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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 RABI AL-THANI 6, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Subaih on Surgical forceps With tourists Guardiola’s demographics, removed from scarce, struggle dark mood expats, new Vietnam man to maintain chimes with ministry6 after28 18 years Egypt40 heritage City19 form Sheikh Salman meets sports Min 11º Max 22º panel, ready to face grilling High Tide 01:39 & 15:05 Low Tide MP proposes amnesty law for political prisoners 08:49 & 21:14 40 PAGES NO: 17100 150 FILS

By B Izzak

Across Mideast, goodbyes to Istanbul dead KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s sports and youth panel yesterday discussed with Information and Youth BEIRUT: Funerals were being held across the Middle East Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah steps tak- yesterday for victims of the Istanbul nightclub shooting, en by the government to lift international sanctions many of them young party-goers whose lives were cut against Kuwaiti sports. Head of the committee MP tragically short by the attack. Saadoun Hammad said the minister said the govern- A total of 39 people were killed in the assault claimed ment will today send to the National Assembly a new by the Islamic State group, most of them foreigners and draft law for sports that is compatible with the Olympic many nationals of Arab countries. From Lebanon, Israel, Charter. He said that sports specialists have been invit- Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Morocco and Libya, ed to another meeting tomorrow to assess the situation the victims had travelled to Istanbul to spend New Year’s and decide the next course of action. Eve at the exclusive Reina club on the shores of the Rapporteur of the panel MP Ahmad Al-Fadhl said that Bosphorus. Their bodies have now been flying home, the letter of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to many arriving at airports draped in their national flags, to Sheikh Salman has changed the course of discussions in be met by grieving relatives. In Lebanon, there has been the meeting. In a letter dated Dec 31, the IOC rejected a widespread shock and mourning over the deaths of the request by the Kuwaiti government to lift the suspension three Lebanese killed. Rita Shami was a 26-year-old stu- temporarily to allow Kuwaiti teams to take part in interna- dent. Elias Wardini, also 26, was a personal trainer. tional competitions until sports legislations are changed. Haykal Musallem was a 36-year-old physical trainer The IOC demanded that Kuwait should amend sports legis- with the Tadamon Zouk basketball team whose wife lations to comply with the Olympic Charter, reinstate the managed to survive the attack. The bodies of the three Kuwait Olympic Committee and federations that were dis- were flown home on Monday along with some of the solved by the government and withdraw all court cases Lebanese wounded and greeted by Prime Minister Saad against international sports bodies for the IOC to reconsid- Hariri. “Terrorism has no religion, it targets us all, it tar- er the suspension. The minister told reporters after the gets people who love life,” he said at Beirut airport. BEIRUT: The relatives of Lebanese victim Elias Wardini, who was killed in an attack on the Reina nightclub meeting that he listened to comments of the commit- Continued on Page 13 on New Year’s eve in Istanbul, carry his coffin during his funeral yesterday. — AFP tee members to the IOC letter and its demands, adding Continued on Page 13 Golf club shows Trump pitfalls

DUBAI: The decorative clock bearing the News name of America’s incoming 45th president in brief has yet to start at the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, but the developers behind the project already are counting the NRIs can exchange old money they’ve made. The 18-hole course is likely to be the first banknotes till June 30 Trump-connected property to open after his Jan 20 inauguration as president, joining his KUWAIT: The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a press organization’s projects stretching from Bali to release yesterday that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Panama. It also encapsulates the host of wor- has offered some relief to non-resident Indians (NRIs) ries of possible conflicts of interest circulating for exchanging old currency notes. All NRIs who were around a president who is very different from FLAT ROCK, Michigan: Ford President and CEO Mark Fields addresses the Flat abroad from Nov 9, 2016 to Dec 30, 2016 can avail of America’s past leaders. While the Oval Office Rock Assembly yesterday. — AP this facility till June 30, 2017. The limit for NRIs is 25,000 has always been home to the wealthy, Donald rupees per person. Indians living abroad can avail of this Trump represents the first franchise president. facility on submission of ID proof like the Aadhaar card Could foreign governments pressure or Ford axes Mexico plant or permanent account number (PAN). No representa- please Trump through his international busi- tions for depositing old notes on behalf of any third par- nesses? Should projects bearing his name ty will be accepted. This facility is available at RBI receive additional security? And how close as Trump targets GM branches in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and should his ties remain to business executives operating in areas with far different opinions Nagpur, the statement added. WASHINGTON: Ford scuttled a plan to build multinational to end up in Trump’s line of fire about human rights and justice? “There has a new factory in Mexico yesterday following - via Twitter as usual - with the president-elect never been anything remotely like this - not even close,” said Robert W Gordon, a legal criticism from Donald Trump, and just hours threatening to impose and tariff on GM’s Dubai arrests Indian DUBAI: In this Dec 20, 2016 photo, a flag after the president-elect attacked General imports of a small number of Mexican-made historian and ethics expert who teaches at businessman for fraud Stanford University. “Trump himself tends to flies on a green lined with villas at the Motors for importing Mexican-made cars Chevy Cruze cars to the US. Trump International Golf Club. — AP into the US. Following months of criticism Trump took to Twitter again to crow about DUBAI: The Indian owner of a Dubai-based foreign treat his businesses and his public policy as from Trump for its investments in Mexico, the Ford reversal. He posted a Fox News story exchange trading firm who had promised to double sort of extensions of himself. He seems to be Organization employees. The course sits Ford said it was spiking a plan to build a new with Ford’s logo touting the announcement. investors’ money has been arrested in the emirate completely unembarrassed about scram- along a road that begins near the sail-shaped $1.6 billion plant in San Luis Potosi, and In a second Twitter message, Trump said: for suspected fraud, a newspaper reported yester- bling up and conflating his business enter- Burj Al-Arab luxury hotel and passes by a mall prise and the actions and policies of the US with its own artificial ski slope. The luxury would instead invest $700 million over the Instead of driving jobs and wealth away, day. Sydney Lemos, 36, from Goa, had been arrested next four years to expand its Flat Rock AMERICA will become the world’s great mag- government.” continues onto the par-71 Trump course, on Dec 21, The National reported, saying he was The Trump International Golf Club in designed by American golf architect Gil Assembly Plant in Michigan to build electric net for INNOVATION & JOB CREATION.” Ford behind the failed investment scheme worth 50 mil- and self-driving vehicles. said yesterday’s moves would result in the Dubai - the sheikhdom in the United Arab Hanse, where wrinkled fairways lead to put- lion dirhams ($13.6 million). His firm, Exential Emirates home to a futuristic skyline crowned ting greens made smooth with silica sand Ford chief executive Mark Fields said the additional of 700 new US jobs during the next Group, was closed by Dubai authorities in July, the second-biggest US automaker was hopeful four years. Ford said it would continue to by the world’s tallest building - is due to open brushed in between micro-blades of grass. daily said, adding that clients lost millions of Trump’s policies will boost the US manufac- develop its next generation Ford Focus at an in February and be managed by Trump Continued on Page 13 turing environment. “It’s literally a vote of existing plant in Hermosillo, Mexico. dirhams when the group failed to pay out after confidence around some of the pro-growth “This will make way for two new iconic promising the 100-percent return on their invest- policies that he has been outlining and that’s products at Michigan Assembly Plant in ments. The National said investors were trying to Syrian star dreaming why we’re making this decision to invest here Wayne, Michigan, where Focus is manufac- recover their funds through a local law firm that is in the US and our plant here in Michigan,” tured today - safeguarding approximately working together with UK-based investigation com- Fields told CNN. Earlier, GM became the latest 3,500 US jobs,” Ford said. — AFP (See Page 21) pany Carlton Huxley. Exential said in February that of Hollywood ending delays in processing investors’ funds were due to anti-money laundering and compliance investiga- LOS ANGELES: It’s an all-too-familiar tions in Australia, according to the report. Hollywood story: The out-of-work actor eking out an existence in cheap housing, earning minimum wage delivering piz- Prison, flogging for zas, desperate for his big break. But for workers over unrest Jay Abdo - one of the Arab world’s RIYADH: Dozens of foreign workers have been sentenced biggest stars before the conflict in Syria to flogging and jail for unrest during protests over unpaid made him just another anonymous wages by Saudi Binladin Group several months ago, refugee on the mean streets of Los reports said yesterday. Al-Watan newspaper and Arab Angeles - it has been particularly tough. News did not give the nationalities of the 49 workers, and Just a few years ago, the 54-year-old foreign embassy staff contacted by AFP could not immedi- actor could not walk the streets in any ately provide details. Al-Watan, which has followed the Middle Eastern country without being Binladin case since early last year, said an unidentified mobbed by fans or dine out without number were sentenced to four months’ jail and 300 lashes being offered free meals. for destroying public property and inciting unrest. Others A household name and a veteran of were jailed for 45 days by the court in Makkah. 43 movies and more than 1,000 TV Construction sector workers, chiefly at the Binladin Group episodes, Abdo was admired not just for and another firm Saudi Oger, were left waiting for salaries his acting skills but his willingness to Jockeys compete in a race for purebred Arab horses during the Liwa 2017 Moreeb after a collapse in oil revenues left the kingdom unable to speak his mind in public. “I had a pretty Dune Festival yesterday in the Liwa desert, some 250 km west of the Gulf emirate of pay private firms it had contracted. Arab News reported in beautiful life,” he told AFP. “People loved Abu Dhabi. The festival, which attracts participants from around the Gulf region, May that “unpaid workers” had torched several Binladin LOS ANGELES: This photo taken on Dec me, on screen and on talk shows when I includes a variety of races (cars, bikes, falcons, camels and horses) or other activities Group buses in Makkah. Authorities confirmed at the time 23, 2016 shows Syrian actor Jay Abdo as spoke to people and expressed aimed at promoting the country’s folklore. — AFP (See Pages 38 & 39) that seven buses were burned but did not give the cause. he poses in Hollywood. — AFP Continued on Page 13 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives a memento from stakeholders who are planning to fund a His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with new joint stock water resources company, in a ceremony attended by Chief of the National Security Apparatus Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al- Chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society Dr Helal Al-Sayer. Salem Al-Sabah.— Amiri Diwan photos Amir meets National Security, KRCS chiefs Sayer briefs Amir on relief campaign

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah company. During the meeting, His Highness strategy for offering alternative plans to diver- His Highness the Amir on the details of the to alleviate the sufferings of the refugees and Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan the Amir was briefed on the would-be compa- sify sources of water around the globe, wish- KRCS’s campaign to help the displaced Syrians afflicted people around the globe, saying that Palace yesterday Chief of the National Security ny, its plans and projects for providing interna- ing them success. from Aleppo, and Kuwaitis’ humanitarian sup- it has always been a major trait of the Kuwaiti Apparatus Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem tionally-selected water sources seeking to His Highness the Amir also received port in this regard. people. The two meetings were attended by Al-Sabah, and stakeholders who are planning achieve food and water security. His Highness Chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society His Highness the Amir commended the Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh to fund a new joint stock water resources the Amir lauded the effort, and the company’s (KRCS) Dr Helal Musaed Al-Sayer. Sayer briefed effective humanitarian role played by the KRCS Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah.—KUNA AAW joins Horeca as golden sponsor

KUWAIT: Ali Abdulwahab Al-Mutawa retail brands, and we have been the Commercial Company (AAW) exclusive distributor of Procter and announced plans to participate in the Gamble products and Roche 2017 Horeca Kuwait exhibition as a Pharmaceuticals since 1965,” he added. golden sponsor, joining Moreover, Mutawa said more than 80 participat- that AAW has a legacy of ing companies in the almost 100 years as it was event which takes place established in 1918 by Ali on January 18-19, 2017 at Abdulwahab Al-Mutawa, the Kuwait International starting with practicing Fairground in Mishref. modest commercial activi- In this regard, AAW’s ties and importing con- CEO Ali Faisal Al-Mutawa sumer products such as said that Horeca plays a rice, sugar, tea and fabrics major role in gathering from neighboring coun- KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with representatives of the administrative bodies at regional companies and tries including Saudi the National Union of Kuwaiti Students (NUKS). clients together under Arabia, Iraq and Iran. one roof, adding that that Separately, Al-Babtain it opens new channels for Group also announced its businesses in the hospital- Ali Al-Mutawa intention to take part in Crown Prince meets ity and food sectors. the exhibition. On that “Taking part in such exhi- regard, General Manager bitions help encourage Makram Khater development projects and announced a special offer the youth to start their that the group is making NUKS representatives own businesses, thus ulti- exclusively during the mately helping diversify exhibition on the Renault national income sources,” Dokker. The vehicle will be KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf he explained. Further, available for customers Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace Mutawa added that AAW during the exhibition at an yesterday representatives of the administrative bodies has over 80 years of expe- exclusive price of KD at the National Union of Kuwaiti Students (NUKS). rience and excellence as a 2,999, in addition to other During his meeting with the NUKS representatives leading retail and distribu- privileges including a five at Kuwait University, USA, UK, Canada, France and tion company. He added year (or up to 200,000 kilo- neighboring countries, Australia, as well as Egypt, His that it invests in seven var- Makram Khater meters of mileage) warran- Highness the Crown Prince urged the students to ious retail sectors and rep- ty, free registration and exert more efforts in their academic careers to serve resent over 100 interna- free insurance. their country. tional brands it introduces to local mar- The 2017 Horeca Kuwait exhibition; His Highness also called them to be good represen- kets. Mutawa also indicated that AAW the sixth edition of the event that joins tatives to their country in all international forums, runs the largest and most complicated companies specialized in hospitality, stressing the political leadership will not hesitate in pro- distribution operations in Kuwait with a food industry, hotel equipment, tourism viding the amenities that will help them continue their storage capacity of over 250,000 square and transport, is organized by Leaders education. The meeting was attended by meters to deliver over 200 products to Group in collaboration with Hospitality Undersecretary of His Highness the Crown Prince Diwan consumers on daily basis. “We take pride Services Company, and takes place for Local Affairs, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Abdullah Al- in supplying products that can be found under the patronage of Minister of Sabah. Meanwhile, His Highness the Crown Prince in every single supermarket and home Information and State Minister for Youth received Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets in Kuwait. We represent some of the Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Dr Mohammad Al-Hashel. — KUNA with Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) Dr Mohammad Al-Hashel. world’s most prominent and successful Al-Humoud Al-Sabah.

KUWAIT: A large number of people have so far registered for competitions to be held as part of the 2017 GCC Heritage Festival, which kicks off on January 15th at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Heritage Village. The activities include a falcon hunting tournament, horse and camel races, a competition for pigeon breeders, in addition to ‘beauty contests’ for camel and sheep breeds. —KUNA LOCAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Zoo celebrates New Year with Tabtabaei proposes 40-year minimum newborn giraffe, Arabian oryx retirement age for Kuwaiti women By Nawara Fattahova the baby giraffe.” The new born giraffe was in fact the By Meshaal Al-Enezi ating as others and those unlawfully using pro- KUWAIT: Kuwait Zoo welcomed a new second baby animal to be born in fessional or scientific titles by fraud or forgery member yesterday with the birth of a Kuwait Zoo in the new year. Earlier yes- KUWAIT: MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei yesterday such as fake doctors, claiming to belong to the baby giraffe. This is not the first time terday, a female Arabian oryx gave birth filed a number of proposals to amend the condi- ruling family or impersonating as members of that a giraffe was born at the zoo, yet it to a baby; the first ever to be born in tion of decree number 23/2013 pertaining the the military. The proposal suggested punishing is still considered a special event. “We Kuwait. This is important because the minimum age of Kuwaiti women eligible for such culprits with three years in prison and/or a do not know if the baby giraffe is male Arabian oryx is considered an endan- social aid and allowances, asking to reduce it KD 5,000 fine. It also suggested harsher penal- or female yet, as we were not able to gered species, according to the from 55 to 40. Tabtabaei also proposed giving ties in case of repeating the same crime of five get very close to it,” a staff member at zookeeper. “This is the first time to have top officials (ministers, MPs undersecretaries and years in prison and/or a KD 15,000 fine. the Zoo told the Kuwait Times. “We have an oryx born in our zoo. It is a rare and their assistants) dispatched on state missions to give it a chance to walk. Also, we endangered species, whose original only economy class flight tickets in order to help Farmers’ union want to avoid upsetting the mother, habitat is the Arab Peninsula. They are cut expenses. Chairman of Kuwait Farmers Union’s five- which would happen if we came too trying to increase the animal’s numbers In addition, Tabtabaei proposed building member committee Hadi Hajed Al-Watri said he close to her baby. We are happy with in the UAE. We feel lucky to have the branches of Kuwait University, the basic studies had sent letters on Dec 4, 2016 to His Highness this delivery, and the zoo plans to keep newborn oryx,” he added. college and the faculty of commercial studies in the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Ahmadi and Jahra and a Quran memorization Sabah and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor center in Kaifan. Moreover, Tabtabaei filed an and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hind inquiry with the minister of state for Cabinet Al-Subaih concerning the Public Manpower affairs concerning the measures followed by the Authority’s rejection of the committee formed Civil Service Commission (CSC) on nominating by the union’s general assembly consensus. employees to certain leading positions. Watri added that the committee chairman and MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei members officially requested a meeting with Fake degrees both officials to explain what he described as assembly to run the union’s errands until a new In an attempt to fight fake degrees MPs Khalil the unjustified interference of the manpower board of directors is elected next month, but the Abul, Abdulwahab Al-Babtain, Oudah Al-Rowaei, authority, which undermines the union’s efforts manpower authority had broken its promises to Adnan Abdulsamad and Omar Al-Tabtabaei yes- in achieving food security. He explained that five grant them accreditation so that they could run terday proposed incriminating those imperson- veteran farmers were nominated by the general urgent matters of over 3,000 farmers. Filipina hit and run victim still alive

Citybus announces By Ben Garcia was a sad day to see such an acci- dent. It was only the second day of KUWAIT: A Filipino woman who the year and if you are a Filipino I fare revision for 2017 was struck in a hit and run acci- am sure you know we are still in dent in Kuwait City yesterday the celebratory mood for the New KUWAIT: Citybus provided Kuwait Times customers a vast network of routes operat- remains in a coma. The woman, Year, and it was frustrating to wit- with the following statement yesterday in ing at high frequencies with over 100 widely reported to have died on ness the gravity of such an acci- response to an article published in yester- transfer points between intersecting social media, has undergone a dent. I heard the crash’s sound day’s issue under the headline ‘Commuters routes, we had to revise our fares. In 2016, series of operations and remains in although I did not personally see face bus fare increase’: we made an investment of KD 2.5 million in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the vehicle hit her,” she said. “The Citybus, part of City Group Company; a new, efficient and environmentally friendly Amiri Hospital. ambulance came late. I don’t know Kuwaiti shareholding company, has revised vehicles, with a further commitment to According to Philippine the exact time but I was praying its fares as follows: introduce more new vehicles in 2017. Embassy’s Assistant to Nationals hard for the ambulance to come Single journey fares have increased by Citybus is committed to improving the Unit, the woman is being moni- soon so she would survive,” Acabo 50 fils and bus passes have been restruc- public transport landscape in Kuwait, eas- tored by her physician Dr Ahmed recalled. tured with downward price revisions offer- ing congestion, improving road safety and Sammy. “We visited her at Amiri The accident was widely dis- ing regular commuters significant dis- leveraging new technology to make travel Hsopital today. She is in the ICU cussed among the Overseas counts and very affordable commute simpler and more convenient. In 2017 and is still unconscious. We will Filipino Workers (OFW) community options. many new initiatives will be introduced to continue to monitor her condition in Kuwait. Azhna Pananggulon, 38, Despite rising operating costs, Citybus further enhance our customers’ travel and we hope and pray for her from General Santos City, hoped had managed to absorb this effect without experience. We will continue our commit- recovery,” the embassy official said. that the victim would be okay. passing it on to customers by not increas- ment to provide our customers the best Emelyn Acabo, 38, from “Thank God that she is alive; ing fares for the last four years - the last service levels at very affordable prices. Bacolod Negros Occidental, although some social media post fare increase was in June 2012. However, to Citybus Management Team Philippines, was on the sidewalk [said] she had already died,” she ensure that we continue to provide our when the accident happened and said. “The problem here in the heard the crash. She rushed Middle East is that we cannot through the crowd and took sever- touch [the victim] any accident of al photos and videos which she such nature. We are not allowed; if Kuwait, Egypt sign eventually posted on social media. you do, you will be in trouble, so “Yes, I saw her lying on the ground the more you care (for others) the so I took some videos and posted more you will be in trouble. All you ‘extradition’ agreement it on my Facebook account,” she can do is wait for an ambulance, admitted. but what if the ambulance arrived CAIRO: Kuwait’s Minister of “I was scared but at the same after two hours, the victim could KUWAIT: A picture taken from social media allegedly showing a crowd Justice Faleh Al-Azb and his time thinking about her family. It die,” she said. Egyptian counterpart surrounding the victim moments after the accident. Mohammad Hossam Abdel- Rahim signed yesterday an agreement to bolster judicial and legal ties. According to a statement by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Justice yesterday, Minister Al-Azb - who is also Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs - met with other Egyptian legal officials during his visit to the fellow Arab country. The meetings touched on topics pertaining to how to handle criminal cases, deten- tion, as well as measures to Kuwait’s Minister of Justice Faleh Al-Azb extradite criminals. — KUNA

Environment-friendly fishing gear ahead of shrimping season

By A Saleh Al-Subaih is expected to issue a ministeri- al decision dissolving Sharq Co-op KUWAIT: Director of the Public Authority Society’s board of directors for lack of for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources quorum after six of its nine members (PAAAFR) Faisal Al-Hasawi said PAAAFR resigned including the chairman and the would soon issue a decision conditioning treasurer. the use of environment-friendly fishing gear and expected that the decision will Priorities be issued by September with the begin- Chairman of the parliamentary priorities ning of the shrimping season. Hasawi committee Thamer Al-Suwait said the added that some of the currently used committee discussed priorities for the fishing methods were already banned in coming period and that the government restricted waters, ie 45 percent of postponed filing in its priorities’ agenda Kuwait’s national waters. until after filing its work program. Suwait added that a meeting would be held on KUWAIT: Farwaniya Fire Station responded to an emergency call made yesterday to report a fire in a Khaitan restaurant. The Dissolution Jan 18 with the government to discuss building was evacuated due to thick smoke. The flames were tackled and kept from spreading to other parts of the building. No Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind the priorities. injuries were reported. Meanwhile, an investigation was opened to determine the cause of the fire. — By Hanan Al-Saadoun MPW to sign 18 contracts for road development

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) facilitating traffic, increasing achievement ratios, announced yesterday plans to sign 18 contracts and accelerating the implementation process, he for development of the roads system in the said. So far, 50 percent has been achieved in country, in addition to signing eight consultative SJSC, Hassan said, noting that works on this proj- contracts in the coming months. ect are active in accordance with contractual These contracts are part of the ministry’s timeframes. development plan, which includes 75 projects all Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Causeway is one of the aimed at enhancing the roads system, Engineer important projects that are being currently imple- Ahmad Al-Hassan, Assistant Undersecretary of mented by the public works ministry, the official the Roads Department at the Public Works affirmed, pointing out the project’s significance in Ministry, told reporters. Al-Hassan made his reducing traffic jams, completing the roads system remarks on the sidelines of his inspection tour of via linking Doha area, near Kuwait Entertainment Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway City, with Shuwaikh area. Hassan also noted that (SJSC) Project (Doha Link). the total cost for the project is estimated at KD Implementing such projects poses a signifi- 165.7 million with an implementation period of cant challenge to the ministry’s roads depart- 1,462 days, adding that the project is expected to KUWAIT: MPW’s Assistant Undersecretary of the Roads Department Ahmad Al-Hassan (right) speaks with officials during ment, which aims at improving roads’ efficiency, be fully completed by 2018. — KUNA his inspection tour of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway (SJSC) Project. — KUNA WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 LOCAL

In Brief Airport’s terminal PAAET colleges Workers’ tests

KUWAIT: MP Mohammad Al-Huwailah submit- KUWAIT: MP Shuwaib Al-Muwaizri sent questions KUWAIT: MP Dr Humoud Al-Khudhair sent ted a proposal yesterday to establish colleges, to Minister of Public Works Abdulrahman Al- questions yesterday to Minister of Health Dr institutes and training centers affiliated to the Mutawa inquiring about the names of consultancy Jamal Al-Harbi regarding a contract to rent a Public Authority for Applied Education and offices hired to supervised the new airport termi- building in Ahmadi to use for expatriate Training (PAAET) in the Ahmadi and Jahra gover- nal’s project, their qualifications, the evaluation workers’ testing, and other questions to norates in order to serve students living there process for bids offered for the project’s tender and Minister of Public Works Abdulrahman Al- and who currently have to travel long distances quotations submitted. Mutawa about the contract signed to devel- for the nearest campuses. op the Wafra Road.

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: A wall painted with graffiti that reads ‘Wall of Kindness,’ indicating a charity initiative launched in Kuwait. People nca leave items near the wall where underprivileged people can later choose and take what- ever they need from them. — KUNA photo

Private museums help preserve Envoy submits credentials societies’ legacies: Info Minister to Mauritius president KUWAIT: Alongside its public likes, private muse- ums have a role in preserving societies’ legacies, PORT LOUIS: Kuwaiti Ambassador in health and more progress to her country. said Information Minister Sheikh Salman Sabah Mauritius Bader Al-Houti has presented his During the meeting, Houti voiced will- Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. A country’s folklore is credentials as ambassador extraordinary ingness to promote and develop relations its mirror; reflecting people’s lifestyle and culture in plenipotentiary to Mauritius. The Kuwaiti between both countries in various fields. the past, Sheikh Salman, also Minister of State for Embassy said in a press release that the He also stressed the significant role of the Youth Affairs and Chairman of the National Council Kuwaiti ambassador had conveyed during Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic for Culture (NCCAL), Arts and Letters, said in a press a meeting with President of Meritorious Development (KFAED) in helping all friend- Mohammad Al-Faris statement after visiting Hamed Abdullah Al-Fuzai’s Ameenah Gurib-Fakim the greetings of His ly countries, pointing to His Highness the museum in Hiteen area on Monday. Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Amir’s five-year $1 billion concessionary National program Such heritage needs to be protected in light of Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to her, wishing her good loans to African countries. — KUNA modern technology so that the current generation essential to improve would have an opportunity to appreciate its merit, education: Minister the minister noted. He pointed out that according to the new NCCAL charter, any person or juridical KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud entity is allowed to curate a private museum after Education Dr Mohammad Al-Faris said that a newly adopt- Al-Sabah acquiring needed permits. — KUNA ed national program to develop education will be an essential step towards the betterment of education system in the country. The program is considered vital in building a better educational system, he told the press yesterday on the fringes of a meeting aimed at putting a plan to imple- ment the program. Taking educators’ input on this program is essential in building a better understanding to what is needed to improve the quality of education in the country, he added. Any development that will occur within this program should be highlighted on the media in order to observe its impact, he said. As part of the program, educators will be trained constantly in order to improve the deliverance of their subjects to students, he noted. A committee in charge of implementing this program will hold weekly meetings to follow up on its progress. — KUNA PORT LOUIS: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Mauritius Bader Al-Houti submits his cre- dentials to President of Mauritius Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry’s Criminal Investigations Department hosted an orien- tation meeting yesterday for newly appointed detectives, attended by its director Major General Dr Fahad Al-Dousari and other ministry officials. LOCAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

KFSD, EQUATE continue ‘stay safe’ desert campaign For 3rd consecutive year

KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Safety Directorate ing season noted a significant decrease in munity awareness about dealing with dif- paign addresses general safety guidelines, from KFSD and EQUATE who conducted (KFSD) and EQUATE Petrochemical camping accidents when compared with ferent hazards.” safe locations for camping, observing safe- visits to a number of camps. The visits Company, a global producer of petrochem- previous years, which shows the positive EQUATE Environment, Health and Safety ty when setting up tents and sitting or included sharing advice for safe camping, icals, continued Stay Safe in the desert tangible impact of this campaign when it Leader Mohammad Al-Shamary said, “The sleeping in them, the importance of having handing-out safety booklets and distribut- campaign for the third consecutive year to comes to awareness about fires caused by word partnership is best expression of a fire extinguisher and calling 112 in case ing fire extinguishers. ensure overall safety and security of desert heating sources, such as kerosene, coal and overall ties between KFSD and EQUATE. of emergency. These and other applicable Throughout the years, EQUATE has campers. cooking oil. In addition, I urge parents to Together, we have applied Å’Partners in recommendations to address all aspects of received local and international recogni- KFSD Director of Public Relations and alert their children about heat sources and Success’ through overall collaboration in a environment, health and safety are strate- tion for its role in safety fields, such as the Media Colonel Khalil Al-Amir said, “After safe riding of motor bikes, which witness number of initiatives, such as Firemen Day, gic objectives for EQUATE to ensure overall Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) CEO the success witnessed during the past two an increase in accidents during this season. international training courses, Safety at sustainability.” Award and the awards of the American years, we continue Stay Safe in the desert Without any doubt, the safety of desert Every Home Campaign (Safe) and the The campaign’s activities were attended Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) in sev- campaign with EQUATE. Figures for camp- campers is a joint effort that requires com- desert safety campaign. The current cam- by a number of officials and attendees eral sectors.

KFH social role serves development

KUWAIT: Executive Manager Group Public Relations and Media at Kuwait Finance House (KFH), Yousef Abdullah Al- Ruwaieh stated that KFH has offered over 100 social ini- tiatives and contri- butions in the year 2016 that affirms the strategic and development goal Yousef Al-Ruwaieh of the bank’s busi- nesses and activi- ties, indicating KFH continued assuming its cor- porate social responsibility by focusing on the fields of health, education, sport, youth, people with special needs, and people with outstanding achievements in inventions, science, cultures and other fields. Ruwaieh added in a press release that KFH has forged strategic partnerships with many institu- tions to support several activities in the health and medical field for its significant role in the life of individuals and society. KFH pays great atten- tion to this vital field as it represents a main pillar for comprehensive development. KFH participat- ed in the cancer and diabetes awareness cam- paigns. It organized a number of initiatives for blood donation. Moreover, the bank sponsored scientific and medical forums and conferences to raise the awareness of some widespread dis- eases. KFH has been honored and recognized by several official bodies such as the Ministry of Health, Dasman Diabetes Institute in addition to numerous hospitals and medical institutions. Ruwaieh continued: “KFH prioritized the youth and is the leading supporter for them at all levels. KFH sponsored the students and youth special- ized clubs at the University of Kuwait and other private universities. The bank sponsored the graduation projects for the students of Engineering and Petroleum College. It organized many lectures and seminars for university stu- dents, not to mention hosted international lec- turers to participate in job fairs and different stu- dents’’ activities. KFH patronized the NUKS in dif- ferent countries. Also, KFH Group CEO Mazin Saad Al-Nahedh participated in the latest confer- ence for the NUKS held in the USA emanating from the bank’s endeavors to support the youth and appreciate students and the educational process. He stressed the importance of environment noting that KFH pays great attention towards keeping the environment clean and healthy in collaboration with concerned official authorities and bodies such as the Kuwait Environment Foundation, and Kuwait Diving Team. KFH uniquely sponsored a pioneering environmental project Umnia for Plastic bottles recycling. It par- ticipated in many other environmental activities and events such as cleaning the beaches, plant- ing of greenery and so forth. The bank launched a number of charitable projects, of which were feeding fasting people, serving worshippers during Qiyam prayer in the Grand Mosque. KFH also continued its strategic partnership with the Youth Empowerment Symposium dedicated for empowering the youth and granting them the opportunity to benefit from global leaders’ expertise and success sto- ries. With regard to the philanthropic and volun- teerism field, he added that KFH has a long track record of contributions such as sponsoring the activities of Red Crescent Society and offering winter clothes for cleaning workers. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Jarida Report Future outlook for Man beats up pending issues in state 42 years ‘home-wrecker’ departments!

KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti man beat his Egyptian neighbor and By Ali Mahmoud Khajah accused her of destroying his family. The woman went to Abu Halifa police station and lodged a complaint against oday, I am once more writing about a topic I him. The man said she caused a problem between him and have already tackled on more than one occasion. his wife, adding that this was not the first time she had TThis is because there is a new parliament and a done so. He said when he asked the neighbor not to visit new Cabinet in office, and I’m hoping that my idea them, she insulted and provoked him, so he beat her. gets approved. What made me rewrite on this topic is Investigations are continuing. the court verdict against Abdulhameed Dashti, whom I believe is one of the worst parliamentarians in Kuwait’s history. The total verdicts passed against Dashti in expression cases add up to 42 years, and he still has to Man uses ‘charming’ face more cases filed against him that might add up voice to lure victims Al-Anbaa his total imprisonment time to half a century or more. The electronic crimes department arrested a Gulf I am talking about a charge used against many peo- blackmailer who made victims believe he was a girl and ple in the past, which might be still used today and lured more than 150 men. He made phone recordings tomorrow unless such charges are decisively faced and and got compromising photos of them. He then a legislation is passed to stop them - the charge of revealed the truth and asked victims to pay up or be ‘harming relations with friendly countries’! ‘Harming exposed. Although the suspect confessed to trapping Al-Jarida relations with friendly countries’ has become a more than 150 persons, only 30 came forward and com- weapon used willingly or in reaction to friendly and plained, including married men and adolescents. The brotherly countries’ dissatisfaction with opinions suspect appeared at the public prosecution and was The disappointing protest expressed in Kuwait or by Kuwaiti citizens against ordered remanded in jail. them. It is used against them, which is very much By Ali Al-Bedah unlike Kuwait and Kuwaitis. Kuwaitis have grown up to express their opinions Man beaten hose who recently demonstrated outside the What these religious parties and those behind them did on various topics, at least regional ones, freely. That over KD 10 Russian embassy should also hold similar demon- to Syria is a crime. They opened a path for new coloniza- was clear in the public protest organized outside the A Bangladeshi man beat his compatriot, breaking his Tstrations outside many other embassies, including tion eager to take control of Syrian resources. Syria is embassy of Russia, which is a friendly country accord- thumb and causing other injuries. He told police he did so those of the United States, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon, divided because of disagreements among those who ing to Kuwaiti diplomatic norms that consider that because the victim stole KD 10 from him. The suspect was GCC states in addition to the Syrian embassy itself have ambitions in Syria so that they can recollect the bil- Kuwait has only one non-friendly country - the Zionist arrested and the case was sent to the public prosecution whose government is killing its own people and lions that were spent and eventually, Israel will cheer entity. So the excuse of harming relations with friendly for further legal action. destroying its own cities. Russia is no longer the commu- and rejoice and will get ready to strike other countries. countries and turning that into a punishable crime can nist Soviet Union that used to be criticized by Islamic GCC states need no more wars because their blood is send the thousands who took part in that demonstra- movements and parties with the excuse of ‘being athe- already being sucked and they encumber their under- tion to prison if Russia files a complaint with the ‘inebriated’ ist’. The Russian state is as capitalist as any other capital- ground oil to please others through reducing the prices, Kuwaiti government and expresses dissatisfaction campers fight ist state. It shares and competes with the US on purchasing and stacking weapons, and rebuilding what about the demonstration. An argument over a card game ended up in a fight resources and in killing. Israel, or others, destroyed. GCC states need to face Not having a public reaction and rejection of such that required police’s intervention to break it up. The What is currently happening is mainly to protect themselves, respect their people and stop being shaky charges, even if this means passing new legislations to incident took place in a Subbiya camp where a fight major interests of Russia, the US and other states that and intimidated by blackmailers or get carried away in protect freedom of expression that does not consider was reported between two Kuwaitis. Police broke up have ambitions in Syrian and Iraqi oil and wealth, in wrong directions without any vision. What happened it an official attitude that would harm relations, this the fight and discovered that the two men were in an addition to the main motive of fragmenting the Arab could have been avoided if we had free will, if we acted charge would remain a threat to everybody, because if abnormal condition. Both were taken to the police sta- nations and dividing them so that Israel can be the only rationally and rejected intimidating attempts that fright- we accept it as a penalty against people with whom tion, where they were remanded pending further legal power in the Middle East. The easiest and cheapest way ened us. I repeat, it is still possible to protect the region we disagree, we will have to accept it when used with procedures. for major power to achieve their goals is to spread sec- from explosion if we have control over our decisions and people with whom we share ideologies, and this has tarian strife, since it is the gateway for foreign interfer- invite all regional countries to an open dialogue in happened and will happen. The same charge was used ence with a motive to divide Arab countries. It is also the which each side reasonably and fairly listens to the oth- against Saleh Al-Mulla, Mubarak Al-Duwailah, Hamad Home robbery in reason why they are fueling an endless Arabs-Iranian er for a greater good of the countries. Al-Naki, Musallam Al-Barrak, Abdulhameed Dashti and Saad Al-Abdullah war while we, all the Middle Eastern people and govern- We need negotiating minds to propose fair solutions others who are doing time in prison because they did Criminal evidence men went to the house of a Gulf ments including those of Iran and Turkey, have been stu- to all the issues, namely that of sectarianism. The solu- not like the policies of a friendly or brotherly country. national in Saad Al-Abdullah to collect evidence that may pid, ignorant, and fanatic enough to fall in this trap. tion does not need magic or magicians; it only needs The normal and logical ‘harm to relations with lead to identifying thieves who stole KD 25,000, a plasma The Syrian revolution would have ended like that of well-aware and faithful people capable of realizing the friendly countries’ should be done by a state official; a TV, tablet, smartphone, perfumes and watches. The sus- the Egyptian revolution, and if the Muslim Brotherhood peoples’ needs and are willing to respect their beliefs minister, ambassador, diplomat or a PM who verbally pects broke open the front door, the room door and the tried to take advantage, they would have met the same and use all regional resources for the good of the or actually does so. Opinions expressed by the ‘public’ cupboard where the safe was located. — Translated by destiny in Syria as they did in Egypt - at least that way region’s economy and the welfare and prosperity of its (writers, thinkers or MPs) should be treated differently! Kuwait Times — Translated by Kuwait Times the Syrian people would have remained unharmed. people. —Translated by Kuwait Times Labor minister talks demographic imbalance, expat workers, new ministry in in-depth interview ‘We need 15 years at least to reach a balance in the demographic structure’

KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor told everyone to comply with the law and apply starting with the minister to the head of the and State Minister for Economic Affairs Hind Al- it to all, and that I will follow and evaluate work department. Subaih returned in the new Cabinet stronger every month. At the end of the quarter of the and with a more decisive stand towards all first year, those who do not complete what is Al-Rai: Does the Kuwaiti woman work issues she is responsible for. She was threatened asked of them should resign without any excus- more than the Kuwaiti man? with grillings and she welcomed them; she was es, as the work environment is provided with all Subaih: The Kuwaiti woman is more accurate faced with protests and sit-ins but continued her requirements for achievement. and organized than men if she is qualified. This march, until her foes and supporters admitted is a heavenly gift to all women. her political ability and her ministerial skills. So Expat workers her return to the government was recognition of Al-Rai: In 2013, the social affairs ministry Al-Rai: Qatar abolished the kafala (spon- her work. announced its intention to reduce expat sorship) system. Will Kuwait go along that Some people were waiting for her departure, workers by 100,000 annually. Did you suc- path? but when her name appeared in the new forma- ceed in this? Subaih: As for Qatar’s abolition of the kafala tion, talk about confronting and attacking her Subaih: This is not true. I think this matter system, this is not true, as I personally contacted resumed because of her decisions to restructure was brought up before I became minister. them and made sure of this. In Kuwait, we are the ministry, opening the issue of social aid, Al-Rai: What happened with the issue of working with the interior ministry to apply the amending the elderly law, retiring several senior correcting the demographic imbalance? Have scrapping of the sponsor ship system gradually, officials over “failures” and finally dealing with you made any progress, or is it still under starting with some professions such as doctors the issue of disabled aid violations. Al-Rai daily study? Are there any intentions to reduce the and engineers and those at their level. We are held the following interview with the minister number of certain communities that have also studying making the state a sponsor, like earlier in the week: grown so much, with some reaching almost a with the domestic help company. million? Economic strategy Subaih: No one can speak about the popula- Development plan Al-Rai: We know the nature of the social tion structure without having studied the nature Al-Rai: Are you satisfied with the achieve- affairs and labor ministry, but everyone is of the population structure and the needs of the ment percentage as far as the development asking about the economic affairs ministry marketplace and plans of the state and develop- plan is concerned? and what is the purpose of it? And what does ment projects, and is aware of data and statistics Subaih: No, I am not satisfied, because we it include? about the nature of the population structure cannot jump higher than what we reached, and Hind Al-Subaih: The economic affairs min- and all lingering issues. Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Al-Subaih the reason is officials’ laxity. When I took over as istry will prepare the state’s economic strategy, As for what is being put forth as opinions of minister, the National Assembly had six laws and one of its pillars is the secretariat general of MPs’ or state officials to resolve the demograph- will reduce or stop unskilled labor. But we do History stands witness to this. In the past, banks that only needed a decision and follow-up. I planning that prepares the development plan ic imbalance, I say whoever has an actual solu- not have any intention to target a certain and communications companies used to rely on ordered the completion of the laws and they and the government work program. The eco- tion based on a study is welcome in my office to nationality. expats, and now rely on national labor with were completed on time. We plan very well, but nomic affairs ministry will be involved in more express his opinion and proposal, and we will great success. all we lack is the will to execute. Kuwait needs details away from the development plan, and its implement it if possible. We are not against Al-Rai: How can you balance plans of The issue needs change in the youth culture rehabilitation of people so that we reach quality adjusting population structure with develop- and direction. The population structure needs decisions will be crucial because the develop- expat labor in general, rather our problem is in planning, in addition to execution and follow- ment projects that need more expat labor? adjustment as far as the number of citizens and ment plan is crucial. The new ministry will be with those without degrees and who are up. concerned with many issues and it should be a untrained and unqualified, in addition to human Subaih: There is a balance of course, and expats are concerned, and the nature of expat development projects are in mind as well as labor. Bringing in expat labor will be subject to reference for all decisions and have an opinion traffickers who harmed Kuwait domestically and Al-Rai: Why then is there much talk about their labor needs. We have placed strict rules for tests in their countries before hiring them. The in legislations. distorted its image abroad. There are many proj- the absence of actual development and that bringing in labor for those projects, besides get- decision will be applicable in the coming days The ministry of economic affairs will oversee ects that need one person only, but the employ- everything is only “ink on paper”? ting rid of unskilled workers in Kuwait. and the start will be with Egypt and India, as diversification of sources of income, privatiza- er brings in 10 persons, and there are many jobs Subaih: Achievements appear without the tion, spending, price control, attracting foreign that can rely on technology such as guarding, there are agreements with the two countries Rai: How successful were you in fighting through non-profit international organizations need to talk about them, and this is the decisive investors and private and public sectors partner- cleaning and others. answer and deterrent to all those who are talk- ship in a way that does not make employment We need 15 years at least to reach a balance visa traders? to guarantee that no fees or commission will be ing. Achievements are very clear, starting with depend on the public sector. The aim of the eco- in the demographic structure, and achieve a Subaih: I was able to limit visa trade by 60 imposed on workers. the roads network, the hospitals that are being nomic affairs ministry is to set the cost of each population ratio in which expats’ population percent. I cannot say I eradicated it, but I limit- opened every day, housing development and decision or legislation law and its economic fea- would not exceed 60 percent of the total popu- ed it in cooperation with various state agen- National manpower new cities, and achievement is reflected in capi- sibility. The economic committee now includes lation, or even drop to 40 percent. About cies. Al-Rai: Is it true that the Kuwaiti does not tal spending that has exceeded 70 percent. the finance ministry, oil and energy ministry, progress in the demographic structure issue, we work? I do not blame those who do not trust economic affairs ministry and commerce min- are waiting for several decisions by the Cabinet Al-Rai: Expats are complaining that the Subaih: I cannot say this because I am a istry, and it is chaired by the finance minister because the issue is related to the interior min- government’s austerity measures and adjust- Kuwaiti to start with, and all those I know work. I achievement, because precedents are not because he is also the deputy premier. istry and labor authority, and we will move the ment of the population structure that target do not accept such people in areas that are encouraging, as some citizens are looking at labor need estimation from all authorities and them personally are a form of discrimination. under my management, but I would like to tell what happened with the Jaber Stadium which Al-Rai: Does not this increase your bur- parties to the labor authority only. We will also What is your opinion? you that “the human being is as you raise him”. took more than 10 years to build. But I say with dens and responsibilities? increase fines on residency violators from KD 2 Subaih: Expenses in Kuwait are still the least The employee is under the shadow of his senior, full confidence that wheels of work are moving, Subaih: It is an endorsement and trust. The to KD 4 per day. We are now working in more among Gulf countries. like a child is in his family. If he is raised with the and we are still yet to achieve our desired goals. repeated trust of His Highness the Prime than one direction at the same time, as we are values of commitment and perseverance, he will Minister in itself is a burden and a motivation for working on a quota for each nationality. We will Al-Rai: How do you view the status of the grow up with those values. If the family accus- Al-Rai: What are the total expenses of the more achievements, and I must now move from also place new rules for family visas to limit any marketplace in Kuwait? toms him to a spoiled life, he will live and die development plan so far from its allocated the achievement stage into the innovation one. harm to the population structure and stop the Subaih: The labor market needs organization spoiled. amount? I also depend in my work on delegation of residency of unskilled (marginal) labor. in all facets, be it Kuwaiti or non-Kuwaiti, I worked 30 years as an employee in various Subaih: KD 1.172 billion was spent out of KD duties and follow-up, and not by centralization females and males, married and unmarried, government departments, and after I became 2.974 billion by Dec 31, 2016, nearly 40 percent of powers. I met, after the government’s forma- Quota for each nationality qualified and non-qualified, and various nation- minister, I found that many employees in my of the allocated budget. tion, with officials from the social affairs min- Al-Rai: What are the most notable steps to alities. Firstly, national labor is minimal in the departmentss do not work. But with direction Al-Rai: Did the drop in oil prices and aus- istry, public authority for manpower, public reduce the number of expats and adjust the private sector, and needs to increase to adjust and encouragement, they become very active. terity measures affect plans? authority for the disabled and the planning sec- demographic structure? chapter one (salaries) of the budget, in addition My opinion is that Kuwaiti workers are qualified Subaih: Capital spending was not affected at retariat general. I asked for the work plan of Subaih: This is not in our calculations - we to identifying professions that only expat work- and have enough intelligence, and all they lack all. The effects were on incentives and the sec- each sector and delegated duties for all. I also will place a quota for reach nationality and we ers work in, but in which Kuwaitis can work too. are incentives and examples. With this I mean ond chapter (products and services). WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Germany plans huge Indian minister lays blame on western dress for sex attacks security overhaul

Page 12 Page 10 GOP primed to dismantle Obama’s policies ‘We have a lot to do - and a lot to undo’

WASHINGTON: Members of the 115th James Clapper, the director of national intel- Congress will be sworn in, setting off an ligence, is scheduled to testify Thursday before aggressive campaign by Republicans who con- the Senate Armed Services Committee on an trol the House and Senate to dismantle eight intelligence community assessment that Russia years of President Barack Obama’s Democratic interfered in the U.S. election by hacking into policies. The first and biggest target is Obama’s Democratic email accounts. Allegations of health care law, which Republicans have long Russian meddling in the U.S. political process sought to gut and blamed as a primary cause will be examined by individual congressional for a lackluster economic recovery. But committees, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch decades-old programs that millions of McConnell has rejected a bipartisan call for a Americans rely on every day, such as Social special, high-profile select panel to investigate. Security and Medicare, also will be in the Obama last week slapped Russia with crosshairs as congressional Republicans seek to sweeping penalties over the hacking allega- shrink both the size of the federal budget and tions, yet Trump has not publicly accepted the the bureaucracy in Washington. “We have a lot conclusion Moscow was behind the election to do - and a lot to undo,” House Majority year intrusions. Incoming White House press Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said in a letter secretary Sean Spicer said Monday on Fox to fellow Republicans. News Channel’s “Fox & Friends” that “there There were signs of Republican-on- doesn’t seem to be conclusive evidence” that Republican drama even before the new the Russians were responsible. Congress officially opened. House Republicans on Monday night voted to defy their leaders Scuttle rules and gut the chamber’s independent ethics The House is slated to vote Friday to certify panel created in 2008 to probe charges of law- Trump’s victory in the presidential election maker misconduct after several corruption over Democrat Hillary Clinton. She is the fifth scandals sent members to prison. presidential candidate to win the popular vote Lawmakers would have the final say on and lose the Electoral College. She received their colleagues under the change approved nearly 2.9 million more votes than Trump, 199-74 over arguments from House Speaker according to an Associated Press analysis, giv- Paul Ryan, McCarthy, and other GOP leaders. ing her the largest popular vote margin of any Some members said they have felt unfairly tar- WASHINGTON: In this Nov 10, 2016 file photo, President-elect Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis, pose for photogra- losing presidential candidate and bringing geted by the independent panel, and phers after a meeting in the Speaker’s office on Capitol Hill. — AP renewed calls to abolish the Electoral College. Kellyanne Conway, a top adviser to President- gy has its political limitations. Twenty-three his commitment to truly make America great, on and that also would give GOP leaders the Other must-do items on the GOP’s agenda elect Donald Trump, said yesterday on ABC Senate Democrats are up for re-election in in its finest sense and tradition.” tools to punish lawmakers if there is a repeat of are an overhaul of the US tax code. that there had been “overzealousness” under 2018, including 10 from states won by Obama plans a rare trip to Capitol Hill on the Democratic sit-in last summer over gun Conservatives also want to scuttle rules on the the old system. Others complained that the President-elect Donald Trump, and they could Wednesday to meet with congressional control. Votes also are expected on resolutions environment and undo financial regulations move would clear a path to corruption. break ranks and side with the GOP. Democrats and discuss strategy for saving the to denounce the United Nations for condemn- created in the aftermath of the 2008 economic “What we will always do is hold the presi- health care law. Vice President-elect Mike ing the construction of Israeli settlements in meltdown, arguing they are too onerous for Conservative agenda dent-elect and his Republican colleagues in Pence will meet with Republicans. The first the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Republicans businesses to thrive. Democrats will try to block the far-reaching Congress accountable,” Senate Minority Leader week of the new Congress will be a preview of blasted the Obama administration for refusing The Senate plans to begin repealing conservative agenda by swaying public opin- Chuck Schumer of New York said in prepared the hectic pace planned by Republicans. to veto the decision. Ryan, R-Wis., pledged “to Obama’s health care law, with consideration of ion and using the power they have in the remarks yesterday. “We will be a caucus that The GOP’s proposal to change the ethics reverse the damage done by this administra- a procedural measure that will shield the initia- Senate to filibuster legislation. But that strate- works to make sure the president-elect keeps process is part of a rules package to be voted tion, and rebuild our alliance with Israel.” tive from Democratic filibusters. — AP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 Residents escape Mosul’s besieged west

HASSAN SHAM: They wait for nightfall before civilians displaced from Mosul with his wife and been unable to escape. That has worked in Islamic year old Abu Abd, who crossed the river three days attempting the perilous escape across bombed-out three children. “If they opened a route for a quarter State’s favor, slowing the progress of Iraqi forces ago when Islamic State militants were distracted. bridges and front lines between Islamic State mili- of an hour, not a single person would remain on the seeking to avoid civilian casualties. Some of the bridges can still be crossed on foot, tants and Iraqi forces. Some cross the Tigris River by western side.” Twenty year old Abu Mohsen, whose was fer- but Islamic State forbids passage to those they sus- boat, after the US-led coalition bombed the five Although there is no fighting yet in the west, ried across the Tigris by his friend, a fisherman, pect of fleeing to the government side, especially bridges connecting the city’s two halves to restrict food is scarcer than ever since government- said when the operation began, most people in those with women and children. Most of the boats Islamic State movements. Others scale what backed Shi’ite militias advanced through desert the west had planned to wait it out. But as crossing the Tigris are controlled by Islamic State. remains of the bridges using a rope. terrain southwest of Mosul in November, sealing advances slowed last month, their calculations Those who make it across the river must then find a Most of the 116,000 civilians who have fled Islamic State’s only access route to the city. were changing. “When the operations stopped way through the frontline between the militants Mosul since Iraqi forces launched their campaign to Civilians who fled the west in recent days said the people said the army will not reach us. They said it and Iraqi forces, who are fighting street to street. recapture Islamic State’s biggest stronghold came militants had announced they would soon distrib- will take a year or two,” he said. “When we saw the army it was as though we from the eastern half of the city, where government ute food and break the siege in an attempt to pla- Iraqi forces renewed their push to retake the city were dreaming. We couldn’t believe our own eyes,” troops have gradually gained ground. But as the cate their increasingly desperate subjects and con- last week, making progress in several eastern dis- said Abu Abdullah, who fled from the 17 Tomuz biggest battle in Iraq since 2003 enters its 12th vince them to stay. tricts. Until recently, the militants punished anyone neighborhood in the west. The camp is safer, but week, a growing number of people are escaping caught fleeing their self-styled caliphate with exe- brings a new kind of hardship. The displaced are from the besieged west bank of the Tigris, a half of ‘Have to execute the whole of Mosul’ cution, but recent arrivals at the camp said the not allowed out for security reasons and have no the city that is still fully under the militants’ control. In the run-up to the campaign, aid agencies sheer volume of people trying to escape had forced work. For some, it proves too much. Camp workers “Only the lucky ones get out,” said Jamal, who were preparing for a mass exodus from Mosul. So them to lessen the penalty. “They would have to and displaced people said a displaced man had crossed the river using a rope to climb over the far most of the city’s residents-numbering as many execute the whole of Mosul, so they started to flog cut his own throat in a bathroom cubicle on remnants of one bridge and is now at a camp for as 1.5 million-either have chosen to stay or have people and send them back home instead,” said 22 Sunday. — Reuters Iran HR activist ends 71-day hunger strike

DUBAI: An imprisoned Iranian human over an unpublished fictional story found rights activist ended a 71-day hunger in her home about a woman burning a strike yesterday as his detained wife won a Quran in anger over another woman being temporary release from prison, a day after stoned to death for adultery. his case sparked a rare unauthorized protest in Tehran. Arash Sadeghi was to be Crackdown on expression taken to a hospital, his lawyer Amir Raisian “The release of Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee said, while Amnesty International said he today comes as a welcome relief but is would be fed intravenously. His wife, long overdue,” Amnesty researcher Nassim Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee, was temporarily Papayianni said in a statement. “Neither freed for several days in a decision that can she nor her husband, Arash Sadeghi, be extended, the semi-official ISNA news should have ever been forced to spend a agency reported. single minute behind bars.” Dual nationals, The sudden decision comes after a artists, poets, journalists, fashion models dayslong social media campaign and the and activists have been arrested in a crack- march Monday toward Evin prison by down on expression led by hard-liners dozens of Iranians. Such protests have who oppose President Hassan Rouhani’s been rare in Iran after violence that fol- more moderate policies and efforts to pro- lowed the country’s disputed 2009 presi- mote greater openness to the outside dential election. Reformist lawmaker world. The arrests accelerated with Iran’s Bahram Parsai said earlier that he and oth- nuclear deal with world powers. er legislators met with court officials to Other prisoners are believed to be on discuss Sadeghi’s case, signaling the hunger strikes as well. Nazanin Zaghari- growing concern officials had over the Ratcliffe , a British-Iranian woman sen- DAMASCUS: A general view shows artisan workshops in a historic Ottoman building with a fountain in the courtyard filled campaign. tenced to five years in prison over charges with dirty water in the capital. — AFP “It was supposed to solve the case she planned to topple Iran’s government resorting to prudence, in a way that would while on vacation with her young daugh- not be misused by enemies,” Parsai said, ter, ended a five-day hunger strike after Continuous fighting puts according to the semi-official ILNA news being put back into general population agency. “We do not want such cases to following weeks of solitary confinement, turn into a problem for the system,” he said her husband, Richard Ratcliffe. She is said, apparently referring to Western criti- scheduled to appear at an appeals court peace negotiations at risk cism of Iran’s human rights record. hearing Wednesday, he said. Sadeghi is serving a 15-year sentence Nizar Zakka , a US permanent resident over charges including “spreading propa- from Lebanon sentenced to 10 years in Rebels accuse Assad regime of breaking ceasefire ganda against the system” and “insulting prison and a $4.2 million fine, began a the founder of the Islamic Republic,” hunger strike Dec 8, Washington-based according to Amnesty. The London-based lawyer Jason Poblete said. As of a week BEIRUT: A dozen Syrian rebel factions have sus- day, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for group also reported rebel fire on two villages in advocacy group has said Sadeghi’s ago, Zakka was still on it, he said. “The pended talks on new peace negotiations, accus- Human Rights monitor said. It said government the central Hama province. charges stem in part from his communica- Iranians have cut off our communications ing President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime of violat- forces were attacking with helicopters and tion with them. Sadeghi’s hunger strike with Nizar because, it appears, they are ing a four-day-old ceasefire with attacks near artillery fire after advancing on Monday to the Spillover in Turkey began Oct 24 after authorities arrested his upset with the media coverage of his Damascus that continued yesterday. The deci- outskirts of the Ain Al-Fijeh spring, the main The ceasefire and planned talks are the latest wife to make her serve a six-year sentence hunger strike,” Poblete said. — AP sion threatens the process sponsored by regime water source in the area. effort to negotiate an end to Syria’s conflict, ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey, which began Syria’s government accuses rebels in Wadi which has killed more than 310,000 people with a truce and is meant to lead to negotiations Barada of deliberately targeting infrastructure since it began with anti-government protests in in the Kazakh capital Astana this month. there, causing fuel to poison the water supply March 2011. Despite backing opposite sides in UN: At least 6,878 civilians The ceasefire has brought quiet to large parts and then cutting the flow to Damascus alto- the conflict, Ankara and Moscow have worked of the country but has been undermined by spo- gether. Rebels say government strikes caused closely of late on the war, jointly brokering a killed in 2016 Iraq violence radic violence, particularly fighting in the Wadi the damage, which has left four million people deal that allowed civilians and rebels to leave Barada region north of Damascus that supplies in Damascus without water since December Aleppo city before it was retaken by the govern- the capital’s water. Government forces backed 22. The regime says forces in Wadi Barada ment last month. BAGHDAD: Violence claimed the lives of string of bombings in Baghdad that have by fighters from Lebanese Shiite movement include former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al- The process has also received the blessing of at least 6,878 civilian Iraqis last year, the killed more than 50 people in the last week Hezbollah have continued to press a two-week- Sham Front, although opposition fighters deny the UN Security Council, despite offering a com- United Nations said on Monday, as the alone. The deadliest IS attack was in July old offensive in Wadi Barada despite the cease- the group is present. peting track to UN-sponsored negotiations set Iraqi government struggles to maintain when a massive suicide bombing in a fire which began December 30. Fateh Al-Sham, along with the Islamic State to resume in Geneva in February. Russia and security nationwide and to dislodge bustling market area in central Baghdad A dozen rebel groups announced in a state- (IS) group, is excluded from the truce. Syrian Turkey, which are organizing the talks along with Islamic State group militants from areas killed almost 300 people, the bloodiest sin- ment late Monday the “freezing of all discussion state media has been conspicuously quiet on regime ally Iran, say they are meant to supple- under their control. gle attack in the capital in 13 years of war. linked to the Astana negotiations.” The rebels the fighting in the area, but Damascus governor ment the UN-backed process, not replace it. The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, “This is, no doubt, an attempt by Daesh said they had adhered to the ceasefire, but Alaa Ibrahim told the Al-Watan daily that the Both Russia and Turkey have launched their own known as UNAMI, said its numbers “have to to divert attention from their losses in accused the regime of “major and frequent viola- army was progressing. “Military operations are military action in Syria, with Moscow intervening be considered as the absolute minimum” Mosul and, unfortunately, it is the innocent tions, notably in the (rebel) regions of Wadi under way, and God willing there will be happy in support of the government in September as it has not been able to verify casualties civilians who are paying the price,” Jan Barada and Eastern Ghouta”, near Damascus. “If news soon,” he told the newspaper, which is 2015, and Ankara starting a campaign against IS among civilians in conflict areas, and of Kubis, the special representative of the UN things don’t return to how they were before, the close to the government. and Kurdish militants in August 2016. those who lost their lives due to “secondary Secretary-General for Iraq, said in the state- accord will be considered null and void,” the Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman The conflict has spilled into Turkey, with a effects of violence ... due to exposure to ment. The group was also behind Monday’s statement added. It was signed by a dozen warned the truce was in a “critical phase” and string of deadly attacks claimed by or blamed on the elements, lack of water, food, medi- suicide bombing in a commercial area in groups, including the Army of Islam, Faylaq al- faced “collapse” if sponsors Russia and Turkey did IS or Kurdish groups. On Monday, IS claimed cines and health care.” eastern Baghdad, which killed 41 people Sham, and the Sultan Murad Brigade, which is not intervene to save it. The monitor reported responsibility for a New Year’s night attack on an UNAMI said in a statement that 12,388 and wounding 64 others. Several other close to Turkey. violations elsewhere in the country yesterday, Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people. Turkey’s other civilians were wounded in 2016. It attacks, including one carried out by five including air strikes on the town of Khan Hurriyet daily reported yesterday that the attack- added that last year figures didn’t include suicide bombers against two police sta- ‘Critical phase’ Sheikhun in Idlib province that killed a pregnant er, who remains at large, had fought for IS in casualties among civilians in Iraq’s western tions in the city of Samarra north of The fighting in Wadi Barada continued yester- woman and wounded three other civilians. The Syria. — AP Anbar province for the months of May, July, Baghdad, killed at least 27 people and August and December. According to UNA- wounded 89. MI figures, at least 7,515 civilians were Backed by the US-led international killed in 2015. coalition, Iraqi government troops and Russia flags war games The monthly UN casualty report for paramilitary forces launched the campaign Women’s rights face with US ally Philippines December 2016 showed that a total of 386 in mid-October to dislodge IS from Mosul - civilians were killed and another 1,066 Iraq’s second-largest city and the last major a daunting new year were wounded. The worst affected area IS urban bastion in the country. MANILA: The Russian Navy said yesterday it was plan- was the northern province of Ninevah, Unlike other reports, last month’s report ning to hold war games with the Philippines, as two of where government forces are fighting to didn’t include casualties among security NEW YORK: Women’s rights face enor- if their funds for those activities come its ships made a rare stop in Manila following Filipino retake the IS-held city of Mosul, with 208 forces. The UN came under criticism from mous challenges worldwide in 2017 with from other sources. President Rodrigo Duterte’s pivot from the United civilians killed and 511 injured. The capital, the Iraqi military last month after reporting campaigners expecting fights to keep The rule was lifted by President Barack States. Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, the deputy Baghdad, came next with 109 civilians that nearly 2,000 members of the Iraqi health clinics open, to save programs pre- Obama in 2009 but can be reinstated with commander of the Russian Navy’s Pacific fleet, said the killed and 523 injured. forces had been killed in November. The venting unwanted pregnancies and to the stroke of a pen. Under the gag rule, joint military exercises would focus on maritime piracy Iraqi government has not publicized the enforce laws protecting women from vio- many groups turned down US aid, leaving and terrorism, which he described as the region’s two Innocent civilians casualty figures for government troops and lence. Globally, women’s rights are in the them short of money for health services top security concerns. IS, known locally by the Arabic acronym paramilitary forces fighting in Mosul and crosshairs of rising isolationism and right- from cancer screenings to flu shots, advo- “We’re very sure that in the future we’ll get such Daesh, has claimed responsibility for a elsewhere in northern Iraq. — AP wing politics in Western Europe and the cates say. The United States also could pull exercises with you, maybe just the manoeuvreing or United States, where President-elect funding from the United Nations maybe use some combat systems and so on,” Donald Trump has promised to unravel an Population Fund, which provides access to Mikhailov told reporters beside the docked Russian array of beneficial policies. reproductive health services but does not destroyer Admiral Tributs. Mikhailov also raised the “There are major challenges facing fund or support abortion. prospect of joint exercises with China and Malaysia in women’s rights coming up, not the least of the South China Sea, where competing territorial which is a global cultural understanding ... Keeping women’s organizations claims have been a major source of tension and that women are in essence second-class operating potential conflict for decades. citizens,” said Tarah Demant of Amnesty Women’s groups work around the “We really hope that in a few years, the military International USA. “This is a global phe- world on such issues as divorce rights, exercises for example in your region, in the South nomenon,” said Demant, senior director of gender wage gaps and child marriage, China Sea, will (involve) for example, not only Russia- Amnesty’s identity and discrimination often operating in hostile environments Philippines, but Russia, Philippines, China and maybe unit. “We are really worried.” Here are on shoestring budgets. Several countries Malaysia together.” The visit was only the third ever some of the biggest challenges to have enacted laws pressuring such groups by Russian military vessels to the Philippines, accord- women’s rights in 2017: by making them register as foreign agents ing to the Filipino Navy’s Commodore Francisco if they get funding from international Cabudao, who led the welcoming ceremony for the Global access to abortion and donors, said Janet Walsh, acting director Russian ships. contraception of women’s rights division at Human The Philippines, a former American colony, had for A threat to abortion access is the likely Rights Watch. At the same time, funding decades been one of the United States’ most impor- reinstatement of the so-called global gag from US government sources is likely to tant and loyal allies in Asia. The two are bound by a rule under the Trump administration. First shrink, she said. “I’m afraid for those who mutual defense pact. But Duterte, a self-described imposed under former President Ronald take a stand for women’s rights, that their socialist, has during his six months in power sought to Reagan, the rule prohibits groups getting security and their ability to register and dramatically shift his nation’s foreign and military MOSUL: Soldiers of Iraq’s elite counterterrorism forces help an elderly woman US aid abroad from providing abortions or operate as organizations will be undercut,” alliances towards China and Russia. — AFP as she and her family flee fighting between Iraqi security forces against counseling patients about abortions, even she said. Islamic State militants. — AP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Brazil prison riot leaders to be transferred, says minister

MANAUS: The instigators of a horrific from the Family of the North (FDN), a pow- prison riot in Brazil that left 56 inmates erful local gang, to rivals from the First dead-many of them decapitated-will be Capital Command (PCC), one of Brazil’s transferred to higher security federal pris- largest gangs. ons, the justice minister said yesterday. As The PCC’s base is in Sao Paulo, some soon as these ringleaders are identified, at 2,700 kilometers (1,650 miles) to the south- the request of the Manaus state govern- east. “During the negotiations (to end the ment they will be transferred, said the min- riot), the prisoners had almost no demands,” ister, Alexandre de Moraes. Fontes told local radio network Tiradentes. The riot broke out Sunday afternoon and “We think they had already done what they lasted through the night at a prison on the wanted: kill members of the rival organiza- outskirts of Manaus, the capital of tion.” It was the latest eruption of horrific Amazonas state, state public security secre- violence to hit Brazil’s underfunded and tary Sergio Fontes said. Bloodied and overcrowded prisons. burned bodies were seen stacked in a con- In October, deadly riots broke out at crete prison yard and piled in carts. A total three prisons, blamed on fighting of 184 inmates escaped, and so far 40 have between members of the country’s two been caught, Moraes said. largest gangs, the PCC and the Red The fighting ranks among the most Command (CV). During that episode, riot- deadly of numerous prison riots across Latin ing inmates took visitors hostage, behead- America in the past decade. Fontes called it ed rivals and burned others alive, killing the biggest massacre ever committed at a 33 people in all, the authorities said. In prison in the state. Outside, heavily armed 1992, a riot in Sao Paulo’s Carandiru prison police hunted for inmates who escaped left 111 people dead. through a series of tunnels discovered at Brazil’s prisons are often controlled by the Anisio Jobim penitentiary complex. drug gangs, whose turf wars on the outside are also fought out among inmates. “There Decapitations is a silent war of drug trafficking, and the Police finally restored order at the prison state needs to intervene,” Fontes said. “What on Monday morning, freeing 12 guards did we see in this case? One faction fighting VALPARAISO: People work to extinguish the flames at a house in Valparaiso, Chile, on January 2, 2017 as the fire threatens to reach the city’s who had been taken hostage, Fontes said. another because each wants more money. port. Authorities have declared a red alert in the area. — AFP They found a horrific scene inside. “Many The fight is for money and space.” Brazil has (victims) were decapitated, and they all suf- struggled for years against a lucrative and fered a lot of violence,” he told a news con- violent drug trade. But jailing drug traffick- ference. He said the gruesome scene ers has done little to solve the problem. It Huge wildfire burns appeared aimed at sending a message may even fuel it, critics say. — AFP homes in Valparaiso Trump names Lighthizer as top trade representative VALPARAISO, Chile: A wildfire ravaged woods hot summer weather, the fire broke out in the esque colonial city is a UNESCO World Heritage and burned 100 homes in the hilly Chilean port hilly region that makes Valparaiso a picturesque Site. Thousands of tourists come every year to NEW YORK: President-elect Donald Trump said Tuesday in a statement city of Valparaiso on Monday, forcing authori- tourist destination. stroll its narrow cobbled streets and ride cable Trump announced yesterday he will announcing his pick. “He has extensive ties to evacuate hundreds of people. At least 19 cars up the steep hills. Wildfires killed 15 people nominate lawyer Robert Lighthizer as US experience striking agreements that people were reported hurt after the fire broke ‘Jewel of the pacific’ in 2014 and destroyed thousands of homes in trade representative, picking an experi- protect some of the most important sec- out on the outskirts of the historic city, the gov- Some 200 people were evacuated from their the area, particularly in the city’s poorer neigh- enced trade official who has questioned tors of our economy, and has repeatedly ernment said. homes as a precaution, the agency added. “The borhoods. The wooden structures with their tin the conservative movement’s commit- fought in the private sector to prevent Television pictures showed thick grey smoke fire was coming from the other side of the hill, roofs, perched on tinder-dry hillsides, were ment to free trade. Lighthizer, who bad deals from hurting Americans. He filling the streets in the Laguna Verde district, down below. We never thought it would spread quickly engulfed in that fire. served as deputy USTR under President will do an amazing job helping turn where the blaze struck, and flames devouring so far,” said Rosa Gallardo, a woman who lost More blazes in March 2015 killed one Ronald Reagan, would play a key role in around the failed trade policies which green hillsides. Hundreds of firefighters along her home in the fire. “It was hopeless. The woman and forced thousands of people from Trump’s trade agenda. The president- have robbed so many Americans of with water-dumping airplanes and helicopters smoke was suffocating. It stung my eyes. So we their homes. The city is home to 270,000 peo- elect has vigorously opposed the 12- prosperity.” were battling the blaze, officials said. had to evacuate,” said Pablo Luna Flores, anoth- ple overall, many living in brightly colored nation Trans-Pacific Partnership pact, but Lighthizer, who played a senior role “Emergency protocols have been activated,” er resident who lost his home. houses on the hillsides. In its heyday from the has said he would ink one-on-one trade during Bob Dole’s 1996 campaign, has President Michelle Bachelet said on Twitter. Electricity providers said they had cut power mid-19th century to the early 20th, Valparaiso deals with individual countries. Trump more recently worked on trade issues as The flames had “damaged 100 homes in an to nearly 48,000 customers also as a precaution. became famous as a stopover point for ships has also signaled a tough stance on trade a lawyer, representing manufacturing, area where there are 500,” deputy interior min- The authorities issued a maximum red alert. steaming down to the continent’s southern tip with China, including levying a hefty tar- agricultural and high-tech companies, ister Mahmud Aleuy told a news conference Located 120 kilometers northwest of the capital and on to the Atlantic. The opening of the iff on Chinese imports. according to his law firm biography. late Monday. He said 19 people were hurt, Santiago, Valparaiso is home to Chile’s national Panama Canal in 1914 prompted a spectacular “Ambassador Lighthizer is going to Lighthizer’s bio also states that he mostly by breathing in smoke, but there were Congress. Laguna Verde lies on the southern drop in traffic to Valparaiso and an end to the do an outstanding job representing the focused on “market-opening trade no fatalities. The flames destroyed 50 hectares outskirts of Valparaiso, a sprawling city built on port’s glory days. It now relies heavily on United States as we fight for good trade actions on behalf of US companies seek- of woodland, the National Emergencies Office 40 hills with stunning sea views. tourism, and living standards are lower than deals that put the American worker first,” ing access to foreign markets.” — AP said in a statement. Fanned by strong winds in Dubbed the “jewel of the Pacific,” the pictur- the average in Chile. — AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Six die in India bakery fire, calls for labor law change MUMBAI: Six migrant workers who had mezzanine floor. The workers died of suf- More than 90 percent of India’s work- fy where they are working and help in wages is forced labor , and that is bond- been locked inside a bakery by their focation and burns, officials said. “When force - an estimated 400 million people - better regulation of their work condi- ed labor ,” said Nirmal Gorana who employer in western India suffocated to such cases occur, the law enforcement are in informal employment. This tions,” Daniel told the Thomson Reuters heads a national campaign to end death in a fire, triggering calls for agencies look at the more obvious crime includes laborers on farms and construc- Foundation. In the Pune bakery fire, nei- bonded labor . decades-old labor laws to be imple- and ignore other sections” of the law, tion sites, as well as in shops, hotels and ther the employer nor the government Experts say an Indian law to protect mented to crack down on worker said Chandan Kumar, a core group mem- restaurants. Many work in conditions had home addresses of the six workers minimum wage and ensure compensa- exploitation and abuse. A short circuit ber on bonded labor with the National that violate Indian laws enacted decades who had migrated from northern Uttar tion to families in the event of a worker’s caused a fire in a bakery in Pune in west- Human Rights Commission. ago to protect labor rights. One law that Pradesh state. death on the job also is not implement- ern Maharashtra state last Friday when The employer was arrested and is not enforced requires migrant workers’ Police inspector Varsharani Patil said ed. “We are not remotely close to imple- the workers were asleep on the mezza- charged with culpable homicide not data to be recorded in their home state their relatives working in bakeries near- menting this law. There is no mechanism nine floor where they also baked cakes amounting to murder, keeping the work- and their destination of employment, by helped contact their families back to cater to the informal sector,” said and cookies. ers locked up, constructing an illegal said Umi Daniel, South Asia regional home. Officials said bonded labor laws Kumar, of the National Human Rights They were unable to escape as the mezzanine where the workers lived and head of the non-governmental organiza- were not applicable in the case because Commission. India is home to an esti- bakery owner had locked the shutter worked, and operating the bakery with- tion Aide et Action International. the workers chose to live in the bakery mated 16 million of the world’s 36 mil- door from outside to prevent theft. out government approval. Activists say “It is important to record this data as to save money. Experts called for lion slaves, according to the Walk Free When firemen broke into the bakery, the employer should also have been it would not only enumerate migrant improved understanding of bonded Foundation, an Australia-based human they found the workers’ bodies on the charged with violating labor laws. workers from each state, but also identi- labor. “Any person working on nominal rights group. — Reuters Germany plans huge security overhaul after Berlin attack Seeking quicker expulsions of illegal migrants

BERLIN: Germany’s interior minis- The Social Democratic Party’s par- ter yesterday outlined plans for a liamentary chief Thomas security services overhaul, seeking Oppermann also accused de greater federal powers on domestic Maiziere of heading down a radical intelligence and quicker expulsions path with the security overhaul. of illegal migrants following the The Islamophobic and rightwing Berlin truck attack. Thomas de Populist Party AfD meanwhile Maiziere also called for giving fed- claimed credit for the planned eral police wider oversight across measures, saying it had been seek- the country’s 16 states, and for a ing such reforms for months. new national crisis management centre to be set up. Security failings “We don’t have federal jurisdic- De Maiziere is a close ally of tion to deal with national catastro- Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is phes. The jurisdiction for the fight running for a fourth term in a gen- against international terrorism is eral election expected in fragmented,” he wrote in a guest September. Her government came column for the daily Frankfurter under fire in the wake of the Allgemeine Zeitung. “The federal December 19 attack for its liberal police’s scope of action is restricted BERLIN: In this file photo taken on December 19, 2016 shows German border policy, which has allowed in to railway stations, airports and Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere during a press conference with more than one million asylum seek- PARIS: Former French Prime Minister and left-wing candidate Manuel Valls delivers border controls,” he wrote, stressing his new French counterpart on December 19, 2016. — AFP ers since 2015, and for allowing his speech during a campaign press conference. — AP that “it is time” to reexamine under surveillance since March, but “The current remit of the federal Amri to slip through the net despite Germany’s security set-up. German police dropped their watch police is too limited,” he said. “We documented security concerns. French left-wing candidates Policing and domestic intelli- in September thinking he was a need a set of common rules and The December attack was only gence services in Germany are cur- small-time drug dealer. The failed better coordination, for instance in one of several cases last year that take risky stance: Pro-Europe rently decentralized and controlled asylum seeker should also have been checking dangerous individuals.” exposed security failings in by the country’s 16 states. The deported months ago but Tunisia The federal government should also Germany. In October, police PARIS: Two men hoping to clinch the left- suspension in EU enlargement and plans for a sweeping reform come did not provide the necessary paper- take charge of domestic intelli- botched an attempt to arrest a wing nomination for France’s presidential tougher external borders, saying, after a series of embarrassing secu- work until after the attack. gence services, he said, noting that Syrian bomb plot suspect. The man race are pursuing a risky strategy: They “European civilization ... should start and rity failures, with the December 19 trouble-makers do not seek to dis- was finally caught after a nation- want to save the much-maligned European end somewhere.” attack training a spotlight on the Deportation centers rupt only one state but the country wide manhunt, thanks to Syrian Union. Manuel Valls and Vincent Peillon laid After two years marred by deadly gaps. After Tunisian suspect Anis De Maiziere also said federal as a whole. asylum seekers who detained him out their platforms Tuesday, pleading for extremist attacks, Valls also said he would Amri allegedly rammed a truck into detention centers should be set up But de Maiziere’s suggestions but was later found hanged in his unity and tolerance in the face of far-right create 1,000 more police and gendarme a crowded Christmas market, killing to hold rejected asylum seekers quickly drew criticism, including cell. And in November, Germany’s candidate Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigra- jobs every year. Peillon, a European 12, it swiftly emerged that the asy- and illegal immigrants in the period from Ralf Jaeger, the interior minis- domestic spy service unmasked a tion, anti-EU campaign. Parliament member and former education lum seeker had slipped through the leading up to their expulsion. In ter of Germany’s most populous Spanish-born agent in its own Valls and Peillon are among seven candi- minister, listed Europe as No 2 of six broad net of security services. order to close security gaps, federal state North Rhine-Westphalia, who ranks as a suspected Islamist. Media dates in the leftist primary Jan. 22 and 29, campaign strategies. He called for a Amri, 24, who was days later shot police must be given wider powers, opposes removing state control reports said he was also a former seeking a nomination that looks like a poi- Europe-wide minimum wage and tax poli- dead by Italian police, had been the minister said. over domestic intelligence services. gay porn actor. — AFP soned chalice. Polls suggest the mainstream cies, and an unspecified new “financial left’s candidate in France’s April-May election instrument” to help Europe pay for migra- may not even make it past the first round of tion policy. voting amid mass disappointment with “The year 2017 puts us before a clear Socialist Francois Hollande’s presidency. choice: dismantle Europe, or rebuild it,” his Both men sought Tuesday to distance campaign manifesto says. “And if Europe themselves from the Socialists’ troubles - comes undone, France will come undone and to revive support for the EU. That too.” Le Pen, who wants to reinstate French may prove a hard sell in the wake of borders and hold a referendum on leaving Britain’s vote to leave the EU and amid the EU, praised Russia on BFM television frustration across the continent with a Tuesday for defending its national interests union seen as elitist and bogged down and said France should do the same. in bureaucracy. Valls, a Spanish-born for- Polls suggest Le Pen may face conserva- mer prime minister, called himself “pro- tive candidate Francois Fillon in the presi- foundly European” and said the solution dential runoff. Fillon, a former prime minis- to disillusionment with the EU is to “re- ter, wants a more modest and “realistic” EU found” and defend it, notably with high- and calls in his campaign platform for “a er taxes on imports from outside sovereign France in a Europe respectful of Europe’s single market. He called for a nations.” — AP Myanmar police arrest three over local reporter murder YANGON: Myanmar police yesterday said “First we arrested two people from a they had arrested three people over the local KTV (karaoke) operator and we have murder of a local journalist known for his arrested another one who used to be a investigations into illegal logging and logging truck driver,” he told AFP. Saigang brothels. Eleven Media reporter Soe Moe region, where Soe Moe Tun worked, is a Tun’s battered body was found last hub for mining and logging of Myanmar’s month on the side of a road in Monywa, prized teak wood. Much of the timber is northwest of Mandalay. Myanmar ended smuggled out of the country to India in a official censorship in 2012 after the mili- vast illegal trade thought to be worth bil- tary junta ceded power, but journalists lions of dollars. still face intimidation for investigating Advocacy groups say journalists cover- controversial topics. ing the industry are increasingly facing At least four reporters have been intimidation for their work. At least 10 MAPUTO: This file photo taken on November 8, 2012 shows fighters of the former Mozambican rebel movement “Renamo” receiving military killed with impunity in Myanmar since reporters covering environmental issues training in Gorongosa’s mountains, Mozambique. — AFP 1999, according to the New York-based have been killed in South and Southeast Committee for the Protection of Asia since 2010, according to Reporters Mozambique rebel leader Journalists. Local media sources said Without Borders. Several months ago Soe Moe Tun had reported on the min- local Myanmar reporter Tin Zaw Oo was ing industry, illegal logging and the forced to move after his family was growth of karaoke lounges fronting for threatened by illegal loggers, said announces 2-month truce brothels before his death. Thein Swe Myanmar Journalists’ Network. Soe Moe Myint, an officer from Monywa police Tun’s wife, Khin Cho Lett, said she hoped MAPUTO: Rebels in Mozambique announced The truce announcement came after tenta- lagers in the central region as rebel sympathizers. station, said authorities had arrested his killers would be brought to justice. yesterday a two-month extension to a truce tive moves towards a peace process were sus- The death toll is unknown but scores of peo- three suspects after questioning some “My husband was killed very cruelly,” she with the government, raising hopes for peace pended indefinitely last year due to setbacks ple are reported to have been killed in 2016, 40 people over the murder. said. “I am waiting for the truth.” — AFP after a spike in violence last year that claimed including the killing of a Renamo negotiator. with both the Frelimo and Renamo parties also scores of lives. The country’s president said the President Filipe Nyusi said on Monday the truce suffering assassinations of local politicians by so- truce by Afonso Dhlakama, leader of Renamo, was “productive”, according to the private STV called “death squads”. Despite the truce, one Gunman in Switzerland which is both an armed insurgent group and television channel. Trust “is being created,” he Renamo official was gunned down outside his an elected opposition party, showed that the said, adding that government forces did not house in Nampula city last week. flees after injuring police two sides were beginning to rebuild confi- launch offensive attacks on Renamo. Mozambique is still recovering from its dence in each other. bloody 1976-1992 civil war when one million GENEVA: Swiss police said yesterday they ment warned that he was likely armed and Worsening clashes between the Frelimo gov- Rebels weakened? people died during years of sporadic fighting had located but not yet detained a “danger- considered “dangerous”. In a follow-up ernment and Renamo had revived the spectre of One diplomatic source told AFP that between Frelimo and Renamo. Tensions have ous” gunman who fled after injuring two statement, police said they had located the Mozambique’s civil war that ended more than 20 Dhlakama was weakened and had been forced resurfaced since 2013, with Renamo fighters officers carrying out a house search. Police shooter, but a spokesman told a local radio years ago. But Dhlakama told reporters: “There into a truce to try to revive the chance of peace again taking up arms against Frelimo, accusing stressed the incident had no link to terror- station they had yet to arrest the man. have been some minor incidents, but the seven- talks, which could be held under international the ruling party of enriching itself at the expense ism. A 33-year-old man opened fire as Usually tranquil Switzerland is relatively day truce went well, so I announce the extension mediation coordinated by the European Union. of the southern African country. police were conducting a house search in unaccustomed to gun-related crimes. This of the truce for 60 days, until March 4.” “The truce “Dhlakama was cornered and it seems that this Authorities say 3,100 people now live in gov- the town of Rehtobel, regional police in the is despite having one of the highest rates of is intended to build an atmosphere conducive to is the solution he found to save international ernment camps after fleeing the conflict, and canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden said in a gun ownership in the world, since citizens advancing talks in Maputo in peace and tran- mediation,” the source said. several thousand more have escaped the con- statement. are allowed to keep their army-issue quility for both sides.” Dhlakama, who lives in The rebel leader announced the truce after a flict zone to stay with relatives elsewhere. The police officers had suffered unspeci- weapons at home outside periods of hiding in the Gorongosa mountains in central series of telephone calls with the president. The Another 8,600 people have been forced into fied injuries and were taken to hospital for mandatory military service. Mozambique, said Renamo forces would not fighting has often focused on Mozambique’s neighboring Malawi and Zimbabwe, according treatment, the statement said. A local The law allows any citizen aged over 18 attack government troops or positions. Last year main roads, with Renamo attacking government to the UN refugee agency. Renamo refused to woman told the Blick daily she saw “two to possess arms under certain conditions saw a sharp escalation in violence, and more convoys and civilian vehicles, and soldiers accept the results of 2014 elections when it was people lying on the ground”. and there are an estimated two million than 15,000 people have been forced to flee to accused of ruthlessly targeting suspected rebels beaten once more by the ruling Frelimo party-in She said numerous police vehicles were weapons in private hands among government-run camps, relatives’ homes or in nearby villagers. Many displaced people say power since the former Portuguese colony’s at the scene and said police had closed off Switzerland’s population of about eight across the border to Malawi and Zimbabwe. that government soldiers often treat local vil- independence 40 years ago. — AFP the main highway. An initial police state- million. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Indian minister lays blame on western dress for sex attacks BANGALORE: An Indian minister faced a southern state of Karnataka, whose demned for his televised comments, of control? “When will the Indian men leader of one political party widely con- severe backlash yesterday after he criti- largest city is Bangalore, said the “unfor- with the central government’s junior learn to respect women? The minister demned for brushing off the December cized women for dressing “like western- tunate” attacks were a consequence of home minister Kiren Rijiju describing should apologize to the women of the 2012 attack by saying “boys will be boys”. ers” at a New Year’s eve celebration women wearing western clothing. “A them as “irresponsible”. “We can’t allow country and resign,” Kumaramangalam The attacks in Bangalore have drawn where a mob allegedly carried out a large number of youngsters gathered- the shameful act of #MassMolestation go told the Press Trust of India news agency. comparison with last year’s mass sexual series of sex assaults. Although police youngsters who are almost like western- unpunished,” he said on Twitter, adding India has been shamed by shocking assaults at New Year’s celebrations in the have yet to charge anyone in connection ers,” Karnataka’s Home Minister G that women’s safety is a “must in a civi- levels of sexual assault against women, German city of Cologne, where police with the violence on Saturday night in Parameshwara told The Times Now tele- lized society”. which came into sharp focus in were also accused of losing control. Bangalore, local media have carried testi- vision network, speaking in English. Lalitha Kumaramangalam, who heads December 2012 when a student was Senior Bangalore police officer Malini mony and photos of victims cowering “They try to copy westerners not only in India’s National Commission for Women, gang-raped on a bus in New Delhi and Krishnamoorthy told AFP no complaint from their attackers or fleeing for safety. mindset, but even the dressing, so some said Parameshwara should resign over later died of her injuries, leading to the had yet been filed and officers were Police say they are now trawling disturbance, some girls are harassed, his comments. “I want to ask this minis- official cancellation of that year’s New scanning hours’ worth of CCTV footage. through CCTV footage to see if they can these kind of things do happen.” ter: are Indian men so pathetic and weak Year celebrations. Some of the country’s “We have appealed to the public to identify any of the attackers. But a minis- Parameshwara, who later claimed to that when they see a woman in western most senior politicians have been come forward if they have evidence in ter with responsibility for policing in the have been misquoted, was widely con- clothes on a day of revelry, they get out accused of casual misogyny, with the any form,” the officer added. — AFP 5 questions on China, North Korea relations BEIJING: US president-elect Donald Trump Are Beijing-Pyongyang ties weak- has repeatedly called out China for doing ening? too little to help stop North Korea’s nuclear Beijing regularly says it “firmly opposes” program, and on Monday he took to the North’s nuclear tests and calls for denu- Twitter again to blast Beijing. “China has clearisation of the Korean peninsula. been taking out massive amounts of mon- Following Trump’s remarks, on Tuesday a ey & wealth from the US in totally one- Chinese foreign ministry spokesman again sided trade, but won’t help with North declared it would “stay committed to denu- Korea,” he tweeted. “Nice!” His comments clearisation” on the peninsula. “We hope come a day after North Korean leader Kim that relevant parties would refrain from Jong-Un appeared to try to put pressure on words and deeds that will lead to the esca- Trump by announcing his country is in the lation of tension,” Geng Shuang told “final stages” of developing an interconti- reporters. China sees Kim Jong-un’s ener- nental ballistic missile (ICBM). getic pursuit of a nuclear program as a “North Korea just stated that it is in the source of instability, and consistently calls final stages of developing a nuclear for the revival of six-party talks to find a weapon capable of reaching parts of the solution. But it has resisted targeting the US,” Trump also tweeted. “It won’t happen!” country’s fragile economy for fear of pro- But what leverage does the incoming voking an implosion. Even so its patience American president really have over the with Kim is running thin and he has not vis- hermetic nation? And what could Beijing ited China since taking power-a possible do to stop it? Here are five questions on the sign of the Chinese Communist Party rulers’ China-North Korea relationship. displeasure with the young leader.

Why is North obsessed with nuclear Could Beijing stop Pyongyang? weapons? It is not clear whether China could rein Pyongyang is still technically at war with in the North even if it wanted to. Beijing the US after the Korean War of 1950-53 end- has ensured that past UN Security Council ed in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. resolutions on sanctions against The North Korean leadership has built its Pyongyang have included humanitarian HERAT: Afghan Shiites hold posters and chant slogans during a demonstration. — AFP claim to domestic legitimacy on military exemptions, and has continued to pur- might and says a credible nuclear deterrent chase huge amounts of North Korean coal is critical to the nation’s survival, arguing it is — $101 million worth in October alone-a Hundreds of Afghan Shiites under constant threat from an aggressive crucial source of foreign exchange for United States. Although it has regularly Pyongyang. But the latest resolution, threatened neighboring South Korea, its passed in December, had no such clause main priority is developing an effective and Beijing announced it would suspend protest at targeted attacks strike threat against the US mainland. purchases of coal from the North-for three weeks to December 31. How does China fit in? Growing sectarian attacks by Islamic State China is North Korea’s only ally, its main What leverage does the US have? diplomatic protector, and its economic life- Not much-it has been unable to influ- HERAT: Around 2,000 Shiite Muslims in western Sectarian divisions in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif, hours line. The two countries’ Communist parties ence China’s North Korea policy for years. Afghanistan staged a protest yesterday against “Our initial information shows Daesh is after gunmen targeted Shiite worshippers in a are linked by ideology, sympathy, and Washington has long pursued a policy of growing sectarian attacks by Islamic State, as the behind the recent attacks in Herat. They are shrine in Kabul and killed 18 people. In July the decades of history, with Chinese forces’ inter- “strategic patience”-essentially a refusal to government warned that the group had expanding and are always looking for new IS militants targeted members of Kabul’s Shiite vention decisive in saving the North from engage in any significant dialogue unless expanded its foothold into 11 provinces. geographical areas,” Najeebullah Mani, head community in a suicide bombing that killed being overrun during the Korean War. Beijing Pyongyang made some tangible commit- Chanting “Death to the enemies of of counter-terrorism at the interior ministry, more than 80 people and wounded 130. sent vast numbers of soldiers to the peninsu- ment to denuclearisation. And impeach- Afghanistan!” and “Death to Daesh!” the Arabic told reporters in Herat. “They are present in at la, with Western historians estimating ment of South Korea’s President Park acronym for IS, the protesters in the city of Herat least 11 (of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces). Their Taleban ambush 400,000 died, and Chinese sources settling on Geun-Hye-a hardliner on Pyongyang- marched on the governor’s office, carrying pic- main goal is to create sectarian divisions Afghan officials say a Taleban ambush in the a figure of about 180,000. Mao edongZ could result in a more pro-engagement tures of Shiites killed in recent attacks. “Daesh between Shiites and Sunnis.” Herat, which northeastern Badakhshan province has killed at described the neighbors as being as close as leader taking office, undermining attacks on our mosques are increasing everyday. borders Shiite-dominated Iran, has recently least four police. Deputy Provincial Police Chief “lips and teeth”. Beijing’s nightmare scenario is Washington’s efforts to pressure the They want to create a rift between Shiites and witnessed a surge in attacks on the minority Mohammed Nabi Bayhan says the attack took that if the Pyongyang regime collapses, mil- North. Trump has suggested that the US’ Sunnis,” Qurban Ali, a 40-year-old demonstrator, group’s mosques. place late Monday and that security forces have lions of hungry North Koreans might flood longstanding One-China policy could be told AFP. “This is a dangerous trend and we want A prayer leader was killed and five others launched a clearing operation in the area. over its border-and the US-allied South would upended if Beijing does not do more to the government to protect us.” wounded in one such attack on Sunday. The Ahmad Bashir Musamum, a provincial council take over, meaning American troops could be pressure Pyongyang to abandon its The rise of IS has raised the specter of sectari- group did not officially claim responsibility member, confirmed the attack and said seven stationed right on the Chinese border. nuclear weapons program. — AFP an discord in Afghanistan, something that the for the assault. “We will not allow Daesh to police were killed. Sunni-majority country has largely been spared make Afghanistan another Syria,” said 30- Taleban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid despite decades of war. Until a few months ago year-old Jawad, another protester. “The gov- claimed responsibility for the attack in a state- Korea president shuns IS was largely confined to the eastern province ernment must come up with a plan to pro- ment Tuesday. Elsewhere in Afghanistan, of Nangarhar bordering Pakistan, where it is tect Shiites.” Sanatullah Timor, a spokesman for the governor notorious for brutality including beheadings Last year Afghanistan witnessed a wave of of Takhar province, said a Taliban fighter was impeachment hearing despite a US-backed offensive against the group. attacks on Shiites claimed by IS, which considers killed Monday while planting a mine. The Taliban But the government this week said the group Shiite Muslims apostates. At least 14 Shiites were has been at war with Afghanistan’s US-backed SEOUL: South Korea’s Constitutional Court friend Choi Soon-Sil to coerce big compa- was steadily expanding into other provinces. killed in October in a powerful blast at a mosque government since 2001. — Agencies yesterday held its first full hearing on nies into handing over nearly $70 million whether to confirm the impeachment of to dubious foundations which Choi con- President Park Geun-Hye but she stayed trolled and allegedly plundered. away from the session. The nine-judge Choi-dubbed South Korea’s Thousands court must decide whether to affirm parlia- “Rasputin” due to her influence over the ment’s vote on December 9 to impeach president-is now on trial for coercion evacuated Park over a corruption scandal which has and abuse of power and her daughter brought hundreds of thousands of protest- has been detained in Denmark as the as floods ers onto the streets every week. scandal spreads. Park has repeatedly Yesterday’s hearing, which followed denied the corruption allegations in hit Malaysia three preparatory court sessions last sometimes tearful televised addresses, month, lasted only nine minutes. The court while apologizing for lapses. She KUALA LUMPUR: Emergency services in last week ruled that Park was not required allegedly ordered aides to leak state Malaysia deployed boats and trucks yesterday to appear for questioning. “We will do our documents to Choi, who has no official as thousands of villagers were stranded after best to conduct a fair and thorough review title or security clearance, and let her four days of heavy rain caused flooding in east of the case,” said Judge Park Han-Chul. meddle in state affairs including the coast states, officials said. Floods in Regardless of whether Park shows up appointment of top officials. Terengganu and Kelantan states forced author- when the hearing resumes Thursday, the case will go ahead. Offer rejected ities to shut down dozens of schools and roads Her lawyers said she was unlikely to On Sunday the scandal enmeshed to villages have been cut off. attend future hearings. Park has been sus- Chung Yoo-Ra, Choi’s 20-year-old daugh- The east coast regularly experiences tropical pended from executive duties and the ter, who was arrested in Denmark for over- storms and heavy showers during the mon- country is being temporarily led by Prime staying her visa. Seoul prosecutors said yes- soon. In the last two days in oil-rich Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn. The terday they would seek Chung’s formal JAKARTA: Jakarta Gov Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama gestures to visitors inside a court- Terengganu over a thousand people have been room during his trial. — AP Constitutional Court has up to six months extradition even if she wants to return evacuated from their homes, and rescue offi- to decide whether to confirm Park’s home voluntarily. A court in the northern Jakarta governor lambasts cials predict the numbers will rise. Che Adam impeachment. If it does, a presidential elec- Danish town of Aalborg ruled Monday that Abdul Rahman, civil department force chief in tion must be held within two months. Chung would be detained for four weeks Terengganu, told AFP that 700 rescue officers Park is accused of colluding with close pending a decision on extradition. —AFP hardliner at blasphemy trial have been deployed in the state to carry out search and rescue operations. Many of the rural JAKARTA: Jakarta’s Christian governor yester- members of hardline group the Islamic roads are impassable, he said. day shouted at an Islamic hardliner testifying Defenders Front (FPI) — which has spearhead- “We have now deployed boats and trucks against him in dramatic scenes at his blasphe- ed the protest movement-testified against to evacuate the villagers to relief centers, and my trial, seen as a test of religious tolerance in him. “I reported the suspect (to the police) with continuous rain we expect the number the world’s most populous Muslim-majority because he insulted the Quran,” Muhsin of flood evacuees to rise,” Che Adam warned. nation. Hundreds of supporters and opponents Alattas, head of the FPI’s Jakarta branch, told In neighboring Kelantan, which experienced of Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama rowdily the hearing. But as the witness was ques- massive floods and large destruction of traded insults as they rallied outside the hear- tioned, Purnama-known for his short temper- homes and public infrastructure in December ing in the Indonesian capital, with thousands of began to shout at him. 2014, at least 4,906 people have been dis- police deployed to prevent clashes. “Who has given FPI the authority to speak placed by flooding. The first Christian to govern the capital in on behalf of all Muslims?... many Muslims don’t Zainuddin Hussin, Kelantan state civil more than 50 years, Purnama is on trial like FPI,” he said. “Just ask the FPI,” the witness department force chief, said some 1,300 per- accused of blasphemy over remarks he made responded during the hearing, which was tak- about the Quran while campaigning ahead of ing place in an auditorium at the agriculture sonnel with 30 boats and 23 vehicles are February elections for the Jakarta governor- ministry after being moved from a Jakarta involved in rescue activities. “It is raining heavi- ship. Hundreds of thousands of conservative court for security reasons. In his comments in ly and the water level at the Golok river has Muslims have protested against the leader, September, Purnama accused his opponents of passed the danger level. Some schools in the known by his nickname Ahok, in recent using a Koranic verse, which suggests Muslims state have been closed and many rural roads months in the largest demonstrations in should not choose non-Muslims as leaders, in are closed to traffic,” he said. The Golok river, Indonesia in years, but he denies insulting order to trick people into voting against him. which lies on the border between Malaysia and Islam and his supporters say the case is politi- The case, which is expected to take several Thailand, has flooded the busy Kelantan town cally motivated. more weeks, has sparked concerns about grow- of Rantau Panjang, news reports said. Schools Purnama, who faces up to five years in jail if ing intolerance in Indonesia where a reputation in Malaysia were scheduled to reopen on SEOUL: Nine judges of South Korea’s Constitutional Court sit during the first hearing found guilty, went on trial last month for blas- for pluralism has been eroded by a surge in Tuesday after a month-long break. —AFP arguments for South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment trial at the phemy and at the latest hearing yesterday attacks on minorities. —AFP Constitutional Court. — AP NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 Golf club shows Trump pitfalls

Continued from Page 1 pressure on him.” Trump has said he will step away from man- aging his business empire while in office, but has offered few It is set inside Akoya, a massive housing development of details other than to say his executives “will run it with my 2,600 villas and 7,000 apartments developed by Dubai-based children”. Erik Jensen, a law professor emeritus at Case luxury real estate DAMAC Properties. Another Trump-man- Western Reserve University in Cleveland, said that alone could aged golf course is planned for another even larger DAMAC pose problems. “Turning over control to the kids just doesn’t project under development further down the road. do it. They clearly are going to be having holiday meals Billionaire Hussain Sajwani, who founded DAMAC Properties together, talking on the telephone,” Jensen said. “There’s in 2002, met Trump some 10 years ago and the two men had going to be a lot of contact there.” hit it off over their real estate experiences, said Niall Even putting assets in a blind trust, like other presidents McLoughlin, a senior vice president for communications and have, likely wouldn’t work since, for example, he would know marketing at the firm. the trust holds a golf course in Dubai. “You can put it in the “When we approached them in 2013 about the golf course, trust, but the adjective ‘blind’ wouldn’t apply in that situation,” he of course knew who DAMAC was,” McLoughlin told AP on a Jensen said. Also, DAMAC’s Sajwani has had dealings with the recent trip to the golf course. “They subsequently cemented US government. He credits some of his fortune to contracting the family relationship as well. ... A lot of our dealings have work his companies did in supplying US forces during the been with Eric, a lot of our dealings have been with Ivanka. 1991 Gulf War that expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Over the They have traveled here - and Donald Jr.” Sajwani and his fami- past decade, his companies have been awarded at least $1 ly also attended a New Year’s Eve party at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago million in contracting work, according to US government Fog surrounds a small church not far from the small Bavarian village of Apfeltrach near Landsberg, southern club in Florida. records reviewed by the AP. Germany, during a cold winter morning with temperatures of minus five degrees yesterday. — AFP Trump received between $1 million to $5 million from McLoughlin did not respond to a query regarding DAMAC, according to a Federal Election Committee report whether DAMAC would continue to seek US government submitted in May. It’s unclear how much the contract will be contracts. DAMAC stock traded after the election at near a Syrian star dreaming of Hollywood... worth once the golf course opens and starts operating. yearlong low of 2.02 dirhams (55 cents) a share, in part due McLoughlin declined to offer specific figures. It is the first to the company announcing an 11.7 percent fall in third- Continued from Page 1 Jay. “They didn’t know it was Christian and I was named Trump venture in the Arab world. His first proposed project in quarter profits as Dubai’s housing market has slowed in after a Christian lawyer in Damascus - a very good Dubai, a 62-story tower with state-backed developer Nakheel, 2016. Stock then rebounded, reaching 2.53 dirhams (69 my culture and points of view.” Known in Syria by his friend to my family.” became a victim of the sheikhdom’s 2009 financial crisis. cents) just before New Year’s Eve, as the company began real first name, Jihad, Abdo is best known for his role in Even with a more palatable name, more than 100 failed By 2014, Trump knocked a golf ball down the fairway of handing over properties at Akoya. “Bab Al-Hara” (“The Neighborhood Gate”), one of the auditions followed as the couple lived a desperate exis- what would become the golf course at Akoya. Sajwani called Sajwani’s business dealings have drawn international biggest soap operas in history, with up to 50 million view- tence on just $3 a day. It took more than a year to find work Trump a “great man” during the tour, and DAMAC later scrutiny in the past. After Egypt’s 2011 Arab Spring protests, a ers per episode. with a florist and delivering pizzas for Domino’s, earning up designed some 100 Trump-branded villas at the property, sell- local court sentenced him to five years in prison and a $40.5 His path to Hollywood started in 2011 as tensions in to $300 a week. Abdo’s break finally came when he landed ing from 5 million dirhams ($1.3 million) to over 15 million million fine over a 2006 land deal. Egypt and DAMAC later Syria were escalating in the wake of the Arab Spring upris- a part alongside Nicole Kidman and James Franco in dirhams ($4 million). With Trump set to be sworn in as presi- reached an undisclosed settlement in international arbitration ings in Tunisia and Egypt. His wife, painter and human “Queen of the Desert”, Werner Herzog’s biopic of the British dent, security analysts have suggested properties bearing his and Sajwani never served prison time. rights lawyer Fadia Afashe, was a senior official in Syria’s archeologist Gertrude Bell, due for release in spring. “All my name could be targets. His campaign pledge calling for a DAMAC, which competes against largely state-backed department of culture, and found herself having to flee scenes were with Nicole,” Abdo says. “I can’t praise her “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims entering the US, developers in Dubai, focuses on flashy projects, like offering Bashar Al-Assad’s brutal regime after being caught meet- enough. She’s very sweet, extremely professional, a very followed by his proposal to conduct “extreme vetting” of homes built around luxury Bugatti sports cars. But when it ing opposition activists during a trip to France. She went to good hearted woman - very smart and sharp. Above all, immigrants, also sparked regional anger. The Trump logos on comes to building the projects, it like other companies relies study public policy at the University of Minnesota in she supported me from the first minute.” the golf course even came down for a short time. heavily on subcontractors who largely employ low-paid labor- Minneapolis, intending to return to Syria after graduating. Herzog has since described in interviews finally grasp- Still, the United Arab Emirates, a staunch US ally in the ers from Asian countries like India and Pakistan. But Abdo himself was beginning to become a major ing how famous his Syrian hire was when they visited a war against the Islamic State group and host to some 5,000 There have been no formal complaints by workers alleging annoyance to Assad’s crumbling regime after turning down souk in Marrakesh during filming in Morocco. “Everyone American military personnel, remains a peaceful corner of the Trump golf course or the larger DAMAC project mistreats numerous invitations to back the president at rallies and TV wanted a photo with him. The merchants in the souk gave the Middle East. “Dubai is one of the safest cities in the laborers. However, that alone shouldn’t be taken as a sign that talk shows. Matters came to a head when he gave an inter- us everything for half price,” the filmmaker told The Wall world,” McLoughlin said. “Dubai has proved itself to be safe. everything is fine, said James Lynch, who focuses on Gulf view to the Los Angeles Times during a trip to Beirut in which Street Journal. In a sign that Tinseltown really does like its We have no extra concerns about this golf course.” Dubai labor issues for Amnesty International. he accused Syria’s secret service of torture and corruption. happy endings, the actor’s career is finally back on track. police did not respond to a request for comment about The Emirati government and local businesses remain Strangers threatened him on his return to Syria, his car win- He has a part in the Amazon television series “The Patriot” security at the property. sensitive about their image in regards to the millions of dows were smashed and he faced repeated demands to and “Bon Voyage”, a short film he made with Swiss director Financial matters raise other questions. DAMAC, a private workers employed in the country, something Lynch knows apologize to Assad on television. Marc Raymond Wilkins, has just been shortlisted for an Oscar. company, purchased the property for Akoya from Dubai’s gov- all too well as he was barred from entering the UAE in 2015 Having seen friends arrested or disappear - some are Last year, he appeared alongside Tom Hanks in “A Hologram ernment in 2012 for around $350 million. Dubai’s government to discuss laborers’ rights. “Under international standards, still missing - he uprooted in Oct 2011, leaving behind for the King”, a comedy about a failed corporate salesman try- ultimately answers to the emirate’s hereditary ruler, Sheikh construction companies in the Gulf are not only responsible almost all his wealth and property, to join his wife in ing to do business in Saudi Arabia. Devastated by the worsen- Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who also is the UAE’s for how they treat their direct employees,” Lynch said. “They Minneapolis. The couple applied for asylum and drove for ing plight of the Syrian people in the five years since he vice president and prime minister. All services to the property have a responsibility to put in place measures to ensure that three days to Los Angeles with everything they owned so escaped the Assad regime, Abdo is unsure whether he’ll ever - electricity, water, roads - come at the discretion of the gov- their subcontractors do not abuse the rights of people Abdo could find work. return. But he believes he couldn’t be in a better place. “From ernment. The club’s bar will need government approvals to working for them.” “I met so many people who were shocked that my the beginning, Hollywood wasn’t my objective,” he said. “I did- serve alcohol, not to mention other regulatory issues. The Trump Organization and his transition team did not name was Jihad,” he says, explaining why he became n’t plan to come here. It’s destiny that brought me.” — AFP That could raise concerns about the so-called “emoluments respond to AP requests for comment. McLoughlin of DAMAC clause” of the US constitution, which bars public officials from did not respond to a request for comment regarding labor accepting gifts or payments from foreign governments and issues. For now, workers manicure the golf course’s empty Across Mideast, goodbyes to Istanbul dead companies controlled by them without the consent of greens. Others put the finishing touches on a clubhouse that Congress. Any negotiations involving the Trump brand at the will feature a bar, a water-pipe tobacco lounge and restau- Continued from Page 1 Islam. “There can never be a justification for this,” he told AFP least could create the appearance of impropriety, legal rants for those paying the course’s dues, which start at around afterwards. Arab Israelis, the overwhelming majority of them experts warn. “He has so many properties that his business $10,000 a year. Yesterday, Wardini’s body was carried through the streets of Muslim, account for about 17.5 percent of Israel’s population. interests become an obvious target for both bribes and While DAMAC’s contract with Trump allows them to use his Ashrafiyeh, the largely Christian district of Beirut, to the sounds Funerals were also to be held later Tuesday for two Tunisian threats,” said Gordon, the Stanford law professor. “The dangers image in advertising the course, McLoughlin said the compa- of traditional darbuka drums and trumpets. At the district’s victims of the attack, husband and wife Mohamed Azzabi and really come in two directions: One is that foreign powers will ny would be “tasteful” in its promotions. However, he said at Notre Dame church, his open casket was lifted over the heads Senda Nakaa who left behind a five-month-old daughter. try to use Trump’s interests as a way of bribing him into public least some of Trump’s children likely would be on hand for the of friends and family, beneath giant portraits reading “The Nakaa was also a French citizen, and French ambassador policies in a way that are friendly to them or use them put opening of the course. “It’s their baby,” McLoughlin said. — AP Angel of Ashrafiyeh” and “The Groom of Ashrafiyeh”. As is tradi- Olivier Poivre d’Arvor was on hand when their bodies arrived tion in Lebanon for the death of young unmarried people, the at Tunis airport on Monday. “I am thinking of her family, of her funeral ceremony included the trappings of a wedding, with parents, of little five-month-old Chirine who is now an Sheikh Salman meets sports panel... the church decorated in white flowers. His two older sisters col- orphan,” he said. “France will treat her as a ward of the nation.” lapsed several times during the ceremony, one them shouting Details were also emerging about some Saudi victims of Continued from Page 1 political prisoners or detainees who were jailed or are at the body: “Get up! Why don’t you answer me?” the attacks. Riyadh’s consulate in Istanbul has confirmed that being prosecuted for expressing political opinions. The The night before a minute of silence had been observed Saudis were among the victims, without saying how many. that he explained that the government emphasizes bill applies to all freedom of expression cases but for the three victims during a basketball match between Saudi media reports have reported seven killed and 13 basic principles of respecting the constitution and the excludes cases that are related to terrorism. But it also Tadamon, where Musallem worked, and Beirut club La wounded. The Saudi Gazette yesterday reported that among law, Kuwait’s sovereignty and cooperation to achieve states that if the pardoned people repeat the same Sagesse, Wardini’s favourite team. Portraits of the three vic- the victims were Saudi twins Mohammed and Ahmed Saud the country’s interests. He said that the IOC has crime within five years, they have to serve the sentence tims hung over the stands. Al-Fadl, 24, who died together in the attack. They had just demanded the withdrawal of cases against sports bod- from the start. graduated from university, said the newspaper, which ran a Arab Israeli Lian Nasser was only 18 and on her first trip ies and that the government is considering the matter. Opposition MP Riyadh Al-Adasani said yesterday that away from her family when she was killed in the attack. picture of the brothers wearing matching shirts and identical He said the cases relate to demands for compensation he plans to submit a draft law soon calling to scrap all Yesterday in her small predominantly Muslim hometown of glasses. It identified another of the Saudi victims as 24-year- Tira north of Tel Aviv, most of the shops and restaurants were old Lubna Ghaznawi, who was at the club with two girlfriends. for illegally depriving Kuwait and its athletes from tak- price hikes approved on electricity and water, adding closed before her funeral, with a few thousand people gather- Funerals were also held in Jordan Tuesday for two men ing part in international events including the Rio that although the increase doesn’t include Kuwaitis’ ing to pay their respects. Several hundred women, many in killed in the attack, Nawras Assaf and Mohammad Al-Sarraf, as Olympics. homes, it will impact them negatively. He said that in tears, poured into the family home before the coffin was taken members of the Jordanian parliament held a moment of Sheikh Salman also said he is prepared to face a some sectors, power charges were increased by 1,200 to a mosque prior to being buried. “She was kind, loveable silence for the victims. In Morocco, the bodies of two victims grilling threatened by opposition lawmaker Waleed Al- percent and affected companies will seek to recoup the and clever,” her uncle Rani told AFP at the funeral. “It’s so hard were due to arrive yesterday afternoon. Three Iraqis, a Kuwaiti Tabtabaei, who said that if the minister fails to lift the loss by raising the cost of their services and products. to understand. A few days ago we could hold her and now she man and a Libyan were also among those killed, along with 11 suspension by Jan 11, he will file to grill him. He also called on the government to stop squandering is gone.” In front of the plain wooden coffin, Abdul Rahman Turks and other victims from India, Germany, Russia, Canada Meanwhile, MP Majed Al-Mutairi yesterday submit- public funds before raising the prices of essential com- Kashoa, a local imam, gave a sermon about the distortion of and Belgium. — AFP ted a draft law stipulating a general amnesty for all modities and services. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

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Focus Migrants fret about Trump remittance halt

n central Mexico’s Mezquital Valley, new pick-up trucks bounce along unpaved roads and US-style Ihouses are springing up alongside cornfields. But people are afraid that remittances from family mem- bers abroad, a primary source of funding for such pur- chases, may soon dry up. During the holiday season, even as money and gifts have flowed into the area from relatives working in the United States, residents have fretted about what a Trump presidency will mean for them and family members working in the United States. During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump said he would stop allowing wire transfers of money out of the United States from Mexican nationals unless Mexico agreed to fund a border wall. Migrants Trump’s leadership chops to be tested in the United States are expected to have sent a record $27 billion in remittances into Mexico in 2016, according to BBVA Bancomer, an increase of more fter so much winning, Donald Trump and his team are ing legislative hurdles). Trump’s inner circle saw some tweets of the ideologue; Jim Baker, who was the practical politi- than $2 billion over 2015. walking into the White House with a swagger. But the percolating for days before being unleashed on an unsus- cian and the establishment Republican, and Mike Deaver, Remittances jumped nearly 25 percent to almost Arealities of life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue are about pecting world. But some 140-character-missives were a sur- who was a PR man and was very close to Nancy. They $2.4 billion in November from a year earlier, the biggest to bite. Forget the thrilling roar of Air Force One, or the prise even to them. didn’t so much argue as handle different facets of Reagan’s annual increase for any month since March 2006, world-destroying power of the nuclear codes. Seen from leadership,” said Greenstein. Mexican central bank data released on Monday showed. inside the White House gates, the presidency is more like a Trust the process But rivalries can also split the house asunder. The West Monica Arroyo, who lives in a village outside beat-up megaphone than a font of boundless power. If a Trump, a CEO-turned-commander in chief, has turned Wing is small, but it can produce discontent, envy and ambi- Ixmiquilpan, the Mezquital Valley’s largest town, said president is lucky, only a third of Americans will hate him. to a disparate group of family members, generals, billion- tion in doses worthy of Shakespeare. Turf wars between she depends on the $200 a month her daughter, an World events and vested interests will yank him hither and aires and establishment Republicans - few of whom have George H W Bush’s chief of staff John Sununu and budget undocumented restaurant worker in Clearwater, Florida, thither and politics will bind every move. any White House experience - to help him run the United director Richard Darman fueled damaging leaks and a battle sends home. “If they return our migrants, there’ll be Congress can look more like a playground full of toddlers States. Such a variety of views can be constructive. over taxes that helped make him a one-term president. At more poverty, because up there they have work and screaming and biting their way to the top of the slide, than Abraham Lincoln famously gathered a “team of rivals” that the core of George W Bush’s inner circle were two veterans help maintain us,” she said. “Here there is no work.” allies fighting in common cause. Trump enters the Oval guided America through the Civil War. Reagan’s team of of Gerald Ford’s administration, Dick Cheney and Donald In recent months, Trump has not elaborated on his Office with a 48 percent disapproval rating and a world that rivals settled on a division of labor. “He had this very inter- Rumsfeld, who turned influence into an art form. threat to block money transfers, and a 10-point immi- looks more complex and dangerous than it has in decades. esting triumvirate of people: (Edwin) Meese, who was sort “The process of moving paper in and out of the Oval gration plan on his transition website makes no men- He leads a Republican Party riven by ideological disputes. All Office, who gets involved in the meetings, who does the tion of the subject. But the possibility is affecting that would be daunting enough. But, as one former White president listen to, who gets a chance to talk to him migrants’ remittance decisions. Members of the Trump House official recalled, the hardest thing for a new president before he makes a decision, is absolutely critical,” Cheney transition team did not immediately respond to can be closer to home - deciding how to decide. said before he was elected vice president. “It has to be requests for comment. Remittances have become a managed in such a way that it has integrity.” In office, huge prop for the Mexican economy, compared to the ‘Decision points’ Cheney often hung around after others had laid out their $18.5 billion in revenue from oil exports in 2015 or Every day the commander-in-chief and roughly 470 arguments. “Who spoke to the president last?” became a nearly $340 billion in manufactured goods, according White House staff make countless choices that shape the crucial question that would ultimately help nudge Bush to the national statistics agency. administration. Even the most mundane can have lasting into the Iraq war. consequences: will a legislator be irked without an invite to a One former White House official said it was too difficult to Mixed Responses bill signing? Will “POTUS” go home after visiting Egypt or predict how Trump’s White House will manage the process: “I In Florida, Arroyo’s daughter, who asked to be identi- stop off in Israel on the way? Facing monumental decisions, don’t know that they know yet.” Could Trump’s daughter fied only by her last name, Hernandez, said she and her Dwight Eisenhower - the last non-politician to take the Oval Ivanka sit in on cabinet and other top meetings like husband decided against sending holiday presents to Office - liked to see a ferocious battle of ideas played out in President Jimmy Carter’s wife Rosalynn, or wield policy influ- Mexico this Christmas out of fear they will need money front of him before coming down either way. ence like Eleanor Roosevelt or Hillary Clinton? Will Trump if they lose their jobs or be deported after Trump takes Ronald Reagan disliked witnessing rows, instead delegat- delegate policy to mainstream Republicans like chief of office. “My husband and I are living with this fear there’s ing decisions and leaving aides to scramble for access and staff-designate Reince Priebus and Mike Pence, making the going to come a moment where all of a sudden we’re influence one-by-one. “It’s hard to tell what to expect from latter the most powerful vice president since Cheney? going to have to go,” Hernandez said, speaking in the Trump because he’s had so little policy experience and he’s Could aide Kellyanne Conway, Ivanka’s husband Jared living room of her Florida apartment as her three US- obviously got a mercurial personality,” said Fred Greenstein, Kushner or hard-right ideologue Steve Bannon be the last born children played by a Christmas tree. professor emeritus at Princeton University and author of person in the room? Will retired Marine Corps generals Other Mezquital Valley migrants in Florida say they “The Presidential Difference: Leadership Style from FDR to tapped to run the Pentagon and the Department of are sending more money than usual this holiday season Barack Obama.” Homeland Security - and their comrade, the sitting chairman in case they are unable to do so once Trump takes During the transition, Trump has often made decisions of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford - come office. One migrant, an auto mechanic who asked to be on impulse, catching even his most senior advisers off together in a powerful cabal? Trump will have to choose identified only by his first name, Salomon, because he guard. He has reversed decisions on top-level appointments wisely if he wants to avoid chaos and walk around the White does not have papers, said his wife recently panicked and rolled out sensitive policy reforms - like an overhaul of House with the same swagger he has coming in. — AFP and sent their entire nest egg back to Mexico, thinking veterans’ healthcare - on the fly (sometimes before consider- it would be safer there. “She told me ‘if something hap- pens to us, maybe we can still keep the little we have’,” he said in an interview in Clearwater. In 2015, the area around Ixmiquilpan, home to about 94,000 people, received about $100 million in remittances from abroad, according to data from Graft probe tests Bibi’s hold on power Mexico’s central bank, more than 10 times the munici- pal government’s annual budget. Maria de la Luz rime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a graft ances abroad to promote Israel. The allegations have put Netanyahu has served as premier for a total of nearly 11 Pioquinto, an immigrant from Ixmiquilpan who runs a probe some believe could force him from office, but the right-wing premier’s opponents - both from within his years, fast approaching revered founding father David Ben- money transfer business in Clearwater, said her Pthe four-term premier has overcome legal troubles party and elsewhere - on alert for signs of his support Gurion’s 13, and shown himself to be a shrewd politician. Mexican customers doubled their average transfers in the past and remains a towering figure in Israeli politics. among the public weakening. But if damaging details emerge from the probe, his consid- right after the Nov 8 election but are now waiting to Police questioned Netanyahu for some three hours at his Recent polls have suggested that if elections were erable survival skills could be put to the test. Such details see what happens. “They are worried about still having official residence in Jerusalem on Monday night over tens held now, his Likud party would finish behind the centrist could “puncture his public persona and portray him as a work, and they are worried about providing for their of thousands of dollars in gifts allegedly given to him by Yesh Atid, but that voters still prefer Netanyahu as prime desperate and thus pathetic seeker of perks,” Chemi Shalev families back home,” she said. wealthy supporters. While an inquiry has been ongoing minister. Many analysts say that can be attributed to vot- of Israeli newspaper Haaretz wrote. “When that happens, for months, it has now been elevated to a criminal probe ers not seeing a viable alternative to the 67-year-old’s Netanyahu could enter into a political death spiral and the Dollar fever and news of his questioning shook the Israeli political leadership, but warn that could change quickly once a smell of new elections will be in the air.” — AFP Leonardo Rodriguez was one of the first migrants scene, setting off speculation over whether it will lead to campaign is under way. from the Mezquital Valley to the Gulf Coast of Florida, his downfall. ending up in Clearwater in 1987 after making a wrong Netanyahu himself bluntly told his opponents on Lessons from Olmert turn trying to get to Disney World. He said he under- Monday not to begin any “celebrations” yet, pledging as he There is a recent example to draw lessons from, with stands why young people have continued to go north. has previously that “there will be nothing because there is Netanyahu’s predecessor Ehud Olmert forced to resign “Why would you study if, when you get out, there is no nothing”. But some analysts argued that the threat seemed while dogged by corruption allegations and now serving work? Instead they decide to go to another country.” more substantial than in previous cases. “The last couple of 27 months in prison. “With Ehud Olmert, there was a Rodriguez now lives in the United States legally and times that he was in this situation, he tried to say, ‘You go moment in which his otherwise substantial following owns three restaurants. He works with local officials in after my wife, you go after my personal life, it’s an illegal abandoned him because they increasingly became con- Mexico to help channel remittances into projects in way to try to reverse democratic elections,’” Gayil Talshir, a vinced that the allegations were solid,” Amotz Asa-El, a for- Ixmiquilpan, including a roof over a village school yard. political science professor at Jerusalem’s Hebrew mer Jerusalem Post executive editor and currently a colum- Michael Clemens, who studies remittances and University, told AFP. “I guess this will be the strategy this nist for the paper, told AFP. “I don’t see this now with Prime migration at the Center for Global Development, says time also, but it looks more serious.” Minister Netanyahu,” he added, though cautioned that fur- that “for countless towns like Ixmiquilpan, remittances Much remains unknown about the investigation being ther revelations could change that. are an economic lifeline.” The money sent back usually overseen by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. He has Netanyahu and his family have overcome legal troubles gets reinvested locally, he said, “in better schooling for confirmed that Netanyahu is suspected of receiving “gifts in earlier years - and involving similar accusations. In 2000, kids, better care for the elderly, and better housing”. from businessmen,” but has provided few other details. prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to Blocking the funds, he said, would mean “that more indict Netanyahu and his wife Sara following an investiga- people close to the edge fall over the edge.” — Reuters Wealthy supporters tion. The probe then looked at whether they unlawfully US billionaire and World Jewish Congress president kept gifts presented to Netanyahu during his first term as Ronald Lauder has been among those questioned in the prime minister from 1996 and 1999. It also investigated probe over gifts he allegedly gave Netanyahu and alleged whether they had promised a Jerusalem contractor he All articles appearing on these pages are the spending on trips for him, Israeli media reported. Lauder, would be paid out of the public purse for work done on personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times whose family founded the Estee Lauder cosmetics giant, their private home. takes no responsibility for views expressed has long been seen as an ally of Netanyahu. Netanyahu has On Monday night, while Mandelblit confirmed therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice also acknowledged receiving money from French tycoon Netanyahu was being investigated over the alleged gifts, their opinions. Please send submissions via Arnaud Mimran, who was sentenced to eight years in he at the same time listed a series of other accusations that email to: [email protected] or via snail prison in France over a scam involving the trade of carbon investigators had looked into and decided to drop. Sara mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. The editor emissions permits and taxes on them. Netanyahu has however again come under scrutiny in reserves the right to edit any submission as Netanyahu’s office said he had received $40,000 in con- recent months. In December, police questioned her for sev- tributions from Mimran in 2001, when he was not in office, eral hours over allegations that the couple used public necessary. as part of a fund for public activities, including appear- funds to cover personal spending, Israeli media reported. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 SPORTS

Martin Fourcade slams Costa praises Conte Napoli sign striker Russian ‘masquerade’ for Chelsea turnaround Pavoletti from Genoa

LONDON: Chelsea striker Diego Costa has credited manag- NAPOLI: Napoli have completed the signing of PARIS: France’s double Olympic champion Martin Fourcade has dubbed as a er Antonio Conte for the side’s record-equalling run of 13 striker Leonardo Pavoletti from Genoa, the “masquerade” the response by Russia and the International Biathlon federation consecutive victories that has propelled them to the top of Serie A club has said. No financial details of (IBU)to the McLaren report revelations on doping involving the Premier League table. Chelsea, who finished 10th in the the transfer were released but local media Russian biathletes. Russia has withdrawn from holding league last season, are five points clear at the top and Costa reports said Napoli paid 18 million euros a biathlon World Cup event in Tyumen in March, believes the change in the fortunes of the club is down to ($18.75 million) to sign Pavoletti from while the IBU has suspended two of the 31 Russian the Italian manager’s close relationship with the squad. “The Genoa. The 28-year-old Italian, who joined biathletes detailed in the report and launched an manager has come, he’s applied his ideas, and things are Genoa in 2015, initially on loan from investigation to shed further light on the 29 others going well,” the 28-year-old striker told the British media. Sassuolo before making his transfer perma- listed. “Cancelling the World Cup in Tyumen is a mas- “The truth is the manager is good with the players, every nent, has scored three goals in nine appear- querade of the fight against doping,” Fourcade said. time making more jokes with the players. “That’s good for us, ances in Serie A this season. Napoli will hope Before the IBU and Russian decisions, Fourcade had to have a manager who is not just a boss, but like a person Pavoletti will help fill the void left by the raised the possibility of a boycott of World Cup races we can talk with, someone whose support we can count on absence of striker Arkadiusz Milik, who sus- in the event of any clemency shown to Russia. The in difficult moments.” Costa, who is the league’s top scorer tained a cruciate ligament injury after just Frenchman warned yesterday, however, that he with 14 goals this season, said he was close to leaving the seven games this campaign. Napoli, third would not become a martyr for the cause, saying a London club for Atletico Madrid before the start of the sea- in the standings, are seven points meeting with other biathletes was scheduled for the son. “I had the possibility to go to Atletico because of a few behind league leaders and reigning sidelines of the World Cup event in Oberhof, things - the family, the life I have there - but not because of champions Juventus, host 13th-placed Germany, from Thursday.—AFP Chelsea,” he said. — Reuters Sampdoria on Saturday. — Reuters

NAZARE: Brazilian big wave surfer Marcelo Luna rides a wave off Prada do Norte in Nazare on December 17, 2016. Saved by surfing when he was a drug addicted teenager from the suburbs of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Marcelo Luna crossed the Atlantic in his thirties to meet another major challenge: To tame the giant waves of Nazare. — AFP

NAZARE: Brazilian big wave surfer Marcelo Luna (R) holds onto the slege NAZARE: Marcelo Luna signs a surf board about to be hung on a wall of the NAZARE: Big wave surfers Brazilian Marcelo Luna (L) and Chilean Rafael towed by a jetski during a surf session off Prada do Norte in Nazare. — AFP Sao Miguel Arcanjo Fort in Nazare. The wall honors the big wave surfers Tapia get ready for a surf session off Prada do Norte in Nazare. — AFP daring to challenge the waves off Praia do Norte. — AFP Marcelo Luna - from troubled youth to giant waves

NAZARE: Marcelo Luna has travelled a long house tattooed on his forearm. around lying on a surfboard. Luna couldn’t (American Garrett McNamara at Praia do Norte “It’s very important for these youngsters to way from his drug-riddled teenage years in “I’ve chosen to launch my career in Nazare even swim. in November 2011 at a staggering 23.77m). hear his story,” said maths teacher Nelia Brazil, unable to swim, to carve out a career because a surfer capable of facing up to the “I thought I was going to die, but on that But Luna also wants to “become a surfer Mendes. “Meeting someone who has never surfing some of the biggest waves in the sea here can do it no matter where in the day I decided that surfing would be part of my renowned for being able to influence peoples’ given up on his dreams despite all his prob- world. The call of the ocean helped save Luna world,” said the 32-year-old, who sold his real- life. It’s surfing which freed me from drugs, lives in a positive way”. lems opens up new horizons for them.” from drugs in the tough working-class Sao estate business and car to finance himself in which changed my way of seeing things and Marked by his troubled childhood, Luna Several Nazare locals have reacted to the Paulo neighbourhood where he grew up and the absence of a sponsor. interacting with others.” has launched a drugs and delinquency pre- Brazilian’s atypical background by taking him he now rides the monstrous waves at Praia do Luna’s childhood was a tough one and he vention project for children and teenagers to in during the season and guiding him by radio Norte in the Portuguese coastal town of grew up without his father, a violent alcoholic EXTREME whom he tells his story, presented as an exam- from the clifftops when the huge waves hit. Nazare. “When I saw pictures of these waves for who abandoned the family. “I struggled to Taking on waves 15 metres high in Nazare ple of “tenacity in the face of adversity”. Nazare mayor Walter Chicharro typified the the first time I discovered my reason for being, manage all that,” Luna said. “Then I rebelled from his second season, “Marcelinho” found Standing in front of three classes of a high way that people in the area have embraced as if I’d just met the love of my life,” Luna said. and I started drinking and smoking at the age his place at the heart of a community of school in Nazare, Luna lists the different jobs Luna: “Marcelo is a great little man because he Three years after that awakening, the of nine. By the time I was 11 I’d started taking extreme surfers who come together in he’s done to “make up for lost time” and ulti- has not only the courage to attack these enor- slightly built Luna has embraced Nazare-and it drugs.” His descent into troubled times took a Portugal in autumn and winter every year. mately be able to devote his time entirely to mous waves, but also to tell his story to bring him-going as far as having a picture of a huge significant upswing when he was 16 and a Like the others, he dreams of beating the surfing, which demands hardcore training and something to the community that welcomes wave breaking at the foot of the local light- friend took him to the beach, pushing him world record for the highest wave ever surfed costly equipment. him.” —AFP Wiggins signs Pertamina drops sponsorship up for ski jump for F1 driver Rio Haryanto JAKARTA: Indonesian driver Rio Haryanto ing uncertainty about that team’s future TV show has suffered a major setback in his bid to ownership. Swiss-based Sauber, who like return to Formula One this season after Manor expect their drivers to bring finan- LONDON: Newly retired Olympic cycling champion state-owned energy company Pertamina cial backing, are expected to sign German Bradley Wiggins will swap the velodrome for the ski announced it was ending its sponsorship. driver Pascal Wehrlein, who is backed by jump ramp in British television show The Jump, the “This year there will not be a continua- Mercedes, alongside Sweden’s Marcus programme makers announced yesterday. Wiggins, tion of participation by Pertamina in F1,” Ericsson. “Obviously, we were hoping to 36, follows in the footsteps of fellow British sporting spokeswoman Wianda Pusponegoro said in move into a team like Sauber - that was the greats Steve Redgrave (rowing), Beth Tweddle (gym- a statement yesterday, noting that plan but things are going to slow down a nastics) and Rebecca Adlington (swimming), all of Pertamina could not meet a sponsorship little bit,” said Hunnisett. whom pulled out of the show through injury. But the deadline. “Of course we regret this very Haryanto started 12 races for Manor in five-time Olympic champion, who became Britain’s much, but we have already made maximal 2016, alongside Wehrlein, before being first Tour de France champion in 2012, is a seasoned efforts for Rio and Indonesia,” she said. replaced by French rookie Esteban Ocon skier and says he is looking forward to the challenge of Haryanto, the first Indonesian to race in after the German Grand Prix in July. learning how to ski jump. Formula One and only Asian driver on the Ocon has since moved on to Force India. “Skiing is a big passion of mine. It was a mix of that grid last season, said in a text message that Pertamina have been Haryanto’s con- and the other committed names this year that made he had “not yet confirmed” his position and stant backers in the costly sport, and me want to sign up,” Wiggins said in a press release. hoped to reach a decision as soon as possi- Hunnisett said last month that while he “Major retiring Olympians such as Sir Steve ble. “We are still working on a plan to keep was looking for other non-government Redgrave have also trod this path. I see this as a sport- Rio in Formula One,” Haryanto’s manager, backers he was confident that Pertamina ing challenge and want to go out there and win it. Piers Hunnisett, told Reuters. “People in the would continue to sponsor Haryanto. Just don’t call me a celebrity.” Formula One world felt he did a good job The oil and gas company’s chief execu- Other participants in the programme include for- and he deserves to be there,” Hunnisett tive Dwi Soetjipto told a news confer- mer England footballer Robbie Fowler, ex-England rug- said, adding that it would be a “great ence last February that they were con- by captain Jason Robinson and Olympic gymnast shame” if Haryanto missed out on a seat in tributing five million euros ($5.6 million) Louis Smith. — AFP 2017. The only likely vacancies still open to help secure Haryanto’s 2016 seat at Rio Haryanto are the two Manor seats and there is linger- Manor. —Reuters WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 , 2017 SPORTS

Serena-inspired Australian teen makes WTA history

BRISBANE: Australian teenager Monday night with Aiava leading 3-0 Grand Slam tournament. Born in me to the sport.” Aiava’s powerful “I was pretty nervous playing in Destanee Aiava created a slice of histo- and 40-15 in the third set, the young Australia to rugby-loving Samoan par- physique has drawn comparisons with front of that many people. I have never ry yesterday when she became the first Australian overcame nerves and a ents who knew nothing of tennis, Serena, and the teenager admitted played in front of such a big crowd player born in the 2000s to win a main Mattek-Sands fightback to move into a Aiava began playing the sport at the that she has based her game on the before,” she said. “I think the first set of draw match on the WTA Tour. second round clash against veteran age of five after watching Serena American superstar. “Not so much a the match I started off pretty bad. “I The 16-year-old Aiava beat fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova. Aiava Williams in the Australian Open. girl’s game-more a guy’s game,” she think coming out, onto the court, I qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the will create further history at the “I think it was just her vibe,” she said said. “More variety.” Aiava said that need to work on not being so tight US 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Australian Open later this month when of Serena. “Like, I couldn’t feel it from nerves had got the better of her at the and feeling the pressure. “But as the Brisbane International in a rain- she becomes the first player born in the other side of the TV, but it was just, start of the match, played on match progressed, I felt a little bit delayed match. After play was halted the 2000s to play in the main draw of a like, her energy, and that kind of drew Showcourt One in front of full stands. more relaxed.” —AFP Nadal continues comeback with first win in Brisbane

BRISBANE: Rafael Nadal was in need of some sleep, so he didn’t waste much time against Alexandr Dolgopolov yesterday. The 14-time major champion, playing his opening match at the Brisbane International a day after arriving in Australia following a win in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi, beat the Ukrainian 6-3, 6-3 after getting on court at almost 10:30 p.m. local time. Returning from a wrist injury which curtailed the end of his 2016 season, Nadal said he’s deter- mined to use every match as preparation for a shot at the title in the season-opening Grand Slam event in Melbourne. The 30-year-old Spaniard dropped serve in the third game but recovered to win the last five games of the first set against the 2012 finalist. In all, he converted all four of his break points and fended off three of the four he faced. “A little bit of jet lag. It’s tough, these kinds of things at the beginning,” said Nadal, who added that he was still sleeping in the early afternoon and felt “destroyed” after the travel. “There wasn’t a lot of time to adapt.” He only made nine unforced errors, and his most glaring miss of the night was when whiffed BRISBANE: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine in the men’s at a ball as he tried to hit it into the crowd to cel- round one at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane yesterday. —AFP ebrate his win. In a post-match news conference, he apologized after stifling a yawn, but said he career-highlight victories over Serena Williams Rogers. The fourth-seeded Muguruza wasted a still preferred the late start to help him over- last season, are already through to the quarterfi- match point and saved one before clinching a 7- come the jetlag. nals. Destanee Aiava, a 16-year-old high school 5, 3-6, 7-6 (7) win over Daria Kasatkina in a three- Nadal has changed his preparation for the senior who was inspired to take up tennis when hour night match. Both players had eight service Australian Open, arriving two weeks ahead of she was 5 after watching Williams on TV, also breaks and Muguruza, who beat Williams in the time to fine tune his game in a bid to make made a mark. French Open final last year to claim her first AUCKLAND: United States’ Serena Williams serves during her first round match amends for a shocking first-round exit last year. Aiava became the first player born in the Grand Slam title, dropped her opening serve in against Pauline Parmentier of France at the ASB Classic tennis tournament in He will next play Mischa Zverev, who opened 2000s to win a main draw match in an elite WTA all three sets. Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday. Williams won in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. — AP with a 6-3, 6-3 win over teenage Australian quali- event when she beat Bethanie Mattek-Sands 2-6, Her next match will be against either fier Alex De Minaur, and has a potential quarter- 6-3, 6-4 in a first-round match that spanned two Kuznetsova or Aiava, who was born on May 10, final match against defending champion and days. She already has a wild-card entry to the 2000, was No. 386 in the latest rankings and is Serena shakes out rust top-seeded Milos Raonic. Australian Open but, before then, will face two- very new to the tour. time major winner Svetlana Kuznetsova in the “Pretty crazy,” Aiava said of her first trip to the to advance in Auckland ELITE WTA EVENT second round in Brisbane. locker rooms in the main draw. “I walk in, and Also, sixth-seeded Lucas Pouille lost the first The third-seeded Pliskova, who beat Williams there is people I have watched on TV before and five games before rebounding for a 7-6 (6), 7-6 in the US Open semifinals last year before losing it’s, like, ‘Oh!’” Her mother, Rosie, has been her AUCKLAND: World number two Serena er Jamie Loeb or Madison Brengle. (4) win over Gilles Simon, while Viktor Troicki the final to Angelique Kerber, defeated coach since she showed interest in the game. Williams shook out any cobwebs from four “The wind was really getting to me. beat Japanese qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4, 7- American qualifier Asia Muhammad 6-1, 6-4 to She keeps the teenager grounded. months away from tennis with a 6-3 6-4 Every day I have practised here there was 5 and Diego Schwartzman had a 6-2, 6-4 win secure the first spot in the quarterfinals. After her milestone win, Aiava said her moth- victory over France’s Pauline Parmentier in no wind but today it was so windy. So it over Sam Querrey. Svitolina, seeded sixth and the only woman er just said “good job” and took her back onto the first round of the Auckland Classic yes- was fun. Actually, it wasn’t fun, it was inter- In the women’s draw, Garbine Muguruza, to beat both Williams and Kerber when in 2016, the practice courts for 20 minutes to work on terday. The 35-year-old had not played a esting.” She conceded she was feeling rusty Karolina Pliskova and Elina Svitolina, who all had advanced with a 7-5, 2-6, 7-5 win over Shelby her serve. —AP competitive match since she lost to and would be selective about her schedule Karolina Pliskova in the semi-finals of the in the new season. “I don’t see myself play- US Open last September, withdrawing from ing a full, full schedule. But who knows? I’m all tennis to deal with a persistent shoulder going to take it tourney by tourney.” injury. The American, who had participated Injury kept her out of much of the sec- in a charity doubles match with sister ond half in 2016 even though she still tri- Venus against All Blacks siblings Julian and umphed in Wimbledon to equal Steffi Ardie Savea before the tournament started, Graf’s open era record of 22 grand slam was appearing for the first time in Auckland titles and her target this year was to sur- and persistent rain on Monday postponed pass that. her first round match until Tuesday. “Unfortunately I have the highest of She struggled with the wind and had goals usually, so obviously that involves some rusty moments in the second set winning grand slams,” she said. Another for- when the Frenchwoman broke in the mer world number one, Caroline Wozniacki, fourth game and held three break points in dropped just one game in a ruthless 6-1 6-0 the sixth. The top seed was able to over- dismantling of Nicole Gibbs in their first come them, however, and won the match round match. “It’s the first match of the year with her eighth ace. “It was my first match for me so it’s always tough,” Wozniacki said. back in several months and I played a really “(But) today everything was going in, even good player,” Williams said courtside after with the wind I managed to keep control of she wrapped up victory in 75 minutes to the ball and the points. “I was pleased, espe- set up a second round clash against qualifi- cially with how I was serving.” — Reuters Americans sock it to Spain in Hopman Cup

PERTH: The United States pairing of Coco start to the year with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Vandeweghe and Jack Sock edged closer to Lara Arruabarrena in the women’s singles, the final of the mixed teams Hopman Cup before Sock secured the tie for the with a 3-0 win over Spain in Perth yester- Americans with a three-set victory over day. Both teams had won their first round Feliciano Lopez. robin matches and the victory means the The Americans made it a clean sweep in USA only needs to beat Australia tomorrow the dead mixed doubles rubber. to be certain of advancing to Saturday’s Vandeweghe, ranked 36th, opened her final. The United States has already won the year with a win over Lucie Hradecka and tournament a record six times. raised her game against the 65th-ranked Vandeweghe continued her encouraging Arruabarrena. Her serving was impressive with eight aces and the 25-year-old believed it was a more polished perform- BRISBANE: Garbine Muguruza of Spain hits a return against Daria Kasatkina of Russia in their women’s second round match at the Brisbane ance than in the opening match. International tennis tournament in Brisbane yesterday. — AFP “I think I did different things better today, I felt a little bit better moving,” she said. “I thought my serve was all over the place, but it was good when it counted. “I Muguruza survives was a bit on and off with it and hopefully I can tighten it up a bit. “There are still things to work on and things to improve.” The 23rd-ranked Sock was made to work overtime by the cagey Lopez, who is just big scare in Brisbane five places lower at 28. The American blew an early break in the first set and dropped it BRISBANE: French Open champion Garbine “It’s very helpful. I mean, to start the year Elene Vesnina in the first round in a 2 hour 37 6-3 to fall behind, but steadied to win in Muguruza saved a match point before seeing playing these kind of matches gives me, I don’t minute marathon in temperatures above 40 three sets in stifling heat which appeared off Russia’s Daria Kasatkina in the second round know, a good feeling. “I think it was a battle, lit- degrees Celsius (104 F), Cornet took full advan- to trouble both players. of the Brisbane International yesterday. erally,” she added. tage of the much cooler conditions Tuesday Sock gained a crucial break in the fourth The 23-year-old Spaniard won 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 “I think we both played very good during and raced through the match in just 81 min- game of the final set, after a lengthy game (9/7) over the 19-year-old Kasatkina, who the whole match. We could see in the tiebreak utes. “I’m very happy with the way I played on the Lopez serve. The Spaniard had a served for the match at 5-4 in the third set, only there is, like, nobody knew who was going to today-it was a really good-quality match,” break point in the seventh game, but to be broken by the fourth-seeded Muguruza. win the match until the end.” Third seed Czech Cornet said. couldn’t convert and it took Sock 98 min- Muguruza then kept her nerve in the Karolina Pliskova earlier continued her impres- “I didn’t make a lot of unforced errors and I utes to win 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. tiebreak, holding on to win in just under three sive form when she stormed past US qualifier hit a lot of winners. “I was applying the right “There are definitely things to improve hours. It was her second three-set win in as Asia Muhammad 6-1, 6-4. tactics, so it was great to play this way.” PERTH: Coco Vandeweghe of the US hits on,” Sock said. “I didn’t think I served as well many days after she edged Australian However, sixth seed Elina Svitolina was Cornet will play either second seed Dominika a return against Lara Arruabarrena of in the first match, but I dictated points on Samantha Stosur on Monday. pushed hard by American Shelby Rogers before Cibulkova or China’s Zhang Shuai in the quar- Spain during their fifth session women’s my forehand.” The dead mixed doubles was “Obviously I’m tired,” Muguruza said. “I winning in three sets 7-5, 2-6, 7-5. ter-finals. “It will definitely be a tough battle singles match on day three of the played in the Fast Four format and the would prefer to play a one-hour match and to France’s Alize Cornet stormed into the quar- but when I see the way I play today it gives Hopman Cup tennis tournament in Perth Americans prevailed in a third set tiebreak, be super good. But I think those tough matches ter-finals when she demolished Christina me a lot of confidence for the rest of the tour- yesterday. — AFP 4-3 (5-3), 3-4 (2-5), 4-3 (5/2). —AFP are going to help me to win confidence. McHale in straight sets 6-2, 6-1. After outlasting nament.” —AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 SPORTS Confident Australia build on Warner’s record ton First batsman to achieve feat in Australia

SYDNEY: David Warner’s spectacular century in the opening session gave Australia the perfect start to the third test against Pakistan yesterday and the hosts reached tea on 224 for two despite his departure for 113. The left-hander, playing on his home ground just a few hundred metres from where he was born, reached the hundred mark from 78 balls in 118 minutes to become only the fifth batsman to notch up a century before lunch on the first day of a test. He was unable to add to his tally of 17 fours before being caught behind off Wahab Riaz soon after the break, however, and Usman Khawaja followed for 13 in similar fashion half an hour before tea. That left opener Matt Renshaw, who had stuck to his more circumspect game while Warner lit up the SCG in the morning, inching towards his maiden century on 83 not out and set to resume for the final session with Steve Smith (12 not out). Australia are already assured of victory in the series after wins in the day/night Brisbane test and Boxing Day contest in Melbourne gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead. Skipper Smith won the toss and chose to bat with Warner setting the tone for his innings by hitting Mohammad Amir for four off the second ball he faced. As pugnacious as ever, Warner barely hit a false note and did not let up until he had run three runs, albeit helped by a misfield, to secure his 18th test century. The 30-year-old emitted a roar of delight before his traditional celebratory leap into the air, despite being unaware he had joined some select company. No batsman had ever hit a cen- tury in the opening session of a test match in Australia and only compatriots Victor Trumper, NAPIER: New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson bowls during the first Twenty20 internation- Charles Macartney and Don Bradman as well as al cricket match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at McLean Park in Napier Pakistan’s Majid Khan had done it elsewhere. yesterday. — AFP “It’s a honour and privilege to be amongst SYDNEY: Australia’s David Warner jumps in the air to celebrate making 100 runs against the greats of the game,” Warner said. Pakistan during their cricket Test match in Sydney, Australia, yesterday.— AP “It wasn’t something in the back of my mind New Zealand beat to go out and score a 100 in a session. It was about going out there with intent and batting SCOREBOARD positive.” Bangladesh by 6 wkts Warner also bettered his own record for the Scoreboard at stumps on the first day in the third and final Test between Australia and Pakistan fastest test century at the SCG, having taken 82 on yesterday in Sydney, Australia. NAPIER: Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was important to stick there and try to balls to reach the milestone against West Indies Australia 1st innings Fall of wickets: 1-151 D. Warner, 2-203 U. took two wickets with the first two balls take the game a little bit deeper. here last year. Pakistan had made two changes of his Twenty20 debut and went on to “Colin was outstanding at the end to to their line-up from the Melbourne test, hand- M. Renshaw not out 167 Khawaja, 3-244 S. Smith claim 3-32 as New Zealand beat take us across the line but the credit ing opener Sharjeel Khan his debut and recalling D. Warner c S. Ahmed b Riaz 113 To bat: H. Cartwright, M. Wade, M. Starc, S. U. Khawaja c S. Ahmed b Riaz 13 Bangladesh by six wickets yesterday in today would certainly have to belong to seamer Imran Khan. O’Keefe, J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon the first of three internationals. the bowling attack. In that front six they Khan was smashed for 44 runs in his first sev- S. Smith c S. Ahmed b Shah 24 Ferguson is only the second bowler were able to take early wickets and that en-over spell but should have had a wicket in his P. Handscomb not out 40 Bowling: M. Amir 16-1-58-0; I. Khan 17-3-81- after Australia’s Michael Kasprowicz to set the tone for the match and that gave second dig when Khawaja, on three, hit the ball Extras (b-2 lb-1 nb-4 w-1) 8 0(nb-2); W. Riaz 19-4-63-2(nb-2 w-1); Y. Shah take two wickets with his first two deliv- us a heads up going into that second towards Babar Azam in the gully but the fielder Total (for 3 wickets, 88 overs) 365 30-2-132-1; Az. Ali 4-0-16-0; A. Shafiq 2-0-12-0. eries in a Twenty20 international: innings.” was unable to hold on to it. — Reuters Kasprowicz achieved the feat in the first- Ferguson, who made his one-day ever Twenty20 international between international debut for New Zealand ear- New Zealand and Australia in 2005. lier this season, made his mark in his T20 New Zealand included three new caps debut when he dismissed Sabbir in its lineup for yesterday’s first interna- Rahman and Soumya Sarkar with the first Rabada, Philander tional at McLean Park and all three deliv- two balls of his opening over. ered as New Zealand extended the domi- He was lucky to claim his maiden nance over Bangladesh it established in a wicket with a rank full toss on off stump sweep of their recent three-match one- which Sabbir slashed to midwicket but day series. his second wicket was more convention- dismantle S Lanka Ben Wheeler supported Ferguson al as Sarkar edged a full delivery to Corey with 2-22 as New Zealand held Anderson at gully. Bangladesh to 141-8 as it batted first Tom Bruce made his mark on debut CAPE TOWN: Kagiso Rabada and Vernon after winning the toss. Captain Kane when he took a catch to dismiss Philander took four wickets each as South Africa SCOREBOARD Williamson then anchored the New Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal for 11 bowled out Sri Lanka for 110 and took total con- Zealand inings with an unbeaten 73 from off his Central Districts teammate and trol on the second day of the second Test at Scoreboard at stumps on the second day in the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka on yesterday in 55 balls - his highest score in Twenty20 fellow debutant Ben Wheeler. Wheeler Newlands yesterday. Cape Town, South Africa. South Africa built on a first innings lead of internationals - and Colin de produced an outstanding debut pefro- 282 and reached 35 for no wicket by the close, South Africa 1st innings (Overnight: 297-6) A. Mathews c du Plessis b Rabada 2 mance to remove Iqbal and Bangladesh Grandhomme hit 41 not out from 22 an overall lead of 317 runs. With three days S. Cook c K. Mendis b Lakmal 0 D. Chandimal c de Kock b Rabada 4 balls as New Zealand surpassed captain Masrafe Mortaza (1) to finish with remaining, Sri Lanka faced a seemingly impossi- D. Elgar c K. Mendis b Lakmal 129 U. Tharanga not out 26 Bangladesh’s total with two overs to 2-22. Ferguson returned to bowl ble task if they were to prevent the hosts from H. Amla b Kumara 29 R. Herath lbw b Philander 1 spare. New Zealand looked under pres- Mahmdullah for 52, just as the veteran J. Duminy c K. Mendis b Kumara 0 S. Lakmal c Amla b Philander 0 securing a series-clinching win. F. du Plessis c Mathews b Herath 38 sure at times, especially at 61-4 after 10 batsman threatened to steer Bangladesh Rabada took four for 37 and Philander four L. Kumara b Philander 4 T. Bavuma c Tharanga b Kumara 10 N. Pradeep c du Plessis b Philander 0 overs when Williamson ran out Tom to a competitive total. Mahmdullah for 27. The Sri Lankan batting crumbled after Q. de Kock c Chandimal b Kumara 101 Bruce (7) on debut and when the home scored only four runs in three innings in Extras (lb-5 nb-1 w-5) 11 Rabada broke a stubborn opening partnership. K. Abbott c Chandimal b Herath 16 Total (all out, 43 overs) 110 team’s innings had begun to lose the one day itnernational series but Kaushal Silva and Dimuth Karunaratne defied V. Philander c Chandimal b Kumara 20 Fall of wickets: 1-31 K. Silva, 2-56 K. Mendis, 3-56 D. momentum. recovered his best form on Tuesday with South Africa’s new ball attack for 73 minutes, K. Maharaj not out 32 Karunaratne, 4-60 A. Mathews, 5-78 D. de Silva, 6-78 D. But de Grandhomme was the ideal a half century from 45 balls. putting on 31 runs before Rabada made the K. Rabada c Chandimal b Kumara 8 Chandimal, 7-100 R. Herath, 8-100 S. Lakmal, 9-110 L. man to come to the crease at that point. New Zealand faltered early in its run breakthrough in the 16th over when Silva was Extras (lb-3 nb-1 w-5) 9 Kumara, 10-110 N. Pradeep. Total (all out, 116 overs) 392 forced on to the back foot by a lifting delivery Bowling: V. Philander 12-4-27-4(nb-1); K. Abbott 8-3-9-0; He brought the powerhitting which was chase as it slumped to 4-62, losing Neil Fall of wickets: 1-0 S. Cook, 2-66 H. Amla, 3-66 J. Duminy, K. Rabada 12-2-37-4(w-1); K. Maharaj 11-1-32-2. the necessary counterpoint to Broom for 6, Colin Munro without scor- which he played on to his stumps. 4-142 F. du Plessis, 5-169 T. Bavuma, 6-272 D. Elgar, 7-303 Williamson’s anchor role and he struck ing, Corey Anderon for 13 and Bruce for Sri Lanka lost a second wicket shortly before K. Abbott, 8-336 Q. de Kock, 9-376 V. Philander, 10-392 K. South Africa 2nd innings three sixes and three fours in an innings 7. But Williamson gave the innings an tea when Kusal Mendis, who had earlier slog- Rabada. S. Cook not out 15 swept left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for six, Bowling: S. Lakmal 27-4-93-2; N. Pradeep 15.4-3-46-0; A. of only 22 balls. anchor and de Grandhomme blasted D. Elgar not out 19 De Grandhomme hit a four and six off New Zealand home with 12 balls to tried to repeat the shot and top-edged a simple Mathews 17-3-41-0(w-1); L. Kumara 25-1-122-6(nb-1 w- 4); R. Herath 23.2-4-57-2; D. de Silva 8-0-30-0. Extras (w-1) 1 the last two balls bowled by Rubel spare. catch to JP Duminy at short cover. Total (for no loss, 11 overs) 35 Hossain to clinch the win and give New “I think we were 15 to 20 runs short The innings went into an irreversible slide Fall of wickets: three balls after tea when Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka 1st innings Zealand a 1-0 lead in the series which and we lost too many wickets early on,” D. Karunaratne c Bavuma b Rabada 24 To bat: H. Amla, J. Duminy, F. du Plessis, T. Bavuma, Q. de concludes with two matches at Mount Masrafe said. “I think again with the ball who had made a patient 24, square-cut Rabada K. Silva b Rabada 11 Kock, V. Philander, K. Maharaj, K. Abbott, K. Rabada Maunganui on Friday and Sunday. we started well but couldn’t go through. and Temba Bavuma dived to take a sharp, low K. Mendis c Duminy b Maharaj 11 Bowling: S. Lakmal 5-1-16-0; N. Pradeep 2-0-5-0; L. “It would have been nice to do it with “The target was to get some early wick- catch at backward point. D. de Silva lbw b Maharaj 16 Kumara 4-0-14-0(w-1). a wee bit more efficiency,” Williamson ets, which we did, but Williamson batted Rabada and Maharaj reduced the Lankans to 78 for six. Upul Tharanga and Rangana Herath said. “We lost wickets at key times so it really well, as did de Grandhomme.” — AP put on 22 for the seventh wicket before Philander wrapped up the innings by taking the SCOREBOARD final four wickets at a personal cost of five runs Ton-up Renshaw states in 12 balls. NAPIER, New Zealand: Complete scoreboard in the first Twenty20 between New Zealand and Maharaj, bowling into a strong south-easterly case for India tour Bangladesh at McLean Park in Napier on yesterday. wind, took two for 32 while the two fast bowlers took seven of their combined eight wickets with Tamim Iqbal c Bruce b Wheeler 11 New Zealand SYDNEY: Australia’s rookie opening batsman going to miss out on India so it didn’t really the wind at their backs. Matt Renshaw made a huge statement to come into my head too much. Imrul Kayes c Ronchi b Henry 0 N.Broom c Shakib Al Hasan b Rubel Hossain 6 Both Rabada and Philander reached personal Sabbir Rahman c Henry b Ferguson 16 selectors for next month’s India series with a “You go into every game and try to do as K. Williamson not out 73 milestones. Rabada took his 50th wicket in his resolute maiden Test century against Pakistan well as you can, but I probably wasn’t expect- Shakib Al Hasan c Santner b de Grandhomme 14 C. Munro c Nurul Hasan b Mustafizure Rahman0 13th Test, while Philander achieved 150 wickets yesterday. The Yorkshire-born 20-year-old ing to be this score tonight. “It should be a Soumya Sarkar c Anderson b Ferguson 0 in 39 Tests. C. Anderson c Tamim Iqbal b Shakib Al Hasan 13 watched his opening batting partner David good experience if I’m selected (for India), Mahmudullah b Ferguson 52 Earlier Quinton de Kock made his third Test T. Bruce run out (Soumya Sarkar/Mashrafe Warner blast a 78-ball century in the first ses- but we’ve got a Test match to win and I’ve got Mosaddek Hosain c Anderson b Santner 20 century and fast bowler Lahiru Kumara took six sion of the third Test in Sydney before he to keep batting tomorrow morning. I’m trying Mashrafe Mortaza c de Grandhomme b Wheeler 1 Mortaza 7 wickets as South Africa were bowled out for 392 blossomed into his maiden Test century. to concentrate on that at the moment.” Nurul Hasan not out 7 C. de Grandhomme not out 41 in their first innings. Renshaw has the chance today’s second Renshaw had to cope with the unique sit- Rubel Hossain not out 2 Extras (lb1, w1, nb1) 3 Kumara, 19, who had not taken more than day to further add to his tally and make an uation of farming the strike to the rampant Extras (w18) 18 two wickets in an innings in his previous two undeniable case for inclusion in the challeng- Warner, who became only the fifth player to Total (four wickets; 18 overs) 143 Test matches and three other first-class games, Total (eight wickets; 20 overs) 141 ing four-Test series in India next month. score a century before lunch in Test history. Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Broom), 2-28 (Munro, 3-46 finished with six for 122. Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Imrul), 2-28 (Tamim), 3-30 Former Test captain Michael Clarke said “That’s probably the first time I’ve been (Anderson), 4-62 (Bruce) De Kock took his score from 68 to 101, made during the match commentary on the Nine booed and cheered for blocking a ball in the (Sabbir), 4-30 (Soumya), 5-67 (Shakib), 6-99 Did not bat: L. Ronchi, M. Santner, B. Wheeler, M. off 124 balls with 11 fours, before edging Network: “There’s been talk that Australia same over,” Renshaw said. “He (Warner) told (Mosaddek), 7-114 (Mashrafe), 8-138 Kumara to wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal. Henry, L. Ferguson aren’t going to take him to India, that Shaun me to not change my game and just keep (Mahmudullah) Seven South Africans were caught behind, Marsh will open in place of him. I think it’d be batting and try to get to lunch. I just tried to Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman Bowling: Shakib 4-0-30-1, Mashrafe 3-0-22-0, three by Mendis when Chandimal was suffering a terrible move.” run as fast as I could when he was on 99.” He Bowling: Wheeler 4-0-22-2 (4w), Henry 4-0-44-1 Rubel 4-0-43-1 (1nb), Mustafizur 4-0-21-1 (1w), from a fever on the first day and four by The negative chatter didn’t seem to have added: “I knew I was running to the danger (3w), Ferguson 4-0-32-3 (4w), de Grandhomme 4- Mosaddek 2-0-9-0, Soumya 1-0-17-0. Chandimal yesterday. The combined wicket- fazed Renshaw, who said: “I felt pretty good end, so I just tried to put the burners on and keeping haul was one more than the Sri Lankan 0-23-1 (2w), Santner 4-0-20-1 (1w). Result: New Zealand won by six wickets coming in. I didn’t really know that I was try and get there.”— AFP Test record and equal to the world record. —AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 SPORTS Shiffrin misses WCup record, Velez Zuzulova wins race

ZAGREB: Mikaela Shiffrin’s seven-race straddled.” Velez Zuzulova held on to her winning streak in women’s World Cup first-run lead and beat Petra Vlhova by 0.24 slaloms came to end yesterday, leaving the seconds for a Slovak 1-2 finish. Sarka American one short of the record for most Strachova of the Czech Republic was 0.52 consecutive victories in the discipline. seconds behind in third. Shiffrin’s rare early exit in the first run “It was a fight from start to finish. It was allowed Veronika Velez Zuzulova to claim my big dream to win this crown. Finally it her fifth career win. The Slovak had ended happened,” Velez Zuzulova said after win- runner-up to Shiffrin in the previous three ning the “Snow Queen Trophy.” Velez slaloms. With a win Tuesday, Shiffrin would Zuzulova closed the gap on Shiffrin in the have matched the best mark of eight slalom standings after five of this season’s straight victories set by Swiss great Vreni nine races to just 10 points. Schneider in 1988-89 and Croatian skier However, the result didn’t affect Janica Kostelic in 2000-01. But the Olympic Shiffrin’s lead in the overall World Cup and two-time world champion was quick standings because her closest competitor, to consider the positives. defending champion Lara Gut, usually sits “I was never thinking about the streak out slaloms. Shiffrin still leads the Swiss in the beginning until people started talk- skier by 215 points. ing about it,” Shiffrin said shortly after Many of the top slalom skiers struggled straddling a gate about 25 seconds into on the Sljeme hill. Three of the top-seven her first run. “To be honest it is a bit of a ranked starters failed to complete their relief because nobody is going to talk runs as Wendy Holdener of Switzerland about it anymore.” and Nina Loeseth of Norway skied out. Never showing much interest in chasing Shiffrin, who won the race the last two records, Shiffrin still felt sorry about her times it was held in 2013 and 2015, was early exit - though not for herself. 0.07 seconds off Velez Zuzulova’s leading “It’s huge for US ski racing to have time when the mishap occurred. somebody who has something like a big “Straddling is always your own mistake,” streak going on. People start to gain inter- the American said. “Maybe something ST. LOUIS: Artem Anisimov #15 of the Chicago Blackhawks handles the puck as Colton Parayko #55 of the St Louis Blues defends during the est,” Shiffrin said. “But for me, I am not about the surface, a little bump here and third period of the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Busch Stadium on Monday in St Louis, Missouri. —AFP doing this for those records. I am doing there caught your edge. But in general, I this for myself. I try to find peace in my feel like if I am skiing well, there is own heart. I am on my way there.” absolutely no reason I would have strad- It was the first time in more than four dled. I only have myself to blame. Even years that Shiffrin failed to finish a slalom with bumpy snow or a little bit of weird Blues beat Blackhawks, race. Her previous DNF came in sunlight, it is my fault.” Semmering, Austria, in December 2012, With Shiffrin out, Resi Stiegler became one week after she had earned her first of the top American finisher in seventh for 26 career victories. her best World Cup result since placing Devils defeat Bruins In total, Shiffrin had won the previous second in a slalom in Ofterschwang, 12 slaloms she competed in, but missed Germany, five years ago. Also, American five races because of a knee injury last sea- teammate Megan McJames finished 20th son. “It is what it is. Sometimes you don’t to earn her first career points in the disci- ST LOUIS: The Blues and Blackhawks took to the four minutes to go, and Ryan Miller made 24 The Canucks improved to 6-2-1 over their last ski exactly the way you want to,” Shiffrin pline. The women’s World Cup continues outdoors Monday, with Vladimir Tarasenko scor- saves for his 350th career victory to lead nine. The 36-year-old Miller joined John said. “I was trying to go forward but I got a with a giant slalom and another slalom in ing twice in the third period and Jake Allen stop- Vancouver. Bo Horvat also scored to help the Vanbiesbrouck (374) and Tom Barrasso (369) as little bit tentative in some sections and Maribor, Slovenia, this weekend. — AP ping 22 shots to lead St. Louis to a 4-1 victory Canucks win four straight for the first time since the only US-born goalies to reach 350 wins. Mikko over Chicago in the Winter Classic at Busch opening the season 4-0-0. Henrik Sedin added Rantanen and Tyson Barrie scored, and Calvin Stadium. The Blues went ahead 2-1 when two assists, while Daniel Sedin picked up an assist Pickard stopped 21 shots as the Avalanche lost Tarasenko made a backhand pass that hit the on the winning goal for the 600th of his career. their fourth straight ninth in their last 10. — AP skate of Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson and slipped by Corey Crawford at 12:05 of the third. Tarasenko then scored on a NHL results/standings wrist shot over Crawford’s shoulder at 13:58, giv- ing him 18 goals this season. Michal Kempny Vancouver 3, Colorado 2; New Jersey 3, Boston 0; St. Louis 4, Chicago 1. scored for Chicago, and Crawford had 31 saves. Western Conference Ottawa 20 13 4 94 98 44 It was 46 degrees Fahrenheit (7.7 degrees Central Division Boston 20 16 4 95 97 44 Celsius) when play began before a sellout crowd WLOTLGFGAPTS Tampa Bay 19 15 4 109 105 42 of 46,556, the sixth largest for a Winter Classic. It Chicago 23 12 5 109 98 51 Toronto 17 12 7 108 103 41 was the 21st regular-season outdoor NHL game. Minnesota 23 9 4 113 76 50 St. Louis 20 13 5 108 111 45 Florida 16 14 8 92 104 40 DEVILS 3, BRUINS 0 Dallas 16 15 7 97 113 39 Detroit 16 16 5 93 107 37 PA Parenteau scored his fifth goal in eight Nashville 16 14 6 102 100 38 Buffalo 13 15 8 78 101 34 games and Cory Schneider made 22 saves, lead- Winnipeg 17 19 3 103 117 37 Metropolitan Division Colorado 12 24 1 76 125 25 ing slumping New Jersey to the victory. Sergey Columbus 26 5 4 123 73 56 Pacific Division Kalinin added an insurance goal early in the San Jose 23 13 1 94 80 47 Pittsburgh 25 8 5 133 107 55 third period and set up Taylor Hall’s empty-net- Anaheim 19 12 8 107 109 46 NY Rangers 26 12 1 135 97 53 ter as the Devils won for only the third time in 13 Edmonton 19 12 7 110 101 45 Washington 22 9 5 99 78 49 games (3-9-1). Tuukka Rask had 23 saves for the Calgary 20 17 2 105 111 42 Philadelphia 20 14 5 116 120 45 Bruins, who lost to New Jersey for only the sec- Los Angeles 18 15 4 92 91 40 Carolina 16 13 7 94 98 39 Vancouver 18 18 3 97 116 39 ond time in eight games (6-2). New Jersey 15 16 7 89 114 37 Arizona 11 21 5 82 121 27 Eastern Conference NY Islanders 15 15 6 104 113 36 CANUCKS 3, AVALANCHE 2 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the ZAGREB: From left, second placed Petra Vlhova, from Slovakia, fellow-country- Sven Baertschi scored twice, including the Atlantic Division Montreal 22 9 6 113 86 50 standings and are not included in the loss column (L) woman Veronika Velez Zuzulova, the winner, and third placed Sarka Strachova, of tiebreaking goal on a power play with less than the Czech Republic, celebrate after an alpine ski, women’s World Cup slalom in Zagreb, Croatia, yesterday. — AP Bengals’ Pacman Jones Seahawks enter the playoffs jailed over confrontation with a whimper, not a roar CINCINNATI: Bengals cornerback Adam Jones, who played for the Bengals in “Pacman” Jones was jailed early yesterday, Sunday’s season-ending home victory over RENTON: For the fifth straight season, the touchdown, the biggest concern was “We’re not pleased with it. It’s not any- and faced assault, disorderly conduct and Baltimore, has repeatedly had legal issues Seattle Seahawks have won 10 games and Seattle’s inability to run the ball against the where near where we want it to be,” Carroll other charges including that he spit on a since making his NFL debut with Tennessee are headed to the playoffs, the longest such worst defense in the NFL. San Francisco was said. For all the issues that have surfaced late nurse after being arrested in Cincinnati’s after going to college at West Virginia streaks in franchise history. giving up more than 170 yards per game on in the season for Seattle, the Seahawks may downtown entertainment district. University. The Atlanta native was acquitted So why does this division title and playoff the ground, yet the Seahawks managed only have drawn the best possible matchup to Court records show Jones, who has a in 2013 on an assault charge in Hamilton appearance feel so underwhelming? It’s 87 yards on 25 carries. Take away runs of 26 open the postseason. Detroit lost its final history of trouble with the law during his County after a woman accused him of because unlike the previous four playoff and 17 yards by rookie Alex Collins in the three games of the regular season, was worse NFL career, is accused of pushing and pok- punching her in a nightclub. Earlier that appearances when the Seahawks were second half and the Seahawks averaged just than Seattle at running the ball and doesn’t ing someone in the eye, then struggling year, he paid a fine for disorderly conduct rolling headed into the playoffs, this time 1.9 yards per carry. In the final three games have a defense most would consider on the with officers by head-butting, kicking and after police accused him of making offen- Seattle is limping into the NFC wild-card of the regular season, Seattle averaged 79 same level as the Seahawks. Then again, refusing to get into the police car. He then sive comments at a traffic stop. He also game against Detroit on Saturday night. The yards per game rushing and just 2.9 yards Seattle was supposed to blow out the 49ers allegedly spit on a nurse’s hand while being pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in latest example came in Sunday’s regular-sea- per carry. to head into the playoffs on the rise. —AP booked into the Hamilton County jail just January 2012 after an arrest at a Cincinnati son finale against San Francisco when Seattle after midnight. bar. Earlier, Jones pleaded an equivalent of slogged its way to a 25-23 victory that again He was due for a first court appearance no contest to misdemeanor conspiracy to raised more questions than provided yesterday on misdemeanor charges of commit disorderly conduct in a 2007 Las answers about what to expect when the assault, disorderly conduct and obstructing Vegas strip club melee. playoffs arrive. But even with the lackluster official business, and a felony count of The Titans made Jones the sixth overall performance the latter half of the season, harassment with a bodily substance. No pick in the 2005 draft, and he started 28 Seattle coach Pete Carroll believes the attorney was listed for him in court records. games in his first two seasons. But arrests Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said and suspensions nearly scuttled his career Seahawks have the pieces for a playoff run. the club is aware of the incident, but by before the Bengals signed him in 2010 and “I think we’ve got great leadership. We’ve policy, doesn’t comment on unresolved he became a regular starting defensive got a lot of young guys and we’re bringing legal matters. back and punt returner. — AP them with us,” Carroll said during his radio show on Monday morning. “It’s a great chal- lenge, a great exercise in putting it together.” Seattle is playing on wild-card weekend for the second straight year after squander- ing its chance at a bye with a home loss to Arizona in Week 16. Facing the lowly 49ers was supposed to be Seattle’s opportunity to get itself pointed in the right direction head- ed into the playoffs. And while the win can’t be discredited, the fashion in which it hap- pened failed to provide much confidence. Seattle fell behind 14-3, needed a huge turnover to get back into the game in the first half and nearly watched the 49ers rally in the fourth quarter before running out the clock with Russell Wilson, Doug Baldwin and a chunk of Seattle’s starters sitting on the bench as Carroll tried to protect key players. “When coach made the decision, I was for it and I saw that some other guys weren’t playing, too,” Wilson said after the win. “He just made those decisions. We knew that we were going to have a home game and so that was kind of our focus trying to get some rest, trying to get ready, allowing nothing CALIFORNIA: Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) celebrates with fullback crazy to happen.” While Wilson had another Marcel Reece (44) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game solid day, throwing for 258 yards and a Adam Jones against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California.— AP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 SPORTS Klopp frustrated after Liverpool drop points

SUNDERLAND: Jurgen Klopp, the manag- A more valid excuse would have been er who has brightened the Premier League the fixture list that left Liverpool facing with his quick wit and off-beat remarks, dis- three games in seven days while Chelsea’s played his dark side after Liverpool three come in the space of 10 days. dropped two precious points at However, Klopp said: “I am the wrong Sunderland. person to ask. I have absolutely no influ- The 2-2 draw against a team struggling ence on the fixtures. It is like it is and some- in the relegation zone was undoubtedly a body decided like this, so there is nothing setback for Liverpool because teams with to say about this.” title aspirations win at places like the Stadium of Light, as leaders Chelsea did POINT PLEASES MOYES just a fortnight ago. Liverpool did not look weary for the But goals from Daniel Sturridge and opening 25 minutes as they took the lead Sadio Mane proved insufficient as Liverpool and could have added further goals before twice squandered leads by conceding two the first equaliser. penalties, converted with his customary But Klopp’s team appeared off the pace coolness by Jermain Defoe. after the interval and failed to hang on to Klopp did not like what he witnessed the lead given to them by Mane. and did not hide his emotions. “Sorry The manager said: “I thought we started about my mood,” he said at the end of his really well and then we lost concentration, assessment of Monday’s draw, which left which is not usual for us, but has happened Liverpool second, five points behind lead- before. “It could be because of the fixtures, ers Chelsea. I’m not sure. Usually I would say we could While criticism of referees is normally have done better, but I am not sure if we the first port of call for managers seeking could have done better. excuses for disappointing results such as “I don’t know exactly if we could have this, Klopp has rarely taken that easy route. done better because I was not in the shoot- This time though he blamed Anthony ing boots.” Taylor for awarding the free-kick that was The mood of Sunderland manager handled by Mane to give Sunderland their David Moyes was very different, although second penalty and he confronted the ref- this point did not lift them out of the bot- LONDON: Manchester United’s Spanish midfielder Juan Mata (C) scores the opening goal past West Ham United’s Irish goalkeeper Darren eree on the pitch afterwards. tom three. Randolph during the English Premier League football match.— AFP “It is hard to accept. If you see it again, “I honestly thought the players raised there was no contact,” the normally affable the supporters by the way they got up to German said. “I saw it in the game and the Liverpool, how they put them under pres- fourth official saw it. sure, how they pressed them,” said Moyes. Bilic fury at red “It’s not the worst mistake in the world “Maybe if I was a German manager, you and I don’t want to say it is, but it’s hard.” might praise that. If I’d been German you Such comments are unlike Klopp and might praise me for doing something dif- suggest he may be feeling some of the ferent. “I thought we did well. We stuck at it pressure involved in chasing a team with as much as we could and tried to make it card Hammer blow Chelsea’s recent impeccable record. hard for them.”— AFP

LONDON: West Ham manager Slaven Bilic “But it’s frustrating when your whole season, “I think we deserved to win but I have to be insisted he would appeal the red card handed your job, could depend on one or two decisions honest it was not a very good performance,” to midfielder Sofiane Feghouli in a controversial - because the second goal is clearly offside too.” admitted Mourinho. “It is very difficult to play defeat at home against Manchester United. Bilic, whose West Ham team finished seventh football in those circumstances, two games in Bilic felt his team were doubly wronged in the Premier League last season but are only 48 hours.” Next up for United is an FA Cup third when Algerian Feghouli was harshly sent off for seven points clear of the relegation zone this round tie against Reading at the weekend fol- a 50-50 challenge with United’s Phil Jones just time, now faces a battle to hang on to star lowed by the first leg of an EFL Cup semi-final 15 minutes into a 2-0 defeat against Jose names, not least France international Dimitri against Hull City - two opportunities for silver- Mourinho’s side on Monday - which also fea- Payet. He insisted: “We said it at the start of the ware in Mourinho’s first season. tured a goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic which season, that we are moving up and moving for- But the Premier League clash against looked suspiciously offside after Juan Mata had ward. We want to keep our best players and he Liverpool on January 15 could provide a better opened the scoring. is definitely our best player.” barometer of their ambition. — AFP “Of course the sending off had a major impact on the game,” said the Croatian coach SIX STRAIGHT WINS whose side played 75 minutes with ten men. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is refusing to talk “I was very surprised by it. I wouldn’t even up a title bid even though his team have won Matches on TV be happy with yellow because they both went six league games in a row and face Liverpool (Local Timings) in for the ball. Then I saw the replay and it was next at Old Trafford. proof I’m right. “The more times I see it, it was The result at the London Stadium leaves his ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE the other way around - it was Jones who made team level on points with fifth-placed the more dangerous tackle. Definitely not a red Tottenham, who play Chelsea at White Hart Tottenham v Chelsea 23:00 card. “We will appeal of course and I’m expect- Lane today, and only one point behind Arsenal, beIN SPORTS 2 HD ing at least to win the appeal. I will be extreme- who are at Bournemouth. ly gutted if we have to lose him for three “I think we can win the next match,” SPAIN COPA DEL REY games. But I don’t blame the referee personally. Mourinho said when asked about United’s I can be angry during the game but I know it’s ambitions. “I prefer to be pragmatic this way. Alcorcon v Cordoba 21:00 not deliberate.” Bilic, however, refused to call And after tomorrow Chelsea against Tottenham, beIN SPORTS for video technology to prevent similar mis- one team loses or both drop two points. So we Real Sociedad v Villarreal 21:00 takes occurring in future. “I don’t want to call go step by step, we try to win our matches.” beIN SPORTS for replays. Goal-line technology is brilliant, but It was only the arrival of Mata at half-time the others I’m not sure - I’m still a little bit old and Marcus Rashford later which secured three Real Madrid v Sevilla 23:15 fashioned even though I’m on the wrong side points on a night when Dean’s performance was beIN SPORTS 3 HD of it this time. the main focus of attention. Avenging Spurs out to halt Chelsea juggernaut MANCHESTER: Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola kicks the ball back onto the pitch during the English Premier League football match between LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur will have revenge team off. But his words came back to haunt him to achieve them, there’s nothing wrong with Manchester City and Burnley. —AFP in mind when they tackle record-chasing after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Sunderland on that. For sure I want to achieve it. Premier League leaders Chelsea beneath the Monday left Chelsea five points clear. Antonio “Every player wants to be a part of records- White Hart Lane floodlights today. Conte’s side have not failed to win since their 3-0 I’m not shy about saying that-but it’s not some- Chelsea came from behind to win 2-1 when loss at Arsenal on September 24. thing we speak about. We just have to keep Guardiola’s dark mood the teams last met in November, but it is last They racked up win number 13 by overcom- focused on the job that we’re doing.” May’s 2-2 draw between the London rivals, ing Stoke City 4-2 on New Year’s Eve, equalling Although spared from the 48-hour turn- which ended Spurs’ title hopes, that will be Arsenal’s 2002 record for the most consecutive arounds imposed on some of their rivals by the chimes with City form uppermost in the hosts’ thoughts. With Chelsea wins within the same Premier League campaign. fixture schedulers, both Pochettino and his seeking to pull eight points clear at the summit Victory at Spurs will equal Arsenal’s overall Chelsea counterpart Conte could elect to rotate LONDON: Coaching great Pep Guardiola’s “I will not be on the bench until I am 60 and pursuing a 14th straight win-an unprece- record of 14 successive wins — set over two sea- their starting XIs. hint that Manchester City may be his last or 65 years old. I feel the process of my dented feat within a single English top-flight sons in 2002 — and leave them one win from Pedro Rodriguez returns from suspension for job has raised eyebrows and suggests the goodbye has already started. season-the boot is now on the other foot. claiming the record outright. Chelsea and will hope to recover his place from club’s erratic form is getting to the poker- “I am arriving at the end of my coaching “Maybe we will feel how Leicester felt last With history beckoning, Chelsea’s players are Willian, while Cesc Fabregas’s position is under faced Spaniard. The 45-year-old told NBC career, of this I am sure.” Mourinho may season, when all the teams were with them and doing their level best to treat the game like any threat from the more defensively minded his career was “arriving at the end” ahead wear his heart on his sleeve but Guardiola against us,” said Spurs manager Mauricio other. “It’s not like all week we’ve been saying, Nemanja Matic. of City’s 2-1 win over Burnley on Monday seems self-contained and almost cold in his Pochettino, citing the team who pipped his side ‘We want this record, we want this record,’” cen- Spurs will welcome back first-choice defend- and followed up those comments with a press conferences, only once letting the to glory last season. “Maybe now we are tre-back Gary Cahill told Chelsea TV. “We’ve just ers Kyle Walker and Jan Vertonghen, both of moody exchange with the BBC-where he mask slip when his Portuguese rival had Leicester.” kept going. And I think that’s the right mentality whom missed the trip to Watford through sus- constantly rubbed his nose as if he had provoked him one too many times when Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge in to have. Being aware of the record and wanting pension.—AFP developed a nervous tic. they were at Barcelona and Real Madrid. November completed a run of one win in 10 The Burnley win left City seven points off Guardiola arrived at City with much fan- matches in all competitions that suggested they Premier League leaders Chelsea, who can go fare as is only right with a man who whilst would struggle to repeat last season’s exploits. 10 points clear if they beat Spurs on at Barcelona delivered 14 trophies in his But since then Pochettino’s side have redis- Wednesday. It all looked very different when four years at the helm. However, his spell covered their rhythm, winning five of their last City made an electrifying start to the season at Bayern Munich-replacing German Jupp six league games and scoring 18 goals in the under Guardiola, winning their first 10 Heynckes who had swept the domestic process. They welcome Chelsea to north games including getting the better of his old double and the Champions League-yielded London 10 points behind the leaders, but seek- rival Jose Mourinho in the Manchester derby. three Bundesliga crowns but failed to land ing a fifth successive league victory. However, since then their form has slipped the Champions League. “If my work is Sunday’s 4-1 win at Watford, which followed a considerably with City at one point going six judged on whether I win the Champions 4-1 success at Southampton, briefly took Spurs games without a win-Guardiola’s worst run League or not, I have failed,” he said after into the top four, only for Manchester City to as a manager. Question marks over the wis- his final hopes of winning European foot- supplant them by beating Burnley on Monday. dom of signing goalkeeper Claudio Bravo ball’s most prestigious trophy with Bayern Dele Alli is the Premier League’s form mid- and his callous dispensing of fans’ favourite Munich had disappeared last season, going fielder, having scored five goals in his last three and England number one Joe Hart have out in the semi-finals to Atletico Madrid. games, and he will not be satisfied with any- been backed up by some nervy displays by “I need to accept that. If people think I thing but victory against Chelsea. the Chilean goalkeeper. Bravo has not been have failed, I have to accept that. If you “We’re in good form and we’ve got good con- helped by a creaking defence which was think that I have failed, you have to write it.” fidence,” the England midfielder told Spurs club brutally exposed by out of form champions It is way too early to write off his City website after the New Year’s Day victory at Leicester in a 4-2 defeat in December which sojourn but the club’s Abu Dhabi owners Vicarage Road. “It’s a good atmosphere in the led to Guardiola’s bizarre claim he didn’t do will be praying their dream capture as a changing room. This is an important win for us tackling after his side failed to make a single coach does not turn into a nightmare. and for our mentality going into the next match tackle in 35 minutes. With it the mask of For the moment the omens do not look because it’s a massive game for us and it’s serenity surrounding Guardiola has slipped good. Told in a remarkably tetchy interview important that we win it.” as well leading to his suggesting to NBC the with the BBC following the win over City job could be his last. Burnley he did not look too happy, KLOPP MISCHIEF BACKFIRES Guardiola forced a smile and said in a tone Jurgen Klopp, manager of second-place THE END dripping with sarcasm: “More than you Liverpool, has been doing his utmost to rattle BARCELONA: Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar (2L) vies with Barcelona’s defender Gerard “I will be at Manchester for the next believe. I’m so happy, believe me. Happy Chelsea by claiming it must be “annoying” that Pique (R) and Barcelona’s Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes (L) during a training session at three seasons, maybe more,” said Guardiola. New Year.” —AFP they have not been able to shake the Merseyside the Mini stadium in Barcelona yesterday. — AFP Marcelo - from Confident Australia troubled youth build on Warner’s to giant waves record century

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY15 4, 2017 17 Shiffrin misses WCup record, Velez Zuzulova wins race Page 18

NEW YORK: Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon (00) drives past New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony (7) during the first half of an NBA basket ball game Monday, in New York. The Magic won 115-103. — AP Bulls, Bucks, Cavaliers NBA winners

CHICAGO: Jimmy Butler scored 52 points and out- Milwaukee leading 96-94, Oklahoma City’s Russell points and blocked a shot over a 1:47 stretch to seal dueled Kemba Walker, carrying the Chicago Bulls to Westbrook drove the lane, but Tony Snell deflected the Cavaliers’ eighth win in nine games. Cleveland’s NBA results/standings a 118-111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on the ball off the Thunder guard’s leg and the ball Kevin Love had 12 points and 11 rebounds despite Monday night. Butler was a point shy of his career went out of bounds. The referees initially signaled playing only 24 minutes. Channing Frye added 14 high, which he achieved on Jan. 14, 2016 at the ball went off Snell, but after a video review, they points for the defending NBA champions, who LA Clippers 109, Phoenix 98; Golden State 127, Denver 119; Chicago 118, Charlotte 111; Houston 101, Philadelphia. He scored 20 points in the first half reversed the call and gave Milwaukee possession. have won 13 of 15. Anthony Davis scored 20 points Washington 91; Utah 101, Brooklyn 89; Orlando 115, NY Knicks 103; Milwaukee 98, Oklahoma City 94; and 17 in the game’s final four minutes. Butler also Brogdon then was fouled and made both free with 17 rebounds for the Pelicans, whose four- Cleveland 90, New Orleans 82. had 12 rebounds and six assists while shooting 21 throws to seal the victory. Westbrook led Oklahoma game winning streak came to an end. Eastern Conference Western Conference of 22 from the free-throw line. He has scored at City with 30 points and six assists but made only 3 Atlantic Division Northwest Division least 25 points in four straight games, and his per- of 17 shots in the second half. Antetokounmpo had WARRIORS 127, NUGGETS 119 WL PCTGB Utah 22 13 .629 - formance Monday surpassed his previous season five assists, including when he drove the lane and Draymond Green’s putback with 28.9 seconds Toronto 23 10 .697 - Oklahoma City 21 14 .600 1 high of 40 points, which he tallied Wednesday passed to John Henson for a layup, giving left gave him the final rebound for his second Boston 20 14 .588 3.5 Portland 15 21 .417 7.5 against Brooklyn. Walker boosted his All-Star candi- Milwaukee a 96-94 lead with 54 seconds to go. triple-double of the season, and he finished with NY Knicks 16 18 .471 7.5 Denver 14 20 .412 7.5 dacy with 34 points and a season-high 11 15 points, 13 assists and 10 boards to lead Golden Philadelphia 8 24 .250 14.5 Minnesota 11 23 .324 10.5 rebounds. Walker, who scored 37 points against CLIPPERS 109, SUNS 98 State past Denver. Klay Thompson had 25 points to Brooklyn 8 25 .242 15 Pacific Division Cleveland on Saturday, tallied consecutive 30-point J.J. Redick scored 22 points to help Los Angeles lead six Warriors in double figures, while Stephen Central Division Golden State 30 5 .857 - Cleveland 26 7 .788 - games for the first time since March 7-9, 2016. beat Phoenix, opening the new year by snapping a Curry scored 22 points in Golden State’s eighth LA Clippers 23 14 .622 8 Milwaukee 17 16 .515 9 six-game skid. Jamal Crawford added 18 points straight home victory. Kevin Durant scored 21 Sacramento 14 19 .424 15 MAGIC 115, KNICKS 103 and DeAndre Jordan had 20 rebounds for the points, Zaza Pachulia reached double digits for the Indiana 17 18 .486 10 Chicago 17 18 .486 10 LA Lakers 12 25 .324 19 Jodie Meeks scored a season-high 23 points Clippers, who remain without Blake Griffin and third time with 11 points and nine rebounds, while Phoenix 10 25 .286 20 while Serge Ibaka and Aaron Gordon each had 22 Chris Paul. Griffin has missed nine games while Ian Clark came off the bench to score 12 points. Detroit 16 20 .444 11.5 Southeast Division Southwest Division as Orlando rolled over New York, which lost its recovering from right knee surgery, while Paul has The Warriors reached 30 assists for the third Charlotte 19 16 .543 - San Antonio 27 7 .794 - fifth straight game. Nikola Vucevic had 14 points missed six with a sore left hamstring. Los Angeles straight game and NBA-best 24th time total. Atlanta 18 16 .529 0.5 Houston 27 9 .750 1 improved to 3-9 without both of them in the line- and 13 rebounds and fellow reserve Elfrid Payton Washington 16 17 .485 2 Memphis 22 14 .611 6 added 13 points and 14 assists for the Magic, who up since Paul was acquired before the 2011-12 sea- JAZZ 101, NETS 89 Orlando 16 20 .444 3.5 New Orleans 14 22 .389 14 were routed in their previous two games but son. T.J. Warren led the Suns with 24 points and Gordon Hayward scored 30 points, Rudy Gobert Miami 10 25 .286 9 Dallas 10 24 .294 17 totally turned things around against a Knicks former Clipper Eric Bledsoe added 22. had 15 points and 16 rebounds and Utah pulled team that played without Kristaps Porzingis or away in the final quarter to beat Brooklyn. Rodney much defensive intensity. Carmelo Anthony CAVALIERS 90, PELICANS 82 Hood and Shelvin Mack also scored 15 points each countered with a 9-1 run and took a game-high 13 had 53 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds against scored 19 points for the Knicks, who have LeBron James scored 26 points as short-handed for the Jazz. Trevor Booker led the Nets with 17 point lead on Mack’s jumper with 1:09 left. the Knicks and became the first player in NBA his- dropped eight of 10 to fall to 16-18. Cleveland rallied for a win over New Orleans. points and 15 rebounds. Brook Lopez scored 14 tory with a 50-15-15 game. Harden committed six Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving missed his second points. The game was tied 70-70 after three quar- ROCKETS 101, WIZARDS 91 turnovers and was just 2 for 11 on 3-pointers after BUCKS 98, THUNDER 94 straight game because of tightness in his right ters, but Utah’s Joe Ingles and Raul Neto opened the Eric Gordon scored 31 points and James going 9 for 16 against New York. John Wall had 18 Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo had 26 hamstring. Cleveland dressed only 10 players fourth with consecutive buckets and the Jazz never Harden had 23 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds points and 11 assists for Washington, which points and 10 rebounds and rookie Malcolm thanks to a rash of recent injuries. After Buddy Hield trailed again. They extended their lead to 89-78 on to lead Houston over Washington. Harden’s ninth snapped a three-game winning streak and failed Brogdon hit two free throws with 8.8 seconds left, hit two free throws to pull the Pelicans to 84-82 Hood’s layup with 6:11 left, but the Nets pulled to triple-double of the season was a rocky encore to to move over .500. The Wizards haven’t had a win- lifting Milwaukee over Oklahoma City. With with 2:56 remaining, James scored six straight 91-86 on Lopez’s dunk with 3:11 remaining. Utah his brilliant New Year’s Eve performance where he ning record since starting 6 -5 last season. — AP German international Draxler signs for PSG

PARIS: German international Julian Draxler has very great players in recent years,” Draxler said in ever goalscorer for the national side, against joined Paris Saint Germain from Wolfsburg on a a club statement. Kazakhstan in June 2013, and the youngest play- four-year deal, the French club said yesterday. Draxler was unsettled at Wolfsburg and ruf- er to captain Germany the following year against The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has fled feathers last year when he announced pub- Poland in a World Cup warmup game, aged 20. signed a contract for a reported 36 to 40 million licly that he wanted to leave, prompting coach More recently his career has been dogged by euros ($37.5 million - $42 million) that will keep Valerien Ismael to say the player was causing controversy. He has upset fans, teammates and him at the top French club until the end of June ‘confusion’ in the team. officials at Wolfburg, with his drive to quit the 2021. Draxler, part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup- Draxler is PSG’s first purchase in the January club lying 13th in the Bundesliga while critics say winning side, said he was proud to join the cur- transfer window as the club seeks to strengthen his performance on the field has fallen short of rent French champions, ending an acrimonious its squad after a disappointing start to the sea- his stellar reputation. Last month former German spell at his German club. son and ahead of a their Champions League sec- international Lothar Matthaus chimed in with a “I will be discovering a new country, a new ond round clash with Barcelona on February 14 warning to clubs interested in the precociously championship and am very proud to embark on and March 8. talent player that he had “never proved at the WOLFSBURG: This file photo taken on March 8, 2016 at the Volkswagen arena in Wolfsburg this new stage as part of a club that has become Draxler made his Bundesliga debut at 17 for highest level that he was capable of making the shows Wolfsburg’s midfielder Julian Draxler controlling the ball during the second-leg round of a reference in Europe and has recruited many Schalke 04 and went on to become the youngest difference”. — AFP 16 UEFA Champions league football match between VfL Wolfsburg and KAA Gent. — AFP Big Oil in strong position as Trump tackles tax reform Page 23

GCC fixed income market to witness robust growth Business Page 25 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 ALARGAN wins Kuwait inflation remains at 3.4% two real estate awards in Oman Page 26 Page 22

NEW YORK: Trader Joseph Lawler works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange yesterday. The stock market opened the year on a strong note, led by big gains in banks and energy companies. — AP ( See Page 24) Markets ring in 2017 with sharp gains US, British manufacturing activities hit new high

LONDON: World stock markets mostly rose yesterday with the strongest pace of 2016, as new orders and production consumer spending strong and companies continuing to London reaching a new high early into its first session of 2017 jumped in a positive sign for economic growth. perform well. The manufacturing PMI showed domestic and and Wall Street resuming its push towards the 20,000 level. The Institute for Supply Management said yesterday that export order books grew, but so did cost pressures facing US stock indexes were jumping at the start of the first trading its manufacturing index came in at 54.7 last month, up from factories - something that will increasingly feed into con- day of 2017. Energy companies were climbing with the price 53.2 in November and the highest reading of 2016. Any read- sumer prices next year. of oil, while banks were advancing thanks to a bump in inter- ing over 50 signals growth. Survey compiler IHS Markit said the survey was consistent est rates. Those two sectors were the best-performing parts of US factories are steadily rebounding from a rough patch with manufacturing output rising at a quarterly pace of the market in 2016. hit in late 2015 and early 2016. A prior decline in energy around 1.5 percent. "The boost to competitiveness from the Oil prices also powered ahead, while the dollar strength- prices caused cutbacks in orders for equipment and weak exchange rate has undoubtedly been a key driver of the ened against its major peers. "The New Year has started with a pipelines, while a stronger dollar and slower economic recent turnaround, while the domestic market has remained a bang, at least in the case of the dollar, stocks and crude oil," growth abroad hurt exports. The ISM manufacturing index strong contributor to new business wins," said Rob Dobson, said Fawad Razaqzada, an analyst at Forex.com. has topped 50 for nine of the last 10 months. New orders senior economist at IHS Markit. London's FTSE 100 reached a historic peak at 7,205.21 registered a reading of 60.2 and production improved to 60.3, Dobson added that higher costs were the flip side of the points in morning trade, extending a record run seen in the evidence of greater demand for factory goods. The employ- pound's fall since June's Brexit vote, which has left it down final week of 2016, before easing back from its highs. "2017 ment reading was a weaker but still expanding 53.1. Of the around 10 percent on a trade-weighted basis. "Of the compa- has kicked off in fine style for the FTSE 100, which broke to a LONDON: A trader points to a trading screen displaying 18 industries tracked by the report, 11 reported growth in nies citing a cause of higher costs, 75 percent linked the new record high at the open," said Joshua Mahony, market record high for the FTSE 100, at ETX Capital in central December, including machinery, primary metals and petrole- increase to the exchange rate," Dobson said. analyst at IG trading group. London yesterday. — AFP um and coal products. A separate survey of financial officers last week showed The FTSE remained in positive territory in mid-afternoon business morale has recovered completely its plunge after the after a survey showed UK manufacturing hitting a 30-month One of the main reasons why the FTSE 100 has hit a series UK manufacturing Brexit vote. However, companies are reluctant to spend more high in December. The Markit/CIPS manufacturing purchasing of highs over the past few months relates to the near 20 per- British manufacturing growth climbed to a two-and-a- because of uncertainty about the economic outlook. IHS managers' index (PMI) climbed to 56.1 in December after eas- cent fall in the value of the pound across an array of currencies half-year high last month, fuelled by new orders from both Markit said investment and intermediate goods manufactur- ing to 53.6 in November. since June's "Brexit" decision. On the eve of the vote, the home and abroad and adding to signs the economy ended ers performed particularly well in December, which could It "provides further evidence that the sector's post-referen- pound was trading as high as $1.50. Now it's around $1.23. A 2016 strongly, a survey showed yesterday. The Markit/CIPS augur well for investment more broadly. dum weakness will prove short-lived", said Capital Economics weaker pound can help exporters win business abroad and UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to Manufacturers hired staff at the fastest rate since October analyst Ruth Gregory. Since Britain's vote in favour of Brexit, paradoxically boosts the earnings of many companies listed 56.1, the strongest reading since June 2014, from 53.6 in 2015. Britain's economy looks on track to expand by more London's FTSE 100 blue-chip index has soared thanks in large on the FTSE 100 that make the bulk of their revenue in other November. That exceeded all forecasts in a Reuters poll, than 2 percent this year - faster than almost all other big part to a weaker pound, even as the economy appears to have currencies. They include oil giants BP and Shell, mining firms which pointed to a decline to 53.1. Britain's economy has advanced economies except perhaps the United States. shrugged off the impact of the country's impending divorce Anglo American and BHP Billiton, and Europe's largest bank, fared much better than many economists predicted in the Economists polled by Reuters expect Britain's growth rate to from the European Union. HSBC. U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in December at aftermath of June's vote to leave the European Union, with more than halve in 2017 to 1.1 percent. — Agencies Dubai, Qatar top two performers Trump attacks GM over Chevy Cruze production MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DETROIT/WASHINGTON: US President-elect Donald 2014. GM said earlier this year it would import some DUBAI: Stock markets in the Middle East spilled into neighboring Abu Dhabi, where BANK SECTOR Trump yesterday blasted General Motors Co and threat- Cruze cars from Mexico. According to Automotive gained yesterday, with those most exposed the index rose 1.2 percent in modest trad- In 2016 regional banks had a tough ened to impose a "big border tax" for making some News, GM began producing the Cruze in Mexico last to international funds outperforming as ing volume. Union National Bank rose 4.7 year as net income was hit by difficulty Chevrolet Cruze cars in Mexico, which the US carmaker year, making 52,631 cars there. In comparison, it built global equities and crude oil prices firmed percent and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank obtaining deposits in an environment of defended as part of a strategy to serve global cus- 319,536 of them in the United States. Previous versions on their first full-scale trading day of 2017. climbed 4.4 percent. low oil prices, rising bad loan provisions tomers, not sell them in the United States. "General of the Cruze sold in Mexico were made in a GM South Cairo's main index closed 1.1 percent high- "We expect to see a lot of speculative and a struggling construction sector. But Motors is sending Mexican made model of Chevy Cruze Korea plant, it reported. er with gainers outnumbering losers 25 to trade around banks that may announce the last quarter of 2016 could show to US car dealers-tax free across border. Make in USA or The shift is part of a larger trend among Detroit's Big two. Foreign traders were net buyers, merger plans in 2017," said a Dubai-based small improvements in some banks' pay big border tax!" Trump said in a post on Twitter. Three automakers to produce more small cars for the exchange data showed, a trend which has analyst. Last November UNB and ADCB earnings, especially Saudi ones. GM said it makes its Cruze sedan in the United States North American market in Mexico in an effort to lower been consistent since the float of the denied media reports that they were con- "In the fourth quarter of 2016 declin- and that all of those sold in the United States are made labor costs, while using higher-paid US workers to build Egyptian pound two months ago. sidering a merger, but analysts continue to ing interbank rates will stabilise funding in a plant in Lordstown, Ohio. "GM builds the Chevrolet more profitable trucks, sport utility vehicles and luxury Telecommunications firms performed believe a tie-up is possible. Earlier in 2016, costs and support Saudi bank net inter- Cruze hatchback for global markets in Mexico, with a cars. In November, GM said it planned in early 2017 to well with Global Telecom jumping 5.8 per- First Gulf Bank and National Bank of Abu est margins (NIM), in contrast to United small number sold in the US." it said in a statement lay off 2,000 employees at two US auto plants, including cent and Telecom Egypt adding 3.8 per- Dhabi said they would merge in the first Arab Emirates banks which are likely to posed on its website without giving numbers. the one in Lordstown. US small car sales have been hurt cent. Qatar's main index climbed 1.6 per- quarter of this year. witness NIM pressure on rising competi- Shares of GM rose 1 percent to $35.19 after falling by lagging consumer demand and low gas prices. GM's cent with Commercial Bank, the top per- In Saudi Arabia, the index traded lower tion. We expect to see provisioning about 1 percent following Trump's tweet before the US Cruze sales are down 18 percent through November. former, adding 3.5 percent. Some investors for most of the session but closed 0.1 per- charges continue to rise for Qatari banks, market opened. Last month. Trump announced the Representatives for the United Auto Workers union tend to rotate into Qatari stocks in the ear- cent higher with buying momentum build- from their construction sector exposure," formation of a council to advise him on job creation, a could not be reached immediately for a response to ly part of the year to capture high annual ing in the final hour of trade as Brent oil said SICO Bahrain. group comprised of leaders from a variety of major US Trump's tweet. dividend yields. climbed to an 18-month high of $58.37 a Saudi heavyweight Al-Rajhi Bank, corporations including GM Chief Executive Officer Trump's comments are the latest in a string of Dubai's index finished 1.8 percent high- barrel. Petrochemical shares were mixed which closed flat yesterday, is expected Mary Barra. GM said in 2015 it would build its next- Tweets targeted at companies over jobs, imports and er with most trade focused on small and with Saudi Basic Industries adding 0.8 per- to witness year-on-year earnings generation Chevrolet Cruze compact in Mexico as costs before he takes office on Jan. 20, including United mid-sized shares. Builder Drake & Scull, the cent but Yanbu National Petrochemicals growth of 3.8 percent for the fourth automakers look to expand in the Latin American Technologies Corp's Carrier unit and US defense compa- most heavily traded stock, jumped 4.6 per- falling 0.9 percent. The insurance sector, a quarter, said analysts at Aljazira Capital; nation to take advantage of low labor costs and free nies. The Republican, who will succeed Democratic cent. Emaar Properties, a favorite of foreign favourite of local short-term speculators, QNB Financial estimated a rise of 14.8 trade agreements. President Barack Obama, campaigned with tough rhet- funds, rose 2.9 percent. The positive mood gained 1.5 percent. percent. — Reuters GM said in 2015 it would invest $350 million to pro- oric on trade and promises to protect American workers duce the Cruze at its plant in Coahuila as part of the $5 and called out several companies by name, including billion investment in its Mexican plants announced in GM rival Ford Motor Co. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 BUSINESS

Kuwait inflation remains at 3.4%; components steady Oil hits 18-month highs as NBK ECONOMIC REPORT markets eye output cuts KUWAIT: Inflation in consumer prices eased pushed transport service costs (taxi fares in par- cent, its weakest pace in over three years. We LONDON: Oil prices hit 18-month highs hopes that the global oil oversupply will for the second consecutive month in ticular) higher. We may see some upward pres- expect the momentum in housing inflation to yesterday, the first trading day of 2017, diminish,” said Hans van Cleef, senior continue to ease in the near-to-medium term. November. Headline inflation came in at 3.4 sures in this segment in the short to medium- buoyed by hopes that a deal between energy economist at ABN AMRO Bank percent year-on-year (y/y), versus the 3.6 per- term as transport services readjust their prices Inflation in the retail sector continued to be OPEC and other big oil exporters to cut N.V. in Amsterdam. Ric Spooner, chief cent reading in October, as inflation in most to factor in the fuel price increases. Inflation weighed down by softer consumer demand and production, which kicked in on Sunday, market analyst at CMC Markets, agreed: components slowed or remained broadly excluding fuel prices remained broadly stable at a stronger dinar. This was reflected in the fur- will drain a global supply glut. “Markets will be looking for anecdotal steady. Core inflation, which excludes food around 3 percent. Also note that car prices fell nishings & household maintenance, clothing & Benchmark Brent crude jumped more evidence for production cuts,” he said. prices, also subsided but remained at a multi- on the month and were down 1.8 percent y/y. footwear and other goods & services segments. than 2 percent to a high of $58.37, up “The most likely scenario is OPEC and year high of 4.2 percent y/y. Inflation in the furnishings & household seg- $1.55 a barrel and its highest since July non-OPEC member countries will be Inflation in 2016 is expected to average Food prices ease ment was unchanged at 2.1 percent y/y in 2015. By 1230 GMT, Brent had eased to committed to the deal, especially in early around 3.4 percent. Price growth was mostly Inflation in local food prices maintained its November, while clothing & footwear price infla- $58.07, up $1.25. stages.” Investors will be watching OPEC unchanged from the 2015 pace as the effects of weakness in November. At 0.2 percent y/y, tion fell at a faster pace of 1.1 percent y/y. US light crude oil hit an 18-month very closely to see whether the group’s higher fuel prices were largely offset by down- inflation in this segment has been weak as Inflation in the ‘other goods & services’ category, high of $55.24, up $1.52 a barrel, also its members keep their promises to reduce ward price pressures from housing, food and global food prices receded further into defla- which is mostly comprised of imported goods, highest since July 2015, before slipping production: other imported goods. In 2017, inflation is pro- tionary territory. According to the Commodity such as personal care products and jewelry, to around $54.95. Oil futures exchanges “If 2016 was the year of words, 2017 jected to climb to 4 percent as the government Research Bureau, international prices of com- receded for the second straight month in were closed on Monday for New Year must be the year of actions,” said Tamas introduces higher electricity and water tariffs modity foods fell by 9.7 percent y/y during the November, to 0.9 percent y/y. public holidays. Jan. 1 marked the official Varga, senior oil analyst at London bro- from May 2017. same period. Both inflation in services and services ex- start of a deal agreed by the kerage PVM Oil Associates. Libya, one of Inflation in the transportation sector appears Inflation in housing services has eased housing ticked up slightly in November, on the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting two OPEC countries exempt from the to be holding steady for the time being. markedly amid a cooling real estate market. back of a marginal pick up in restaurants & Countries and other exporters such as output cuts, has increased its produc- Inflation in this segment jumped to around 10 After trending upwards for almost a year, hous- hotels inflation. Inflation in services came in at Russia to reduce output by almost 1.8 tion to 685,000 bpd, from around percent y/y in September and has remained ing inflation, which is comprised primarily of 4.9 percent y/y and after trending lower for the million barrels per day (bpd). 600,000 bpd in December, an official at steady around that mark in October and housing rents and is updated quarterly, stead- bulk of 2015 and 2016 inflation in services ex- “First signals suggest the OPEC and the National Oil Corporation said on November. The jump stemmed from the 50-60 ied, at a still high, 7.4 percent y/y in September. housing rose from 0.9 percent y/y in October to non-OPEC production cuts are raising Sunday. — Reuters percent hike in fuel prices that month, which However, the 3Q16 increase was a mere 0.1 per- 1.1 percent y/y in November. Oman seeks banks’ proposals for dual-tenor bond issue DUBAI: The government of Oman has request for proposals to a number of approached banks for an international banks to act as issue managers. bond issue with tranches of five and “We expect to receive the proposals 10 years as the country plugs a budget shortly and will finalize our selection deficit caused by lower oil prices, process by end-January to start working banking sources familiar with the situ- on potential issuance later during the ation said yesterday. The sultanate has year.” He added: “Our external funding asked international lenders to submit plan includes issuance of both conven- proposals for a US dollar debt transac- tional bonds and sukuk, as well as a tion likely to be around $1 billion or term loan from the bank market.” more. Banks are expected to submit The new bond deal will most likely their proposals by the end of this involve banks that arranged debt issues week, said the sources. for Oman last year, the banking sources One source said the government was said. That suggests banks such as Citi, keeping an open mind on whether the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Natixis issue would be in the form of conven- are likely candidates as lead banks. tional bonds or sukuk. Oman’s under- Oman’s budget deficit is forecast to be 3 secretary of finance Nasser Al-Jashmi billion rials ($7.8 billion) in 2017, accord- told Reuters: “As part of executing our ing to the sultanate’s budget plan, pub- funding plan, we have recently issued a lished this week. — Reuters DFM planning to allow short-selling DUBAI: Dubai Financial Market (DFM) , of its planned short-selling system, it the Gulf’s only listed stock exchange, said said. Covered short-selling involves yesterday that it planned to introduce investors borrowing shares and selling covered short-selling, a move that could them in the hope of repurchasing them increase trading liquidity. “DFM is plan- later at a lower price. ning implementation of regulated short- Regulators in the Gulf have until now selling on a selected list of eligible securi- shied away from the practice because of ties in accordance with international rec- concern that it could destabilize markets, ommendations under local market condi- but some countries including Saudi tions in the coming months, subject to Arabia and Qatar have said they plan to regulatory approvals of its rules,” it said in introduce it. Abu Dhabi Securities a statement to Reuters. Exchange Chief Executive Abdullah Al- The exchange has completed consul- Blooshi said last week that the bourse tations on the operating model and is would introduce covered short-selling in now working on technical enhancements the first quarter of 2017. — Reuters BEIJING: An investor uses his laptop at a securities company in Beijing Yesterday.—AFP EXCHANGE RATES

Chinese Yuan Renminbi 31.240 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Swiss Franc 302.020 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Australian Dollar 222.200 Thai Bhat 9.535 Japanese Yen 0.002529 0.002709 US Dollar Buying 305.650 Turkish Lira 87.725 ASIAN COUNTRIES Kenyan Shilling 0.002985 0.002985 Japanese Yen 2.615 GOLD Korean Won 0.000245 0.000260 Indian Rupees 4.510 20 Gram 238.24 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Malaysian Ringgit 0.064490 0.070490 Pakistani Rupees 2.934 10 Gram 122.04 Nepalese Rupee 0.002940 0.003110 Srilankan Rupees 2.053 5 Gram 57.97 CURRENCY BUY SELL Nepali Rupees 2.823 Pakistan Rupee 0.002617 0.002907 Singapore Dollar 212.790 Europe Philippine Peso 0.006068 0.006368 Hongkong Dollar 39.563 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd British Pound 0.370534 0.380534 Sierra Leone 0.000053 0.000059 Bangladesh Taka 3.893 Czech Korune 0.003880 0.015880 Singapore Dollar 0.206634 0.216634 Philippine Peso 6.173 Danish Krone 0.039176 0.044176 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate South African Rand 0.016339 0.024839 Thai Baht 8.601 Euro 0. 316060 0.325060 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001648 0.002228 Malaysian Ringgit 223.230 US Dollar 306.550 Norwegian Krone 0.031461 0.036661 Taiwan 0.009390 0.009570 Canadian Dolla 230.500 Romanian Leu 0.070788 0.070786 GCC COUNTRIES Thai Baht 0.008233 0.008783 Sterling Pound 384.385 Slovakia 0.009213 0.019213 Saudi Riyal 81.881 Euro 322.080 Qatari Riyal 84.334 Swedish Krona 0.029599 0.034599 Swiss Frank 300.105 Arab ani Riyal 797.427 Swiss Franc 0.293706 0.304706 Bahraini Dinar 0.807354 0.815854 Bahrain Dinar 812.640 Turkish Lira 0.083197 0.093497 Bahraini Dinar 815.330 Egyptian Pound 0.013255 0.022508 UAE Dirham 83.599 UAE Dirhams 83.855 Iranian Riyal 0.000085 0.000086 Qatari Riyals 85.080 Australasia Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 ARAB COUNTRIES Saudi Riyals 82.675 Australian Dollar 0.213530 0.225530 Jordanian Dinar 0.427743 0.436743 Egyptian Pound - Cash 21.250 Jordanian Dinar 433.540 New Zealand Dollar 0.207387 0.216887 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.073 Egyptian Pound 16.830 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.232 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.060 America Lebanese Pound 0.000153 0.000253 Tunisian Dinar 133.590 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020226 0.044228 Jordanian Dinar 432.400 Indian Rupees 4.530 Canadian Dollar 0.223283 0.232283 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.046 Pakistani Rupees 2.924 Georgina Lari 0.138592 0.138592 Nigerian Naira 0.000372 0.001007 Syrian Lira 2.188 Bangladesh Taka 3.887 US Dollars 0.302750 0.307150 Omani Riyal 0.790592 0.796272 Morocco Dirham 30.839 Philippines Pesso 6.143 US Dollars Mint 0.303250 0.307150 Qatar Riyal 0.083473 0.084923 Cyprus pound 168.345 Saudi Riyal 0.080740 0.082040 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 3.600 Asia Syrian Pound 0.001302 0.001522 US Dollar Transfer 306.850 Tunisian Dinar 0.129276 0.137278 Euro 323.270 Syrian Pound 2.435 Bangladesh Taka 0.003572 0.004156 Sterling Pound 379.270 Nepalese Rupees 3.825 Chinese Yuan 0.042582 0.046082 Turkish Lira 0.083197 0.093497 Canadian dollar 229.680 Malaysian Ringgit 69.340 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037471 0.040221 UAE Dirhams 0.082120 0.083820 Turkish lira 87.300 Indian Rupee 0.002784 0.005518 Yemeni Riyal 0.000998 0.001078 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 BUSINESS Few selling yuan for dollars as China resets quota

BEIJING/SHANGHAI: China’s authorities Chinese individuals who want to buy for- pelled in part by the yuan’s fall to eight- have sounded the alarm in recent weeks eign currencies to specify the purpose of year lows. Aside from the rising forex over the risk of capital outflows from the the purchase and provide additional infor- deposits, there has been little indication of economy, but there was little evidence at mation, and said it would monitor transac- growing unease among ordinary Chinese - Beijing and Shanghai banks yesterday that tions more closely and frequently as well although the authorities were taking no Chinese individuals were rushing to lock in as punish rule-breakers. At major bank chances, repeating a mantra that the econ- 2017 quotas to buy foreign exchange. branches in two of China’s biggest cities, omy is improving and there is no basis for Only a trickle of people at banks were there were no queues on Tuesday, and the depreciation of the yuan in the long term. seen selling yuan for dollars on the first few individuals who changed money Yang Zhao, chief China economist at business day of the new year, when buyers reported doing so with relative ease. Nomura in Hong Kong, said there wasn’t in theory could have made use of their any widespread panic about the falling quotas. Under China’s capital controls, indi- SMOOTH AND QUICK yuan, so he had not expected a surge in viduals are permitted to buy up to $50,000 “The whole process of changing money demand. in foreign exchange a year, and data shows was pretty smooth and quick,” said an In recent months, analysts have noted January is typically a standout month for office worker surnamed Xu, who withdrew that the yuan was not alone in falling onshore foreign currency deposits. $500 from an ICBC branch in Beijing yester- against the dollar, with most other emerg- The yuan shed nearly 7 percent against day for a coming vacation in the United ing market currencies also suffering, which the dollar last year, its poorest showing States. Several other customers at banks in has helped keep sentiment around the since 1994, as policymakers struggled to the two cities reported similar ease when yuan from souring too much. Zhao said contain capital outflows and preserve for- changing amounts of money well below restrictions on use of foreign exchange eign exchange reserves in the face of a the quota. However, it is unclear how limited anyone’s options and so acted as a slowing economy and resurgent dollar. much foreign currency exchange was disincentive anyhow. “You can’t buy real Authorities have tightened monitoring being conducted online yesterday. Central estate. You can’t purchase anything. of foreign exchange transactions out of bank data shows onshore foreign Chinese workers loading steel pipes at a port in Lianyungang, east China’s Jiangsu Basically you can only park that FX in your concern over capital outflows. China’s cur- exchange deposits rose by almost 32 per- province. China’s manufacturing activity expanded at its quickest pace in nearly four deposit account onshore with interest rency regulator this week began requiring cent in the first 11 months of 2016, pro- years in December, an independent research firm said yesterday. — AFP rates that are very low,” he said. — Reuters Big Oil in strong position as Trump tackles tax reform

Change could fuel gasoline prices, undermine economic growth

WASHINGTON: Big Oil could be in a unique posi- ing on whether they are net importers. oil prices by lowering the dollar value of crude, tion to protect its interests against a Republican But the industry’s allies would likely move to they predict. “This argument by the oil industry is, proposal to tax imports, given that President-elect soften any rough edges, analysts say. “I don’t see frankly, all wrong,” said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former Donald Trump’s cabinet is studded with oil champi- this mix of leadership figures in the House, Senate director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget ons sensitive to the risk of higher gasoline prices. and the White House, doing something that has Office, who now heads the American Action Forum Trump’s emerging leadership includes Exxon the effect of raising gasoline prices,” said Peter think tank. “Refiners are going to be basically held Mobil Corp Chief Executive Officer Rex Tillerson as Cohn, an energy analyst with Height Securities, a harmless. They’ll have a lower dollar price of oil. secretary of state, former Texas Governor Rick Perry Washington-based investment firm. Net cost is the same. And they go about their busi- as energy secretary and Oklahoma Attorney The danger is that a move to protect the oil ness. I’m unsympathetic,” he added. General Scott Pruitt as Environmental Protection refiners could open the door to assistance for other Height Securities’ Cohn said Trump and his MANILA: Officials blow horns and ring the opening bell during a ceremony to start Agency administrator. Trump himself has made no industries, including retailers and automakers, advisers could look for ways to soften any blow to the first day of trading of the new year at the Philippine Stock Exchange in Manila secret of his support for the energy sector. And in which would also face higher costs if no longer able refiners and their customers: “Trump doesn’t want yesterday. — AFP Congress, both Republicans and Democrats have to deduct the cost of imports from their taxable to have refineries closing on his watch.” Oil already close industry ties, including House tax panel chair- income. Such a knock-on effect could prevent bor- benefits from several tax code provisions in place man Kevin Brady, a Texas Republican whose district der adjustability from raising an expected $1 trillion for decades that would be eliminated under the Palestinians face takes in the northern Houston suburbs. in revenues to help pay for lower tax rates over the House Republican plan. But they stand to gain House Republicans want to adopt a sweeping next decade. more than they will lose. For instance, an existing tax reform that would sharply reduce tax rates for “We hope that raising these concerns early in tax deduction for domestic production lets oil pro- deep budget cuts corporations and end the taxation of US corporate the process will allow members of Congress to con- ducers shave down their corporate tax rate to 32 overseas profits. But a provision known as border sider the issues carefully,” Chet Thompson, presi- percent from the top headline rate of 35 percent. RAMALLAH, West Bank: Foreign financial to implement political changes. The European adjustability is stirring up controversy. Though dent of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Under the congressional Republicans’ plan, the cor- support to the Palestinian budget is running Union and the United States have also intended to boost US manufacturing by exempting Manufacturers trade group, said in a statement. porate rate would be cut to 20 percent; under at about half the forecast level, the reduced direct budget support, preferring export revenues from tax, the provision worries Brady said earlier this month that his committee Trump’s plan, to 15 percent. Similarly, companies Palestinian prime minister told local media instead to fund development programs that some industries because it would also tax imports. was sensitive to the impact on specific businesses that now write off intangible drilling costs or get a yesterday, meaning deep cuts will have to be target specific areas. Because US oil refiners import about half the and “listening very closely to how we can make tax allowance for asset depletion would be able to made to the budget this year. At its cabinet The cabinet statement said the total short- crude oil they use to make gasoline, diesel and oth- sure we smooth that out.” immediately expense capital investments. Then meeting, the government said it expected to fall in foreign funding was forecast to be $765 er products, analysts say the change could lead to Moreover, some economists dismiss industry there is a tax credit oil companies claim for fees run a budget deficit of 4.12 billion shekels in million in 2017, which will put pressure on higher gasoline prices and potentially undermine worries about higher import costs, saying the dol- from foreign countries. Congressional Republicans 2017 ($1.06 billion), approaching 15 percent government departments to cut costs. “Such a economic growth. Integrated oil companies such lar’s value would rise in response to such sweeping would eliminate foreign taxes altogether, while of gross domestic product. decline compels us to adopt an austerity poli- as Exxon, Chevron Corp , BP Plc, Royal Dutch Shell tax changes and ultimately reduce the cost of Trump would maintain taxation at a substantially “We had expected to get $1.2 billion in cy in all fields,” the statement said. More than Plc and ConocoPhillips could also be hit, depend- imports. Currency markets would adjust to higher lower rate. — Reuters (external) support and offers but we have half of all spending — 55 percent-goes on only received $640 million so far,” Prime salaries and wages for the Palestinian Minister Rami Al-Hamdallah told Al-Quds Authority’s 156,000 state employees, from newspaper. Saudi Arabia has in the past been teachers and doctors to police and public LSE agrees to sell clearing a reliable supporter of the Palestinians, as security staff, according to the finance min- have the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, istry’s 2016 budget. While the economy in the but it has cut back its contributions sharply in Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza grew by business to Euronext recent months. about 1.5 percent in 2015, the last full figures Normally Saudi pays about $20 million a available, unemployment continued to rise, month into the budget, but it stopped making standing at 27.4 percent overall - 18.7 percent LONDON: London Stock Exchange Group has agreed to sell at 1006 GMT at 40 euros yesterday, while LSE its review deadline for the second time. It regular contributions last April, in part to in the West Bank and 42.7 percent in Gaza, the its French clearing business to Euronext for 510 million euros Group and Deutsche Boerse shares were vir- stated its objections to the merger in apply pressure on President Mahmoud Abbas ministry said. — Reuters ($534 million), as it seeks to win regulatory approval for its tually flat at 2,901 pence and 79.41 euros December, but outlined fewer concerns than proposed merger with Deutsche Boerse. respectively. The Commission is due to decide in its first letter sent to both exchange opera- The European Commission has expressed antitrust concerns on the merger on March 13, after extending tors in September. — Reuters Singapore dodges about the $28 billion merger and the impact on the clearing of derivatives contracts in particular. The Commission, in a docu- ment on the issue, has not made clear if the sale of the French technical recession clearing business, LCH Clearnet SA, would be enough to dispel its concerns, two sources told Reuters. One person directly SINGAPORE: Singapore’s trade-driven ing protectionism in the West, where glob- involved in the merger process said he did not believe the sale economy grew 1.8 percent last year, the alization and free-trade deals have been alone would address the Commission’s concerns. slowest pace since the global financial crisis blamed for sending jobs abroad and open- “I have doubts that this is enough,” he said. He suggested in 2009, after dodging a technical recession ing the floodgates to immigrants. that LSE might also opt to sell Borsa Italiana, operator of the in the fourth quarter, official data showed Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as Milan stock exchange, to help address antitrust concerns, yesterday. US president on January 20, has vowed to although a second source familiar with the process said that a Analysts warned growth in 2017 could tear up the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), sale of Borsa Italiana was not being discussed at the moment. even be more subdued if rising protection- a major trade deal negotiated by outgoing An LSE spokeswoman said the company could not comment ism crimps global trade and further rises in President Barack Obama. beyond its statement on the sale yesterday. Deutsche Boerse US interest rates put more pressure on the Singapore is a key member of the 12- representatives declined to comment. LSE Group and LCH local economy. “Singapore has comfortably nation TPP which contains market-opening Group Limited said in a joint statement that they had agreed dodged a technical recession in Q4 2016, provisions that go well beyond cutting tar- on the terms of Euronext’s all-cash offer, after announcing last but we expect the local economy to remain iffs. Singapore’s trade ministry said yester- month that they were in exclusive talks with Euronext on a in ‘slow-mo’,” said Weiwen Ng, Southeast day that the city-state’s economy expanded sale. LSE and Deutsche Boerse plan to formally submit the Asia economist at banking group ANZ. 9.1 percent quarter-on-quarter in the three Clearnet SA sale as a remedy to the European Commission’s “The prospects of a more protectionist months to December, reversing a 1.9 per- concerns in the next few days sources told Reuters. A major trade policy poses headwinds to cent contraction the previous quarter. A hurdle to LSE’s merger with Deutsche Boerse is how antitrust Singapore’s economy who is still wedded to technical recession refers to two straight regulators define the derivatives market. Deutsche Boerse is the old export-led growth model,” Ng said quarters of quarter-on-quarter contrac- hoping that the European Commission will treat over-the- in a note. There have been concerns among tions. Last year’s growth is below the 2.0 counter (OTC) derivatives contracts and on-exchange traded Asia’s export-driven economies about ris- expansion in 2015. — AP derivatives as two separate markets, sticking to a market defi- nition the Commission confirmed back in 2012. Deutsche Boerse’s Eurex is mainly active in exchange-trad- Gold slips as strong ed derivatives, while the LSE’s LCH. Clearnet is active in the OTC business. But Deutsche Boerse has acknowledged that the European Commission may change its mind, prompting dollar piles pressure the merger partners to make concessions such as selling LCH Clearnet SA to avoid the LSE-Deutsche Boerse combination LONDON: Gold fell yesterday as the dollar’s he added. “We have plenty of event risks is being regarded as a dominant player. buoyant start to the new year kept up the month, with Donald Trump (taking office) on “It seems the market definition is changing,” Deutsche pressure on prices after the metal posted its January 20 being the biggest,” he said. “With Boerse Chief Financial Officer Gregor Pottmeyer said about biggest quarterly loss in more than three exposure cut dramatically, we may see the the European Commission’s anti-trust deliberations in years. The themes of late 2016 appeared to selling pressure from long liquidation fade, November. For pan-European exchange operator Euronext, be persisting in the wider markets in the new as most of the those adjustments would buying Clearnet will give it control of a platform for which it year, with stock markets bouncing, while the have been carried out before year-end.” provides much of the revenue and will make it less reliant on a dollar posted its biggest rise in two weeks. Hedge funds and money managers slashed competitor’s clearing services. Spot gold was down 0.3 percent at their net long positions in COMEX gold to a $1,148.30 an ounce at 1030 GMT, while US near 11-month low and trimmed bullish bets Lucrative business gold futures for February delivery were in silver contracts in the week to Dec. 27. Clearing is becoming a much more lucrative business as down $2.80 an ounce at $1,148.90. Gold fell A strong start to 2016 meant gold still global reforms introduced after the 2007-09 financial crisis sharply in the wake of Donald Trump’s victo- managed to end last year with its first annual mean banks must clear the bulk of their derivatives trades to ry in the US presidential election in gain since 2012, of 8.5 percent. Indications make them safer and more transparent. “If the DB-LSE-merger November, sliding more than 12 percent in from the Federal Reserve that it would press is completed, then Euronext will be strengthened at the core the fourth quarter. Trump’s victory boosted ahead with further interest rate hikes this of the euro zone capital market with this transaction,” the dollar and sparked a sharp rally in bond year after only their second rise in a decade Euronext CEO Stephane Boujnah told CNBC, adding that yields, lifting the opportunity cost of holding last month are buoying the US currency, and Euronext is also considering other takeovers. “The reason why non-yielding gold and blunting investors’ therefore pressuring gold. we are confident we can capture those opportunities is appetite for the metal. “Further to the Fed’s interest rate hike in because we have significant firing power in our balance sheet, “The market has carried the theme of December, along with a bullish view of the in particular because of our extremely low level of debt.”, higher dollar, yield and stocks into 2017 — a US economy and the prospects for three Boujnah said. Euronext said it expected the deal to add to its formidable challenge to gold,” Saxo Bank’s more interest rate hikes in 2017, gold will earnings in double digits from the first full year, before costs head of research Ole Hansen said. There were remain weak,” Sun Global Investments said in pegged at 40 million euros. It forecast cost savings of 13 mil- however some potential positives for gold, a note yesterday. — Reuters lion euros before taxes. Euronext shares were up 2.6 percent WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 BUSINESS Dollar, stocks firm as 2017 trading starts in earnest LONDON: Upbeat data from China helped lift climbed too and among individual stock percent off December’s 14-year high. Benchmark uplift,” said DZ Bank strategist Birgit Figge. “I don’t think that we will see a repeat global markets as 2017 trading started in movers, Italian banks were back amongst the European government bond yields also tacked given that the global economy has a better earnest yesterday, with the dollar notching top risers, with newly-merged Banco BPM up 4.6 5-8 basis points higher as the first inflation read- China changes foothold compared to a year ago,” Pan its biggest gain in three weeks, oil on a tear percent on its second day of trading. ings out Germany and in France pointed to a In commodities, oil prices jumped over said. The positive Chinese news also lifted and European stocks setting a one-year high. Commodity-linked stocks jumped 1.3 percent higher euro zone figure which is due today. 2 percent in Europe as the China data fed the Australian dollar, which added 0.6 per- Base metal prices and bond yields also as oil and metals prices cheered the China data Long-term inflation expectations in the euro into a market that is being buoyed by cent to $0.7230, while gold sagged, with advanced, as the better-than-expected facto- that had showed output from the country’s zone, measured by the five-year, five-year for- hopes a deal including OPEC and non- the precious metal dropping 0.3 percent to ry growth in China dovetailed with higher giant manufacturing sector reaching a near six- ward rate, are near their highest levels in more OPEC producer countries will drain the $1,148 an ounce. Back in Europe, the pick- inflation data in Europe to give investors a year high. It bolstered the ‘reflation’ theme that than a year and close to the ECB’s near 2 percent recent global supply glut. Oil was the ups in Germany and French inflation came solid start to the new year. dominated the latter stages of 2016 and helped target, as the central bank prepares to pare back world’s best-performing major asset class on the heels of data on Monday showing Much of Europe had been open on Monday get currency and bond markets back in their the pace of its money-printing scheme. in 2016, with a gain of around 50 percent manufacturers ramped up activity at the but it was the first day back for its biggest stock pre-break rhythm after a mixed recent run. “Until just a few weeks ago, the general con- and global benchmark Brent was up 2.7 fastest pace in more than five years in market, Britain’s FTSE 100 , and it wasted no time The US dollar racked up its biggest rise in sensus was that upside inflation risks were very percent at $58.31 by 0945 GMT as US December. in hitting a new record high of 7,196 points with almost three weeks against a basket of the limited however... the inflation rate scheduled to crude topped $55 a barrel. “Markets will be The positive numbers failed to shake the a 0.7 gain. Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 world’s other major currencies to leave it just 1 be published today is likely to reveal a significant looking for anecdotal evidence for produc- euro out of its doldrums, however, with the tion cuts,” Ric Spooner, chief market analyst common currency slipping 0.3 percent to at CMC Markets said. $1.0426. Investors were also keeping an “The most likely scenario is OPEC and eye on the Chinese yuan after the central non-OPEC member countries will be com- bank nearly doubled the number of foreign mitted to the deal, especially in early currencies in a basket used to set the ren- stages.” Overnight in Asia, MSCI’s broadest minbi’s value. Starting on Jan. 1, the num- index of Asia-Pacific shares rose 0.6 percent ber of currencies in the CFETS basket as most regional markets reopened after increased to 24 from 13, with new entrants the New Year holiday although Japan’s including the Korean won, the South Nikkei was still closed. African rand and the Mexican peso. The Australian shares were the best per- country’s foreign exchange regulator also formers in the region, closing up 1.2 per- said it would step up scrutiny of individuals’ cent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.7 per- foreign currency purchases and strengthen cent while in China, both the CSI 300 index punishment for illegal outflows, although and the Shanghai Composite climbed 1 the $50,000 annual individual quota will percent. China was Asia’s worst performing remain unchanged. The renminbi posted its major stock market in 2016 with a 11.3 per- biggest annual loss since 1994 last year, cent loss in its worst year in five. “A year with the dollar up almost 7 percent versus ago, the Chinese markets kept everyone on the Chinese currency. In its first fix since the their toes,” said Jingyi Pan, market strategist changes, the Chinese central bank set the at IG in Singapore, said following the China official yuan midpoint at 6.9498 per dollar data referring to market turmoil that yesterday, compared with the previous engulfed global investors last January. close of 6.9467. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 BUSINESS GCC fixed income market set to witness robust growth in 2017

KAMCO MARKET REPORT

KUWAIT: The decline in oil prices over the past in growth was primarily due to the fall in two years pushed MENA oil exporters to pur- sukuk issuance by Malaysia ( $ 28.2 billion in sue policies that would have otherwise been 2016 as compared to $ 34.4 billion in 2015), in thought unachievable. There was an urgent addition to the GCC countries that recorded a need to raise capital to fund the expected decline of $ 2.2 billion in 2016. Nevertheless, budget deficits in the near term as the surplus- Malaysia continued to dominate the market es accumulated over the past decade or more accounting for 38 percent of total global could support future deficits for only a limited sukuk issuances in 2016 (47 percent during period of time. On the positive side, most of 2015) followed by Indonesia at 27 percent (25 the MENA oil exporters have adequate credit percent in 2015) and Cayman Islands at 12 quality enabling them to comfortably raise percent (10 percent in 2015). Moreover, debt in the international market. This is partic- despite the significant push by GCC countries ularly the case with the GCC countries with to promote sukuk, the overall region account- almost all of the economies continuing to ed for a miniscule portion of the global sukuk boast investment grade ratings despite several market accounting for 7 percent in 2016, lower downgrades by rating agencies over the past than a 10 percent share during 2015. 18 months. In terms of issuer breakdown, corporates As a result, the GCC fixed income market is dominated the sukuk market during 2016 with expected to continue to grow during 2017, an even higher share of the total pie during although the pace of growth is not expected the year. Total sukuk issuance by corporates to be as strong as the sudden jump seen dur- increased by $ 7.4 billion during 2016 to ing 2016. The key drivers to the increase in reach 50.4 billion or 65 percent of total fixed income issuances in the GCC during amount issued in 2016 as against 57 percent 2016, which more than doubled to $ 66.5 bil- in 2015. On the other hand, sovereign lion, was primarily the sovereign bond issuances declined by $ 5.8 billion or 17.8 per- issuances by Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. On cent during 2016 to reach $ 26.6 billion due the other hand, issuances during 2015 wit- to a shift in preference favoring conventional nessed a marginal decline from the previous bonds as against sukuks. One of the reasons year as the investment cycle was more on a brighter in 2017 owing to expectations of have likely released funds on softer terms. total offering increased by 36 percent to $ 11.7 for the shift in aforementioned preference was wait-and-watch mode in relation to the recov- higher economic growth rate across key mar- Though some central banks have kept the billion. Moreover, majority of the issuances by that the governments, especially in the GCC, ery in oil prices. kets of US and Europe, in addition to a revival lending rates unchanged in response to the banks in the region were primarily to meet the were in a hurry to raise additional funds to Moreover, in terms of instrument type, expected in the investment cycle that has was rate hike in the US in order to keep the liquidi- capital requirement for the Basel III. For 2017, meet funding requirements, and going for a bonds dominated the market during 2016 crippled for a few years now. ty in their economies comfortable, future rate we expect another wave of bond issuance by sukuk would have taken additional time due while sukuk issuance took a backseat, hikes would eventually reflect on in interbank regional banks that are still to meet the to its complexities as well as time to educate although globally sukuk issuance was slightly US & MENA rate hikes rates and eventually lead to higher borrowing requirements of the new standard. investors about its benefits. The total number higher than last year. Sukuk issuance for the The rate hikes announced by GCC countries costs in the region. Prospects for MENA bond issuances in 2017 of sukuk issuances declined for the third con- MENA region declined for the third consecu- as a response to the 25 bps rate hike in US Fed appears bright based on further funding secutive year after peaking in 2013 to reach tive year by 25 percent in 2016, slightly lower funds rate in December-16 could push up cost Fed Fund Rate vs Kuwait discount Rate requirement in the region by both sovereigns 377 in 2016 as compared to 391 issuances in than the 27 percent decline during 2015. On of bank debt in the GCC. The trend in the global sukuk index and the and corporates as well as rising interest rates 2015. Malaysia continued to remain the the other hand, bond issuance jumped from $ However, the response from GCC central MENA fixed income indices highlight the that would make bank lending costlier. biggest contributor in terms of number of 42 billion in 2015 to $ 75.8 billion during banks was more targeted at maintaining the divergent trends in these markets and clearly Moreover, as the economic growth is estimat- sukuk issuances recording 276 in 2016 as com- 2016, a surge of more than 80 percent. The currency peg with the greenback. Saudi reflects the weakness in sukuk issuances dur- ed to pick up, spending by corporates on M&A pared to 308 in 2015 as both government and decline in sukuk issuance in 2016 came prima- Arabia’s move to keep the repo rate ing 2016. As sovereigns preferred bonds over and capital projects is expected to also grow corporates issuances declined. On the other rily as banking liquidity came under under unchanged was likely to ensure that liquidity sukuk during 2016, the index growth aptly that would have a direct impact on fixed hand, the number of sukuks by Indonesia reflected the increase in demand for conven- tional bonds, both in the MENA region as well as internationally. MENA bond issuances in 2016 almost dou- bled from the previous year primarily on the back of new sovereign issues by GCC countries that were aimed at plugging the budget deficit. Saudi Arabia’s first international bond issuance valued at $ 17.5 billion in October- 16 was the biggest recorded emerging market bond, far outpacing the previous record of Qatar’s $ 9 billion sovereign bonds issued in May-16. Moreover, although the total bond issuance by Saudi Arabia during 2016 was almost equal to bonds issued by UAE, there was stark difference between the composition of the instruments. In the case of Saudi Arabia, the government was the sole borrower, how- ever, for the UAE, it was corporate borrowers. There were also speculations that Kuwait would raise funds through a debt issuance in late 2016. However, the significant size of Saudi Arabia’s bond made Kuwait and other regional economies take a pause to see the market reception of this jumbo offering. Moreover, pressure due to the decline in oil deposits and in the banking sector was still comfortable, after the successful issuance by the Kingdom income issuances. On the downside, banks increased to 37 in 2016 as compared to 30 this could have affected the demand for and to mitigate interbank lending rates from that even saw an increase in total size ( $ 15 continue to be well-funded with strong bal- issuances during 2015. In terms of sector split, sharia-compliant instruments from Islamic steeply rising, in our view. The Central Bank of billion targeted vs. $ 17.5 billion actually ance sheet, especially in the GCC region. More, financial services sector accounted for the banks and funds. As a result, sovereigns had to Kuwait also guided that the move to hike rates raised), Saudi Arabia has indicated further customer deposits remain significant and a highest number of issuances, recording 208 rely on international investors to raise funds. in response to the Fed’s rate hike was to bond issuances in the near term and the relatively cheap source of funds for banks. sukuks in 2016 (including 12 issuances by Moreover, the demand from international ensure the continued competitiveness and Kingdom has a target debt-to-GDP ratio of 30 Issuances to meet regulatory capital require- banks) as compared to 218 sukuks in 2015. investors were especially higher, as they seek attractiveness of the national currency as a percent by 2020 as compared to 13.2 percent ments is expected to be the key driver for The outlook for sukuk issuance in 2017 better yields and safer investments, as expect- store of domestic savings. Borrowing costs for for 2016, based on preliminary data. banks to tap the bond market. remains positive as GCC economies are ed from GCC sovereigns. Kuwait are likely to rise by about 11 percent, In terms of sector split, government still expected to return to issuing sukuks to fund On the international front, high yield bond according to our calculations. However, even accounts for the bulk of total bond offering in Sukuk issuance their deficits and tap the increasing demand issuance declined for the fourth consecutive as overnight interbank rates rose, the 3-month the MENA region accounting for 69 percent of Global sukuk issuance increased marginally Islamic investors in the region. Moreover, with year primarily due to the decline in M&A trans- interbank rates exhibited mixed trends as the total yearly issuances as against 64 percent by 2.2 percent in 2016 to reach $ 77.1 billion stabilizing oil prices and austerity measures in actions which is one of the key drivers for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar rates rose, for 2015. Banking sector contribution wit- as compared to $ 75.4 billion during 2015. place, GCC governments will have the time to bond issuance. Nevertheless, we believe that while the rate in the UAE declined from 1.4029 nessed a steep decline from 22 percent in 2015 This increase was much smaller than the 5.5 standardize policies for Islamic instruments the prospects for the fixed income market are percent to 1.3336 percent, as banks would to 15 percent in 2016,although the size of the percent growth seen in 2015. The deceleration and tap the unfulfilled global demand. Strong German inflation positive news for ECB German inflation hits highest level since July 2013

BERLIN: German inflation rose more than down the ECB’s bond-buying program more nomic recovery to slow,” McKeown said. The expected in December, hitting the highest level quickly. German government expects the economy to in more than three years, preliminary data The ECB has been pouring money into the have grown by 1.8 percent in 2016 and predicts showed yesterday, a welcome sign for the eurozone economy in an attempt to boost infla- growth to slow to 1.4 percent this year, mainly European Central Bank that price pressures in tion from a near-deflationary level, so yester- due to fewer workdays and weaker exports. Still, Europe’s biggest economy are pushing up. day’s strong data is likely to intensify calls from economists expect Germany’s labour market to Conversely, the surprisingly strong surge in con- fiscal conservatives on the bank to start revers- remain robust in 2017. The Federal Labour Office sumer prices may put a damper on Germans’ ing its policy. said on Tuesday that unemployment fell more appetite for shopping as higher inflation means The data means that the wider eurozone fig- than expected in December, keeping the jobless COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena (left) unveils a plaque marking consumers have less real income to spend. ure, due today, will probably come in stronger rate at a record low. the ground breaking ceremony of a motor car assembly plant as Prime Minister German consumer prices, harmonized to com- than expected as well. Economists polled by “The strong increase in employment that has Ranil Wickremesinghe (right) looks on in the north western region of Kuliyapitiya pare with other European countries (HICP), rose Reuters predict the euro zone HICP inflation fig- been going on for a long time slowed since the yesterday. — AFP by 1.7 percent on the year after an increase of ure will rise to 1.0 percent from 0.6 percent in summer months, but demand for new workers 0.7 percent in November, the Federal Statistics November. Capital Economics analyst Jennifer remains at a high level,” said Frank-Juergen Office said. The reading, close to the ECB’s infla- McKeown said she now expected a sharper Weise, head of the Federal Labour Office. The ANZ offloads Shanghai bank stake tion target of near 2 percent, was the highest increase to around 1.2 percent. seasonally adjusted jobless total fell by 17,000 to inflation rate since July 2013 and stronger than a Still, price pressures elsewhere in the euro- 2.638 million, the Labour Office said. That was SYDNEY: ANZ Bank yesterday agreed to Graham Hodges. “The sale will also allow us Reuters consensus forecast of 1.3 percent. zone remain more muted than in Germany, she more than three-fold the 5,000 forecast in a sell its stake in Shanghai Rural Commercial to focus our resources on our institutional On a non-harmonized basis, annual inflation added, pointing to French annual HICP inflation Reuters poll. Bank for Aus$1.84 billion ($1.32 billion) as it banking business in Asia.” also picked up to 1.7 percent but from 0.8 per- only creeping up to 0.8 percent in December The adjusted unemployment rate remained continues to offload Asian assets as part of All of Australia’s big banks are battling cent in November. A breakdown of the non-har- after 0.7 percent in November. “Accordingly... we at 6.0 percent, the lowest level since German a restructure. higher funding costs, lower interest mar- monized data showed rising energy prices and doubt that this will lead the ECB to reconsider its reunification in 1990. In 2016 as a whole, a The Australia and New Zealand Banking gins and rising bad-debt charges, with ANZ higher food costs were the strongest drivers policy support,” McKeown said. record 43.4 million people were employed in Group said Chinese shipping giant COSCO aiming to not only have a simpler business behind the overall increase. Germany - 1 percent more than in 2015 and the and Shanghai Sino-Poland Enterprise but become better capitalized. In announc- “These are really strong inflation figures,” DZ GERMAN ANGST tenth consecutive year that the workforce would each take 10 percent of its 20 per- ing the sale of its retail and wealth man- Bank economist Michael Holstein said, adding While rising prices may be good news for the expanded.“Job creation should continue this cent holding. The move is part of the bank agement arms in Singapore, Hong Kong, that negative base effects of past oil price drops ECB from a pan-euro zone perspective, they do year,” said Joerg Zeuner of KfW bank. “The simplifying its business, having announced China, Taiwan and Indonesia, ANZ said it were now fading out. not necessarily bode well for the German econo- expected rise in unemployment due to immi- the sale in October of its retail and wealth would allow it to better focus on corporate Therefore, German inflation is likely to reach my. It has been relying on private consumption, grants has so far not materialized.” management arms in five Asian countries and institutional clients in Asia. The sale of the ECB’s target of nearly 2 percent in the com- a booming construction sector and government More than one million migrants, mainly to Singapore’s DBS. “As we have previously its Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank stake ing months, he said. A strong recovery in spending for growth. refugees from the Middle East and Africa, stated, the sale reflects our strategy to sim- is subject to regulatory approvals, with German inflation would give conservatives like “Indeed, a temporary energy-related rise in arrived in Germany over the last two years. plify our business and improve capital effi- ANZ’s share price up 1.55 percent at Bundesbank President and ECB rate-setter Jens inflation this year will dent real incomes growth, The government is investing billions on inte- ciency,” said ANZ deputy chief executive Aus$30.88 at midday. — AFP Weidmann more scope to argue for winding which is a key reason why we expect the eco- grating them. — Reuters BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 ALARGAN wins two real estate awards in Oman

KUWAIT: Adding to its line of achieve- Estate received the “Affordable Luxury follow our motto ‘Life ... As You Love It’, ments in quality development in the Living of the Year” award by Signature through which we develop real estate region, ALARGAN International Real magazine’s “The Luxury 100” list for its solutions to enhance our customers’ Estate Company received two new Telal Al-Qurm community development. enjoyment of life. recognitions in Oman, awarded to both “The Luxury 100” is a prominent recogni- “As an internationally-recognized its associate ALARGAN TOWELL tion, marking Oman and the region’s developer with a focus on developing Investment Company and its subsidiary only list of iconic luxury products of the middle income level residential housing, Telal Al-Qurm Real Estate Company for year. Telal Al-Qurm is a residential and we have a responsibility to develop the development of Al-Waha and Telal commercial district consisting of buildings that support an economically Al-Qurm developments, respectively. 164,900 square meters of land located and socially viable urban environment. ALARGAN TOWELL Investment was on the edge of the highly-in-demand We are developing residential and com- awarded the “Affordable Housing Project Qurm area of Muscat. The company had munity projects to last, in an aim that of the Year” for 2016 by the Oman Real recently revealed the demo townhouse they remain an integral part of the larger Estate Association for the Al-Waha proj- as part of the fourth component of the urban development process in the coun- ect, a mixed-use development located development. tries where we operate.” west of Barka in Oman, and comprising Khaled Al-Meshaan, CEO and Vice ALARGAN has received several residential units, community facilities Chairman of the Board of Directors of awards over the past two years, most and services, as well as mosques, a ALARGAN International Real Estate prominently the “Best International school, parks, and green landscapes. The Company, said: “We are very proud of Retail Developer” award presented by project covers 683,859 square meters. the achievements that our teams contin- London’s “International Property Awards” The first phase of the project is complet- ue to make in Kuwait, Oman and for ALARGAN’s mixed-use development development of affordable and middle ments that present a unique lifestyle ed, seeing great sales in its residential Bahrain. Our developments are recog- in Bahrain, the ARGAN Village. income housing in the GCC. The compa- experience. The company also endeav- units. The second phase of the develop- nized for the quality living, affordability ALARGAN International Real Estate ny strives to integrate its motto, ‘Life... As ors to pass on its sustainability values to ment was launched recently. and sustainability features that add val- Company is a leading real estate compa- You Love It’, across its projects by creat- the community by including green and On the other hand, Telal Al-Qurm Real ue for the benefit of our society as we ny based in Kuwait and focused on the ing “live, work, play and savor” environ- energy efficient initiatives in its projects. Global equities rally as UK Europe remain buoyant NBK Capital Monthly Global Markets Commentary

KUWAIT: Global equities performed well in December with Europe and UK leading the group. European equities rallied this month, up 5.7 percent as measured by the Stoxx Europe 600, despite the referendum in Italy that wit- nessed PM Matteo Renzi resign. Further support- ing the rally was the positive sentiment sur- rounding the ECB’s extension of its QE program until the end of 2017. Commodities are mixed for the month with Gold down 2.2 percent and Cadillac Alghanim earns No 1 oil up 12.6 percent in anticipation of the upcom- ing production cuts in January by both OPEC position in satisfaction score and non-OPEC producers. As the Fed raised interest rates for the first KUWAIT: Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons our highly skilled team of professionals and time this year by 0.25 percent, this signals Automotive, the exclusive distributor of experienced technicians that provide high strength in the US economy, as they move close Cadillac vehicles in Kuwait, adds another standard and quality results with one main to their 2 percent inflation target and improving entry to its growing record of achievements thing in mind: satisfying customer needs unemployment. The consumer price index went by acquiring par excellent customer satisfac- and wants that make a Cadillac experience up to 1.7 percent YoY. retail sales are down to 5.9 percent YoY in nary Nikkei Manufacturing PMI for December is tion at their service center. The feat under- better, safer and more luxurious than ever. The December preliminary Markit November from 7.4 percent in October. up at 51.9 compared to 51.3 in the previous scores Cadillac Alghanim’s commitment to It is worth mentioning that Yusuf Ahmed Manufacturing PMI increased to 54.2, slightly up UK equities rallied in December posting gains month. Japan’s CPI continues its upward trend, offering the highest quality of service and Alghanim & Sons Automotive is committed from November’s 54.1 reading. Consumer confi- of 5.3 percent, as measured by the FTSE 100, up to 0.5 percent in November. The unemploy- customer engagement, beginning from to a professional work and ethic standard dence rose to 113.7 in December, the highest after last month’s drop of 2.5 percent. This may ment rate has also improved slightly to 3.1 per- offering thorough and detailed reports on under the slogan “I Care” that aims to lead a level seen since August 2011. Durable goods be attributed to the phenomenon known as the cent in November while Real GDP was down to required vehicle services to completing culture of care through four main pillars that order dropped to -4.6 percent in November “Santa Rally” in which share prices rise signifi- 0.3 percent QoQ in Q3. Japanese equities contin- maintenance services on time. The techni- are proactive communication, answering although supported by defense and core capital cantly during the last month of year. The FTSE ue their positive performance up 4.4 percent in cians at Cadillac Alghanim owe their record- every question a customer has, representing goods orders. US housing appears to have taken 100 has been performing surprising well since December, as measured by the Nikkei 225 Index. shattering accolade to the service center’s the Cadillac brand as a symbol of quality a fall as housing starts dropped further than the Brexit result. However, that could change Chinese imports and exports both recovered satisfied customers and promise to exceed and going beyond customer expectations expected to 1.09 million in November compared once Article 50 is triggered next year. from last month’s fall, reporting figures of 13.0 their expectations on every visit. by providing superior quality. The pillars The Eurozone Markit Manufacturing PMI contin- percent and 5.9 percent respectively. The CPI One of the ways that Cadillac Alghanim have been applied to all service center staff ues its upward trend, reporting a 54.9 reading for also showed signs of improvement at 2.3 per- expresses its appreciation to customers is members, from employees at the welcome the month of December up from 54.1 in November. cent in November up 0.2 percent from last by offering the best service facility that desk to service managers and technicians. The preliminary service PMI however has dropped month. The Caixin Manufacturing PMI improved exclusively caters to all their needs and The Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Service in December to 53.1 compared to 54.1 in to 51.9 in December compared to 50.9 in desires. Indeed, by elevating its customer Facility in Shuwaikh is considered the to 1.323 million in October. Existing home sales November. Consumer confidence in December November. Emerging markets ended the month relations and car sales and services to new biggest and most advanced automotive surprisingly improved by 0.7 percent to 5.61 mil- continues to improve, although still negative, at - almost flat at -0.1 percent, an improvement from levels, the Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Service service center in the world with 73,000 lion, along with new homes sales, which went 5.1. Despite recent events, Europe remains resilient last month while Chinese equities, as measured Facility aims to offer a completely satisfying square meter of built up area servicing 1,000 up to 0.592 million in November. as the upcoming year brings along new challenges by the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite experience from the moment customers vehicles every day. Throughout the facility, US equities reported gains of 1.8 percent with upcoming political elections. Index, generated a loss of 4.5 percent. step in until the day they drive off to a advanced technology is harnessed to pro- this month, as measured by the S&P 500, as Japan posted a trade surplus for the third On the other hand, the GCC equity market thrilling destination. Performed by profes- vide customers high-quality and efficient the market awaits the upcoming tax cuts consecutive month, although significantly lower ended the month positive, up 3.7 percent, driven sionally trained service technicians, cus- service including a team of highly trained and infrastructure spending by the Trump at JPY 152 billion compared to JPY 496 billion in mainly by the rise in oil prices and Saudi’s equity tomers can expect a professional, detailed technicians whose goal is to provide neces- administration. October. Imports and exports both fell by -8.8 market performance, which was up 3 percent for checkup that includes a thorough inspec- sary advice and support as well as reliable UK inflation went up to 1.2 percent in percent and -0.4 percent, respectively. Imports the month. In addition, a potential merger tion on all aspects related to car safety such and cost-effective operation of customers’ November. Unemployment remains at 4.8 per- are expected to remain low as the yen continues between three Qatari banks has driven the Qatar as wipers, brakes, engine and oil at no addi- vehicles. The facility also includes a state-of- cent in December, maintaining its lowest level to depreciate. The Bank of Japan has chosen to Exchange Index up 6.6 percent while Abu Dhabi tional cost. Once the checkup has been the-art paint and body shop that provides in 11 years. Consumer confidence improved to keep its short-term interest rate and 10-year and Dubai equities continued to post gains of 5.5 completed, customers will receive a com- factory finish gloss of superb quality. -7 in December from -8 last month; however government bond yield unchanged. The prelimi- percent and 5.1 percent, respectively. prehensive report detailing the condition Supported by body-and-paint specialists of the car as well as the required mainte- and modern equipment, the shop offers a nance and pricing that complements the variety of services that includes paint-less customer-friendly service contracts that dent removal, custom paint and customiza- offer a variety of flexible payment options tion, sunroof installations, upholstery repairs and plans as well as plenty of service bene- and replacement and many more. fits all year-long. Bassel Al-Hulail, the service center’s man- Premium Care Program ager, remarked about the company’s vision Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim & Sons that has driven the center to excellence in Automotive’s showcases the company’s performance, “We greet each and every cus- commitment to enhance customers’ tomer who enters our service center warmly unique Cadillac experience by offering cus- before we even get to talking about their car tomers peace of mind with a comprehen- and its needs. The cornerstone of our work is sive insurance program. In addition, all focusing on providing unparalleled service Cadillac owners will enjoy service and and the utmost to our customers so as to maintenance for four years or 100,000 km, provide them with what they need, want warranty for 4 years or 100,000 km, 24-hour and expect. After a customer’s car has been roadside assistance anywhere in the Middle serviced, we create a service program that is East for four years (unlimited miles) plus customized according to the customer’s courtesy transportation and a replacement needs. The service program is developed by vehicle upon availability.

Gulf Bank unveils ‘Catch the Cash’ Competition at Al-Danah draw

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank’s highly anticipated ed randomly. Registration for “Catch the Al-Danah millionaire draw is tomorrow! Cash” competition will be from 2pm to Not only one million Kuwaiti dinar awaits the start of the event at 7pm. you but also a flying cash box will offer This year’s draw event includes the UAE, Tatarstan seek to six lucky attendees, or more, the chance draws for the Salary, red, and Al-Danah to win cash instantly at the event! Mark millionaire. The event kicks off with kids’ your calendars this for this Thursday, 5 activities from 5pm until 7pm, prior to January 2017, and join Gulf Bank at The official start of the draw at 7pm. Kids and deepen economic ties Avenues Mall. families will get the chance to enjoy face Gulf Bank is happy to announce that, painting, henna, balloons, mascots and in addition to all the prizes and activities much more. The event will feature spe- ABU DHABI: Engineer Sultan bin Saeed Al- invitation to attend the Kazan International joint efforts to improve economic relations and that have been announced, the Bank is cial appearances from the popular Mansoori, Minister of Economy, recently met Economic Summit between states of the Russian cooperation and increase the size of trade vol- giving the audience a chance to win up Kuwaiti actor/comedian “Weld AlDeera, with Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov to Federation and member countries of the ume. For his part, President Minnikhanov said to KD 3,000 cash with the exciting “Catch Khaled Al-Agrooga,” the notable radio discuss ways to reinforce their bilateral econom- Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). that his country is keen on strengthening the the Cash” game. Step inside the flying host Khaled Al-Ansari, and the talented ic and trade relations and opportunities for Al-Mansoori underscored joint opportuni- foundations of economic and trade cooperation cash box and try to catch as many flying musician Mohammad Al-Sarraf! mutually beneficial investments. The meeting, ties in tourism, petrochemical, manufacturing, with the UAE and create broader partnerships notes as you can in 10 seconds. You can In addition to Al-Danah Yearly million- which was held at Burj Al-Arab Hotel in Dubai, infrastructure, real estate, and agriculture, say- between the public and private sectors to serve then exchange those notes for real cash, aire draw, cash prizes up to KD 1,000 was attended by Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al-Saleh, ing these sectors are the country’s top priori- common interests. on spot! each and a brand new Cadillac Escalade the Ministry of Economy’s Undersecretary for ties to ensure food security at the local and The President of Tatarstan invited the UAE The money box competition is open will be won on the spot at the event with Foreign Trade and Industry, and Russian regional levels. Minister to attend the Kazan International to all, but you must be present at the Gulf Bank’s salary and red accounts. New Ambassador to the UAE Alexander A Ivanov. The Minister reiterated the importance of Economic Summit. Al-Mansoori accepted the event in the Avenues in order to be red Account or Salary Account customers Both parties tackled various ways to enhance economic delegations to participate in econom- invitation, saying the event is an ideal opportu- selected to participate. Two participants who have opened an account and trans- their economic and trade cooperation, reinforce ic events organized by the two sides, noting that nity to discuss various aspects of cooperation will be selected every half hour starting ferred their student allowance or salary access to investment opportunities in various these forums have a direct impact on enhancing between the states of the Russian Federation from 7pm. Participation is free of charge; are also eligible to enter the draws. sectors, and promote common development communication channels between their respec- and OIC member countries. They also discussed participants need to just register at the Stay tuned for more updates and get interests in tourism, agriculture, real estate, tive business communities. Such a move will ways to expand their economic cooperation and registration desk close to the stage at ready to participate and to join Gulf Bank industry and petrochemical sectors. During the promote exceptional incentives and facilities, integration, including optimizing available Grand Avenue and names will be select- tomorrow at the Avenues! discussions, the UAE Minister also accepted the discuss investment opportunities, and enhance capacities and capabilities. technology WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 VIVA participates in ‘CES 2017’ in Las Vegas

KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing and most technology arena worldwide.” He added: “All the VIVA is the fastest-growing telecom operator in developed telecom operator, announced its partici- event’s activities will be covered through VIVA’s Kuwait. Launched in December 2008, VIVA makes pation in The International Consumer Electronics social media platforms, Snapchat and Instagram things possible for its customers by transforming Show “CES 2017”, held from 5-8 January in Las (@vivatelecom).” communication, information and entertainment Vegas, NV. For 50 years, CES has been the launch CES 2017 promises to live up to the Las Vegas experiences. The company has rapidly established pad for new innovation and technology that has expo’s reputation as the place to see what’s next in an unrivalled position in the market through its cus- changed the world. Held in Las Vegas every year, it tech, whether eye-popping TVs, futuristic cars, shiny tomer centric approach. VIVA’s quest is to be the is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on mobile devices, mind-boggling virtual reality , mobile brand of choice in Kuwait by being transpar- the business of consumer technologies and where robots and amazing cameras. ent, engaging, energetic and fulfilling. VIVA contin- next-generation innovations are introduced to the The International Consumer Electronics Show ues to take a considerable share of the market by marketplace. (International CES) showcases more than 3,800 big offering an innovative range of best value products, On this occasion, Abdulrazzaq Bader Al-Essa, international companies, including manufacturers, services and content propositions; a state of the art, Corporate Communications Director at VIVA com- developers and suppliers of consumer technology nationwide network and world-class service. VIVA mented: “VIVA the only Telecom Company from hardware, content, technology delivery systems and offers internet speeds of more than 100 Mbps, due Kuwait to attend this event, that marks CES’s 50th more; a conference program with more than 300 to the implementation of the most advanced fourth anniversary, proves its continuous commitment to conference sessions and more than 165K attendees generation (4G LTE) network in Kuwait resulting in the customers to share with them the latest in the from 150 countries. superior coverage, performance and reliability. Kaspersky Lab to release RannohDecryptor tool New tool can decrypt files infected by CryptXXX ransomware DUBAI: After releasing decryption tools for two there may be several hundred thousand infect- Ransom project. “Our data shows that, over the variants of CryptXXX ransomware in April and ed users. “Our regular advice to the victims of last year, attacks on businesses increased three- May 2016, Kaspersky Lab is releasing a new different ransomware families is the following: fold, which represents a change from an attack decryptor for files that have been locked with even if there is currently no decryption tool every 2 minutes to one every 40 seconds. For the latest version of the malware. This malicious available for the version of malware that individuals the rate of increase went from every program was capable of infecting thousands of encrypted your files, please don’t pay the ran- 20 seconds to every 10 seconds. PCs around the world since April 2016, and it som to criminals. Save the corrupt files and be This was matched by a surge in new types of was impossible to fully decrypt the files affected patient - the probability of a decryption tool ransomware. Too many people still believed they by it. But not anymore. The free emerging in the near future is high. We consider had no alternative but to pay up, even though RannohDecryptor tool by Kaspersky Lab can the case of CryptXXX v.3 as proof of this advice. many that paid the ransom never got their files decrypt most files with .crypt, .cryp1 and .crypz Multiple security specialists around the world back - including one in five businesses. And this extensions. are continuously working hard to be able to project provides an alternative - to unlock your PARIS: Richard Bonneville (left), director of Holight, a small and medium size busi- CryptXXX is one of the most actively distrib- help victims of ransomware. Sooner or later the files without paying the ransom,” said Jornt van ness specialized in the manufacturing of lighting ‘100% made in France’’, checks a uted and dangerous families of ransomware: for solution to the vast majority of ransomware will der Wiel, Security Researcher at the Global spotlight with a worker in Ogeu-les-Bains, on December 13, 2016. Holight won a ten- a long time criminals used the Angler and be found,” - said Anton Ivanov, security expert at Research and Analysis Team at Kaspersky Lab. der to equip the RATP, France’s Autonomous Operator of Parisian Transport with LED Neutrino exploit kits to infect victims with this Kaspersky Lab. Kaspersky Lab is one of the world’s energy-saving light bulbs. —AFP malware. These two kits were considered among The decryption tool can be downloaded from fastest-growing cybersecurity companies the most effective in terms of successfully infect- Kaspersky Lab’s website and from and the largest that is privately owned. The ing targets. Nomoreransom.org - the website of the not-for- company is ranked among the world’s top Huawei P9/P9 Plus cross Since April 2016, Kaspersky Lab products profit initiative launched this year by the National four vendors of security solutions for end- have registered attacks by CryptXXX against at High Tech Crime Unit of the Netherlands’ police, point users (IDC, 2014). Since 1997 Kaspersky least 80,000 users around the world. More than Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre and two Lab has been an innovator in cybersecurity 10 million shipments half of them located in only six countries: the cyber security companies, Kaspersky Lab and and provides effective digital security solu- US, Russia, Germany, Japan, India and Canada. Intel Security, with the goal of helping victims of tions and threat intelligence for large enter- KUWAIT: Ahead of the keynote address by positive reviews from hundreds of key But these are only users that were protected by ransomware to retrieve their encrypted data prises, SMBs and consumers. Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer international publications, making it a top Kaspersky Lab’s detection technologies. without having to pay the criminals. The global Kaspersky Lab is an international company, Business Group (CBG) at CES 2017, CBG yes- choice for consumers looking for the best Unfortunately the total number of attacked fight against ransomware continues to gather operating in almost 200 countries and territo- terday announced that the company has camera phone. users is much higher. The actual figure is not pace with more than 30 new partners from both ries across the globe, providing protection for shipped more than 10 million Huawei Thanks to the huge popularity of the P9 known, but Kaspersky Lab experts estimate that the public and private sector joining the No More over 400 million users worldwide. P9/P9 Plus smartphones globally, making it and P9 Plus, as well as the strong sales per- the company’s first flagship series to top formance of the Mate 8 and Mate 9 devices, the 10 million mark. Huawei is making significant progress in New wood technology Despite a sluggish global smartphone the global high-end smartphone market. In market in 2016, the Huawei P9 and P9 Plus the third quarter of 2016, Huawei shipped may offer hope for devices have achieved impressive results in 33.59 million smartphones, up 23 percent the premium segment; a major break- from the previous year, with mid-to-high- struggling timber mills end devices accounting for about 44 per- through that proves Huawei’s investment RIDDLE, Ore.: John Redfield watches with pride as his in international markets is paying off. The cent of the shipment. Huawei’s market son moves a laser-guided precision saw the size of a dual-lens Huawei P9/P9 Plus devices were share is now above 15 percent in 30 coun- semi-truck wheel into place over a massive panel of release in Kuwait in an event held early tries and above 20 percent in 20 countries; wood. Redfield’s fingers are scarred from a lifetime of May. The P9/P9 Plus are Huawei’s first flag- it also made substantial breakthroughs in cutting wood and now, after decades of decline in the ship smartphones to be developed in col- key markets such as the UK, France and logging business, he has new hope that his son, too, laboration with legendary German camera Germany. According to 2016 half year can make a career shaping the timber felled in south- brand Leica. This extensive partnership has financial results, Huawei CBG sales were ern Oregon’s forests. already set a new benchmark for advanced close to 77.4 billion RMB in the first half of That’s because Redfield and his son work at DR smartphone camera technology and deliv- year, up 41 percent from the same period in Johnson Lumber Co, one of two US timber mills mak- ered outstanding photography experiences 2015; the growth rate in markets outside of ing a new wood product that’s the buzz of the con- to consumers. China was 1.6 times that of the Greater struction industry. It’s called cross-laminated timber, or Since launching, the Huawei P9 and P9 China region. CLT, and it’s made like it sounds: rafts of 2-by-4 beams Plus have become an instant hit in the Global awareness of the Huawei brand SAN FRANCISCO: This photo provided by SoftBank Robotics America demonstrates a aligned in perpendicular layers, then glued - or lami- global smartphone market. Global ship- has continued to grow along with Huawei’s shopping experience with SoftBank Robotics’ humanoid robot called Pepper, waving nated - together like a giant sandwich. ments of the P9 exceeded 2.6 million with- outstanding market performance. In 2016, at right. The robot can greet shoppers and has the potential to send messages The resulting panels are lighter and less energy- in six weeks of their release. Eight months Huawei was ranked No. 72 in Interbrand’s geared to people’s age and gender through facial recognition. —AP intensive than concrete and steel and much faster to since its release, the Huawei P9 has sus- “Top 100” most valuable global brands list, assemble on-site than regular timber, proponents say. tained its popularity, winning recognition 16 spots up from 2015. Huawei was again Because the grain in each layer is at a right angle to the from both experts and consumers for its listed as one of the top 100 most valuable UI spring semester discusses one below and above it, there’s a counter-tension built camera experience, industrial design and brands by Brand Z, at No.50 this year, up into the panels that supporters say makes them strong overall performance. In addition to winning from No.70 in 2015. Additionally, in how technology has enough to build even the tallest skyscrapers. “We major awards including European November, Huawei was named “Best believe that two to five years out, down the road, we Consumer Smartphone 2016-17 from EISA Consumer Electronics Brand” in “Best could be seeing this grow from just 20 percent of our and Best Personal Computing Device at Brands 2016 - the Chinese brand ranking” changed our lives business to potentially 60 percent of our business,” said CES Asia, the Huawei P9 has also received based on GfK’s consumer survey. Redfield, DR Johnson’s chief operating officer. “We’re IOWA CITY: In an age when even toasters for outreach and engagement, said student can connect with the internet, when peo- ambassadors, who work with the theme seeing some major growth factors.” ple get their news from Facebook and semester’s planning committee, suggested From Maine to Arkansas to the Pacific Northwest, babies have Instagram accounts, our lives the speakers. the material is sparking interest among architects, are increasingly digital. “We want to do as much as we can with engineers and researchers. Many say it could infuse Exploring what that means and how rap- being sure we include diversity and a vari- struggling forest communities like Riddle with new idly changing technology impacts the way ety of speakers who will resonate with economic growth while reducing the carbon footprint we live is the focus of the University of Iowa’s community partners but also with our stu- of urban construction with a renewable building mate- 2017 theme semester, “Our Lives Online.” dents on campus,” she said. “One of the rial. Visually blemished wood that currently goes to This will be the third theme semester the UI things we have done is involved student waste can be used in the middle layers of a CLT panel has hosted through the Provost’s Office of ambassadors, and they have a variety of without sacrificing strength or look. Supporters say it Outreach and Engagement. The theme ideas in terms of who might be valuable.” could bring sawmills back online while improving for- semesters bring together faculty, students The theme semester kicks off Jan. 17 est health through thinning dense stands and making and community partners to examine one with WorldCanvass, a panel discussion use of low-value wood and local tree species. Trees as topic throughout the semester in classes, hosted by the UI’s International Programs. small as 5 inches in diameter at the top and those dam- lectures and activities, many of which are Seven panelists from the campus and the aged by pests and wildfire are prime candidates. open to the public. This year, that includes wider community will talk about social But challenges remain before CLT becomes as com- bringing two speakers to campus who have media, access, the power of influence, and mon in the United States as it is in Europe and Canada, used the internet as a catalyst for activism. new and rapidly changing technologies and not all builders are sold. On Feb. 6, #BlackLivesMatter co-creator during the event, which is being filmed for US building codes generally place height limits on Patrisse Cullors will visit campus to discuss viewing later online or as a podcast. In this Dec 15, 2016 file photo, North Dakota Gov Doug Burgum (right) speaks in all-wood buildings for safety reasons, though a special her work. On Jan. 18, writer and activist With such a broad topic, there are end- committee of the International Code Council is investi- Bismarck, ND. When Burgum delivered his first extensive remarks on the contentious Luvvie Ajayi will present a lecture on her less ways to think about the semester’s Dakota Access oil pipeline, he resorted to a Facebook account. Facebook spared gating potential changes to address the use of CLT in use of comedy, activism and technology as themes, said Joan Kjaer, director of commu- such structures. And research is still underway on criti- Burgum from having to answer questions from reporters and allowed him to convey part of Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration nications and relations at the UI’s cal questions of how these buildings withstand fire and his thoughts unfiltered and unchallenged by the press. — AP Week. Linda Snetselaar, associate provost International Programs. — AP earthquakes in high-seismic regions. Building codes in Oregon allow cutting-edge designs using new technol- ogy like CLT in some cases, but only after rigorous test- How Amazon Echo listens and stores ing and an intensive approval process.

NEW YORK: Can Amazon’s Echo speaker IS IT SNOOPING? by the wake word do go to Amazon. play a song. It’s also possible that the Cost-prohibitive really be a witness to a murder? No, according to Amazon. Although Those voice snippets and transcripts, Echo itself has stored snippets of conver- That can make such projects cost-prohibitive, said Authorities investigating the death of an Alexa is always listening, Amazon says along with Alexa’s responses, are stored sations prior to identifying a wake word. Peter Dusicka, an engineering professor at Portland Arkansas man found floating face-up in a Alexa ignores what’s said until you trig- on Amazon’s servers. You can delete any The snippet might have been stored State University who’s been researching the strength of hot tub believe that Amazon might have ger it with the “wake word” Alexa (you or all such recordings through Amazon’s temporarily as the device analyzes CLT panels. “The early adopters are looking at it and some evidence, given how Echo listens can change the wake word to Amazon or Alexa app, though you lose some of the whether it’s a wake word. seeing it as a good opportunity,” but before CLT can for commands and questions and com- Echo). Only then does the Echo pass on personalization that comes from Alexa Any such snippet likely would have take off, there will have to be more examples to get municates with Amazon’s servers to the command or question to Amazon’s knowing your past requests. been overwritten already, though, as people excited and more mills producing it, said respond. Details are scant. Here’s what’s servers for processing. A blue light on the Alexa continues to listen for the wake Thomas DeLuca, professor and director of University of known: Echo comes on to let you know that’s WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH word. Benton County Prosecuting Washington’s School of Environmental and Forest happening. You could argue that because THE ARKANSAS CASE? Attorney Nathan Smith has said that he Sciences. SmartLam in Montana is the other company HOW ECHO WORKS Alexa is always listening, that’s snooping. Police believe Victor Collins was stran- has no idea if the device recorded any- producing CLT panels. Echo is designed to be the hub of the But it would be the same as talking to a gled and drowned in the home of a thing related to the death, but authori- This spring, cross-laminated timber will get its ulti- smart home . The software that powers tape recorder. What you say is private friend, James Andrew Bates, who has ties want to check everything as part of mate test in the United States when a Portland archi- it, Alexa, is constantly listening for com- unless you give that tape recorder to been charged with murder. An Echo was their investigation. tectural firm breaks ground on a 12-story wood build- mands such as a request to turn on the someone else. If you’re paranoid, the found in the kitchen. It’s not known what All voice assistants - including ing in the city’s trendy Pearl District. It would be the lights or play music, or questions such as Echo has a mute button to disable the Amazon has on its servers. It’s unlikely Google’s Assistant, Apple’s Siri and tallest all-wood building in the world constructed in a what the weather’s like. Though it’s pos- microphones entirely. Or just unplug it. that anyone asked Alexa directly on how Microsoft’s Cortana - communicate with seismic zone and the tallest all-wood building in North sible to do many of these tasks using a to commit murder, but the device might company servers to process requests. America. An all-wood building in Norway is taller, but is smartphone app, issuing a voice com- WHAT AMAZON KNOWS have picked up background chatter or They differ in what they do from there, not in a seismic zone. — AP mand keeps your hands free. Commands and questions preceded noise when fielding a routine request to though. — AP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Scissors pulled from Vietnam man’s stomach 18 years after surgery

HANOI: A Vietnamese man has had scissors affairs at Gang Thep Thai Nguyen hospital, 80 removed from his abdomen which were left kilometers (50 miles) north of Hanoi. behind during surgery 18 years ago, after “He is recovering well,” Thang told AFP yes- reporting a stomachache that was nearly two terday. Nhat had spent nearly two decades decades in the making. Ma Van Nhat, now 54, “eating, drinking and having a pretty normal underwent surgery in 1998 after a car accident life”, according to Suc Khoe va Doi Song news and only recently discovered that doctors had site, the official mouthpiece of Vietnam’s left an unwelcome gift behind when they closed health ministry. The ultrasound that discov- him up. Doctors discovered the 15-centimetre ered the scissors only came about after Nhat (six-inch) scissors near his colon after a recent reported stomach pains. Officials said they ultrasound. He had a three-hour operation at were searching for the doctors who performed THAI NGUYEN, Vietnam : This picture shows a pair of scissors which was removed from a the weekend to remove the scissors, according surgery in Bac Kan province in 1998, but have patient’s abdomen after being left behind during a surgery 18 years ago, at a clinic in the to Ngo Trung Thang, deputy head of general not yet tracked down any culprits. — AFP northern Vietnamese city of Thai Nguyen. —AFP

Life-extending capacity of new cancer drugs varies widely

NEW YORK: Drugs recently approved or without recurrence - by about 3.5 around the world to fight cancer increased months on average, compared to other patients’ overall survival, but benefits vary treatments available in 2003. depending on the drug, a new study shows. Researchers looked at the 62 can- Thyroid cancer cer drugs approved in the US and Europe Twenty-three drugs were individually between 2003 and 2013 and found they tied to an increase in survival of three extended survival by an average of about months or more. Six drugs extended sur- 3.5 months. But nearly a third of the drugs vival by less than three months. Eight lacked evidence to suggest they increased drugs increased survival by an unknown survival when compared to alternative amount. And for 16 of the approved drugs, treatments. there was no evidence to suggest they “Our results point to the notion that were better than alternative treatments at new cancer treatments may not always extending survival. The researchers point provide patients with greater clinical ben- out in an email that overall survival bene- efits, or lower risks, over existing treat- fits differed by the type of drug. For exam- ments,” wrote senior researcher Dr Elias ple, drugs for thyroid cancer were tied to Mossialos, of the London School of no increase in overall survival, while drugs Economics and Political Science, in an to treat breast cancer were linked to an email to Reuters Health. The risk-benefit average increase of about 8.5 months. ratio of new drugs is especially important Twenty-two of the drugs were tied to an if people are concerned, for example, improved quality of life, but 24 were linked about whether the cost of a drug would to worse patient safety, which include side make it difficult for a person to complete effects and whether a person could toler- the treatment regimen. ate the treatment. Writing in JAMA Oncology, Mossialos The researchers write in their email that and colleagues point to growing questions they extending the study to look at newer about the value of new cancer medicines. drugs. They are also working to link their While the drugs’ high costs may be a barri- evidence with the cost of individual medi- er to access, they note, some people argue cines. Mossialos said the study should VANCOUVER, British Columbia : An ambulance delivers a patient to a mobile emergency facility in Vancouver’s Downtown the high prices are justified if the treat- remind people of the importance of the Eastside. — AFP photos ments offer large benefits. A lack of solid relationship between doctors and data on new drugs’ benefits and risks patients. He said, “Patients should work makes it difficult to evaluating their value. with their physicians to consider all avail- For the 62 medicines they wanted to able evidence that exists in support of Canada faces deadly study, the researchers found data from individual treatments, and use this along- England, France and Australia evaluating side any inputs from their clinician to iden- 53 drugs. Nearly 80 percent were tied to tify the treatment that would best corre- improvements in survival, quality of life or spond with their own medical and person- fentanyl overdose crisis safety. The drugs increased survival - with al circumstances.” —Reuters ‘There’s not a single person down here that’s chosen to be a junkie’

VANCOUVER: Sirens scream non-stop through Skid Row Baby dies after taking product the urban heart of Vancouver, as responders For decades, the Downtown Eastside, or race toward drug addicts overdosing-and dying DTES, was where men broken by Canada’s to treat Vitamin D deficiency in such numbers that the city’s morgues are resource booms ended up in cheap hotels, each full. This wealthy Pacific coast city is the bleak with a pub on the ground floor. Over time, they PARIS: A 10-day-old French baby died ratory attack - and the ingestion of the epicenter of an opioid epidemic that has were joined by drug addicts from across Canada, on Dec 21 after getting a dose of a ‘Uvesterol D’ product, developed by the claimed thousands of lives in Canada, while and the mentally ill left homeless when British product used to treat Vitamin D defi- Crinex laboratory. “Investigations are next door in the United States, drug overdoses Columbia closed mental health institutions with- ciencies, said a French medical safety under way to establish the precise are now the leading cause of accidental death. out providing community housing as promised. watchdog body late on Monday. The cause of death and to see if it could be “There’s not a single person down here that’s “A lot of people here are under care, and target- French body said it had not yet estab- linked to Uvesterol D,” said the French chosen to be a junkie,” said Martin Steward, a ed by drug dealers,” said Neil Arao, manager of lished the links between the death of medical safety watchdog in a state- self-admitted drug user who manages a treat- Insite, North America’s only supervised injection the child - who suffered a cardio-respi- ment. — Reuters ment facility in Vancouver’s gritty Downtown site, located in the DTES. Eastside neighborhood where the crisis is con- He estimated at least 1,200 locals are both centrated. mentally ill and addicted to drugs, though there “Something happened in their lives: emo- are no accurate numbers. Proposed solutions Chinese official sentenced tional, mental, physical, that brought them to range from decriminalizing hard drugs to pre- where they are.” On the neighborhood’s scribing heroin to adding rehabilitation facilities. 10 years in vaccine scandal Hastings Street, blocks that were once bustling Long term, experts and advocates agree, the with people are now emptier. “There are less solution is to reduce the numbers of drug users and less of the people I know here,” said Mary by solving issues that begin, for most, in child- BEIJING: A former official of China’s Food sentence follows the March revelation of a Mootrey, who has lived in the area for 25 years, hood. That’s a challenge compounded by British and Drug Administration has been jailed massive vaccine scandal that enraged the pointing to a few milling around. “They’ve all Columbia’s child poverty rate of about 20 per- for taking bribes from vaccine manufactur- Chinese public. overdosed.” Authorities in British Columbia pre- cent, one of the highest in North America. ers, reports said yesterday, in a case with That case involved the improper stor- dict that 2016 will break all records for provin- echoes of a major scandal that rocked the age, transport and sale of tens of millions cial deaths from opioid overdoses, including ‘Like a trap’ Asian country last year. Yin Hongzhang, of dollars’ worth of vaccines-many of them the former deputy director of the adminis- expired. No one was believed to have been 128 in November alone. The acute poverty and despair in the DTES is VANCOUVER, British Columbia : Martin tration’s drug testing center, received a 10- harmed, but the story still provoked out- Officials had first declared an emergency in a shocking sight in the heart of Vancouver, an Steward, shift manager and a heroin user, at year sentence and was fined 500,000 yuan rage in a country where families, who were the spring, as cheap synthetic fentanyl replaced otherwise bustling and wealthy metropolis the office of the Vancouver Area Network of for taking bribes to help vaccine manufac- long limited to one child by government expensive heroin and soon became mixed into where average home prices are nearly Can$1 Drug Users. most street drugs. A pill sells for as little as million, according to the Canadian Real Estate turers gain approval for their drugs, China’s policy, fiercely protect their offspring. Can$2 (US$1.50), said the 59-year-old Mootrey. Association. It is “like a trap,” said Arao. “It’s hard Legal Evening News newspaper said. Public fury erupted after a report revealed “I wish they’d all go into treatment,” she said of to escape it.” The numbers are stark. The Insite unteers equipped with some 18,000 kits distrib- His wife and son earlier received prison that information about the case had been the many addicts in her neighborhood. But supervised injection center serves about 700 uted by the government. Each contains sentences for participating in the scheme suppressed by authorities, who had arrest- treatment facilities are full, with long waits to drug users a day, Arao said. In the past, one or injectable naloxone, which quickly counters the and accepting property and bribes worth ed two key suspects nearly a year earlier. get a spot. “There’s always been a problem two overdosed each day but in recent weeks it’s effect of most opioids. 3.56 million yuan ($510,000), including From 2010, the pair, a mother and here,” said Steward, who manages a facility run up to 15 per day. Most policy experts agree there is little ivory products worth 180,000 yuan, it said. daughter from Shandong province in east- by the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users. The emergency room at St Paul’s hospital has prospect for stopping the supply of cheap syn- Yin was taken into custody in April 2015 ern China, sold 25 different kinds of expired “But now the morgue’s full, they look at it handled more than 6,000 overdose patients so thetic opioids. Authorities say most are shipped and charged with taking payouts in rela- or improperly stored vaccines worth more and say, we better do something.” The 44-year- far this year, said physician Nadia Fairbairn. from China, and mixed in Canada with other tion to four biotech firms’ efforts to obtain than 570 million yuan ($88 million), the old has personal experience with addiction: a “Vancouver is right in the middle of the crisis,” drugs or pressed into pills. Synthetic opioids are government permits for a variety of vac- official Xinhua news agency reported at cocaine user by age 12, he eventually found she said. In December, officials launched a also available on the internet, with sites advertis- cines, including for SARS and avian flu. The the time. — AFP himself living on the streets in Montreal. mobile overdose clinic in the Downtown ing discreet mail order shipments. Asked to Steward said he now uses cocaine and heroin, Eastside, staffed by emergency and addiction describe the situation, Arao said to call it a “crisis” taking care to buy only from a known dealer physicians. Agencies have also set up rooms, implies there will be an end. “I’m wondering if and never injecting alone, in case he overdoses. and even tents in alleys, staffed by trained vol- this is now our normal,” he said. —AFP Woman bitten by snake at Aussie zoo

SYDNEY: A young woman was bitten by the reptile was not venomous and it was a wild green snake at an Australian zoo, the first time a guest had been bitten by paramedics said yesterday, a year after a a snake there. “Happy to report guest keeper was attacked by a tiger at the and snake are both just fine,” Irwin’s wife same popular tourist attraction. The Terri added on Twitter. woman, in her mid-20s, was treated by The Green Tree Snake is found in paramedics at Australia Zoo, which was coastal and sub-coastal regions in north- founded by the family of the late ern and eastern Australia. It is arboreal “Crocodile Hunter” star Steve Irwin, and and grows to about two meters (6.5 taken to hospital where she was in a sta- feet). In January last year, an Australia ble condition, a spokesman for Zoo keeper received wounds on his fore- Queensland Ambulance Service said. head and wrist as well as scratches to his “This afternoon a guest accidentally body after being attacked by a male stood on a wild snake in our Wetlands Sumatran tiger. Last month, a 77-year- area,” Australia Zoo, on Queensland old man died a week after being bitten state’s Sunshine Coast, said in a in his Queensland home by a coastal Facebook post. “The snake was identi- taipan, the world’s third-most venomous fied as a green tree snake, which are a snake. Despite Australia being home to VANCOUVER, British Columbia : Martin Steward, shift manager and common occurrence in the Wetlands, as 20 of the world’s 25 most venomous a heroin user himself, illustrates how to draw heroin or fentanyl into it is the perfect environment for their snakes, deaths from bites are rare. —AFP favorite food, frogs.” The zoo added that VANCOUVER, British Columbia : An ambulance delivers a patient to a a clean syringe at the office of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug mobile emergency facility in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Users (VANDU). WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE SpaceX ready to launch again

WASHINGTON: SpaceX says it has determined tionize the launch industry by making rocket approve the conclusions of the SpaceX investiga- tract with NASA. the cause of a launchpad explosion that components reusable. tion of the September failure. That accident-the It carried out another eight successful launch- destroyed a satellite in September and is ready to In a statement Monday, SpaceX said it had second of its kind since SpaceX was founded in es since June 2015, including in August of last start launches again as early as Sunday. An traced the problem to a pressure vessel in the sec- 2002 — came just over a year after a Falcon 9 year when a Falcon 9 successfully placed a unmanned SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket exploded ond-stage liquid oxygen tank. It said it will rocket failed after liftoff on June 28, 2015, Japanese communications satellite in orbit, and September 1 in Cape Canaveral, destroying a change the way it fuels for now, and in the future destroying a Dragon cargo capsule bound for the then landed intact on a floating drone ship. satellite that Facebook planned to use to beam will redesign its pressure vessels. SpaceX said it International Space Station. Before that, SpaceX Before then the firm lost several rockets as it high-speed internet to Africa. That marked a set- hopes to launch 10 Iridium NEXT communications had logged 18 successful launches of the Falcon 9 attempted to land them upright on an ocean plat- back for the California-based private space firm satellites from a base in California on Sunday. — including six of 12 planned supply missions to form at the end of a flight-a crucial part of its and its founder Elon Musk, who wants to revolu- The Federal Aviation Administration has to the ISS carried out as part of a $1.6 billion con- strategy for reusable spacecraft. — AFP

Diet res-illusions: Tips from the pros on how to lose weight

e make ‘em, we break ‘em. New percent more drink when using a wide glass, Year’s diet resolutions fall like nee- 12 percent more when holding the glass, Wdles on Christmas trees as January and 9 percent more when pouring white goes on. Genes can work against us. drink color into a clear glass versus a colored Metabolism, too. But a food behavior or opaque one. Pour any glass only half full - researcher has tested a bunch of little ways this cuts the average pour by 18 percent. to tip the scale toward success. Use smaller plates and pay attention to His advice: Put it on autopilot. Make small color. Big plates make portions look small. In changes in the kitchen, at the grocery store one study, people given larger bowls took and in restaurants to help you make good 16 percent more cereal than those given choices without thinking. smaller bowls, yet thought they ate less. “As much as we all want to believe that People also take more food if it matches the we’re master and commander of all our food color of their plate. But they eat less when decisions, that’s just not true for most of us,” the tablecloth or placemat matches the said the researcher, Brian Wansink. “We’re plate; It makes the food stand out more. influenced by the things around us - the size Keep the TV off and eat at a table. A study of the plate, the things people are doing ... of dinner habits of 190 parents and 148 chil- the lighting.” He heads the Cornell University dren found that the higher the parents’ body Food and Brand Lab, has written books on mass index (a ratio of height and weight), taking control of food choices, and has had the more likely they were to eat with the TV government and industry funding. on. Eating at a table was linked to lower BMI. Some tips are gimmicks, and some may Try small portions of “bad” foods. Eat a not work as well for you as they did in tests. bite or two, then distract yourself for 15 min- But they “make a lot of sense” and many are utes to see if you feel satisfied. A study gave backed by other studies, said one independ- people different portions of chocolate, ent expert, Dr William Yancy, a weight spe- apple pie and potato chips and had them cialist at Duke University’s diet and fitness rate hunger and craving before and 15 min- SAN AGUSTIN DE GUADALIX, Spain : This file photo shows Hunter, Emilio de la Cruz training with his bow in the outskirts of San gustinA de center. To start: Make goals that are SMART - utes after eating. Bigger portion folks ate Guadalix near Madrid. — AFP Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant 103 calories more, but didn’t feel more satis- and Time-bound, Yancy said. Instead of fied than those given less. resolving to eat better, plan how to do it, Archers to the rescue in such as having chips once or twice a week At the grocery store instead of every day. Rather than vague Divide your shopping cart in half. Use a vows to get in shape, resolve to walk half an partition, purse or coat for a visual cue to fill hour every day after dinner. at least half of your cart with fruits, vegeta- Madrid as boars trespass Other tips from Wansink and research to bles and other healthy foods. In two studies, support them: half of shoppers were given divided carts and told to put healthier items in front. They SAN AGUSTIN DEL GUADALIX, Spain: It’s a background, he says the archers go out 100 to Theo Oberhuber, head of nature conservation at In the kitchen spent more on produce than those given scene straight out of mediaeval times set in 150 times a year at the request of city or town environmental group Ecologists in Action, adds Redo the pantry to put healthy stuff in regular shopping carts. modern-day Madrid: An archer dressed in cam- halls in the region. that a lack of predators such as wolves is also to front. You’re three time more likely to eat the Be careful when buying in bulk . A study ouflage gear, stationed in a tree at night, waiting In five years, they have killed 201 boars and blame. “In Madrid, the wolf is now protected but first food you see than the fifth one. Tidy found that people who bought big contain- for the kill. For five years, the authorities in the close to 60 wild goats that have proliferated in it was once wiped out in the Madrid region due your kitchen before eating. Women asked to ers of chips, juice boxes, cookies, crackers region have resorted to this unusual technique La Pedriza, a mountain range near the Spanish to the use of poison, traps,” he says. “Now wolves wait in a messy kitchen ate twice as many and granola bars ate half of it within the first to cull wild boars encroaching on towns, relying capital popular with hikers and climbers. When are coming back, but there aren’t that many.” cookies as women in the same kitchen did week - twice as fast as they normally would. on 55 volunteer bow hunters to eliminate pigs asked to intervene, the hunters first study the when it was organized and quiet. Redo the Tip: Repackage into single-serve bags or that take too much of a liking to urban life. “The zone to analyze the boars’ movements, set up The best way? fridge. Even though it shortens shelf life, containers, or store it out of reach, such as bow is a silent weapon and people who use it shop in trees or other elevated places at night, While not commonplace, resorting to archers move fruits and vegetables out of crisper the basement. Eat an apple first. People giv- act in a silent way too, so we don’t disturb the wait sometimes for hours-and take aim. They as a population control method is not exclusive drawers and put them at eye level. Keep en a sample of an apple at the store environment or people,” explains Emilio de la hunt in parks, golf courses or any area close to to Spain. Eric de Lavenne, head of the French good foods in clear bags or containers and increased spending on fruits and vegetables Cruz, a 45-year-old business owner and keen a town or city where boars have been spotted Bow Hunters’ Federation, says archers have less healthy things like leftover pizza in alu- versus those given no sample or a cookie. A hunter who volunteers for this form of popula- roaming free, giving the odd late-night jogger been used in several parts of France. “The La minum foil. In one study, people who put healthy snack may prime people to buy bet- tion control. a shock. Fleche Airport in the Sarthe (region) regularly fruits and vegetables on the top shelf ate ter foods, not the fast, processed foods they The method is just one used to try and curb calls on bow hunters to control the number of nearly three times more of them than they gravitate to when shopping hungry. the proliferation of wild boar going further and Lack of predators boars near the airport,” he says as an example. did the week before. Circle every island in the produce section. further into populated areas, causing agricultur- The problem of wild boars running riot in Another method used in Madrid is capturing Keep no food out except a fruit bowl. In a study of 1,200 shoppers, every minute al damage and road accidents. From an estimat- populated zones affects countries the world boars alive in traps in areas where bow hunting Researchers photographed 210 kitchens to spent in the produce section meant $1.80 ed 25,000 to 35,000 five years ago, the number over, in large part due to rampant urbanization cannot take place. see whether countertop food reflects the more in fruit and vegetable sales. of boars in Madrid has risen to around 30,000 to that has gobbled up their habitat. As an exam- There are no statistics indicating whether weight of women in each home. Those who 40,000, environmental authorities say. ple, a wild boar in Hong Kong led police on a either technique is successful, but de la Cruz left breakfast cereal out weighed 20 pounds At a restaurant chase last month after it wandered onto the says he has noted a difference. “Where at first more than neighbors who didn’t; those with Let the light shine. Researchers checked Contested method apron of the international airport. “They’ve we had to kill animals, now with our mere pres- soft drinks out weighed 24 to 26 pounds sales receipts of patrons at four casual chain But the method is not without its controversy, grown used to the presence of people, to eating ence or the presence of other people, animals more. Those with a fruit bowl weighed 13 restaurants. Those in brighter rooms were with environmentalists arguing that the animal in rubbish bins and some people even give them don’t come anymore. That is our success,” he pounds less. more likely to order healthier fish, vegeta- can suffer an agonizing death if the archer takes food,” says Felipe Ruza, deputy head of environ- says. Oberhuber, though, is skeptical. He points bles or white meat rather than fried food or a bad shot. In some countries such as Britain, mental conservation for the Madrid region. to yet another technique that is being trialled in At the table dessert. Diners in dim rooms ordered 39 per- bow hunting is banned altogether. De la Cruz “This causes problems because they invade the northeastern region of Catalonia and Beware the glassware. Use narrower cent more calories. Sit near a window. maintains that he and his hunting companions gardens, cause traffic accidents and they can involves putting contraceptives in boars’ food to glasses, pour drink when the glass is on the Researchers analyzed 330 diners’ receipts are all experienced, trained to shoot the arrow even attack people if there is a sow with her reduce their capacity to reproduce. “This could table rather than in your hand, and use a after they left. The closer they were to a win- through the boar’s vital organs in a quick, clean piglets.” According to the Guardia Civil police be an unaggressive method that doesn’t cause glass that doesn’t match the color of your dow, the fewer foods and alcoholic drinks kill. Standing at a training ground in the rolling force, 146 traffic accidents were caused by boars death and progressively reduces the number of drink. A study found that people poured 12 they ordered. —AP hills outside Madrid, a boar-shaped target in the in the Madrid region in 2016, none of them fatal. boars,” he says. —AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

McDonald’s celebrates McChicken with #WhoIsMissing cDonald’s Kuwait is celebrating its beloved tions of our beloved classics. We also wanted to cele- Joyalukkas exchange opens McChicken with a fun, exciting and creative brate our original McChicken, which is one the most in Mnew campaign. McDonald’s will also be intro- demand items on our menu, with an exciting and ducing two new McChicken flavors, Peri-Peri engaging new campaign.” McChicken & Dijon Mustard McChicken for a limited During this celebration, customers will be invited to 5 more branches globally time starting December 29th and until stocks last. share a photo of their favorite moments with friends Sherif Coutry, Marketing Director at McDonald’s and family, tagging them and showing #WhoIsMissing. Kuwait said: “These new bold flavors represent With a new theme every week, 3 participants will get oyalukkas Exchange, part of the Joyalukkas Group, is money exchange’, Joyalukkas Exchange offers a variety of McDonald’s ongoing commitment to catering to the the chance to have their special moments recreated, a fast-growing remittance and foreign exchange innovative and convenient financial products, combined unique preferences of our loyal customers, offering with a McDonald’s meal to make it more perfect. Jcompany making its mark in quality service, best with superior service to help keep customers connected them creative new menu options and innovative varia- Coutry further added: “We are always missing a rates and reliability across the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and to their loved ones wherever they are. Services such as friend, neighbor, colleague or a family member we India. As part of its aggressive expansion plans, the Money Drop, which gives customers the opportunity to want to share our special moments with. So we are ask- Exchange House has recently opened 5 new branches, 2 drop off and pick up cash from any Joyalukkas Exchange ing our customers to share their favorite moments with in Kuwait and 3 in Oman. branch at their convenience, have helped make money us and tell us who is missing, in a creative and funny “We have defined our strategic directives with time- transfers across the GCC easy and worry-free for thou- way, so that we can help them relive those moments lines to expand vertically and horizontally by adding new sands of expatriates in the region. with a unique McDonald’s flavor.” branches at the most strategic locations in GCC markets Customer convenience is a top priority at Joyalukkas It serves to note that McDonald’s is committed to and by introducing innovative products which bring great Exchange, and innovations such as Remit Pass, where serving the very best ingredients in the quick-service convenience to customers at very affordable rates,” says individuals can make payments and send remittance restaurant sector, and will never compromise on food Antony Jos, Director, Joyalukkas Exchange. “Technological around the world without physically visiting a branch, quality. All products served at McDonald’s restaurants innovation, global strategic partnerships with industry have proven very popular. Customers also benefit from a in the Middle East are Halal certified, inspected and leading players and 360-degree compliance programs will wide range of affordable money transfer, forex and pay- approved by local authorities and Halal officers at the be the critical drivers in achieving our strategic goals. As a ment solutions, and enjoy amazing rewards and gifts with countries of export and customs officials at the port of global brand having leadership presence in jewelry, shop- every transaction through the Joyalukkas Exchange entry. All meat used in McDonald’s restaurants can be ping malls, property development, fashion & silks and Rewards program. Joyalukkas Exchange is expanding its traced back to a trusted supplier that shares the com- charter flight services, we have aggressive plans to reach network exponentially in 2017, with plans already under- pany’s dedication to the highest quality standards. out to new markets to explore the potential of remittance, way to open at least 20 branches and enter new markets foreign exchange and payment solutions.” such as Qatar and Bahrain. In keeping with its positioning as the ‘people’s favorite

The secret to a better baked pasta? Don’t cook your pasta

By Sara Moulton BAKED PENNE WITH PROSCIUTTO AND FONTINA f there’s anything more comforting than boiled pasta in a Ingredients sauce, it’s got to be baked pasta in a sauce. The baking Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes (20 minutes active) Iadds a crispy crust that is such a delicious contrast to the Servings: 6 tender goodness of the dish. 1 pound penne pasta The challenge is to how to get the pasta to turn out just Salt right. Most baked pasta recipes instruct you to boil the noo- Butter, for coating the baking pan dles until cooked halfway before baking them. This allows 2 teaspoons minced garlic the pasta to finish cooking in the oven as it bathes in the 1 cup heavy cream sauce. But this method has challenges. If you boil the noo- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth dles more than halfway, they’ll be overcooked by the time 1 cup crushed tomatoes you pull the finished dish out of the oven. I find it hard to 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, to taste (optional) get the pre-cooking time right. 1 1/2 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese And precooking the pasta, even halfway, takes work and 4 ounces coarsely grated fontina cheese dirties a large pot and colander. Then again, if you don’t pre- 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped cook the pasta and instead add it dry to the sauce for bak- ing, it will take much longer to become tender in the oven, Preparation even as it absorbs all the liquid in the sauce. Dry pasta needs In a large bowl, combine the pasta with enough luke- to hydrate. warm, well salted water to cover. Let stand for 45 minutes. So what’s a home cook to do? Use my simple no-cook Heat the oven to 450 F. Lightly butter a shallow baking dish method of precooking the pasta. Just soak the pasta in (12-cup capacity with 2 to 2 1/2-inch sides). Drain the pasta warm salted water before adding it to the other ingredients and set aside. In the same bowl, combine all remaining and sliding the mixture into the oven. Presoaking is a way to ingredients, stirring well. Add the pasta, toss to combine, begin hydrating the pasta and washing away some of its then season with a pinch of salt. Transfer the mixture to the starch, even as the salt in the water pre-seasons the pasta. prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly. Bake on the Yes, you’ll dirty a bowl, but given that that’s the same oven’s middle shelf until bubbly and browned, 20 to 22 min- vessel in which you’ll combine all the dish’s ingredients, it’s utes. the only bowl you’ll need. The soak requires 45 minutes, but it’s hands-off time, freeing you up to prep the rest of the Nutrition information per serving ingredients in the meantime. Then it takes no time at all to 590 calories; 240 calories from fat (41 percent of total assemble the dish and pop it into the oven. Just 20 or so calories); 27 g fat (15 g saturated; 0.5 g trans fats); 100 mg minutes later you can collect your reward: deeply-flavored cholesterol; 1060 mg sodium; 63 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 5 baked pasta, creamy on the bottom and crispy on top. The g sugar; 24 g protein. perfect wintry entree. Add a salad and some crusty bread and be happy. STEAMED CHEESE AND MUSHROOM BEEF SLIDERS

Ingredients rated, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mush- Start to finish: 50 minutes rooms to the bowl with the onion. Reserve Makes 12 sliders the skillet. Add the olives and chilies to the 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided mushroom mixture and stir well. Set aside. 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion Return the skillet to high heat. Add the 3 ounces mushrooms (white, cremini or remaining tablespoon of oil and wait until it shiitake), finely chopped is almost smoking. Meanwhile, season the Salt sliders on one side with salt and pepper. 2 tablespoons finely chopped pitted green When the oil is hot, add the sliders, seasoned olives side down (it will be a little crowded in the 2 tablespoons finely chopped, drained, pan), and cook them until they are just canned green chilies browned on the first side, about 2 minutes. 3 ounces sliced sharp cheddar cheese, Sprinkle the top side of each with salt and broken into 12 equal pieces pepper, turn the sliders over and cook for 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, shaped into 12 another 2 minutes. sliders, each about 3/4 inch thick While the sliders are browning, top each Ground black pepper slider with a heaping teaspoon of the mush- 1/3 cup water room mixture, dividing all of the mixture 12 slider buns among the sliders, then place a piece of cheese on top of each. Quickly pour water Preparation into the pan, all around the sliders, cover the In a large (at least 12-inch) skillet over pan and steam for 2 minutes. Turn off the medium, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add heat and let the sliders sit in the pan for the onion and cook until golden, about 8 another minute to let the cheese melt com- minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pletely. Spoon some of the liquid in the skillet onion to a bowl. Add another tablespoon of onto the tops and bottoms of the buns, trans- the oil to the pan, the mushrooms and a hefty fer the sliders to the buns and serve right pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until away. — AP the liquid the mushrooms give off has evapo- WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

21:13 Impractical Jokers 00:30 Doc McStuffins 13:00 Counterfeit Cat 03:00 Coronation Street 21:37 Ridiculousness 00:55 PJ Masks 13:30 K.C. Undercover 03:30 Alphabetical 22:00 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 13:55 K.C. Undercover 04:25 Murdoch Mysteries 22:30 The Meltdown With Jonah And 01:35 The Hive 14:20 Star Wars Freemaker Adventures 05:20 Murdoch Mysteries Kumail 01:45 Loopdidoo 14:45 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 06:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 01:00 I Am Soldier 22:54 Key And Peele 02:00 Henry Hugglemonster 15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 07:15 Masterpiece With Alan Titchmarsh 03:00 The Borderlands 23:18 Another Period 02:15 Calimero 15:15 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 08:05 Alphabetical 04:45 Hidalgo 23:42 Another Period 02:30 Art Attack 15:40 Counterfeit Cat 09:00 Murdoch Mysteries 07:00 Avengers: Age Of Ultron 02:50 Zou 15:50 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 10:00 Murdoch Mysteries 09:45 Justice League vs. Bizarro League 03:05 Loopdidoo 16:05 K.C. Undercover 11:00 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 11:00 Ladder 49 03:20 Henry Hugglemonster 16:30 Atomic Puppet 12:00 Masterpiece With Alan Titchmarsh 13:00 The Last Survivors 03:35 Calimero 16:55 Lab Rats 12:50 Alphabetical 15:00 Avengers: Age Of Ultron 03:50 Zou 17:25 Danger Mouse 13:45 Emmerdale 17:30 Last Action Hero 04:05 Art Attack 17:50 Future-Worm! 14:15 Coronation Street 19:45 Cradle 2 The Grave Discovery Family HD 04:30 The Hive 18:15 Lab Rats: Bionic Action Hero 14:45 Coronation Street 21:45 Sherlock Holmes 00:15 Destroyed In Seconds 04:40 Loopdidoo 19:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 15:15 Masterpiece With Alan Titchmarsh 00:40 Beyond Survival With Les Stroud 04:55 Henry Hugglemonster 19:10 Supa Strikas 16:10 Alphabetical 01:30 What Could Possibly Go Wrong? 05:10 Art Attack 19:35 Supa Strikas 17:00 Jericho 02:20 Lost & Found With Mike & Jesse 05:35 Loopdidoo 20:00 Star Wars Freemaker Adventures 17:55 Royal Stories 03:10 Guinness World Records 05:50 Calimero 20:25 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 18:25 Royal Stories Smashed UK 06:05 Art Attack Everything 18:50 Black Work 00:00 Lone Star Law 04:00 Destroyed In Seconds 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 20:55 K.C. Undercover 19:45 Emmerdale 00:55 Gator Boys 04:25 Destroyed In Seconds 06:45 Zou 21:20 Counterfeit Cat 20:15 Coronation Street 01:50 Big Fish Man 04:50 Beyond Survival With Les Stroud 07:00 Art Attack 21:45 Mighty Med 20:45 Coronation Street 02:45 Bondi Vet 05:40 How It's Made 07:30 Henry Hugglemonster 22:10 Pickle And Peanut 21:10 Alphabetical 03:10 Bondi Vet 06:05 How It's Made 07:45 Loopdidoo 22:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 22:00 Jericho 03:40 Lone Star Law 06:30 Storm Chasers 08:00 Zou 22:45 Guardians Of The Galaxy 22:55 Royal Stories 04:35 Tanked 07:20 Mythbusters 08:15 Calimero 23:10 Ultimate Spider-Man 23:25 Royal Stories 05:25 Tigers Attack 08:00 Do You Know? 08:30 Loopdidoo 23:35 Boyster 23:50 Emmerdale 06:15 Gator Boys 08:15 Kenny The Shark 08:45 Henry Hugglemonster 07:02 Big Fish Man 08:35 Adventure 8: Zoo Games 09:00 Minnie's Bow-Toons 07:49 Lone Star Law 09:00 K9 Cops 09:05 PJ Masks 08:36 Night 09:45 How It's Made 09:15 Goldie & Bear 09:00 Night 10:05 How It's Made 09:30 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 09:25 Groomer Has It 10:30 What Could Possibly Go Wrong? 09:45 Miles From Tomorrow 00:00 In Search Of Aliens 10:15 Lone Star Law 11:20 Mythbusters 09:55 Sofia The First 00:00 E! News 01:00 Hangar 1: The UFO Files 11:10 Mutant Planet 12:10 Storm Chasers 10:20 Doc McStuffins 00:15 Mariah's World 02:00 How The States Got Their Shape 12:05 Tanked 13:00 K9 Cops 10:35 Goldie & Bear 01:05 Mariah's World 03:00 Ancient Impossible 13:00 Groomer Has It 13:50 Beyond Survival With Les Stroud 10:50 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 01:55 Mariah's World 04:00 America's Book Of Secrets 13:55 Bondi Vet 14:40 How It's Made 11:00 PJ Masks 02:50 EJ NYC 04:50 Ancient Aliens 14:20 Bondi Vet 15:05 How It's Made 11:15 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 03:50 EJ NYC 05:40 In Search Of Aliens 14:50 Lone Star Law 15:30 Storm Chasers 11:30 Minnie's Bow-Toons 04:45 EJ NYC 06:30 Hangar 1: The UFO Files 15:45 Gator Boys 16:15 Mythbusters 11:35 Sofia The First 05:40 WAGs 07:20 How The States Got Their Shape 16:40 Mutant Planet 17:00 Kenny The Shark 12:00 Sofia The First 06:30 Celebrity Style Story 08:10 The Universe 17:35 Tanked 17:20 Adventure 8: Zoo Games 12:30 Doc McStuffins 07:00 Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami 09:00 Ancient Impossible 18:30 Big Fish Man 17:45 Do You Know? 12:55 Doc McStuffins 07:25 Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami 10:00 America's Book Of Secrets 19:25 Hunt For The Russian Tiger 18:00 Dogs: The Untold Story 13:20 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 07:55 E! News 11:00 Ancient Aliens 20:20 The Pool Master 18:50 Finding Bigfoot 13:50 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 08:10 Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami 12:00 In Search Of Aliens TAKE CARE ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD 21:15 Tanked 19:40 What Could Possibly Go Wrong? 14:15 Gummi Bears 08:40 Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami 13:00 Hangar 1: The UFO Files 20:00 Extracted 22:10 Hunt For The Russian Tiger 20:30 How It's Made 14:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 09:10 The E! True Hollywood Story 14:00 How The States Got Their Shape 06:35 Gok's Chinese Takeaway 22:00 Falsely Accused 23:05 Mutant Planet 20:55 How It's Made 15:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 10:10 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 15:00 Ancient Impossible 07:25 Tripping Out With Alie & Georgia 21:20 Mythbusters 15:35 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 11:10 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 16:00 America's Book Of Secrets 07:50 Fish Of The Day 22:10 Dogs: The Untold Story 16:00 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 11:35 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 17:00 Ancient Aliens 08:15 Fish Of The Day 23:00 Finding Bigfoot 16:30 Little Mermaid 12:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 18:00 In Search Of Aliens 08:40 Places We Go 23:50 Destroyed In Seconds 16:55 Unbungalievable 13:00 E! News 19:00 Hangar 1: The UFO Files 09:05 My Restaurant In India 17:00 Miles From Tomorrow 13:15 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 20:00 How The States Got Their Shape 09:30 My Restaurant In India 00:20 Silent Witness 17:30 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 13:40 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 21:00 Ancient Impossible 09:55 Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia 00:00 The Detour 01:15 Doctors 17:55 The Lion Guard 14:10 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 22:00 America's Book Of Secrets 10:20 Rustic Adventure Argentina 00:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 01:45 Doctors 18:20 Goldie & Bear 14:35 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 23:00 Ancient Aliens 10:45 A Is For Apple 01:30 Happy Endings 02:15 Sherlock 18:50 PJ Masks 15:30 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 11:10 A Is For Apple 02:00 Happy Endings 03:45 Doctors 19:15 Sofia The First 16:00 E! News 11:35 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 02:30 Bordertown 03:00 Bordertown 04:15 Silent Witness 00:00 Binny And The Ghost 19:40 Doc McStuffins 16:15 Rob & Chyna 12:00 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 03:30 The Detour 05:10 Eastenders 00:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 20:05 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 17:15 Mariah's World 12:25 Gok's Chinese Takeaway 18:10 Mariah's World 13:15 Tripping Out With Alie & Georgia 04:00 New Girl 19:05 Mariah's World 13:40 Fish Of The Day 04:30 Baby Daddy 20:00 E! News 00:30 American Pickers 14:05 Fish Of The Day 05:00 Angie Tribeca 21:00 Botched 01:20 Time Team 14:35 Places We Go 05:30 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy 22:00 Botched 02:10 Mountain Men 15:00 My Restaurant In India Fallon 22:30 Botched 03:00 Ozzy & Jack's World Detour 15:30 My Restaurant In India 06:30 Breaking In 23:00 Hollywood & Football 03:50 Storage Wars 15:55 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 07:00 Til Death 04:15 American Pickers Sea 07:30 Living With Fran 05:05 Pawn Stars 16:50 A Is For Apple 08:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:30 Pawn Stars 17:20 A Is For Apple 09:00 Angie Tribeca 06:00 Mountain Men 17:45 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 09:30 Breaking In 07:00 Swamp People 18:15 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 10:00 New Girl 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 07:50 Ax Men 18:40 Eat: The Story Of Food 10:30 Telenovela 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 08:40 Counting Cars 19:35 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of Australia 11:00 Telenovela 01:00 Man Fire Food 09:05 Counting Cars 20:05 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 11:30 Living With Fran 01:30 Man Fire Food 09:30 Storage Wars Texas Sea 12:00 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 09:55 Car Hunters 21:00 A Is For Apple Fallon 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 10:20 Car Hunters 21:25 A Is For Apple 13:00 Til Death 03:00 Man Fire Food 10:45 Car Hunters 21:50 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 13:30 Angie Tribeca 03:30 Man Fire Food 11:10 Car Hunters 22:15 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 14:00 Breaking In 04:00 Chopped 11:35 Counting Cars: Best Of 22:40 Eat: The Story Of Food 14:30 Living With Fran 05:00 Guy's Grocery Games 12:00 Leepu And Pitbull 23:30 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of Australia 15:00 Baby Daddy 06:00 Barefoot Contessa 12:50 Leepu And Pitbull 23:55 Fish Of The Day 15:30 Telenovela 06:30 Barefoot Contessa 13:40 Leepu And Pitbull 16:00 Telenovela 07:00 The Kitchen 14:30 Leepu And Pitbull 16:30 Happy Endings 08:00 The Pioneer Woman 15:20 Leepu And Pitbull 17:00 Happy Endings 08:30 The Pioneer Woman 16:10 Leepu And Pitbull 17:30 Til Death 09:00 Siba's Table 17:00 Leepu And Pitbull 18:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 09:30 Siba's Table 17:50 Leepu And Pitbull Nat Geo HD 19:00 New Girl 10:00 Anna Olson: Bake 18:40 Mountain Men 00:20 Access 360 World Heritage 19:30 Baby Daddy 10:30 Anna Olson: Bake 19:30 Swamp People: Swamp Christmas 01:10 Years Of Living Dangerously 20:00 Telenovela 11:00 The Kitchen 20:20 Ax Men 02:00 Continent 7: Antarctica 20:30 Telenovela LADDER 49 ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 12:00 The Pioneer Woman 21:10 American Pickers 03:00 Air Crash Investigation 21:00 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy 12:30 The Pioneer Woman 22:00 Counting Cars 03:55 Live Free Or Die Fallon 04:50 Years Of Living Dangerously 22:00 Happy Endings 06:10 Father Brown Witch 20:30 Little Mermaid 13:00 Siba's Table 22:25 Car Hunters 05:45 Eat: The Story Of Food 22:30 Happy Endings 07:00 Doctors 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 21:00 Doc McStuffins 13:30 Siba's Table 22:50 Fifth Gear 06:40 Paranatural 23:00 Silicon Valley 07:30 Doctors Witch 21:30 Doc McStuffins 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 23:40 American Restoration 07:35 Do Or Die 23:30 Silicon Valley OSN Movies Family 08:00 Doctors 01:10 Hank Zipzer 22:00 Unbungalievable 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 08:00 Do Or Die 08:35 Holby City 01:35 Binny And The Ghost 22:05 Goldie & Bear 15:00 Chopped 08:30 Make Me A Dino 09:35 Call The Midwife 02:00 Violetta 22:35 Miles From Tomorrow 16:00 The Kitchen 09:25 Seconds From Disaster 10:30 Eastenders 02:45 The Hive 23:00 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 17:00 Anna Olson: Bake 10:20 Eat: The Story Of Food 11:30 Doctors 02:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 23:25 Gummi Bears 17:30 Anna Olson: Bake 11:15 Desperate Hours 12:00 Doctors Witch 23:55 Minnie's Bow-Toons 18:00 Chopped 11:40 Desperate Hours 12:30 Death In Paradise 03:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 19:00 Iron Chef America 00:20 Miguel's Tropical Kitchen 12:10 Years Of Living Dangerously 00:00 Open Season: Scared Silly 13:25 Call The Midwife Witch 20:00 Chopped 00:45 Street Food Around The World 13:05 Mars 02:00 Ghost Squad 14:15 Eastenders 03:40 Hank Zipzer 21:00 Chopped South Africa 01:10 Street Food Around The World 14:00 Seconds From Disaster 04:00 Houba! On The Trail Of 15:15 Doctors 04:05 Binny And The Ghost 22:00 Kitchen Casino 01:35 Wineroads 15:00 When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs Marsupilami 15:45 Doctors 04:30 Violetta 23:00 Iron Chef America 02:00 Fish Of The Day 16:00 Do Or Die 06:00 Black Beauty 16:15 Death In Paradise 05:15 The Hive 02:25 Fish Of The Day 16:30 Do Or Die 08:00 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything 17:10 Call The Midwife 05:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 00:30 Fat N' Furious: Rolling Thunder 02:50 Places We Go 17:00 Desperate Hours 10:00 Open Season: Scared Silly 18:05 Doctor Who Witch 01:20 Wheeler Dealers 03:15 My Restaurant In India 17:30 Desperate Hours 12:00 Black Beauty 19:00 Doctors 05:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 02:10 Still Alive 03:40 My Restaurant In India 18:00 Years Of Living Dangerously 14:00 Curious George 19:30 Eastenders Witch 03:00 Kings Of The Wild 04:05 Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia 19:00 Hubble's Amazing Journey 16:00 It Takes Two 20:05 Death In Paradise 06:10 Hank Zipzer 03:50 Venom Hunters 00:15 Coronation Street 04:30 Rustic Adventure Argentina 20:00 Startalk 18:00 Oz The Great And Powerful 21:00 Poldark 06:35 Binny And The Ghost 04:40 Fat N' Furious: Rolling Thunder 00:40 Coronation Street 04:55 A Is For Apple 21:00 Desperate Hours 20:15 My Girl 22:00 Poldark 07:00 Violetta 05:30 The Liquidator 01:10 Masterpiece With Alan Titchmarsh 05:20 A Is For Apple 21:25 Desperate Hours 22:15 Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder 22:55 Orphan Black 07:45 The Hive 06:00 How Do They Do It? 02:00 Emmerdale 05:45 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 21:50 Years Of Living Dangerously 23:40 Silent Witness 07:50 Mouk 06:30 How Do They Do It? 02:30 Coronation Street 06:10 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 22:40 Hubble's Amazing Journey 08:00 Dog With A Blog 07:00 Deadliest Catch 23:30 Startalk 08:25 Dog With A Blog 07:50 Wheeler Dealers 08:50 Tsum Tsum Shorts 08:40 Fat N' Furious: Rolling Thunder 00:15 Straight Outta Compton 08:55 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug And 09:30 The Weapon Hunter 02:45 Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Cat Noir 10:20 The Liquidator Dimension 00:05 Tosh.0 09:20 Elena Of Avalor 10:45 How Do They Do It? 04:30 Hello Carter 00:30 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 09:45 Star Darlings 11:10 How Do They Do It? 00:30 Catching Giants 06:00 The Dressmaker 01:00 Key And Peele 09:50 Liv And Maddie 11:35 Survive That! 01:20 Black Mamba: Kiss Of Death 08:00 Madoff Part 1 01:25 South Park 10:15 Jessie 12:25 Kings Of The Wild 02:10 Savage Kingdom 09:30 Madoff Part 2 01:50 South Park 10:40 Jessie 13:15 Venom Hunters 03:00 Venom Island 11:00 Ride 02:15 Tosh.0 11:05 Jessie 14:05 How Do They Do It? 03:50 Animals Gone Wild 12:45 Kindergarten Cop 2 02:40 Inside Amy Schumer 11:30 The Suite Life Movie 14:30 Storage Hunters UK 04:45 Animal Fight Club 14:30 The Second Best Exotic Marigold 03:05 South Park 13:00 The 7D 14:55 The Liquidator 05:40 Savage Kingdom Hotel 03:30 South Park 13:10 Austin & Ally 15:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 06:35 Venom Island 16:30 The Song 04:00 Workaholics 13:35 Austin & Ally 16:10 The Weapon Hunter 07:30 Animals Gone Wild 18:30 Barbershop: The Next Cut 04:25 Disorderly Conduct: Video On 14:00 Liv And Maddie 17:00 Deadliest Catch 08:25 Animal Fight Club 20:30 Breaking The Bank Patrol 14:25 Liv And Maddie 17:50 Fat N' Furious: Rolling Thunder 09:20 Savage Kingdom 22:15 The Transporter: Refueled 05:15 Key And Peele 14:50 Shake It Up 18:40 Wheeler Dealers 10:15 Night Stalkers 05:40 Impractical Jokers 15:15 Shake It Up 19:30 How Do They Do It? 11:10 World's Deadliest 06:05 Ridiculousness 15:40 Dog With A Blog 19:55 How Do They Do It? 12:05 Turkey's Harsh Paradise 06:30 Life Or Debt 16:05 Dog With A Blog 20:20 The Weapon Hunter 13:00 Humpbacks: Cracking The Code 07:20 Urban Tarzan 16:30 Good Luck Charlie 21:10 Storage Hunters UK 13:55 Blood Rivals: Lion vs. Buffalo 07:50 Urban Tarzan 16:55 Good Luck Charlie 21:35 The Liquidator 14:50 Animals Gone Wild 08:15 Disorderly Conduct: Video On 17:20 Girl Meets World 22:00 Blue Collar Backers 15:45 Animal Fight Club 01:00 All The Wrong Reasons Patrol 17:45 Girl Meets World 22:50 Mega Shippers 16:40 Savage Kingdom 03:00 Blue Streak 09:05 Impractical Jokers 18:10 Elena Of Avalor 23:40 Impossible Engineering 17:35 Secret Life Of Predators 05:00 Overboard 09:30 Ridiculousness 18:35 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug And 18:30 Man V. Monster 07:00 Coneheads 09:55 Tosh.0 Cat Noir 19:25 Predator Patrol 09:00 The Bad News Bears (2005) 10:20 Key And Peele 19:00 The Next Step 20:20 Animal Fight Club 11:00 Overboard 10:45 Workaholics 19:25 Descendants Wicked World 21:10 Savage Kingdom 13:00 Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star 11:10 The It Crowd 19:30 Liv And Maddie 22:00 Secret Life Of Predators 15:00 Take Care 11:35 Ridiculousness 19:55 Star Darlings 22:50 Man V. Monster 17:00 The Bad News Bears (2005) 12:00 Life Or Debt 20:00 Bunk'd 00:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA 23:40 Predator Patrol 19:00 Confessions Of A Shopaholic 12:50 Brotherhood 20:25 Disney Mickey Mouse 07:00 Supa Strikas 21:00 Burying The Ex 13:15 Workaholics 20:30 Austin & Ally 07:25 Supa Strikas 23:00 Forgetting Sarah Marshall 13:40 The It Crowd 20:55 Descendants Wicked World 07:50 Counterfeit Cat 14:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On 21:00 Backstage 08:00 Star vs The Forces Of Evil Patrol 21:25 Tsum Tsum Shorts 08:15 K.C. Undercover 14:55 Ridiculousness 21:30 Elena Of Avalor 08:40 Atomic Puppet 15:20 Life Or Debt 21:55 Best Friends Whenever 09:10 Lab Rats 00:00 Cold In July 16:10 Brotherhood 22:20 Jessie 09:35 Danger Mouse 02:00 The Returned 00:00 American Sniper 16:35 Ridiculousness 22:45 Jessie 10:00 K.C Undercover: Tightrope Of 04:00 Jappeloup 02:15 Young Ones 17:00 Impractical Jokers 23:10 Jessie Doom 06:15 Oliver's Deal 04:00 Atlas Shrugged Part 2: The Strike 17:30 Workaholics 23:35 H2O: Just Add Water 10:50 Kirby Buckets 17:55 Tosh.0 11:20 Kirby Buckets 08:00 Rosewater 06:00 The Last Tycoon 18:25 Workaholics 11:45 Gravity Falls 10:00 The Yellow Handkerchief 08:30 Searching For Bobby Fischer 18:50 Lip Sync Battle: All Stars Live 12:10 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 11:45 Jappeloup 10:30 Young Ones 19:39 The It Crowd Everything 14:00 Oliver's Deal 12:30 Arlington Road 20:03 Life Or Debt 12:35 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 16:00 Love Under The Stars 15:00 War Horse 18:00 The Yellow Handkerchief 18:00 Searching For Bobby Fischer 20:50 Brotherhood 00:00 Doc McStuffins Everything THE SONG ON OSN MOVIES HD Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

KNCC PROGRAMME LOST FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY Lost British Passport by (29/12/2016 TO 04/01/2017) name Peter Brian Steveson, bearing passport No. SHARQIA-1 FANAR-2 PASSENGERS 7:00 PM 360º- 3 504707693, at the Kuwait LA LA LAND 12:15 PM SING 12:00 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 9:15 PM COLLATERAL BEAUTY 12:00 PM Airport or Car Park on SING 2:45 PM MOANA 2:30 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 11:45 PM LAF WA DAWARAN 2:15 PM December 20th around 5 LA LA LAND 5:00 PM SING 4:45 PM PASSENGERS 4:30 PM pm. If found please call MOANA 7:30 PM MOANA 7:15 PM AVENUES-1 PASSENGERS 7:00 PM 66825077. (C 5252) ESHTEBAK 10:00 PM ESHTEBAK 9:45 PM THE MONSTER 12:00 PM PASSENGERS 9:30 PM 3-1-2017 ASSASSIN’S CREED 12:05 AM ESHTEBAK 11:45 PM THE MONSTER 2:00 PM PASSENGERS 12:05 AM 13 DAYS 4:00 PM SHARQIA-2 FANAR-3 THE MONSTER 6:00 PM AL-KOUT.1 ASSASSIN’S CREED 12:30 PM LA LA LAND 12:45 PM THE MONSTER 8:00 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 11:30 AM FOR SALE ASSASSIN’S CREED 3:00 PM GHOST SHIP 3:30 PM THE MONSTER 10:00 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 2:00 PM MOANA 5:30 PM LA LA LAND 5:30 PM THE MONSTER 12:05 AM PASSENGERS 4:30 PM PRADO 4 cylinder, Model ASSASSIN’S CREED 8:00 PM ESHTEBAK 8:00 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 7:00 PM GX-L 2005, Golden color PRAYER TIMINGS ASSASSIN’S CREED 10:30 PM GHOST SHIP 10:00 PM AVENUES-2 ASSASSIN’S CREED 9:30 PM (wheel Rim-CD-Rear A/C) ASSASSIN’S CREED 1:00 AM LA LA LAND 12:05 AM MOANA -3D- 4DX 12:15 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 12:05 AM good condition, no dam- Fajr: 05:18 ASSASSIN’S CREED -3D- 4DX 2:45 PM age, 174000 km, Cash KD SHARQIA-3 FANAR-4 MOANA -3D- 4DX 2:45 PM AL-KOUT.2 3000. Call: 97800987. Shorook 06:43 DANGAL -Hindi 12:45 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 12:15 PM MOANA -3D- 4DX 5:15 PM WITHIN 12:45 PM (C 5251) ASSASSIN’S CREED 2:45 PM PASSENGERS -3D- 4DX 7:45 PM MOANA 2:45 PM Duhr: 11:52 MOANA 4:00 PM 28-12-2016 DANGAL -Hindi 6:15 PM PASSENGERS 5:15 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED -3D- 4DX 10:15 PM MOANA 5:00 PM MOANA 7:30 PM Asr: 14:43 THE MONSTER 9:30 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 7:45 PM PASSENGERS -3D- 4DX 10:15 PM For sell new white faux fur THE MONSTER 11:30 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 10:15 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED -3D- 4DX 12:45 AM WITHIN 9:45 PM Maghrib: 17:02 ASSASSIN’S CREED 12:45 AM PASSENGERS -3D- 4DX 12:45 AM WITHIN 11:45 PM (artificial) coat size M and MUHALAB-1 pre owned like new black Isha: 18:24 DANGAL -Hindi 12:15 PM FANAR-5 AVENUES-3 AL-KOUT.3 leather coat size M made in MOANA 3:30 PM MOANA 11:30 AM DANGAL -Hindi 11:45 AM THE MONSTER 11:30 AM Turkey Tel. No: 55020291 DANGAL -Hindi 6:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 2:00 PM ROGUE ONE:A STAR WARS STORY 3:00 PM MOANA 1:30 PM ESHTEBAK 9:15 PM DANGAL -Hindi 5:15 PM DANGAL -Hindi 5:45 PM SING 4:00 PM ESHTEBAK 11:15 PM DANGAL -Hindi 8:30 PM DANGAL -Hindi 9:00 PM SING 6:15 PM DANGAL -Hindi 11:45 PM ROGUE ONE:A STAR WARS STORY 12:15 AM THE MONSTER 8:30 PM Help Wanted MUHALAB-2 THE MONSTER 10:30 PM MOANA 11:30 AM MARINA-1 AVENUES-4 THE MONSTER 12:30 AM MOANA 1:45 PM PASSENGERS 12:45 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 11:30 AM Copy Editor/ Proofreader SING 4:00 PM MOANA 3:15 PM MOANA 2:00 PM AL-KOUT.4 MOANA 6:15 PM MOANA 5:45 PM DANGAL -Hindi 4:15 PM ESHTEBAK 1:30 PM THE MONSTER 8:30 PM MOANA 8:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 7:30 PM LA LA LAND 3:30 PM THE MONSTER 10:30 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 10:30 PM ESHTEBAK 10:45 PM LA LA LAND 6:00 PM ’4`SaVU`ORcObSa^`STS``SR THE MONSTER 12:30 AM NO THU+FRI+MON WITHIN 1:15 AM ESHTEBAK 8:45 PM LA LA LAND 10:30 PM ESHTEBAK 10:45 PM ’;cabPS3\UZWaVZO\UcOUSÀcS\b MUHALAB-3 THU+FRI+MON 360 º- 1 ASSASSIN’S CREED 12:45 AM ASSASSIN’S CREED 11:30 AM ASSASSIN’S CREED 1:00 AM MOANA 11:30 AM ’B`O\aTS``OPZSDWaO & ASSASSIN’S CREED 2:00 PM MOANA 1:45 PM BAIRAQ-1 PASSENGERS 4:30 PM MARINA-2 MOANA 4:00 PM MOANA 11:30 AM ASSASSIN’S CREED 7:00 PM SING 12:00 PM MOANA 6:30 PM MOANA 1:45 PM ’/dOWZOPZSb]abO`bW[[SRWObSZg ASSASSIN’S CREED 9:30 PM THE MONSTER 2:15 PM DANGAL -Hindi 9:00 PM MOANA 4:15 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 12:05 AM SING 4:15 PM WITHIN 12:15 AM MOANA -3D 6:45 PM * No applications accepted from abroad ESHTEBAK 6:30 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 9:15 PM FANAR-1 THE MONSTER 8:30 PM 360 º- 2 ASSASSIN’S CREED -3D 11:45 PM WITHIN 12:15 PM ESHTEBAK 10:30 PM THE MONSTER 1:15 PM Send CV & salary requirements to THE MONSTER 2:15 PM THE MONSTER 12:30 AM THE MONSTER 3:15 PM BAIRAQ-2 MOANA 4:15 PM THE MONSTER 5:15 PM SING 12:45 PM [email protected] THE MONSTER 6:30 PM MARINA-3 13 DAYS 7:15 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 3:00 PM WITHIN 8:45 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 11:30 AM THE MONSTER 9:15 PM SING 5:30 PM ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE CALLS THE MONSTER 10:45 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 2:00 PM THE MONSTER 11:15 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 7:45 PM WITHIN 12:45 AM ASSASSIN’S CREED 4:30 PM THE MONSTER 1:15 AM THU+TUE+WED Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 4/1/2017 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 Departure Flights on Wednesday 4/1/2017 KAC 286 Dhaka 15:20 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 076 Dubai 14:05 Airlines Flt Route Time OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 MEA 410 Beirut 00:15 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 CLX 792 Hanoi 14:30 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:50 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:50 KAC 693 Muscat 14:30 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:50 MEA 411 Beirut 01:15 KNE 382 Taif 14:50 KAC 102 London 00:55 KAC 154 Istanbul 15:55 FDK 804 Damascus 01:55 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:55 KAC 417 Manila 02:00 KAC 561 Amman 15:00 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 FDK 803 Damascus 01:00 THY 773 Istanbul 02:25 FDB 060 Dubai 15:05 SVA 504 Madinah 16:00 QTR 1086 Doha 01:15 KAC 285 Dhaka 02:25 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:15 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 IRC 6512 ABD 15:30 DLH 635 Doha 01:55 KAC 788 Jeddah 16:20 MSC 406 Sohag 03:30 QTR 1079 Doha 15:40 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 FDB 051 Dubai 16:25 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:35 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:05 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 MSC 405 Sohag 02:30 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:25 KKK 6505 Istanbul 03:55 KNE 684 Madinah 16:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 16:35 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 KAC 777 Riyadh 16:00 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 KAC 619 Doha 16:00 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 554 Alexandria 16:10 KAC 118 New York 17:00 KAC 344 Chennai 05:35 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:45 MEA 409 Beirut 04:10 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:30 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 QTR 1077 Doha 04:40 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:45 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 06:25 KAC 103 London 04:45 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:50 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 BAW 157 London 06:40 RJA 645 Amman 05:15 SAW 706 Damascus 16:55 FDB 063 Dubai 18:10 CEB 0019 Manila 05:20 SVA 505 Madinah 17:00 KAC 204 Lahore 07:15 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 QTR 1087 Doha 05:50 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15 KAC 502 Beirut 18:20 JZR 560 Sohag 06:05 JZR 240 Amman 17:15 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 FDB 052 Dubai 17:25 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 UAE 874 Dubai 06:50 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 KAC 363 Colombo 17:40 KAC 382 Delhi 08:45 KAC 153 Istanbul 06:50 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KAC 362 Colombo 09:05 KAC 512 Mashhad 19:20 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 171 Frankfurt 07:05 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 KAC 331 Trivandrum 18:00 KAC 778 Riyadh 19:35 KAC 541 Cairo 07:15 KAC 353 BLR 18:15 KAC 352 Kochi 09:10 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 773 Riyadh 07:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 KAC 563 Amman 08:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 18:25 IRC 6511 ABD 09:55 KAC 620 Doha 19:50 BAW 156 London 08:40 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 MSC 415 Sohag 10:15 KAC 104 London 19:50 FDB 054 Dubai 08:55 FDB 064 Dubai 19:05 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 KNE 381 Taif 19:55 KAC 117 New York 09:00 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 694 Muscat 20:00 KAC 743 Dammam 09:00 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 11:05 OMA 647 Muscat 20:10 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:10 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 KAC 513 Tehran 09:30 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 IRM 1188 Mashhad 11:15 KAC 562 Amman 20:40 KAC 101 London 09:35 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:45 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 IRC 526 Mashhad 11:40 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:55 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 KAC 501 Beirut 10:00 KAC 545 Cairo 21:00 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:00 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 OMA 648 Muscat 21:10 KAC 744 Dammam 12:10 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:15 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 21:30 JZR 561 Sohag 12:40 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:15 KAC 161 Geneva 10:10 QTR 1089 Doha 21:35 FDB 075 Dubai 12:50 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 KAC 613 Bahrain 10:10 DLH 634 Doha 21:35 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 787 Jeddah 10:15 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 KAC 614 Bahrain 13:30 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 IRC 6522 Lamerd 11:00 KAC 351 Kochi 22:00 KAC 564 Amman 13:40 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 MSC 416 Sohag 11:15 KAC 203 Lahore 22:15 KAC 514 Tehran 13:55 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:05 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 KAC 413 Bangkok 22:15 KNE 231 Riyadh 13:55 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:05 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 JZR 241 Amman 22:45 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 12:05 JZR 528 Asyut 22:25 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:10 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 KAC 414 Bangkok 14:35 JZR 555 Alexandria 23:20 IRM 1189 Mashhad 12:30 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 MEA 406 Beirut 23:30 IRC 527 Mashhad 12:40 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:45 IRC 6521 Lamerd 14:40 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 381 Delhi 22:45 PIA 239 Sialkot 23:40 KAC 542 Cairo 14:45 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:00 JZR 502 Luxor 22:55 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 KAC 672 Dubai 14:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:50 KAC 511 Mashhad 13:15 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 KAC 162 Geneva 23:55 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 KNE 683 Madinah 15:05 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:55 AAG 145 Baghdad 14:00 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 stars34 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

CROSSWORD 1480 STAR TRACK

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

Ambition takes center stage now. Achievements that win you reward and Just because you have a little extra cash today does not mean you can go recognition are yours for the making-but you must make them happen-you out and charge a new expensive item. Caution with extravagant spending . . . It is the cannot simply wait around and expect them to appear full-blown. You could develop a awareness for the day. You will be able to enjoy a group of your co-worker friends in some knack for being in the right place at the right time, and you may find that you have friends fun activity during the noon break. Perhaps you will be involved in sports or a group get- in high places. Adjust to changing plans. You may be leading a class at a local school or together. Whatever the case, you will enjoy a few shared interests. Your management and teaching at a nearby young people's association on outdoor survival techniques. You are directional abilities will be in high focus when you discuss and decide who will be respon- in for some positive changing energy, so hop on the boat and get underway. Poetry and sible for specific tasks that make the afternoon assignment run smoothly. You enjoy art may be enjoyable. Movies, books and all forms of escape could prove very pleasant organizing fast moving projects with cooperative, inspired people. You could find that this evening. Relationships with children present opportunities for laughter. you are appreciated or valued for your ability to express empathy.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Take advantage of the energies that are around you now because any busi- ness begun and controlled by you will get a real head start all the way through late may. You may soon want to go outside of your work to apply for programs such The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives now. There could be as life insurance, health insurance or investment plans. There is some relief at this time with some problems if someone on the outside interferes with your plans. Allow outside inter- regard to your finances. Your attention on a few travel plans is aimed in the right direction. ruptions to roll off your back as if you were a duck. You are happy to do favors for others. There are also educational opportunities that you will want to take advantage of now. If Good luck repays you for your hard work. Coming to grips with the past or getting in you need to diet, today and tomorrow are the days for fun activities that encourage diet- touch with the mystical and the spiritual are things that give a sense of satisfaction and ing-especially with a friend. If you do not need to diet, consider a more nutritious lunch to completeness. Finish up old chores this evening and do not be too fussy if someone else help relieve or cut back on the stress lately. You may find yourself enjoying a long conver- makes a mess-just hand the messy person a broom. sation, writing a letter or making a special phone call this evening. Parenting is less of a challenge than usual this evening.

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

This is a busy day. Pace yourself and take breaks when you can-you will be Thoughts, ideas and local travel are slowed until the end of march. Power pleased with your efforts. Keep the positive state of mind and you will pass it on to others. struggles could be intense with group issues at this time. Find an advisor Your intuition may save you from harsh thinking. Figuring things out, spotting the under- and you will be more convincing. You may lock horns on an issue and the only way to see lying problem and figuring out how to separate the difficulty are the things that take on any positive results may be to stop insisting. Go on about your business and after this per- ACROSS 5. The sciences concerned with gathering and special significance. An attitude perturbation may be needed. You have an awareness of son gives the subject some thought, he or she just might surprise you. Inventions and 1. (computer science) A computer that is run- manipulating and storing and retrieving time slipping away so there is some stress to complete tasks. You will be pleased at the quality ideas are possible when you communicate and agree to disagree. The satisfaction ning software that allows users to leave and classifying recorded information. result of the hard work done by you and your co-workers by the end of this day. This is one of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives. You will experience a sense of sup- port and harmony by the end of the day that makes this a pleasant time. There is an messages and access information of gen- 6. A Spanish female Gypsy. of your best days for love. Shared interests with a loved one will bring a harmonious end opportunity to show your appreciation to an older person. eral interest. 7. A heavy silvery toxic univalent and bivalent to a frustrating day. A lovely dessert is in the making. 4. An alcoholic drink taken at bedtime. metallic element. 12. Tag the base runner to get him out. 8. A slow pace of running. 15. Any high mountain. 9. A member of an American Indian peoples of Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. A quotation at the beginning of some NE South America and the Lesser Antilles. This is another great day, full of energy and high aspirations. You have lots of piece of writing. 10. Of or relating to apnea. Other than planning a fishing or camping trip for this next weekend you 17. South American wood sorrel cultivated for 11. The title of the ancient Egyptian kings. imagination and hope. Make it a point to sprinkle a little laughter into the day. Don't be afraid to spread out the responsibilities if you find yourself with more than your fair share. might consider a garden as well. The garden may have to stay in your mind until it is plant- its edible tubers. ing time but this is such a good time to put your ideas on paper. As ideas come to you dur- 12. Period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6. If you are not working today, now through the end of this month are excellent times to ing your workday, you can draw or jot down the area size and the items you think you 18. Of or relating to Saudi Arabia or its people. 13. An inflammatory disease involving the gain employment-or move up the corporate ladder. Most likely you will be working at a 20. Something used to beautify. sebaceous glands of the skin. might want for your garden. If you only have enough room for a potted garden, this can forward speed. Putting work before home causes home to disappear, careful. After the also be planned ahead. You may decide a miniature fruit tree would be fun. At the noon 21. Preaching the gospel of Christ in the man- 14. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake workday is over you make it a point to put more effort and attention into your home. break, you might ask your co-workers for gardening suggestions or ideas of places to fish. ner of the early church. Chad. Some social and romantic attitudes are yours now. Accept social invitations that will help If you are not planning an escape this evening, the energies are right to join up with your 23. A relative position or degree of value in a 19. Of or belonging to or suitable for a duke. you to network. Be careful of excessive expenses. peers or family in a fun celebration of life. graded group. 22. A Bantu language. 24. A unit of length of thread or yarn. 26. 1,000,000,000 periods per second. 25. The longest river of Asia. 28. (electronics) Designating sound transmis- Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 27. Slanting diagonally across the grain of a sion from two sources through two chan- fabric. nels. You will begin to see new friends come into your life now and you may notice that they improve in quality as well. Together you will make dreams come true. You Your creative side is working today in designing future goals and changing 29. The basic unit of money in Botswana. 30. Medium-sized tree-dwelling monkey of the or bringing a focus into some of your plans. The decisions that you make at this time will are charming today and enjoy wearing some of your clothing or jewelry that you received 32. An enclosed space. Amazon basin. have some long-lasting effects-think about your next move carefully! Others give you during the holidays. You appreciate rational viewpoints and will pay attention to the chat- 33. Cosmopolitan herbs especially southern 31. Wild or domesticated South American cud- recognition for your hard work. The energies of the universe are working in favor of an atti- ter around you if it means that you can add something important and make a positive dif- tude change that affords outward thinking. Spread your wings and try new skills. Be hemisphere. chewing animal related to camels but ference. Involvement with idealistic groups enhances your sense of purpose. Instead of 37. (Jewish cookery) A loaf of white bread con- encouraged to discard your limited ideas of your personal capabilities-you could be limit- smaller and lacking a hump. trying to tend to lots of details this afternoon, just concentrate on the most important ing your own success. Be wise when it comes to nutrition. Weather permitting, a short trip taining eggs and leavened with yeast. 34. A landlocked republic in eastern Africa. issues-the rest of the problems will soon be solved. Lovers, children and other people or to the country may be enjoyed by the whole family or with a loved one this afternoon. It 41. German philosopher whose three stage 35. English rock star and guitarist and song- things dear to your heart are emphasized at this time. just might be the perfect time for a romantic getaway. process of dialectical reasoning was writer who with Paul McCartney wrote adopted by Karl Marx (1770-1831). most of the music for the Beatles (1940- 42. A Turkish unit of weight equal to about 1980). Virgo (August 23-September 22) 2.75 pounds. 36. A non-aromatic saturated hydrocarbon Pisces (February 19-March 20) Sometimes, when trying to get your message across to someone or to a 43. Submersible vessel for one or two persons. with the general formula CnH(2n+2). This is a lucky day. You receive good news about money and if you decide 47. Very fertile. 38. A leisurely walk (usually in some public group, circumstances can create frustrated feelings rather than clear understandings-this to do any traveling this weekend-you have picked the right time for travel- may be one of those days. Communicating what you want to say may need to be thought 48. A woolen cap of Scottish origin. place). ing. You will probably volunteer some time to help a young person this morning. If you are through very carefully before speaking. Through your example, you teach others to come single, communication with your sweetheart improves. A friend's birthday gift deserves 49. Date used in reckoning dates before the 39. A very poisonous metallic element that has from the truth and not their anger. You are in a practical mood to complete a particular supposed year Christ was born. three allotropic forms. your attention this afternoon. Once you decide what gift you want to give, you can spend project and you work well with the flow of energies today. There will be tasks now that quite a lot of time shopping. If you are traveling, you will find several discount places. 50. A place where the wicked are punished 40. United States film actor (born in Hungary) require real discipline and you are the one that will follow through with a particular proj- These stores often have good prices, but better yet-they will many times have just what after death. noted for portraying monsters (1884- ect. There is a new passion for details, a need to do just the right thing at just the right you want hidden back in some corner. You have the time and the patience for research 52. An authoritative person who divines the 1956). time. You will find communication easier this evening. today. You love looking for a great buy. future. 44. A soft gray ductile metallic element used in 56. A hard malleable ductile silvery metallic alloys. element that is resistant to corrosion. 45. Being nine more than ninety. Word Search Yesterday Solution 57. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that 46. Be owned by. was responsible for research into atomic 51. Genus of tropical American timber trees. energy and its peacetime uses in the 53. A hidden storage space (for money or pro- United States. visions or weapons). 59. Used of a single unit or thing. 54. Electronic warfare undertaken to insure 61. A woman's shoe with a very high thick sole. effective friendly use of the electromag- 64. A Shinto god of war. netic spectrum in spite of the enemy's use 67. Relatively small gnawing animals having a of electronic warfare. single pair of constantly growing incisor 55. Liveliness and energy. teeth specialized for gnawing. 58. Ruffed grouse. 71. Having awns i.e. bristle- or hair-like 60. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfec- appendages on the flowering parts of tions of the skin. some cereals and grasses. 62. Unpleasantly stern. 72. East Indian cereal grass whose seed yield a 63. Experiencing or showing sorrow or unhap- somewhat bitter flour, a staple in the piness. Orient. 65. Inspired by a feeling of fearful wonder- 75. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan ment or reverence. River. 66. Severe diabetes mellitus with an early 76. Towards the side away from the wind. onset. 77. Turn away from by persuasion. 68. Gully or streambed in North Africa and the 80. Lacking in light. Middle East that remains dry except dur- 81. A doctor's degree in education. ing rainy season. 82. A great raja. 69. A town in north central Oklahoma. 83. An agency of the United Nations affiliated 70. Avatar of Vishnu. with the World Bank. 73. A group of Niger-Congo languages spoken primarily in southeastern Mali and north- DOWN ern Ghana. 1. Derive or receive pleasure from. 74. A plant hormone promoting elongation of 2. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue. stems and roots. 3. A verbalization that encourages you to 78. A state in midwestern United States. attempt something. 79. A person who announces and plays popu- 4. The sound made by a horse. lar recorded music.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 information

For labor-related inquiries INTERNATIONAL and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 CALLS

Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Mali 00223 Austria 0043 Malta 00356 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Azerbaijan 00994 Marshall Islands 00692 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Rawda 22517733 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Adaliya 22517144 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Khaldiya 24848075 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Kaifan 24849807 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Shamiya 24848913 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 DAAYY: 7XHVGDD\\  99DDOLG )URP  $0 7R  30 Shuwaikh 24814507 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Expected WeWeather for the Next 24 Hours Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 %< '$$<< 0RVWO\ VXQQ\  ZLWK  PRGHUDWH IIUUHVKHQLQJ  DW WLPHV  QRUUWWK  ZHVWHUO\  ZLQGG  ZLWK  VSHHG  RI    NPK Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 %< 1,*+7 3DUUWWO\ FORXG\ ZLWK OLJKW WR PRGHUDWH IIUUHVKHQLQJ  DW WLPHV VSHFLDOO\  RYHU FRDVWDO DUHDV QRUWWKK ZHHVWHUO\ ZLQG Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 ZLWK VSHHG  RI    NPK Dasmah 22532265 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 :($7$7+(5:$:$51,1* 1R&XUUHQW ::DDUQLQJV China 0086 Norway 0047

Shaab 22518752 STTAAATTION 0$;(;33 0,1 5(& 6)& &+$57    87& Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 .8::$$,7 &,7<  ƒ&  ƒ& Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 .8::$$,7 $,5325577  ƒ&  ƒ& Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Mirqab 22456536 $%'$//<<  ƒ&  ƒ& Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 %8%<<$$$11  ƒ&  ƒ& Sharq 22465401 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 -$+55$$  ƒ&  ƒ& Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 ))$$,/$.$ ,6/$$11'  ƒ&  ƒ& Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 6$/0,<<$$+  ƒ&  ƒ& Maidan Hawally 25623444 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 $+0$',  ƒ&  ƒ& Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 18::$$,6,%  ƒ&  ƒ& Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Mishref 25381200 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 ::$$)5$  ƒ&  ƒ& Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 6$/0<  ƒ&  ƒ& Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Sabah 24810221 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 4 DAAYYS FORECAST El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 Temperatures England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 DAAYY DAATTE WEAATTHER Wind Direction Wind Speed New Jahra 24575755 MAX. MIN. Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 ::HHGQHVGD\  0RVWO\ VXQQ\  ƒ&  ƒ&1:      NPK 7KXXUUVGD\  6XQQ\FKDDQQFHIIRRU GXVW  RYHU  RSHQ  DUHDV ƒ&   ƒ& 1:      NPK Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 South Jahra 24775066 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 )ULGD\  3DDUUWO\ FORXG\  ƒ&  ƒ& 1:      NPK Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tome 00239 North Jahra 24775992 6DWWXXUGDD\\  0RVWO\ VXQQ\  ƒ&  ƒ& 95%6(      NPK Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 PRAAYYER TIMES RECORDED YESTERDAAYY AATT KUWWAAIT AIRPORT Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 Fajr  MAX. Temp.  °C France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Sunrise  MIN. Temp.  °C Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 Zuhr  MAX. RH  % French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Asr  MIN. RH  % Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 Sunset  MAX. Wind 1  km/h N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Isha TOTTAALL RAINFFAALLL IN 24 HR.  mm Fintas 23900322 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 All times are local time unless otherwise stated. 833   UTC 9 7 ŵŤŚƀ Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 PRIVATE CLINICS Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Hungary 0036 Togo 00228 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Rheumatologists: Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 General Practitioners Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com 25716707 23845955 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 Lesotho 00266 lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

AWARDS

Dev Patel, left, and Nicole Kidman arrive at the 28th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on Nicole Kidman accepts the International Star Award for Tom Hanks poses backstage with the Icon Award. Monday in Palm Springs, Calif. — AP/AFP photos ‘Lion’. Gosling pays tribute to Reynolds at Palm Springs Gala: 'Her Work Is an Inspiration'

he Palm Springs Convention Center was atwitter Monday evening as movie stars, Hollywood moguls Tand cinema aficionados filed inside for the start of the 28th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival opening night gala, which kicks off the buzzy 12-day desert-area fest, regarded as the unofficial harbinger of Oscar season. Glitz and glamour filled the decked-out, flo- ral-filled room, with stars honored for their performances in 2016 films favored for serious Academy Awards con- tention. Famed "Entertainment Tonight" alum Mary Hart hosted the event, with PSIFF chairman of the board Harold Matzner on hand to extend a warm welcome to guests, who dined on a delectable three-course meal that includ- ed a chopped vegetable salad martini, sherry demi-glace short ribs forestiere, and a dessert aptly named "At the Movies" on the menu: vanilla panna cotta over crushed sugar cookie, topped with crunchy Milk Dud chocolate mousse, caramel corn and movie candies. "Loving" director Jeff Nichols and actor Joel Edgerton presented Ruth Negga with the Rising Star award for her lead role in Nichols' historical drama, chronicling the land- Tom Hanks, right, winner of the Icon Award, poses backstage with presenter Laura mark 1967 Supreme Court case that made interracial mar- Linney. riage legal in the United States. Edgerton praised Negga's Versus the Volcano' did for me. I bow very deeply to you." "perfect" performance, describing her as "truth where the Damien Chazelle, from Later in the evening, "Hidden Figures" producer Pharrell left, Justin Hurwitz, Ryan 't' is silent." In turn, Negga called Edgerton "the most excel- Williams cued the audience to "make some noise for the lent partner in this endeavor." Janelle Monae expressed Gosling , and Fred Berger female achievements" and "Arrival" star Amy Adams, hon- arrive at the 28th annual similar love and admiration for Breakthrough Performance ored with the Chairman's Award, called director Denis award recipient Mahershala Ali, Monae's fellow cast mem- Palm Springs Villeneuve "a visionary, a compassionate and generous International Film ber in both "Moonlight" and "Hidden Figures." director who elevates everyone around him." Festival Awards. While accepting the Career Achievement Award, "20th Acceptance speech Century Women" star Annette Bening declared, "acting is "Mahershala humanized his character in a way that we the work of intimacy." Given that collective closeness, it have not seen before onscreen," said Monae of Ali's role in was only fitting that Ryan Gosling, who accepted the "Moonlight." Ali, who toiled for over two decades as a rela- Vanguard Award for "La La Land" alongside director tive unknown in films such as "The Place Beyond the Pines" Damien Chazelle and composer Justin Hurwitz, took a and television's "Treme" and "House of Cards," thanked his moment to acknowledge the recent passing of Debbie father, himself an actor, for teaching him the value of Reynolds, crediting her performance in "Singin' in the Rain" "hunger, patience, persistence ... and introducing me to the as a major artistic influence in the creation of Chazelle's arts and the inherent struggle." It was an "emotional" night 2017 nod to old Hollywood musicals. "I wish I could have for "Lion" actress and International Star Award recipient said this in person but I'd like to thank Debbie Reynolds," Nicole Kidman, who last attended the gala 12 years ago, said Gosling. "Her work is an inspiration." Upon accepting and waxed nostalgic about having taken as her date her the Icon Award, Hanks was quick to quip about the gala's "papa who was alive then." She shared words of wisdom lengthy running time. "It's been a long night for any 501c," from her "Eyes Wide Shut" director, the late Stanley joked the "Sully" star, who went on to thank the producers, Kubrick, who told Kidman, "You are a character actress. You directors, costume designers, and screenwriters with Damien Chazelle accepts the Vanguard Ryan Gosling accepts the Vanguard Award must find characters to play." Award for "La La Land". for "La La Land". whom he's worked over the span of his Oscar-winning "I took his advice," said Kidman, "and I want to find career, before personally thanking Garfield, "who finally characters-that is my drive, to find the great character saw to it that Palm Springs International Film Fest shows roles." Related Exclusive Portraits From Palm Springs Film some love for 'Joe Versus the Volcano.'"— Reuters Festival Awards Gala Other highlights of the night includ- ed the acceptance speech of "Jackie" star and Desert Palm Achievement Award (Actress) recipient Natalie Portman, who relayed a moving, poignant story about her near penniless grandmother emigrating from Eastern Europe to Palestine before Israel gained statehood in 1948 and she was forced to share one dress with her roommate; Sir Ben Kingsley feting Casey Affleck with the Desert Palm Achievement Award (Actor) for his devastat- ing turn as an alcoholic janitor in "Manchester by the Sea," a movie, said Affleck, "about showing up for the people we love"; and Spotlight Award honoree Andrew Garfield ("Hacksaw Ridge"), who publicly thanked Icon Award honoree Tom Hanks for being his primary inspira- tion in becoming an actor.

Female achievements "There's a man in the room responsible for me becom- ing an actor and he doesn't know it," gushed Garfield. "I Natalie Portman accepts the Desert Palm Achievement can't express in words what your work in 'Big' and 'Joe Actress Award for "Jackie". Host Mary Hart speaks on stage.

Casey Affleck accepts the Desert Palm Achievement Actor Amy Adams accepts the Chairman’s Award for ‘Arrival’. Annette Bening accepts the Career Achievement Award. Mahershala Ali accepts the award for Breakthrough Award for ‘Manchester by the Sea’. Performance for ‘Moonlight’. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 lifestyle

AWARDS

The cast of "Hidden Figures" pose backstage with the Ensemble Performance Award. Benjamin Millepied, second from left, and Natalie Portman.

Annette Bening, left, and Warren Beatty. Laura Dern, left, presents the Spotlight Award to Andrew Garfield for ‘Hacksaw Jane Lynch presents the Vanguard Award. Ridge’.

Pharrell Williams presents the award for Ensemble Ben Kingsley presents the Desert Palm Achievement Actor Actress Suzanne Somers Ruth Negga accepts the award for Rising Star for "Loving.” Performance to the cast of "Hidden Figures". Award to Casey Affleck for "Manchester by the Sea".

Actress Laura Dern (right) and Jaya Harper. Mike Mills presents the Career Achievement Award to Annette Bening for ‘20th Jim Parsons Century Women’.

Actress Matilda Del Toro Janelle Monae Octavia Spencer, center, accepts the award for Ensemble Performance for ‘Hidden Figures’. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

FEATURE

An Emirati man trains a falcon in the Liwa desert, some 250 kilometers west of the Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi, during the Liwa 2017 Moreeb Dune Festival. The festival, which attracts participants from around the Gulf region, includes a variety of races (cars, bikes, falcons, camels and horses) or other activities aimed at promoting the country's folklore. — AFP photos Liwa 2017 Moreeb Dune Festival

Emirati falcon trainers gather in the Liwa desert. Rykan Al-Qubaisi an Emirati falcon trainer sits with a fal- An Emirati man trains a falcon in the Liwa desert. con in the Liwa desert.

An Emirati man walks in the Liwa desert. An Emirati from the Qubaisi tribe trains falcons in the Liwa desert.

Emiratis drive through the Liwa desert, some 250 kilometers west of the Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi, during the Liwa 2017 Moreeb Dune Festival. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

FEATURES

Men walk their camels across the Liwa desert.

An Emirati falconer trains his bird. A falcon flies past a device measuring its speed. An Emirati from the Qubaisi tribe sits next to a fire after training his falcon.

A falcon is being trained by a falconer.

An Emirati falconer trains his bird.

Emirati falconers are seen training their birds. Facebook sleuths bring home India's stolen idols

y day, Arvind Venkatraman works as a software engineer scene, but he was the mastermind." Philip said Kapoor won over University of Glasgow, said she was "absolutely flabbergast- It has happened nowhere else," she said. in India's tech hub Chennai. But in his spare time, he is an the international art world by donating millions of dollars' worth ed" when it emerged the Australian gallery's statue was The volunteers, who are all passionate about Indian art, Binternational art detective whose efforts have helped of pieces to museums in the United States. He ran his own stolen. "If you'd asked me in 2011 (before Kapoor's arrest) go through old catalogues from auction houses, using any bring back some of his country's most valuable antiquities. freight company in India, allegedly concealing priceless antiques whether this kind of thing was still possible, I'd have said no. blemishes or imperfections to match lots with idols stolen Venkatraman is part of a group of art enthusiasts known as the among modern replicas. I believed the due diligence of museums had vastly from temples. Founded by two Singapore-based art enthu- India Pride Project (IPP) who are using Facebook and other social media to identify religious artefacts stolen from temples around the country and secure their return. Art theft is big business all over India. But the richest pickings are in Venkatraman's home state of Tamil Nadu, where centuries-old religious artefacts with huge potential sale values in the West lie largely unprotected in out-of-the-way rural temples. Two years ago, the IPP claimed a significant victory when the National Gallery of Australia returned a $5 million bronze statue of the Hindu god Shiva that had been stolen from a Tamil Nadu temple. At first Venkatraman says the gallery, which is now suing the Manhattan dealership that sold it the statue, was reluctant to entertain the idea that its purchase was stolen. So the IPP organised a social media campaign using images comparing the stolen idol with the one on display at the museum. "Initially typ- ically there is a denial," he told AFP in Chennai. "Whether it's Australia, Europe, Singapore or the US, initially there will be resistance from the museum curators... because they've spent a lot of money and they wouldn't want to let go of an object." The idol is among those allegedly trafficked by Subhash In this photograph Additional Director General of Police, Economic Offence Wing In this photograph India temple priests carry a diety of Hindu god Parthasarathy in a pro- Kapoor, a former Manhattan art dealer who was the subject of Prateep.V. Philip (left) and Inspector General of Police - Idol Wing A.G. Pon Manickavel cession on a street in Chennai. a massive US federal investigation known as Operation Hidden speak during an interview in Chennai. — AFP photos Idol. Kapoor was arrested in Germany in 2012 and is now on trial in India, accused of conspiring in the theft, trafficking and "Whenever a theft took place in the past, sometimes people improved," she said in a phone interview. Since the arrest, siasts, it now includes activists from all over the world. The sale of religious idols. He denies all charges. Many of the antiq- were not even aware," said Philip, describing the thousands of Washington has returned hundreds of artefacts recovered work is unpaid, but Venkatraman says it is all worth it when uities he dealt in dated back to the 11th and 12th centuries, small shrines that dot the state as "easy prey". "It would be a under Operation Hidden Idol to India. an idol is returned to the temple it belongs in. "When finally when the Chola dynasty presided over a flourishing of Hindu derelict temple only visited at certain times of the year. So when But idols are still disappearing. This year, Philip's team the idol is restituted, the temple comes alive," he said. "It's a art in Tamil Nadu. a theft took place it was discovered long after." This means much arrested an art dealer in Chennai after recovering hundreds kind of cycle... Once that cycle is complete it's like saying, of India's stolen sacred art is never even registered as missing, of metal and stone statues of Hindu gods from a warehouse. ok, the puzzle is finally solved." — AFP 'Easy prey' allowing it to be bought and sold on the international market. Yates believes the grassroots work of the IPP in document- "This operation went on for many years," said Prateep V Philip, ing cases of theft and bringing them to public attention is who heads Tamil Nadu's Idol Wing-India's only police team dedi- Solving the puzzle crucial-and unmatched anywhere in the world. "The amount cated to tackling art theft. "He (Kapoor) was himself not on the Donna Yates, who lectures in antiquities trafficking at the that they've been able to do with zero resources is amazing. Gosling pays tribute to Reynolds at Palm Springs Gala: ‘Her work is an inspiration’

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 36

Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival

An Emirati from the Qubaisi tribe trains falcons in the Liwa desert, some 250 kilometers west of the Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi, during the Liwa 2017 Moreeb Dune Festival. The festival, which attracts participants from around the Gulf region, includes a variety of races (cars, bikes, falcons, camels and horses) or other activities aimed at promoting the country's folklore. — AFP (See Page 38 & 39)

With tourists scarce, Egypt struggles to maintain heritage

ith a shaky economy following years of on foreign handouts since Morsi's overthrow, and needs restoration, and we do the minimum to unrest and a huge drop in tourists, Egypt finally decided to float the pound last year as part keep them in a proper state." Wis struggling to preserve its fabled archae- of an economic reform program connected to a Enany is also pushing for granting public access ological heritage. From Alexandria on the loan from the International Monetary Fund. An to more sites, as was done with the recently Mediterranean to the Great Pyramid of Giza-the important part of an economic revival would opened tombs of Nefertari and Seti I in Luxor. The last of the Seven Wonders of the World-and Aswan include the return of tourism, a main hard curren- Malawi museum in the southern province of Minya to the south, the North African country is home to cy earner for Egypt. has also been reopened, after a mob looted it dur- impressive ancient monuments. For years, the sites were able to rely on a steady stream of ticket sales to finance their upkeep. But since Egypt's 2011 rev- olution, the number of tourists visiting the country has dwindled, leaving authorities scrambling to make up for lost revenues. "Since January 2011, our revenues have fallen sharply, which had a strong effect on the state of Egyptian monuments," Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany told AFP. From more than 15 million in 2010, the number of tourists visiting Egypt dropped to 6.3 million in 2015. Years of political tumult after the 2011 uprising that unseated Lights shine on the pyramids during New Year's Day celebrations on the outskirts of strongman Hosni Mubarak and a jihadist insur- Cairo, Egypt. — AFP photos gency following the army's 2013 overthrow of his Islamist successor Mohamed Morsi have discour- aged many from visiting. Revenue from entrance tickets to historical sites dropped to about $38 million in 2015, from about This file photo shows a general view showing a traditional building on the bank of the Nile $220 million in 2010. "It's catastrophic," said Fayza River in Aswan, 900 kilometers south of the capital Cairo. Haikal, an Egyptologist and professor at the American University of Cairo. Zahi Hawass, an Until then, Enany is trying to limit the damage. ing the bloody unrest following Morsi's overthrow. archeologist and former antiquities minister, said "I try to do extra activities to increase revenue," he The Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza pyra- the country's heritage has suffered as a result. said. For example, the Egyptian Museum, home to mids should also be opened, at least partially, in "With the lack of funding, you cannot restore any- the golden mask of Tutankhamun and mummies of 2018. On some projects, the ministry can get spe- thing. Look at the Cairo museum. It's dark," he said, pharaohs, now stays open into the night, he said. cial funds, such as for recent work done on the syn- referring to the famed Egyptian Museum in the Annual passes are also available to encourage agogue of Alexandria and the Abu Mena church, a capital's Tahrir Square. Egyptians to visit the sites. Patrons and archaeolog- UNESCO World Heritage site. Hawass, who advises ical missions still contribute to the preservation of Enany, says the minister needs more support and 'Antiquities deteriorating' Egypt's ancient heritage, but the funds cannot cov- also for authorities to think beyond Egypt by "And you cannot ask the government to sup- er everything. undertaking exhibitions abroad. "Why leave port you because the economy is not that good. "Priority is given to restoration," said Haikal. Tutankhamun in the Cairo museum, in a dark area. And antiquities are deteriorating everywhere," he "But there are excavations that have been No one sees it," he said. "Tutankhamun can bring said. Administering the country's antiquities stopped due to lack of funding." The excavations money!" — AFP takes about 38,000 employees, including on-site "have waited for 5,000 years and can wait," she This file photo shows a general view showing the bank of the Nile River in Aswan, 900 workers, technicians, Egyptologists and inspec- said, but important restoration work has also kilometers south of the capital Cairo. tors, the ministry says. The government has relied been delayed. "At the very least we identify what

Legendary US cartoon artist Tyrus Wong dies, aged 106

egendary animation artist Tyrus Wong, whose only three years, between 1938 and 1941, his influence in Los Angeles (now the Otis College of Art and Design) the film's visual style, according to the Disney website, evocative sketches were used to create Disney's on the artistic composition of the animated feature on a full scholarship. which said Wong's work influences films to this day, Lgroundbreaking "Bambi" cartoon, has died at the Bambi cannot be overstated," Disney said. "Born in He took a position at Disney in 1938, an "inbe- inspiring and leading contemporary animators. After age of 106, the company said. "Tyrus Wong had a gift Canton, China in 1910, Wong and his father immigrated tweener," working on the visual continuity of anima- his stint at Disney, Wong worked for the next 26 years for evoking incredible feeling in his art with simple, to America leaving behind his mother and sister, whom tions and drawing hundreds of sketches of Mickey as a concept and story artist at Warner Brothers, until gestural composition," said a statement released by the they never saw again," according to an homage on Mouse. When he heard that the studio was in pre-pro- he retired in 1968. — AFP company, where he spent a brief few years before Disney's website. As a young child, Wong's father nur- duction on the feature film "Bambi," he painted several decamping to nearby rival Warner Brothers. tured his love of art by having him practice calligraphy pictures of a deer in a forest. The sketches captured the "Though Tyrus worked at The Walt Disney Studios and painting. Wong later attended the Otis Art Institute attention of Walt Disney and became the template for Tyrus Wong