developed around 4 main elements; peo- ates in the region, contact information, Global Markets has set striding steps in Global Markets invested heavily in Markets’ businesses model. The compa- ple, companies, brands, and locations. business owners, and company news are transforming the business data and infor- developing the platform to connect data ny’s strength in linking information from Each element includes geographical loca- listed in the companies page. Additionally, mation grounds in the GCC for four years together and enable subscribers to gener- business owners to their operating tions of outlets, contact information the service offers information about brand and has recently launched a business ate coherent information sets to help branches is valuable to better under- (social media, email, and phone numbers), operating, from brand introduction in the intelligence game changer. Businesses them in their daily business decisions. The stand market conditions. Lufthansa agrees to hike pay for pilots by 8.7% Airline accepts mediator’s proposal in long-running dispute

FRANKFURT AM MAIN: German airline Vereinigung Cockpit, which will add around Lufthansa said 40 new aircraft due for delivery Lufthansa said yesterday it had agreed to 85 million euros ($90 million) to its annual would be staffed not by crew on collective boost pilots’ salaries by 8.7 percent over four costs. The German flagship carrier said the labour agreements at its core brand, but by years, hoping to end years of disputes and recommendations included pay increases for crew from elsewhere within the group. costly walkouts by air crew. 5,400 pilots by an overall 8.7 percent in sever- Lufthansa is trying to cut costs but pilots have Pilots’ first pay increase will be backdated al steps as well as one-time payments worth a walked out 15 times since early 2014 over dis- to January 1, 2016 and the last is slated for total 30 million euros. putes with management on topics including January 1, 2019, while the agreement will Pilots will also receive a one-off bonus pay- pay and early retirement, costing the carrier remain valid until the end of that year, ment of between 5,000 and 6,000 euros under hundreds of millions of euros in lost profits. Lufthansa said in a statement. the deal, or “around half a month of salary” Before the mediation process, the pilots The airline said it had accepted the recom- per person, pilots’ union Cockpit noted in its had asked for an average annual pay increase mendations made by a mediator in a long- own statement. of 3.7 percent over a five-year period back- running row over pay with pilots’ union To make up for the added expenses, dated to 2012, which is when their last collec- tive bargaining contract with Lufthansa expired. The pilots had said altogether these FRANKFURT AM MAIN: This file photo shows a display next to a Lufthansa increases would amount to a rise of nearly 20 logo showing cancelled flights due to a strike of pilots of German airline percent on current pay. Lufthansa at the airport in Frankfurt am Main. German airline group Pilots at Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa has agreed to pay pilots some 85 million euros ($90 million) low-cost subsidiary Germanwings are all included in the agreement. The deal is extra per year, putting an end to years of disputes and costly walkouts by “acceptable”, Cockpit spokesman Markus Wahl air crew. —AFP said in the union’s statement, but must still be approved by members in a vote. Lufthansa and Cockpit turned to a media- Little hope for textile tor in December to unravel their intractable pay dispute. industry revival Disruption from the pilots’ latest strike in November cost the firm around 100 million euros-the latest in a series of walkouts that in struggling Nigeria Lufthansa says have inflicted some 351 million euros of costs in total since 2014. While the KADUNA, Nigeria: Talba Goni has been omy. But a collapse in vital oil revenues has airline said it was happy with the result, it trying without luck to get government pushed the West African nation into its first warned that the additional expense meant the funds or loans to restart a textile plant in recession in 25 years, making it difficult to pilots of 40 new aircraft it is adding to its fleet Kaduna, the former industrial heartland in provide state loans or improve the erratic would not be covered by the compromise. northern Nigeria, that he was running power supply that has led to closure of Meanwhile, tough talks are still to come until it closed almost 15 years ago. “We most plants. for the two sides as they tackle remaining were not able to meet up with those con- Adding further woes, a central bank NEW DELHI: Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche thorny issues including pilots’ pensions. ditions to access the funding ... the decision to keep the naira currency at a Lufthansa AG, Carsten Spohr (right), Vice President Asia-Pacific Lufthansa Group Lufthansa shares rose on news of the deal, bureaucracy, you have to give this, you high rate versus the dollar has deterred Airlines Dieter Vranckx (left) and Senior Director South Asia, Lufthansa Group adding 0.93 percent to trade at 12.97 euros have to give that,” he said. “There should foreign investors fearing to get caught Airlines Wolfgang Will (center) pose for a photograph during a press conference in in Frankfurt at 1350 GMT, outpacing 0.08 be concessions, like the company income eventually in yet another devaluation . New Delhi yesterday. —AFP percent gains for the DAX index of leading tax, a waiver for about 3-4 years.” There have been some limited Chinese German shares. —Agencies Most importantly, Goni is unable to get investments in recent years into what is enough petrol to power the plant’s genera- left of Nigeria’s leather and textile indus- tors as the major oil producing country try, but most plants have remained closed grapples with fuel shortages due to its since throwing in the towel in the 1980s In Ghana, post-election fiscal derelict refineries. and 1990s. “We can’t operate without black oil Goni said he had to fire 2,500 workers, (petrol), it’s very expensive and also very joining an army of unemployed from which crunch is politics as normal scarce,” he said. Boko Haram jihadists waging an insur- President Muhammadu Buhari hopes to gency in the northeast have been recruit- revive the once flourishing textile and ing. “We are getting the people out of the leather industries in northern Nigeria to woods,” he said. “Once we are able to start ACCRA: Ghana’s President Nana Akufo- month on pledges to spend the equiva- Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta by government and opposition parties. end the country’s dependence on oil the factory, we will solve a lot of this prob- Addo has taken power with ambitious lent of $1 million a year on development acknowledges the balancing act. “One The current overshoot has several exports and diversify Africa’s biggest econ- lem of unemployment.” —Reuters plans to revive once spectacular eco- in each of Ghana’s 275 parliamentary thing that I can commit to is there will be causes. Shortly before his defeat after nomic growth, only to discover a $1.6 bil- constituencies, build a dam in every vil- discipline. One thing that I can also only one full term in office, Mahama lion hole in the budget and a deficit lage to ensure reliable water supplies assure you is that we are pro-private sec- toured the country opening new twice as high as expected. He may have and bring a factory to every district. In tor,” he told reporters. “(But) you cannot schools, roads and bridges. But many of Insurer Anthem fires back at Cigna a strong sense of deja vu. The country winning a big victory in December over win a sweeping mandate of this nature these projects, and spending on them, has a vigorous democracy, with voters incumbent John Mahama, he also prom- where the cry out there is for jobs and had been underway for several years. INDIANAPOLIS: Health insurers Anthem and plaint landed in federal court. The two ready to eject any leader who falls short ised to cut taxes. His plan is to stimulate come and have a budget that does not Revealing that the new government had Cigna are now trading lawsuits instead of companies announced Anthem’s plan to of expectations. But for a third successive private sector investment to raise eco- seem to address that,” added Ofori-Atta, inherited debt from state-owned enter- working together to salvage their shaky $48- buy Cigna in 2015 a few weeks after two time, the national finances have gone off nomic growth - which peaked at 14 per- a former investment banker. prises and government ministries of at billion buyout agreement. The Blue Cross-Blue other insurers, Aetna Inc. and Humana track before elections, forcing the winner cent in 2011 - back into double digits least 7 billion cedis ($1.6 billion), Ofori- Shield carrier Anthem said yesterday that it is Inc., announced a similar combination. to confront a fiscal crunch. from around 4 percent last year. “UNCHECKED OVERSPENDING” Atta said “unchecked overspending” was seeking a restraining order to block its smaller But the Department of Justice sued to With Ghana more than half way The government said last week it While the budget crises have coincid- part of the problem but he also blamed rival from terminating their deal, which has stop both acquisitions, and separate fed- through a three-year International would follow through on its promise to ed with the four-yearly election cycle, decreased revenue. already been blocked by a federal judge. eral judges recently rejected them after a Monetary Fund program, the new gov- make secondary school education free. It Ghana does not entirely fit the model of Ghana’s boom years were fuelled by Cigna announced Tuesday that it was trial partially over concerns about their ernment must reveal in its first budget has adopted a triple track approach: struggling governments spending freely exports of oil, gold and cocoa. The suing Anthem and seeking more than impact on consumers. next month how it intends to restore preparing the budget, reassuring just before voting in the hope of holding 2014-15 dive in commodity prices hit it $13 billion in damages for what it says Aetna and Humana announced Tuesday financial discipline while staying true to investors who are major holders of on to power. The fiscal blowout in the hard, along with a technical fault that were Anthem’s breaches of the merger they were ending their deal. But Anthem Akufo-Addo’s election promises to boost Ghana’s local currency and dollar debt 2012 election year was largely due to halted production last year at its Jubilee agreement. Anthem had filed documents said yesterday that there still was enough growth and fight poverty. that it will not overspend, and holding pay rises for civil servants. But this was oil field, operated by British company seeking an expedited appeal to the time and “a viable path forward” for complet- Akufo-Addo entered office last fresh talks with the IMF. part of a long-term wage reform agreed Tullow. —Reuters judge’s ruling a day before Cigna’s com- ing its deal.—AP EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Canadian dollar 234.460 Nepalese Rupees 3.855 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037390 0.040140 Turkish lira 84.280 Malaysian Ringgit 69.675 Indian Rupee 0.002685 0.004908 Swiss Franc 306.230 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 44.985 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 ASIAN COUNTRIES Australian Dollar 236.660 Japanese Yen 0.002592 0.002772 Japanese Yen 2.681 Thai Bhat 9.730 US Dollar Buying 306.650 Turkish Lira 84.230 Kenyan Shilling 0.002949 0.002949 Indian Rupees 4.580 Korean Won 0.000258 0.000273 Pakistani Rupees 2.912 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.064918 0.070918 Srilankan Rupees 2.035 20 Gram 251.040 Bahrain Exchange Company Nepalese Rupee 0.003088 0.003258 Nepali Rupees 2.866 10 Gram 128.440 Pakistan Rupee 0.002643 0.002933 Singapore Dollar 216.650 5 Gram 65.060 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 0.006028 0.006328 Hongkong Dollar 3.481 Sierra Leone 0.000039 0.000045 Bangladesh Taka 3.856 Europe British Pound 0.375054 0.385054 Singapore Dollar 0.210201 0.220201 Philippine Peso 6.132 South African Rand 0.017364 0.025864 Thai Baht 8.759 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Czech Korune 0.003968 0.015968 Danish Krone 0.039494 0.044494 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001683 0.002263 Euro 0. 318469 0.327469 Taiwan 0.009851 0.010031 GCC COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Thai Baht 0.008387 0.008937 Saudi Riyal 81.784 Norwegian Krone 0.032411 0.037611 US Dollar 306.000 Romanian Leu 0.071789 0.071789 Qatari Riyal 83.867 Canadian Dolla 234.715 Arab ani Riyal 793.000 Slovakia 0.009190 0.019190 Sterling Pound 382.870 Swedish Krona 0.030219 0.035219 Bahraini Dinar 0.806028 0.814528 Bahraini Dinar 814.000 Euro 325.295 Egyptian Pound 0.011999 0.021252 UAE Dirham 83.463 Swiss Franc 0.297797 0.308797 Swiss Frank 305.690 Turkish Lira 0.077483 0.087783 Iranian Riyal 0.000085 0.000086 Bahrain Dinar 811.180 Iraqi Dinar 0.000187 0.000247 ARAB COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 83.705 Australasia Jordanian Dinar 0.426425 0.435425 Egyptian Pound - Cash 21.200 Qatari Riyals 84.925 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 18.584 Australian Dollar 0.226617 0.238617 Saudi Riyals 82.525 New Zealand Dollar 0.213334 0.222834 Lebanese Pound 0.000153 0.000253 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.230 Jordanian Dinar 432.760 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020174 0.044174 Tunisian Dinar 134.660 Egyptian Pound 18.668 America Nigerian Naira 0.000404 0.001039 Jordanian Dinar 431.570 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.036 Omani Riyal 0.789293 0.794973 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.042 Canadian Dollar 0.228820 0.2379820 Indian Rupees 4.576 Georgina Lari 0.138366 0.138366 Qatar Riyal 0.083335 0.084785 Syrian Lira 2.184 Pakistani Rupees 2.919 Saudi Riyal 0.080607 0.081907 Morocco Dirham 30.944 US Dollars 0.302250 0.306650 Bangladesh Taka 3.865 US Dollars Mint 0.302750 0.306650 Syrian Pound 0.001299 0.001519 Philippines Pesso 6.132 Tunisian Dinar 0.130243 0.138243 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Cyprus pound 168.040 Turkish Lira 0.077483 0.087783 US Dollar Transfer 306.350 Asia Japanese Yen 3.675 Bangladesh Taka 0.003626 0.004210 UAE Dirhams 0.081983 0.083683 Euro 325.800 Syrian Pound 2.425 Yemeni Riyal 0.000996 0.001076 Sterling Pound 3437.000 Chinese Yuan 0.043210 0.046620 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 BUSINESS

EU’s Moscovici urges quick Greece debt compromise

ATHENS: Top EU economics official mary balance, or budget surplus before breakthrough. On Tuesday the Greek Pierre Moscovici urged Greece and its debt repayments, of 3.5 percent of GDP. government hailed figures showing the creditors yesterday to try and reach a The IMF has said only 1.5 percent is feasi- country had returned to annual growth compromise over the cash-strapped ble. The Tsipras government refuses in 2016, using it for a fresh assault on country’s bailout terms in the next few more pension cuts and tax hikes, which further austerity measures. “key days”. the IMF-quietly backed by Germany- Early estimates from the national sta- The former French finance minister insists are necessary for Greece to deliv- tistics office and projections from spoke during a visit to Athens aimed at er on its targets. Brussels showed growth of 0.3 percent breaking the deadlock between Greece last year. Moscovici welcomed the and its eurozone and International ‘Tunnel of austerity’ growth and called for a “reformed Monetary Fund (IMF) lenders, which has The feuding has blocked a tranche of Greece in the heart of the eurozone,” raised fears of a fresh debt crisis. loans from Greece’s 86 billion euro ($91 defying concerns over the country’s His trip came five days before a meet- billion) bailout that it needs for debt future in the monetary union. ing of eurozone ministers that is seen as repayments of 7.0 billion euros this sum- an unofficial deadline to end the stale- mer. Considered an ally of Greece, More time needed mate ahead of important elections in Moscovici said that although more Despite the commissioner’s push for Europe. “We have a few key days, let’s reforms would be necessary, it was an agreement next week, Eurogroup concentrate now to finish all these talks. important to tell Greek people “that chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem warned on The parameters are on the table, every- there is a light at the end of the tunnel of Tuesday warned that the standoff was body knows them,” Moscovici told austerity”. likely to drag on. ATHENS: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (L) smiles as he speaks with top reporters after meeting Prime Minister “We must strike the right balance “The IMF has to come on board,” he EU economic affairs official Pierre Moscovici during their meeting in Athens Alexis Tsipras and Finance Minister between fiscal sustainability on the one told Dutch broadcaster RTL Z. “It will yesterday.—AFP Euclid Tsakalotos. hand, but also prosperity and the neces- take more time. People think that as The EU commissioner said he was sity to address... the concerns of those there is a Eurogroup meeting next week able” and “will become explosive in the there is now a gap between our figures confident of progress towards a deal “if who suffer from poverty or unemploy- we must have something worked out. long run”. But European Commission and those of the IMF” he told German efforts are made by all sides”. The IMF ment,” he said. But that has not been my planning.” An vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said newspaper Handelsblatt yesterday, and Europe are split over a demand by Talks in Brussels between Greece and IMF report obtained by AFP last week the outlook from the Washington-based expressing hope that the gap could be the eurozone that Greece deliver a pri- its creditors on Friday ended with no said Greece’s debt “is highly unsustain- fund was “very pessimistic”. “That’s why filled. —AFP

Keep taking the meds, Protectionism, political risk OECD tells ailing Italy threaten eurozone revival ROME: Italy needs to step up reforms if it with more than 300 billion euros (dollars) is to make a full recovery from an eco- worth of non-performing loans, address- Impending EU-Britain divorce to compound crisis nomic crisis that caused poverty and ing skill shortages much worse than in inequality to surge while investment col- comparable countries and reducing BERLIN: Potential anti-establishment upsets in lapsed, the OECD said yesterday. poverty levels that have hit children national elections in France, the Netherlands The call for an acceleration of change hardest. “In 2015, 11 percent of Italian and Germany, alongside a global rise in protec- came in a survey that highlighted a dev- residents under the age of 17 were living tionism pose the biggest threats to the euro- astating investment crunch, serious dis- in what we consider absolute poverty. In zone economy, according to a majority of econ- parities in income and education, a five- 2006 it was only three percent,” Gurria omists polled by Reuters. fold increase in child poverty and pro- said. “Those figures are a signal of a need These risks come ahead of the threat of ductivity levels that are still declining. for urgent action.” impending divorce negotiations between the Although the economy emerged in 2015 Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan European Union and Britain becoming frac- from eight years of stagnation and reces- said he agreed with the OECD’s assess- tious, which was the number one concern for sion, output per head remains ten per- ment of where Italy was, insisting the Britain in a similar Reuters poll published this cent lower than in 2007, and roughly the government was committed to reducing week. The findings, released yesterday, contrast same as in 1997, the Organization for poverty. “That’s not only ethically the with financial markets around the globe, partic- Economic Cooperation and right thing to do, it is also economically ularly stock markets, being priced for a lot of Development said. Investment, after efficient to promote inclusive growth,” positive news. allowing for inflation, is running at 70 the veteran economist said. “With populist parties still gaining support percent of 2007 levels. The OECD highlighted Italy’s notori- and opinion polls consistently proving unreli- The think tank of the world’s most ous bureaucracy, its snail-paced legal sys- able, there are plenty of events that could advanced economies did offer encour- tem and chronic tax evasion as serious unsettle markets,” Simon Wells, chief European agement to the country’s centre-left gov- obstacles to economic progress. economist at HSBC, said. ernment, hailing its flagship Jobs Act as The eurozone economy is forecast to grow an ambitious labour market reform that ‘Dolce Vita’ factor was already generating jobs something “Public-administration inefficiencies, 0.4 percent in coming quarters, a respectable which is disputed by trade unions and slow judicial processes, poorly designed pace by recent historical standards, the latest others in Italy. “Reforms are producing regulation and weak competition still survey taken Feb 9-15 showed. Few economists results, that’s the basic message I would make it difficult to do business in Italy,” strayed far from the median view, and those like to give,” Angel Gurria, the OECD’s the survey notes. “Innovative start-ups decent-yet-uninspiring growth predictions have Secretary General, told a press confer- and small/medium-sized companies con- barely budged over the last two years in Reuters ence. And the Paris-based number tinue to suffer from difficult access to polls. Still, most economists who answered an crunchers also provided the government bank and equity finance, curbing additional question said the recent revival in the with some comforting words of support incomes for many.” Tax arrears stood at eurozone economy is sustainable. But with the in its running battle with European Union 750 billion euros in September 2015 - European Central Bank already purchasing tens officials over budget discipline. equivalent to nearly 1,250 euros for every of billions of euros a month in bonds and its key person in the country. interest rates at zero or negative, there is little Child poverty surges And it is it is not only the fault of more it can feasibly do to revive the economy The survey notes that a “broadly dodgers: the World Bank puts Italy 126 should it stumble. appropriate” and “mildly expansionary” out of 190 countries in a ranking for ease That leaves the pace of economic growth, PARIS: French Economy and Finance Minister Michel Sapin speaks during a session of ques- fiscal policy was underpinning growth of calculating and paying taxes. much like that of the United States and Britain, tions to the government at the French National Assembly in Paris yesterday.—AFP predicted to continue at a sickly rate of The OECD also highlighted highly vulnerable to political forces at a time when around one percent through this year unequal access to education and appro- global trade is at risk. Inflation expectations and next. It also states that investment in priate training as being acute issues, not- remain well below the ECB’s target of just under infrastructure, one of the government’s ing that literacy levels were among the 2 percent until at least 2019. Inflation is predict- Millions to fight food industry sources of contention with Brussels, lowest of its 20 member states. ed to average 1.5 percent this year and 1.4 per- would be crucial to addressing the pro- It was not all bad news however. The cent next, similar to a poll in January. sway, from a snack bar CEO ductivity problem. “dolce vita” (sweet life) factor still puts “With growth set to maintain a slow but But Gurria’s list of the challenges faced Italy above comparable countries for steady pace, underlying price pressures are like- by the Italian economy was a daunting work-life balance, social connections and NEW YORK: A $25 million pledge to fight group does not accept industry funding. ly to stay muted. Although headline inflation is the food industry’s influence on public That raises the question of whether Feed one. They included: reversing the inter- levels of health and longevity, albeit with set to rise due to the drag from lower energy linked slide in investment and productiv- considerable disparities across social health is coming from a surprising source - the Truth will accept money from other prices ending, core inflation remains stubbornly the CEO of a snack bar maker. Kind founder food companies, and if so, under what ity, cleaning up a banking sector saddled classes and regions. — AFP low,” noted HSBC’s Wells. The recent optimism Daniel Lubetzky says he’s pledging his own terms. Lubetzky said that will be up to the on the region’s economic outlook has coincided money to create a group called “Feed the board and director. The irony of such a with a weak euro, making the currency bloc’s Truth” dedicated to revealing corporate group being established by a snack bar exports relatively cheap on world markets. The influence in the nutrition field, with activi- CEO is not lost on Marion Nestle, a profes- Danone to slash costs euro is predicted to weaken 3 percent against the dollar over the coming year, a separate ties like education campaigns and inves- sor of food studies at New York University Reuters poll of FX analysts showed. tigative journalism. who is helping nominate the board. She as sales growth slows The move underscores the division said she usually keeps industry at arm’s Political risk rising between older “Big Food” companies and length, but found Lubetzky “very persua- In recent weeks, the euro has come under newer businesses that market themselves sive” and felt Feed the Truth could raise PARIS: French dairy giant Danone unveiled 21.9 billion euros, largely due to exchange as wholesome alternatives aligned with awareness about corporate influence in a one-billion-euro ($1.1-billion) cost-cut- rate effects. pressure in the run up to the French presidential health advocates. Kind, known for its fruit nutrition research. ting program yesterday as it said that sales On a like-for-like basis, sales grew by 2.9 election. The latest opinion polls show far-right growth slowed last year. Danone said in a percent, slower than the rate of 4.4 percent National Front leader Marine Le Pen winning and nut bars, touts its use of “real” ingredi- Deb Eschmeyer, a senior policy adviser statement that although it turned in a recorded the previous year. Looking ahead, the first round of the election, but the losing ents and has proven deft at mixing market- on nutrition under the Obama administra- “robust” performance last year, it needed to Danone said it expected economic condi- heavily to independent candidate Emmanuel ing with nutrition issues. A public health tion, said the project reflects the new ways improve costs in order to face up to the tions to “remain particularly volatile and Macron or slightly less heavily to conservative and ethics expert not involved with the companies and executives are engaging current challenges. “While we delivered a uncertain overall, with persistently fragile Francois Fillon in the second round. group says much depends on how it is set with the public. Michael Jacobson, execu- robust performance... the challenges we or even deflationary consumer trends in Despite this, few are discounting an upset up, and that one tactic to neutralize poten- tive director of CSPI, said the money being faced, including a slower turnaround of Europe, and specific contextual difficulties give the failure of polls in recent British and US tial critics is to engage them. pledged in advance should help give the dairy in Europe and major market volatility, in a few major markets,” including Russia, votes. “A victory for Ms Le Pen is well within the Three high-profile health and nutrition group independence. Kind said the three are a clear case to step up in our ability to China and Brazil. bounds of possibility,” said Florian Baier, senior experts have been enlisted to name Feed advisers are not being paid, though it cov- seize consumer opportunities and improve In the face of this, it would embark on a economist at Fathom. “Latest polls show that the Truth’s board, which will hire an execu- ered Nestle’s travel costs for a meeting. The our efficiency,” said chief executive program to cut selling and administrative Ms. Le Pen will make it to the second round, tive director. Lubetzky said he and Kind will company said it would not be involved Emmanuel Faber. costs by one billion euros by 2020, and lift which she will then lose...(but) polls have got it have no involvement, and the group will be once the board is established. Danone said its net profit jumped by 34 operating margins, Danone said. Danone is wrong before. Mr Trump won, and Brexit hap- free to scrutinize the company. “We don’t Leigh Turner, a professor at the percent to 1.7 billion euros ($1.8 billion) in in the process of acquiring the US organic pened.” Over 90 percent of the 42 economists have any skeletons in our closet,” he said. University of Minnesota’s School of Public 2016, but sales declined by 2.1 percent to foods producer WhiteWave Foods. — AFP who answered an extra question in the latest Since Kind was launched in 2004, the Health, said that whether the group survey said a win for the National Front party company’s annual revenue has grown to remains free from Lubetzky and Kind’s was unlikely. Economists also gave a very low $673.4 million, according to market influence remains to be seen. He noted probability of any country leaving the currency researcher Euromonitor. The company was that engaging critics is one way for compa- union over the next few years. in the spotlight after the Food and Drug nies to neutralize them, and that the group That suggests the outlook for the eurozone Administration warned that it was inappro- could be a boon to Kind’s image. economy, which is widely believed to lack the priately using the term “healthy” on pack- “This is a business that wants to present momentum to withstand a major political aging. Kind launched a petition asking the itself as a healthy alternative to candy bars,” change, is based on the assumption that the FDA to update its guidelines, saying the fat Turner said. As an example of how Kind political status quo across the region is main- in almonds and avocados shouldn’t count presents itself, the company launched a tained. “It is not our central scenario that she (Le against it, and declared victory when the “Nutrition Collective” for dietitians last year, Pen) wins, but the risk scenario is that she wins agency said last year it was re-evaluating. which it said was for discussion of major as the chances of that happening is higher than Lubetzky cited that experience and public health issues. A signup page said what is priced into the markets,” Fathom’s Baier recent reporting by The Associated Press members would not be paid, but being said. “If Le Pen wins the French election then it is and The New York Times revealing the food involved included letting people how “Kind the end of the euro area as we know it.” If the industry’s influence on nutrition science for can be a part of their National Front wins the election, it pledges to his decision to create Feed the Truth. Kind new lifestyle.” Although Feed the Truth hold a European Union referendum within six said he will sign a letter of intent to donate may boost Kind’s image, Lubetzky said that months, abandon the euro and reintroduce the $2.5 million a year for the next 10 years. wasn’t the goal. “I would hope that people franc as the country’s primary currency. Far- Lubetzky said he did not donate the say, OK, these guys are doing the right right and anti-establishment parties in the money to the Center for Science in the thing for society, I’m going to be more loy- PARIS: French Food group Danone CEO Emmanuel Faber poses prior to attend the Netherlands and Italy also want to leave the Public Interest because the advocacy al to the brand,” Lubetzky said. — AP presentation of the group’s 2016 results in Paris yesterday.—AFP eurozone.—Reuters THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 BUSINESS World stocks rise towards record high

LONDON: World stocks rose to a whisker since May 2015 and two points off its soft UK wage growth data. Yellen’s remarks by a weaker yen. US futures pointed to Juckes, head of FX strategy at Societe off all-time highs yesterday and the dollar record high. It has not fallen for six ses- helped push Wall Street by boosting US a flat open on Wall Street. Generale in London. rose for the 11th straight day following sions, its longest such run since last July. bank stocks. Goldman Sachs shares hit a The dollar was a shade higher at Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s flag- “The simple act of leaving a March (US) record high, and are up 37 percent since PUNCHY DOLLAR 114.40 yen after rising to a two-week ging of a possible interest rate rise next hike on the table, given that it had been all the US presidential election on Nov 8. The dollar index against a basket of high of 114.50 the previous day, while month. The dollar notched up its longest but written off by investors, is what trig- Financials also led the way in Europe, with major currencies chalked up its longest the euro slipped to a one-month low of winning streak in almost five years after gered such a reaction,” said Craig Erlam, Credit Agricole up more than 3 percent winning streak since May 2015. It was $1.05525. It was last at $1.0560. Yellen said on Tuesday the Fed would prob- senior market analyst at Oanda. after France’s biggest retail bank beat fore- up 0.2 percent at 101.220, near a four- Sterling was the big mover in FX, ably need to raise rates at an upcoming Europe’s index of leading 300 stocks rose casts with a smaller than expected earnings week high of 101.380 scaled overnight. sliding 0.5 percent to $1.2410 after fig- meeting and that delaying could leave the nearly 1 percent earlier to its highest since drop in the fourth quarter. Yellen’s remarks rekindled expecta- ures showed that UK wage growth central bank’s policymaking committee December 2015, but by mid-session had Six of the top 10 gainers in Europe were tions in some quarters for the Fed to slowed unexpectedly at the end of last behind the curve. settled back to trade up 0.4 percent on the banks. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific raise rates three times in 2017 rather year, thereby cooling inflationary pres- Propelled by record highs on Wall Street, day at 1,465 points. Germany’s DAX was up shares outside Japan rose 0.7 percent, ris- than twice. The futures market did not sures and the need for tighter mone- MSCI’s benchmark global equity index rose 0.2 percent and Britain’s FTSE was up 0.5 ing to its highest since July 2015. Japan’s share this view amid doubts about the tary policy. The dollar was supported as 0.25 percent to 442.4 points , its highest percent, boosted by sterling’s slide after Nikkei added more than 1 percent, buoyed US economy’s ability to sustain three US Treasury yields rose on the Fed hikes. Yellen testifies to Congress again Chair’s comments, with the benchmark yesterday, this time to the House of 10-year yield climbing four basis points Representatives. to an 11-day high of 2.50 percent the According to CME Group’s FedWatch previous day. They were last at 2.48 data, US interest rate futures implied an percent. around 30 percent chance of at least The stronger dollar, which puts non- three increases this year, little changed US buyers of dollar-denominated com- from the previous day - though the modities at a disadvantage, weighed on chance rose above 40 percent immedi- crude oil prices. US crude was down 0.6 ately after Yellen’s comments. “That percent at $52.86 a barrel and Brent kind of rate re-think is dollar-friendly, also shed 0.6 percent to $55.65 a barrel. but too timid to derail the risk rally that Crude already came under pressure the starts in US equities and spreads into previous day on evidence of surging US emerging market currencies,” said Kit stockpiles. —Reuters

TOKYO: A man walks past an electric quotation board flashing the Nikkei key index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) in front of a securities company in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

KUWAIT: Attendees at the event A group photograph of the members. Al-Sayer renews social commitment with Atahub partnership

KUWAIT: As part of the ongoing Corporate Co, Nehad AlHaj Ali DGM Corporate volunteers, corporates and communities passion for social initiatives. And this gives business” is a whole system concept, span- Sustainability and Responsibility (CSR) Excellence, Shibu Mohamed CSR Manager, with our programs to make it more visible close encounter with the community and ning every dimension of our operations - efforts, Al-Sayer Group Holding has Deputy Manager for Marketing Bader Faisal and reachable to the desired societies. We corporates to define best suitable CSR pro- financial performance, social responsibility, announced partnership agreement of Al-Sayer and Bedour Faisal Al-Sayer, positively look to work closely with volun- grams, to connect deeply with beneficiaries employees and customer well-being, and ATAHUB ‘Believer Package’ membership. Abdullah Al-Sayer Manager Strategic tary group and individuals to give back our to create value proposition.” care for the environment, all working hand The official signing ceremony held recently Planning and Business Development along best to the Kuwait society, who supported ATAHUB a non-profit initiative, and a in hand. And one of the key principle to at the Group Headquarters in the presence with community partners of ATAHUB Al-Sayer to grow step by step.” network of cooperation which will meet guide our CSR implementation is to sup- of Faisal Bader Al-Sayer Chairman, including PAWS, KSGD, KESWA, GHIRAS, Farid AlFozan of ATAHUB commented volunteers and civil society organizations, port regional initiatives to promote sustain- Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer Executive Board FSRI, Manpower & Government “Al-Sayer Group’s ‘Believer Package’ partner- public and private sectors, to work diligent- ability and social responsibilities where we Member and Chairman of CSR Committee, Restructuring Program. ship member will give great encourage- ly to serve the community and to influence do business. The Group envisions the rela- Bengt Schultz COO, Ibrahim Al-Fouzan Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer Executive ment to the online ATAHUB platform, which it, and confirmed it aims to raise communi- tionship with ATAHUB to form part of the Toyota Group Service Business Director and Board Member and Chairman of the CSR brings volunteers for a common goal: to ty awareness and cooperation and partici- company’s CSR strategies, which are based Vice Chairman of the CSR Committee, Farid Committee said “Our relationship with server society. The community service pation in the initiatives that have a positive on a belief that such initiatives help AlFozan ATAHUB representative, Dr ATAHUB will bring new dimension to Al- through a collaborative network of volun- return on the community and its needs. strengthen its role within society as well as Fatemah Al-Mosawi Founder of Spread the Sayer Group Holding Corporate teers makes the greatest possible social advancing innovation to our planned pro- Passion. Sustainability and Responsibility initiatives impact, and using the latest technologies Al-Sayer Group efforts grams including road safety, disability The event was also attended by Hamad in Kuwait. Such online and open platform and methods in this era is apt to gather towards sustainability awareness, promote education and Musaed Al Sayer CEO Al-Sayer Franchising shall bring one to one engagement of the people with common understanding and For Al-Sayer Group Holding, “sustainable Kuwaitization.

KUWAIT: Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer, Executive Board Member (left) Al- KUWAIT: Faisal Bader Al-Sayer, Chairman Al-Sayer Group Holding at the KUWAIT: Faisal Bader Al-Sayer at asigning ceremony Sayer Group Holding and Farid AlFozan of ATAHUB. signing ceremony GM, PSA bosses try to sell Europe deal amid criticism German govt talks to carmakers on future of plants

FRANKFURT/PARIS: The bosses of General brands with the French group’s Peugeot, Luton, north of London, and supports other Motors and Peugeot maker PSA were racing Citroen and DS names raised fears that the jobs through supply chain and retail links. yesterday to contain anger in Germany over British Vauxhall brand could look vulnerable if The Unite workers’ union said the president their plans for PSA to buy GM’s European busi- an enlarged group needs to cut costs. of GM had given a private assurance last year ness Opel. GM Chief Executive Mary Barra vis- “The government remains in close contact that there would be no surprises in terms of ited Opel’s headquarters in Ruesselsheim near with GM as we closely monitor the situation,” GM’s plants in Britain, and that these commit- Frankfurt, while PSA said its CEO Carlos a spokesman for the British Department of ments had not been upheld. “To Peugeot I say, Tavares planned to meet senior German offi- Business said, adding that the minister Greg talk to us,” Unite General Secretary Len WASHINGTON: Boeing 737 MAX winglets, which sweep up and down from the cials, possibly including Chancellor Angela Clark had already raised his concerns with GM McCluskey said in a statement. “Our members wingtip and differ from the current 737 model with its single upward wingtip Merkel, in the near future. US carmaker GM President Dan Ammann. have helped to make the UK auto industry the sweep, stand already painted in the Lion Air livery as the wing is assembled at and France’s PSA Group caused outrage in Britain’s car industry, which ships more most competitive and productive in Europe Boeing’s airplane production facility in Renton, Washington.—AP Germany on Tuesday by confirming they were than half of its exports to the other 27 coun- and will do so again with the right backing.” in talks that could result in PSA buying GM’s tries in the EU, had lobbied hard against McCluskey met Business Minister Clark yester- European operations without having consult- Brexit. Since the vote last June, Prime Minister day to discuss the potential impact on Boeing vote tells next chapter ed Berlin or informed workers. May has said that Britain will leave the EU sin- Vauxhall and said he had urged the govern- Opel employs the majority of its workers, gle market, which guarantees unfettered ment to give the same assurances it had given in Southern unionization about 28,000 people, in Germany. It also has trade on the continent, but suggested that to Nissan to other carmakers. “It cannot be plants in Austria, Hungary, Poland, Spain and certain industries may be able to retain ele- that the future of UK car workers’ jobs now lie NORTH CHARLESTON, SC: Nearly 3,000 she sold companies on why they should Britain, where it uses the Vauxhall brand. ments of free trade. Vauxhall employs around in the hands of the French government and production workers at Boeing’s South come to the state. “We’ll make the unions Germany’s labour minister said yesterday 4,500 staff in two plants near Liverpool and their backing for Peugeot,” he said. —Agencies Carolina plant are deciding whether they understand full well that they are not want to unionize, writing the next chap- needed, not wanted and not welcome in there were talks “at all levels” with Opel, GM ter in efforts to organize labor in large the state of South Carolina.” and PSA to ensure that Opel’s three plants in manufacturing plants across the South. Germany remained open in the event of a The first round of voting began early yes- Tactic works sale. “The German government intensively terday. A second round of voting was set At least that part of the tactic has discussed at a cabinet meeting today the for the afternoon to accommodate all the worked. While some South Carolina issue of Opel,” Andrea Nahles said after the employees. workers have representation - just more cabinet meeting. Separately, Britain’s If successful, the balloting on whether than 1,900, according to the US Bureau of Department for Business said it was in close employees should join the International Labor Statistics’ 2016 figures - most don’t. contact with GM over the potential deal. GM’s Association of Machinists and Aerospace Other major manufacturers in the state, Vauxhall plants employ 4,500 staff near Workers would send a significant mes- including BMW and Michelin, aren’t Liverpool, northwest England, and Luton, sage to politicians both in the region and unionized or haven’t experienced major north of London. Washington that workers here are campaigns to do so. The Machinists ini- demanding the same protections and tially petitioned for a vote at Boeing in UK raises alarm benefits as their colleagues in other 2015 but withdrew the request because Meanwhile, Britain and its leading union areas. And, to the leaders trying to recruit of what the union called a toxic atmos- expressed concerns yesterday at a plan by businesses by promoting their states’ lack phere and political interference. General Motors to sell its European operations of union presence, it’d make their jobs Southern states for decades have recruit- to France’s PSA Group in a deal that could put more difficult. ed manufacturers by promising freedom GM’s Vauxhall operations in England at risk But this most recent test of Southern from the influences of labor unions, after Brexit. acceptance of collective bargaining which except for some textile mills have movements is an uphill battle for the been historically rejected by workers as Britain’s largely foreign-owned car industry union and its backers. The global aviation collective action culturally foreign to a has thrived in recent years, but the vote to giant, which came to South Carolina in South built around family farms, said leave the European Union has cast doubt on part because of the state’s minuscule Jeffrey Hirsch, a law professor who spe- future growth by raising the prospect of tariffs union presence, did so with the aid of cializes in labor relations at the University which would make UK plants less competitive. millions of dollars in state assistance of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prime Minister Theresa May’s government has made possible by officials who spoke out A successful union vote at Boeing already been forced to pull a deal together to frequently and glowingly with anti-union would have a greater impact on the gen- persuade Nissan to keep investing in Britain, messages. eral view of labor in the South than saying it would counter any loss of competi- “It is an economic development tool,” efforts by autoworkers to unionize tiveness caused by Brexit. Gov. Nikki Haley, now President Donald Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, On Tuesday the news that GM had entered Trump’s ambassador to the United as a foothold for organizing other into talks with France’s PSA over a deal to LILLE: A man stands in front of the logo of German car maker Opel in Lille, northern France, Nations, said in a 2012 address of how Southern car plants. —AP merge its loss-making Opel and Vauxhall yesterday.—AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 business

Ooredoo continues to give Xpress customers 100% extra credit National holidays celebration surprise to be announced soon

KUWAIT: Ooredoo, Kuwait’s fastest network, is company feels committed to enriching the experi- freedom to subscribe to add-on plans at competi- continuing its February offer, which gives prepaid ence of its customers, including the prepaid seg- tive prices that include internet, international calls customers double their credit upon each recharge ment. Ooredoo has recently simplified our prepaid or local calls. transaction for free. The offer comes in alignment plans to give our customers more flexibility and Ooredoo’s operations in Kuwait date back to with Ooredoo’s strategy which is based on caring, freedom. The new plans give customers more free- December 1999 when it launched wireless services to the needs of consumers and businesses across connecting and challenging, and which aims to dom to add the features that suit their needs from as the second operator. The company today pro- markets in the Middle East, North Africa and South- enrich the lives of customers through telecommu- different add-ons at different values, whether they vides mobile, broadband internet and corporate East Asia. As a community-focused company, nication services. are international minutes, local minutes, or internet. managed services tailored to the needs of cus- Ooredoo is guided by its vision of enriching peo- Recharge transactions will be doubled by 100 Additionally, the company announced that it tomers and businesses. Ooredoo is guided by its ple’s lives and its belief that it can stimulate human percent from 1 February to 28 February. The addi- will launch a special surprise on the occasion of the vision of enriching people’s lives and its belief that growth by leveraging communications to help peo- tional credit is valid for 5 days, and can be used national holiday, and will announce the details it can stimulate human growth by leveraging com- ple achieve their full potential. Ooredoo has a pres- for local calls, SMS and internet on a pay-as-you- about it soon. Ooredoo has recently relaunched its munications to help people achieve their full ence in markets such as Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, go basis. Xpress prepaid plans, with streamlined simplified potential. Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, the Maldives and Commenting on this, Ooredoo stated its com- plans at KD 5 for a SIM card. Customers can sub- Ooredoo is a leading international communica- Indonesia. The company was named “Best Mobile mitment to delivering the best in-class products to scribe to a main bundle that includes internet and tions company delivering mobile, fixed, broadband Operator of the Year” at the World Communication our customers, with the highest standards. The local calls, starting at KD 3 per month, and have the internet and corporate managed services tailored Awards 2013.

Burgan Bank announces winner of Al-Thuraya Account draw

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yester- base. Burgan Bank has majority owned day Robert Drolet as the lucky winner of subsidiaries in the MENAT region support- the Al-Thuraya Salary Account monthly ed by one of the largest regional branch draw. The winner expressed his excitement networks. for being presented with a Nissan Patrol The Bank has continuously improved its SUV. The draw rewards new and existing performance over the years through an customers who transfer their salary to expanded revenue structure, diversified Burgan Bank a chance to win a Nissan funding sources, and a strong capital base. Patrol SUV every month and with every KD The adoption of state-of-the-art services 10 available in the account, the customer and technology has positioned it as a receives one chance to enter the draw. trendsetter in the domestic market and The Al-Thuraya Account’s features range within the MENA region. Burgan Bank’s from the option to hold money in Kuwaiti brand has been created on a foundation of dinar and any other major currencies, real values - of trust, commitment, excel- access to account-related services such as lence and progression, to remind us of the standing orders, loans and credit cards and high standards to which we aspire. ‘People much more. Customers’ wishing to open come first’ is the foundation on which its an Al-Thuraya account can do so by simply products and services are developed. visiting the nearest Burgan Bank branch The bank was re-certified with the pres- and obtain all the necessary details, or sim- tigious ISO 9001:2008, making it the first ply call the bank’s call center on 1804080. bank in the GCC, and the only bank in Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the Kuwait to receive such accreditation for youngest commercial Bank and second the third consecutive year. The Bank also largest by assets in Kuwait, with a signifi- has to its credit the distinction of being the cant focus on the corporate and financial only Bank in Kuwait to have won the JP institutions sectors, as well as having a Morgan Chase Quality Recognition Award Batumi-Georgia Flydubai unveils three new growing retail, and private bank customer for twelve consecutive years. destinations for the summer Dubai-based carrier to fly to Batumi, Qabala and Tivat

KUWAIT: Dubai-based flydubai yesterday requirements,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief new summer flights will be strong in both announced the addition of three new destina- Executive Officer at flydubai, commenting on Business and Economy Class. The interest in tions for the upcoming summer season. Batumi the announcement. affordable, popular and off-the-beaten-track hol- in Georgia, Qabala in Azerbaijan and Tivat in “We continue to look for opportunities to fur- iday destinations continues to grow especially Montenegro are the latest destinations to join ther expand our network and offer our passen- from the GCC markets and these routes offer flydubai’s growing network and will operate gers more options to travel especially for the alternative options for those seeking a beach from June to September 2017. summer holiday season. These popular new holiday or city breaks ,” said Jeyhun Efendi, Following the launch of its latest popular des- routes in will complement our existing compre- Senior Vice President Commercial (UAE, EU, ME, tination, Bangkok, at the end of 2016, flydubai hensive network and will be a gateway to CIS) at flydubai. continues to diversify its network with the addi- explore this part of the region,” added Al-Ghaith. tion of more popular summer destinations for Supported by new aircraft deliveries in 2017, Batumi, Georgia passengers from Dubai and across the region. flydubai continues to widen its network which flydubai will operate three weekly flights The decision to launch these seasonal routes is comprises 93 destinations in 44 countries span- between Dubai and Batumi from 22 June to 30 in direct response to customer feedback and ning from Yekaterinburg in the north, Bangkok September 2017 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and demand for more leisure destinations on the fly- in the east, Zanzibar in the south and Prague in Saturdays. dubai network. the west. Batumi is the second largest city in Georgia, flydubai will be the first carrier to offer direct Batumi, which will be served by three flights a located on the coast of the Black Sea in the IBS becomes an accredited flights from the UAE to Qabala and Tivat, and week, will be flydubai’s second destination in country’s southwest region. Batumi is a popular the first from Dubai to Batumi. GCC nationals Georgia following Tbilisi. Qabala, which will be tourist destination known for its bustling seaside ACI examination centre will not need a visa to any of these three new served by two fights a week, is flydubai’s second resorts during the warm months of the summer. destinations, while UAE residence will receive point in Azerbaijan after Baku. While the start of The city is also an important sea port with thriv- KUWAIT: Prof Yaqoub Alrefaei, Director visa on arrival. two weekly flights to Tivat will mark flydubai’s ing shipbuilding, food processing and light man- General of the Institute of Banking Studies “We would like to thank the authorities in first entry to Montenegro following the success- ufacturing industries. announced that the IBS became an Azerbaijan, Georgia and Montenegro for making ful promotional trip that was held in October accredited examination centre in Kuwait it easier for the residents of the UAE and GCC to 2016 in partnership with Porto Montenegro. Qabala, Azerbaijan for the “ACI-Financial Markets Association visit these countries by facilitating their visa “We are confident that the demand for these flydubai will operate two weekly flights Examinations” which are coordinated by between Dubai and Qabala from 22 June to 17 Frankfurt School of Finance and September 2017 on Thursdays and Sundays. Management, Germany. Qabala, also known as Gabala, is the capital of Frankfurt School hosts the ACI Global the Gabala District one of the richest archeologi- Education Centre of ACI - The Financial cal and historic regions of Azerbaijan. Qabala is Markets Association (ACI) which is consid- considered a popular tourist destination due to ered as a prestigious world standard set- the combination of a mild climate, woods along ting body. ACI provides a suite of special- the mountains, excellent wildlife and recreation- ized examinations targeting Foreign al resorts. Exchange, Fixed Income, Money Markets, Derivatives, Repos, Asset Liability and Risk Tivat, Montenegro Management for front, middle and back- flydubai will operate two weekly flights office staff. between Dubai and Tivat from 23 June to 25 All of the ACI exams are in English and September 2017 on Mondays and Fridays. computer based. ACI offers an online- will be held on first Tuesday of each Already a popular tourist resort, Tivat is set to exam portfolio comprising the ACI month at 16:00 pm (Kuwait local time). become a nautical tourism centre for the south- Dealing Certificate, the ACI Operations There are limited examination slots avail- ern Adriatic. This coastal town in southwest Certificate and the ACI Model Code able, therefore, enrollment is on first- Montenegro is renowned for its pleasant climate Certificate as well as the ACI Suite of come first-served basis. Please learn more and natural beauty and is conveniently located a Diplomas. Examinations at The Institute about Frankfurt School at the following short drive away from Dubrovnik in Croatia and of Banking Studies examination centre link: www.fs.de/exed Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina. ABK announces second AUB allows customers to winner of February draw update civil IDs via ATMs KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank (AUB), one of the leading local our banking operations in order to ensure customer satisfac- KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) held the sec- announced. The campaign will end on 28th Islamic financial institutions that provides a wide range of tion. This is part of the Bank’s strategic vision which focuses on ond weekly ‘Update your Civil ID’ February promo- February, 2017. All winners will be contacted per- Sharia compliant banking services, announced yesterday the facilitating systems and processes to provide an enhanced cus- tion draw on Monday, 13th February, 2017 at the sonally and a winners announcement will be made launch of a new service that allows customers to update their tomer service, and one which is in line with our wide range of Bank’s Head Office in the presence of a representa- through the media. civil IDs through ATMs. The new service aims at facilitating the banking products, finance offers that we routinely launch,” tive from the Ministry of Commerce. The promo- overall banking process while also reinforcing customer satis- Huda Al-Madani concluded. tion includes a draw for each week of February, faction. AUB’s latest service allows its customers to update their with one person per draw winning an Apple data through their civil IDs in an easy and timely manner, iPhone7. through the use of the Bank’s enhanced ATM network across The lucky winner for the first ‘Update Your Civil Kuwait, without the need to visit any of the Bank’s branches. ID’ draw was Joisy Thumbanirappel Joseph, Jleeb Huda Al-Madani, AUB’s Assistant General Manager- Al-Shuyoukh Branch. Alternative Distribution Channels said, “The new update allows To enter, customers just need to insert their Civil customers to update the required information available in their IDs into an ATM at any ABK branch during February civil IDs at any given time and place through an easy-to-follow 2017 and update their information. In addition to process. Customers need only to use any of AUB’s ATMs and allowing customers to update their Civil ID details, select the ‘update personal information’ option and insert their ABK’s ATMs also offer a range of other services smart civil IDs in the ATM, which will automatically update the including withdrawing and depositing money, data required..” “Updating customers’ personal information requesting account balances and mini-statements, through the use of ATMs is a step forward in the varied services changing a PIN number and transferring funds to provided by AUB. Customers can now save a lot of time and other ABK accounts. don’t need to visit any of the branches to update their personal The next draw will be held on Monday 20th information, Al-Madani added. February, where one new lucky winner will be “At AUB, we continuously aim at providing highly enhanced services while also providing the latest technical updates across technology THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

Zenith and Ooredoo launch TV Sync for the first time in Kuwait

uring the Kuwaiti parliamentary elections scooping up second-screeners, driving incremental committed to being at the forefront of innovation that took place last Nov, when TV viewings reach and delivering relevant messages about the and we believe our insights and in-house capabili- Dis at its highest, Ooredoo Kuwait, one of the brand to consumers when they were most recep- ties help us map the right course for our clients,” leading communications networks in the Middle tive. The first of its kind in the market, the cam- says Mohamed Reda, Media Director at Zenith East, ran a campaign with Zenith media tapping paign achieved more than 200,000 complete views Kuwait. “Due to the media clutter in Kuwait, we into moment marketing and utilizing advanced during the span of 28 hours, and received an aver- are always trying to find an opportunity where data analytics to extend customer experience from age view rate of 60 percent. our messages canstand out and reach our target TV to mobile. Breaking through the media clutter, TV Sync achieved 28.5 percent more complete audience efficiently. During elections, when most Zenith’s TV Sync tool helped bridge TVCs strong view rate and 213 percent higher click through brands also invest in TV, we needed to be one- reach to mobile engagement. TV Sync enables a rate (CTR) than video campaigns on social plat- step ahead. TV Synchelped us maximize our expo- marketer to synchronize its above the line TV forms. “As technology changes the speed and way sure and achieve higher ROI, while reaching our advertising with different digital channels. When a people engage with content across devices, it’s target audience wherever on multiple platforms,” TV ad ran for Ooredoo Kuwait, it triggered a display imperative that successful marketers are able to says Talal Al-Fassam, Advertising Manager at ad and videos on tablets, mobiles and desktops - connect with consumers in real time. Zenith is Ooredoo Kuwait.

Smartphone maker Huawei catching up on Samsung, Apple

PARIS: Chinese smartphone maker with earlier years, when the number three Huawei managed to gain ground on maker and the others had struggled to Samsung and Apple in terms of market hold on to a market share of more than share last year, following the problems four percent,” Zimmermann said. “Huawei encountered by the two sector giants, the looks likely to strengthen its position again Gartner consultancy group said yesterday. this year,” she added. In the fourth quarter Over the year as a whole, the Chinese mak- of 2016 alone, the launch of the iPhone 7 er saw its sales leap by 26.7 percent, while and Samsung’s difficulties with its Note 7 the South Korean and US rivals both saw model enabled Apple to take top slot in their sales decline by 4.3 percent, Gartner the market with a share of 17.9 percent or said in a study. 77 million units sold. As result, Huawei was able to increase Samsung sold 76.8 million smart- its share of the smartphone sector to 8.9 phones in the October-December period, percent in 2016 from 7.3 percent a year giving it a market share of 17.8 percent, earlier, while Samsung saw its market share while Huawei sold 40.8 million phones or shrink by two full percentage points to 20.5 a market share of 9.5 percent. “Preliminary percent and Apple’s contracted to 14.4 per- data for the current quarter suggest that cent from 15.9 percent. “Chinese makers Samsung will overtake Apple again. But succeeded in winning market share over it’s remarkable that Apple can hold on to last year and Huawei now seems to be the that sort of share of the market with a main rival to the two giants, even if the gap closed eco-system,” the analyst said. With remains large,” Gartner analyst Annette regard to the different operating systems, Zimmermann said. Android, which is used by the large major- Among the other Chinese smartphone ity of smartphone makers, commands a makers are OPPO, BBK Communication market share of 81.7 percent, while Equipment (with its One Plus and Vivo Apple’s iOS operating system of its brands), ZTE, Xiaomi and Lenovo. “We’re iPhones and iPads accounts for 17.9 per- seeing a very real progression compared cent of the market. —AFP VERTOU: This file photo shows logos of US online social media and social networking service Facebook in Vertou, western France. — AFP

Disney ends deal with YouTube Facebook pushes video onto star over anti-Semitic stunt TV screens with new apps NEW YORK: Disney’s Maker Studios and but realizes now that they were offensive. Google’s YouTube are distancing them- Kjellberg’s channel was already part of selves from a top YouTube star after he Maker Studios when the Walt Disney Co. SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook on Tuesday video plan by Facebook to compete with “With the app, you can watch videos shared made jokes construed as anti-Semitic and bought Maker in 2014 for $675 million. announced it was rolling out apps to allow Google-owned YouTube or even with stream- by friends or pages you follow, top live videos posted Nazi imagery in his videos. Felix Maker contracts with individuals such as people to view videos posted on the social ing services such as Netflix. For now, the apps from around the world, and recommended Kjellberg, known online as PewDiePie, Kjellberg to produce videos for various network on connected televisions. The new will simply make it easier to view and share videos based on your interests.” Facebook said has the most popular YouTube channel, YouTube channels. Kjellberg (pro- apps-for Apple TV, Amazon’s Fire TV and user-generated video. “Last year we rolled out it expects the applications to roll our “soon” for with more than 53 million subscribers. nounced SHEHL’-burg) pulled the video Samsung Smart TV-will provide a more con- the ability for you to stream videos from users of Apple, Amazon and Samsung, with The Swedish YouTube star rose to fame showing the two men displaying the venient way for users of the social network to Facebook to your TV, and today’s announce- additional platforms likely to be added. by posting videos of him playing and anti-Semitic sign, but it is excerpted in a view videos on a large screen. ment expands this capability,” said a blog post Facebook also said it was modifying video play- commenting about video games. More Wall Street Journal video. Other videos The move could be a small step toward from product manager Dana Sittler and engi- back for users, with sound to play automatically recently, he branched out into non-gam- still on the site show Nazi imagery being what some reports say is a more ambitious neering manager Alex Li. unless users silence their devices. —AFP ing videos that show him performing used satirically. skits, stunts or making jokes. Maker Studios said in a statement that Disney, whose Maker Studios runs while Kjellberg’s channel is popular Kjellberg’s channels and network, said he because he is irreverent and provocative, crossed the line with some of his videos. the studio is ending its affiliation with Electric car boom spurs One video from January shows two him because he went too far. YouTube Indian men paid by Kjellberg to hold up a spokeswoman Michelle Slavich said sign that says “Death to all Jews.” Kjellberg YouTube has canceled the release of the investor scramble for cobalt said the video was meant to demonstrate second season of Kjellberg’s reality show how far people will go if they get paid to “Scare PewDiePie” and removed the do something, but he didn’t think they PewDiePie channel from its Google LONDON: Investors are buying up physical bought when the price was around $10 a lb in to power electric cars, as well as mobile phones, would actually do it. Other videos show Preferred advertising program, which cobalt anticipating that shortages of the metal, a Dec 2015 due to a market surplus of more than laptops, digital cameras and cordless drills. Nazi imagery in a satirical way. In blog aggregates top YouTube content for key component of lithium-ion batteries used in 2,000 tons. They are waiting for higher prices. On “In terms of overall demand, EVs (electric vehi- post Kjellberg said he was making jokes, advertisers to buy time on. —AP electric cars, will spur prices to their highest lev- Monday, trader and miner Glencore tightened its cles) only consumed around 6.5 percent of els since the 2008 financial crisis. Prices for cobalt grip on Congo’s copper and cobalt resources by refined cobalt in 2016. This will increase to 16.9 metal have climbed nearly 50 buying the remaining stake in one mine and percent in 2021 helping lift demand to nearly percent since September to five-year peaks upping its share in another for $960 million. It 130,000 tons,” CRU senior consultant Edward around $19 a lb as stricter emissions controls said the complex had the potential to become Spencer said. “We expect a deficit in the region of boost demand for electric vehicles, especially in the world’s largest cobalt producer. 900 tons this year. However, a far larger deficit China, struggling with ruinous pollution levels in Other copper and cobalt producers include could open quickly if mine and refinery capacity some cities. Consultants CRU Group say electric privately owned Eurasian Resources Group, growth fails to keep pace.” Analysts at Macquarie car and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales could hit 4.4 Canada’s Sherritt International and China Research expect deficits of 885 tons next year, million in 2021 and more than six million by Molybdenum . Canadian small-cap LiCo Energy 3,205 in 2019 and 5,340 in 2020. 2025, from 1.1 million last year. Metals, which is exploring for materials used in “Cobalt has limited new supply projects By 2020, 75 percent of lithium-ion batteries lithium-ion batteries, could appeal to investors coming through. Meanwhile refined output in will contain cobalt, whose properties allow elec- looking for exposure to reliable sources of cobalt key supply countries such as Australia, Russia tric cars to extend their range between charges, from a politically stable country. Global total and Zambia are well down on levels seen a according to eCobalt Solutions, which produces demand for cobalt last year was around 100,000 decade ago,” Macquarie analyst Colin Hamilton battery grade cobalt salts. Some 98 percent of tons, of which around half was used in batteries said. —Reuters cobalt is produced as a by-product of copper and nickel output, so for investors pure equity expo- sure to cobalt is tricky. “Cobalt isn’t going to mas- sively impact share prices. The funds looked at Hong Kong police struggle to LME (London Metal Exchange) cobalt contracts, but they aren’t liquid enough for the millions stop brokerage hacking spree they want to invest,” a Europe-based cobalt trad- LOS ANGELES: In this file photo, YouTube star Felix Kjellberg arrives at the pre- er said. “So they are buying cobalt with the inten- HONG KONG: Hong Kong police are strug- ingly it’s all about cyber attacks,” Ashley Alder, miere of Ender’s Game in Los Angeles. —AP tion of sitting on it until prices rise, looking for gling to deal with digital pump-and-dump CEO of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures $25 (a lb) or more.” schemes targeting brokerages - a little-known Commission (SFC) and chairman of the Swiss-based Pala Investments, a fund focused type of computer-generated fraud that surged International Organization of Securities on the mining sector, and Shanghai Chaos in the Chinese territory last year. Although the Commissions, said in a speech to the local Most drivers, not just Investment, one of China’s largest commodities money involved was small - only about $20 legislature last week. “We’ve seen that hap- funds, bought cobalt last year, industry sources million worth of shares - there were 81 such pen not only in banking but also at brokers in young, are taking risks familiar with the matter said, declining to specify incidents reported in 2016, more than triple Hong Kong, in particular recent attacks to do amounts. Pala Investments declined to com- the number in 2015, according to police. In with basically hijacking share trading DETROIT: Young drivers aren’t alone in ized. “It points to the need to improve driver ment, while calls to Shanghai Chaos went unan- the scheme, criminals invest in thinly traded accounts.” behaving badly on US roads, a trend that behavior if we’re going to reverse this alarm- swered. “Future demand for cobalt from the EV penny stocks and then manipulate their share Such schemes surfaced more than a could be contributing to a spike in highway ing trend,” Arnold said. Teen driver educa- (electric vehicle) sector is looking tangible and is prices by ordering trades from hacked broker- decade ago in the United States. Charles deaths. Well over half of drivers in every age tion campaigns have had some success, more positive than originally expected,” one age accounts. They earn profits by selling Schwab Corp, E*Trade Financial Corp and JP group have texted behind the wheel, run a foundation spokeswoman Tamra Johnson commodity-focused fund manager said. “China before the fraudulent trades are reported. Morgan Chase & Co. were identified as victims red light or driven faster than the speed limit said. Now the organization is considering has some aggressive plans in terms of electric After last year’s cyber-heist of $81 million of these schemes in a 2006 complaint filed by in the last 30 days, according to a new study the best ways to reach drivers of other ages. vehicles...It will be a major driver behind cobalt at Bangladesh’s central bank and a series of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The study found broad agreement on consumption growth.” hacks of ATM’s around the world, authorities pace of attacks reported in the United States Younger drivers are the worst offenders. some issues. Eighty-seven percent of drivers China’s State Reserves Bureau, in charge of fear such pump-and-dump schemes could be has slowed in recent years after big broker- Eighty-eight percent of drivers ages 19 to said they have never driven when they building the country’s stocks of commodities increasingly used for electronic theft. Hong ages implemented a variety of strategies to 24 admitted to at least one of those behav- thought they were close to the legal alcohol from oil to rare earth minerals, bought 5,000 Kong is a favored place for such attacks thwart the hacks, said John Reed Stark, a for- iors. But even mature drivers skirted the limit. Ninety-five percent said they had nev- tons of cobalt metal last year and in 2015, because of the number of thinly-traded pen- mer chief of the Securities and Exchange rules more often researchers expected. For er driven within an hour of using marijuana. traders said. It is expected to buy more this year. ny stocks in the territory and because its Commission’s (SEC) Office of Internet instance, 10 percent of drivers between 60 Eighty-eight percent of drivers say it’s unac- Highlighting the metal’s importance, the US’s securities industry has fallen behind other Enforcement. and 74 have texted or sent email from ceptable to drive without a seat belt and 82 Defense Logistics Agency deemed lithium cobalt financial centers in defending against cyber Some use algorithms to identify and halt behind the wheel, while 37 percent of driv- percent support laws requiring motorcycle oxide and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide fraud. At least seven brokers and eight banks unusual trading activity, others scrutinize ers over 75 said they’d driven through a riders to wear helmets. compounds as strategic and has been stockpil- have been targeted in Hong Kong, including Internet traffic for orders coming from suspi- light that had just turned red. “It was a sur- But drivers’ behavior sometimes contra- ing since 2014. Cobalt is also widely used for HSBC Holdings Plc and Bank of China cious servers and one stopped permitting prise that there were relatively high rates of dicted their own instincts. More than three- super alloys in turbines, space vehicles, rocket International (BOCI) Securities, according to customers to use its online trading platform these behaviors among the drivers we think quarters of drivers say it’s unacceptable to engines and power plants. regulators and people familiar with confiden- from buying penny stocks, said Stark, who of as safer,” said Lindsay Arnold, a research text or email while driving, but 31 percent tial investigations. now runs cyber-security consulting firm John associate with the AAA Foundation. had done so in the last month and 8 percent Hoarding A spokesman for HSBC declined to com- Reed Stark Consulting LLC. But such protec- Arnold said the responses were similar to do so often. Ninety-six percent of drivers say After seven years of surplus and overcapacity ment. A spokeswoman for BOCI Securities tions are rare in Hong Kong, where the gov- those in past years, indicating a troubling drowsy driving is a serious safety threat, but the market will move into a deficit this year, exac- said he could not comment on its case but ernment has only recently started suggesting trend. In 2015, US traffic deaths rose 7 per- 29 percent had recently driven when they erbated by an insecure supply chain. Almost 60 the brokerage would continue to invest in IT security improvements to banks and broker- cent to 35,092, the largest single-year were so tired they had trouble keeping their percent of the world’s cobalt lies in politically security. “If you ask regulators in the industry ages which have traditionally considered increase in five decades. They’re expected to eyes open. The study questioned 2,511 risky Democratic Republic of Congo. At the same what is the number one threat, not surpris- stock trading to be low-risk. —Reuters rise again in 2016 when that data is final- licensed drivers aged 16 and over. —AP time, many traders are hoarding cobalt, most of it THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE HIV infections fall by 18% in six years in US

NEW YORK: New calculations to better months or years earlier. Counting infec- showed new infections dropped by nearly paying off, he added. The agency found young and in middle-aged men in that track HIV infections confirm that the US is tions instead of diagnoses is a more ideal 18 percent over six years, the CDC report- that between 2008 and 2014, new infec- group. But there was a 35 percent increase seeing a strong and steady decline. The gauge - a kind of speedometer that tells ed Tuesday. Though health experts tions fell: 18 percent in the overall popula- in men ages 25 to 34, offsetting the other number of new cases has been falling for how fast the epidemic is actually moving, expected a decline, they welcomed the tion, from 45,700 to 37,600. 36 percent in decreases. Officials also said they were years. But health officials wanted a clearer said David Holtgrave, an HIV researcher at confirmation. “It’s very exciting to see this heterosexuals. 56 percent in people who able to estimate annual HIV infections in picture of how the epidemic was behav- Johns Hopkins University. kind of drop,” said Ron Brookmeyer, a stat- inject drugs. Two-thirds of the people who 35 states. No state saw an increase. Seven ing. They count people when they were The Centers for Disease Control and istician at the University of California, Los are diagnosed with HIV each year are gay saw significant decreases - Georgia, Illinois, diagnosed with the AIDS virus - not when Prevention used blood test results to help Angeles. It suggests that stepped-up and bisexual men. The CDC saw substan- Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, North they actually contracted it, which can be date the infections. Their calculations efforts to diagnose and treat infections are tial declines in new infections in very Carolina and Texas.—AP Could gene editing help avoid disease? Maybe Altering human heredity to fight genetic diseases

WASHINGTON: Don’t expect designer babies “Caution is absolutely needed, but being cau- tional meetings with the hope of doing just that. any time soon - but a major new ethics report tious does not mean prohibition,” said bioethicist “Genome editing is a new tool for gene therapy leaves open the possibility of one day altering R. Alta Charo of the University of Wisconsin- and it has tremendous promise,” Charo said. human heredity to fight genetic diseases, with Madison. “This committee is not saying we will stringent oversight, using new tools that pre- or should do germline - heritable - editing. What Germline editing ANHUI, China: A handout image released by the Nature magazine and obtained cisely edit genes inside living cells. What’s we are saying is that we can identify a set of But, she added, it has to be pursued in a way shows a pregnant Dinocephalosaurus catching a fish.—AFP called genome editing already is transforming strict conditions under which it would be per- that promotes well-being and is responsible, biological research, and being used to develop missible to do it,” Charo added. “But we are far, respectful and fair. Genome editing is essentially treatments for patients struggling with a range far away from being ready to try.” Genome edit- a biological version of cut-and-paste software, of diseases. ing should not go beyond healing the sick and allowing scientists to turn genes on or off, repair Long-dead reptile The science is nowhere near ready for a huge enhance traits such as physical strength, what’s or modify them inside living cells. There are a next step that raises ethical questions - altering commonly called “designer babies,” the panel few older methods but one with the wonky sperm, eggs or embryos so that babies don’t stressed. name CRISPR-Cas9 is so much faster, cheaper inherit a disease that runs in the family, says a But the public should get involved in these and simpler to use that it has spurred an explo- gave live birth sion of research. Under development are ways to treat a range of diseases from sickle cell and PARIS: An unusually long-necked marine length of its trunk-some 3-4 meters in total. hemophilia to cancer. reptile gave birth to live young 245 million It was a fish eater, snaking its long neck In lab experiments using human cells or ani- years ago-the only known member of the from side to side to catch prey. The baby mals engineered with human like disorders, sci- dinosaur, bird and croc family to not lay Dinocephalosaurus, or what remained of it, entists are unraveling how gene defects fuel dis- eggs, researchers said Tuesday. was about a tenth of the mother’s size. ease - and are even trying to grow trans- Archaeologists examining the fossil of a plantable human organs inside pigs. That kind of female Dinocephalosaurus from Yunnan Offspring, or lunch? research is very promising, is adequately regulat- Province, southwest China, were amazed to At first, “I was not sure if the embryonic ed today and should continue at full speed, the discover the remains of a baby among the specimen (was) the last lunch of the moth- National Academies panel concluded. When it bones where her abdomen would have er, or its unborn baby,” Liu said by email. comes to the more sci fi-sounding uses, it’s quite been. “I was so excited when I first saw this “Upon closer inspection and searching the possible scientists will learn how to perform embryonic specimen,” said Jun Liu of literature, I realized that something unusual germline editing in five to 10 years, said panel China’s Hefei University of Technology who has been discovered”-an embryo providing co-chair Richard Hynes of the Massachusetts co-authored a study published in Nature “clear evidence for live birth”. Unlike prey, Institute of Technology. Communications. which would ordinarily have been swal- Safety is one reason for caution, he said, as “This discovery rewrites our understand- lowed head-first, the young scientists will have to learn whether editing one ing of the evolution of reproductive sys- Dinocephalosaurus was facing forward in gene has unwanted downstream effects. Some tems.” Dinocephalosaurus was a member of the abdominal cavity, said Liu. critics argue that families plagued by inherited the archosaur family, which includes The scientists also discounted the possi- diseases already have other alternatives - adopt, extinct dinosaurs as well as today’s birds bility that the tiny reptile had been inside use donated eggs, or undergo in vitro fertiliza- and crocodiles-all egg-layers. The an egg shell which simply eroded over tion and discard resulting embryos that inherit archosaurs’ sister clade of turtles also lays time. The specimen “demonstrates the the bad gene. But Charo noted that sometimes eggs, but a third group of reptiles called curled posture typical for vertebrate parents carry two copies of a lethal gene, guar- lepidosaurs, including lizards and snakes, embryos,” and there were no calcified shell anteeing any children inherit it. Others oppose contains some species that give birth to bits found, said Liu. Archosaurs are known the discarding of embryos for religious reasons. live young-including some sea snakes, to lay their eggs at a much earlier develop- For some families, “you can see there would be boas, skinks and slow worms. mental stage, he added-long before the tot strong arguments for doing it” if the other crite- Live birth is usually associated with had grown to this size. The new study ria are met, said Robin Lovell-Badge of Britain’s mammals, and egg-laying is considered the pushes fossil evidence for the reproductive Francis Crick Institute. original, “primitive” state of animals. biology of archosaurs back by 50 million Some countries prohibit any germline editing Dinocephalosaurus was a strange-looking years, to the Middle Triassic, said the research. Others, such as Britain, allow laborato- ocean-dweller with a neck almost twice the study.—AFP ry research with genome editing in embryos, not for pregnancy but to understand human devel- opment. In the US, scientists can perform labora- report Tuesday from the National Academy of debates now, to say what might one day be tory embryo research only with private, not gov- Europe ready to embrace first Sciences and National Academy of Medicine. But acceptable. The long-awaited report offers ernment, funding. Any attempt at pregnancy if scientists learn how to safely pass alterations advice - the prestigious academies cannot set would require permission from the Food and copies of biotech cancer drugs of the genetic code to future generations, the policy. But it is considered a step toward creat- Drug Administration, which is currently prohibit- panel said “germline” editing could be attempt- ing international norms for responsible develop- ed from using federal funds to review any such LONDON: Treatment with two important can- copies, as happens with simple pills, so regula- ed under strict criteria, including that it targets a ment of this powerful technology. The US request. “The bottom line is there is no planetary cer drugs is about to get much cheaper in tors have come up with the notion of approv- serious disease with no reasonable alternative National Academies and its counterparts in government with enforcement power,” Charo Europe with a cut-price copy of Roche’s blood ing products that are “similar” enough to do the and is conducted under rigorous oversight. Britain and China have been holding interna- noted Tuesday.—AP cancer drug Rituxan likely to hit the market job. That makes developing them relatively imminently followed by a rival to its breast can- costly, leading to initial expectations of only cer medicine Herceptin. As cancer drug prices modest price discounts. Yet biosimilar anti-TNFs spiral, the arrival of the first biosimilars or now sell at around a 50 percent discount and Miners protest Philippine copies of biotech drugs, ones made inside liv- Novartis, whose Sandoz unit has one of the ing cells, puts European oncologists in the fore- biggest biosimilars portfolios, reckons dis- front of a treatment shift that could slash costs counts could widen to as high as 75 percent in and expand patient access. Copycat versions of some instances. plan to cancel 75 contracts Rituxan, also known as MabThera, and Tabernero, who is president-elect of the Herceptin have faced several delays in develop- European Society of Medical Oncology and co- ment in the past. wrote a technical paper last month putting the MANILA: Mining firms in the Philippines voiced This time the world’s biggest cancer drug- case for biosimilars, told Reuters he would “love outrage yesterday over government plans to can- maker cannot escape the competition. to see discounts of 40 to 60 percent”. Based on cel nearly one quarter of the nation’s contracts, Approval from the pan-European regulator, the rheumatology experience, discounts are plus a permit to exploit one of the world’s largest the European Medicines Agency (EMA), is likely to start out at around 30 percent. known copper deposits. Environment Secretary pending and preparations are under way for “If European oncologists are offered highly Gina Lopez announced Tuesday she would cancel the launch of a Rituxan biosimilar from South effective biosimilar agents at a better price, I’m 75 of the nation’s 311 mining contracts, as well as Korea’s Celltrion. “We’re expecting it to be sure they will receive them extremely positive- the environmental compliance certificate of the available shortly,” Andrew Roberts of Napp ly,” said Paul Workman, chief executive of planned $5.9-billion Tampakan copper and gold Pharmaceuticals, which will sell the intra- Britain’s Institute of Cancer Research. project. The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines venous drug in Britain, told Reuters. The EMA Officials running Europe’s national health- said it would fight Lopez’s decision, warning it does not comment on upcoming approvals care systems are also paying close attention. threatened $22-billion worth of projects. but its website shows it is assessing two Nordic countries and Germany have led the The contracts are for projects in the pipeline but biosimilar versions of Rituxan and three of way in using biosimilars but others are now are not yet operating. “She’s out to kill the industry. Herceptin. Industry analysts believe Mylan and taking action to drive up biosimilar use. We do not see a future for us under her,” Ronald its partner Biocon may win a green light for the Britain, for example, which spends more than Recidoro, the chamber’s vice president for legal MANILA: This file photo shows miners pushing a trolley as they enter a cooperative mining site first Herceptin biosimilar in Europe later this 300 million pounds ($375 million) on Rituxan and policy affairs, said. “Her announcement was in the village of Mt. Diwata, Monkayo town, Compotela valley on the southern island of year. Big numbers are at stake. Rituxan sold and Herceptin, has set a target for 90 percent bloody in all aspects.” Lopez, appointed by Mindanao.—AFP $7.3 billion worldwide last year, while of new patients treated in National Health President Rodrigo Duterte last year, has railed Herceptin brought in $6.75 billion. Although Service hospitals to get biosimilars in future. against what she insists are the environmentally copies of both are sold in parts of Asia, Europe And the British Oncology Pharmacy destructive and exploitative practices of local and is the first large market, with US launches still Association declared last week it was commit- foreign miners in the Philippines. “Water is life. If Ohio zoo’s polar bear moves some way off. Investors have been concerned ted to optimizing the use of biosimilar anti- you put at risk the water supply of the community about how quickly doctors would trust the bodies in cancer treatment. there, you are putting at risk the quality of life of to Chicago to find romance new drugs but cancer experts and healthcare New cancer patients, rather than those the people,” Lopez said on Tuesday. providers, worried about the finances of already started on an existing medicine, are TOLEDO, Ohio: An Ohio zoo’s polar bear is off to the bears will spend a little time getting to know Europe’s healthcare system, say they plan to the group most likely to receive biosimilars, at This month Lopez also ordered the closure of 23 Chicago to find love. The Toledo Zoo says its 21- each other before moving in together. The move existing mines and the suspension of five others, embrace the cut-price medicines. least initially. Still, the nature of treatment, year-old female bear named Nan has been was arranged by the Association of Zoos and Oncologists see savings creating financial often involving multiple therapy regimens, saying they illegally encroached on watersheds, moved to the Brookfield Zoo near Chicago to Aquariums and its polar bear species survival leaked waste into rivers and destroyed trees. The headroom for a new wave of even more means this may not hinder biosimilar uptake see if she will breed with the zoo’s male bear. program. Keepers at the Toledo Zoo say Nan is expensive immunotherapy drugs that are rev- in the medium-term. “We won’t see instant Philippines is the world’s top supplier of nickel ore Nan moved into her new home this week where genetically important because she was born in and main exporter to China, and the government olutionizing cancer care but can cost more uptake in every area but we would still expect she’s separated by a fence from her potential the wild and discovered as an orphan cub near than $100,000 per patient. “Whether it’s in the much faster uptake than has been seen in the actions have impacted global metal prices. Lopez mate named Hudson. The Brookfield Zoo says Barrow, Alaska.—AP public or the private sector, we need to pro- past with biosimilars,” said Napp’s Roberts. The said Tuesday mining companies would be given vide sustainable healthcare and biosimilars are EMA has to date approved 23 biosimilars seven days to explain before the cancellation of the clearly a good way to improve affordability,” against just four in the United States. 75 contracts were carried out. However the mining said Josep Tabernero, head of medical oncolo- “The EMA has done a good job. It realized industry has warned it will take all legal measures gy at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in many years ago that this is very strategic for to fight Lopez’s moves, which are widely expected Barcelona. managing drug costs in Europe and they set to be brought before the Supreme Court. Tabernero believes uptake will be just as clear, understandable guidelines very early Mining firms accused Lopez of breaching con- good as for biosimilar rheumatoid arthritis on,” said Oliver Kubli of Bellevue Asset tracts and asked congress on Tuesday to reject her drugs, known as anti-TNFs, which were Management in Zurich. With a run of patent confirmation as environment secretary. The launched in Europe a couple of years back. expires on blockbuster biotech drugs lasting Tampakan copper-gold project in the southern While it took a few months for physicians to get until around 2022, he is betting on a surge in Philippines had already been stalled by regulation comfortable with those first antibody copycats, sales for biosimilar manufacturers in the com- hurdles, including a local government ban on demand has since taken off and competition ing years, even with price discounts of 50 to open-pit mining. Recidoro warned Tuesday’s has driven down anti-TNF prices substantially. 70 percent. Roche acknowledged this month announcement would be a huge blow for the local it would see some erosion from biosimilars economy. “This will lead to the loss of what will 50 percent discount this year, although it is hoping to offset this probably be the biggest employer in the area,” BROOKFIELD: In this photo, a female polar bear shakes off water after a swim in her public debut at Because biotech drugs are made inside liv- with better or more convenient follow-on Recidoro said.—AFP the Brookfield Zoo’s Great Bear Wilderness habitat in Brookfield, Illinios.—AP ing cells it is impossible to make exact generic products.—Reuters THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Bee’ah supports the first ever Gulf Sustainability and CSR Awards

ee’ah, the Middle East’s leading pany in the Middle East. Awards International UAE, exclaimed, personal development. sion for a better tomorrow. and award-winning environmental Bee’ah’s Group CEO, Khaled Al “Bee’ah have been Winners in many cate- The key sponsors and partners are The award categories include: Best Bmanagement company, will head- Huraimel, comments on the occasion: gories related to Sustainability in one of offering support to make this awards Community Development, Best line the first ever Gulf Sustainability and “Bee’ah will always extend its unwaver- our other Awards programmes therefore programme a success. The Finals and Sustainability Education Programme, CSR Awards (GSCSR) to recognise efforts ing support for initiatives that empower they are the optimal choice to be Awards Ceremony will represent the cul- Learning and Education Programmes, made in 2016. As a sponsor and strategic individuals and companies to take the Headline Sponsors for these Awards. mination of an arduous and worthwhile Clean Technology, Environmental partner in GSCSR, Bee’ah will raise the lead in sustainability and CSR. We are They have been at the forefront of lead- journey as the finalists will deliver pre- Sustainability Programmes, Green bar of sustainability and increase aware- committed to the community, in line ing environmental change by applying sentations to open judging panels, fol- Building, Innovation in Sustainable ness of CSR in the Gulf region and with the UAE Vision 2021, by providing the best international practices to con- lowed by the announcement of the win- Technologies, Waste Management, Water beyond. The Finals and Awards the best standard of sustainability.” serve the UAE’s valuable resources.” ners of each category during the Gala Treatment and Management, Best Ceremony of GSCSR took place yesterday He added: “At Bee’ah, we have set an The Gulf Sustainability and CSR lunch. Workplace and HR Practices, Cause-relat- at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai. example in the UAE and the region as a Awards, the first-of-its-kind in the region, Four experts from Bee’ah will be a ed Marketing Campaign, Employee Over 250 senior sustainability and CSR leading environmental management provide recognition for companies and part of the esteemed judging committee Programme, Sustainable Business professionals will be in attendance and company that operates responsibly. We individuals implementing outstanding and through its invaluable participation, Models and Awareness Programmes, 75 finalists representing blue chip com- aim to recognise the pinnacle achievers sustainability and CSR initiatives in their Bee’ah will emphasise the importance of Government CSR Initiative, Government panies across a range of industry sectors. at GSCSR 2016 to share our knowledge fields. The Awards also aim to promote CSR efforts in the region. Bee’ah’s role in Sustainability Initiative, Social Enterprise, The ceremony is organised by Awards and expertise with others in the various organisations and businesses as a vehicle the ceremony is statement of intent: to CSR Professional of the Year, CSR Team of International, the leading and most cred- industries as well.” for sharing best practices and to encour- continue to make great strides in the the Year, Sustainability Professional, and ible, independently-judged awards com- Mark Hamill, Managing Director of age continuous improvement through field of sustainability as part of their mis- Sustainability Team of the Year. Pharma industry shuns Trump push for radical shift at FDA

NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump’s is developing drugs for rare diseases. vow to roll back government regulations at Health insurers are pushing back least 75 percent is causing anxiety for some against high-priced drugs. Sales of pharmaceutical executives that a less expensive new cholesterol drugs from robust Food and Drug Administration Amgen Inc and Regeneron would make it harder to secure insurance Pharmaceuticals Inc have stalled as insur- coverage for pricey new medicines. The ers limit coverage until they see results of prospect of big change at the regulatory trials designed to prove that the drugs agency comes as drugmakers are under fire significantly lower the risk of heart attack for high prices, including Marathon and other cardiovascular crises. “It is one Pharmaceuticals LLC, which said Monday it thing to get a drug approved, but you was “pausing” the launch of its Duchenne have got to get reimbursed,” said Paul muscular dystrophy drug after US lawmak- Perreault, CEO at biotech company CSL ers questioned its $89,000 a year price. Ltd, adding that won’t happen unless pay- Industry trade group Biotechnology ers see proof that a new drug is better Innovation Organization told Reuters that than what is already available. during high-level discussions with Trump advisors, lobbyists urged the administra- More competition tion not to name a new commissioner of To be sure, some pharmaceutical execu- the Food and Drug Administration who tives have been vocal about the need for would act rashly to speed up the agency’s deregulation. Reducing regulation “will approval of new medicines. That sentiment help with drug prices, because it will was echoed by executives at more than a induce more competition,” Pfizer Inc CEO dozen pharmaceutical and biotechnology Ian Read said on a recent conference call. PARIS: This file photo shows people walking past a traffic light in Paris.—AP firms, who told Reuters that the FDA is After top executives at Merck, Johnson & already adopting new drug development Johnson and others met at the White models and warned that a looser review House last month with Trump, who process would put patients at risk. pledged to “streamline” the FDA, industry French pedestrians see green “People often argue that the FDA is too trade group Pharmaceutical Research and restrictive,” said Roger Perlmutter, head of Manufacturers of America said the meeting research and development at Merck & Co found common ground such as tax reform, Inc. “We have the sense that the balance is and removal of outdated regulations. The light, even when it’s red pretty right ... you have to have a well-char- trade group declined to comment on acterized risk/benefit profile.” That stance changes at the FDA. PARIS: French pedestrians have the reputation tive, culture-specific solutions for pedestrian Organization (WHO), nearly 300,000 pedestrians underscores the unique position the drug The prospect of a shake-up at the FDA is of being a law unto themselves-but an unusual safety,” it said. According to the World Health lose their lives on the road every year.—AFP industry finds itself in when it comes to being welcomed by a new class of investor study has provided some scientific backing for regulating its products. While most sectors with ambitions to disrupt the current drug the stereotype. Four times out of 10, French welcome less oversight, drugmakers say a development model, in which larger phar- pedestrians cross the road when the lights are robust review process is critical in convinc- maceutical players often buy or license early- against them, according to a paper published Quake-prone Pacific nations ing physicians and insurers that a pricey stage medicines, and reap the bigger yesterday. In disciplined Japan, though, the rate new medicine has value. rewards if they succeed. “The system we is 20 times lower. Cedric Sueur of Strasbourg hold joint tsunami drills have now has its roots 50, 60 even 70 years University in eastern France led a team that ana- Damaging approach ago ... it has become incredibly expensive,” lyzed behavior at three pedestrian crossings in MANILA: Quake-prone countries around the arrive,” seismologist Rommel Grutas of the Otherwise, the time and money it takes said Tim Shannon, of venture capital firm Strasbourg and four in the Japanese city of Pacific Ocean yesterday began a joint exercise Philippine Institute of Volcanology and to get a new drug to market - estimates Canaan Partners. He supports the notion Nagoya. testing their ability to deliver timely warnings of Seismology said in Manila. run as high as $2.6 billion - would be lost if that some prescription medications could The researchers recorded 3,814 crossings in approaching tsunamis to tens of millions of peo- Grutas said one scenario involved a move- insurers are not willing to pay for the prod- reach the market, possibly at discounted Strasbourg and 1,631 in Nagoya. The rule break- ple living along the coast. The annual “Pacific ment of the Manila Trench, a large and unstable uct. “It is great that the administration is prices, once testing shows they are safe. If ing was vastly different between the two coun- Wave” exercise is taking place in a region where undersea rift that runs the length of the seeking deregulation ... to make sure the such controlled usage indicates that they are tries-in France, 41.9 percent of crossings took nearly eight in 10 of the world’s tsunamis-giant Philippine archipelago and which triggers at private sector can be more competitive,” also effective, prices could then be raised. place against a red light, but this was just 2.1 waves usually caused by underwater earth- least one minor earthquake each month. A large said John Maraganore, chief executive offi- “We want to make healthcare itself more percent in Japan. Men and young people aged quakes-occur, the UN Educational, Scientific and movement of the trench launched a quake and a cer at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc and co- efficient,” he said. “Let the marketplace 20-30 were more inclined than women and old- Cultural Organization said. tsunami on Manila Bay and nearby areas in the chair of BIO’s regulatory committee. “But decide how valuable a drug is.” The fate of er people to cross illegally. Different degrees of Though no actual evacuations will be con- 1800s, he added. Grutas said only his agency was payers are looking for evidence of value.” deregulating the FDA will be driven by its social conformity explain the gap in behavior ducted during the three days of drills, civil involved this year because the government’s civil He said the FDA should speed the next commissioner. President Trump said between the two countries, researchers reported defense offices will rehearse the relaying of defense office was busy addressing the fallout approval of lower cost generic versions of last month he has a “fantastic person” lined in the journal Royal Society Open Science. tsunami warnings for large quakes off the coasts from a 6.5-magnitude quake that killed at least drugs that have lost patent protection, but up for the role. Candidates, according to “The French have less respect for the rules... of Chile and Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, the six people on the large southern island of warned that allowing novel products to be sources close to the administration, include We are less concerned with social approval,” Philippines, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Mindanao last week. UNESCO said its launched without extensive testing could former FDA staffer Scott Gottlieb, and Jim Sueur said. “It’s not that the fear of a ticket is big- Vanuatu. The warnings will be sent to the partici- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission be dangerous. “Any change at the FDA that O’Neill, a colleague of Trump supporter ger in Japan than in France. It’s that people (in pants by tsunami monitoring centers in Hawaii, set up a Pacific tsunami warning system to allows drugs to be tried out on patients Peter Thiel who has advocated for allowing Japan) are more concerned about the opinion of Japan, and, for the first time, China. “This is very address the recurring threat in 1965, after a without clinical evidence is a damaging some medicines to reach the market once others.” The role of group behavior on pedestrian important for us because it allows us to receive tsunami hit the coasts of Chile, Hawaii, Japan, approach,” said Jeremy Levin, chief execu- they are shown to be safe, even if there is traffic is a major factor in safety, the study found. advance warnings of tsunamis long before they and the Philippines, killing 224 people. —AFP tive officer at Ovid Therapeutics Inc., which scant evidence that they work.—Reuters Such research “could help target specific preven- WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 MoC People’s Republic of China and NCCAL Kuwait organize Chinese Inner Mongolian Cultural Event

n celebration of Kuwait National Day and IChinese New Year, Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, in cooperation with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters of Kuwait, is organizing the Chinese Inner Mongolian Cultural Event at 7.00 pm on 19 Feb 2017 at Abdulhussain Abdulredha Theater in Salmiya. In this event, the performances will feature Morin khuur playing (tradi- tional Mongolian bowed stringed instrument), Khoomei (Mongolian throat singing), long drawn song and other Chinese tradition- al dancing and singings. Please come and enjoy the various Chinese traditional cultural performances. South African Embassy NSH Global Village Harmony hosts Nelson Mandela Soccer Cup 2017 organizes logo design contest he champion in the logo he South African Embassy under Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- design contest conducted the sponsorship of the Sports for All Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. by the award winning vol- Department of the Public Authority Nelson Mandela is considered one of T T untary organization NSH Global of Sports will host the 1st Nelson Mandela the world’s most significant moral and Village Harmony (NSH GVH) has Soccer Tournament for youth develop- principled champions for freedom and been honored recently. Latha ment on 18 Feb 2017 from 11.00 am to democracy. He was very instrumental in Iyyiar, whose thematic design 4.00 pm. The event will feature young the leadership collective of the liberation that highlights team work has soccer players from various schools repre- movement that fought for freedom and been selected from the several senting all the Governorates in Kuwait democracy in South Africa. More impor- hundred entries, was honored and will take place at the Mishref Sports tantly, Nelson Mandela is internationally by the President of NSH Global Yard. The Nelson Mandela Soccer revered as an icon in the fight for justice, Village Harmony, Sabu. Talking Tournament aims to celebrate and honor human rights, non-racialism, national rec- at the awarding ceremony, Sabu the legacy of former President Nelson onciliation and nation building. In order appreciated Latha Ayyiar for her Mandela in line with the objectives of the to preserve his visionary legacy, South enthusiasm and good efforts. United Nations Nelson Mandela Africans and the international community NSH GVH, registered with the International Day under the Theme: “Take celebrate Nelson Mandela Day every year Indian Embassy in Kuwait, is Action - Inspire Change - Make Every in promoting his enduring values of jus- rendering yeomen services for Day#MANDELADAY”. tice and progressive internationalism. the Indian community in Kuwait The event is aimed at celebrating Sport has played an important role in such as conducting awareness President Mandela’s life and legacy, honor the history of South Africa. The interna- programs on UNESCO’s his life’s work and inspire individuals and tional sports sanctions to isolate the International Literacy Day, UN communities to take action to change the apartheid regime and the utilization of International Day against drug world for the better. The event will also be sports by Nelson Mandela to bring about abuse and illicit trafficking, a tribute to His Highness, the Amir of the national reconciliation and social cohe- Protection of Environment, State of Kuwait for being honored by the sion in South Africa’s democratic transi- World Heart Day, World United Nations as the Global tion remain important milestones in the Diabetes Day, No Alcohol and Humanitarian Leader and the State of country’s history. We hope that the No Tobacco Program, Parents of Kuwait as the Global Humanitarian Nelson Mandela Tournament will create Pride, National Essay Contest, Centre. The tournament also coincides awareness on the significance of the val- Master Brain Quiz, etc. with the festive celebrations of the 56th ues that Nelson Mandela represents and Harikumar, P V Santhosh, Anniversary of the Independence of the power of sports in bringing people Santhosh Babu, Manoj, Pani J Kuwait, the 26th Anniversary of the from different nationalities and back- Anthony were among those Liberation of Kuwait and the 11thanniver- ground together. present. sary of assumption of power by His Inner Wheel on motion at IISM

nner Wheel, the mothers’ club of India International thought provoking talk on ‘Healthy Eating Habits in Children’ for kids monitored by Tufellunnisa. Preparation of easy and demonstration of constructive reusing of household materi- School Mangaf held its annual meet for the mothers of was given by Vanaja Reddy. healthy mouth watering sandwiches was demonstrated by als for kids’ projects by Afifa. The program came to an end Iclass I and II students on 11 Feb 2017. The idea of forming The speaker expressed her concern that the healthy food her, and the aroma of the palatable sandwich filled the air with the vote of thanks proposed by Nadhira. The event was a mothers’ club was proposed by the school’s Director, habits inculcated by our mothers and grandmothers, is now providing sensory pleasure and enhanced their appetite. graced by the school Director, Malayil Moosa Koya, Principal Malayil Moosa Koya as it will strengthen the bond between largely replaced by fast food. She also threw light on the The next segment was handled by Dhanya who dis- F M Basheer Ahmed, Vice Principal Narinder Kaur and Vice the school and the parents creating a much more homely harmful effects of junk food and the importance of break- cussed ‘Effective Parenting’ giving practical ideas on how to Principals Sophy John and Indulekha. atmosphere for the students. As a start an enriching and fast. It was followed by tips on easy and attractive luncheon handle children in difficult situations. It was followed by a WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

CA Sri Lanka, Kuwait Chapter holds Technical Sessions

A Sri Lanka and Kuwait Chapter hosted Chapter’s Technical Sessions, said “most of their Technical Sessions for its mem- the members of the Chapters are working in Cbers and the professionals from Sri the Financial, Auditing and Commercial Lanka. The members of the Chapter and oth- Sectors. Therefore, the Chapter’s Executive er professionals from Sri Lanka have attended Committee has decided to have Technical the Technical Sessions. The Technical Sessions Sessions on taxation as to develop and to mainly featured on the key developments refresh members’ knowledge on taxation. around the globe and within the MENA Further, with the expansion of the Kuwaiti region in connection with taxation and possi- companies’ operations outside Kuwait, it is ble implementation of new regulations. important for the members of the Chapter to The Chapter’s first Technical Session cov- know BEPS and its impact. ered 5 percent Tax Retentions Regulations in The CA Sri Lanka - Kuwait Chapter office Kuwait & its practical applicability, and the bearers for the year 2016 are: President Kula Value Added Tax (VAT) in Kuwait/GCC, which Kulaseelan, Vice President Rizqi Rasooldeen, was held at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Farwarniya. Secretary Reyaz Kair, Treasurer Zuhrie Safwan, The Second Technical session of the Chapter and the Executive Committee members covered Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Mohamed Aslam, Asoka Rupasinghe, (BEPS) and high-level briefing on The Foreign Nandana Kalubowila, Upul Rajapakse, Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and Susantha Dissanayake, Deeptha Wimalasena Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Kuwait and Dasun Jayawardena. has already entered into an Inter- The Chapter will have its 2ndAnnual Governmental Agreement with the USA to General Meeting shortly to elect its new report information on the Foreign Financial office bearers under the Patronage of HE, the Institution’s US accounts. Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Kuwait, Kula Kulaseelan, the President of the Kaandeepan Balasubramaniam. Chapter and the Presenter/Facilitator of Dr Carlos A Picon delivers lecture at Yarmouk Cultural Centre

r. Carlos A Picon, curator in charge of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Department viewed the three exhibitions currently displayed at Amricani Cultural Centre. He was fasci- of Greek and Roman Art, delivered a lecture on ‘Pergamon and the Hellenistic king- nated to see how much Greek history was displayed at the exhibition, including the arti- Ddoms of the ancient world’ at Yarmouk Cultural Centre on Feb 13, 2017. Prior to the facts from Failaka Island. lecture, Dr. Picon paid a visit to the al-Sabah Collection at Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah and THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

02:40 Broad City 14:00 Welcome To The Ronks 14:05 How Do They Do It? 03:30 Man Fire Food 03:05 South Park 14:15 Gravity Falls 14:30 Auction Hunters 04:00 Chopped 03:30 South Park 14:40 Hank Zipzer 14:55 Auction Hunters 05:00 Guy's Grocery Games 04:00 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 15:05 Star Darlings 15:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 06:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 04:25 Catch A Contractor 15:10 Austin & Ally 16:10 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 06:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 01:00 As Above, So Below 05:15 Lip Sync Battle 15:35 Jessie 17:00 Deadliest Catch 07:00 The Kitchen 03:00 Alien Outpost 05:40 Ridiculousness 16:00 Bunk'd 17:50 Fast N' Loud 08:00 The Pioneer Woman 04:45 Real Steel 06:05 Ridiculousness 16:25 Kirby Buckets 18:40 Misfit Garage 08:30 The Pioneer Woman 07:00 San Andreas 06:30 Lip Sync Battle 16:50 Rolling To The Ronks 19:30 How Do They Do It? 09:00 Siba's Table 09:00 Reign Of Fire 06:55 Lip Sync Battle 17:15 Sunny Bunnies 19:55 How Do They Do It? 09:30 Siba's Table 10:45 Real Steel 07:20 Framework 17:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug And 20:20 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 10:00 Anna Olson: Bake 13:00 Robot Overlords 08:10 Catch A Contractor Cat Noir 21:10 Storage Wars Canada 10:30 Anna Olson: Bake 15:00 San Andreas 09:00 Disaster Date 17:45 Elena Of Avalor 21:35 Storage Wars Canada 11:00 The Kitchen 17:00 Harlock: Space Pirate 09:25 Ridiculousness 18:10 Stuck In The Middle 22:00 So You Think You'd Survive? 12:00 The Pioneer Woman 19:00 Sword Of Vengeance 09:50 Ridiculousness 18:35 Descendants Wicked World 22:50 Legend Of Croc Gold 12:30 The Pioneer Woman 20:45 Jupiter Ascending 10:15 Key And Peele 18:40 Girl Meets World 23:40 Manhunt With Joel Lambert 13:00 Siba's Table 23:00 Starship Troopers 10:40 Disaster Date 19:05 Bizaardvark 13:30 Siba's Table 11:05 Ridiculousness 19:30 Bunk'd 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 11:30 The It Crowd 19:55 Best Friends Whenever 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 11:55 Sweat Inc. 20:20 Disney Mickey Mouse 15:00 Chopped 12:45 Idiotsitter 20:25 The Next Step 16:00 The Kitchen 13:10 Lip Sync Battle 20:50 Austin & Ally 17:00 Anna Olson: Bake 00:00 Insane Pools: Off The Deep End 13:35 The It Crowd 21:15 Star Darlings 00:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA 17:30 Anna Olson: Bake 00:55 Gator Boys 14:00 Catch A Contractor 21:20 Shake It Up 07:00 Danger Mouse 18:00 Chopped 01:50 River Monsters 14:50 Ridiculousness 21:45 Backstage 07:25 Gravity Falls 19:00 Guy's Grocery Games 02:45 Bondi Vet 15:15 Catch A Contractor 22:10 Liv And Maddie 07:50 Atomic Puppet 20:00 Private Chef 03:40 Australia Doesn't Just Want To Kill 16:05 Idiotsitter 22:35 Cracke 08:15 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 20:30 Private Chef You 16:30 Ridiculousness 22:40 The Next Step 08:25 Counterfeit Cat 21:00 Patricia Heaton Parties 04:35 Tanked 16:55 Ridiculousness 23:05 Best Friends Whenever 08:40 Supa Strikas 21:30 Patricia Heaton Parties 05:25 Call Of The Wildman 17:20 Disaster Date 23:30 Jessie 09:10 K.C. Undercover 22:00 Rev Run's Sunday Suppers 06:15 Gator Boys 17:45 Lip Sync Battle 23:55 Tsum Tsum Shorts 09:35 Star Wars Freemaker Adventures 22:30 Rev Run's Sunday Suppers 07:02 River Monsters 18:10 Key And Peele 10:00 Lab Rats Elite Force 23:00 Iron Chef America 07:49 Insane Pools: Off The Deep End 18:35 Coaching Bad 10:25 Lab Rats Elite Force 08:36 Going Ape 19:25 The It Crowd 10:50 Danger Mouse 09:25 Groomer Has It 19:50 Comedy Central Presents Comedy 11:20 Supa Strikas 10:15 Australia Doesn't Just Want To Kill 3alwagef 11:45 Supa Strikas You 20:20 Comedy Central Presents Comedy 12:10 Counterfeit Cat 11:10 Call Of The Wildman 3alwagef 00:00 Miles From Tomorrow 12:35 Pair Of Kings 00:15 Coronation Street 12:05 Tanked 20:50 Disaster Date 00:30 Miles From Tomorrow 13:00 Pair Of Kings 00:40 Coronation Street 13:00 Groomer Has It 21:13 Ridiculousness 00:55 PJ Masks 13:30 Future-Worm! 01:10 The Chase 13:55 Bondi Vet 21:37 I Live With Models 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 13:55 Lab Rats 02:00 Emmerdale 14:50 Australia Doesn't Just Want To Kill 22:00 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 01:35 The Hive 14:20 Lab Rats 02:30 Coronation Street You 22:30 Inside Amy Schumer 01:45 Loopdidoo 14:45 Atomic Puppet 03:00 Coronation Street 15:45 Gator Boys 22:54 The Half Hour 02:00 Henry Hugglemonster 15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 03:30 Couples Come Dine With Me 16:40 Call Of The Wildman 23:18 Tosh.0 02:15 Calimero 15:15 Marvel's Avengers: Ultron 04:25 Tina & Bobby 17:05 Call Of The Wildman 23:42 Tosh.0 02:30 Art Attack Revolution 05:15 Shetland 17:35 Tanked 02:55 Zou 15:40 Supa Strikas 06:15 The Trials Of Jimmy Rose 18:30 River Monsters 03:05 Loopdidoo 16:05 Lab Rats 07:10 The Chase HANGING UP ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD 19:25 The Lion Queen 03:20 Henry Hugglemonster 16:30 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 08:05 Couples Come Dine With Me 20:20 The Vet Life 03:35 Calimero Everything 09:00 Tina & Bobby 09:30 Pawn Stars 03:50 Grizzly Empire 21:15 Tanked 03:50 Zou 16:55 Danger Mouse 10:00 Shetland 10:20 Storage Wars 04:45 Ultimate Animals 05:40 Unlikely Animal Friends 22:10 Call Of The Wildman 00:15 Destroyed In Seconds 04:05 Art Attack 17:25 K.C. Undercover 11:00 The Trials Of Jimmy Rose 11:10 American Pickers 06:35 Cobra Mafia 22:35 Call Of The Wildman 00:40 Ultimate Survival 04:30 The Hive 17:50 Future-Worm! 11:55 The Chase 12:00 Alone 07:30 Grizzly Empire 23:05 The Lion Queen 01:30 Science Of The Movies 04:40 Loopdidoo 18:15 Gravity Falls 12:50 Couples Come Dine With Me 12:50 Time Team 08:25 Ultimate Animals 02:20 Wildest Africa 04:55 Henry Hugglemonster 18:40 Lab Rats Elite Force 13:45 Emmerdale 13:40 Swamp People 09:20 Unlikely Animal Friends 03:10 Lost & Found With Mike & Jesse 05:10 Art Attack 19:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 14:15 Coronation Street 14:30 Ax Men 10:15 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 04:00 Destroyed In Seconds 05:35 Loopdidoo 19:10 Supa Strikas 14:45 Coronation Street 15:20 Mountain Men 11:10 Rescue Ink 04:25 Destroyed In Seconds 05:50 Calimero 19:35 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 15:15 The Chase 16:10 Shipping Wars 12:05 World's Weirdest Extreme Body 04:50 Ultimate Survival 06:05 Art Attack 20:00 Atomic Puppet 16:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 17:00 Counting Cars Parts 00:35 Doctors 05:40 How It's Made 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 20:25 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 17:00 Don't Tell The Bride 17:50 Pawn Stars 13:00 Shell Shocked 01:05 Eastenders 06:05 How It's Made 06:45 Zou Everything 18:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 18:40 Leepu And Pitbull 13:55 Super Predators 01:35 Poldark 06:30 Dirty Jobs 07:00 Art Attack 20:55 K.C. Undercover 18:50 The Trials Of Jimmy Rose 19:30 Counting Cars 14:50 Giant Panda: The Last Refuge 02:30 Poldark 07:20 Mythbusters 07:30 Henry Hugglemonster 21:20 Counterfeit Cat 19:45 Emmerdale 19:55 Car Hunters 21:45 Mighty Med 20:15 Coronation Street 20:20 Ax Men 15:45 Ultimate Rivals: Cat V. Dog 22:10 Pickle And Peanut 20:45 Coronation Street 21:10 American Pickers 16:40 Unlikely Animal Friends 22:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 21:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 22:00 America's 9/11 Flag: Rise From 17:35 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 22:45 Marvel's Avengers: Ultron 22:00 Don't Tell The Bride The Ashes 18:30 Rescue Ink Revolution 23:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 22:50 Inside Alcatraz: Legends Of The 19:25 Ultimate Rivals: Cat V. Dog 23:10 Ultimate Spider-Man: Web 23:50 Emmerdale Rock 20:20 Journey Into Amazonia Warriors 23:40 Hunting Hitler 21:10 Unlikely Animal Friends 23:35 Boyster 22:00 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 22:50 Rescue Ink 23:40 Ultimate Rivals: Cat V. Dog

00:00 Your Bleeped Up Brain 00:20 Sara's Australia Unveiled 00:00 E! News 01:00 The Universe 00:45 Delinquent Gourmet 00:15 Mariah's World 02:00 Warriors 01:10 Chocolate Covered 01:05 Mariah's World 03:00 Ancient Discoveries 01:35 Carnival Eats 00:00 Solace 01:55 Mariah's World 04:00 Brad Meltzer's Decoded 02:00 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 02:00 The Two Faces Of January 02:50 E! News 04:50 Ancient Aliens 02:25 Lee Chan's World Food Tour 04:00 Dark Places 03:50 Dash Dolls 05:40 Your Bleeped Up Brain 02:50 Miguel's Feasts 06:00 Dangerous Lessons 04:45 Dash Dolls 06:30 The Universe 03:15 Chocolate Covered 08:00 Project Almanac 05:40 Dash Dolls 07:20 America: The Story Of The U.S. 03:40 Glamour Puds 10:00 Blackhat 06:30 Botched 08:10 The Universe 04:05 Tripping Out With Alie & Georgia 12:15 A Kind Of Murder 07:00 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 09:00 Ancient Discoveries 04:30 Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia 14:00 Panic Room Henry 10:00 Brad Meltzer's Decoded 04:55 Maximum Foodie 16:00 Nick Of Time 07:55 E! News 11:00 Ancient Aliens 05:20 This Is Brazil 18:00 Stonehearst Asylum 08:10 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 12:00 Your Bleeped Up Brain 06:10 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 20:00 Along Came A Spider Henry 13:00 The Universe Sea 22:00 Kidnapping Mr. Heineken 09:10 E! News 14:00 America: The Story Of The U.S. 07:00 Chocolate Covered 10:10 Mariah's World 15:00 Ancient Discoveries 07:25 Glamour Puds 11:10 Mariah's World 16:00 Brad Meltzer's Decoded 07:50 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 12:05 Mariah's World 17:00 Ancient Aliens 08:15 Lee Chan's World Food Tour 13:00 E! News 18:00 Your Bleeped Up Brain 08:40 Miguel's Feasts ROBOT OVERLORDS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 13:15 Revenge Body With Khloe 19:00 The Universe 09:05 Chocolate Covered 00:00 It Takes Two Kardashian 20:00 America: The Story Of The U.S. 09:30 Glamour Puds 02:00 Step Dogs 09:55 Tripping Out With Alie & Georgia 03:45 Ducktales: The Movie 03:25 Ripper Street 08:00 Kids vs Film 07:45 Loopdidoo 14:10 Revenge Body With Khloe 21:00 Ancient Discoveries 10:20 Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia 05:00 Black Beauty 04:20 Orphan Black 08:25 Bear Grylls Survival School 08:00 Zou Kardashian 22:00 Brad Meltzer's Decoded 10:45 Maximum Foodie 06:45 Oliver & Company 05:05 Doctors 08:50 Giant Pandas Go Wild 08:15 Calimero 15:05 Revenge Body With Khloe 23:00 Ancient Aliens 11:10 This Is Brazil 08:30 Ducktales: The Movie 05:35 Eastenders 09:40 How It's Made 08:30 Loopdidoo Kardashian 12:00 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 10:00 It Takes Two 06:05 New Tricks 10:05 How It's Made 08:45 Henry Hugglemonster 16:00 E! News Sea 12:00 Oliver & Company 07:00 Doctors 10:30 Science Of The Movies 09:00 Minnie's Bow-Toons 16:15 Rob & Chyna 12:50 Chocolate Covered 14:00 Gnomeo & Juliet 07:30 Eastenders 11:20 Mythbusters 09:05 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 17:15 Rob & Chyna 13:15 Glamour Puds 16:00 Inside Out 08:00 Holby City 12:10 Giant Pandas Go Wild 09:15 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 18:10 Rob & Chyna 13:40 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 18:00 Ice Princess 08:55 Death In Paradise 13:00 Ultimate Survival 09:30 Miles From Tomorrow 19:05 Celebrity Style Story 14:05 Lee Chan's World Food Tour 20:00 The Game Plan 09:50 Stella 13:50 How It's Made 09:45 Goldie & Bear 19:30 Celebrity Style Story 00:30 American Pickers 14:35 Lee Chan's World Food Tour 22:00 The Incredible Adventures Of 10:35 New Tricks 14:15 How It's Made 09:55 The Lion Guard 20:00 E! News 01:20 Time Team 15:00 Chocolate Covered Professor Branestawm 11:30 Doctors 14:40 Dirty Jobs 10:20 PJ Masks 21:00 Mariah's World 02:10 Counting Cars 15:30 Glamour Puds 23:15 Inside Out 12:00 Eastenders 15:30 Mythbusters 10:35 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 22:00 Fashion Police 02:35 Car Hunters 15:55 Tripping Out With Alie & Georgia 12:30 Death In Paradise 16:20 Science Of The Movies 10:50 Doc McStuffins 23:00 Mariah's World 03:00 Forged In Fire 16:25 Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia 13:25 Stella 17:10 Kids vs Film 11:00 Goldie & Bear 03:50 Storage Wars 16:50 Maximum Foodie 14:20 New Tricks 17:35 Bear Grylls Survival School 11:15 PJ Masks 04:15 American Pickers 17:20 This Is Brazil 15:15 Doctors 18:00 NASA's Greatest Missions 11:30 Minnie's Bow-Toons 05:05 Pawn Stars 18:15 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 01:30 Mistress America 15:45 Eastenders 18:50 NASA's Unexplained Files 11:35 The Lion Guard 05:30 Pawn Stars Sea 03:30 Daddy's Home 16:15 Death In Paradise 19:40 Destroyed In Seconds 12:00 Sofia The First 06:00 Swamp People: Swamp Christmas 19:10 Chocolate Covered 05:30 Mission: Impossible - Rogue 17:10 Stella 20:05 Destroyed In Seconds 12:30 Doc McStuffins 00:00 Chopped 07:00 Ice Road Truckers 19:35 Glamour Puds Nation 18:05 New Tricks 20:30 How It's Made 12:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 01:00 Food Network Star 07:50 Shipping Wars 20:05 Tripping Out With Alie & Georgia 08:00 Zootropolis 19:00 Doctors 20:55 How It's Made 13:20 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 08:15 Shipping Wars 20:30 Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia 10:00 Daddy's Home 19:30 Eastenders 21:20 Mythbusters 13:50 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 08:40 Counting Cars 21:00 Maximum Foodie 11:45 Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 20:05 Death In Paradise 22:10 NASA's Greatest Missions 14:15 Gummi Bears 03:00 Man Fire Food 09:05 Car Hunters 21:25 This Is Brazil 14:00 Racing Hearts 21:00 Holby City 23:00 NASA's Unexplained Files 14:40 Sofia The First 22:15 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 15:45 Ricki And The Flash 22:00 Benidorm 23:50 Destroyed In Seconds 15:10 Little Mermaid 22:50 Friday Night Dinner 15:35 PJ Masks Sea 17:45 The Angry Birds Movie 23:15 Friday Night Dinner 16:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 23:05 Chocolate Covered 19:30 Captain America: Civil War 23:40 The Mimic 16:30 The Lion Guard 23:30 Glamour Puds 22:00 The Huntsman: Winter's War 16:55 Unbungalievable 23:55 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 01:00 Running Scared 17:00 Miles From Tomorrow 17:30 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 00:00 Kirby Buckets 17:55 The Lion Guard 00:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 18:20 Goldie & Bear 00:00 My Crazy Ex Witch 18:50 PJ Masks 03:00 Norbit 01:00 My Ghost Story: Caught On 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 19:15 Sofia The First 00:20 Paranatural 05:00 Crazy On The Outside Camera Witch 19:40 Doc McStuffins 01:10 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 07:00 Hanging Up 02:00 My Haunted House 01:10 Hank Zipzer 20:05 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 01:35 Desperate Hours 09:00 Norbit 03:00 I Was Possessed 01:35 Binny And The Ghost 20:30 Little Mermaid 02:00 Miracle Hospital 11:00 Crazy On The Outside 04:00 My Crazy Ex 02:00 Violetta 21:00 Miles From Tomorrow 02:30 Miracle Hospital 13:00 Hanging Up 05:00 My Ghost Story: Caught On 02:45 The Hive 21:30 Miles From Tomorrow 03:00 Return From The Dead 15:00 The Golden Child Camera 02:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 22:00 Unbungalievable 03:55 Startalk 17:00 Lovesick 06:00 My Haunted House Witch 22:05 Goldie & Bear 04:50 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 19:00 Hot Rod 07:00 I Was Possessed 03:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 22:35 Miles From Tomorrow 05:15 Desperate Hours 21:00 Growing Up And Other Lies 08:00 Evil Up Close Witch 23:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 05:45 Ancient X-Files 23:00 A Million Ways To Die In The West 09:00 Evil Up Close 03:40 Hank Zipzer 23:25 Gummi Bears 06:40 Yukon Gold 10:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 04:05 Binny And The Ghost 23:55 Minnie's Bow-Toons 07:35 Ultimate Airport Dubai 11:00 It Takes A Killer 04:30 Violetta 08:30 Megastructures 11:30 It Takes A Killer 05:15 The Hive 09:25 Mega Factories: Supercars 12:00 Crime Stories 05:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 10:20 Ancient X-Files 13:00 Crime Stories Witch 11:15 Drain The Ocean: WWII 01:00 Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas 14:00 Crime Stories 05:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 12:10 Nazi Temple Of Doom 03:00 Whiplash 15:00 Crime Stories Witch 13:05 Locked Up Abroad 05:00 Searching For Bobby Fischer 16:00 Evil Up Close 06:10 Hank Zipzer 00:30 Fast N' Loud 14:00 Mega Factories: Supercars 07:00 Pele: Birth Of A Legend 17:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 06:35 Binny And The Ghost 01:20 Misfit Garage 15:00 Megastructures 08:45 Foreverland 18:00 It Takes A Killer 07:00 Violetta 02:10 Blowing Up History 16:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 10:30 The Blind Side 18:30 It Takes A Killer 07:45 The Hive 03:00 How Do They Do It? 17:00 Apocalypse: The Battle Of Verdun 12:45 The Wave 19:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 07:50 The 7D 03:25 How Do They Do It? 18:00 Apocalypse: The Battle Of Verdun 14:30 The Theory Of Everything 20:00 The First 48 08:00 Jessie 03:50 Impossible Engineering 19:00 Locked Up Abroad 16:45 Creed 21:00 The First 48 08:25 Jessie 04:40 Fast N' Loud 20:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 19:00 Spotlight 22:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 08:50 Rolling To The Ronks 05:30 Auction Hunters 21:00 Apocalypse: The Battle Of Verdun 21:15 Still Alice 23:00 Evil Up Close 09:15 Tsum Tsum Shorts 06:00 How Do They Do It? 21:50 Apocalypse: The Battle Of Verdun 23:00 Mad Max: Fury Road 09:20 Elena Of Avalor 06:30 How Do They Do It? 22:40 Locked Up Abroad 09:45 Bunk'd 07:00 Deadliest Catch 23:30 Ultimate Airport Dubai 10:10 Stuck In The Middle 07:50 Misfit Garage 10:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 08:40 Fast N' Loud 11:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 09:30 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 00:05 Tosh.0 11:25 A.N.T. Farm 10:20 Auction Hunters 00:00 Bolts And Blip 00:30 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 11:50 A.N.T. Farm 10:45 How Do They Do It? 01:45 Rugrats In Paris: The Movie 01:00 The Meltdown With Jonah And 12:15 Good Luck Charlie 11:10 How Do They Do It? 00:30 Mega Hammerhead 03:30 Egon And Donci Kumail 12:40 Good Luck Charlie 11:35 Blowing Up History 01:20 Secrets Of The King Cobra 05:15 Daddy I'm A Zombie 01:25 South Park 13:05 Shake It Up 12:25 How Do They Do It? 02:10 Dangerous Encounters 07:00 Ploddy Police Car On The Case 01:50 South Park 13:30 Shake It Up 12:50 How Do They Do It? 03:00 Cobra Mafia 08:30 Jungle Book: Mowgli's Adventure 02:15 Tosh.0 13:55 Disney Mickey Mouse 13:15 Impossible Engineering ZOOTROPOLIS ON OSN MOVIES HD Classifieds

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

CHANGE OF NAME KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (16/02/2017 TO 22/02/2017) I, GANIJI ZAINAB QURESH, wife of Murtuza Mustufa SHARQIA-1 THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 5:30 PM RINGS 5:00 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 9:00 PM Jawadwala, holder of EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:30 AM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 7:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 7:15 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 11:00 PM Passport No. J0366967 & EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 1:30 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 9:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 9:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 1:00 AM Civil ID No. 283021503013 NO FRI+SAT EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 12:15 AM has changed my name to THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 1:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 ZAINAB MURTUZA JAWAD- FRI+SAT FANAR-2 AVENUES-1 JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 1:00 PM WALA hereinafter in all my THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 3:45 PM PET 12:30 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 11:30 AM ARSENAL 1:30 PM dealings and documents, I ARSENAL 3:30 PM KAABIL- HINDI 6:00 PM RINGS 2:30 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 1:45 PM will be known by my new EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 9:00 PM PET 4:30 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 4:00 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 5:30 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:00 PM THE REMAINS 6:30 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 6:15 PM ARSENAL 8:00 PM name ZAINAB MURTUZA EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 1:00 AM RINGS 8:30 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 8:30 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 10:00 PM JAWADWALA. (C 5274) THE REMAINS 10:30 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 10:30 PM ARSENAL 12:30 AM 16-2-2017 SHARQIA-2 PET 12:30 AM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 12:30 AM GOLD 12:45 PM AL-KOUT.2 I, Sonu son of Halasha Ram, ARSENAL 3:00 PM FANAR-3 AVENUES-2 EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 1:15 PM holder of Indian Passport GOLD 5:00 PM KAABIL- HINDI 1:00 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 -2D -4DX 12:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 3:15 PM No. M4637344 & Civil ID No. GOLD 7:15 PM AL MOKHAYAM 1:45 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE -3D -4DX 2:45 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 5:15 PM 280101012966 has ARSENAL 9:30 PM DANGAL -Hindi 3:45 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE -3D -4DX 5:00 PM RINGS 7:30 PM changed my name Som ARSENAL 11:30 PM JOLLY LLB 2 -Hindi 7:00 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE -3D -4DX 7:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 9:30 PM KAABIL- HINDI 10:00 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 -2D -4DX 9:30 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:30 PM Nath Halasha Ram here- SHARQIA-3 EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:45 AM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 -2D -4DX 12:05 AM inafter in all my dealings JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 12:45 PM AL-KOUT.3 and documents I will be JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 3:15 PM FANAR-4 AVENUES-3 GOLD 1:00 PM known by name of Som RINGS 5:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 11:30 AM RINGS 12:00 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 3:30 PM Nath Halasha Ram. (C 5273) JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 7:45 PM GOLD 2:00 PM RINGS 2:15 PM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 5:45 PM 15-2-2017 RINGS 10:15 PM GOLD 4:15 PM RINGS 4:30 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 8:00 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 12:30 AM GOLD 6:45 PM MUNTHIRIVALLIKAL THALIRKKUMBOL -Malayalam 6:45 PM GOLD 10:15 PM I, NR Rockie Rodgers S/o JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 9:30 PM RINGS 9:45 PM GOLD 12:45 AM Noel Rodgers, holder of SPLIT 12:15 AM MUHALAB-1 JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 12:05 AM Indian Passport No. PET 12:15 PM AL-KOUT.4 PET 2:15 PM FANAR-5 AVENUES-4 PET 12:45 PM K4263817 & Civil ID No. PET 4:15 PM ARSENAL 11:45 AM KAABIL- HINDI 1:00 PM THE REMAINS 3:00 PM 274112305085 has NO FRI+SAT ARSENAL 1:45 PM RINGS 1:30 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 5:00 PM changed my name to THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 4:15 PM ARSENAL 3:45 PM FRI AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 7:00 PM Jahangir hereinafter in all FRI+SAT RAEES- HINDI 5:45 PM ARSENAL 4:00 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 9:00 PM my dealings and docu- THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 6:30 PM ARSENAL 8:45 PM RAEES- HINDI 6:15 PM THE REMAINS 11:00 PM ments I will be known by RINGS 8:45 PM ARSENAL 10:45 PM DANGAL -Hindi 9:15 PM PET 1:00 AM name of Jahangir. (C 5271) RINGS 10:45 PM ARSENAL 12:45 AM RINGS 12:30 AM PET 12:45 AM BAIRAQ-1 MARINA-1 360º- 1 EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:30 AM TRANSPORT MUHALAB-2 ARSENAL 1:00 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 1:30 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:00 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 3:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 2:15 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 3:30 PM KAABIL- HINDI 2:00 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 5:30 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 4:15 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 5:45 PM Transport required from JOLLY LLB 2 -Hindi 5:00 PM GOLD 7:45 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 6:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 8:00 PM Dhajeej to Hawally Qutaiba EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 8:00 PM ARSENAL 10:00 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 8:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 10:00 PM street, from 5 pm. Friday & EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 10:00 PM ARSENAL 12:05 AM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 10:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:05 AM Saturday off. Contact: EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:05 AM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:15 AM MARINA-2 BAIRAQ-2 99878317. MUHALAB-3 DALIDA 12:45 PM 360º- 2 KUNG-FU YOGA 11:45 AM 15-2-2017 JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 12:45 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 1:30 PM SPLIT 12:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 2:00 PM ARSENAL 3:15 PM FRI SPLIT 3:00 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 4:30 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 5:15 PM SPLIT 3:30 PM DANGAL -Hindi 5:15 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 6:45 PM ACCOMMODATION ARSENAL 7:45 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 6:00 PM KAABIL- HINDI 8:30 PM DALIDA 9:00 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 9:45 PM DALIDA 8:00 PM SPLIT 11:30 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 11:30 PM 2 big rooms with balcony + ARSENAL 12:15 AM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 10:30 PM central AC, Jabriya B-10. St EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:30 AM 360º- 3 BAIRAQ-3 9, near Indian School & FANAR-1 AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 12:15 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 11:45 AM Farah Jamiya, start from MARINA-3 AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 2:30 PM DANGAL -Hindi 2:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:30 AM February. Mobile: EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 1:30 PM RINGS 12:00 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 4:45 PM JOLLY LLB 2 -Hindi 5:30 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 3:30 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 2:30 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 7:00 PM KAABIL- HINDI 8:30 PM 55706900, 55983570. (C 5272) 14-2-2017

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 16/2/2017 KAC 564 Amman 13:40 Departure Flights on Thursday 16/2/2017 TXC 1626 BSR 14:00 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 788 Jeddah 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:20 FEG 931 Alexandria 13:55 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 FDB 076 Dubai 14:05 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KNE 231 Riyadh 13:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 AXB 394 Kozhikode 14:10 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 PIA 240 Sialkot 00:40 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 THY 772 Istanbul 00:55 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 KAC 561 Amman 14:20 KAC 102 London 00:55 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:30 KAC 521 Al Najaf 14:45 MSC 411 Asyut 01:00 KAC 692 Muscat 14:30 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:35 KNE 382 Taif 14:50 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 KAC 414 Bangkok 14:35 MSC 412 Asyut 01:55 FEG 932 Alexandria 14:55 QTR 1086 Doha 01:15 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 KAC 417 Manila 02:00 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 KAC 672 Dubai 14:50 KAC 285 Dhaka 02:25 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 THY 773 Istanbul 02:25 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:15 DLH 635 Doha 01:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 PAL 669 Dubai/Manila 15:20 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 FDB 8053 Dubai 15:15 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:55 AXB 396 Kozhikode 02:55 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 AXB 395 Kozhikode 02:00 KAC 286 Dhaka 15:20 ETH 621 Ababa 03:05 QTR 1079 Doha 15:40 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:05 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:35 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 JZR 555 Alexandria 02:20 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:50 KKK 6505 Istanbul 03:55 FDB 8054 737 Dubai UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 KAC 154 Istanbul 15:55 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 KAC 357 Kochi 16:20 KKK 6506 Istanbul 02:55 KNE 531 Jeddah 16:05 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:30 FDB 069 Dubai 03:05 KAC 542 Cairo 16:05 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 KAC 167 Paris 04:25 SAW 706 Damascus 16:55 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 QTR 1077 Doha 04:40 KNE 532 Jeddah 16:55 QTR 1076 Doha 03:30 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 LMU 511 Cairo 05:00 KAC 675 Dubai 17:00 KAC 546 Cairo 03:55 FDB 051 Dubai 16:25 MSC 502 Alexandria 05:05 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 LMU 510 Cairo 04:00 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 16:35 FEG 954 Asyut 06:00 JZR 240 Amman 17:15 MSC 501 Alexandria 04:05 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 JZR 560 Sohag 06:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:25 KAC 418 Manila 04:25 JZR 787 Riyadh 17:00 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 KAC 615 Bahrain 17:35 FEG 933 Sohag 05:00 KAC 118 New York 17:00 KAC 153 Istanbul 06:50 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 JZR 503 Luxor 05:10 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 KAC 343 Chennai 17:40 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:20 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 KAC 165 Rome 06:55 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KAC 354 BLR 05:20 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:45 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:45 NIA 251 Alexandria 17:55 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 238 Amman 07:10 KAC 331 Trivandrum 18:00 KAC 364 Colombo 06:05 FDB 063 Dubai 18:10 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:20 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 KAC 773 Riyadh 07:30 KAC 353 BLR 18:15 JZR 529 Asyut 06:20 KAC 522 Al Najaf 18:25 KAC 787 Jeddah 07:45 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 06:25 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55 KAC 283 Dhaka 18:30 BAW 157 London 06:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 KAC 563 Amman 08:00 NIA 252 Alexandria 18:55 QTR 8511 Doha 07:00 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 411 Bangkok 08:20 JZR 554 Alexandria 18:55 PAL 668 Manila/Dubai 07:00 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 BAW 156 London 08:40 FDB 064 Dubai 19:05 FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15 KAC 502 Beirut 19:30 KAC 541 Cairo 08:40 JZR 184 Dubai 19:10 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 KAC 204 Lahore 07:15 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 FDB 054 Dubai 08:55 QTR 8512 Doha 09:00 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 KAC 743 Dammam 09:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KNE 381 Taif 19:55 KAC 691 Muscat 09:00 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 166 Rome 19:55 KAC 117 New York 09:00 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 382 Delhi 08:45 KAC 168 Paris 19:55 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KAC 383 Delhi 20:30 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 KAC 562 Amman 20:00 KAC 101 London 09:35 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 KAC 361 Colombo 20:35 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 OMA 647 Muscat 20:10 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 775 Riyadh 20:45 KAC 352 Kochi 09:10 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:55 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:45 KAC 613 Bahrain 10:10 JZR 124 Bahrain 21:05 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 OMA 648 Muscat 21:10 AVV 653 Sohag 10:10 KAC 616 Bahrain 20:50 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 KAC 619 Doha 21:20 IRA 673 Ahwaz 10:10 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:15 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 QTR 1089 Doha 21:35 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 DLH 634 Doha 21:35 SYR 341 Damascus 11:00 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 SVA 513 Riyadh 11:00 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 11:05 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 IRA 672 Ahwaz 11:10 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 AVV 654 Asyut 11:10 KAC 351 Kochi 22:00 MSC 403 Asyut 11:15 KAC 676 Dubai 21:45 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:00 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 FDK 801 Damascus 11:45 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 KAC 501 Beirut 11:55 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:05 SYR 342 Damascus 12:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 KAC 744 Dammam 12:10 NIA 151 Cairo 22:10 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:05 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 FEG 953 Asyut 12:35 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 12:05 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:45 JZR 561 Sohag 12:40 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 MSC 404 Asyut 12:15 KAC 381 Delhi 22:45 JZR 239 Amman 12:45 JZR 241 Amman 22:45 FDK 802 Damascus 12:45 KAC 1543 Cairo 22:45 FDB 075 Dubai 12:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KAC 156 Istanbul 23:25 FEG 934 Sohag 13:35 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 185 Dubai 23:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 AXB 393 Kozhikode 13:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:45 NIA 152 Cairo 23:10 KAC 155 Istanbul 13:50 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 KAC 614 Bahrain 13:30 JZR 125 Bahrain 23:55 stars34 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

CROSSWORD 1523 STAR TRACK

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

Early morning meetings and conferences are good places to show off your This is a touch-and-go time when it comes to your emotions. Others may skills. Your ability to act and accomplish what is set out before you is most cut you off or make it difficult for you to express yourself. You may feel that you lack depth admirable-you are acknowledged. Continue this afternoon to push forward with your and the ability to move or communicate with others. Your ideas may not find the support work and do not allow any outside force to slow your progress. You will find this a prof- you need. You would benefit from a class, book, lecture or a little research on business itable and successful day. This is a busy time. New beginnings can be seen on the horizon communication skills. This will help increase your confidence and give you more power in and this is probably due to your preliminary work in setting the possibilities into motion. knowing office politics. Before the year ends, you will have higher-ups looking at you to This may mean a promotion, a new relationship, new business or any other number of be the next to climb the ladder of success. You can get quite a lot accomplished if you just things that get you where you want to go in order to accomplish some big goals. Good for pace yourself for today. Helping those who cannot help themselves-and getting such you; give yourself a big pat on the back and enjoy being entertained. help when you need it-is an essential lesson now.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Difficulties, blocks and all manner of hot spots may be discovered and worked through. Follow through with your responsibilities-people will continue to make Communication today may be less important than listening; good ques- demands on your time. What you know you need to do will outweigh what you want to tions are the secret to a successful outcome. Concentrating on your own work this after- do but there will be rewards for your hard work in due time. Patience, do not try to push noon, you will find you have a lot of energy for completing most any task. Co-workers fol- an issue with co-workers or friends during this time. Although the stress will not be low your example. There will be future opportunities to express yourself; timing is every- removed for a while, you will be more able to deal with the pressures after the noon break. thing. Use this afternoon to think through some new personal plans. Listen to your intu- Creating a structure to empower and maintain your ideals and principles becomes a high ition and you will be headed in the right direction. Beyond the town in which you live you priority, an article of faith. By taking on greater responsibilities of this kind, you become an will find a new love or a new close friend. You could meet this person in some group gath- inspiration to others. ering, such as a class or at a convention. You may spend time later this evening organizing your closet, car or drawers, etc.

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

You may have a hard time concentrating today as there could be continu- Don't be afraid to move forward now. All sorts of things can be accom- ous interruptions. You might make better progress if you camped out in a library. Consider plished with your positive attitude. Someone may try to hold you back by placing an at-work sign on your desk as this could help to discourage interruptions. offering you interesting distractions. Stand firm by what you intuitively know you need to Perhaps some time away from your work will help to break up the groups of people that do and then move forward for your own advancement and self-esteem. If you are looking ACROSS 3. An independent ruler or chieftain (especially may be hanging around your desk. Client relationships are very important to you and you to widen your work abilities, look in the areas of mechanics, accounting, teaching, writing 1. An organization of countries formed in 1961 in Africa or Arabia). may find yourself spending some time in the afternoon making phone calls to clients. or telecommunication. You can talk about your feelings with great insight. All that is psy- to agree on a common policy for the sale 4. A supplement to a will. Away from work this afternoon, you get an opportunity to communicate with friends that chic, mysterious and spiritual comes to the forefront at this time. This can be inspiring or it of petroleum. 5. A rotating disk shaped to convert circular have a talent in common with you. This could mean choir practice or a writer's group or can be confusing, depending on how you are able to integrate it into your overall experi- ence; just tackle one subject at a time. Your artistic talents are heightened at this time. 5. Having the color of caramel. into linear motion. some other weekly group where you find enjoyment. 12. Standard temperature and pressure. 6. A unit of resistance equal to a billionth of an 15. A member of an Indian people of northern ohm. California living along the Russian River 7. The seventh month of the Moslem calendar. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) valley and adjacent Pacific coast. 8. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part Identify and simplify any financial dealings this month. This will help you 16. Any of various large edible marine gas- of an organism. It is a great time to schedule in an old friend for lunch. If you have been tropods of the genus Haliotis having an 9. The time period between dawn and noon. avoid pitfalls that could lead to some real problems. Be aware of power struggles and avoid becoming involved in them. Setting limitations and making yourself clearly under- doing more than your share of work for another co-worker lately, it is time to break away ear-shaped shell with pearly interior. 10. Provide with a coating, as of chocolates. from that activity. You could put your own job at stake by performing that person's job stood are beneficial to your success in anything you set out to do just now. Relationships, plus your own. You can demonstrate great understanding to the needs of others just now. 17. A branch of the Tai languages. 11. A soft heavy toxic malleable metallic ele- whether they are partnerships, personal or the social scene in general, are very important Hold your head up and be confident in your own abilities. You will have heads turning 18. A town in north central Oklahoma. ment. to you and can have a very decided influence on your career and workplace. Someone 19. Small silvery schooling fishes with protrusi- 12. Any of a number of tiny parallel grooves toward you today with your positive attitude. Whether or not you are single, a co-worker pays back a debt today. Some kind of healing process is at work in your life: you isolate may show more than appreciation for you at this time. Social entertainment surrounding ble mouths found in warm coastal waters. such as. what does not work, eliminate it and go on from there. Your sexual and personal appeal is your professional peers can be rewarding this evening. This is one of your best days for 20. A small piece of cloth. 13. Express gratitude or show appreciation to. at a high now. It seems as though magic is working in your favor. love. A loved one may be unpredictable tonight. 21. Expressing deep personal emotion. 14. North Atlantic sea poacher. 23. (astronomy) The angular distance of a 22. Any of three poisonous colorless isomeric celestial point measured westward along phenols. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) the celestial equator from the zenith 25. An Indian tree of the family Combretaceae Leo (July 23-August 22) crossing. that is a source of timber and gum. You are full of all sorts of information to inspire and encourage your team If you take charge of a project in the workplace today, you will find positive 24. (biology) Having branches or flower heads 27. A highly unstable radioactive element (the to move forward. This may be a sports team but more than likely you will be involved with and enthusiastic reviews. The problem is how to get yourself in the position where you can that bend downward. heaviest of the halogen series). a sales team. You might prefer to ignore work for today and spend more time socializing, be in control of a particular project. This may mean you have ideas for catering, decorating 26. Annual or perennial herbs with large leaves 28. The herpes virus that causes infectious but you will be surprised at your progress if you concentrate on productivity. Other people or a sales package to an old customer or any other improvement that will add to your sta- that resemble the leaves of cabbages. mononucleosis. may wonder about your secret to success. There are wonderful things that inspire you and tus with customers as well as with your peers. There are new and fresh ideas. A few sketch- it may be time you consider inspiring others; perhaps you could become a personal coach. 29. The lean flesh of a fish similar to cod. 31. Mostly tropical songbird. es and an estimate of cost and equipment, and a plan will have you getting all the atten- Inspiring people to use their minds in achieving success is a wonderful talent of yours. You tion from the powers that be, so to speak. You are improving in the workplace and are 30. French explorer (with Jacques Marquette) 32. A lake in northwestern Russia north of St. are in a good position to communicate with groups and society in general. This could of the upper Mississippi River valley (1645- becoming an asset to your company. This afternoon is spent in creative work. This evening Petersburg. include teaching. is spent in celebration. 1700). 34. An association of people to promote the 33. English monk and scholar (672-735). welfare of senior citizens. 36. A mountain range in western Russia 35. Little known Kamarupan languages. Virgo (August 23-September 22) extending from the arctic to the Caspian 37. German mathematician (1804-1851). Pisces (February 19-March 20) Sea. 38. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit There is progress in your career and you may see indications of a raise or 39. (sometimes followed by `of') Having or juice. Higher-ups are willing to observe or view your ideas. Your work will be promotion soon. The real action is behind the scenes around work, which may mean you well regarded. You are where you are because that is where you need to be. showing realization or perception. 40. The sixth month of the civil year. will require guidance and practice to become skilled with new equipment or new instruc- You gain attention and receive rewards for your accomplishment-be patient of others. You 43. Used in combination to denote the middle. 41. Port city that is the capital and largest city tions. You may want to copy a few instructions to read at home later but never fear; you respect honesty and think that people should be as open with you as you are with them. 44. A public promotion of some product or of Latvia. learn quickly. Take your work one step at a time and you will be pleased with the end There is a chance to clear a matter of confusion and gain an understanding. Hesitation in result. This is a very good time to communicate your goals and put them into words. service. 42. An organic compound that contains a any area of your life may come from a fear of failure. Your adaptability prevents you from Complete any tasks, jobs, projects, etc., that have been left to the side now. You have a being the object of this misconceived criticism. Remember to get the appropriate rest 45. An antibacterial drug (trade names Rifadin hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom deep interest in what makes things tick and who, or what, pulls the strings; and this is the and Rimactane) used to treat tuberculosis. which in turn is doubly bonded to another necessary for physical and mental strength. Good advice from a guide or older person hallmark of the mental cycle that now begins in your life. may be expected. A family member needs your praise. 46. A long lace for fastening boots. carbon atom. 49. Gone by. 47. Covered with paving material. 50. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly 48. A radioactive element of the actinide Word Search Yesterday’s Solution aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true series. stems and roots and leaves. 52. A town in northern Egypt. 51. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed dur- 53. A wad of something chewable as tobacco. ing respiration and by the decomposition 55. A member of an Athapaskan people that of organic substances. migrated to Arizona and New Mexico and 54. Acquire or gain knowledge or skills. Utah. 56. Genus of East Indian trees or shrubs. 57. An organization of independent states to 59. Italian poet (1569-1625). promote international peace and security. 61. The Mongol people living the the central 58. The capital of the state of Kansas. and eastern parts of Outer Mongolia. 60. A summary that repeats the substance of a 66. Behave in a certain manner. longer discussion. 69. Perennial of the genus Phytolacca. 62. A curve that lies on the surface of a cylin- 71. A medicinal drug used to evoke vomiting der or cone and cuts the element at a con- (especially in cases of drug overdose or stant angle. poisoning). 63. A subsidiary proposition that is assumed to 73. A master's degree in business. be true in order to prove another proposi- 74. The federal agency that insures residential tion. mortgages. 64. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a 75. (Japan) Ritual suicide by self-disembowel- skewer usually with vegetables. ment on a sword. 65. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan 77. An adult male person (as opposed to a River. woman). 67. An ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure 78. An interest followed with exaggerated zeal. equal to about a bushel. 79. An odorous gum resin formerly used in 68. (of persons) Highest in rank or authority or medicines. office. 80. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 70. A strategically located monarchy on the from aba cloth. southern and eastern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula. DOWN 72. (informal) Informed about the latest trends. 1. German industrialist who was the first in 76. An artificial language for international use Germany to use an assembly line in manu- that rejects rejects all existing words and is facturing automobiles (1871-1948). based instead on an abstract analysis of 2. A range horse of the western United States. ideas.

Yesterday’s Solution

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MUSIC & MOVIES Gore Verbinski born to be a horror director

conversation starter for bored dinner party guests, no kind of career path," he told AFP, attempting to explain the bands and made music videos before making an inauspicious "nominative determinism" is the theory that someone's 15-year hiatus between horror films. start in filmmaking with unloved comedies "Mouse Hunt" and Aname destined them for whatever they ended up "The Mexican." doing with their lives. Think Bulgarian hurdler Vania 'Nightmare' Stambolova, BBC weather forecaster Sara Blizzard, singer Bill Shot over seven months mostly in Germany, "Wellness" Optimist Medley or lavatory impresario Thomas Crapper. So there was a stars Dane DeHaan ("The Amazing Spider-Man 2") as an ambi- "The Ring" and the first, critically-acclaimed "Pirates of the certain inevitability in Oscar-winning American filmmaker tious stockbroker sent by his firm to a remote Alpine medical Caribbean" movie represented a purple patch but were fol- Gore Verbinski becoming a horror director-although the big spa where the patients are supposedly receiving a "miracle" lowed by box office flop "The Weatherman," and two poorly- mystery is why he seemed to give it up when he'd only just cure but seem to be getting sicker. Verbinski transformed the reviewed if financially successful "Pirates" sequels. Computer- got started. derelict Beelitz-Heilstaetten military hospital outside Berlin animated "Rango," a critical and commercial hit, won Verbinski The 52-year-old made his name in 2002 with "The Ring," a into a sterile yet Gothic spa in which you might find oligarchs an Oscar, his best ever reviews and an opportunity to blot his remake of Japanese classic "Ringu," scaring the wits out of a and captains of industry receiving quack cures side by side. He copy book again with high-concept Western "The Lone generation of fans with his spooky tale of a cursed videotape wanted it to be the kind of place where "you would, maybe Ranger." that kills anyone who sees it after a week. It became one of deep in the steam room, bump into Dick Cheney with a towel Starring Depp in a role that made his "Pirates of the the highest-grossing supernatural horror movies of all time, wrapped around him," the director said. Caribbean" performances look positively restrained, the lavish, recouping more than five times its $48 million budget and "Wellness," which opens on Friday, can be read as a over-long $225 million production was an infamous flop that spawning a sub-genre of American remakes of "J-Horror" clas- metaphor for humanity's unrelenting and ultimately unfulfill- frustrated fans who could see Verbinski's obvious talent. It is a sics such as "The Grudge" and "Dark Water." ing quest for perfection-a bulging bank account, a perfect body of work that raises more questions than answers about Yet Verbinski stepped quietly away, letting other directors family and job, wellbeing, health and happiness. "I think we Gore Verbinski the enigmatic filmmaker's worldview, although he reveals an take over two poorly-received sequels and turning with vary- live in an increasingly irrational world. We know history. We're optimistic spirit apparently at odds with the dread that suffo- ing degrees of success to straight drama, a western, an ani- driving a car into the wall and we can't turn the wheel and milkshake or whatever it is? There must be something inside cates "Wellness." "I think there's something about the youth mated film and three "Pirates of the Caribbean" installments. that's the horror, the nightmare," Verbinski said. It's not clear us where we know we're not well," he said. With his films today that is maybe questioning the treadmill a little bit," he "A Cure for Wellness" sees the director reaffirm his horror what the wall represents, or why we can't just slow the car achieving a collective global box office of $3.7 billion, said, suddenly appearing quite chipper. "I have faith that chops with an elusive genre-bender that might best be down, but it is an image Verbinski has invoked on previous Verbinski just about squeezes into the top 10 highest-grossing maybe they realize there's no more headroom in this algo- described as a cross between Martin Scorsese's "Shutter occasions to explain his sense that society is both in denial directors of all time. "A Cure For Wellness" is his tenth feature- rithm we have created." — AFP Island" and Milos Forman's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." about being sick and susceptible to snake oil cures. only his fifth without longtime collaborator Johnny Depp-in a "I'm always developing four or five things. They all go on "Why are we vulnerable to the pharmaceutical industry? resume so eclectic that it defies analysis. A punk guitarist as a the back burner and I go 'I have to tell this story now.' There's Why are we vulnerable to the seaweed wrap and the kale teenager growing up in LA, Verbinski appeared in several rock

Harrison Ford in Indie icon Jens Lekman finds near-miss landing adulthood has a disco beat uffering from writer's block so severe he what I'm supposed to do and what makes me private plane felt physically ill, singer Jens Lekman happy and what I'm put here to do." Sfound a way to jumpstart his creative Lekman, in an experience that became a ollywood star Harrison Ford was involved in a energy-forcing himself to write and release a separate song, stopped at a gas station in near-miss at a California airport as he was piloting song, a "postcard," every week. "It was almost deep America and bought a "WWJD" Hhis private plane, officials and US media said on like getting a gym card or something to force bracelet. The acronym, popular in the Bible Tuesday. Ford, a seasoned pilot and vintage plane collec- myself out of bed every day to do something Belt, stands for "What Would Jesus Do?" But tor, was approaching John Wayne Airport in Orange productive," he said. "I had to write. I had a Lekman found his own message-"What County, NBC reported, when he headed towards a taxi- contract with the world." A decade ago, Would Jens Do?" "I started thinking, what if I way rather than the runway, passing over an Boeing 737 Lekman was hailed as a pre-eminent voice of just tried doing the opposite of whatever my with 110 passengers and six crew. The 74-year-old indie pop, with wry, witty lyricism that spoke initial instincts would be?" Lekman said. "I "Indiana Jones" star was captured on air traffic control to sensitive 20-somethings and created a wore that bracelet for a while just to remind recordings, according to NBC, asking: "Was that airliner romanticism around his hometown of myself," he said. "I think that's something meant to be underneath me?" Gothenburg, Sweden, which figures promi- more people should try if they feel that they The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) said it did not nently in his songs. keep repeating their patterns and making identify people involved in air incidents but confirmed it But Lekman was stung by the more sub- bad choices in life." British director Trudie Styler (left) and British actor Alex Lawther pose during a photocall was investigating what had caused the misunderstand- dued reaction to his last album, 2012's "I for the film ‘Freak Show’ screened in the Generation 14plus section of the 67th Berlinale ing. "Air traffic controllers cleared the pilot of a single- Know What Love Isn't," a stripped-down, Film Festival in Berlin, on February 13, 2017. — AFP engine Aviat Husky to land on Runway 20L at John often sorrowful work haunted by a breakup. "I Wayne Airport Monday afternoon," spokesman Ian struggled with a lot of doubts around my Gregor said in a statement. "The pilot correctly read back songwriting and around what I was and what Trudie Styler tackles gay the clearance. The pilot then landed on a taxiway that my purpose and mission were," Lekman, who runs parallel to the runway, overflying a Boeing 737 that speaks in a calm reserve much like his dead- was holding short of the runway." pan songs, told AFP at a coffeehouse in New teen bullying with first feature The American Airlines plane managed to depart safe- York. Lekman's new album, "Life Will See You ly for Dallas just minutes after the incident, according to Now," comes out Friday with, after his years of ritish actress and producer Trudie Styler (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and NBC. The FAA prohibits aircraft landing on taxiways and darkness, a surprise-the joy is back. is making her directorial debut at the dyslexia and had had a pretty bad road acci- sanctions for pilots found at fault range from a warning "Life Will See You Now"-a title that plays on BBerlin Film Festival this week with dent when I was a child so I was very scarred letter to a suspension of their license. Ford suffered a bro- how doctors call in patients from the waiting "Freak Show", about a gay American teen who on my face." "I was a listener to music but a ken arm and minor head injuries when he crash-landed a room-revives the ironic voice that defined stands up to bullying. Styler, who has co-pro- lonely one," she continued. "I didn't belong to World War II plane on a Santa Monica golf course two Lekman's early songs. Lekman goes further duced such films as "Lock, Stock and Two the popular girls or even the mean girls. But years ago, after the carburetor failed. He also crash-land- than before with electronics, with songs such Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch", premiered the we all have sharp memories of our own high ed a helicopter during a flying lesson in Ventura County, as the sensory, readily danceable "What's That Jens Lekman movie to sold-out audiences in the festival's school years." California in 1999 and, a year later, his Beechcraft Perfume That You Wear?" bursting into disco 'Generation' section, which showcases young Bonanza scraped the runway during an emergency land- with touches of samba. Two of Lekman's post- Listening to fans adult cinema. The film ended up being a fam- 'Bullies as leaders' ing in Nebraska. cards-"How We Met, the Long Version" and Lekman in late 2015 started the ily affair, with her daughter Eliot Sumner, who "Freak Show" is Styler's debut as a director The actor has been in accidents out of the cockpit too, "Postcard #17"-made the album. Ghostwriting project with the Cincinnati lives in Berlin and has her own music career, of a feature film, although she has co-direct- suffering a broken leg three years ago on the set of the But Lekman said the postcards more Contemporary Arts Center and the helping with the soundtrack and Eliot's older ed documentaries. She also recently co- Millennium Falcon spaceship after he was pinned down broadly helped him focus on what he wanted Gothenburg Biennial in which strangers sub- sister, Mickey, playing a doctor in one scene. starred in the television series "Empire" and is by the heavy, metal-framed door while reprising his role to be writing about-existential thoughts on mit stories which he turns into songs. Lekman Styler is married to musician Sting. "Freak a prominent environmental campaigner. She as Han Solo in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." A long- getting older. Lekman recently turned 36 -- an wants Ghostwriting to expand into a small Show" tells the story of Billy Bloom (British said she feared that the example being set by time aviation enthusiast, Ford owns several aircraft and age, he said, where "you start to see the con- festival with a range of artists composing for actor Alex J Lawther), the flamboyant son of a today's political leaders was warping the atti- claims more than 5,200 hours in his log book. He is certi- sequences of your choices and how life keeps their fans. "I would love to hear Marilyn billionaire father and a glamorous, fun-loving tudes of young people. "We're living in a fied to fly and land planes, seaplanes and helicopters, repeating itself." In an essay to introduce the Manson's fans or something, what their sto- mother who is played by Styler's friend Bette more xenophobic and homophobic culture according to the National Transportation Safety Board. album, Lekman described one's 30s as "like ries would be like," Lekman said of the occult- Midler. When their marriage breaks up, Billy than I would suggest that we have at any His representatives refused to comment. — AFP your teenage years, but without all the cool dabbling rocker. has to leave New England for his father's time in our recent history," Styler said. "We role models." "When you were a teenager you Even if his music is looking brighter, he is home in a Republican state in the Bible Belt, want our kids to grow up to be more tolerant, had The Ramones. When you're in your 30s not optimistic about the future of the busi- where the cheerleaders cry "Make America more inclusive, more compassionate and so you have the characters from 'Seinfeld,'" he ness. Traditional album sales have plummet- Great Again". Dressed up as gay pop icon Boy it's a worry when we have bullies as leaders. wrote. ed, which he called a "nightmare scenario" for George on his first day at school, Billy runs a I'm talking about Marine Le Pen, I'm talking an indie pop artist. But Lekman carefully laid gauntlet of hostile jocks and popular kids but about (Donald) Trump, I'm talking about What Would Jens Do? the financial groundwork to take a full band refuses to let the conformists cramp his style. (Vladimir) Putin, there are any number." She The album starts off with the bouncing "To on a tour of North America and Europe that Even after he is ambushed and beaten up said kids needed role models to help them fit Know Your Mission," in which Lekman recalls opens February 23. He is adamant about play- by a gang of football player thugs, Billy in, even if they are taken from pop culture. an encounter with a Mormon missionary in ing smaller cities, remembering his youthful returns to school and delivers a book report "I'm married to a musician-music is a tran- Gothenburg. "I remember being very excitement when bands visited Gothenburg. performance in drag as Jazz Age heroine scendent form. We all remember what we intrigued that this missionary had this very "For me, it's sort of like a cultural democracy Zelda Fitzgerald that brings the house down. were doing to a certain song at a certain time. clear idea of what his purpose in life was-he or musical socialism to take a stand and get Eventually Billy decides to challenge the It evokes memory, it evokes feeling above all," was going to spread the Gospel," Lekman out of the major cities if you can." — AFP school's top "mean girl" (Abigail Breslin of she said. "In this movie, Eliot helped me to said. "He was 19 or something. For me, it's not "Little Miss Sunshine") for the homecoming select some great LGBT bands to play at cer- until now that I'm starting to grasp a little bit queen crown. Styler, 63, lined up a series of tain very poignant moments of the movie. In celebrity cameos for the movie including fact she's got two of her own songs." The Laverne Cox, the transgender star of "Orange soundtrack also includes songs by Perfume Katy Perry, Ed is the New Black", to play a local television Genius, Boy George and 1970s glam rockers T. reporter, and tennis great John McEnroe as Rex, a band Styler said she loved as a young Sarah Jessica Parker the well-meaning school gym teacher. woman. The Berlin film festival runs until Sheeran to play She said she chose the script, based on a Sunday. — AFP bestseller by James St James, for her first out- In this file photo, Harrison Ford arrives at the to chair library ing as a director in part because of her own 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly iHeartRadio experience with bullying. "I had a rough time Hills, Calif. — AP at school myself," she told AFP. "I had ADHD association book club Music Awards arah Jessica Parker is adding another aty Perry, Ed Sheeran and The credit to her life as a bookworm. The Chainsmokers will perform at the Welcome to the humble: Guns 'N Roses sorry over Aus mix-up S"Sex and the City" actress is serving KiHeartRadio Music Awards in Los as honorary chair of the American Library Angeles. Additional performers announced Association's newly created Book Club yesterday include Shawn Mendes, Thomas ock legends Guns N' Roses apologized yesterday Central. The library association told The Rhett, Noah Cyrus and Big Sean. Bruno Mars after confusing the southern city of Melbourne with Associated Press yesterday that the club has also been previously announced as a per- RSydney on their Australian tour. Concert-goers will recommend books throughout the former. Drake leads all nominees with 12 booed the US rockers when guitar technician McBob said year and will formally launch in Chicago nominations, including male artist of the year, hello to "Sydney" at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on on June 24, during the ALA's annual con- at the fourth annual awards show. The show Tuesday night as he introduced the group on stage. ference. "From an early age, books were will air live on TBS, TNT and truTV on Sunday, "Sydney, you wanted the best but they're stuck in traffic, so my constant companions and my local March 5. — AP here's what you get," he said. library a place I could find a new friend on The group later tweeted from their official account that every shelf," Parker said in a statement. they were "truly sorry". "Melbourne! Accidentally after 30 "I'm thrilled to help champion original years McBob made an error, we're truly sorry. Thank you for voices for dedicated readers as well as for coming out tonight!" Lead guitarist Slash apologized on a new generation, supporting libraries in Twitter for the "Spinal Tap intro" while bassist Duff what they do best." McKagan added: "Don't b2 hard on McBob 4saying Parker recently started her own imprint 'Sydney' in the intro...his wife and fam from here. Hell catch with Penguin Random House and last year it plenty!" introduced JK Rowling at a PEN gala, There has been a long-time rivalry between Sydney and where the "Harry Potter" author was being Melbourne, Australia's two largest cities. While Sydney is honored by the literary and human rights the nation's financial center and boasts of its iconic harbor- organization. Parker also served on a presi- front that features the Opera House and bridge, Melbourne dential arts and humanities committee prides itself as Australia's cultural and sporting capital. The during the Obama administration. — AP Katy Perry arrives at the 59th Annual veteran band last performed in Melbourne in 2013. — AFP Grammy Awards - Universal Music Group After Party at The Theatre at Ace Hotel on Guns ‘N Roses Sunday in Los Angeles. — AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 lifestyle

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Villagers parading a dragon through a tunnel next to a highway in the fields near Gutian village, Liancheng county of China’s eastern Fujian province.

Villagers parading a dragon next to a highway in the fields near Gutian village, Liancheng county of China’s eastern Fujian province. Villagers parading a dragon through fields near Gutian village, Liancheng county of China’s eastern Fujian province. Enter the dragon: Rural Chinese honor mythical beast ragons several hundred meters long snake their way The dragon is believed to scare off bad luck and bring the Bringing up the rear was the dragon's tail, separated It was eventually lit up in flames on the grounds of the tem- down pastoral roads and through country hamlets, part rains needed by farming communities in Liancheng county, a from the rest of the body because locals believe attaching it ple where it all started, an offering for a bountiful year ahead. A Dof centuries-old Chinese folk celebrations for a mythical rural area of Fujian. In the village of Gutian on Saturday, resi- may bring too much rain. Later that night the dragon was few days earlier, the well-preserved ancient Hakka village of creature revered as a blessing. The visually striking festival is dents began their two-day dragon parade by slitting the throat paraded in circles outside a local government compound as Peitian had its own parade of eleven illuminated dragons, among a range of colorful traditional observances unique to of a squealing pig on the grounds of a temple, the animal's fireworks crackled. The dragon was dismantled at night, but observances dating back to the Ming dynasty, which ruled eastern Fujian province and its Hakka people and held each blood spouting into a pan and later poured onto the head of the parade resumed the next day. The dragon's head started China from 1368 to 1644. — AFP year in conjunction with the Lantern Festival, which fell this the paper-and-wood dragon. The giant beast was then carried out first, joined in succession by other sections until it was year on February 11. by dozens of local men through farms and villages. complete again.

Villagers parading a dragon through an ancient compound in Peitian village, Villagers parading a dragon before burning it as an offering in Gutian village. Children eating ice cream as they await a dragon parade in Peitian village. Liancheng county of China’s eastern Fujian province. — AFP photos

Ambitious Western US Get your home red-carpet-ready music center plans premiere with Badgley Mischka ippet Rise, an ambitious music center in the rolling hills The second season, which takes place over the summer, esign duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka, known a gold, zebra-print bench and a velvet octagonal coffee of Montana, on Tuesday announced a second season will feature a world premiere of a work by Kernis for piano and for show-stopping red-carpet gowns, are bringing table. Like a dress with a wow moment on the back, there's a that will include a premiere by leading composer Aaron cello. The premiere will mark the first of three years of com- T the glamour of their fashion shows to a living room sleek, gray couch with striking geometric wood pattern only Jay Kernis. The Tippet Rise Art Center opened last year on a missioned works at Tippet Rise by the Pulitzer Prize-winning D near you. The designers describe their first-ever Badgley seen from behind. sweeping ranch in the western US state, aiming to bring composer, known for his neo-Romantic style that incorporates Mischka Home Collection, launching today, as "couture furni- Their favorite piece? A masculine, dark wood desk with world-class classical musicians to a venue in nature with con- contemporary influences. ture" infused with old Hollywood glamour. "We love when a gold detailing and curved architectural flair. "It's very sensu- certs attended by no more than 150 people at a time. The Kernis is perhaps most famous for a 1983 incident at the piece of furniture has a little bit of atmosphere to it, where it ous," Badgley said. "It's very simple. Nothing pretentious estate-which features original sculptures, communal dinners New York Philharmonic when music director Zubin Mehta sort of harks back to the golden era of Hollywood. At the about it, but the finishings make it, and elevate it to such a and, this year, a new 5.5 kilometers (three and a half miles) of stopped one of his pieces, saying the score was vague, and same time, it's our quest to keep every piece modern. So it's couture piece. ... These pieces are timeless. James and I have hiking and bicycle trails-is funded by free-spirited philanthro- the then 23-year-old composer insisted he go on. Performers been a real luxury and a real treat to work on something never liked trendy pieces. We don't like trendy clothes. We pists Peter and Cathy Halstead who sell tickets for just $10. set for Tippet Rise's new season include the cellist Zuill Bailey, besides a red-carpet ball gown," said Badgley during an certainly don't like trendy furniture. When James and I buy a who shared two Grammy Awards on Sunday, and the Russian exclusive sneak peek of the collection in Los Angeles. piece, we want to know that it's going to be in the home for pianist Yevgeny Sudbin, who will open the season in July with Badgley and Mischka also pulled inspiration straight from the next 20, 30, 40 years. And that, to us, is what this furniture works that include Liszt and Tchaikovsky. their runway collection, which they will present today during stands for." — AP The season will close with a festival of films about architec- New York Fashion Week. Some of the furniture will be used in ture and design including a documentary on artist Stephen the show. "We used a lot of fabrics that were reminiscent of Talasnik. Two of his sculptures were recently acquired by fabrics that we are using on the couture collection," said Tippet Rise. The Halsteads, in designing Tippet Rise, have said Mischka. "Our (fashion) collection is done with a lot of hand- that they are looking for a new model on how to present clas- beading and a lot of very intricate work on the couture sical music and art rather than building another big urban gowns. And this collection also has handwork on it. All the hall. The latest season will include a weekend of music for finishes are distressed by hand. . It's extremely labor inten- wind instruments and piano meant to complement the natu- sive, which is very much like our couture gowns." ral setting. — AFP Their approach to designing for the dining room and the red carpet is the same: The devil is in the details. "We were very involved, from sketching. We scoured Europe for fabrica- tions. We flew in tiny little planes to the middle of nowhere This file photo shows tourists, as they observe where we could find the craftsmanship to execute certain ‘Beartooth Portal,’ a work by Spanish sculptors processes. It was a real labor of love," Badgley said. Anton Garcia-Abril and Debora Mesa, known The collection ranges in price from $100 to $10,000, and together as Ensamble Studio, at the Tippet Rise includes accent pieces, beds, chairs, sofas, tables, cabinets, Art Center near Fishtail, Montana. — AFP candles and artwork. It will be available on the designers' website and at Neiman Marcus. Colorful sketches of Badgley Photo shows pieces from the Badgley Mischka Home Mischka gowns were blown up and framed. Lush fabrics line Collection on display in Los Angeles.

This file photo shows ‘Two Discs’ (right), a sculpture by Alexander Calder on loan from the Hirshhorn Museum in Photo shows pieces from the Badgley Mischka Home Collection on display in Los Angeles. — AP photos Washington, DC, and the Olivier Music Barn (left) seen at the Tippet rise Art Center near Fishtail, Montana. lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

FASHION

AT NY FASHION WEEK, HIJABS TOP LOOKS FIT FOR ROYALTY

n just two seasons, Indonesian Muslim designer show that "fashion is for everybody." "There is beauty Anniesa Hasibuan has made the hijab her trade- in diversity and differences-something we should not Imark-and dazzled New York fashion week's catwalk be afraid of" she told AFP, speaking through an inter- this week by styling it with flowing, iridescent gowns preter. "I believe being a fashion designer can bring a fit for a princess. Like in her New York show last fall- lot of changes-and beautiful changes, of course." which cemented her status as a rising star-all of the models who showcased Hasibuan's autumn/winter Growing fame 2017 collection sported lustrous gray hijabs that She unveiled her second New York collection amid sculpted the facial features while carefully covering controversy over US President Donald Trump's recent the hair. executive order on immigration, currently blocked by a US court, that bars refugees and migrants from sev- en Muslim-majority nations. The decree ignited mass protests and global condemnation. Hasibuan, howev- er, aims to keep her work, which is primarily geared toward Muslim women, "separate" from politics. "I'm here bringing the beautiful voice of the Muslim women, the peace and the universal values that fashion can offer," she said. Her dream, she said, would be to dress Kate Middleton, whom the design- er said is "like a queen," adding that she admires the Duchess of Cambridge for "her elegance." Hasibuan won worldwide praise for her fall collec- tion in New York last September, the first to feature a hijab in every look. Since then she has opened new stores in her home country Indonesia as well as in Malaysia, Turkey and Abu Dhabi-proffering modern Islamic clothing dripping in glamor. Chiara Sari, Indonesia's vice consul in New York, donned a white hijab atop a black, velvet top and black pants to attend the show, pulling her contemporary look together with a statement necklace. Other than the hijab, the traditional head and The hijab, Sari said, is Hasibuan's "trademark, and I neck covering many Muslim women wear, the 30- don't think she will lose that." Since Trump's con- year-old designer's clothes evoked nothing of the tentious decree Sari said she has spent significant "modest Muslim" style that sometimes stirs contro- time reassuring her fellow Indonesians in the United versy and exacerbates anti-Muslim sentiment in States, while also urging them to "avoid traveling western countries. On the contrary, Hasibuan's col- abroad" to reduce the risk of not being able to re- lection features shimmering, on-trend pleats, silver enter. For Sari, Hasibuan's growing fame is a gift. and golden ruffles, and long trains adorned with "Hopefully that will increase familiarity with Islam in Designer Anniesa Hasibuan walks the pearls, glitter or embroidery that recalled royalty of general, especially now when it is getting a lot of bad runway for the Anniesa Hasibuan collec- the Middle Ages. press," she said. — AFP tion during New York Fashion Week in The models were not chosen at random-the New York City. Models walk the runway for the Anniesa Hasibuan show during New York Fashion Week young designer held casting calls specifically seeking in New York City. — AP/AFP photos first and second-generation immigrants, seeking to Naeem Khan uses Maya Angelou, Brandon Maxwell faces fears

his Fashion Week, designers have come up with widely acceptable because that's not our Constitution." high collar and partial skirt. A fox fur coat was worn with a varying ways to comment, either overtly or not, on the Khan was a favorite designer of former first lady Michelle strapless gown with a layered bodice. Tnation's political situation. Naeem Khan decided to use Obama, and famously designed the shimmering gown she As a boy in Longview, Texas, the 32-year-old Maxwell - poetry. As the final design made its way down the runway on wore to the India state dinner - her first. There were plenty of Lady Gaga's fashion director and friend - had a mirrored clos- Tuesday - a grand, glistening, golden bridal gown, with a gold equally shimmering gowns at Tuesday's runway show, includ- et door. That's where he'd sing along to Jackson. As a man, floral crown and a cascading veil with a black-and-gold train - ing a few striking Deco-inspired looks - in gold metallic recently, he said he had to look himself in the mirror again. "I the soundtrack played Maya Angelou reading her poem, thread, or sequins. Khan also showed flouncy party dresses in decided I'm going to do what I want because at the end of "Human Family." "The variety of our skin tones can confuse, tea length; a silvery sequined dress with ruffle straps and a the day I have to sleep with it. You're not going to please bemuse, delight, brown and pink and beige and purple, tan peplum detail looked like almost like a very chic suit of armor. everybody," Maxwell said. "I have to be OK with that." — AP and blue and white," the poem reads in part. Embellishment was still key; Khan said he had experimented It closes by saying, three times: "We are more alike, my with new types of embroidery and placing sequins at differ- friends, than we are unalike." Backstage, Khan spoke about ent angles, to create texture and catch the light. President Donald Trump's travel ban and its potential impact The collection began with somewhat more casual looks, on the fashion industry. "You look at the fashion business, it part of an effort by Khan to expand more into daywear - ani- drives the economy of our country," said Khan, who was born mal print coats, print dresses, or a beaded jacket over draw- in India and is a US citizen. "It's the third or fourth largest busi- string pants. In an especially bright ensemble, high embroi- ness in America. You cannot have a business so big and have dered boots matched the embroidery on the dress, for shoul- a travel ban." He added: "You look across all the designers ... der-to-toe color. "The inspiration was this larger-than-life we bring diversity. And we make business by being all togeth- woman who is my client, who is all the women I dress," Khan er to create newness mixed with volume mixed with so many said. "There are women across the world who wear my amazing, beautiful things that come from different parts of clothes, so how do I take different art from different parts of the world. So we cannot have a travel ban. Especially if it's the world in today's climate to show ... diversity and beauty? confined to one community. I mean that is absolutely not This is the collection." Among the guests was actress Mandy Moore, star of TV's "This Is Us." She opted against a dress, giv- en the weather, and wore one of Khan's beaded, full-length vests. "I just have been introduced to Naeem's stuff," she said. "I wore one of his dresses to the Golden Globes this year and was floored by how empowered I felt."

Brandon Maxwell faces fears Looking back on the two years he's been in business, Maxwell has come to a place of release. "I had reached what felt like the lowest point in my life. In that dark moment, I turned on my music, and I worked through my pain in the only way I know how, by creating," he said in notes for Tuesday's show, held high above the Statue of Liberty on the 71st floor of one of the World Trade skyscrapers. It was the creative process, Maxwell said in a backstage interview, that led him to bid goodbye to the lifelong "people pleaser" in him and hello to freedom from fears, including the ones that had him trying to please all the people all the time - customers, buyers and critics among them. The result, set to a soundtrack that included "Black or White" by his beloved Michael Jackson, was a collection worn by models who stayed loose and relaxed, as did many of his silhouettes. He included looks in deep teal and pops of party- girl red, like a turtleneck sweater with two rows bell pleats that began above the wrist. While true to his pencil skirts and elegant pleating detail in gowns, jackets and other looks, one wide-waisted ball skirt in shimmery black clearly made the Fashion designer Naeem Khan walks the runway after model happy. A wide-trouser was paired with a fur-trimmed showing his collection during Fashion Week. lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

FASHION

Tunisian fashion designer Olfa Mhaoued, who is inspired by adding modern touches to the North African country's traditional garbs, is applauded at the end of a fashion show in Tunis. — AFP photos Tunisian fashion designers look to past for inspiration

raditional embroidery on modern dresses, Tunisia boasts a wide variety of clothes inspired 'Warm and daring colors' men's robes turned into women's jackets- by past rulers, with Carthaginian, Roman, Amazigh, Veteran designer Frad says her designs combine TTunisian designers are making their mark Arab, Andalusian and Ottoman styles all leaving an traditional embroidery with "more sophisticated, with outfits inspired by their country's heritage. imprint. Each region has its own style of dress for more tailored dresses, adapted to the tastes of the Models present creations by Drawing on a diverse range of regional styles, weddings and religious ceremonies, using luxuri- modern woman." She says the concept is increas- Tunisian fashion designer Olfa Mhaoued. designers like Zeineb Chiboub are adding modern ous silk, lace and tulle fabrics richly ornamented ingly popular. Stylist Ilyes Ben Amor agrees. "The touches to the North African country's traditional with silver, gold and filigree threads. But Chiboub ethnic trend is in vogue at haute couture houses garb. Wearing a hooded coat inspired by the kach- says her clients are also looking for everyday and on international podiums," he says. It is a cele- abiya, a winter robe usually worn by men, Chiboub clothes. Her most in-demand item is the Maryoul bration of the "warm and daring colors of tradition- says the idea of reworking generations-old designs Fadhila, a traditional silk or cotton top worn over al clothes, which spread joy and freshness, contrary is catching on. jeans or a short skirt. Haifa Ifaa, a student in her to all that is dark, full of sadness, like the niqab," the "Tunisians, especially young people, are increas- 20s, says the clothes give her a feeling of pride. "I face-covering Islamic veil, he adds. Some designers ingly fond of Tunisian heritage. They want to show love wearing the updated clothes of our grand- see taking inspiration from the country's past as a their identity," she says. Every week, Chiboub, a phar- mothers," she says, standing at the entrance of the statement against religious extremism. Tunisia has macist by training, heads to a different region in shop of Faouzia Frad, another designer of reworked experienced an ongoing jihadist insurgency since a search of old clothes. She cuts them up and trans- traditional clothing. "(They) show the beauty of our 2011 revolution toppled long-time dictator Zine El- forms them into "stylized" models in order to sell heritage." Abidine Ben Ali. them at her shop in an upmarket suburb of Tunis. "Our only weapon against fundamentalism is our identity, our culture, our craftsmanship," says Fatma Ben Abdallah, head of the jury of the annual Khomsa d'Or fashion show. The show, set for May 18, will host both amateur and professional artisans and design- ers. Organized by the National Crafts Board, it aims to revive the traditional dress in Tunisia, with the dream of crossing borders. Ben Abdallah has ambitions beyond that, hoping to organize international fash- ion events to showcase Tunisian designs. It will be a challenge-to date, there is no official data on revenue from the clothing sector or its export potential. "We have a very rich heritage, talent and taste," she says. "But we lack resources, and without the support of the government, this dream cannot be realized." Three-time Khomsa d'Or prize winner Ilyes El Andari agrees. "The traditional dress is the showcase of the country. It deserves to be more supported," he says. — AFP

Hepburn is muse in defense of women on NY runway

ultimillionaire Tory Burch kicked off Valentine's Day old Burch told AFP backstage of Hepburn, the late screen leg- all over the world such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer ambition and "how important that is right now, especially for at New York fashion week on Tuesday by unveiling end, after the show on the sixth day of fashion week. "I think Lopez or the duchess of Cambridge. Actress Diane Kruger was women in America." Ma Katharine Hepburn inspired collection designed she personifies powerful women in a way, she was very irrever- at her show Tuesday. But Burch downplayed a dinner she attended that was for the modern, elegant and powerful woman. Held at the ent and outspoken and did it with such grace." Burch said she had been "greatly affected" by the protests hosted by first daughter Ivanka Trump-before her father's inau- Whitney Museum of American Art, where the winter sun From a classic navy blue pant suit, to a waist accentuated that erupted after Donald Trump's inauguration, especially the guration-another elegant New York businesswoman who has poured through the windows and a red hardback of love by silver-colored sparkling buttons, to a Fair Isle winter massive women's march on Washington on January 21. "It was also called for better pay for women and child care. "It was just poems was carefully laid out for each guest, the show sweater paired with velvet pants or jacquard skirt, they could something that takes your breath away," she said. "I think that a meeting that someone set up, 15 CEOs maybe in a room, I oozed class. have been staples from a chic 1950s closet. Burch, whom it's bigger than what it became about, because women are think she is just trying to figure out what she is doing," said The opening look-a model dressed in a white coat and Forbes ranks 73 on the list of the world's most powerful half the population, it should be equal rights, equal pay... it Burch. "I don't work with Ivanka, so I don't know." — AFP white pants-was difficult to dissociate with one of Hillary women, has made a fortune out of her lifestyle brand of prep- should be a given not a favor." The designer said she was gear- Clinton's most iconic ones during her defeated presidential bid py chic. Since Oprah Winfrey helped propel her to fame in ing up for a Women's Day campaign on March 8 that would last year that Burch supported. "To me, she is a hero," 50-year- 2005, Burch's clothes have been worn by well-heeled women bring together women and girls to talk about embracing

The Tory Burch collection is modeled during Fashion Week in New York, Tuesday. At NY fashion week, hijabs top looks fit for royalty

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 38

Karyn (left) and husband Tucker Brown (right) ski while celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary during the Loveland Ski Area 26th Annual Valentine’s Day Mountaintop Matrimony held near Georgetown, Colorado on February 14, 2017. Over 70 couples gathered to either wed or renew their vows during the ceremony which was officiated by Minister Harry Heilmann, of the Universal Life Church. — AFP Rumor has it: German Shepherd crowned at Westminster 'quality and nobility'

fter endless primping, cheers and more than a little drool, the Westminster Dog Show culminated late ATuesday with a triumph for a German Shepherd named Rumor. The champion was crowned after an exten- sive judging finale during which Rumor, a crowd favorite, was paraded with six other contenders including a majestic Irish Setter named Adrian, and a ground-hugging Pekingese furball named Chuckie. The win marks just the second Westminster crown for a German Shepherd, a breed known for its "quality and nobility," said Thomas Bradley 3rd, the final arbiter of the proceedings. "She is just magnificent," Bradley said of the bright-eyed win- ner. Tuesday capped the 141st installment of Westminster, an annual February ritual that, along with Fashion Week, helps New Yorkers survive a mid-winter slog of frigid temperatures, transit delays and cranky half-sick colleagues. Madison Square Garden was nearly at capacity on Valentine's Day, with bursts of fervent applause for popular breeds like the Golden Retriever and StBernard, and knowing laughs as handlers used treats to try to coax silence from yappy contestants. Nearly 2,800 dogs from 200 breeds competed this year. Judges separate the elite from the field by assessing how the dog compares with official breed standards. Does the beagle's snout do justice to the hound breed's zealous sniff instincts? Do "ratter" terriers look like they would Rumor the German Shepherd and handler Kent Boyles pose for photos after winning Best Rumor, a German shepherd, stands next to Kent Boyleshis, the handler after it won ‘Best actually catch vermin? Beyond that, to garner the top prize, In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New in Show’. an ambitious canine is one who knows to "bring it" when it York City. — AFP photos counts most. Rumor, who is five years old, is a natural per- former, said her owner and handler, Kent Boyles. She had been favored to win Westminster last year, but finished runner-up in empathy, began to consider one last try at Westminster. After she prepared to present her dog, Duffy, which triumphed late that helped her get through cancer treatments. "He's going to the Best in Show finale. After last year's disappointment, the winning, Boyles told a television interviewer that "there are Monday in the Hound category over beagles, fox hounds and be a pain," she said, speaking beside the 135-pound giant dog didn't compete for almost a year, while Boyles contem- puppies in the future" for the champ. a whippet, among others. "It feels like old times," said the 81- named Kalhant shortly before presenting the dog in the plated whether she was ready for motherhood. Sitting out of year-old Trotter. Duffy was bred from the sperm of the son of a Working category. Alas, Kalhant did not advance. "But he's the ring didn't sit well with Rumor, who watched her house- Again a bridesmaid prior Westminster finalist that was frozen in a sperm bank for going to have fun and I'm going to have fun," Cain Denk said. mates travel to shows. "She hated it at first, she'd go nuts" he The selection of Rumor once again relegated Patricia 17 years until a suitable partner could be located. "Yes for sci- "This is really one of the best moments of my life." — AFP said. "She was barking and carrying on." Eventually Rumor Trotter to bridesmaid status after a lifetime of championing ence!" she exclaimed. adjusted to life on the sidelines-but Boyles, who loves German the Norwegian Elkhound breed, a midsized, grayish breed For Laurel Cain Denk, a California veterinarian, just bring- Shepherds for their exceptional intelligence and capacity for originally bred to hunt moose. On Tuesday, Trotter beamed as ing her two-year old Tibetan Mastiff to New York was a goal

A bulldog rests before competing. Seven-year-old Raina McCloskey is seen with her Borzois in the A Yorkshire Terrier rests in the Benching area. A Bichon Frises is seen in the benching area judging area.