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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 JAMADA ALTHANI 6, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net KIPCO looks Kuwaiti to double rappers seek to profit change image by21 2018 of40 Arabs ‘Moment of truth’ as govt Min 15º rejects ‘lies and videotape’ Max 27º High Tide 04:00 & 15:45 Sheikh Mohammad govt hero • Ghanem blasts Sheikh Ahmad Low Tide 10:00 & 23:00 40 PAGES NO: 16471 150 FILS By Staff Reporter

Heinz, Kraft KUWAIT: State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah yesterday said that leading US investigation and intelligence services firm set to merge Kroll had found that claims made by former opposition NEW YORK: For fans of traditional American gastron- MPs about huge money transfers were “baseless”. He was speaking during a special debate on what MPs described omy, it’s a Wall Street match made in food heaven. The as systematic attacks on the mega-merger of US icons Heinz and Kraft Foods judiciary “aimed at destroy- announced yesterday will bring together classic sta- ing Kuwait”. ples ketchup, hot dogs, processed cheese and a Sheikh Mohammad told whole host of other top-selling convenience foods MPs that the government under one roof. The deal, had hired Kroll to carry out forged by investment investigations over allega- guru Warren Buffett’s tions that former prime min- Berkshire Hathaway and ister Sheikh Nasser Al- 3G Capital, which own Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al- Heinz, will assemble the Sabah and his son made bil- world’s fifth-largest food lions of dollars of illegal company, with around transfers to foreign banks including a bank in Israel. The Commerce Minister $28 billion in annual Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej sales. allegations were made at a public rally in June last year. resigned yesterday. The Kraft Heinz Company, as it will be called, will Sheikh Mohammad said Kroll, which once investigat- have eight billion-dollar brands and five others worth ed Saddam Hussein’s finances for Kuwait, said in a more than $500 million in annual sales. They include lengthy report that the size of transfers claimed by for- classic brands with often global name-recognition: mer MPs is illogical, especially the ones to Israel. The Heinz Ketchup, Heinz Baked Beans, Kraft Macaroni & report also said that Kroll got letters from a British bank Cheese, Maxwell House coffee, Velveeta cheese, Oscar saying that they had never had any dealings with the for- Mayer hotdogs, A-1 steak sauce, Miracle Whip mayon- Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- mer premier or his son, quashing claims by the former naise, Kool-Aid and Jell-O. Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Ghanem readies for the onslaught. “I’m as opposition politicians. Continued on Page 13 heroically stands for the integrity of Kuwait. white as my ghutra,” he declared. Continued on Page 13 Hadi flees as Houthis advance SANAA: Yemen’s embattled president fled his palace home in the southern port city of Aden for an undis- News closed location yesterday as Shiite rebels closed in on in brief the country’s third-largest city and launched airstrikes targeting the presidential forces guarding the palace’s compound. President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi left BBC sacks Top the palace just hours after the rebels, known as the Gear’s Clarkson Houthis, and their allies seized a key airbase where US LONDON: The BBC announced yesterday that it was troops and Europeans had advised the country in its dropping one of its most popular presenters, “Top Gear” fight against Al-Qaeda militants. The base is only 60 km host Jeremy Clarkson, for physically away from Aden, where Hadi had established a tempo- attacking a producer. “It is with great rary capital after fleeing from house arrest at the hands regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson of the rebels in Sanaa earlier in March. today that the BBC will not be renewing The rebels offered a bounty for Hadi’s capture and his contract,” BBC Director-General Tony arrested his defense minister. Hours later, they launched Hall said in a statement. Clarkson’s con- airstrikes targeting presidential forces guarding the tract with “Top Gear”, a motoring show palace. The advance of the rebels, empowered by the which draws more than 350 million Clarkson backing of the ousted Yemeni autocrat Ali Abdullah viewers around the world, is thought to Saleh and his loyalists, threatens to plunge the Arab expire at the end of this month. His departure will have world’s poorest country into a civil war that could draw financial implications for the British broadcaster, as its in its Gulf neighbors. Already, Hadi has asked the commercial arm BBC Worldwide earns around £50 mil- United Nations to authorize a foreign military interven- lion ($75 million) a year from the show. But Hall said: tion in Yemen. “There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for Continued on Page 13 another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations.” Sweden-Saudi Malik leaves boy spat because of band One Direction LONDON: Zayn Malik has left boy band One Direction but the group will continue without feminist policy him, they said yesterday, in news set to break the STOCKHOLM: Sweden is seeking to quell an unprece- hearts of millions of teenage girls dented diplomatic spat over human rights with Saudi worldwide. Malik apologized to Arabia which has seen ambassadors recalled and arms fans for leaving the British band, sales cancelled, drawing comparisons with Denmark’s whose hits include “What Makes cartoon controversy. Stockholm’s relations with Riyadh You Beautiful” and “Best Song have nosedived since leftist Foreign Minister Margot Ever”, but said he had to do “what Wallstroem told parliament in a February speech the oil- feels right”. “I am leaving because I rich state was a “dictatorship” that violated women’s want to be a normal 22-year-old rights and whipped bloggers. Malik who is able to relax and have As Sweden faces growing criticism from the king- some private time out of the spotlight,” he said in dom’s allies in the Middle East, Wallstroem’s detractors at a statement released by One Direction on social home wonder whether the government thought media. “I know I have four friends for life in Louis, through the consequences of denouncing the Gulf pow- Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to erhouse. “All this has been badly planned,” Paulina be the best band in the world,” Malik added. Neuding, editor of the right-leaning political magazine NEO, told AFP. Sweden’s government announced a “femi- Cover design of new nist” foreign policy when it took power in September. Lee novel unveiled Rights groups accuse Saudi Arabia of meting out brutal NEW YORK: The cover for Harper Lee’s new novel will punishments to dissidents and religious minorities, and surely remind you of the cover for her old one. excluding women from most areas of public life. The crisis in relations between Stockholm and Riyadh Yesterday, HarperCollins unveiled the was cemented earlier this month when Sweden ended jacket art for Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman”, an arms agreement with Riyadh, despite warnings from the unexpected follow-up to her classic business leaders about the potential impact on exports “To Kill a Mockingbird”. The new cover, to the Gulf state, worth about $1.3 billion. like the one for “To Kill a Mockingbird”, A storm of criticism ensued from the Arab League is a moody illustration featuring an oak and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The top tree in front. The art for “Go Set a religious authority in Saudi Arabia accused Sweden of Watchman” also shows train tracks and disrespecting Islam and sharia law, which forms the a train in the distance. In a statement basis of the Saudi legal system, while the foreign min- released by HarperCollins, company President Michael istry accused Stockholm of “flagrant interference”. Saudi Morrison noted that “Go Set a Watchman” begins with Arabia blocked a planned speech by Wallstroem at the “Mockingbird” protagonist Scout Finch returning by Arab League, halted business visas for Swedes and train 20 years later, in the 1950s, to her native Alabama. recalled its ambassador from Stockholm in protest. The HarperCollins has announced a first printing of 2 million UAE, a close Saudi ally, also recalled its ambassador. copies and a July 14 publication date for the book. Continued on Page 13 LOCAL THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in a group photo with ministers Yasser Abul and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Yaqoub Al-Sanea, as well as chairmen and members of local charities and societies. — KUNA photos Science’s Director General Dr Adnan Shehabeddine and Deputy Director General Ahmad Bechara. Kuwaiti charities hail Amir’s support Amir receives ministers, charities’ presidents

KUWAIT: A number of officials representing Charitable Society meanwhile commented on Heritage Revival Society, commented on the family. Since the start of the campaign and up Jaber Al-Sabah separately received Dr several charitable organizations highly praised charitable assistance to the Syrian refugees, subject of helping the children of Syrian until now, more than 43 million loaves of Adnan Shehabeddine, Director General of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- saying that he favored that charities to Syrians refugees, saying that there are more than five bread have been distributed, he said. Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Ahmad Al-Sabah for his ample support of their would not be confined to relief aid only but to and a half million children of Syrian refugees HH the Amir had received at Bayan Palace Science (KFAS), who presented Dr Ahmad humanitarian work. extend to other areas conducive to growth with no access to a proper education. He said yesterday Minister of State for Housing Affairs, Essa Bechara, the new KFAS Deputy During a meeting with HH the Amir yester- and development of their communities under his organization is thinking of a plan in which Acting Minster of Social Affairs and Labor, Director General, on the occasion of nam- day, Dr Abdullah Al-Matouq, Chairman of the the harsh conditions they are facing. both the public and private sectors consecrate Minister of State for Planning and ing him to the post. International Islamic Charitable Organization Abdullatif Al-Hamad, Chairman and their efforts at bringing education to these Development Yasser Abul, Minister of Justice, Earlier, HH the Amir received HH the Crown (IICO), noted that Kuwait’s charitable contribu- Director General at the Arab Fund for unfortunate children, many growing as illiter- Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Prince, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- tions have spanned all corners of the world Economic and Social Development, empha- ate. The cost would be about $500 per child Al-Sanea, along with chairmen and members Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy and their beneficiaries are Islamic, Arab, and sized the importance of cooperation between annually. Besides relief aid, Minister of Justice of local charities and societies. The meeting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs other societies. Emphasizing Kuwait’s humani- the public sector and civic society organiza- Yaqoub Al-Sane said the refugees need prefab comes ahead of the third Kuwait Donors con- Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah tarian role, Matouq said that Kuwait’s hosting tions such as the charitable ones in extending homes and factories to teach them a trade ference for the benefit of Syrian refugees, to and National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- of three donors conferences for Syrian the reach of Kuwaiti charitable work across from which to eke out a living. be held on March 31, 2015. Ghanim. Meanwhile, HH the Crown Prince refugees is further evidence of its ambitious nations’ boundaries. Dr Hilal Al-Sayer, Chairman of the Board of received HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, Sheikh commitment to be seen as a center for inter- Kuwait Red Crescent Society, touted his orga- KFAS Deputy Director Sabah Al-Khaled, and Deputy Prime Minister national humanitarian work. Refugees’ children nization’s campaign to provide the Syrian Separately, HH the Amir and HH the and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al- Ahmad Al-Jasser from the Al-Najat Tariq Al -Essa, Chairman of the Islamic refugees with 14 loaves of bread every day per Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. — KUNA IICO hosts NGOs’ donor conference for Syria

Ahead of 3rd International Pledging Conference KUWAIT: At the behest of His Highness noted, adding that the IICO relief effort the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- for the Syrians cost $37 million. Jaber Al-Sabah, the International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO) will Donations organize the third conference of non- In other news, Kuwait’s Islamic government organizations for the Revival Society donated $605,000 to Syrian people. the Palestinian Zakat (alms) Al-Quds The conference will take place on Committee and the Jordanian Takaful March 30, one day ahead of the Third (solidarity) Society on Tuesday, part of International Humanitarian Pledging the Gulf country’s commitment to help- Conference for Syria, IICO chairman and ing the Syrian and Palestinian people. Advisor at the Amiri Diwan Dr Abdullah Kuwait Ambassador to Jordan Dr Al-Maatouq told reporters on Tuesday. Hamad Al-Duaij handed over $363,000 Dr Maatouq, also UN special repre- donation to Ashraf Salhab, Secretary sentative for Humanitarian Affairs, General of the Zakat Al-Quds, and voiced joy for the trust placed by HH $242,000 to vice-president of the the Amir in the IICO which had the Takaful Society Khaled Nawasreh. KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah is seen off at the airport yesterday. — KUNA honor of hosting the conference for the Kuwait Embassy in Jordan has been third time. “HH the Amir’s instructions supporting Palestinian institutions for for the IICO to organize the event years now, out of Kuwait’s keenness to FM leaves for Arab ministerial meeting reflect his belief in the importance of backing the Palestinian people and KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and 26th Arab Summit slated for Saturday. The to the Arab League Ambassador Aziz Al- the role of the NGOs in backing up the their cause until the liberation of their Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Kuwaiti delegation includes Director of the First Daihani and Director of the Legal Department land and establishment of their inde- government relief effort,” he said. Hamad Al-Sabah left yesterday for Sharm El- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister’s at the Ministry Ambassador Ghanim Saqer Al- pendent state, Ambassador Duaij said. He extolled HH the Amir for Sheikh, Egypt, where he is set to head Kuwait’s Office Ambassador Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al- Ghanim. The delegation was seen off by the responding to the UN request for The assistance offered for the delegation at the Arab Foreign Ministers’ meet- Mohammad Al-Sabah, head of the Foreign Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary Khaled Kuwait to host the Third Pledging Jordanian society aimed at helping the ing today. Ministry’s Arab World Department Ambassador Suleiman Al-Jarallah and a host of senior min- Conference with a view to raising the Syrian refugees in the country. Salhab The meeting will discuss the agenda of the Abdulhamid Al-Failakawi, permanent delegate istry officials. — KUNA funds for the implementation of the said cooperation between Zakat Al- 2015 Syria Response Plan and the Quds and Kuwait’s Islamic Revival Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan Society dated back to around 15 years. Burgan Bank signs exclusive (3RP) 2015-16. The Islamic Revival Society’s donation “The timely response of the State of will be spent over 200 families, 3,500 Kuwait to the suffering of the Syrian orphans as well as helping families of partnership with Grand Cinemas people adds a new bright page to the the wounded, he said. Nawasreh said in country’s humanitarian record and tes- the meantime that the donation would KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced its partnership be spent on providing aid for around tifies to the country’s keenness on with Grand Cinemas to offer its credit cardholders 5,500 Syrian families living in the north- working with regional and internation- exclusive discounts when booking their movie tick- al partners for meeting the basic needs ern province of Irbed. ets at Grand Cinemas Al Hamra luxury mall. By of the Syrian people,” he pointed out. signing this agreement, Burgan Bank will be the Dr Maatouq affirmed that the IICO Prominent efforts only bank in Kuwait to offer its customers who hold and partners working under the Meanwhile, a number of UN mem- any of the bank’s credit cards special prices on tick- umbrella of the Kuwaiti higher relief ber countries concerned with the ets in both standard and VIP class all year round at committee are arranging for hosting humanitarian conditions in Syria the Grand Cinemas. the international NGO donor confer- praised Kuwait’s prominent efforts in On the Occasion, Venkat Menon, Burgan Bank ence which will discuss the various aiding Syrians, said Kuwait’s permanent Group Chief Retail Banking Officer, said: “The bank aspects of the humanitarian disaster in delegate to the UN Ambassador Jamal has partnered with Grand Cinemas as the only Syria as well as the situations in the Al-Ghunaim. bank in Kuwait to exclusively offer our customers refugee camps in neighboring coun- The UN’s Undersecretary-General complete satisfaction by adding extensive value tries and the activities of the aid agen- and Emergency Relief Coordinator added promotions that aim at providing greater cies. Valerie Amos has stressed Kuwait’s role convenience for Burgan Bank credit card holders” in easing the suffering of refugee and Burgan Bank always keens to enhance cus- Charitable figures relocated Syrians, Ghunaim said yester- tomers’ banking experience, as well as taking As part of the arrangements for the day. The UN organizations have high advantage of great discounts and exclusive offers gathering, the IICO sent invitations to hopes that the 3rd donors’ conference from various outlets. more than 100 aid agencies and 140 would help all Syrians in need and pro- To find out more about Burgan Bank’s credit charitable figures, he went on. “Since it vide them with better living conditions, cards as well as the latest promotions, customers broke out in 2011, the Syrian conflict he noted. are required to visit their nearest Burgan Bank has left more than 220,000 people branch or contact the call center on 1804080. For dead, 1.5 million injured and 20,000 Humanitarian role more information, customers can visit the bank’s Isaac Abdo Fahed, Marketing Manager at Selim Ramia and Company - Grand Cinemas Levant missing. Separately, Lebanese journalists and website on www.burgan.com. with Venkat Menon, Head of Retail Banking Group at Burgan Bank. “As the conflict entered its fifth year media icons praised Kuwait’s humani- with no political solution in sight, near- tarian role on Syria ahead of hosting ly half of the Syrian people (or 12.2 mil- international donors in a third aid- lion) were rendered homeless; they pledging conference for displaced remain in dire need of assistance from Syrians. On these efforts, Awni Kaaki all local, regional and international aid praised the huge role assumed by the agencies. state Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic “The figure includes 3.8 million peo- Development in providing assistance ple who fled to Lebanon, Jordan, to impoverished nations. Turkey, Iraq and Egypt, and 7.6 million Journalist and writer Rajeh Khouri internally-displaced people, making said meanwhile that the event’s impor- this the largest displacement crisis in tance lies in the ever-increasing num- the world,” Dr Maatouq said, citing UN bers of Syrian refugees pouring into estimates. neighboring countries, including his The NGO donors spent more than own, due to the growing intensity of their pledges in the last two confer- violence in their own country. In the ences, he said noting that such pledges meantime, media personality Marlene in the first conference stood $183 mil- Wehbeh expects that the international lion while the actual relief effort cost community’s eyes will be fixated on the $190 million. “In the second conference outcomes of the event and what it will these NGO pledged $276 million while do for the refugees, adding that hosting the actual cost topped $348 million such event in Kuwait for a third year in a and we hope for more generous row illustrates the country’s position on pledges in the coming conference,” he humanitarian endeavors. — KUNA KUWAIT: The Tunisian Embassy hosted a reception recently to celebrate Tunisia’s National Day. Government officials, diplomats and other digni- taries attended the event.— Photos by Joseph Shagra THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 LOCAL

Ex-MP gets death threat India team to visit Kuwait to By Meshaal Al-Enezi lenge and disqualify judges in a case filed KUWAIT: Former MP Saleh against 70 citizens, includ- discuss nursing recruitment Al-Mulla recently posted a ing 11 former MPs, who comment on the were charged with break- microblogging site Twitter ing into the parliament. By Sajeev K Peter government agencies will only get immigration recruit nurses from India to various foreign noting that he had received The case has been post- clearance for overseas employment from April countries including Kuwait after taking huge a call from an unidentified poned until April 22, 2015. KUWAIT: A secretary-level delegation from two 30, 2015 in all 18 ECR countries including Kuwait. sums as bribes and commissions. caller threatening to kill Kerala state government bodies entrusted with The two agencies have been delegated to The India government took the decision to him. “This is the first time I Falafel vendor acquitted the job of recruiting nurses to overseas countries conduct recruitment of nurses to the UAE, channel overseas recruitment of nurses through receive such threats,” he A court yesterday will visit Kuwait next month to hold discussions Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, these government agencies following com- said. “But I say to whoever is acquitted a falafel vendor with Kuwaiti authorities on developing a corrup- Malaysia, Libya Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, plaints and allegations over massive corruption behind this: I am Saleh Al- who had been prosecuted tion-free and transparent recruitment system. Afghanistan, Indonesia, Syria, Lebanon, and cheating in recruitment. The Indian embassy Former MP The visit follows an India government deci- Thailand and Iraq. The External Affairs Ministry in Kuwait put pressure on the Indian govern- Mulla and you cannot force Saleh Al-Mulla by the Commerce me do what you want.” The Ministry for violating a sion to restrict recruitment of nurses from India in India has asked the agencies not to recruit ment to put an end to this corrupt practice. former liberal lawmaker regulation it made in the to foreign countries to state-run recruiting agen- nurses to Libya and Iraq in view of the prevail- Several reports in local and Indian media noted that his lawyer is dealing with the 1980s fixing the price of falafel sand- cies NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs ing security situation there. recently noted that agents in Kuwait in collusion issue going forward. Mulla was detained wiches at 100 fils. He was charged for Department)-ROOTS and ODEPC (Overseas with their counterparts in India allegedly take last January for five days after posting selling falafel sandwiches for 150 fils. Development and Employment Promotion Corruption huge sums from candidates for nursing jobs in remarks on Twitter critical of Egypt. He Consultants Ltd), Kerala. The new decision by the India government is Kuwait. The ODEPC will charge only Rs 60,000 as served in parliament from 2008 until Bedoon arrested According to the decision by the India gov- expected to put an end to large-scale corruption service fee and a donation to government wel- 2011, and boycotted the elections since A bedoon was recently arrested in ernment, nurses recruited through these two and cheating by private recruiting agents who fare fund from the nursing candidates. 2012. Salmiya for committing a vice in public, attempting to escape arrest, insulting Protestors’ detention extended policemen and damaging a police Interior Undersecretary The public prosecution ordered the patrol, said security sources. Case papers continued detention of five people who indicate that the suspect was seen in his had been arrested during this past vehicle’s back seat with a naked woman Monday’s protest for ‘participating in a and the moment he noticed the police, concludes Dhaka visit gathering’ at Irada Square across from he jumped to the driver’s seat in an the parliament building in Kuwait City. attempt to drive away, during which he DHAKA: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior collided with the police patrol and two Undersecretary Lieutenant General Sulaiman Al- Judges hearing postponed other vehicles. The suspect also insulted Fahad and the accompanying delegation The Court of Appeal yesterday post- policemen when he was arrested along Dhakha yesterday, and returned home after a poned hearing a request made to chal- with his girlfriend. five-day official visit to the Republic of Bangladesh. Lt Gen Fahad’s to the came within framework Flag hoisting in Martyrs of exchange of expertise and information between both countries and with aim of boost- ing mutual cooperation, Kuwait News Agency Park starting next year (KUNA) reported. Lt Gen Fahad discussed on Tuesday security issues and bilateral relations By A Saleh Park starting from next year, informed with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. sources said. HH the Amir inaugurated the He also held talks with Bangladesh’s Army Chief KUWAIT: Upon direct instructions from His park earlier this month. “The park is an of Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan and his Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad important Kuwaiti landmark that is worthy assistant for administrative affairs and man force, Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the flag hoisting cere- to host major celebrations,” the sources Major General Muhammad Mahfouz el Rahman. mony annually held at the Bayan Palace to said. They noted that the park would also The Kuwaiti delegation also conducted talks mark to beginning of the national celebra- be listed on the agendas of visits by senior with the Armed Forces Director of the tions would be held at the new Martyrs visitors and heads of states to Kuwait. Premiership, Abu Bilal Mohammad Shafi. The meeting was followed with a visual presentation about the Bangladeshi Armed Forces and a visit to Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) at the training institute for the officer cadets of Bangladesh Army. It is located in Bhatiary, in the DHAKA: Interior Ministry Undersecretary Lieutenant General Sulaiman Al-Fahad is pictured Chittagong District of south-east Bangladesh. with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. — KUNA His visit to the academy aimed at getting nations. He hailed the cooperation of the Lt Gen Fahad and the accompanying delega- acquainted with the abilities of the Bangladeshi Bangladesh’s Army Chief of Staff General Iqbal tion were seen off by Bangladeshi Army’s com- army. Lt Gen Fahad planted a tree at the Karim Bhuiyan, who expressed readiness for fur- mander of supplies district, Major General Bangladeshi Army Staff Chairmanship headquar- ther mutual cooperation in various fields, espe- Muhammad Mizanul Rahman, in addition to a ters, as a symbol of strong ties between both cially the security sector. number of senior army officials. — KUNA KIB hosts students at Zahraa branch Kuwait partakes in KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) hosted a batch of students from Somaya Prep Expo Milano 2015 School for Girls at its retail branch in Al-Zahraa recently. The event was part of the bank’s MILANO: The Italian architect Italo Rota tion and recognition of the Kuwaiti projects, efforts to engage with Kuwait’s youth with expressed his pride for designing the Kuwaiti executed all over the world, contributing to help financial education. pavilion at Expo Milano 2015, titled Feeding the poor people and countries in need to turn the Present to greet and entertain the students Plant, Energy for Life, an experience that allowed world into a better place to live in. were Nawaf Najia, Head of Corporate him to visit the country and get acquainted with The basic idea of designing the pavilion Communication at KIB, Fahad Al-Sarhan, its history and culture. evolved around the story of Kuwait and water Senior PR Officer at KIB, and ‘Habboub,’ KIB’s He added in an interview at his office in resources, followed by the production of main children’s account mascot. The students were Milano that he repeatedly visited Kuwait lately food supplies, followed by the latest technology given a tour of the stand-alone branch and its to get inspired by the people’s basic ideas, revolutions and discovery of oil. Rota applauded facilities, along with a behind-the-scenes visit beliefs and concepts to allow him design the the Kuwait’s achievements in investing its own to the Al-DawliWeyak customer care center. Kuwaiti pavilion, in a manner that would reflect human resources during the past half century, in “Engaging with the youth is very impor- the country’s special identity. He described his a world mainly reliant on the human factor. tant to KIB, and is part of our long-term trip to Kuwait as an ‘extraordinary humanitarian The pavilion, visited daily by 11,000 people, experience.’ He hailed Kuwaitis’ warm hospitality exhibits various elements reflecting the Kuwaiti commitment to tackling Kuwait’s consumer and atmosphere of friendship, and found the history and culture. The Kuwaiti pavilion, titled crisis by nourishing students with financial country as playing a prominent and leading ‘Nature Challenge,’ is held at a distinguished literacy from an early age,” Najia said. The international role in the financial, and industrial location in the Expo fair ground, between the student event is one of dozens conducted development fields, which allows it to ‘invest in pavilions of the United States and Germany, on a between KIB and partnering institutions the future.’ Rota expressed his deepest apprecia- total area of 2,790 cubic meters. — KUNA throughout the year. Five million drug pills busted at Shuwaikh Port

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Customs officers foiled an attempt to smuggle five million narcotic pills at Shuwaikh Port yesterday. The delivery was intended for a Kuwaiti man, who claimed that the shipment carried cleaning agent. A case was filed for investigations.

Inflation rises by 2.9 percent

KUWAIT: The monthly Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose in February by about 2.9 percent, compared to the same month in 2014, the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) said in a report. The rate was up 0.15 percent last February, com- pared to January as a result of the increase in prices of some major groups with influential figures in the move- ment of the record low of some groups, the CSB added in its CPI monthly report. The report gives indications of the rates of changes in prices for the commodity groups influencing the families’ expenditure and the ability of consumer spending. This index uses the year 2007 as the base year. Seven major groups saw changes in February while five remained unchanged, according to the report. Prices of food and beverages rose by 1.5 last February, year-on-year, to hit 147.3, the CSB-compiled report added. — KUNA THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 LOCAL

In Brief Medical conference Heritage Campaign Employee of the year

KUWAIT: Under the patronage of His Highness the KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait By Hanan Al-Saadoun Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- (CBK) visited the Najah Elementary School Sabah, the inauguration ceremony for the for Boys recently as part of its ongoing ‘Ya KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health’s Emergency Medical International Scientific Seminar will be held today. The Zain Turathna’ (our beautiful heritage) cam- Services Department organized a ceremony to honor event is organized by the Islamic Organization for paign. Meanwhile, CBK announced its spon- the 2014 employees of the year, in which 13 para- Medical Sciences, and is titled ‘Doctors Responsibility sorship for the ‘Bagsha’ youth exhibition, towards medical errors from Islamic point of view.’ medics and ambulance drivers were awarded. Dr which takes place in The Avenues through Jamal Al-Harbi, the ministry’s Assistant Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Minister Yaqoub March 30, 2015. The sponsorship also comes Undersecretary for Medical Support Services’ Affairs, Al-Sane is set to attend the inauguration ceremony on as part of the bank’s heritage campaign. behalf of HH the Crown Prince. — KUNA attended the ceremony.

In my view Photo of the day Peace and security for all

By Labeed Abdal

[email protected]

gyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi headed to the Sudanese capital of EKhartoum recently to sign an agree- ment between his country, Sudan and Ethiopia to regulate the use of the Nile River’s water fairly. This is an important step to help solve any potential disputes over the use of water peacefully. The reaching of an agreement over a topic that has been a source of tension for years between the three African nations reminds us of many other pending issues around the world. On top of those issues comes the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which has been highlighted recently by statements of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the recent Israeli elections, in which he vowed to stand against the two-state solu- tion. Netanyahu’s statement is a threat to all hopes of peace concerning this thorny sub- ject. It is also a threat to all international efforts that seek to establish a framework of agreement between the two sides. The Israelis built their state on the ruins of the Ottoman Empire that collapsed after a devas- tating war and based on promises they got from superpowers in the early 20th century. KUWAIT: The Kuwait Arts Association is organizing an exhibition titled ‘Kuwaiti Artists,’ which shows a total of 60 works painted by 30 female Kuwaiti artists. The Meanwhile, the Palestinians who used to one-week exhibition, which opened last Tuesday, highlights the Kuwaiti female artists’ creative abilities in various schools of visual arts, the association said in a live under the Ottoman Empire eventually statement. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat managed to get international recognition for their rights of self-determination and return of refugees. The United Nations, which grant- ed Israel its statehood, has also recognized Al-Ghanim leads delegation the Palestinians’ rights, including the right of an independent state living side by side with Israel as part of the two-state solution. This situation requires both sides to show to IPU Assembly in Vietnam a sense of reality, seriousness and responsibil- ity, at least for the sake of every child from KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation led by National Kuwait’s chief parliamentarian will preside over a coordina- The agenda of the IPU’s Palestine or Israel who has the right to live in Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim leaves for Vietnam today tion meeting for the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) on 132nd Assembly and the 196th peace and security. Both sides need to work to partake in the 132nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, the sidelines of the Assembly, in his capacity as AIPU’s president. Session of the Governing on realizing the resolutions of the United which takes place in Hanoi from 28 March to 1 April 2015. Ghanim He will also take part in similar Gulf, Asian and Islamic meetings Council includes reviewing will deliver Kuwait’s statement to the assembly, held under for coordination over topics on the agenda of the IPU’s reports by standing commit- Nations, which chose the two-state solution ‘Sustainable Development Goals: Turning Words into Action.’ Assembly. tees and approval of the sub- and negotiations to ensure peace and securi- The delegation includes MPs Faisal Al Shaya, Dr Awda Al The Kuwaiti delegation will participate in meetings of the ject items for the Standing ty for all. Rowaey, Saleh Ashour, Dr Khalil Abdullah, Saif Al-Azmi and Madi Assembly’s Standing Committees on Peace and International Committee on Peace and Al-Hajri, in addition to the National Assembly Secretary-General Security; Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade; International Security and the Allam Al-Kandari, the National Assemby’s media office said in a Democracy and Human Rights and UN Affairs. Participants will Standing Committee on press statement yesterday. elect a President and Vice-Presidents of the 132nd Assembly. Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade for the 134th Assembly and appointment of the rapporteurs. Discussions will cover cyber warfare - a serious threat to National Assembly Speaker peace and global security; Marzouq Al-Ghanim shaping a new system of water governance - promoting parlia- mentary action on water and International law as it relates to national sovereignty, non-intervention in the internal affairs of states and human rights. — KUNA

Children’s rights law ‘important’

KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s approval of the children’s rights legislation is an important step in the right direction, said the National Society for the Protection of Children’s Rights yesterday. “The legislation is a vital step to develop human and civil rights in Kuwait” said Dr Seham Al-Fraih, the society’s chairperson. She noted that since the inception in 2006, the society has been working on measures to promote children’s rights in Kuwait, noting that the legisla- tion’s approval would help the society in its mis- sion. However, the next step will be to implement the legislation, said Fraih who affirmed that the society would work with the executive and legisla- tive authorities to make sure that the law was respected. On Tuesday, the National Assembly unanimous- ly voted in favor of the draft bill. Among a panoply of clauses in the bill, one stands out in favor of the health of a child, stipulating that any parent or guardian or caretaker who is remiss in providing the child with appropriate vaccinations against major childhood diseases will face imprisonment for six months or a fine of KD 1,000 or both punish- ments. — KUNA LOCAL THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 Japan welcomes Kuwait’s business environment Official visits Tokyo subway as Kuwait plans metro

TOKYO: Japanese companies are very KDIPA is tasked with creating an attrac- timeframe mandated by the new FDI Law. interested in the ongoing mega projects in tive environment for FDI into Kuwait KDIPA is tasked with creating an attrac- Kuwait amid improving business environ- streamlining business environment, facili- tive environment for FDI into Kuwait ment there, a senior Japanese official said tating procedures and resolving obstacles, streamlining business environment, facili- yesterday. in order to achieve the aspired economic tating procedures and resolving obstacles, State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and social goals. in order to achieve the aspired economic Transport and Tourism Issei Kitagawa Meanwhile, Tsuneyuki Kato, Executive and social goals. The official also briefed made his remarks when visiting Director- Vice President of the Japan External Trade Seki on the latest development of Kuwait’s General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Organization (JETRO) proposed to hold a economy. Promotion Authority (KDIPA) Sheikh Dr seminar to familiarize Japanese companies “We explained how the Kuwaiti gov- Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah urged with the latest development in the Kuwaiti ernment makes the business environment Japanese companies to take part in the economy and its improving business envi- much easier by updating existing laws and mega projects. ronment. The Japanese official made his creating new laws, and how the govern- Sheikh Dr Meshaal told Kitagawa that statements during a meeting with Dr ment is shifting to the private sector to one of main reasons of his current visit to Meshal Al-Sabah; who responded by say- lead the Kuwaiti economy.” Japan is to explain how the Kuwaiti gov- ing “We are looking for investments that He expressed hope that his current vis- ernment is keen on encouraging Japanese have technology and innovation to help us it is beneficial with explaining changes in investors to return to the Kuwait market create jobs for Kuwaitis, and other added the Kuwaiti economy. “Hopefully, the after many of them left following the Gulf value investment in the Kuwaiti economy.” Japanese private sector will bring technol- War by facilitating them expand business “Japanese investors and private sector ogy, innovation and expertise toward full there and use Kuwait as a regional hub. He have this value that we are looking for, and attainment of goals of the Kuwaiti govern- asked Kitagawa to convey his message to this is why we are here today,” he added. ment. Japanese investors, which the Japanese official appreciated. Kitagawa affirmed Investments flow Metro system that Japanese enterprises and business- Dr Meshaal Al-Sabah meanwhile dis- Dr Meshaal Al-Sabah also inspected men can be very good partners for their cussed with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice subway lines in Tokyo yesterday, as Kuwait Kuwaiti counterparts. Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry plans to launch a metro system soon while “We had excellent talks, as we dis- Yoshihiro Seki ways to increase flow of Japan is pushing railway exports. Sheikh cussed all the latest economic develop- Japanese investments into the Kuwaiti Dr Meshaal rode the Fukutoshin Line, the ment in Kuwait and works what the gov- market. During the talks, the KDIPA chief newest subway line in Tokyo which was ernment and parliament are doing togeth- encouraged Japanese companies to take completed in 2008. He was also briefed on er in order to make business environment part in Kuwait’s ambitious development Tokyo Metro Company’s advanced tech- in Kuwait more attractive and more plan. Seki also expressed Japan’s interest in nologies, operation system, facilities of appealing to both foreign investors and Kuwait’s Five-Year Development Plan, and trains and stations, safety measures and local investors. The minister said he was said he will convey the message to disaster prevention steps as well as facili- very happy to hear all the development Japanese investors. ties for disabled people. and update of Kuwait,” Sheikh Dr Meshaal The Kuwaiti side also explained new According to Tokyo Metro, the said after the meeting. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Law, Fukutoshin Line is one of the deepest which KDIPA handles. The new FDI Law subway lines in the Japanese capital, with Offset suspension introduced in 2013 reflects direction of the an average depth of 27 meters. The KDIPA chief briefed Kitagawa on Kuwaiti government and enhancement of Passengers using key subway stations in update about suspension of the offset the business environment of Kuwait. Tokyo also enjoy the adjacent under- program, new Foreign Direct Investment “We discussed with the Japanese side ground shopping street, which is con- (FDI) Law, new Public Private Partnership the incentives and guarantees which this nected to nearby buildings and shopping Law and amendments to the Commercial law provides, also how it can help the complexes to commuters and shoppers Companies Law among other measures Japanese private companies to benefit to avoid bad weather. favor for investors taken by the Kuwaiti from bringing their innovation and tech- KDIPA chief also visited the new multi- government and parliament. nology to Kuwait,” Sheikh Dr Meshaal said story commercial and entertainment com- Kitagawa welcomed the decision by after the meeting. plex Hikarie, which connects to busy Sibuya the Kuwaiti Cabinet last year to suspend station. As a host city of the 2020 Olympics, the offset program, as well as new and 100 percent ownership Tokyo is pushing forward large-scale rede- amended laws, offering optimistic view of The law allows 100 percent foreign velopment projects, like such as the one in more Japanese private sector’s investment ownership without local partners or Shibuya district, which accommodate some in Kuwait. The new Foreign Direct agents in a number of sectors, and grants 3 million people daily. Under its ambitious Investment (FDI) Law handled by KDIPA incentives such as a 10-year tax holiday National Development Plan, Kuwait plans to allows 100 percent foreign ownership and customs duty exemption. It also pro- build a nationwide metro system, which is without local partners or agents in a num- vides for the establishment of a “one-stop designed to address the growing issue of ber of sectors, and grants incentives such shop” within KDIPA in coordination with congestion and create a better environment as a 10-year tax holiday and customs duty the relevant government authorities, to for growth in commercial, business, industrial exemption. complete procedural steps within the and residential markets. —KUNA THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Anbaa Report The Judiciary Netanyahu’s victory to Con artists target expose Zionist extremism common in Kuwait KUWAIT: A Lebanese expat was the victim of a con By Basel Al-Jaser artist who tricked him into spending his life’s savings for the treatment of his son, who suffers from a mental ining the Israeli elections will surely allow disease. The father met two men who claimed that the extreme Zionist Benjamin Netanyahu, they could treat his son. One claimed to be a doctor Wthe Likud Party and other rightist parties to and the other a clergy man took KD 21,930 for treat- form a purely rightist government for the first time ment. Meanwhile, the misdemeanors court sentenced in fifteen years, which is good news for Arabs’ major a businessman and two expatriates to two years in jail cause that had been forgotten ever since the after they were convicted of tricking a citizen to invest ‘Masonic Spring’ kept Arabs preoccupied with their in a fake project to purify water in Switzerland at a own problems, leaving the Zionists do whatever cost of $1.2 million. The victim’s lawyer said that he they wished and turn against treaties and agree- transferred the money to the account of a company in ments they had signed and never respected. Switzerland that manufactures and purifies water. The Nevertheless, Netanyahu announced that he third accused then transferred the money to the local would not allow the existence of a Palestinian state account of the second suspect, who in turn trans- Al-Jarida neighboring Israel, although he had nagged about ferred it to the first suspect, so the three took the the absence of a Palestinian partner capable of money and the project proved to be bogus. achieving peace six years ago when he made a promise to President Obama to accept a Palestinian Liquor factory busted state. He kept procrastinating for six years assisted by Hamas, that whenever he was in trouble, rushed Ahmadi police discovered a liquor factory run to fire a few futile missiles to save his neck and bring by three Asian men. All three were sent to the more killing and destruction to the people of Gaza Drug Control General Directorate (DCGD) for exactly like what happened in the most recent one- further investigation and prosecution. month war that needed up with nothing but more Meanwhile, a security source said an attempt to Gazan lives lost, people killed, injured or displaced smuggle 1.5kg of hashish hidden inside a cook- News with more destruction and misery. ing pan into the central prison was thwarted. However, after six years, Netanyahu clearly in brief declares that he would never allow the establish- Policeman run over ment of a Palestinian state near Israel. And Visa violators pursued in hospitals instead of taking a decisive attitude, Obama con- A traffic police officer sustained head and bodily Homosexuals’ in the military gratulates him, stressing that the White House injuries when he was run over by a car while on duty KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry has urged the Health Ministry insists on a Palestinian state and that it was in the on Hadiya area bridge. The policeman was taken to to report any patients admitted to its hospitals with expired KUWAIT: MPs have commented that exempting process of reassessing its attitude over hospital, and the driver, a citizen, was arrested. visas so that they could be turned in pending legal proce- homosexuals from the conscription law was not Netanyahu’s declaration. dures and deportation, well-informed sources said. Both going to happen, because their civil IDs identify Six years have passed from Obama’s two presi- them as males and they must be trained. MP Nabil dencies, leaving only two more years to go. So will Jordanian wife returns ministries are currently coordinating to arrest all illegal resi- dents hospitalized in various public hospitals and medical Al-Fadhl meanwhile commented by saying that Obama dare follow Bush Senior’s steps when in A Jordanian man was surprised to learn that his centers and to report on anyone already discharged after whoever has a problem with hormones should be response to Shamir’s obstinacy, he stopped US aid wife, whom he thought was in Jordan, had receiving medical treatment, the sources added. The meas- treated, adding that they should not be ‘oppressed to the Zionist entity and threatened to use more returned to Kuwait without his knowledge. The ure was taken to help authorities track down visa violators with conscription.’ MP Saadoun Hammad respond- accelerated measures until Shamir yielded and was man had left his wife and children in Jordan and and reduce their numbers. The move came after the Interior ed by saying that homosexuals were rather “raised dragged to negotiation tables in Spain. returned by himself to Kuwait, but then received Ministry received information about expatriates in violation in an environment that taught them to lead a Situations are almost similar, as Shamir was also a call from his brother back whom, telling him sedentary lifestyle, and some of them made sex the Likud leader and presided a rightist government that his wife had also left. The man went to of residency visa laws or expired visas currently hospitalized. The sources added that hospitals had already been contact- change operations, therefore (the law) deals with just like Netanyahu is about to preside. Despite Kheitan police station and told officers what hap- them according to the civil ID.” —Al-Rai Shamir’s known arrogance and obstinacy, he yield- pened, so they checked the records and con- ed to turn in these expats, but their administrations refused with the excuse that they were patients receiving medical ed to the international community’s pressure and firmed that she entered the country. An abscond- made painful concessions like accepting the estab- treatment. “That is why Interior Ministry contacted Health ing charge was registered and police are looking Swine flu lishment of the Palestinian Authority which was lat- for the woman. Ministry and all hospitals were notified to report and turn in er spoiled by Hamas and the signing of the Arabah such cases,” explained the sources. —Al-Anbaa KUWAIT: Three children were hospitalized at Amiri Valley treaty by which Jordan retrieved it lands. Hospital and diagnosed with swine flu, sources said. The Frankly speaking, and in view of the extreme fee- False report charge School principal charged three cases created a state of confusion at the hospital, bleness of the Masonic Spring-invaded Arab coun- A Jahra prosecutor has charged a Kuwaiti woman the sources noted, adding that a doctor in charge asked tries where peace and quiet was completely with reporting false information and, insulting KUWAIT: Director of Farwaniya Educational Zone the parents of other hospitalized children to take them destroyed, I strongly believe that solving the policemen after filming him. A security source said Bardiya Al-Khalidi sent a school principal in Firdous for home as the hospital needed the beds for the swine flu Palestinian cause depends on Zionists’ arrogance that a woman called to report a fight and a shooting investigations Tuesday because of playing songs that and conceit as well as the Palestinian leadership’s in her house. He said police went to Saad Al- cases. The number of swine flu infections seems to be cleverness, because war is no longer military nowa- encourage tribalism during one of the school’s activi- increasing lately as a number of other cases had been Abdallah area, but when they called the number, a ties. She said education ministry rules are clear in this days. It is rather a diplomatic one without any vio- also detected at Adan Hospital last month, the sources lady came out, swore at them, then filmed the regard. —Al-Qabas lence involved because the use of any will only serve policemen and refused to talk to them. warned. —Al-Jarida the Zionists. It is going to be a war to be judged by the international community that is the peoples, not the governments, because it was the world’s peoples who helped end apartheid in South Africa. Al-Jarida Nowadays, the Zionist entity practices the worst kinds of segregation against the Palestinian people. So it will be necessary to threaten to cancel the Palestinian Authority and demand civil rights within Carpet beating the state of Israel, which will be strongly rejected by the Zionists and force them to eventually make more concessions like those made by Shamir’s rightist government in the beginning of the 1990s. By Dr Hassan Jouhar

ccording to Kuwaiti traditions, whenever dust accumu- lates on a rug or a carpet, it is usually hung on a roof rail Al-Qabas Aand dusted with a carpet beater to remove the dust, and to make sure all the dust has completely been dusted out. The rug is turned from side to side repeating the same process, Freedom of opinion locally known as ‘carpet beating’. Nowadays, Kuwait is in dire need for such ‘beating,’ because all kinds of ‘dust’ and ‘dirt’ have prevailed in it in the form of cor- is the victim ruption, bribery, favoritism, mismanagement and financial waste, not to mention the loss of respect of law and order and the spread of endless depressions and fear of the future. All this By Abdellatif Al-Duaij has led to a severe state of exasperation, lack of trust, tolerance and clemency amongst people, and finally, severe fury at state am of course in favor of unrestricted gatherings, at institutions and those running them. least for now, until the constitutional and legal battle Political bribery has almost become the main phenomenon Iis cleared. Irada Square should remain a place for in all our current problems. According to the people, it is the key whoever wants to express his opinion, but I am not, of to decision-making in many of the state’s bodies. Regardless of course, in support of using women and children to insult legal aspects, technical evidence, detective work, investigation the authority and belittle anyone who is in violation of and litigation measures, the public opinion is now totally con- the law. vinced that the country is witnessing an unprecedented state of There are people who express their opinion and they corruption, especially when knowing that the worst problem in have the right to do so, at least in my opinion, and there is any country is for the people to lose trust and faith in official no difference between man or woman, and when author- institutions and officials and everybody is presumed guilty until ities resorts to suppressing opinions, then they are practic- proven otherwise. ing suppression and what we think is a violation of the This general trend of lack of trust was created by many sto- political rights of citizens, regardless of their origin, creed ries about the scandalous millions-worth of bank deposits, for- or gender. What is suppressed is the freedom of opinion, eign transfers and bribery cases exposed in recent years. and in reality what is being beaten and attacked is the Especially since these cases have not been adequately pursued right of expression in the form of citizens. with responsibility and professionalism either for legal defects Women who demonstrate have an opinion, just like or the political way in which they were approached. the rest of citizens. The authorities think that the expres- Corruption accusations have been made against almost sion of this opinion is contrary to the law, or even by sug- everyone in all constitutional powers. So many feuds and media gesting it has a prior intention of suppression directed wars are going on between the ‘bribed’ and pro-government against the freedom of opinion, the right of gathering and MPs whose bank accounts have been inflating on the one hand, against the one who expresses it. And it is not a child that and the multiplication of real estate and property owned by the wants to reform a nation or guide a leadership, unless if opposition members on the other. So many leaks are being there is a clumsy move to use him, taking advantage of made about meetings deemed suspicious by some people and his ignorance and childhood and pushing him into the dangerous by others as well as news about public fund embez- kiln of the movement. zlements. So, I beg the groups of backwardness to stop using The real problem lies in the constant silence of both the women and children for protection, and stop their monitoring apparatuses, including the parliament, and the attempts to embarrass authorities by claiming that it executives as well as all major media while the people are roar- “dragged” women or attacked children. They are not ing with anger and angry movements reflecting some impul- women who demonstrate or gather - rather they are “citi- sive temporary reactions that soon fade away with all the zens”, and that’s it. In the authority’s opinion, whether threats made about severe penalties and legal accountability. right or wrong, the women violated the law and chal- Therefore, the current stagnancy only makes things worse and lenged authorities just like the rest of violators. everybody remains going round and round in endless circles. The attempt to give legitimacy to a women’s gathering Movements have their ups and downs, writers continue to or demonstration because they are “women” is really write, bloggers settle for posting tweets and accusations are degrading them and taking away from their right of accumulating with the inevitable result that corruption prevails expression that totally agrees with the backward tribal more and more. and religious view that is carried and expressed by the That is why ‘beating the carpet’ has become a must through movement’s groups. The defense should be limited to the making comprehensive changes in all institutions with no defense of the freedom of opinion and expression, exceptions in order to empower new more honest and non- defense of the right to gather and not those who carry biased new generations according to certain rules such as them out. respecting financial disclosure, non-conflicting interests and The female citizens must have the honor of participat- constant performance evaluation, so that the country can even- ing in defending the freedom of opinion and expression, tually get out of this political swamp. So, when will we ever just like they should have the right of sacrifice and patience clean the rug on the roof? during this defense, otherwise, according to the general understanding, they should stay at home. THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 Slavery taints global ‘No blacks’ Chinese restaurant shut down in Kenya supply of seafood

Page 10 Page 9 Leaders see horror of Alps crash

SEYNE-LES-ALPES, France: Investigators yester- human being,” said Rajoy. day made their first breakthrough in the probe into the crash of an airliner in the French Alps, as ‘Not the Slightest Explanation’ President Francois Hollande vowed everything Meanwhile, BEA released photos of the man- would be done to explain the tragedy that killed gled black box, its metal casing torn and twisted 150 people. Officials from the BEA crash investi- by the violence of the impact. BEA head Remi gation agency said they had extracted “usable Jouty told reporters he had “not the slightest data” from one of the Germanwings Airbus explanation” for the crash at this stage, although A320’s two “black boxes” found among the he revealed the plane was still flying when it debris, with recordings from the cockpit, but still smashed into the mountainside and did not had no explanation for the mysterious crash. explode mid-air. Hollande said the casing of a Hollande and German Chancellor Angela second black box, which records technical flight Merkel flew over the crash site to see the devas- data, had been found but not the device itself. tation for themselves before meeting rescue Authorities are still baffled as to why the workers outside the crisis centre set up on plane suddenly began a fatal eight-minute Tuesday after the worst crash in France in four descent shortly after reaching cruising altitude decades. Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on its route between Barcelona and Duesseldorf. also visited the centre to be briefed on the gru- No distress signal was sent and the crew failed to elling rescue operation in difficult mountain ter- respond to desperate attempts at contact from rain where Flight 4U9525 crashed early Tuesday, ground control. “It is inexplicable,” Lufthansa scattering debris over a wide area. chief Spohr said in Frankfurt. “The plane was in Buffeted by strong mountain winds, the perfect condition and the two pilots were experi- ashen-faced leaders spent several minutes enced.” inspecting a line-up of blue-uniformed rescue Officials in Spain said at least 51 Spaniards workers, chatting intently with the help of inter- had been killed in the accident, and preters. “My deepest sympathies with the fami- Germanwings said at least 72 Germans were lies and all my thanks for the friendship of the dead. Authorities on the ground who had the people of this region and in France,” wrote gruesome task of sifting through the debris for Merkel in a book of condolence. Grieving rela- body parts and clues called off the search later tives were also gathering near the crash site, yesterday and would resume at dawn the follow- where a counselling unit has been established. ing day. A further wave of families was expected to arrive today morning aboard two special ‘Incredible’, ‘Shocking’ Scene SEYNE-LES-ALPES, France: French President Francois Hollande (fourth left), German Chancellor Angela Merkel (center) and Spanish Prime Lufthansa flights from Spain and Germany. A mountain guide who got near the crash site Minister Mariano Rajoy (fourth right) arrive near the site of the German airliner that crashed in the French Alps yesterday in south-east- Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr told - a steep and broken landscape littered with the ern France. — AFP reporters the flights would leave for Marseille shattered pieces of Flight 4U9525 - said he was near a makeshift memorial of candles as they those killed had won the trip in a lottery of their carrier, had an unblemished safety record. from Barcelona, departure point of the stricken unable to make out recognisable body parts. “It’s pulled together to share the pain of losing their classmates, reported local daily the Halterner Weather did not appear to be a factor in the flight, and Duesseldorf, its destination. incredible. An Airbus is enormous. When you friends. “This is certainly the darkest day in the Zeitung in its online edition. Also on board were crash, with conditions calm at the time. It was Authorities in France said the family members arrive and there’s nothing there ... it’s very shock- history of our city,” said a tearful Bodo Klimpel, opera singers Oleg Bryjak, 54, and Maria Radner, the deadliest air crash on the French mainland would be taken as close to the crash site as pos- ing,” said the guide, who did not wish to be iden- the town’s mayor. “It is the worst thing you can 33, flying to their home city of Duesseldorf. since 1974 when a Turkish Airlines plane crashed, sible. “We have to understand what happened. tified. The plane was carrying six crew and 144 imagine.” “Yesterday we were many, today we are Radner was travelling with her husband and killing 346 people. Victims were also confirmed We owe it to the families and the countries con- passengers, including 16 German teenagers alone,” read a hand-painted sign at the school, baby, one of two infants on board the plane. In from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Britain, cerned by the drama,” Hollande told reporters, returning home from a school trip. decorated with 16 crosses - one for each of the Spain, a minute’s silence was observed at noon Colombia, Denmark, Holland, Israel, Japan, vowing to shed light on the mystery. “What has Bereaved pupils from their high school in the victims, most around 15 years old. around the country. Germanwings, the growing Mexico and the United States, according to offi- happened is the worst thing that can befall a small German town of Haltern wept and hugged Compounding the tragedy, it emerged that low-cost subsidiary of the prestigious Lufthansa cials. — AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Chaos in Yemen undercuts US war against AQAP

WASHINGTON: Yemen’s descent into ing an even greater danger to the West, The Obama administration had long the Brookings Institution. bound for the United States, will likely chaos has undermined the US cam- experts and former intelligence officials hailed a partnership with the Yemeni “have more freedom to operate and paign against Al-Qaeda there, forcing said. “Certainly a repositioning of our government as a successful way to Loss of intelligence that means the risk of another bomb Washington to abandon a strategy once forces out of Yemen would make our wage war against the most dangerous The US still has drones and other air- attack on an American airliner has to be touted as a model for counter-terrorism fight against AQAP more difficult, there branch of Al-Qaeda. Washington had craft at bases in Saudi Arabia and considered higher.” efforts. President Barack Obama’s deci- is no question about that,” Pentagon sent in US special forces units and pro- Djibouti that could go after Al-Qaeda in sion last week to withdraw all remaining spokesman Colonel Steven Warren told vided weapons to Sanaa to help the Yemen, but the Americans can no Proxy war US troops in Yemen from a base in the reporters Tuesday. “That said, we contin- army hunt down Al-Qaeda militants. longer count on a flow of crucial intelli- Washington’s only alternative will be south underlined the gravity of the situ- ue to have the ability to hunt and kill Al- With Yemen’s collaboration, Washington gence as followers of Hadi are now pre- to work with its Gulf allies, Saudi Arabia ation, with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Qaeda terrorists anywhere they are,” carried out more than 100 drone strikes occupied with a fight against their and Oman, as well as forces loyal to pres- Peninsula (AQAP) now potentially pos- Warren said. against AQAP extremists since 2002, Houthi foes. “Maybe we can launch ident Hadi, to check AQAP, analysts said. according to a tally by the New America drone strikes from other countries, but if But Shiite Iran is believed to be backing Foundation. The approach was praised you don’t have that intelligence on the the Houthis, and Tehran’s rivals in Saudi as an alternative to counter Al-Qaeda ground, how do you know who to hit Arabia will be keen to focus on the without committing large numbers of and where and when?” Michael McCaul, Houthis, who they see as a more serious ground troops in drawn-out occupa- the Republican chairman of the House threat. tions as in Iraq or Afghanistan. Homeland Security Committee, told The US government will need to per- But Yemen’s President Abdedrabbo ABC News on Sunday. suade its Gulf allies to look for a peace Mansour Hadi has fled to the south in However, the Houthis are deeply deal that could defuse the growing the face of advancing Houthi Shiite hostile to Al-Qaeda and will be able to unrest in Yemen, according to Jon militia. With no viable partner to work keep them out of mainly Shiite areas in Alterman of the Center for Strategic and with and the country on the brink of the north and west, experts said. International Studies. “Circumstances call all-out civil war, the US strategy is now Despite the enmity of the Houthis, for a hard-minded deal that circumscribes in tatters. “Definitely our counter-ter- AQAP will be in a stronger position-at the influence of all, inside and outside of rorism efforts and those of our princi- least in Sunni regions to the south and Yemen, and grants some degree of pal ally, the Saudis, have been dealt a east-as it will no longer face constant autonomy to the various populations in very significant setback,” said Bruce pressure from the United States and the the country,” Alterman wrote. He said that Riedel, a former CIA officer who has Yemeni government, Riedel said. “The “reaching some sort of understanding in ADEN: Residents of Aden run towards a weapons depot to take up arms long tracked extremist threats in the threat from Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Yemen would create the basis for broader in preparation for a potential advance on the southern Yemeni city by Middle East. “We no longer have an Peninsula probably goes up,” Riedel said. regional accommodation on a variety of Houthi Shiite militia and their allies yesterday. —AFP embassy. We no longer have boots on AQAP, which has been linked to more proxy conflicts, reaching into Syria, Libya, the ground,” added Riedel, a fellow at than one attempt to blow up aircraft and beyond.” —AFP Saudi building up military near the Yemeni border Conflict risks spiraling into a proxy war

WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabia is Yemen has made the country a build-up appeared to be defen- said on Monday Arab countries moving heavy military equip- crucial front in Saudi Arabia’s sive. One US government source would take necessary measures ment including artillery to areas region-wide rivalry with Iran, described the size of the Saudi to protect the region against near its border with Yemen, US which Riyadh accuses of sowing buildup on Yemen’s border as “aggression” by the Houthi move- officials said on Tuesday, raising sectarian strife through its sup- “significant” and said the Saudis ment if a peaceful solution could the risk that the Middle East’s top port for the Houthis. could be preparing air strikes to not be found. In March 2011, oil power will be drawn into the The conflict risks spiraling into defend Hadi if the Houthis attack Saudi troops, along with those worsening Yemeni conflict. The a proxy war with Shiite Iran back- his refuge in the southern sea- from the United Arab Emirates, buildup follows a southward ing the Houthis, whose leaders port of Aden. entered neighboring Bahrain advance by Iranian-backed adhere to the Zaydi sect of Shiite Another US official, speaking after weeks of protests by that Houthi Shiite militants who took Islam, and Saudi Arabia and the on condition of anonymity, said country’s Shi’ite majority that control of the capital Sanaa in other regional Sunni Muslim Washington had acquired intelli- Riyadh feared could lead to an GANYIEL: Women walk in Ganyiel village on Panyijar County of Unity State, September and seized the central monarchies backing Hadi. The gence about the Saudi build-up. expansion of Iran’s influence. city of Taiz at the weekend as armor and artillery being moved But there was no immediate A spokesman for the Saudi carrying food items distributed to them by the World Food Program (WFP) they move closer to the new by Saudi Arabia could be used for word on the precise location near embassy in Washington did not as humanitarian aid. —AFP southern base of US-supported offensive or defensive purposes, the border or the exact size of the immediately respond to a President Abd-Rabbu Mansour two US government sources said. force deployed. Hadi, who sup- request for comment on any mili- S Sudan’s hungry see Hadi. The slide towards war in Two other US officials said the ported Washington’s campaign tary movements. Yemen asked of deadly drone strikes on a pow- the United Nations Security erful Al-Qaeda branch based in Council on Tuesday to back mili- little hope for peace Yemen, has been holed up in tary action by “willing countries” Aden with his loyalist forces since to combat Houthi militias, GANYIEL: Tepisha Nyakwach, aged 33 and secret of their intent to press on with a mil- he fled Sanaa in February. On according to a letter from Hadi a mother of five, has an idea on how to itary solution. Tuesday, forces loyal to Hadi seen by Reuters. Hadi wants the end South Sudan’s seemingly intractable drove Houthi fighters from two 15-member body to adopt a res- civil war: let the country’s two main rivals ‘Leaders lying about peace’ towns they had seized hours ear- olution that would authorize fight it out one-on-one. Although wishful Angelina Nyadiu, another mother dis- thinking, her idea does reflect a sentiment placed from Bentiu, said she felt like she lier, residents said, apparently “willing countries that wish to among many citizens that they are the was “just waiting for my day to die”-lan- checking an advance by the help Yemen to provide immedi- ones paying the price of a personal feud. guishing in a camp with 11 children in tow, Shiite fighters towards Aden. ate support for the legitimate They have also given up hope of seeing of which five are from a missing relative, authority by all means and meas- diplomacy yield a peace deal. “If these two her husband also missing and a diet of Saudis ‘deeply concerned’ ures to protect Yemen and deter leaders are not going to bring peace to bread and water. “The children don’t go to Saudi Arabia faces the risk of the Houthi aggression.” Fighting South Sudan, why not have the two of school. When they try to go to school, the turmoil spilling across its has spread across the Arabian them fight each other with their own there are no teachers because they have porous 1,800 km (1,100 mile)- peninsula country since last hands or guns, so they don’t use our hus- no salary,” she explained. long border with Yemen and into September when the Houthis bands or children?” said Nyakwach, wait- For the displaced in and around its Shi’ite Eastern Province where seized Sanaa and advanced into ing for United Nations food handouts that Ganyiel, life consists of waiting in flooded, the kingdom’s richest oil deposits Sunni Muslim areas. keep her from slipping into malnutrition. makeshift shelters-but reserves of food, For nearly a year and a half, Nyakwach and hope, are, dwindling fast. The upbeat US officials said on Saturday lie. “The Saudis are just really has been displaced along with thousands mood of 2011, when South Sudan became deeply concerned about what that the United States had evacu- of others in Panyijar County, an 80-mile the world’s youngest nation after a long they see as an Iranian stronghold ated all its remaining personnel (130 kilometer) walk from her shattered and bitter independence struggle against in a failed state along their bor- in Yemen, including about 100 home in Unity State’s capital of Bentiu, a Khartoum, appears to have evaporated der,” US Ambassador to Yemen special operations forces, strategic oil hub, has changed hands sever- altogether. “I heard about the peace talks, Matthew Tueller told Reuters on because of the security situation. al times since the war began. She is kept but I realized they are playing and lying,” Monday at a conference hosted The end of a US security presence alive by foreign aid, which comes in the Nyadiu said, giving an analysis that is by the National US-Arab inside the country has dealt a form of a 20- kilogramme (44-pound) bag shared, at least in private, by most diplo- Chamber of Commerce in blow to Washington’s ability to of flour each month. With several mouths mats close to the failed peace process. Washington. But a former senior monitor and fight Al-Qaeda’s to feed, she says it only lasts two weeks. The head of the UN’s World Food US official, speaking to Reuters Yemen affiliate. The Houthis have “We only have half a life here in Ganyiel,” Program, the agency bringing in food to she said. “What we need is peace.” areas like Ganyiel, said the country was on condition of anonymity, said denied taking material and finan- Across South Sudan, frustration and steadily going backwards. Although South the prospects for successful cial support from Tehran. But last anger is growing over the humanitarian Sudan’s leaders have been threatened with external intervention in Yemen year Yemeni, Western and Iranian toll from the 15-month-old feud between sanctions for continuing the war, now have appeared slim. He said Hadi’s sources gave Reuters details of President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, his been imposed. “It’s not getting better. The prospects appeared to be wors- Iranian military and financial sup- former deputy and now the main rebel challenge is that even people who had ening and that for now he was port to the Houthis before and leader. What began as a power struggle something when I was here the last time, “pretty well pinned down.” after their takeover of Sanaa last between the two heavyweights quickly they have depleted those assets and now Riyadh hosted top-level talks year. However, US officials have boiled over into violence, leaving tens of they have even less or nothing,” Ertharin with Gulf Arab neighbors on said that Iranian backing for the thousands dead, and two million displaced Cousin said during a tour of the country. “I Saturday that backed Hadi as Houthi rebels has been largely and dependent of food aid. Both sides are have talked to women who have walked Yemen’s legitimate president and limited to funding. They say Iran accused of war crimes, including kidnap- over 200 miles with six to seven children to SANAA: A Yemeni army helicopter piloted by forces loyal to the ping children to fight, gang rapes and mas- find food,” she said. “The longer the crisis offered “all efforts” to preserve has its hands full providing Houthi militia which controls Sanaa flies above a tank used by sacres. Peace talks brokered by South goes on the more people suffer. What we the Shiite group to guard the vicinity of the presidential palace the country’s stability. Saudi armed assistance to its allies in Sudan’s neighbors broke down at the start need first and foremost of course is peace. yesterday in the Yemeni capital Sanaa. —AFP Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal Syria and Iraq. —Reuters of the month, with both sides making no We cannot allow the world to forget.”—AFP

Sectarian tensions simmer in Iraq shrine city targeted by IS

SAMARRA: The Al-Askari shrine in the Iraqi city of But just across the city there is a conspicuous lack of The structure is still standing, but today it is covered in Samarra is surrounded by thousands of Shiite militiamen security forces, and while traffic flows and shops are open black and red graffiti hailing the various militias. Human in mismatched uniforms, many of them awaiting trans- during the day, residents say they are walking on rights groups say Shiite militiamen in other parts of Iraq port to the nearby front lines of the war against the eggshells. “We’re concerned about the presence of the have carried out revenge attacks against Sunni civilians. Islamic State group. For months, they have fended off militias, with regard to kidnappings and killings,” said The reported kidnappings and killings pale in compari- attacks by the extremists and now they are on the offen- Ghani Younis Hassan, the owner of a children’s clothing son to the well-publicized atrocities committed by the sive in Tikrit to the north, but their presence has alarmed shop, who said he doesn’t let his wife and children walk Islamic State group, but have complicated efforts to Samarra’s mainly Sunni residents, who fear both sides of the streets for fear of harassment. “They feel that the mend the war-ravaged country’s sectarian divide. the increasingly sectarian conflict. shrine justifies their presence here,” he added. “It’s the Iraqi officials believe Samarra - the last major city The golden-domed shrine is among the holiest sites militias who have the power, not the military, so we feel a between Baghdad and the Islamic State’s self-styled in Shiite Islam, and pilgrims from neighboring Iran con- lot of concern and unease.” caliphate - is still vulnerable, despite the heavy security tinue to flock there despite the fighting. In 2006, Sunni The United States spent billions of dollars training and presence. Even more Shiite militiamen have streamed in extremists bombed the site, sparking a wave of sectarian equipping Iraq’s army during its eight year occupation, since the launch of the Tikrit offensive earlier this month, bloodletting across the country that killed tens of thou- only to see security forces crumble last summer when the with many setting up bases in the city. The city is also sands of people. As the Islamic State group swept across Islamic State group rampaged across the north, captur- hosting Sunnis who fled the Islamic State group or were Iraq last summer, Shiite militiamen heeding a call from ing the country’s second-largest city Mosul as well as displaced by the fighting. At a half-built school now the country’s top cleric flooded into Samarra to defend Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown. The rapidly mobi- housing residents from the nearby village of Kashiefa, the shrine and halted the militants’ advance 60 miles lized Shiite militias halted the Islamic State advance and one displaced Sunni man, who spoke on condition of north of Baghdad. Today, the area around the shrine is have successfully defended Samarra, which is home to a anonymity for fear of retribution, said the militias visit the festooned with militia banners and portraits of Iraqi and famed ninth century AD spiral minaret and is considered camp on occasion, confiscating what few belongings the SAMARRA: Iraqi Shiite militiamen walk on a street in Samarra, 95 kilometers Iranian Shiite clerics. a UNESCO world heritage site. displaced have, including government food aid. —AP north of Baghdad, Iraq. —AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

BENJINA: Thai and Burmese fishing boat workers sit inside a cell at the compound of a fishing company in Benjina, Indonesia. (Right) Workers in Benjina, Indonesia, load fish onto a cargo ship bound for Thailand. Seafood caught by slaves mixes in with other fish at a number of sites in Thailand, including processing plants. US Customs records show that several of those Thai factories ship to the United States. — AP Slavery taints global supply of seafood Brutal truth: Your seafood may come from slaves

BENJINA: The Burmese slaves sat on the floor and stared For example, one truck bore the name and bird logo of “Kingfisher buys several types of products.” When later asked America, according to US Customs records. These shipments through the rusty bars of their locked cage, hidden on a Kingfisher Holdings Ltd, which supplies frozen and canned about abusive labor practices, Kawin was not available. have gone to Stavis Seafoods, a Boston-based Sysco suppli- tiny tropical island thousands of miles from home. Just a seafood around the world. Another truck went to Mahachai Instead, Mahachai Marine Foods manager Narongdet er, and other distributors. “The truth is, these are the kind of few yards away, other workers loaded cargo ships with Marine Foods Co, a cold storage business that also supplies Prasertsri responded: “I have no idea about it at all.” things that keep you up at night,” said CEO Richard Stavis, slave-caught seafood that clouds the supply networks of Kingfisher, according to Kawin Ngernanek, whose family Kingfisher did not answer repeated requests for comment. who grandfather started the company. He said his business major supermarkets, restaurants and even pet stores in the runs it. “Yes, yes, yes, yes,” said Kawin, who also serves as Every month, Kingfisher and its subsidiary KF Foods Ltd. visits international processors, requires notarized certifica- United States. Here, in the Indonesian island village of spokesman for the Thai Overseas Fisheries Association. sends about 100 metric tons of seafood from Thailand to tion of legal practices and uses third-party audits. —AP Benjina and the surrounding waters, hundreds of trapped men represent one of the most desperate links criss-cross- ing between companies and countries in the seafood industry. This intricate web of connections separates the fish we eat from the men who catch it, and obscures a bru- tal truth: Your seafood may come from slaves. The Associated Press notified the International Organization for Migration about men in this story, who were then moved out of Benjina by police for their safety. Hundreds of slaves remain on the island, and five other men were in the cage this week. The men The Associated Press spoke to on Benjina were mostly from Myanmar, also known as Burma, one of the poorest countries in the world. They were brought to Indonesia through Thailand and forced to fish. Their catch was shipped back to Thailand, and then entered the global commerce stream.

Tainted fish Tainted fish can wind up in the supply chains of some of America’s major grocery stores, such as Kroger, Albertsons and Safeway; the nation’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart; and the biggest food distributor, Sysco. It can find its way into the supply chains of some of the most popular brands of canned pet food, including Fancy Feast, Meow Mix and Iams. It can turn up as calamari at fine dining restaurants, as imitation crab in a California sushi roll or as packages of frozen snapper relabeled with store brands that land on our dinner tables. In a year-long investigation, the AP interviewed more than 40 current and former slaves in Benjina. The AP docu- mented the journey of a single large shipment of slave- caught seafood from the Indonesian village, including squid, snapper, grouper and shrimp, and tracked it by satellite to a gritty Thai harbor. Upon its arrival, AP journal- ists followed trucks that loaded and drove the seafood over four nights to dozens of factories, cold storage plants and the country’s biggest fish market. Some fishermen, risking their lives, begged the reporters for help. “I want to go home. We all do,” one Burmese slave called out over the side of his boat, a cry repeated by many men. “Our parents haven’t heard from us for a long time, I’m sure they think we are dead.” Their catch mixes in with other fish at numerous sites in Thailand, including processing plants. US Customs records show that several of those Thai factories ship to America. They also ship to Europe and Asia, but the AP traced shipments to the US, where trade records are public.

Labor abuses The major corporations identified by AP declined inter- views but issued statements that strongly condemned labor abuses; many described their work with human rights groups to hold subcontractors accountable. National Fisheries Institute spokesman Gavin Gibbons, speaking on behalf of 300 US seafood firms that make up 75 percent of the industry, said his members are troubled by the find- ings. “It’s not only disturbing, it’s disheartening because our companies have zero tolerance for labor abuses,” he said. “These type of things flourish in the shadows.”

Many died at sea The slaves interviewed by the AP described 20- to 22- hour shifts and unclean drinking water. Almost all said they were kicked, beaten or whipped with toxic stingray tails if they complained or tried to rest. They were paid little or nothing. Runaway Hlaing Min said many died at sea. “If Americans and Europeans are eating this fish, they should remember us. There must be a mountain of bones under the sea,” he said. “The bones of the people could be an island, it’s that many.” The small harbor in the village is occupied by Pusaka Benjina Resources, whose five-story office compound includes the cage with the slaves. The company is the only fishing operation on Benjina officially registered in Indonesia, and is listed as the owner of more than 90 trawlers. However, the captains are Thai, and the Indonesian gov- ernment is reviewing to see if the boats are really Thai- owned. Pusaka Benjina did not respond to phone calls and a letter, and did not speak to a reporter who waited for two hours in the company’s Jakarta office. At the Benjina port, the AP interviewed slaves from a dozen fishing vessels offloading their catch into a large refrigerated cargo ship, the Silver Sea Line. The ship belonged to the Silver Sea Reefer Co, which is registered in Thailand and has at least nine refrigerated cargo boats. The company said it is not involved with the fishermen. “We only carry the shipment and we are hired in general by clients,” said company owner Panya Luangsomboon. “We’re separated from the fishing boats.” The AP followed that ship, using satellite tracking over 15 days to Samut Sakhon, Thailand, and journalists watched as workers packed the seafood over four nights onto more than 150 trucks, following deliveries to factories around the city. Inside those plants, representatives told AP journalists that they sold seafood to other Thai processors and distributors. US Customs bills of lading identify specific shipments from those plants to American firms, including well-known brand names. INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 ‘No blacks’ Chinese restaurant shut down in Kenya NAIROBI: A Chinese restaurant in the Kenyan capital not having the proper licences. “We have established tive of race, color, sex, tribe and religion,” the restaurant relations manager Esther Zhao was quot- Nairobi has been shut down and its owners sum- that the restaurant did not have the licenses and I Standard newspaper quoted him as saying. Reports ed as saying. “It is not like it is written on some- moned by authorities after it emerged it was barring have ordered it closed until the management com- said the restaurant’s Chinese owners and managers body’s face that they are a thug armed with a gun,” black patrons, reports said yesterday. The restaurant plies,” Nairobi governor Evans Kidero said in a state- had also been summoned by Kenya’s immigration she said, adding the Chinese embassy in Nairobi became the focus of city authorities after furious res- ment. “The owners of the restaurant have no change authorities, while one Kenyan MP has also asked the had told Chinese businesses to be vigilant over the idents took to social media to denounce an appar- of user from residential to commercial which is a Parliamentary Committee on Security to carry out its threat of attacks. A city official however told the Star ently racist policy of not allowing African patrons to requirement to operate a business in Nairobi,” he said, own investigation. newspaper that the incident “has nothing to do eat there after 5pm-pushing #RacistRestaurant, adding the restaurant did not have a valid liquor with the friendship and diplomatic relations Kenya #NoBlacksHere and #TheChineseInvasion to be top license and had failed to comply public health Attack fears enjoys with China,” a major investor in east Africa’s trending topics. The owners of the restaurant said requirements on food handling. The Nation newspaper quoted a restaurant man- biggest economy. Although China’s relationship the measure had been put in place following a rob- “As of now the restaurant will remain closed until ager as saying the policy was aimed at keeping out with Kenya and much of Africa is seen as being at bery in 2013, and have apologized for causing any they comply with all set rules and regulations. We thieves and members of Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-affliat- an all-time high-notably with with huge invest- offence, the Daily Nation reported. have deployed security officers around the premis- ed Shebab militants, who in 2013 massacred at least ments in major infrastructure projects-ties have also But it said the Chongquing Chinese restaurant, sit- es.” The governor also asserted that “all business and 67 people in Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall. “We been overshadowed by China’s massive demand for uated in Nairobi’s bustling commercial and residential service providers must ensure that all customers and don’t admit Africans that we don’t know because ivory, which wildlife campaigners say is decimating district of Kilimani, had been shut down anyway for clients are treated with respect and dignity, irrespec- you never know who is Al-Shebab and who isn’t,” Africa’s elephants. — AFP Burundi’s ‘black-list’ Journalists, activists bemoan mounting harassment

BUJUMBURA: As tensions mount in the cen- said Willy Nyamitwe, a communications advi- tral African nation of Burundi ahead of presi- sor to the president. dential elections, journalists and activists say they are paying an increasingly heavy price as On the frontline standard bearers for free speech. Civil rights in Radio boss Rugurika, whose release from the small Great Lakes nation, they say, are on jail in February sparked a major public out- the decline sacrificed at the altar of President pouring of support that clearly rattled the Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial ambition to authorities, said the government was simply defy a two-term limit and stay in power for trying to “silence any voice of dissent”. Since another five years. There are allegations of his radio station started, he explained, “there widespread harassment and threats of vio- have been four different regimes of three or lence, and even talk of a hit-list containing the four different presidents, and each has names of opposition figures, civil society labeled us as being close to the opposition.” activists and journalists to be eliminated The situation today for civil society groups, before parliamentary polls in May and the however, appears to be all the more tense giv- presidential election in June. en that Burundi’s main opposition parties High-profile arrests have already been boycotted the last elections in 2010 over alle- made: human rights defender Pierre-Claver gations of fraud, leaving themselves excluded Mbonimpa was detained last May after from the official debate. “We practically ended reporting that Nkurunziza’s ruling party, the up on the frontline, over-exposed in relation CNDD-FDD, was arming its youth wing and to the authorities, and in a permanent state of training them in the jungles of neighboring tension,” explained Innocent Muhozi, presi- Democratic Republic of Congo. Bob Rugurika, dent of Burundi’s Press Observatory, a media director of the popular independent African rights group. Burundi’s media has paid a high Public Radio (RPA), was also arrested in price for being outspoken in its denunciation January after implicating intelligence officials of alleged extrajudicial killings, the plunder- in the recent murders of Italian nuns. “These ing of the impoverished country’s wealth by are the best known cases, but there are many corrupt politicians or attacks on freedom of other cases of activists who are constantly expression. harassed, intimidated by high-ranking mem- But Muhozi said the determination to ATHI RIVER, Kenya: A water vendor sits on his donkey cart as he sells water in Athi river town from Nairobi. — AFP bers of the authorities, who receive threaten- speak out remained steadfast. Burundi is still ing phone calls or summonses,” explained recovering from a brutal 13-year-long civil war Carina Tersakian of the global watchdog that ended in 2006, and is part of a region Human Rights Watch. beset by genocide and rebellion. Activists Ultra-nationalist battalion “There is a vibrant civil society here in insist they are determined to oppose the Burundi that is an asset for the country, but the president’s bid for a third term-widely seen as government is taking it very badly,” she said. a move that could plunge the country back “The same goes for the media.” Burundi’s gov- into chaos. “People have come to say that it is gears up for more fighting ernment fiercely denies the allegations, yet at possible to resist,” Muhozi said. On the streets the same time makes no secret of its disdain of of Bujumbura, the message does not appear a section of the media and non-governmental to be falling on deaf ears: at midday, the time Fighters aim to save Ukraine from ‘Russian aggression’ organizations who are seen as political oppo- of RPA’s main news bulletin, many listened nents in all but name. “Burundian civil society is closely to the station’s broadcasts. “It’s an made up of more than 6,000 organizations. The important radio station,” said Abdul Teddy URZUF: The far-right Azov battalion, whose symbol problem is with a few associations and a few Ntunzwenimana, a 33-year-old motorcycle resembles a black swastika on a yellow background, is individuals who wear the cap of civil society, taxi rider. “I listen to it everyday. I like it preparing to defend the port city of Mariupol in south- but who use that to attack the government,” because it tells the truth.”— AFP eastern Ukraine against a widely expected attack by pro-Russian separatists. The 1,000 strong ultra-national- ist militia has a reputation as a fierce pro-government fighting force in the almost year-old conflict with the Russia-backed rebels in east Ukraine, and is disdainful of peace efforts. But the radical views of the commanders of a group affiliated to Ukraine’s national guard which works alongside the army, and the use of symbols echo- ing Nazi emblems have caused alarm in the West and Russia, and could return to haunt Kiev’s pro-Western leadership when fighting eventually ends. “We don’t like the ceasefire at all. As with the pre- vious ones, it’ll only lead to another offensive by the enemy,” Azov commander Andriy Biletsky told Reuters while watching artillery drills at Urzuf, on the shores of the Sea of Azov, about 40 km south-west of Mariupol. “Appeasing the aggressor will only lead to more aggression. This war will inevitably continue - either until our complete defeat or until our full victo- ry and return to our land in all east Ukraine and Crimea. We believe in the second scenario,” said the 35-year-old from the city of Kharkiv. As the drills con- MARIUPOL: Ukrainian army soldiers take part in a military exercise at a training ground out- tinued, other members of the battalion were in com- side Mariupol, eastern Ukraine yesterday. — AP bat with the separatists at the village of Shirokino, some 60 km to the northeast. with the rebels but denies direct military involvement. fanatic apostles” to advance its ideas. Local media have reported on several violent incidents in which the BUJUMBURA: Children gather to play into a dried-out riverbed in Bujumbura. — AFP Shirokino, where Ukrainian and rebel positions are separated by only a few kilometers of village dwellings, Patriot of Ukraine group was involved. Since Azov was officially created is one of several places along the line of contact where The Azov battalion originated from Biletsky’s para- last May, it has been involved in fighting on the out- Ukraine leader fires oligarch fighting has continued despite a February ceasefire. military national socialist group called “Patriot of skirts of the rebel stronghold of Donetsk, a battle for Mariupol, which Azov helped recapture from the rebels Ukraine”, which propagated slogans of white suprema- the town of Illovaysk which Ukrainian forces lost last Kolomoisky as regional chief last year, is a big prize. Its capture would offer the sepa- cy, racial purity, the need for authoritarian power and a summer and across the coast of the Sea of Azov. But, ratists the chance to open a road further south a year centralized national economy. “Patriot of Ukraine” since Azov was enrolled as a regiment of Ukraine’s KIEV: Ukraine’s president has fired billion- scene and angrily cursed and berated jour- after Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea opposed giving up Ukraine’s sovereignty by joining National Guard in September and started receiving international blocs, called for rolling back of liberal increased supplies of heavy arms, Biletsky has toned aire Ihor Kolomoisky as governor of a key nalists. But it will have been a difficult deci- from Ukraine. Kiev and the West say Russia drives the rebellion in east Ukraine and has sent in troops as well economy and political democracy, including free down his rhetoric. Most of “Patriot of Ukraine” websites region in the east, the presidential website sion for Poroshenko, who, while a shaky media. In 2008, Biletsky urged “thousands of young are now down or under restricted access. —Reuters said yesterday, after armed men that law- ceasefire is still holding, is seeking to win as weapons to help the separatists. Moscow has sided makers said were linked to the oligarch raid- back the diplomatic initiative in the crisis ed a state-owned oil firm. Kolomoisky has with Russia over separatist-held territories been at the centre of a political storm since in the east. The separatists control large the masked men briefly entered the offices swathes of the east including the two big Five key battlegrounds in of UkrTransNafta on Thursday night after its towns of Donetsk and Luhansk and director, his ally, was summarily replaced. Poroshenko owes much to Kolomoisky for As governor of Dnipropetrovsk, preventing the rebels seizing control of Nigeria’s general election Kolomoisky, a banking, energy and media areas of Dnipropetrovsk region too. LAGOS: Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and votes four years ago. Buhari is from neighboring analysts say some of the state’s 2.5 million voters will There was no immediate word from top economy, holds general elections on March 28, in Katsina state and his popularity has grown in the follow their governor in backing Buhari. Kolomoisky’s camp. Kolomoisky, 52, is one what is expected to be the closest vote since inde- north over the last four years, with the region desper- of a handful of so-called oligarchs who pendence from Britain in 1960. Here are five key bat- ately wanting to retake the presidency from the Kaduna State emerged in the early years after Ukraine’s tleground areas where the outcome could tip the mainly Christian south. Three other factors are likely At first glance, the dynamics of this religiously independence from the Soviet Union in result in favor of President Goodluck Jonathan’s to help Buhari among Kano’s five million voters: divided northern state with 3.4 million registered 1991 to secure control over large sections of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or the opposition All Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the PDP voters appear to favor Buhari. The opposition leader the economy, including key areas such as Progressives Congress (APC), led by ex-military ruler to the APC last year, meaning the state government has lived in the state capital Kaduna city for most of energy, and becoming key political players Muhammadu Buhari. machinery will for the first time be aiding the opposi- his life and is a native son in the eyes of many voters. behind the scenes. Poroshenko himself tion. Ex-Kano governor Ibrahim Shekarau-who has But Jonathan ran neck-and-neck with Buhari in built a billion-dollar empire in confectionery Lagos State since joined the PDP-was one of several opposition Kaduna in 2011 - losing by about 150,000 votes-and before becoming president last May after Lagos, in the southwest, is the largest city in sub- presidential candidates in 2011 and received more may do well there again. The current Vice President street protests ousted the Moscow-backed Saharan Africa with an estimated population of 20 than 526,000 votes. Buhari now leads a united oppo- Namadi Sambo is from Kaduna and carries some sup- Viktor Yanukovich from power, triggering million and has 5.8 million registered voters. The sition and could grab the support of those who port, while the state government is still PDP-con- Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the sepa- city’s government has been controlled by the opposi- backed Shekarau but equally the ex-governor’s sup- trolled. The most crucial period in Kaduna may be ratist rebellions in the east. The affair at the tion since military rule ended in 1999. But the PDP porters could still remain loyal to the PDP. Since after the results are announced. The state was the Kiev offices of UkrTransNafta turned the has performed well in Lagos in past presidential elec- Nigeria last voted, Kano has been hit by dozens of epicenter of post-election violence in 2011, which Ukrainian billionaire Ihor Kolomoisky spotlight again on the role of Ukraine’s tions and Jonathan will need some support in the Boko Haram attacks. Those frustrated with Jonathan’s killed more than 1,000 people. city to secure re-election. Lagos is the most religious- handling of the conflict may turn to Buhari, who has tycoon with a fortune put at $1.8 billion by super-rich and the future of their business ly and ethnically mixed part of the country, where emphasised his national security credentials. Borno State Forbes last year, has been a valuable ally to empires as the country grapples with an inter-marriage among faiths and tribes is widespread Borno, in the northeast, has been brutalized by the central government by financing volun- economic crisis and a separatist war. and where voters have a track record of transcending Rivers State Boko Haram for six years but is not a battleground in teer battalions there to defend against pro- Kolomoisky, co-founder of the banking sectarian biases that shape voting in the rest of the Next to Jonathan’s home state of Bayelsa in the terms of the electorate: Buhari is expected to win mas- Russian separatists. But a statement on chain Privatbank, has interests in energy, country. Both Jonathan and Buhari have campaigned oil-producing south, Rivers should have been com- sively among a population that has voiced outrage President Petro Poroshenko’s website said media, aviation and metals. He has no direct aggressively in the key swing state and experts say fortable terrain for the president and the PDP. The rul- over Jonathan’s handling of the Islamist uprising. The he had dismissed Kolomoisky after the oli- business connection with UkrTransNafta, the result is likely too close to call. ing party has won easy majorities in all governorship election battle in Borno may instead centre on logistics garch had offered to step down during a which is under full state ownership. But and national elections in Rivers since 1999. But and legalities. Hundreds of thousands of people forced meeting late on Tuesday . Serhiy Leshchenko, one of two radical Kano State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who defected to the APC, from their homes by the fighting have been told they Poroshenko came under pressure from deputies who are pressing for the wings of Buhari won Nigeria’s second most populous state has become a vocal Jonathan antagonist and is serv- can vote in displaced persons camps. But the details of deputies opposed to the power of Ukraine’s the oligarchs to be clipped, had accused in 2011 by more than one million votes but will need ing as director general of Buhari’s campaign. this emergency arrangement could prove complicat- super-rich to sack Kolomoisky after the Kolomoisky of making a crude power play to make gains in Kano to beat Jonathan nationally, Amaechi is seen as desperately wanting to hand ed-and may be subject to legal challenge-possibly March 19 night raid on UkrTransNafta’s which challenged the state and the after losing to the president by more than 10 million Jonathan a defeat in this former PDP stronghold and fuelling tension in an already restive region. — AFP offices. The tycoon himself appeared at the President’s legitimacy. — Reuters INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Hopes of preserving Cherokee language rest with children CHEROKEE: Kevin Tafoya grew up hearing Cherokee Language and Life Project at NC State University. all around him - his mother, a grandmother and “Lots of people remain skeptical about whether lan- grandfather, aunts and an uncle all spoke the lan- guages can be revived. But the (other) option is cer- guage that now is teetering on the edge of extinc- tain death. In that sense, Kituwah Academy is the tion. Yet his mother purposely didn’t teach him. “She only antidote for what will be inevitable.” told us she had a hard time in school transitioning New Kituwah is one part of the Eastern Band’s from Cherokee to English,” Tafoya said. “She didn’t effort to preserve the language, said Annette want us to have the same problem so she never real- Clapsaddle, director of the Cherokee Preservation ly taught us when we were younger.” Now the 37- Foundation, which has given almost $2 million to year-old wants something different for his 6-year-old the school. Other initiatives include Cherokee lan- son, Moke, and his 2-year-old daughter, Marijane. guage programs at public schools and a Cherokee Both are enrolled at New Kituwah Academy, a studies program at Western Carolina University, she Cherokee language immersion school. said. Throughout the US, Native American tribes in The language is “probably only the last real thing recent years have launched efforts to preserve their about being Cherokee that we have left,” he said. “I languages. The Cherokee nation in Oklahoma mean, we have our different arts and stuff. But I think opened the Cherokee Immersion Charter School in our language really defines us as it does any people.” 2002, said Julie Hubbard, a spokeswoman for With fewer than 300 native Cherokee speakers Cherokees there. Students start at age 3 and go remaining in North Carolina, the clock is ticking to through eighth grade, when they can transfer to a preserve not just the language, but a culture too. For public school or to Sequoyah High School, where the Eastern Band of Cherokee, hopes lie first with six the Cherokee immersion students study together, fifth-graders who have attended New Kituwah (pro- she said. nounced gi-DOO-wah) since they were babies. Gah-ZUH a-GAH-shgaa Carrying the language New Kituwah has had problems finding teachers “That’s a big thing to hold on the shoulders of fluent in Cherokee. Most native speakers are in their kids, that they’re carrying the language,” said Kylie 60s and 70s and struggle with health issues, school Crowe Shuler, principal of the private school operat- CHEROKEE: Rainy Brake leads an early childhood development class at New Kituwah Academy in administrators said. Tafoya said he worries that his ed by the tribe. “And I don’t want to beat that on Cherokee, NC. Although not a native speaker or enrolled member of the tribe, Brake is helping to children may fall behind in some subjects, but the them. I want them to enjoy it. And I think that they ensure that the Cherokee language remains a living one. — AP benefits of New Kituwah outweigh any downsides. do.” The school, which opened in 2004, has about 90 His 2-year-old, Marijane, is picking up some students, with 55 in elementary and 35 in early child- Cherokee words, Tafoya said. When Tafoya picks her hood. Kituwah is a powerful word for the Cherokee enough this first class,” he said. “These first kids, bol for each of its 80-plus syllables. Unlike many oth- up at school, she’ll ask “Gah-ZUH a-GAH-shgaa?” and the name that they call themselves. The word these parents that were willing to risk their child’s er languages, which focus on nouns and adjectives, meaning where is Rain, which is Moke’s Cherokee can have different meanings, including mother town futures and gamble with the belief that Cherokee Cherokee focuses on verbs. One verb can reveal how name. And she knows a favorite word of 2-year-olds or the center. The area called Kituwah is located was important, that’s amazing because they were many people are talking, what they’re doing and in two languages: “No.” In Cherokee, that’s “Ha-DEE.” about 10 miles west of Cherokee. guinea pigs.” how near they are. The near demise of the language Taylor said he believes the immersion school was From their earliest years, students learn only in came largely thanks to the US government. Most the right choice for his girls. “Cherokee, it goes to the Cherokee. Only in the higher grades is English intro- New Kituwah Cherokee were forced to make a brutal march from core of who we are,” he said. While some American duced, mostly as a bow to parents concerned about Next year, the fifth-graders will get to continue the Southeast to Oklahoma in the 1830s. A few Indian cultures are in jeopardy, New Kituwah offers what happens after their children leave the school. that schooling, thanks to a decision by the tribal stayed behind, keeping a desperate grip on their hope, he said. “We’re singing our songs again,” he The fifth-graders, members of the first class to council to fund New Kituwah Academy for grades 6- way of life. said. “We’re telling our stories. And the one thing attend New Kituwah, seem to grasp what’s at stake. 12. The Southern Association of Colleges and Then, beginning in the late 1800s, officials set up that we have is hope.” Even though she forgets “We’re trying to keep a culture going,” Haley Smith, Schools accredited New Kituwah in January. boarding schools to eradicate the American Indian words sometimes, Haley is certain that she and the 11, said in a recent interview. Bo Taylor, 45, directs Cherokee had no writing system until the early languages. Teachers punished students for speaking other fifth-graders will never abandon the Cherokee the Museum of the Cherokee Indian; he learned the 1800s, when the renowned Sequoyah wrote a syl- their native tongues. Without New Kituwah or some- language. “A lot of people ask us, what if we forget language as an adult. One of the fifth graders is his labary to put its sounds on paper. While English has thing like it, “the Cherokee language will for sure our language,” she said. “And all you can tell them is 10-year-old daughter Abigail. “I cannot emphasize one symbol for every letter, Cherokee has one sym- die,” said Walt Wolfram, director of the North Carolina it’s a part of life. You can’t just forget that.”— AP As Florida governor, Jeb Bush had another email The newest wrinkle in an evolving debate

WASHINGTON: As Florida governor, Jeb Bush used another, previously undis- closed email address, records show - the newest wrinkle in an evolving debate over public officials’ use of private email accounts. When Bush released thousands of emails from his tenure as Florida’s gov- WASHINGTON: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (left),D-CA, sits with golfer Jack ernor as part of his preparations to run Nicklaus (center) and Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-OH, while they wipe for president next year, he did so from their eyes during a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on Capitol Hill in the email account he shared openly, Washington, DC. — AFP In a rare deal, Boehner, Pelosi [email protected]. Those emails also include references tout wins for seniors, doctors to another email address, [email protected]. Bush said through a WASHINGTON: An extraordinary bipartisan Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo, said has 170 mem- spokeswoman that he was unaware of accord between House Speaker John Boehner bers, backed the measure, saying it “does not fur- the account, although records showed and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is letting both ther restrict women’s access to abortion.” GOP and that people wrote to him there more parties exhale as they move toward permanently Democratic leaders said they expected House than 400 times between 1999 and 2004. ending the nagging annual threat of Medicare passage by a robust margin. Powerful lobbying The same records show no replies from cuts to physicians. Yet each side is bragging about groups focused on the Senate, where the Bush coming from that address. Instead, more than that. For Boehner, R-Ohio, the package American Medical Association has backed the when Bush responded, he did so from his ATLANTA: In this file photo, former Florida Gov Jeb Bush (left) walks with former campaign staff member announced Tuesday lets him claim a rare if mod- pact while AARP, the senior lobby, has called it more well-known email address. Writers Rufus Montgomery (right) while visiting the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta. — AP est bipartisan pact to strengthen the finances of “not a balanced deal for older Americans.” A sometimes also reached the governor at the costly Medicare health care program for sen- strong House vote could pressure the Senate to [email protected] or [email protected]. iors. Attempts by Boehner and President Barack approve the measure. No 2 Senate GOP leader Bush’s spokeswoman, Kristy Campbell, Obama to strike dramatic, money-saving compro- John Cornyn of Texas said there was “excitement” said Bush had no knowledge of the other Here’s the pitch: House mises overhauling Medicare and the nation’s oth- among Senate Republicans. email account. “He doesn’t know what er growing benefit programs have foundered in Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev, that email address is,” she told The recent years, including during their 2011 “grand seemed to moderate his past criticism of the Whip can play hardball bargain” talks. “We have no intentions of passing plan’s abortion restrictions. He distinguished Associated Press Tuesday. any kind of a short-term doc fix. We’ve got a good them from a similar dispute in which Democrats There’s no indication this other product, we’re going to pass it here on Thursday say a human trafficking bill has permanent abor- account was used in any improper or WASHINGTON: Are you a Republican House member Much of the responsibility for showing the nation the and I hope the Senate will move as quickly as pos- tion curbs. Reid said he’d met with “senators and secretive way. But its existence - and the who can’t decide whether to vote “aye” or “nay” on GOP can govern falls to the 49-year-old Metarie, sible,” he said, using Washington’s nickname for people from downtown. The two provisions in mystery around it - show the potential controversial legislation? Please step through this Louisiana, native and his political power tools. In many the Medicare doctors’ measure in a warning to the two bills are different. They’re not the same, complications when public officials, like door between sculptures in Statuary Hall and into a ways, it’s a tougher job than it’s ever been. the Senate. dealing with abortion.” The measure’s main thrust Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton, use quiet, curved parlor you may never have noticed. Congressional leaders no longer can dole out pork- Pelosi, D-Calif., was focused more on the two would prevent a scheduled April 1 reimburse- private email accounts to conduct public Have a seat by the fireplace on the left-hand side - barrel projects, or earmarks, which for decades were years of additional money the plan contains for ment cut of 21 percent for doctors treating business. Republican Bush and where Abraham Lincoln is said to have warmed him- powerful incentive to move undecided lawmakers the widely popular Children’s Health Insurance Medicare patients. A 1997 budget law pegged Democrat Clinton are two likely con- self on chilly nights. from “nay” to “aye.” Now tell House Majority Whip Steve Scalise your But Scalise has an array of other approaches, from Program and the nation’s community health cen- the payments to overall economic growth, threat- tenders in the 2016 race for the White concerns about that bill. What do you need to “get to the “Lincoln Room” to his friendly manner and Whip It ters, which serve poor families in every state. “In ening deep cuts that Congress has blocked tem- House. Both have fielded questions in this environment I think we made great progress,” porarily 17 times since 2003. ‘yes’?” Perspective - or flattery - is just one tool the four- Good, a joint campaign fundraising committee that he recent weeks over their email use, partic- term Louisiana congressman deploys as the unveiled over the weekend with chief deputy whip said Pelosi, referring to Republican domination of Sen Richard Durbin of Illinois, the No 2 Senate ularly Clinton, who has faced scrutiny for Congress. The measure would also make perma- Democratic leader, said Senate action seemed Republicans’ vote-counting whip, perhaps the hardest Patrick McHenry. “Look, we’re a larger conference than conducting State Department business job in Congress these days given the sometimes bitter we’d ever had to whip. I think we’re a newer confer- nent programs helping low-income seniors pay unlikely this week before lawmakers break for a from her private account. An AP review Medicare deductibles and poor families retain two-week recess. In past stalemates, the govern- split between conservatives and GOP leaders over dif- ence in the sense of looking at the amount of time of Bush’s emails spotlighted cases in Medicaid as they get jobs. It extends nearly two ment has delayed paying doctors for two weeks ficult legislation. On Wednesday, Scalise, his whip team that the members have been around,” said Rep Tom dozen other programs - some related to while lawmakers settled differences. Instead of which top donors sought to sway the and their powers of persuasion face their biggest test Cole, R-Okla. Of Scalise, he said, “If he can get that Medicare, some not. Federal abstinence pro- the current reimbursement formula, doctors governor on political appointments dur- so far when the GOP budget proposal - representing good week (on the budget), I think he’s sort of earned grams would see two more years of money, as would get 0.5 percent annual increases for five ing his two terms in office. the party’s priorities - comes before the House. his spurs.” “This is our broad vision document,” Scalise said Scalise’s style, Republicans say, involves more would counties losing money from diminishing years. Financial rewards and penalties would be The gencom address traces to during a “Lincoln Room” interview Tuesday on the eve charm and pragmatism than, say, that of former whip timber revenue from federal lands. Extra pay- created to coax physicians to bill patients for their ElectroNet Broadband Communications of the budget vote. “It’ll be a good week this week. Tom DeLay, the Texan whose nickname was “the ments would continue flowing to rural hospitals quality of care, not the treatments they undergo. of Tallahassee, Florida’s capital. The com- We’ll do some big things.” House Speaker John Hammer.” Scalise “is just very personable, very forth- and ambulance services and Tennessee hospitals No cost figures were released. The bill was pany did not immediately respond to a Boehner and his leadership team, which includes right in what he wants to accomplish,” said Rep Ted serving the poor would get another decade of expected to cost around $210 billion over the phone message Tuesday from the AP Scalise, have struggled through the first months of the Yoho, R-Fla, one of the conservative dissidents who aid. next 10 years, two-thirds financed by larger feder- with questions about the Bush email new Congress to show they’re really in charge. Though voted against a nine-month bill to fund Homeland Yet Pelosi had to defend the package against al deficits over that period. The remaining costs address. The majority of emails sent to Boehner has a near-historic number of 245 members, Security. “He said, ‘Where you at on this?’ I said, ‘I can’t Democratic critics, mainly in the Senate, who would be split about evenly between Medicare Bush at that address came in 1999, and a it’s still not enough to ensure he can line up a majority support this.’ He said, ‘I understand,’ and he moved on.” complained that it doesn’t do enough for children beneficiaries and providers like nursing homes. slow trickle followed in ensuing years. on any given bill. But on the budget, Scalise showed that he’s willing and women and would engrave abortion restric- The package would increase Medicare medical Just one came in 2004, from a South Again and again, on issues like immigration, educa- to play hardball, and palace intrigue ensued. Late at tions into permanent law. The measure subjects and prescription drug premiums for the highest- Florida businessman who wrote to Bush tion and abortion, House Republicans have split, gen- night last week, Scalise and McHenry tried to inter- community health centers to abortion curbs that earning seniors - individuals earning $134,000 at both addresses about a university erally over the question of whether to compromise for vene in a Budget Committee dispute over defense Congress has enacted annually since 1979 -called annually and up and couples making at least board meeting. Several writers used both the sake of passing legislation. GOP leaders have had spending. Committee Chairman Tom Price, R-Ga., had the Hyde amendment - language Pelosi says is $267,000. Starting in 2020, it would require peo- to postpone votes, recount members for and against, warned that tea party-aligned Republicans wouldn’t routine and will expire after two years. ple buying new Medigap policies - which insure email addresses when contacting Bush. Others reached Bush simply through and call last minute meetings to prevail, when possi- swallow the leadership’s bid to increase military “I said to my colleagues this morning, I would expenses Medicare doesn’t cover - to pay out-of- ble. Most recently, 52 conservatives embarrassed GOP spending without clearly offsetting the cost else- leave Congress before I’d vote for codification of pocket costs of at least $147 annually, in hopes of the gencom account - writing to him on a range of issues from judicial appoint- leaders by voting down a bill to fund the Department where. Scalise did his own count, and found that Price the Hyde language,” said the 27-year congression- making seniors more cost-conscious when seek- of Homeland Security for three weeks because it did was correct. al veteran, an abortion-rights leader whose com- ing care. ments to the federal raid that captured the Cuban child Elian Gonzalez to state not reverse President Barack Obama’s directive easing Going over the chairman’s head left a sour taste promise with Boehner is being heavily criticized Those increased costs for beneficiaries are deportation rules on millions of immigrants here ille- with some Republicans. “It wasn’t the outcome, it was by normally staunch allies. Ilyse Hogue, president expected to save $35 billion over the first 10 labor and literacy issues. Though Bush gally. “Boehner can’t count!” crowed Rep GK the process of a chairman not being treated properly of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said the bill years. Republicans say it would save much more said he knew nothing of that address, the Butterfield, D-NC, as the bill went down. Later, the at the eleventh hour,” said freshman Rep. Dave Brat, R- “advances a bad policy that harms women and in two decades, but no official figures have been emails clearly reached him: Bush often funding passed without the immigration provision, Va. Cole and others pointed out that the whips had to families.” Planned Parenthood Federation of released. Those savings are an important selling wrote back from his other account. In and Obama signed it into law. make sure the budget document reported by the America President Cecile Richards said it would point for GOP leaders to conservatives concerned 1999, a writer corresponded with Bush More difficult votes loom as the clock ticks to 2016 committee could survive a vote by the whole House - “permanently block some women from getting about the measure’s impact on the deficit. The about appointments to Brevard and the next time Americans choose a president and to avoid another embarrassment. Agreed Scalise, “The the health care their doctors say they need.” $35 billion, while real savings, would be 0.5 per- Community College. The email chain members of Congress. They include multiple spending policy is what matters the most, and getting it right is Yet the bill’s abortion politics was muddled. cent of the $7 trillion Medicare is projected to includes a reply, “Please respond to bills and boosting the nation’s borrowing authority. important.”— AP The House Pro-Choice Caucus, which co-chair spend over the coming decade.— AP [email protected].”— AP THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Singaporeans take to the streets to mourn Lee Kuan Yew

SINGAPORE: Thousands of Singaporeans little patience for dissent. “Many peo- he wouldn’t even want us to be here together to remember Lee Kuan Yew. ment, has been closed to such activi- queued yesterday to pay their last ple found he was a bit stern. But in watching this during office hours.” Speakers’ Corner in the centre of the ties as it sits in a park that has been respects to former prime minister Lee order to lead, you have to be a little Singapore, renowned for its efficiency, city, the only place in Singapore assigned as one of the places where Kuan Yew, who lay in state at Parliament stern,” said Mariam Mohammed, 52, has designated 18 sites around the where one can hold a protest without people can pay tribute to the former House, waiting for up to eight hours in sti- who was queued outside Parliament tiny island where people can come obtaining a permit from the govern- leader. —Reuters fling tropical heat to view his body. Lee’s House with her family. “This is the last coffin was taken by gun carriage to opportunity,” she said. “I would love to Parliament House yesterday morning. Lee, have met him in person to thank him modern Singapore’s founding father, died personally. But I hope he knows we are on Monday, aged 91. His casket, wrapped grateful for what he has done.” in the Singaporean flag, was brought from the Istana palace, where the Singapore PM greets mourners prime minister’s office is located and the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Lee family held a private wake for the last Lee Kuan Yew’s eldest son, was shown two days. A bagpiper played “Auld Lang on television chatting with people in Syne” as the procession set off. the queue. Some came prepared with Chants of “Lee Kuan Yew” rang out umbrellas, paper fans and folding among the crowd as the carriage chairs. A florist at the closest subway entered the colonnaded Parliament stop offered free flowers to people on House in the heart of the city-state’s their way to the viewing and a luxury business district. The funeral is on hotel distributed iced water to mourn- Sunday. In a sight rarely seen in ers. Coaches ferried students and their Singapore - where public gatherings teachers to Parliament House, and are tightly controlled - thousands of many employers, including multina- people stood in lines stretching over a tional companies, allowed staff to take few kilometers from Parliament House, time off to pay their respects. Earlier over the river, across the financial dis- on Monday, a square in the central trict, into Chinatown. Due to the over- business district came to a standstill whelming response by mourners, the when hundreds of people came out of government extended viewings to their offices to watch live television around the clock on Saturday evening. coverage of the procession on a giant The city’s subway system will operate screen, which normally blasts loud 24 hours. commercials. Lee, Singapore’s first prime minister, “Without LKY, we wouldn’t be here,” is credited with transforming the city- said Darius Ang, 29, a finance profes- state from a British colonial outpost sional. “We vented our unhappiness in into one of the world’s wealthiest the last elections but with his death, SINGAPORE: Members of the public queue up outside Parliament House to pay their respects to the late former prime nations on a per capita basis with a people have started to realize and minister Lee Kuan Yew lie who is lying in state on the premises for public viewing in Singapore yesterday. —AFP strong, pervasive role for the state and understand his contribution. “Actually, Military jets pound News in brief militants; 30 killed Saudi beheads drug smuggler; 54 so far RIYADH: Saudi authorities yesterday beheaded a man found guilty of smuggling drugs into the ultra-conserva- Pakistan executes six murder convicts tive kingdom, the interior ministry said, amid a surge in executions this year. Faisal bin Rafaa Al-Ashjaie was con- PESHAWAR: Pakistani military jets “We will not let them succeed,” he said. Taleban militants gunned down 154 victed of smuggling “a large amount of amphetamine pills,” killed 30 militants near the Afghan The Taleban have been launching people, most of them schoolchildren, the ministry said in a statement on the official SPA news In this frame grab from a video provided by border yesterday, an army statement attacks for more than a decade in a bid at a school in the restive northwest. agency. His beheading in the northwestern region of Jawf The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a teen said. The airstrikes in the Khyber tribal to overthrow the government and A moratorium had been in force brings to 54 the number of death sentences carried out in driver loses control of her vehicle after she was region’s Tirah Valley pounded several install their own harsh brand of Islamic since 2008. It was initially lifted only Saudi Arabia so far this year, compared with 87 in all of last distracted. —AP militant hide-outs, destroying two law. Thousands have been killed. for those convicted of terrorism year, according to AFP tallies. The ultra-conservative Gulf arms and ammunition depots as well, offences, but the move was extend- state has carried out around 80 executions annually since the army said. It’s the latest in a days- 6 convicts executed ed to all capital offences this month. 2011, under its version of Islamic sharia law. By compari- Phones, other long army offensive in the area, large- In another development, Pakistan The European Union, the United son, Iran has executed more than 1,000 people since ly controlled by a militant group yesterday hanged six prisoners con- Nations and human rights cam- January last year, the UN special rapporteur on Iran, distractions a called Lashkar-e-Islam, or Army of demned for murder, officials said, paigners have all urged Pakistan to Ahmed Shaheed, said last week. Islam, which recently announced its support for the Pakistani Taleban. The big problem Pakistani Taleban and its allies operate 200 jihadists prevented on both sides of the porous border. from leaving Australia for teen drivers The army said its operation killed 80 CANBERRA: Counterterrorism squads have prevented militants over the weekend. Seven 200 suspected jihadists from departing Australian air- WASHINGTON: Distractions - especially talking with passen- Pakistani soldiers also died. ports for the Middle East including at least three gers and using cellphones play a far greater role in car crash- Meanwhile, a suspected US missile teenage boys this month, officials said yesterday. es involving teen drivers than has been previously under- strike in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar Officials had previously announced that two Sydney- stood, according to compelling new evidence cited by safety province, on the border with Pakistan, born brothers, aged 16 and 17, had been intercepted researchers. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety analyzed killed at least nine militants with the at Sydney International Airport on March 8 attempting nearly 1,700 videos that capture the actions of teen drivers in Lashkar-e-Islam group on Tuesday, to board a flight for Turkey without their parents’ the moments before a crash. It found that distractions were a said two Pakistani intelligence officials knowledge. The siblings were returned to their families factor in nearly 6 of 10 moderate to severe crashes. who spoke on condition of anonymity and were to be charged. Within a week, a 17-year-old That’s four times the rate in many previous official esti- as they weren’t authorized to discuss boy was intercepted at the same airport on suspicion mates that were based on police reports. The study is unusu- the strike. The cross-border intelli- that he was headed for a Middle Eastern battle, Border al because researchers rarely have access to crash videos that gence was based on militant radio Protection Minister Peter Dutton said yesterday. The clearly show what drivers were doing in the seconds before traffic and sources on the ground. The boy had also been returned to his family, but remained impact as well as what was happening on the road. AAA was strike comes during Afghan President under investigation, Dutton said. Since counterterror- able to examine more than 6,842 videos from cameras Ashraf Ghani’s visit to Washington ism units were attached to eight Australian airports in mounted in vehicles, showing both the driver and the simul- where he was asking for a firm com- August, 85,000 travelers had been questioned and 200 taneous view out the windshield. mitment of American military support ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan people had been prevented from flying on suspicion The foundation got the videos from Lytx Inc., which offers in his fight against the Taleban and addresses a press briefing in Islamabad. Pakistan hanged a mur- that they were headed for the battlefields of Iraq and programs that use video to coach drivers in improving their other insurgent groups. derer on Tuesday as the interior minister confirmed a 30-day stay Syria to fight with groups including Islamic State, behavior and reducing collisions. Crashes or hard-braking President Barack Obama announced Dutton said. events were captured in 1,691 of the videos. They show driv- Tuesday that the US will slow its mili- of execution for another man apparently condemned to death as a er distraction was a factor in 58 percent of crashes, especially tary withdrawal from Afghanistan, teenager. —AFP accidents in which vehicles ran off the road or had rear-end maintaining 9,800 troops in the country bringing the total executed since the reinstate the moratorium. Critics say collisions. The most common forms of distraction were talk- through the end of 2015. Pakistan has death penalty was resumed in Pakistan’s criminal justice system is Cartoonists fined for ing or otherwise engaging with passengers and using a cell- stepped up anti-militant efforts after December to 61. Four went to the gal- unreliable, marred by police torture, insulting president phone, including talking, texting and reviewing messages. the Taleban attacked a school in lows in prisons across Punjab province poor legal representation for victims Other forms of distraction observed in the videos includ- December in the northwestern city of and two others were hanged in the and unfair trials. Human rights group ANKARA: A Turkish court has fined two leading cartoonists ed drivers looking away from the road at something inside Peshawar, killing 150 people - mostly southern city of Sukkur, including a Amnesty International estimates that after convicting them of insulting President Recep Tayyip the vehicle, 10 percent; looking at something outside the children. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif seminary teacher who slit the throat Pakistan has more than 8,000 prison- Erdogan in a caricature referring to the increasingly tough envi- vehicle other than the road ahead, 9 percent; singing or told business leaders in the port city of of a student. Pakistan restarted execu- ers on death row, most of whom ronment for journalists in the country. Ozer Aydogan and moving to music, 8 percent; grooming, 6 percent; and Karachi yesterday that Islamabad was tions in December as part of a crack- have exhausted the appeals Bahadir Baruter from the weekly satirical magazine Penguen reaching for an object, 6 percent. In one video released by resolved in its fight against terrorism. down on militants and criminals after process.—Agencies were each initially sentenced to 11 months in prison by a crimi- AAA, a teenage boy is seen trying to navigate a turn on a nal court in Istanbul on Tuesday. However the judges convert- rain-slicked road with one hand on the wheel and a cell- ed the jail terms to a fine of 7,000 lira ($2,700) each, and the phone held to his ear in the other hand. The car crosses a Myanmar’s student activists two men have not been detained, the Hurriyet newspaper lane of traffic and runs off the road, stopping just short of reported yesterday. The two were not present at the hearing. railroad tracks that run parallel to the road. The controversial caricature in the August 2014 issue of In another video, a driver on a lonely two-lane road at appear in court amid protest Penguen (Penguin) featured two besuited civil servants at the night is shown looking down at an electronic device, appar- gate of the new presidential palace, welcoming Erdogan after ently texting. While his eyes are off the road, the car crosses LETPADAN: Angry relatives gathered outside a Myanmar vious day. “The authorities have so far released 28 stu- he was elected president that month. One of the men is depict- the opposite lane, leaves the road and appears about to court yesterday to show support for dozens of activists, dents and two reporters arrested in the crackdown after ed making a vulgar hand gesture while shaking Erdogan’s strike a mailbox. One teen driver is captured braking hard at arrested after a police crackdown on a student-led determining their roles in the protests,” it said. Before hand. Erdogan replies: “There could have been a warmer wel- the last moment to avoid slamming into the back of an SUV protest and facing charges that could see them jailed for the hearing worried relatives claimed that activists had come, you could have at least sacrificed a journalist!” This was a stopped or slowed in traffic ahead. Just a moment before, nearly a decade. More than 60 demonstrators were been mistreated in prison and that they knew little about reference to an Islamic tradition of sacrificing animals to mark the girl had turned her attention to another girl in the front brought to a court hearing in the central town of the legal action they face. “My daughter still doesn’t major events. Erdogan has come under repeated fire for erod- passenger seat in an animated conversation. The camera Letpadan two weeks after baton-wielding police violent- know what kind of charges have been pressed against ing the rights of journalists during his rule. shows the shock on the girls’ faces as they suddenly realize ly quelled their rally for education reform in scenes that them. They haven’t been told anything clearly yet,” said a crash is imminent. sparked fears of a return to junta-era repression. Ne Win, adding that his daughter Phyo Phyo Aung was The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has Myanmar’s quasi-civilian government introduced beaten around the head “about six times” after being previously estimated that distraction of all kinds is a factor Chinese court jails a much-praised reforms after a half-century of military rule arrested. pastor for one year in only 14 percent of all teen driver crashes. The videos pro- ended in 2011. But some observers fear these are stalling vide “indisputable evidence that teen drivers are distracted as the country heads towards a landmark election later ‘Destroying democracy’ SHANGHAI: A Chinese court jailed a Christian pastor for one in a much greater percentage of crashes than we previously this year. Kyaw Htay, one of the lawyers representing the Myanmar authorities were unavailable for comment. year for disturbing public order after he sought to stop a cross realized,” said Peter Kissinger, the foundation’s president protesters, told AFP they had each been charged by Lawyer San Tun Aung-among the crowd of relatives, jour- being removed from atop a church, a US-based religious rights and CEO. Past research has shown that teens with multiple police on five counts-including unlawful assembly and nalists and activists gathered outside Tharrawaddy group said. The court in Pingyang county sentenced Huang Yizi passengers in the car are more likely to have accidents. The rioting-that could see them jailed for up to 9.5 years. prison earlier Wednesday-said around 45 barristers from on Tuesday, the China Aid Association said in a statement. opposite is the case for adults - for older drivers, having a “Nobody has been released as far as I know,” he said, Mandalay and Yangon had offered to represent the Huang was detained after members of the Salvation Church passenger with an extra set of eyes on the road can make adding that the next hearing would be on April 7. detainees. “Arresting them is like destroying democracy. and others sought to prevent authorities from taking down a driving safer. A further 11 activists will be released on bail, said Win That is why we lawyers have to represent them,” he said. cross in July, according to the group. A spokesman for the court Teen drivers using cellphones had their eyes off the road Sein, a police colonel in Bago region. Relatives outside Students have long been at the forefront of political told AFP: “We just conducted the sentencing in accordance with for an average of 4.1 seconds out of the final 6 seconds the courtroom-where police opened their case against action in the nation’s turbulent history, leading mass the law.” China Aid founder Bob Fu condemned the sentence. leading up to a crash, the AAA study found. Researchers the protesters-sang songs, cheered loudly and shook protests in 1988 which saw the rise of democracy cam- “Through arbitrary arrest, baseless prosecution, and illegal pro- also measured reaction times in rear-end crashes and found their fists in support of the activists as they were led in paigner Aung San Suu Kyi and her party but which were cedures throughout the trial, this case shows once again the that teen drivers using cellphones failed to react more than pairs into the building. Others broke down in tears and brutally quashed by the military. The protest crackdown worsening situation of religious freedom and rule of law in half of the time before the impact, meaning they crashed shouted “It’s not fair!” More than 100 demonstrators were in Letpadan came just days after police broke up a stu- China,” he said in the statement. “We call upon China’s higher without braking or steering away. AAA and other traffic arrested after the March 10 rally, with most of them dent rally in Yangon, helped by men in civilian clothes, in authorities to overturn this unjust decision and free Pastor safety groups who previewed the findings said the study detained in nearby Tharrawaddy prison and allowed only moves that Suu Kyi’s opposition party said echoed tactics Huang immediately,” he said. Pingyang is in Zhejiang province, shows states should review their licensing requirements to fleeting contact with loved ones. under the former junta. The European Union, which has where authorities ordered at least five churches to be demol- restrict the number of passengers in cars driven by teens Yesterday the state-backed Global New Light of run programs to train Myanmar’s decrepit police force, ished or to remove prominent crosses from their rooftops last and change their laws to prohibit cellphone use by teen Myanmar newspaper said 19 men and one woman had has voiced concern at the crackdowns, while the United year, according to media reports. drivers. —AP been “turned over to their parents and relatives” the pre- States and United Nations also expressed alarm. —AFP NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Hadi flees as Houthis advance Continued from Page 1 Saturday at the opening of the summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Mohammed Abdel-Salam, a The takeover of Aden, the country’s economic hub, spokesman for the Houthis, said their forces were not would mark the collapse of what is left of Hadi’s grip on aiming to “occupy” the south. “They will be in Aden in power. It would also open a new chapter in the Houthi- few hours,” Abdel-Salam told the rebels’ satellite Al- Saleh alliance and possibly pave the way for more infight- Masirah news channel. ing. Aden was tense yesterday, with schools, government Earlier, Al-Masirah reported that the Houthis and offices, shops and restaurants largely closed. Inside the few allied fighters had “secured” the Al-Annad air base, the remaining opened cafes, men watched the news on televi- country’s largest. It claimed the base had been looted by sion. With the fall of the city appearing imminent, looters both Al-Qaeda fighters and troops loyal to Hadi. The went through two abandoned army camps, one in Aden reported Houthi takeover of the base came after hours- and the other nearby, taking weapons and ammunition. long clashes between rival forces around the base. The Since the morning, there were conflicting reports on US recently evacuated some 100 soldiers, including Hadi’s whereabouts. Witnesses said they saw a convoy of Special Forces commandos, from the base after Al- presidential vehicles leaving Hadi’s palace on top of a hill Qaeda briefly seized a nearby city. Britain also evacuated overlooking the Arabian Sea. A second convoy was seen soldiers. heading to Aden port. The airport has been closed and The Houthis, in the aftermath of massive suicide flights have been halted amid fears of the Houthis’ bombings in Sanaa last week that killed at least 137 peo- advance. ple, ordered a general mobilization and their leader, Military officials said militias and military units loyal to Abdel-Malik Al-Houthi, vowed to send his forces to the Hadi had “fragmented”, speeding the rebel advance. south to fight Al-Qaeda and militant groups. In Sanaa, They said the rebels were fighting Hadi’s troops on five dozens of coffins were lined up for a mass funeral of the different fronts yesterday. There were also heavy clashes victims Wednesday. Among the victims was a top Shiite in the adjacent provinces of Lahj, where rival camps cleric. Yemen’s Islamic State-linked militants have were battling each other since the previous day. In Lahj, claimed responsibility for the attack. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose for a the rebels captured Defense Minister Maj Gen Mahmoud The Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in September photograph in New Delhi yesterday. Qatar’s Emir arrived yesterday on a two-day state visit to India. — AP Al-Subaihi and his top aide yesterday and subsequently and have since been advancing south along with Saleh’s transferred them to the capital, Sanaa. loyalists. On Tuesday, they fired bullets and tear gas to Presidential officials said Hadi was in an operations disperse thousands of protesters in the city of Taiz, Heinz, Kraft set to merge room overseeing his forces’ response but declined to say known as the gateway to southern Yemen. Six demon- where that facility is located. All officials spoke on condi- strators were killed and scores more were wounded, offi- Continued from Page 1 $86.85 in morning trade on the Nasdaq exchange. tion of anonymity because they were not authorized to cials said. The Houthis also battled militias loyal to Hadi in Behring will become chairman of the merged compa- talk to the media. Yemen’s state TV, now controlled by the city of Al-Dhalea, adjacent to Taiz, Yemen’s third- The deal also amplifies 3G’s powerful place in the ny, and Heinz chief executive Bernardo Hees will be its the Houthis, made an offer of nearly $100,000 for Hadi’s largest city. Taiz is also the birthplace of its 2011 Arab global food industry, putting the new company side by CEO. Behring is one of five founders of 3G, which is led by capture. Later, the rebels and Saleh’s loyalists carried out Spring-inspired uprising that forced Saleh to hand over side with two other giants the Brazilian investment Jorge Paulo Lemann, one of the world’s richest men. The three airstrikes targeting the Aden palace compound power to Hadi in a deal brokered by the UN and Gulf house controls: Burger King - and its newly absorbed deal comes three years after Kraft, seeking to build share- and Hadi’s forces there, officials said. No casualties were countries. subsidiary, the Tim Hortons chain - and AB InBev, the holder value, spun off its snack and crackers division in reported in the strikes, similar to ones carried out last Hadi on Tuesday asked the UN Security Council to world’s largest beer company, owner of another iconic 2012, creating separately traded Mondelez International. week. authorize a military intervention “to protect Yemen and American brand, Budweiser. “By bringing together these But revenues have been flat at $18.2 billion dollars in Yemen’s Foreign Minister Riad Yassin told Dubai- to deter the Houthi aggression” in Aden and the rest of two iconic companies through this transaction, we are each of the past three years. Net earnings fell from $2.7 based Al-Arabiya TV satellite news network that he offi- the south. In his letter, Hadi said he also has asked mem- creating a strong platform for both US and international billion in 2013 to $1.0 billion last year. cially made a request to the Arab League yesterday to bers of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the growth,” said Alex Behring, chairman of Heinz and the The new owners said they will build more value send a military force to intervene against the Houthis. Arab League for immediate help. Saudi Arabia warned managing partner at 3G Capital. through synergies that will produce $1.5 billion in annual The airstrikes were an attempt to “assassinate” Hadi, that “if the Houthi coup does not end peacefully, we will Berkshire and 3G, which bought Heinz for $23 billion cost savings. 3G bought Burger King, the second-largest Yassin told the Doha-based Al-Jazeera TV network. take the necessary measures for this crisis to protect the two years ago and took it private, will have a 51 percent US hamburger chain after McDonald’s, for $4 billion in Depicting the Houthis as a proxy of Shiite Iran, a rival to region”. Hadi’s allies among the Gulf Arab countries, stake in the combined firm, with a 49 percent stake to be 2010. Last August Burger King paid $11 billion to buy Sunni Gulf countries, he warned of an Iranian “takeover” including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and held by Kraft’s existing shareholders. Berkshire and 3G Canadian chain Tim Hortons, with Berkshire again in the of Yemen. The Houthis deny they are backed by Iran. Kuwait, have evacuated their diplomatic staff from Aden will invest an additional $10 billion in the deal to pay for picture providing $3 billion in financing to a deal that cre- Yassin was due to attend an Arab Summit on over the past few days, officials said. They had earlier a special cash dividend of $16.50 per share for Kraft ated the world’s third-largest fast-food company. Saturday in Egypt. In Cairo, officials later yesterday said evacuated from Sanaa and relocated to Aden to support shareholders. The dividend represents a 27 percent pre- Buffett told CNBC that he likes to work with 3G. that Hadi was also to attend and deliver a speech Hadi. — AP mium to Kraft’s closing price Tuesday. The deal has been “They’re not buying things to sell.... That is not 3G’s strat- unanimously approved by the companies’ boards of egy. I don’t even think it’s proper to call them a private directors. equity firm. They’re buying to keep just like we’re buying ‘Moment of truth’ as govt rejects ‘lies... “This is my kind of transaction, uniting two world- to keep.” Berkshire’s holdings are vastly diverse, including class organizations and delivering shareholder value,” insurance and railways, but the group has its own sizable Continued from Page 1 He charged Sheikh Ahmad of “plotting to destroy the Buffett said in a statement. The chairman and chief exec- investments in the food industry. It has See’s Candies and country” in a bid to overthrow the regime. A large number utive of Berkshire Hathaway is considered one of the International Dairy Queen, and is the largest shareholder The full report will be published in local press for the of MPs warned that undermining the judiciary could world’s savviest investors. Buffett told CNBC television in Coca-Cola. “While not quite on the scale of his $34 bil- people to read for themselves, Sheikh Mohammad prom- demolish the entire state and called on the government that the deal is good for Kraft investors. “When we made lion purchase of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail- ised. He did not say if the reputed US firm was also asked to take all necessary legal actions against all those who the deal, we felt that the Kraft shareholders would come road in 2009, Buffett is making a sizable bet that the to investigate controversial videotapes against various spread false rumors about the judiciary. The debate end- out very well. I think, so far, the market feels the same combined companies can compete in a new market- political figures. The former MPs had claimed that tens of ed without MPs issuing recommendations about the billions of dollars had been illegally transferred by the for- highly sensitive issue. way,” he said. Shares in Kraft surged 41.6 percent to place,” said Paul Ausick of 24/7 Wall Street.— AFP mer prime minister through several foreign banks and In another development, Deputy Prime Minister and even projected images of cheques in the name of the for- Commerce and Industry Minister Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej mer premier. The transfers were part of other accusations resigned yesterday, just two days after MP Roudhan Al- Sweden-Saudi spat because of feminist policy included in the lawsuit against the former premier and Roudhan filed to grill him. No reasons were given for his Continued from Page 1 companies and distributors and partners... who highly val- former Assembly speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi which the resignation, but the liberal National Democratic Alliance ue Islam and their religion,” he said. Feeling the heat, public prosecutor decided to close last week for lack of (NDA), of which Mudej is a leading member, said that he Wallstroem said her comments - including calling Saudi Sweden’s government last week held talks with business evidence. stepped down after accusing the government of not Arabia’s whipping of dissident blogger Raif Badawi in leaders to discuss concerns over trade with Gulf countries. Sheikh Mohammad also forcefully defended the judici- being serious about reforms and backing Cabinet mem- January “medieval” - were never directed against Islam for Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf also offered the government ary and reaffirmed the government’s trust and confidence bers against grillings. in the “fair and honorable” judiciary system and judges. The official KUNA news agency said HH the Amir which she had “the greatest respect”. But Neuding said the his help in defusing tensions. The special Assembly debate was called by 17 MPs to accepted the resignation of Mudej, a liberal, Western-edu- minister was trying to boost Sweden’s image as a “moral Sayed says the spat is unlikely to spiral into Sweden’s highlight recent attacks on judges and videos uploaded cated minister appointed in Jan 2014. Last week, electrici- superpower”. “If you say that Saudi laws are medieval and version of Denmark’s cartoon crisis in late 2005 and early on Twitter allegedly showing judges accepting bribes, a ty, water and public works minister Abdulaziz Al-Ibrahim those are sharia laws then the obvious response is ‘do you 2006, which triggered deadly protests, attacks on Danish charge that has been categorically denied by the judiciary resigned after accusing some MPs of receiving bribes. have something against Islam?’ And she was not prepared embassies and an international boycott. The crisis was and other government agencies. Both Mudej and Ibrahim are very close to NDA. There for that,” she said. sparked by satirical images of the Prophet (PBUH) pub- In a lengthy speech, Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- were reports that Oil Minister Ali Al-Omair is also planning Others argue that Wallstroem - who has three decades lished in newspaper Jyllands Posten. “I wouldn’t say it Ghanem launched a scathing attack against Sheikh to resign. The reports could not be confirmed. of political experience, including a decade as European would go that far as there’s no direct negativity from Ahmad Al-Fahd Al-Sabah, who had filed the lawsuit Roudhan had filed a request on Monday to grill Mudej commissioner - has revived the ideological style of assassi- Sweden towards Islam. It’s more our foreign minister’s against Sheikh Nasser and Khorafi, accusing him of for allegedly violating the commercial law. The lawmaker nated prime minister Olof Palme, famed for his anti-US crit- choice of words when it comes to sharia law,” he said. “Now attempting to destabilize the country by attacking the held Mudej responsible for not forcing the board of direc- icism of the Vietnam War in the 1960s. “Many asked what a the time has come to approach the Saudis on a political judiciary and other authorities. He also claimed that tors of a local company to hold a meeting, resulting in feminist foreign policy would mean in practice and I level and have a dialogue about this... We are waiting for Sheikh Ahmad’s videotapes are based on fabricated infor- heavy losses for small shareholders. Mudej, 66, was believe this is an example... (that) we will criticise violations that to happen.” mation that can never withstand examination. Ghanem Kuwait’s oil minister between 1994 and 1996, and he also of human rights, of women’s rights,” said Ann-Marie But, viewed from Denmark, the controversy seems showed what he said were parts of Sheikh Ahmad’s served as a member of parliament between 1992 and Ekengren, a professor of international politics at strangely familiar and potentially as intractable as the car- reports and Swiss court rulings to prove they were contra- 2003. The minister was grilled in parliament last year over Gothenburg University. toon crisis, according to Bo Lidegaard, editor of Danish dai- dictory and manipulated. alleged financial and administrative violations, but he Cherif Sayed, Middle East manager at the semi-state ly Politiken. “The problem is that Saudi Arabia no longer The speaker also said he has filed a lawsuit with the denied all the charges and remained in his post. KUNA trade council Business Sweden, said the controversy has wants to have any dialogue with Margot Wallstroem,” he public prosecution about a conspiracy to tap his phone said Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh was named acting gone from being political to religious. “What we fear is that wrote in an editorial. “And it has quickly become a bigger and record conversations with his family and associates. commerce and industry minister. it may affect the day-to-day business between Swedish problem for her than for the (Saudi) Kingdom.” — AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Issues Cheap eurozone takeaway fuels Chinese appetites

By Kelly Olsen

he inexorable decline of the single currency offers ambi- tious Chinese firms a bargain buffet of eurozone busi- Tness, analysts say, with this weekend’s multibillion deal for Italian tyremaker Pirelli only the latest course in an acquisi- tion binge. Less than a year ago the euro was worth nearly $1.40 on international markets. Earlier this month it stood at less than $1.05, down by a quarter as the European Central Bank embarks on a massive stimulus program while the US Federal Reserve is widely expected to start raising interest rates. By the standards of first-world forex markets it ranks as a collapse. It has recorded a similar performance against China’s yuan currency, falling from almost 8.7 yuan in May to bottom at less than 6.6 yuan. The yuan trades in a tight range against the dollar. As the unit weakens it makes eurozone acquisitions cheaper for outside buyers and its biggest headline impact Donor channelled millions through company may come in terms of Chinese overseas investment, which surged past $100 billion for the first time last year. “For Chinese going into Europe it can’t get better than this,” By Tom Bergin Research, the spokesman initially said the payments were for research A Family Dispute said Joerg Wuttke, president of the European Union Chamber work. He later said some of the payments were for management servic- Joseph Cyril Bamford, father of Anthony and Mark, started the JCB of Commerce in China (EUCCC). “Chinese companies are eager leading British industrialist and political donor has channelled es, including fees to directors. The directors include Bamford and his empire in a rented lock-up garage in 1945. In 1956 he established J.C. to go outside China as its own domestic economy is slowing more than half a billion pounds through an obscure company wife, Carole. The spokesman for JCB declined to say how much money Bamford Excavators Ltd, which became famous for making bright yellow down,” he told AFP, adding that profit margins in the rest of the Athat isn’t required to file financial accounts, a Reuters analysis of JCB Research paid its directors. backhoe loaders. It remains the group’s main operating company. As the world are higher than in China, according to EUCCC member corporate filings shows. Much of the money allegedly ended up being There is no suggestion that JCB or Bamford used the arrangements business grew, Joseph Bamford set up JCB Research in 1961 as a limited surveys. “So I can only expect a major push from Chinese com- paid to the industrialist himself, according to claims in court documents. to minimise tax liabilities. Indeed, tax experts said Bamford may in fact company. But in 1974 the whole group was restructured shortly before panies to buy into the European company landscape.” Lord Anthony Bamford made the payments as head of the family- have incurred more tax by paying himself partly via JCB Research than if Anthony Bamford took over running the firm. Joseph Bamford moved to The latest deal came with state-owned chemical giant owned JCB group, which is one of the world’s top makers of construc- he had received the money as dividends from JCB group. In return, how- Switzerland and ownership of the business was shifted offshore. JCB ChemChina agreeing to buy out the largest shareholder in tion machinery. It has annual sales of sales of nearly £3 billion ($4.5 bil- ever, he gained secrecy. Limited companies, even if family-owned like Research was re-incorporated as an unlimited company outside the main Pirelli, valuing the purveyor of Formula One accessories and lion). JCB group, are required to disclose the total remuneration paid to their JCB group, with Joseph Bamford and his wife Marjorie owning the com- racy calendars at just over seven billion euros - now about 48 Bamford is one of Britain’s best-known business leaders and a mem- directors. Independent unlimited companies do not have to do so. pany’s two shares, filings show. Independent unlimited companies are billion yuan, or 13 billion yuan less than in May. ber of parliament. In the past five years he has given £2.6 million to the However, Bamford’s brother Mark, a director of JCB Research until rare, in part because the owners accept complete liability for the compa- Conservatives, the dominant party in Britain’s ruling coalition, and in 2011, voluntarily opened a window into the company when he brought ny’s debts. Only 0.15 percent of companies incorporated in Britain are ‘Itching to Invest’ 2013 he became a Conservative member of the House of Lords, the a legal action in 2010. He disputed ownership of the company and how unlimited, a spokeswoman for Companies House said. An even smaller The euro has flirted with parity against the dollar in recent upper chamber of the British parliament. The peer has urged politicians JCB Research had distributed millions of pounds to directors. In publicly number are, like JCB Research, unlimited and not owned or controlled by weeks - for the first time since 2002 - and while the euro rose to to provide more incentives for companies to invest in manufacturing, available but previously unreported court papers, Mark Bamford alleged limited companies. They benefit from minimal reporting requirements. $1.0964 on Tuesday it remained within striking distance of and JCB group has a reputation for reinvesting more of its profits in that his brother had transferred more than £300 million from JCB group Prem Sikka, professor of accounting at Essex University, described JCB more-than-dozen-year lows. China’s overseas direct invest- developing new products than do listed companies with dividend-hun- to JCB Research between 2001 and 2008. Mark alleged that JCB Research as a “black box” because of its lack of transparency. In court fil- ment pushed sharply higher in February, the commerce min- gry shareholders. “JCB may be a global company, but first and foremost Research had then paid more than £130 million to Anthony Bamford ings, Anthony Bamford said that the purpose of registering JCB Research istry said, driven by oil giant China National Petroleum Corp we’re British and we invest heavily in Britain,” Bamford was quoted as and his wife between 2001 and 2008. Mark Bamford also alleged that as an unlimited company was “to preserve the confidentiality of pay- putting nearly $3 billion into a Dutch transaction. “The contin- saying in 2013. JCB Research provided a loan account to an unidentified director that at ments made by JCB Research and in particular to shield details of the JCB ued slumps in the euro’s value against the dollar have led the A Reuters study of JCB group accounts found that between 2001 times exceeded 40 million pounds, according to the documents. It has group’s research programme and outlay from competitors.” price of eurozone assets to fall, creating an opportunity for and 2013, the group paid 577 million pounds to a separate company not been publicly disclosed how much money JCB Research paid or When the dispute between Anthony and Mark Bamford erupted in Chinese companies to invest and carry out mergers and acqui- sitions there,” said commerce ministry spokesman Shen called JCB Research, which conducts research and development for JCB may have lent to directors after 2008. JCB Research was “a conduit for 2010, the media paid little attention. In an interview with London’s Danyang. Beijing has accrued the world’s biggest foreign group. However, much of that money did not go to fund research, certain members of the Bamford family to extract value” from JCB group, Evening Standard newspaper at the time, Anthony Bamford down- exchange reserves and has been running record monthly trade according to allegations in previously unpublished court documents. according to Mark Bamford’s legal claim. played the case, saying: “It is essentially a dispute about jigger all.” But surpluses, with the state-run China Daily newspaper saying in Instead, according to a legal claim by Bamford’s brother, large sums In court documents, Anthony Bamford responded that JCB Research court documents obtained by Reuters portray a family drama involving an editorial the country “is itching to invest overseas”. Private went to directors of JCB Research - including at least £130 million to had paid senior executives of JCB group and members of the Bamford millions. By then, Joseph and Marjorie Bamford were dead, and Anthony companies are also taking a seat at the table, with billionaire Bamford and his wife. family. But he denied that JCB Research was used to extract value from Bamford owned both shares in JCB Research. Mark Bamford claimed Wang Jianlin buying 20 percent of Spanish league champions Until now JCB Research, based in Staffordshire, central England, was JCB group. Lawyers for Bamford said that details of Bamford’s earnings that he should have had the share that had been owned by his mother Atletico Madrid in January, the first mainland Chinese invest- widely seen as a business of modest size, best known for being the vehi- from JCB were private and should remain so. The dispute between the and that he had been deprived of it by Anthony. ment in a top European football club. cle for Bamford’s political donations. Its other finances have remained brothers was settled privately before it came to a full court hearing, and Mark Bamford alleged that in 1997 Anthony had persuaded their Conglomerate Fosun declared victory in February in its mysterious to outsiders. The firm has only two shares, both owned by the allegations made by Mark Bamford were not proven or disproven. A mother, then aged nearly 80, to sign a “stock transfer” form, effectively long takeover battle for French holiday resorts group Club Bamford. Unlike JCB group, JCB Research is an independent unlimited spokesman for JCB and Anthony Bamford said the legal case “arose from giving up her stake in JCB Research. Mark Bamford alleged that after Med, having repeatedly raised its offer to Ä939 million. Klaus E company, which means it does not have to file accounts available for a fraternal misunderstanding and has long since been amicably their mother died in 2003, Anthony Bamford transferred her share of JCB Meyer, a professor at the China Europe International Business public scrutiny. resolved.” Research into his own name. That transfer gave Anthony Bamford com- School in Shanghai, said Chinese investing abroad generally A spokesman for JCB group said: “Intellectual property has always Mark Bamford also said the dispute had been settled amicably. He plete ownership of the firm. Anthony Bamford rejected the allegations. take a long-term view and are driven by acquiring technology been of the greatest importance to JCB group.” He said JCB Research declined to comment further. A spokesman for the Conservative Party In documents outlining his defence, he said that he had put no pressure or brands they can exploit domestically. “The fact that assets in was structured as an unlimited company “to keep detailed information had no comment on JCB Research but said: “All donations to the on his mother, and that she had signed away the right to her share in Europe are now cheaper because of the weaker euro means on the company’s trade secrets as private as possible.” When Reuters Conservative Party are properly and transparently declared to the JCB Research because she wanted to “tidy up her financial affairs before that this sort of asset-seeking foreign investment is likely to asked why JCB group had paid hundreds of millions of pounds to JCB Electoral Commission.” she died.” —Reuters increase,” he said. The Pirelli deal was met with dismay but res- ignation in Italy, and Derek Scissors of the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute said that given its economic tra- vails, the eurozone will not look askance on inflows from Glimmers of hope in CAR but peace elusive China. “Most Chinese companies are now sophisticated enough to back off of outright acquisitions when there is polit- By Crispin Dembassa-Kette tion talks, we have found a sense of peace pulling out, saying the worst is over. France The presence of hundreds of former ical sensitivity, buying smaller stakes in high-profile compa- and Daniel Flynn between the Christians and ourselves.” is scaling down its 2,000-strong mission and Seleka fighters in barracks in Bangui, await- nies,” he added. Chinese firms may also already be taking Central African Republic remains one of the European Union’s 750-strong EUFOR ing demobilisation, is fuelling tensions. advantage of the weaker euro to raise cheaper capital over- unted through the bush of Central Africa’s biggest, and most forgotten, human- force pulled out this month, handing Some 20,000 residents languish in the seas. Four China-based non-financial companies issued the African Republic by Christian militia- itarian crises. About 440,000 people are dis- responsibility for security in the capital to M’poko camp beside the airport runway, too equivalent of $2.8 billion in euro-dominated bonds in January Hmen, hundreds of half-starved placed inside the country and a further UN peacekeepers. “The massacres have afraid to return to their homes. But the and February, according to Dealogic data, more than the $1.9 Muslim herders found sanctuary with UN 450,000 refugees have fled its borders. Slow ceased, the level of security is growing,” 10,000-strong UN mission says it has no billion raised in the whole of 2014. peacekeepers in the town of Yaloke. For progress is being made. In the southern cap- EUFOR commander General Philippe mandate to disarm the rival factions by force months they dared not set foot outside the ital Bangui, where Muslims were lynched by Ponties told a news conference. Yet in the and Central African Republic’s armed forces - Trade Imbalance camp. Now, after months of talks with local crowds last year after Seleka retreated days after EUFOR’s departure, violence flared tarnished by support for the ‘anti-balaka’ - Nonetheless the consequences of the euro’s decline are not leaders, the frightened Fulani herders have northward, Christians now venture to the in Bangui’s PK5 and PK3 neighbourhoods have yet to be reformed and rearmed. “We all one-way. The 28-member EU is China’s biggest trade part- finally ventured outside their small com- market in the Muslim enclave of PK5. Some following a wave of armed robberies. In their need political talks, like the Bangui forum, ner while China is the EU’s second-largest, and China ran a sur- pound into the half-empty town, once Muslims have returned since the start of the stronghold of Boy-Rabe, the ‘anti-balaka’ - but we also need to strengthen our security plus of $126.63 billion last year with the full group, nine of home to an estimated 10,000 Muslims. year and a few mosques reopened. “Social increasingly a criminal outfit - clashed with forces,” said Martin Ziguele, a former prime whose members do not use the single currency. But the euro’s It is two years since the Central African cohesion is gradually rebuilding,” said French forces. minister and presidential candidate. decline makes eurozone goods cheaper elsewhere and Republic descended into chaos when the Ousmane Abakar, a spokesman for the After visiting Bangui this month, US Chinese products comparatively dearer. “When it comes to Muslim Seleka rebels seized power. Their Muslim community, though he said many Ambassador to the United Nations Police Return trade certainly European exporters are going to be very happy wave of killing brought reprisals by the ‘anti- parts of the city remained out of bounds. Samantha Power voiced concern at the Two years after it was abandoned when as their products are going to be more competitive,” Wuttke balaka’ Christian militia, which drove tens of In Seleka’s former northern strongholds European withdrawal. She said that Muslims Seleka stormed the capital, the police sta- said, while Chinese exporters will face tougher times. “And so I thousands of Muslims from the south and of Bria and Ndele, officials from a UN-backed in enclaves remained scared and vulnerable. tion in PK5 was reopened this month. It expect actually that this trade imbalance that we have will nar- prompted former colonial power France to transitional government have returned to For Thierry Vircoulon, ICG project director for musters 35 officers from both communities. row significantly as we go forward,” he said. —AFP intervene. Dozens of Fulani died during the work after French forces drove out the central Africa, the pullout risks undermining “If a Christian commits a crime, the Christian ordeal and those who survived still bear the rebels. But, with weapons everywhere, vio- peace talks in Bangui next month meant to policeman intervenes,” said Mamadou wounds. One man has a deep scar cutting lent crime remains rife. Even in Yaloke, the pave the way to elections in July. “If they feel Zenadine Khalil, a Muslim student who took deep into his nose and across both cheeks tiny gains are fragile. The Fulani camp was a easing up of pressure from international part in a UN-backed program to rebuild the All articles appearing on these where he was struck with a machete, anoth- raided last weekend by locals who looted forces on the ground, armed groups will try station. “If it’s a Muslim, a Muslim policeman er has two bullet holes in his back. the humanitarian supplies. Separated from to retake the initiative and reimpose their can find a peaceful solution.” pages are the personal opinion of The slight easing of tensions in towns like their families, robbed of their cattle and views,” he said. He doubted elections could Outside the capital, the state’s presence is the writers. Kuwait Times takes no Yaloke offers a glimmer of hope for an end deprived of their nomadic lifestyle, many of take place this year. tenuous. In the central region that divides responsibility for views expressed to the violence that still lurks despite the the Fulani have fallen sick and died. All are A series of truces have failed to stop the the rebel-controlled north from the south, therein. Kuwait Times invites read- presence of French and UN peacekeepers. desperate to leave. “In Yaloke, the situation is violence. Local commanders say they are Christian militia and former Seleka fighters Their women, with their distinctive long worrying,” said Thibaud Lesuer of waiting for a demobilisation package before clash. In the former Seleka headquarters of ers to voice their opinions. Please braided hair and patterned robes, wash International Crisis Group. “It’s very likely abandoning their arms but the cash- Bambari, violence has descended into send submissions via email to: opin- clothes in the river. The men go to the mar- that if the pastoralists restarted their herd- strapped government -hit by an embargo reprisals between the Christian and Muslim [email protected] or via snail ket to buy food and pray in a makeshift ing in the bush a few kilometres from town, on diamond exports - has little to offer communities despite the presence of peace- mosque at a hospital. “We were persecuted they would once again be targeted by mili- them. Donor interest in Central Africa keepers. The crisis fed on deep-rooted griev- mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. by the locals. We could not move freely. Our tia and bandits.” Republic has also waned, eclipsed by other ances, including Christian resentment of The editor reserves the right to edit women were threatened and attacked, crises. The United Nations says it has Muslim traders’ commercial success, as well any submission as necessary. robbed and raped,” said the herders’ leader, Violence Flares received only 11 percent of the $613 million as long-running clashes between Muslim Al Haj Lahidou. “Following these reconcilia- Despite the violence, Western forces are needed for humanitarian aid this year. herders, bandits and farmers. —Reuters THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 SPORTS

Bolt to return for NY race Dope test before SEA Games Woods eyes Ryder spot NEW YORK: Olympic champion and world record holder Usain Bolt will make KUALA LUMPUR: All Malaysian athletes taking part in Southeast Asian LONDON: Former world number one Tiger Woods expects to be challenging for his first appearance in the United States in five years when he competes in the Games in June will have undergone a doping test before arriving in a place on the US team for next year’s Ryder Cup, according to skipper Davis Love Adidas Grand Prix Diamond League meeting in New York City on June 13, Singapore, the country’s sports minister said. III. In an interview with the BBC, Love said he was in regular contact with Woods organisers said yesterday. The Jamaican sprinter set his first 100 metres world Malaysia has been rocked by high-profile doping cases in recent and was not ruling him out, despite his current struggles with fitness and form. record at the meeting in 2008 when he clocked 9.72 seconds. His only other months with the country’s most famous athlete, former badminton Woods, who had back surgery last year, has played only two PGA Tour events appearance in the U.S. since then was to anchor a Jamaican 4x100 metres number one Lee Chong Wei, provisionally suspended after he failed a this season and said last month he would not return until he felt his game was team at the 2010 Penn Relays. “No one could ever forget their first world test at the world championships in August. “tournament-ready”. “He’s expecting to make the team,” Love told BBC Radio. “He record, and I will never forget the crowd in New York that night,” Bolt said in a Tai Cheau Xuen became the first Malaysian Asian Games gold and I keep in touch a lot more than we have. He still has a good attitude and is statement. “They had to wait for an hour during a thunderstorm delay before medallist to fail a drugs test after the Wushu exponent tested positive working hard.” “I spoke to a few people who tell me he’s working very hard and is our race, and I don’t think a single person left the stadium. for sibutramine and was kicked out of the multi-sport event after failing eager to get back. I suppose he has a plan for The Masters - we’re They deserved a great performance, and I’m glad I was able with an appeal in October. hoping to see him back soon.” Fourteen-times major champion to give it to them. I’m looking forward to running in New “I have ordered the Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency (ADAMAS) to Woods, now ranked 96th in the world, has not ruled out play- ing at next month’s Masters at Augusta where he has won York again.” Organisers did not announce whether Bolt conduct doping tests on every athlete going to the SEA Games,” Khairy four times. Love said Woods’ first target would be this year’s would run over 100 or 200 metres in the meeting at New Jamaluddin was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency on Presidents Cup, between a U.S. team and an international York’s Icahn Stadium. He holds the world record Tuesday. Bernama said only 30 percent of Malaysian athletes had been selection, in October. in both, having run 9.58 seconds in the 100 previously tested before going to a major sports event. “He is anxious about getting back to playing so he can get and 19.19 in the 200 in 2009. Bolt, who won Malaysia sent more than 500 athletes to the last Southeast Asian some points for that, then he can think about Ryder Cup,” Games in Myanmar in 2013. The 28th SEA Games will take place from Olympic gold in both sprints and the 4x100 Love said. “I wouldn’t count him out just yet.” Woods has relay in the Beijing and London Games, will June 5-16 with athletes from the 11 nations that make up Southeast played in seven Ryder Cups, but missed last year’s begin his 2015 sprint season with a 100 metres Asia taking part in an eclectic mix of 36 sports including athletics, bil- event in Gleneagles because of injury. — Reuters in Rio on April 19. —Reuters liards, sepak takraw and swimming. — Reuters Tigers look to regain their bite against Hull

LEEDS: After last season’s historic lenge for top four and I took a lot of stick achievements it has been a tough start to for it. I believe this team has the potential 2015 for Castleford but winger Justin to be as good if not better than last year. Carney is confident the new-look Tigers “It’s just a case of getting to know each can be even better than the previous other, playing games together back to incarnation. Castleford finished fourth in back and the performances will come.” the 2014 Super League table, their high- Elsewhere Leeds Rhinos travel to est-ever finish, and secured their first Catalan Dragons on Sunday and captain play-off berth since 2009. Jamie Peacock has backed new signing In addition to that Daryl Powell’s side Adam Cuthbertson for an England call- also made it all the way to the Challenge up. The former Newcastle Knight qualifies Cup final before being beaten out by due to his Warrington-born father and their Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos at Peacock drew comparisons with Kiwi- Wembley. The winter off saw a lot of per- born Rangi Chase, who featured for sonnel changes for the Tigers however, England in the 2013 World Cup. Man of Steel Daryl Clark leaving for “The bigger pool you can get for Warrington the biggest loss, while they England the better,” he added. “We are have acquired brand new half-back pair- seeing that within all sports now with eli- ing in Ben Roberts and Luke Gale. gibility rules, so why not? Almost inevitably the start to the 2015 “I can’t speak for other players, you season has involved some growing pains would have to ask them if it puts their therefore, with the Tigers coming into noses out of joint but it never bothered round 7 this weekend down in ninth in me. “He (Cuthbertson) has been really the table with just two wins to their good for us this year. He’s slotted straight name. But Carney, who despite his team’s into Super League.” Widnes Vikings, who slow start has been in fine form with travel to Salford Red Devils this Thursday, eight tries already, is confident we have have announced the appointment of not seen anything like the best from the Brett Hodgson as the new Academy head Tigers this season. coach. Hodgson, who made 350 appear- “The mood in the camp is pretty posi- aances in the NRL and Super League as tive,” said the former Sydney Rooster, who well as State of Origin for New South welcomes Hull FC to the Jungle this Wales, will now combine his role in Denis weekend. “In fact it’s been pretty positive Betts’ coaching team alongside his all year even though we have not had the Academy responsibilities. “It’s a big hon- NASHVILLE: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry (right) knocks Nashville Predators forward Mike Fisher (center) in the firstperiod of an results that we wanted. “This is a com- our to be able to coach the Academy this NHL hockey game. — AP pletely new team, with new halves and season. There are a lot of talented players new faces in key positions all over the in our setup that we hope will progress to field. But we are working it out and the first team in the next couple of years Kings thrash Rangers gelling together, we know that we will and I’m looking forward to working close- get there. “Last year I said we could chal- ly with them,” he said. —AFP NEW YORK: Marian Gaborik broke a second- right of Jaroslav Halak and trickled in after it Beleskey scored for the Ducks, who have lost period deadlock, and Jonathan Quick shook bounced off the goalie’s leg. Devan Dubnyk the first two games of a five-game road off an opening-minute goal to lift the Los made 37 saves for the Wild. swing. John Gibson had 20 saves. It was the Angeles Kings to a 4-2 victory over the New John Tavares broke a scoreless tie late in first hat trick by a Blue Jackets player since York Rangers on Tuesday in a rematch of last the second when he jammed his team-best Cam Atkinson had three goals at Colorado on year’s Stanley Cup Final. 34th goal of the season past Dubnyk at 19:36. April 5, 2012. The Kings, fighting for a chance to defend Tavares, Okposo and Frans Nielsen all their title, have won the first two games of a failed to convert in the shootout for the LIGHTNING 4, PANTHERS 3 five-game trip on successive nights. Robyn Islanders. Parise tied the game at 11:45 of the Ryan Callahan and Nikita Kucherov scored Regehr scored a rare goal in the first period, third with his 29th goal. in the third period to send Tampa Bay past and Jeff Carter and Jake Muzzin extended the BLUES 3, PENGUINS 2 Florida. Kucherov tied it at 3 with a wrap- lead in the third. Anze Kopitar had two assists. Alexander Steen redirected Zbynek around for his 27th goal at 1:30. Callahan Quick made 34 saves. Michalek’s shot from the point into the net 35 skated from behind the net and snapped a Los Angeles, which beat the Rangers in five seconds into overtime, lifting St. Louis to a shot past Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo games for the 2014 title, is tied in points with win over Pittsburgh. from the left circle with 2:28 left. Brenden third-place Calgary in the Pacific Division, but The Blues snapped a three-game losing Morrow and Tyler Johnson also scored for the the Flames hold the tiebreaker. Mats streak. They rallied from a two-goal deficit on Lightning, who have won four in a row and Zuccarello scored 51 seconds in, and Kevin scores from former Penguins Robert Bortuzzo eight of 10. Jussi Jokinen, Brandon Pirri and Hayes made it 4-2 with 3:44 left, but that was and Marcel Goc. Steen got his 24th of the sea- Jonathan Huberdeau scored for Florida. the only offense for the Rangers two days after son on a pretty deflection of a slick feed from Luongo made 21 saves. a 7-2 victory over Anaheim. New York entered Michalek, who spent two seasons in with an NHL-leading 99 points. Cam Talbot Pittsburgh earlier in his career. COYOTES 5, RED WINGS 4 stopped 31 shots and allowed more than two Jake Allen stopped 22 shots for St. Louis as Mark Arcobello scored his second goal of goals for the first time in 10 appearances. the Blues remained atop the Central Division the game in overtime, and Mike Smith made at the end of a six-game road trip, their 33 saves to lead Arizona over Detroit. PREDATORS 3, CANADIENS 2 longest of the season. Blake Comeau and The win snapped an eight-game losing Filip Forsberg scored a power-play goal at Steve Downie scored for Pittsburgh. Marc- streak for the Coyotes, who have the worst 1:54 of overtime as Nashville rallied to beat Andre Fleury made 33 saves. record in the Western Conference. David Moss Montreal in a game between two of the NHL’s also had two goals for Arizona - his second top teams. BLUE JACKETS 5, DUCKS 3 and third of the season. Pekka Rinne made 27 saves in his 39th win. Scott Hartnell had his eighth career three- John Moore had the other goal for the He pulled within a victory of the Canadiens’ goal game as Columbus rebounded from a Coyotes. The Red Wings have lost seven of 10 Carey Price in this showdown between the two-goal deficit to beat Anaheim for its fourth and are clinging to third place in the Atlantic league’s winningest goalies this season. win in a row. Division, five points ahead of surging Ottawa. Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis scored for the Ryan Johansen had a goal and an assist, Luke Glendening, Justin Abdelkader, Jakub Predators, who stayed a point behind first- and Nick Foligno also scored for the Blue Kindl and Gustav Nyquist scored for the Red place St. Louis in the Central Division. Brendan Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky made 36 saves - Wings, who played without injured center Gallagher and David Desharnais scored in the stopping the final 18 shots after the Ducks Pavel Datsyuk and defenseman Niklas second period for Montreal, which had won took a 3-2 lead. Kronwall. Right wing Erik Cole exited after the ARCADIA: In this Feb. 7, 2015, file photo, Dortmund (right) and jockey Martin Garcia, three in a row. With the point, the Canadiens Ryan Kesler, Andrew Cogliano and Matt first period with a lower-body injury. — AP hold off Firing Line and jockey Gary Stevens to win the Grade III $150,000 Robert B. became the first NHL team to reach 100 this Lewis Stakes horse race at Santa Anita Park. — AP season as they try to hold off second-place Firing Line moving up Tampa Bay in the Atlantic Division. NHL results/standings CANUCKS 5, JETS 2 NEW YORK: Look out Dortmund, Firing Line starters based on points awarded for desig- Radim Vrbata had two goals and an assist, Minnesota 2, NY Islanders 1 (SO); Los Angeles 4, NY Rangers 2; St. Louis 3, Pittsburgh 2 (OT); may be running head to head with you again nated races. Also, Dubai Sky earned 50 points leading Vancouver to its third straight win. Columbus 5, Anaheim 3; Arizona 5, Detroit 4 (OT); Tampa Bay 4, Florida 3; Nashville 3, Montreal 2 on Derby Day. The 3-year-old colt who twice with a win in the Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park Henrik Sedin had an empty-net goal and two (OT); Vancouver 5, Winnipeg 2. lost by a head to top-rated Dortmund in last weekend, and was a late nomination for assists for the Canucks. Chris Higgins and Western Conference Tampa Bay 46 21 7 242 191 99 California, soared to No. 4 in the AP’s latest the Triple Crown races at a cost of $6,000. Yannick Weber also scored, and Eddie Lack had Pacific Division Detroit 39 21 12 208 195 90 Run to the Roses’ Top 10 Kentucky Derby The race for points really heats up 26 saves. Vancouver, which also got two assists W L OTL GF GA PTS Ottawa 37 24 11 212 190 85 Anaheim 46 22 7 219 211 99 rankings after a record-setting romp in New Saturday with the Florida Derby, Louisiana from Daniel Sedin, is second in the Pacific Boston 36 25 12 193 190 84 Vancouver 43 26 4 211 195 90 Florida 33 26 14 180 201 80 Mexico. While the Land of Enchantment isn’t Derby and the UAE Derby. The point totals Division, four points up on Calgary. Winnipeg Calgary 40 27 6 214 191 86 the typical path to the Kentucky Derby, Firing double to 100 for a win, 40 for second, 20 for had won five in a row. Jiri Tlusty and Blake Los Angeles 36 23 14 196 182 86 Toronto 27 41 6 193 237 60 Line’s 14 1/4-length victory in Sunday’s third and 10 for fourth. Wheeler scored for the Jets, and Michael San Jose 35 30 8 201 206 78 Buffalo 20 46 7 138 245 47 Sunland Derby is still impressive. He ran 1 1/8 Upstart and Itsaknockout top the field for Hutchinson stopped 25 shots. Edmonton 20 40 13 173 251 53 Metropolitan Division miles in a track record 1:47.39. Plus, he’s rid- the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where The Jets, are in control of the second wild Arizona 22 44 8 154 246 52 NY Rangers 46 19 7 219 167 99 den by three-time Kentucky Derby winner Upstart finished nearly 3 lengths ahead of Central Division NY Islanders 44 25 5 226 205 93 card in the Western Conference. They are three St. Louis 46 21 7 226 182 99 Gary Stevens. Itsaknockout in the Fountain of Youth but points back of Minnesota and two ahead of Pittsburgh 40 22 11 202 181 91 Nashville 45 21 8 211 178 98 Washington 39 24 10 212 180 88 The Hall of Fame jockey says he’s in a great was DQ’d to second for interference. Upstart Los Angeles, which has a game in hand. Chicago 44 22 6 206 163 94 Philadelphia 29 29 16 192 215 74 spot: “He did it all very professionally. Real is No. 5 this week; Itsaknockout is eighth. Minnesota 42 25 7 211 183 91 easy. He can do well at the next level.” International Star gets his chance for a New Jersey 31 31 11 164 186 73 WILD 2, ISLANDERS 1 Winnipeg 38 24 12 207 195 88 And there’s this: In 2009, Mine That Bird New Orleans prep sweep in the Louisiana Columbus 34 35 4 198 228 72 Zach Parise scored the equalizing goal mid- Dallas 35 28 10 228 233 80 ran fourth in the Sunland Derby before Derby after wins in the Lecomte and Risen Colorado 33 27 12 193 201 78 Carolina 26 36 10 165 199 62 pulling a huge upset in the Kentucky Derby at Star. In Dubai, the field for the UAE Derby has way through the third period, then added Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one 50-1 odds. Firing Line earned 50 Derby quali- three horses nominated for Triple Crown another in the shootout to help Minnesota Atlantic Division point in the standings and are not included in fying points for the win, and now ranks sixth races - Mubtaahij, Maftool and My Johnny Be beat New York for its 10th straight road win. Montreal 46 20 8 195 162 100 the loss column (L). with 58 points. The Derby field is limited to 20 Good. — AP Parise’s shootout attempt hit the post to the THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 SPORTS ‘Archery’s Neymar’ eager to hit Rio Games target

MARICA: He has already been dubbed “Archery’s example of how dedication and hard work can there last Saturday. “This is a reference for the encouragement and hugs for the teenage com- Neymar” and now 17-year-old Marcus Vinicius pay off. “I could see he had perseverance,” she whole of Brazil, having this base and being able petitors. “You have to give them love and atten- D’Almeida is being tipped to be one of Brazil’s said. “He wanted to always improve his tech- to count on her. The doors are always open so tion to keep them interested and most of all you top medal prospects at next year’s Rio Olympics. nique. When I told him he had a chance to be in you can always come and train and that is very have to be patient.” The young archers love it and D’Almeida shot to fame in archery circles last the national side he improved leaps and bounds. important.” so do their parents. “My two children have come year when he finished second in the archery He was in the Brazil team aged just 14. “His main Dos Santos struggled to set up the centre every day for six months,” said Rita de Cassia World Cup final aged just 16. quality is that he works very hard. He never after relocating to Rio de Janeiro following a stay Oliveira, mother of 12-year old Nathan and 10- Already the youngest person ever to qualify missed a training session.” in Italy. Local sports clubs refused to give her year old Nicolas. for the competition, D’Almeida stunned onlook- D’Almeida has yet to finish high school and he space to set up an archery school and the city “They’re more disciplined, more balanced, ers by taking twice champion Brady Ellison to a still competes against opponents as young as 10 would only lease her land for a year so she more responsible. They’re doing better at school shootout, where he lost by one arrow. at the Brazilian Archery Confederation’s training moved to Marica, a small town about 50 km because they know they need to get good “Everything I do now is geared towards the centre, where he first picked up a bow and arrow. north of the Olympic city. grades if they want to keep coming.” Olympics,” said the timid but self-assured With the help of the local government there, Although D’Almeida has moved on and now D’Almeida. “My dream is a gold medal, I think all BUDDING ARCHERS she set up a training centre. She did her own trains with the Brazilian national coach, he said Brazilian athletes dream of that. We work hard The centre was opened in 2009 by dos Santos, marketing by distributing leaflets and offering dos Santos’ contribution was crucial to his devel- every day to see what we can do about it.” a 17-times Brazilian champion, and D’Almeida free classes and put word around local schools. opment. “She is a great coach, we have seen that His first coach, Dirma dos Santos, said praised it as a home from home for budding Today more than 50 pupils aged under 22 train with fabulous results,” he said. “Her teams have D’Almeida made no immediate impression on archers. “This is where I started, it’s a special place there. “They came sheepishly at the start but I been Brazilian champions from kids through to her when he turned up in 2010 but he is a classic for me,” he said after winning a local competition was persistent,” she said, between words of adults so I can’t complain.” — Reuters Alonso return takes focus off Mercedes

SEPANG: Formula One rolls into Malaysia this week for the second round of the champi- onship at the Sepang International Circuit, where talk surrounding the utter dominance of Mercedes will for once take a back seat to the belated arrival of Fernando Alonso. The season-opening Australian Grand Prix bordered on the farcical as defending world champion Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes one-two ahead of Nico Rosberg in a race where only 13 of a possible 20 cars were rac- ing by the end of the first lap. Mechanical failure, under-prepared cars and injury accounted for most of the with- Valentino Rossi performs a wheelie in this file photo. drawals but double world champion Alonso was unable to even make the trip to 10th title just the right Melbourne following a pre-season crash at Barcelona last month on his return to prescription for Rossi McLaren. Sitting out the race in order to minimise the chance of suffering sudden-impact syn- PARIS: Valentino Rossi is still the biggest races-the latter’s Honda team-mate Dani Fernando Alonso in action in this file photo. drome, Alonso will be keen to get reacquaint- draw in MotoGP and after a strong show- Pedrosa winning the other one. ed with a team where he spent an unhappy reliability and data collection, which are Vettel’s distant third place finish on his Ferrari ing last year the charismatic Italian’s state- “I am fully focused on a good start to season in 2007 but judging by McLaren’s per- extremely important.” debut was an encouraging start for a team ment he is eyeing a 10th world title the new season and I want to be immedi- formance in Australia, any joy is expected to seeking to reestablish itself among the elites doesn’t ring as hollow as it might have ately competitive.” said Rossi, who is con- MINOR HONOURS done ahead of last year’s championship. tracted to Yamaha till 2016. be short-lived. but the Italian outfit can expect a tougher The 36-year-old, who has earned the “I am sure both of us will start the new Struggling for pace and reliability with the Turning to his recovery from the pre-sea- challenge from Williams in Malaysia. nickname ‘Il Dottore’ (Doctor) according to season with a great desire to win.” new Honda engine, McLaren team mate son crash, Alonso will need to pass a fitness The Mercedes-powered team lost Valtteri his father Graziano because in Italy it is a Marquez, though, will be a formidable Jenson Button crawled around Albert Park to test today before he can race but is looking Bottas to injury following qualifying in title that demands respect, has not won obstacle to overcome, as confirmed by an cross the line last of the 11 finishers, while forward to marking his return at a circuit he Australia and the Finn and team mate Felipe the title since 2009 and experienced sev- impressive series of testing in Sepang, Alonso’s stand-in Kevin Magnussen failed to has enjoyed a fair amount of success, includ- Massa can expect a better performance from eral fallow years, especially during an Malaysia, in February. Just 22-years-old, in start the race due to engine issues. ing three victories. the Williams around the sweeping corners of unhappy three-year spell at Ducati where 2013 he became the youngest rider to be The Spaniard will be hoping the team have “I’ve been working hard on my fitness and I the Hermann Tilke-designed track. he finished as low as seventh in 2011. crowned 500cc/MotoGP world champion been able to make significant improvements feel good and ready to go this weekend. The In a week when the sport suffered another However, a change to Yamaha has re- and the first rookie since Kenny Roberts in since Australia two weeks ago and can at least weekend will be tough but I’m looking for- blow with the dropping of the German Grand energised the exuberant rider and last 1978 to win the title. make the car competitive enough to keep ward to getting into the MP4-30 for the first Prix from this season’s calendar for financial year’s superb season, which included two Marquez is understandably wary of pace with the back-markers, something that time in a Grand Prix and getting back to rac- reasons, anything other than a Mercedes vic- victories and another 11 podium finishes Rossi but even more so of Lorenzo. “You was out of reach in Melbourne. ing.” tory would be a welcome lift for a series in saw him finish runner-up but 65 points never know with Valentino,” Marquez told “I watched the weekend in Australia very Up at the head of the field, Mercedes are which monotony has replaced drama. adrift of Spaniard Marc Marquez, who is MCN Sport. “I didn’t expect his level. I closely and I was in touch with the team from once again expected to surge clear from the The chances of that happening remain threatening to eclipse even his achieve- expected more like last year (2013) but he the moment they arrived,” Alonso said of the chasing pack with Hamilton and Rosberg con- slim, however, but Malaysia’s volatile weather ments after winning two successive titles. will be there because his motivation is season-opener. “It’s clear we have a lot of work tinuing the battle for supremacy while the could intervene as it did in 2012 when Alonso Hence Rossi, who with 108 wins in all there and Dani (Pedrosa) is always con- ahead of us but Jenson’s result in Melbourne other teams scramble around for minor hon- dodged the puddles in a modest Ferrari to categories, has legendary compatriot stant. “Maybe he won’t be better or worse was encouraging from the point of view of ors. Four-time world champion Sebastian win the race after qualifying ninth. — Reuters Giacomo Agostini’s overall race record win than you but he will always be there and of 122 in his sights, is upbeat about his you need to pay attention with him. But I chances of securing a magical 10th title expect Jorge will be the strongest rival.” overall and eighth in the 500cc/MotoGP Lorenzo, who will be seeking a better category beginning at the season-open- start to last term where he failed to finish ing Qatar Grand Prix this weekend. “I will in Qatar, backed up Marquez’ prediction just be focused on delivering my best, on he would be the big danger after finishing winning as many races as I can,” said Rossi the testing session in Malysia second in February at the team’s launch of their fastest. “I am better this year because I bike for the upcoming season. have not had to undergo surgery in the off-season. Yamaha and I finished well last A FORMIDABLE OBSTACLE year, but while we’ve taken a step forward “So... yes, I am also thinking to my tenth with the new updates to the bike, the title.” Rossi, who is the oldest rider in the favourite is still Honda and Marquez,” the MotoGP championship, said he was look- 27-year-old told MotoGP.com. ing to get a good start to the champi- “Last year I was the rider with the most onship, unlike last year where both he and points from Germany to Valencia and fin- team-mate and two-time world champion ished the Championship very strongly. If Jorge Lorenzo struggled in the first half of we can start at the same level or even the season while Marquez had the title vir- stronger, then we can definitely aspire to tually sewn up in winning 11 of the first 12 win the championship. “ — AFP Apology the priority for Park

SEOUL: The head of South Korea’s ing what our next step will be,” he told swimming federation says there will be reporters at Incheon airport after flying time to discuss Park Tae-hwan’s future back from Park’s doping hearing in but first and foremost the swimmer Switzerland. Park’s agency, Team GMP, has to apologise for failing a doping released a statement late on Tuesday test that resulted in an 18-month ban. apologising for the failed test. Lee’s Park, a twice world champion and comments echo those of KOC the first Korean to win an Olympic spokesman Park Dong-hee on Tuesday swimming medal, tested positive for when he said they could look at his sit- testosterone in an out-of-competition uation after the ban expires. test conducted by the sport’s ruling “Once the 18-month disciplinary BRAZIL: In this Feb. 28, 2015 photo, a bottle and a wood slat floats with other trash in Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro. — AP body FINA last September ahead of the period is over, and if(Park’s) participa- Asian Games. tion in the Rio Olympics becomes a The suspension was backdated from social issue, it will be possible to review Rio makes trash into ‘art’ Sept. 3 and runs through March 2 the revision of athlete selection rules 2016, leaving the door open for Park to from the perspective of what is best for return in time of the Rio Olympics. national interest,” he said. RIO DE JANEIRO: A broken computer with wires As part of its Olympic bid, Rio promised to for polluting the bay and have a role to play in However, under current Korean The case has stunned the South showing: $60,000. A cracked, yellow plastic chair: clean up 80 percent of the bay for the games. But cleaning it up,” Cortez told Reuters on Tuesday at Olympic Committee rules Park would Korean sports community, with Park’s $16,000. An old, stained backpack: $8,000. Cleaner local government officials have already admitted the exhibition in the Shopping Leblon mall. then have to wait a further three years legions of fans shocked by the news water for Olympic sailing and windsurfing events: that a cleanup by 2016 is not achievable. Despite “These items that are on display didn’t just fall before he would be eligible for selec- that the wholesome, clean-cut athlete Priceless. The soiled items, fished out of the city’s millions of dollars of investment over the years, into the bay, someone threw them there,” Cortez tion again, by which time he would be with the poster-boy looks had fallen picturesque Guanabara Bay, are not actually for the bay still stinks of sewage. Sailors who visited added. Marine biologist Marcelo Szpilman calcu- 29. KSF President Lee Ki-heung said on foul of a doping test. Known as “Marine sale in the luxury shopping mall in Rio de Janeiro the city for test events complained of a floating lated the prices for the pieces of rubbish, esti- Wednesday that rule could be revisited Boy” in South Korea, Park had been left where they are displayed. But the prices reflect the sofa and a dead dog in the water. For Fernanda mating the cost of environmental damage from but Park had some explaining to do. “shocked” by the positive test, which environmental cost of waste thrown into the bay Cortez, who works for the environmental move- each item, depending on how long it takes to “First and foremost, Park has to sincere- local media said had been a result of a where the sailing and windsurfing competitions ment Menos 1 Lixo (one less piece of rubbish) and decompose. are scheduled in the 2016 Summer Olympics. organized the exhibition, the clean-up of the bay Cortez said Menos 1 Lixo is in discussions ly apologise to those who he has dis- local hospital giving him an injection The exhibition Achados da Guanabara, or needs greater public awareness as well as govern- with the International Olympic Committee to appointed and he should take some that contained testosterone. Seoul Found in Guanabara, seeks to personalize the pol- ment support. work together to raise awareness of the damage time for self-reflection. prosecutors have charged a doctor lution and force people to take responsibility for “The State is not some magical organization caused by disposing of waste in the bay. “There’s “After that we’ll sit down with Park with professional negligence, accord- the waste they throw into the water. A boat and that can solve these issues alone... It’s really impor- nothing fixed yet, but they’re open to the idea,” and discuss his situation before decid- ing to Yonhap news agency. — Reuters divers collected the items from the water. tant that citizens understand they are responsible Cortez said. — Reuters THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 SPORTS Dunga looking to exorcise Paris demons

PARIS: Brazil coach Dunga will revisit the site of one trumped them 3-0 in the third-place play-off. past two months. He has netted just three in his last build a side to compete for glory on home soil at of his greatest disappointments when he leads out Luis Felipe Scolari-who led Brazil to victory at the nine games, and that while Barca have been in free- next year’s European Championships. his side against France at the Stade de France in 2002 World Cup-was fired following the tourna- scoring form on a run of 18 wins from their last 19 Deschamps’s current dilemma is who to play up Paris today. ment with Dunga reinstated to a post he’d held matches. Neymar will likely be glad to join up with front, with Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, Olivier He was the Brazil captain in 1998 when his side from 2006-2010. There too is another demon for the national team as he has scored seven goals in Giroud of Arsenal and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine were surpassed by a Zinedine Zidane-inspired him to exorcise as, despite winning the 2007 Copa his last six Brazil matches-including four in one Greizmann all in fine club form. France in the World Cup final. And as the World Cup America, he was dismissed after Brazil’s quarter- match against Japan. His tally of 42 international Not to mention that Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette winner from 1994 as a player bids now as coach to final exit to the Netherlands at the World Cup in goals at just 23 suggests he could one day threaten is top scorer in Ligue 1 while there are also his club- reconstruct the team so humiliated on home soil at South Africa. legend Pele’s mark of 77. But while he has to share mate Nabil Fekir, Marseille’s Dimitri Payet and last year’s World Cup, he will be aiming to banish the limelight at Barca alongside Messi and now Luis Mathieu Valbuena of Dynamo Moscow vying for three sets of demons. INCOMPARABLE Suarez, with Brazil the whole team is built around roles in attacking positions. First will be his own personal anguish from a While all that may be on Dunga’s mind, one of him, making him the focal point of the attack. It’s a nice problem to have but a plethora of final in which Zidane’s brace helped the hosts to a his main tasks will be trying to get the best out of He is also the Selecao’s captain, something attacking options does not automatically translate 3-0 victory and their first World Cup success. Neymar, widely seen as Brazil’s sole world class tal- Dunga believes will help him develop as a player. into goals, as France’s last two friendly results attest: And then there will be the demons of a country ent. He may be the third top scorer in Spain’s La Liga “The more responsibilities he has, the more he will a 1-1 draw with Albania and 1-0 win over Sweden. reeling from a 7-1 semi-final humbling at the hands behind the incomparable duo, Barcelona team- progress,” Dunga said recently. Even so, with both sides concentrating on their own of eventual champions Germany, not to mention mate Messi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Stopping Neymar, though, isn’t France coach attacking forces, from a fan’s point of view it could the final nail in the coffin as the Netherlands but Neymar has been struggling for goals these Didier Deschamps’s primary concern as he tries to make for a thoroughly entertaining game. — AFP Bellis grabs win at Miami Open

KEY BISCAYNE: CiCi Bellis defeated Indy De and Maria Sharapova, she says getting to top Vroome of the Netherlands 6-2, 6-2 for her spot may be a step too far. second career WTA main draw match win on “When Serena is number one, its hard to Tuesday at the Miami Open. think of being number one,” Halep told The 15-year-old Bellis defeated the 227th- reporters on Tuesday. “But still I have confi- ranked De Vroome in one of 12 women’s main dence that I can win more titles and reach a draw matches played on the opening day. higher ranking.” The 211th-ranked Bellis made news at the The Miami Open has almost become the 2014 U.S. Open when she upset 12th-seeded personal property of the Williams sisters, who Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia, the 2014 live in nearby Palm Beach Garden and have Australian Open finalist, in three sets in the won the event 10 times, Serena lifting the first round. title on seven occasions and Venus three. Still, In the Miami Open second round, Bellis Halep, who has never ventured past the third will face 29th-seeded Zarina Diyas of round in Miami, doesn’t believe that Williams Kazakhstan. The 44th-ranked Madison is unbeatable. “She (Serena) is very strong, Brengle of the U.S. also advanced on Tuesday she is a great champion, she has been up posting a 6-0 6-2 win against Aleksandra there for many years. She knows how to man- Krunic of Serbia. Brengle will next face fourth- age every situation,” praised Halep. “I admire seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark. her a lot and learnt many things from her. Monica Niculescu of Romania outlasted “After the first match at Indian Wells I told American Shelby Rogers 7-6 (1), 6-1 to secure my coach that I really wanted to play her in a second consecutive, second-round match the semifinals but it didn’t happen because of against top-seeded Serena Williams. The two her injury. “I really want to meet her many played at Indian Wells with Williams prevail- times, because I become stronger after I play ing 7-5, 7-5 in a match that spanned just over her,” she added. two hours. Halep has her eyes on becoming the first In other matches on Tuesday, Kaia Kanepi Romanian woman since her manager, defeated Canadian wild-card Francoise Virginia Ruzici, French Open winner in 1978, Abanda 6-2, 6-3, Anna Schmiedlova of to secure a grand slam title. Slovakia defeated Polona Hercog of Slovenia “I can say I feel ready because I just won a 6-3, 6-2, and Karin Knapp of Italy defeated premier tournament which is almost like a Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic 6-2, grand slam,” said Halep. “But still I am very far SWITZERLAND: Gelson Fernandes (left) and Granit Xhaka (right) challenge for the ball during a training session of the Swiss national soccer 6-0. Meanwhile, world number three Simona and I just want to be very focused. team. Switzerland will play a qualifying match for the European Football Championship in 2016 against Estonia, in Lucerne tomorrow. — AP Halep says it is hard to imagine reaching the “My dream is to win a grand slam, I don’t top of the world rankings as long as Serena know if it will happen in this life. But I just Williams is playing the game but believes she want to work hard every day to reach a has what it takes to win a grand slam. The (major) title,” she said. Platini re-elected Romanian arrives in Florida for this week’s Halep’s climb up the rankings has attract- Miami Open off the biggest success in her ed little fanfare but she laughs at the idea career with a victory over Jelena Jankovic in that she is a ‘rising star’ in the game. “I’m not the final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian young,” smiled the 24-year-old Romanian. “I Wells on Sunday. The win was the third of the am already older, I am used to being in the year for the 23-year-old following victories at top, I have a year there, I have experience and as UEFA president Shenzhen and Dubai and while she is firmly feel ready to play with everyone at every entrenched as number three, behind Williams tournament.” — Reuters VIENNA: Michel Platini was re-elected unopposed for a third term as UEFA president at the annual Congress on Tuesday, proudly proclaiming European soccer’s governing body to be “the best”. Sepp Blatter sat through the day-long proceed- ings as a guest and had to endure some stinging criticism from his challengers for the FIFA presiden- cy who were invited to make presentations to dele- gates. In many ways, the day summed up the dif- fering fortunes between the sport’s European and world governing bodies. While UEFA has basked in the financial success of the Champions League, FIFA has been hit by a wave of corruption scandals over the last few years. “We’re transparent, we’re democratic and we’re the best,” Platini told reporters. “We have shown that it is indeed possi- ble to combine romanticism and realism, ideals and action.” UEFA have said they will not back Blatter when he stands for a fifth mandate on May 29, where he faces opposition from Luis Figo, Michael van Praag and Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein. Frenchman Platini said there were no hard feel- KEY BISCAYNE: Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia returns the ball to Carlos Berloco of ings against soccer’s governing body. “I have to say, Argentina during Day 3 of the Miami Open. — AFP however, we do love FIFA dearly. Europe’s entire VIENNA: UEFA President Michel Platini speaks during a news conference at the end of the 39th football community loves FIFA dearly. It is precisely Ordinary UEFA Congress. Platini was re-elected as UEFA president for a third four-year term. — AP because we love and respect it that we want it to be Bob Hewitt guilty of perfect.” However, that did not seem to be the case dium disaster where 39 people, mostly Italians, were details will be ironed out over the next year. Former with Blatter’s opponents. “The current state of disar- killed when a wall collapsed after Liverpool fans Croatia striker Davor Suker was among seven mem- ray asks for a change in leadership,” said Dutch FA charged Juventus supporters before the 1985 bers elected to the executive committee where he raping girls in S Africa president van Praag in a stinging attack. “It is the European Cup Final. Platini played for Juventus on will join three other ex-professionals including responsibility of our generation to clean up the that day. “In recent months, we have all been struck Platini. — Reuters JOHANNESBURG: Australian-born former as brave as we were, and confront danger mess. by certain images that I thought were a thing of the tennis Grand Slam champion Bob Hewitt and take their perpetrators to task because “The beautiful heritage of international football past. Some of us experienced that past at first hand. was found guilty Monday in South Africa of ultimately they will be believed,” she said. has been tarnished by ever continuing accusations In my case, it was exactly 30 years ago,” he said. “I raping and assaulting young girls he was Hewitt won numerous Grand Slam dou- of corruption, bribery, nepotism and waste of mon- therefore renew my call for greater awareness of this coaching there in the early 1980s. bles titles during his career in the 1960s and Matches on TV ey.” Blatter, who in his opening speech to the issue among the public authorities, so that we can (Local Timings) Hewitt, 75, had pleaded not guilty to the 1970s and was named to the International Congress had called for unity and reiterated that avoid reliving the dark days of a not-so-distant past- two charges of rape and one of indecent sport should not be used as a political tool, sat a past where hooligans and all manner of fanatics assault, which were brought against him by stony-faced throughout. Despite the generally tri- called the shots in certain European stadiums.” Friendlies - National three women in 2013. umphant air, Platini warned that violence and In another move aimed at making UEFA more Judge Bert Bam at the South Gauteng racism were growing threats and European football democratic, the Congress voted in principle to give France v Brazil 23:00 High Court outside Johannesburg described risked a return to the dark days of the 1980s. seats on its executive committee to representatives Abu Dhabi Sports HD 3 the evidence against Hewitt, best known as To make his point, Platini invoked the Heysel sta- of stakeholders such as players, clubs or leagues. The a doubles star, as “overwhelming”, the SAPA news agency reported. At the trial, his vic- tims said that Hewitt assaulted them during private tennis lessons when they were Spain out to make a young girls. “Time did not erase the crimes. A guilty person should not go unpunished. The scales of justice tip against the accused,” Bam said. mark against Ukraine One woman testified that Hewitt had told her “rape is enjoyable” as he assaulted MADRID: Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has March 31, is likely to deploy a familiar starting conference. “In the national team the game is her. One of his victims said the former cham- called up several new faces for tomorrow’s Euro lineup at Sevilla’s Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. much faster and you have to think more,” added pion raped her in his car before tennis prac- 2016 qualifier at home to Ukraine with forward The withdrawal of Diego Costa with a ham- the 25-year-old. tice in 1982, when she was 12-year-old. Juanmi and midfielder Vitolo among those keen string injury means Juventus forward Alvaro “My home at the moment is the Sanchez Another victim told the court he had Bob Hewitt to make a mark. Morata could play up front or Del Bosque may Pizjuan and it would be really great to make my touched her inappropriately 34 years ago The pair have been impressive for their clubs use Costa’s Chelsea team mate and midfielder debut there. “If I do things well maybe I could and forced her to perform a sex act on him Tennis Hall of Fame in 1992. But his name Malaga and Sevilla respectively this season and Cesc Fabregas as a roving striker as he has with make it to a European Championship or a when she was 12 and 13. was removed from the hall of fame in 2012, could get a chance to shine on the international some success in the past. World Cup.” Juanmi, 21, was drafted in on The judge said Hewitt manipulated the following sexual abuse allegations. Hewitt stage as the European champions look to keep Juanmi and Vitolo, who are in the senior Monday as cover for Brazil-born Costa and said young girls and they were intimidated by was born in Dubbo, Australia but has spent up the pressure on Group C leaders Slovakia. squad for the first time along with Villarreal he had dreamed of playing for Spain as a child. him. “It is a victory, yes. It has given me a lit- much of his life in South Africa. Slovakia beat Spain 2-1 in October and have keeper Sergio Asenjo, made it clear to reporters “Consolidating yourself at a club is the big goal tle freedom to move on with my life,” said He has been supported throughout the a maximum 12 points ahead of their Friday on Wednesday at Spain’s training base outside and after that getting into the national squad is Suellen Sheehan, a victim who spoke out trial by his wife Dalaille. The former champi- game against visiting group minnows Madrid that they would make the most of any a dream for everyone who starts out in foot- publicly about her experience and who was on has also been dogged by allegations of Luxembourg. Spain and Ukraine are level on chance they get. ball,” he told reporters. “Having achieved that present in court. “Victory is a hard word to sexual abuse in the United States where he nine points, with La Roja in second spot thanks “The main thing we can bring to the table is fills me with pride.” Spain host Slovakia in early use because I don’t think it is a game. “I just once lived. Rape cases dating back decades to a superior goal difference. Del Bosque, whose excitement at being the new boys, the desire September in a match that may decide the hope this gives hope to other victims [so are rare in South African courts. A date for side also tackle the Netherlands in a friendly on and quality that we have,” Vitolo told a news group winners. — Reuters they] can take something from this and be sentencing has not been set. — AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Kohli hails Indian bowling

SYDNEY: The transformation of India’s “The way the bowlers have reacted and bowlers at the World Cup has been “wonder- the way they have performed with the com- ful to watch” and the reigning champions will posure and the confidence and the aggres- have a great chance of reaching the final if 10 sion all together, it’s been wonderful to Australian wickets tumble today, says Virat watch,” he told Cricket Australia’s website. “So Kohli. India’s bowlers were hammered all over we expect the bowlers to step up if you want Australia from the start of December to mid- to beat quality sides in the world and the way February as the team lost a test series 2-0 and they have done this in this World Cup has failed to win a single match in the following been commendable. Tri-series, which also featured England. Fast “We’ve played the right kind of cricket and bowlers Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav the difference now is how our bowling attack and Mohit Sharma have upped their game has come into play in this World Cup taking considerably at the World Cup, however, and 70 wickets in seven games. have combined with the strong spin-bowling “That’s probably been the difference, and department to forge a potent attack. if we continue to do that we have a great With the help of a sprinkling of run-outs, chance come game day.” India have not beat- the Indian bowlers have dismissed the oppo- en Australia in any format since they arrived sition in all seven matches on their way to the Down Under in late November but Kohli semi-finals. thinks Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground Kohli, the leading light in the much-vaunt- is the perfect opportunity to break that cycle. ed Indian batting line-up, said everyone was “There couldn’t be a better time for us,” he aware of the areas where improvement was said. “It’s an opportunity for us to do justice required and he was gratified by the way the to the way we’ve played so far in Australia, pacemen had responded. and we haven’t had the results.” — Reuters NZ still bubbling over semi-final performance

AUCKLAND: Grant Elliott’s towering six ing moment of the tournament. which propelled New Zealand into their Other former players and cricket organi- first cricket World Cup final was still gener- sations compared the gesture to that of ating media buzz yesterday. England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff con- The 36-year-old dispatched Dale Steyn’s soling Australia fast bowler Brett Lee dur- SYDNEY: India’s Rohit Sharma fields during a light training session for the Cricket World Cup in Sydney. India play Australia in the World Cup delivery over deep midwicket to take New ing the 2005 Ashes series. semifinal today to gain a place in the final against New Zealand. — AP Zealand to 299 for six on Tuesday, giving Elliott himself said after the match that them a tense four-wicket victory over he felt it was important he showed Steyn South Africa in the first semi-final at Eden some compassion, reasoning that he could Park. It ended a run of six defeats in semi- have been the one sitting there and going Superpowers collide finals for New Zealand, who will play either through the same emotions if he had failed Australia or India in Sunday’s final at the to score the required runs. Melbourne Cricket Ground. “I think you have to feel compassion and Reigning champions India meet four- be humble in victory and humble in defeat. in semi blockbuster times winners Australia in the second semi It’s just part of who I am,” he said. in Sydney today. New Zealand’s victory “I felt sorry for him and I felt sorry for a dominated local media coverage on lot of them.” New Zealand Prime Minister SYDNEY: Sparks can be expected to fly when has been the decisive factor in their meetings in “So it doesn’t matter how the wicket behaves. Wednesday with television, radio and John Key took a moment during a media confident, well-balanced teams from cricketing recent years. It has less of an impact in the one- If it suits the fast bowlers or the spinners, we’ve newspapers devoting significant air time conference in Tokyo to congratulate the superpowers Australia and India clash in a day game and there is good reason for India to got everything covered in those two areas. and pages to the match, with Elliott’s con- team and said he would attend the final mouthwatering World Cup semi-final at the have some confidence it will not mitigate too “We just need to keep doing what we’ve been solation of a devastated Steyn creating on Sunday. Airlines have also announced Sydney Cricket Ground today. The match pits heavily against them today. doing. We’ve played some really good cricket in social media buzz. additional flights to get New Zealand fans four-times champions Australia, the top-ranked Clarke admitted it was a “no brainer” that the World Cup and it’s just a matter of two more Former Sri Lanka batsman Russel Arnold to Melbourne for Sunday’s final, while the team in one-day cricket, against title holders Indian fans would outnumber those of Australia, hurdles.” tweeted the picture of Elliott shaking match will be screened on free-to-air tele- India, the dominant financial power in world while the SCG has always offered something for Australia, by contrast, would clearly welcome hands with Steyn as the South African lay vision. The tournament has primarily cricket. The winners will go on to face the other the one area of the game where the visitors can a wicket to favor their quick bowlers Mitchell on his back, labelling it ‘the spirit of sport’ been broadcast on subscription-based co-hosts New Zealand next Sunday in another of be said to have a distinct edge, spin bowling. Starc, Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood. and asking whether it could be the defin- television. —Ruters the great arenas of the game, Melbourne Cricket Australia can look to their record of having Hazlewood, who took 4-35 in the quarter-final Ground. While Thursday’s clash will have to go lost just one of 14 one-day internationals at the victory over Pakistan, looks likely to get the nod some way to match the tense climax of New ground against India and to their utter domi- ahead of spinner Xavier Doherty to keep Zealand’s victory over South Africa on Tuesday, nance of their meetings since the tourists arrived Australia unchanged for the first time in the tour- Australia’s meetings with India are rarely dull. Down Under last November. India have been nament. India have only altered their line-up dur- If familiarity between the two sides has not transformed since the start of the World Cup, ing their title defence because of an injury to quite bred contempt, the frequent heated however, with a newly potent bowling attack fir- paceman Mohammed Shami and are also likely exchanges in their clashes indicates at the very ing alongside their always fine batting to take to be unchanged. least a fierce competitiveness. them to the last four unbeaten. “We’ve played a lot of cricket against India,” “The fact we’re playing India now is extremely That has given the side such confidence that Clarke added. “We know their strengths, we special,” Australia captain Michael Clarke said yes- batsman Rohit Sharma said it was irrelevant know their weaknesses, and we know they’re a terday. “I think you’ll see two teams at the top of whether there was spin on offer at the SCG or very good team. “We have to execute our skills as their game wanting to play their best cricket, I’m not. “If you look at the tournament, we’ve taken well as we possibly can, and if we do that, I have really confident both teams will put on a great 70 wickets in seven games, distributed between confidence that we can beat any team we play show.” In the test arena at least, home advantage the spinners and the fast bowlers,” he said. against.” — Reuters Spin or seam? India confident

SYDNEY: India will go into today’s World Cup in the quarter-final against Bangladesh in will have no bearing on today’s result and insist- semi-final against Australia in Sydney confident Melbourne. ed Australia were not unbeatable. of success irrespective of whether the wicket “We have taken 70 wickets in seven matches, “Of course we can win, no question about it,” took turn or assisted fast bowlers, opener Rohit bowled out the opposition every time, so we he said. “Australia is a good batting side but they Sharma said. The wear and tear at the end of a know what we need to do. “Our seamers have struggled against good quality bowling when long season was evident when the covers were done well and so have the spinners. We are they played New Zealand or Pakistan. removed at the Sydney Cricket ground on ready for anything that we get.” Mahendra Singh “They have also bowled well, but then we Wednesday, revealing a dry, brown pitch that Dhoni’s men have confounded critics by recover- have batted well too.” Australia were shot out for would gladden India more than their rivals. ing from a winless bilateral tour of Australia 151 by New Zealand in Auckland and it was only South African spinners Imran Tahir and JP before the World Cup to brush aside all-comers a six-wicket haul by Mitchell Starc that saw the Duminy shared seven wickets to bowl out Sri in the tournament. Black Caps lose nine wickets before surpassing Lanka for 133 in the quarter-final at the SCG last Starting with two wins against Pakistan and the modest target. week, setting up a nine-wicket win for the South Africa, India won all six group matches to Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz Proteas. But the bat dominated the ball in previ- top Pool B and then downed spirited had the Australian batsmen hopping with short- ous World Cup games at the venue, with Bangladesh by 109 runs in the quarter-finals. pitched deliveries in the quarter-final in Australia piling up 376 for nine against Sri Lanka Besides bowling out their rivals in all games, Adelaide before the hosts won by six wickets. and South Africa smashing 408 for five off the India have piled up 300-plus scores every time Sharma, who had heated on-field exchanges West Indies’ attack. they have batted first. India have beaten with David Warner during the preceding tri- Australian coach Darren Lehmann predicted Australia just once in 35 years in a one-day inter- series, said he expected a fiery contest between a high-scoring game, but Sharma said India were national at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the two strong rivals. not sweating over the nature of the wicket. hosts have won all six semi-finals they have con- “Look a bit of sledging is okay as long as SYDNEY: Australia’s captain Michael Clarke walks out of the nets after batting prac- “It does not worry us what sort of wicket we tested since the inaugural event in 1975. boundaries are not crossed,” he said. “The Indian tice for the Cricket World Cup. Australia play India in a World Cup semifinal today to get because we are confident of doing well on But Sharma, who hit a record one-day score team will not cross the line, but we will not back gain a place in the final against New Zealand. — AP any surface,” said Sharma, who scored a century of 264 against Sri Lanka last year, said the past down either.” — AFP Australia and India to continue war of words

SYDNEY: There’s never been any love lost things too far and the International Cricket between the Australian and the Indian Council has warned both teams to be on cricket teams. The fiercest of rivals, their their best behaviour after a string of inci- matches are often as much a test of tem- dents during their recent test and one-day perament as their skills with bat and ball. warm-up series. The Australian opening The two teams have made no secret of batsman David Warner was fined twice their mutual dislike, and waste little time before the World Cup had even begun for reminding each other during games. his part in two separate on-field rows and In cricket, it’s known as sledging, in risks suspension if he gets embroiled in American sports, it’s called trash-talking. another row. “David will be fine,” Clarke Either way, when Australia and India meet said. “He knows the rules, as we all do, and on the cricket field, verbal altercations are his rules are no different than the rest of expected. ours. “We’ll do whatever we have to do to For the game’s traditionalists, sledging is play our best cricket.” a blight on the modern version of the so- The Indian opening batsman Rohit called ‘gentleman’s game’, a sport synony- Sharma, who was involved in one of the mous with the virtues of fair play. spats with Warner, said his team were not But for the Australian and Indian players, planning to tone things down. “It’s part of it’s an accepted part of the game and nei- the game,” Rohit said. “If there is a bit of ther team has any intentions of toning it banter going around, so be it. There will be down in today’s World Cup semi-final at the times where you’ll see a lot of bowlers and Sydney Cricket Ground. fielders getting right in their faces. Yeah, “There is going to be sledging, there is there will be times. going to be banter,” the Australian captain “But as a team, we have to stick to our Michael Clarke told a news conference yes- game plan and try to execute what we’ve terday. “It’s really important for us to focus been doing.” “I just hope it doesn’t cross the on what’s important, and that is playing line. We all know as professional cricketers our best cricket. It’s not what you say, it’s there are boundaries which we don’t need what you do.” The Australians have often to cross. So, as long as it’s inside those AHMADABAD: Indian cricket fans stand with their faces painted in the colors of the national flag to cheer for the Indian cricket team ahead of been accused by their rivals of taking boundaries, we’ll be fine.” — Reuters the ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal match against Australia. — AP THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

South Africa goes easy on cricket team

STELLENBOSCH: Led by unexpected praise from ers” and “useless, unbearable individuals.” pitch. The Times called it “A crying shame,” and the able to accept its World Cup eliminations as the nation’s outspoken sports minister, South Africa He was kinder to the cricketers. “You made us tabloid Daily Sun even called them “brave Proteas.” straightforward. In the 1992 semifinals it felt it was went easy on its cricket team after another painful proud as a nation as you fought until the last Most newspapers blamed South African bowling given an impossible task after rain led to a recalcula- loss at the World Cup. minute,” Mbalula said. “You are winners in my eyes and fielding errors for allowing New Zealand to pass tion; in 1999 South Africa was eliminated in the A long history of failure at the tournament has and I’m sure the whole nation agrees.” the victory target of 298, but a few alluded to a semifinals on run rate after a tie with Australia; and often put the Proteas at the sharp end of stinging Yesterday’s newspapers reflected the players’ bit- sense of injustice after South Africa’s innings was in 2003 the team itself made a mistake with the for- criticism from the demanding media and fans back ter disappointment - with some in tears after the interrupted by rain while going well, and then mula and finished a run short of progressing. home. But sports minister Fikile Mbalula said he was elimination - but there was no mention of “chokers,” shortened, and its total recalculated according to Most newspapers noted with despair that Grant still proud of the team after its nail-biting loss to the dreaded term previously given to the team for cricket’s complex Duckworth-Lewis formula. Elliott, the man who played the match-winning New Zealand in the semifinals on Tuesday. losing crucial World Cup games. South Africa coach Russell Domingo felt the total innings for New Zealand, was born in South Africa. Mbalula is famous for launching a scathing “World Cup tears” said the Afrikaans-language New Zealand was chasing should have been higher He left for New Zealand after deciding he’d proba- attack on South Africa’s soccer team after a loss in a Die Burger newspaper with a photograph of fast than 298, feeding some of the media’s questions bly never make the South African team. “World Cup tournament last year, calling them “a bunch of los- bowler Dale Steyn lying flat out on his back on the over the calculation. South Africa has rarely been taunts SA once again,” The Times said. — AP Balance and composure the keys to NZ progress

AUCKLAND: The calm, assured manner in match situation. which New Zealand chased down South “I was pretty calm for most of it but Africa’s imposing total on Tuesday to towards the end I started hoping ... the boys advance to their first cricket World Cup final would be able to pull it off. “I had immense is a hallmark of a team that has developed faith in them.” Faith is exactly what coach into a cohesive unit over the last two years. Mike Hesson had in Elliot, whose innings of 84 not out justified his inclusion in the World Cup squad after somewhat surpris- ingly having been out of the team for 14 months. The 36-year-old was also a reassur- ing voice for powerful youngster Corey Anderson as they put on 103 runs for the fifth wicket, which ultimately gave New Zealand the win. The partnership highlight- ed the strength of New Zealand’s batting lineup, with a top order of McCullum, Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson offering contrasting approaches to run scoring. Guptill is technically proficient but can also blast away when needed, as was evi- dent in his World Cup record 237 not out against West Indies in the quarter-final. Williamson is the classic accumulator while McCullum’s swaggering aggression puts opposing attacks off their rhythm and gives New Zealand a flying start. The players from four to seven-Ross Taylor, Elliott, Anderson and wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi-are a highly competent engine room designed to take the team through to MELBOURNE: New Zealand cricket play- imposing totals or to chase down targets. er Brendon McCullum arrives at All have contributed to helping their side to Melbourne Airport . New Zealand will victory over New Zealand’s domestic sum- play in the Cricket World Cup final in mer. Opening bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Melbourne, Sunday. — AP Southee are arguably the best new-ball pair at the tournament, with Boult the leading Brendon McCullum’s side sealed a four- wicket taker with 21, while Southee has the wicket win over South Africa when Grant best figures of 7-33. AUCKLAND: South Africa’s JP Duminy (left) collides with teammate South Africa’s Farhaan Behardien and drop a catch chance during their four Elliott swatted Dale Steyn over deep mid- “We have been confident all along in wicket loss to New Zealand in their Cricket World Cup semifinal on Tuesday. — AP wicket for a six, igniting euphoric scenes terms of what we do,” Hesson said. “We rarely seen at a New Zealand sporting know the brand of cricket we want to play, event. “I looked around the group and saw we are pretty confident that is a good style South Africa’s comedy of that everyone was pretty calm,” McCullum for us. “We have got a chance to put on a told reporters on Wednesday of how his good show on Sunday and we will prepare team dealt with the intense pressure of the for that.” — Reuters errors no laughing matter

SYDNEY: Another World Cup semi-final but with none of his eight overs on Tuesday pro- of ‘T-CUP’ (Thinking Clearly Under Pressure) another failure to get to the final has left many ducing a wicket. became apparent, with captain AB de Villiers South Africa fans questioning what their side “You’ve got an in form bowler (Abbott) fumbling a run-out of Corey Anderson and must do to reach one-day international crick- who’s got bounce and he’s got pace and has Grant Elliott benefitting from another failed et’s showpiece match. bowled so well in the last couple of days. run out attempt and a dropped catch. Tuesday’s dramatic four-wicket defeat by You’ve got to be so brave to change that bowl- Anderson (58) helped Elliott added 103 for the New Zealand in a rain-affected clash at ing line-up,” former South Africa spinner Pat fifth wicket before the South Africa-born Auckland’s Eden Park was the fourth time the Symcox told local radio. Elliott, raising his game, completed a match- Proteas had made it to the last four-and the Dale Steyn is widely acknowledged as the winning 84 not out. fourth time they hadn’t reached the final. In best fast bowler of his generation, his Test “I didn’t take that (run-out chance) unfortu- 1992 they were undone by the unfairness of average of just over 22 runs per wicket placing nately, but yes if you want to see it that way the rain rule then in force which left them him among cricket’s all-time greats. that I cost us then I’ll gladly take it,” said a dis- needing an impossible 21 off one ball to beat But a return off 11 wickets in eight matches traught de Villiers. Former South Africa captain England, while in 2007 they were swept aside at this World Cup was modest for a man of his Graeme Smith, writing on the ICC’s website, by Australia. However, Tuesday’s clash had class and on Tuesday his 8.5 overs cost an said: “The Proteas missed the half-chances that echoes of South Africa’s 1999 tie with expensive 76 runs. Steyn also needed lengthy counted and it ultimately cost them. Australia-a result that saw the Australians into treatment for a leg problem during the final “Most tellingly they seemed to deviate from the final on superior net run-rate-in that the over, and this was a further setback for a South their pre-planned bowling strategy to Proteas squandered chances to win the game. Africa side who throughout the tournament, McCullum by bowling poor lengths which But this time around a selection decision may had to ‘fiddle’ 10 overs from a fifth bowler- allowed him to dictate the pace of the game,” SYDNEY: Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson (center) prepares to bowl during a have hampered South Africa even before the reviving a longstanding criticism they had he added. team training session. — AFP match started. been excessively cautious in selecting an extra Inevitably, South Africa’s latest World Cup Fast bowler Kyle Abbott, who took an excel- batsman rather than an additional bowler. loss will revive accusations of “choking”, yet in Johnson leads battle cry lent one for 27 off a tight six overs during the The Proteas may well have made a 350-plus recent years they have won Tests from improb- quarter-final victory over Sri Lanka, was score had not rain intervened, but a total of able positions against sides as good as SYDNEY: Australia captain Michael Clarke the odd occasion, you lose your cool and you dropped to make way for Vernon Philander- 281 for five, which left New Zealand needing a Australia-not the act of a bunch of mentally expects temperamental opener David Warner say something you shouldn’t-perhaps you who missed several matches including the last revised 298 in 43 overs, looked enough when weak players. to be on his best behavior in today’s World should get a fine or you might get suspended.” eight clash this World Cup with a hamstring the Black Caps were 149 for four. However, blows often come thick and fast Cup semi-final against India, but Mitchell Australia and India have had a tumultuous injury. Philander’s first over was savaged for 14 Yet it was from then on that the worth of in the one-day game, with the fall-out from Johnson is ready to step up the sledging war. relationship on and off the field in recent runs by New Zealand captain Brendon England 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning this latest loss leaving South Africa with four Warner, who has already been warned twice years. The bad blood showed up during India’s McCullum and he was taken out of the attack, coach Clive Woodward’s oft-repeated phrase more years of World Cup hurt. — AFP for on-field verbal sledges, faces suspension Test and one-day series in Australia prior to the from the final, should Australia qualify, if he is World Cup when heated on-field exchanges found guilty of another misdemeanour at the led to several players being penalised. Three Sydney Cricket ground. Indian players, Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma and Kiwis daring to dream “David will be fine,” Clarke told reporters Shikhar Dhawan, and Australian left-arm fast yesterday. “He knows the rules, as we all do, bowler Mitchell Starc were charged for a and his rules are no different than the rest of breach of the ICC’s code of conduct. Warner ours.” But fast bowler Johnson said he did not was reported both in the Test and one-day expect any let up in Australia’s aggressive series, and was publicly told off by Cricket of World Cup glory approach, and was even willing to take the Australia boss James Sutherland to “stop look- lead if Warner did not sledge. ing for trouble.” Meanwhile, Clarke did not WELLINGTON: New Zealanders hailed the Black Long-suffering Black Caps fans have endured was a last-minute inclusion and many, including “I heard Davey (Warner) say he was not expect the SCG wicket to throw up any surpris- Caps’ cliffhanger World Cup semi-final win over many disappointments over the years but pun- himself, had favoured youngster Jimmy going to get involved in all that stuff,” Johnson es for Thursday’s semi-final, saying it will prove told Fox Sports. “Someone has got to do it and to be a good cricketing pitch. South Africa as one of the country’s top sporting dits said it was finally time to start believing the Neesham over the 36-year-old. I think I might put my hand up. It’s part of the There is growing speculation that the dry, moments yesterday and finally began dreaming team could deliver against either Australia or “It will now be remembered as one of the game.” Meanwhile all-rounder Shane Watson brown wicket will suit India more than the of even greater glory in the tournament decider India in Melbourne on Sunday. “Dare to dream, most inspired selections in New Zealand cricket accepted he too was on thin ice after being home team’s fast bowlers, but Clarke said: “I on Sunday. “One to go,” trumpeted the front New Zealand “ advised Fairfax cricket writer Fred history,” he said. Cricket World Cup’s New fined for exchanging words with Pakistan think the SCG in general is a really good wicket page of the New Zealand Herald, while the Woodcock, adding: “If you didn’t think these Zealand chief executive Therese Walsh said the paceman Wahab Riaz during Australia’s quar- for both both batting and bowling.” India have Dominion Post’s back page headline described Black Caps had the mental strength to go the atmosphere at Eden Park was the most intense ter-final victory. beaten Australia just once in 35 years in a one- victory over the Proteas at Eden Park as “The whole way, you should now, because they stood she had experienced at a match, reflecting the “I don’t want to get fined again or get sus- day international at the SCG and the hosts stuff that dreams are made of”. up under the pressure that defines teams.” way the event has gripped the country. “That pended so I know I’m going to have to be have won all six World Cup semi-finals they There was also relief at a four-wicket win NZ Herald columnist David Leggat even sug- euphoria at the end. I can’t remember another even more diligent with what I say, when I say have contested since the inaugural event in achieved with just one ball to spare that pro- gested the spectacle at Eden Park exceeded the time it’s been like that. People hugging, crying. It it and how I say it,” Watson said. “Based on my 1975. Australia will start as favorites, but Clarke pelled New Zealand into the final for the first Rugby World Cup final at the same venue in was an amazing New Zealand moment,” she told last fine, I am just about on my last warning.” insisted the expectations from home fans will time after a run of six losses in the semis. 2011, when New Zealand edged France 8-7 — Radio New Zealand. Walsh noted the match end- The International Cricket Council faced criti- not put undue pressure on his side. Former Black Cap bowler Jacob Oram said unheard of praise in the All Blacks-obsessed ed New Zealand’s co-hosting duties, with the cism for being heavy-handed in fining both “Expectations will be there because we are the Brendon McCullum’s men had shown their class nation. “Rugby people will swear the 2011 final remaining semi-final set for Sydney today and Wahab and Watson, but chief executive David number one one-day team in the world,” he against a dangerous South African side and can’t be beaten for drama and sheer occasion,” the final in Melbourne on Sunday. Richardson insisted they had done the right said. “The reason you have that expectation on should be favourites in a tournament where he wrote. “Fair enough, but to these eyes, this “To get through the last six weeks, 23 games thing. you is because you’ve performed.” Organisers they remain undefeated after eight matches. was special.” across the country, with this fabulous weather, “I enjoyed the competitiveness ... it was just expect Indian fans to outnumber their “It looks at the moment like nothing daunts There was also praise for Johannesburg-born such exciting cricket,” she said. a pity it extended later in the game to some- Australian counterparts at the the 42,000- them,” he told commercial radio. “The bigger the Grant Elliott whose 84 not out, capped with a “Half the games were sellouts and we’ve had thing you wouldn’t want your kids to see,” said capacity SCG, but Clarke said: “That’s fine. We expectation, the more that’s asked, the bigger stunning six off the penultimate ball, made him hundreds of thousands of Kiwis through the Richardson. “Things get heated-we actually have played in India a number of times and they stand up. I honestly don’t think this World an unlikely match-winner. gates. It’s just taken the country by storm and like them to get heated from time to time. On they out-support us there as well. —AFP Cup final is going to daunt these guys.” The Herald’s Dylan Cleaver pointed out Elliott we couldn’t be happier.” — AFP Kings thrash Superpowers Rangers collide in semi blockbuster

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 201515 18 Alonso return takes focus off Mercedes Page 16

SHANGHAI: Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford of Canada perform during the Pairs Short Program in the ISU World Figure Skating Championship 2015 held at the Oriental Sports Center. — AP Duhamel, Radford dominate worlds dance

SHANGHAI: Canada’s Meagan Duhamel Duhamel spoke of how “difficult” it was to of trying to get that perfect skate verses a ons Madison Chock and Evan Bates took an was huge for us,” said Evans. “We were in the and Eric Radford inched towards clinching perform, given the intense home support really good skate. early lead after the short programme with a same scenario, leading going into the free the world title in Shanghai yesterday, taking for their Chinese rivals in the noisy Oriental “But overall I think we feel very, very con- career-best score. dance, and we weren’t particularly thrilled the lead in the pairs short program by a Sports Centre. fident going into tomorrow. Aside from just The pair edged Canadian rivals Kaitlyn with our free dance. We knew we could huge four points. “We are really happy with our perform- having a clean skate we want to have a Weaver and Andrew Poje with 74.47 points, skate better.” Dancing to “Un peu plus haut” by Ginette ance today. We are extremely proud of our- great performance.” Pang and Tong, mean- well ahead of last month’s Four Continent’s Evans said the experience would help Reno, the duo proved why they were the selves,” she said. “It is difficult to go out on while, came out of retirement to perform in winners, who scored 72.68. the couple “attack the program” and skate pre-tournament favorites with a dominant the ice when everybody skates so well, Shanghai and were warmly welcomed by a French hopefuls Gabriella Papadakis and “as if we were coming from behind.” Weaver display which put them in first place with a especially when the crowd is going crazy for passionate home-crowd. Guillaume Cizeron settled for fourth place and Poje-who also won December’s Grand seemingly unassailable 76.98 points. Their the fellow competitors.” Chinese pair Sui Wenjing and Han Cong on 71.94, behind Italians Anna Cappellini Prix Final in Barcelona-were heavily backed nearest opponents, China’s Pang Qing and Radford said the pair were “confident” also lapped up the support, finishing third and Luca Lanotte who were on 72.39. It was before the tournament to win in Shanghai. Tong Jian, scored 72.59, but will need to per- heading into the final, and were looking to on 71.63 with an upbeat dance to “Stray Cat a sweet victory for Chock and Evans, who Weaver said the pair were upbeat head- form miracles to overcome the Canadian continue their incredible form. “We know Strut” by Brian Setzer. now have a day to prepare ahead of the ing into the next stage of the competition. champions in Thursday’s free-skating final. we can do our job in the moment because Peng Cheng and Zhang Hao were the final free dance on Friday. “Andrew and I are very happy with our Duhamel and Radford have been in scin- we have done it in training and have done it third Chinese pair to make the top five with But they are mindful of their experience short dance today,” she told reporters. “We tillating form this season, and remain unde- in the past competitions,” he said. a score of 69.67, behind Russians Yuko at the Four Continents in Seoul, where they were able to focus and be in the zone.” The feated after clinching the Grand Prix Finals in “Having a great skate in the short course Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov who fin- led at the first stage, only to slip into second ISU World Figure Skating Championships December and Four Continents last month. helps us feel more relaxed and also our ished fourth with 71.59 points. place behind Weaver and Poje. are being held in Shanghai until Following their heroics in Shanghai, scores allow us a bit more freedom in terms In the ice dance competition, US champi- “Our experience at the Four Continents Saturday.— AFP Warriors clinch division title

PORTLAND: Stephen Curry had 33 scored 30 for the Lakers, who lost for Antonio in the Western Conference. ence, while the Heat fell to 32-38. points and 10 assists as the Golden the 10th time in their last 12 games. The Bucks also swept the four-game State Warriors pulled away from the BUCKS 89, HEAT 88 season series with the Heat to short-handed Trail Blazers in the sec- MAVERICKS 101, SPURS 94. Khris Middleton hit a 3-pointer at ensure the tie-breaker between the ond half for a 122-108 victory on Monta Ellis matched his season the buzzer as the Milwaukee Bucks teams. Tuesday, clinching the team’s first high with 38 points as the Dallas snapped a six-game losing streak Ilyasova had 19 points and division title in 39 years. Mavericks rallied in the second half. with an 89-88 comeback victory in a Giannis Antetokounmpo added 16 Andre Iguodala came off the Ellis hit 16 of 27 field-goal key game for the sixth spot in the for the Bucks, who won for just the bench to score 21 points for the attempts, bouncing back from his 4- Eastern Conference playoff race. fourth time in 18 games. Wade had Warriors, who won their seventh for-22 performance Sunday in a loss Bayless missed on a drive down 21 points and Goran Dragic added straight to push their record to and at Phoenix. In three games this sea- the lane, but Zaza Pachulia tapped 16 for the Heat. NBA-best 58-13. son against the Spurs, Ellis is averag- the ball back out to Middleton, Golden State hasn’t claimed the ing 34 points. who buried the winner. He finished PISTONS 108, RAPTORS 104 Pacific Division crown since the Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with with 13. Reggie Jackson had 28 points 1975-76 season, the year after the 19 points and Danny Green added It was a crucial victory for the and nine assists, and Andre team won the NBA championship. 17. The victory pulled Dallas within Bucks, who improved to 35-36 to Drummond added 21 points and 18 With a comfortable lead on sec- percentage points of sixth-place San remain in sixth place in the confer- rebounds for the Detroit Pistons. ond-place Memphis in the Western Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell- Conference, Golden State has Pope combined for 54 points, 13 dropped just one of its last 12 NBA results/standings assists and 11 rebounds in the game games. Damian Lillard had 29 points without committing a turnover. for the Blazers, who have lost five Detroit 108, Toronto 104; Milwaukee 89, Miami 88; Oklahoma City 127, LA Lakers 117; DeMar DeRozan had 22 points PORTLAND: Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard (0) is tied up under the basket by straight following a 1-4 road trip. Dallas 101, San Antonio 94; Sacramento 107, Philadelphia 106; Golden State 122, and 10 rebounds for the Raptors, Golden State Warriors’ Andre Iguodala (9), Klay Thompson (11) and Draymond Portland 108. who lost point guard Kyle Lowry to Green (23) during the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP THUNDER 127, LAKERS 117 Eastern Conference Western Conference back spasms in the second quarter. NBA scoring leader Russell Atlantic Division Northwest Division Pozzovivo takes Catalonia stage Westbrook poured in 27 points and W L PCT GB Portland 44 25 .638 - KINGS 107, 76ERS 106 added 11 assists and Enes Kanter Toronto 42 29 .592 - Oklahoma City 41 30 .577 4 DeMarcus Cousins had 33 points GIRONA: Italian Domenico Pozzovivo won Contador, who will attempt a Giro contributed 25 points and 16 Boston 31 39 .443 10.5 Utah 31 39 .443 13.5 and 17 rebounds as the Sacramento the third stage of the Tour of Catalonia yes- d’Italia and Tour double this year, said he rebounds for the Thunder’s fourth Brooklyn 29 40 .420 12 Denver 27 44 .380 18 Kings dealt the Philadelphia 76ers terday as France’s Pierre Rolland took the was coming into shape in time for May’s straight victory. Philadelphia 17 54 .239 25 Minnesota 16 54 .229 28.5 their 16th straight road loss. overall lead. Tour of Italy. Kanter had a double-double in NY Knicks 14 57 .197 28 Pacific Division The Kings limited Philadelphia to AG2R’s Pozzovivo made a solo dart for “I’m happy, I feel quite good. It’s the last Central Division Golden State 58 13 .817 - the first quarter with 15 points and Cleveland 46 26 .639 - no field goals and three points in the home from a seven-man breakaway group race before the Giro and it’s good that my LA Clippers 46 25 .648 12 10 rebounds as Oklahoma City raced Chicago 43 29 .597 3 final 6:12 of the game to register around 2km from the finish and held off his legs are responding. Now I need to recover out to a 37-27 lead. Milwaukee 35 36 .493 10.5 Phoenix 38 33 .535 20 their first-three-game winning streak charging companions to win by 3sec. and tomorrow will be another day,” said the After trailing by 15 at the half, the Indiana 30 40 .429 15 Sacramento 25 45 .357 32.5 since late November. Colombia’s Rigoberto Uran took second 32-year-old six-time Grand Tour winner. A Lakers closed to 70-61 before Detroit 27 44 .380 18.5 LA Lakers 18 51 .261 39 Rudy Gay had 21 points and eight with Dan Martin of Ireland in third after split in the peloton resulted in a frantic fin- Southwest Division Westbrook scored twice in 15 sec- Southeast Division rebounds and Ray McCallum added 156.6km around Girona. Pre-race favourite ish to the stage as Tuesday’s second stage Memphis 50 21 .704 - onds on his way to 14 third-quarter Atlanta 53 17 .757 - 11 points for the Kings, who have a Alberto Contador finished fourth but fellow winner and one of the overall favorites points. Washington 40 31 .563 13.5 Houston 47 23 .671 2.5 7-11 record since George Karl began San Antonio 44 26 .629 5.5 former Tour de France winner Chris Froome Alejandro Valverde had been caught The Thunder led 100-88 after Miami 32 38 .457 21 coaching the team in mid-February. Charlotte 30 39 .435 22.5 Dallas 45 27 .625 5.5 gave up 22sec on the winner after failing to behind in the second group that lost 30 three and played reserves most of Orlando 22 50 .306 32 New Orleans 37 33 .529 12.5 Robert Covington had five 3-point- follow the initial break. seconds. — AFP the fourth quarter. Jordan Clarkson ers and scored 21 for the 76ers. —AP Qatar bourse to treat Gulf investors as locals

Page 22 Business Ooredoo announces fastest network in Kuwait THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 Page 23 KIA Motors unveils UK offers opportunities for Kuwait’s small investors family-oriented models Page 25 Page 26

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Shuaib Al-Shuaib, Faisal Al-Ayyar, Waleed Al-Osaimi and Faisal Al-Oreifan at the annual general assembly meeting yesterday. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat KIPCO looks to double profit by 2018 Shareholders approve a cash dividend of 25%

By Ben Garcia taining sound profitability levels.” 567 million), compared to KD 132 million (US$ On the question about selling OSN, Al- Al-Ayyar noted the company’s financial 451 million) in 2013. The company’s total rev- Ayyar noted “OSN is unique, something that KUWAIT: Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO) standing is proof of what they’ve been talking enue from continuing operations increased we need, and the leading paid TV network in pledged to double its 2014 profit by 2018 about. “It is real, the growth of their business- 16 per cent in 2014 to stand at KD 598 million the region, creating a value of about 300 mil- during the Annual Investors’ Forum held at es and we think that we can really achieve (US$ 2 billion), compared to the KD 514 mil- lion dollars a year. This is a cash flow company their Sharq headquarters. The projected tar- what we have targeted, hoping that unfore- lion (US$ 1.76 billion) reported in 2013. and it could create a billion dollars in five years get will be driven by the growth in operating seen circumstances will not overwhelm us In its outlook, KIPCO said it expects its starting from this year. We have companies profits in its underlying entities and a lower along the way. We are taking considerations portfolio of core companies - which includes showing interest, and it’s an on-going discus- cost of debt. Speaking with the reporters after for our existing businesses and we are posi- Burgan Bank, OSN, Gulf Insurance Group, sion, we are looking for the right partner and the company’s annual Shafafiyah (transparen- tive to deliver that by 2018,” he added. United Gulf Bank, United Real Estate, Qurain we need value in this organization so we keep cy) Investors’ Forum, Faisal Al-Ayyar said that Al-Ayyar presented KIPCO’s review of 2014 Petrochemical Industries, SADAFCO and our options open,” he added. at last year’s forum, the company expected and its current outlook for the next four years United Education Co - will continue to deliver Commenting on the future outlook for KIP- double digit growth to become their underly- to an audience of shareholders, financial ana- growth over the next four years. For example, CO, Al Ayyar said they never stop looking for ing financial trend and their key companies lysts and institutional investors. The forum fol- in the case of OSN - an unlisted core asset of the best for the company. “We will continue delivered on that promise. lowed the company’s General Assembly the Group - KIPCO sees enormous potential the goal of expansion, as we already men- “Burgan Bank’s net profit increased by 207 meeting where KIPCO shareholders approved for continuing growth in the number of cus- tioned. We’ve been buying banks and insur- percent and OSN’s by 66 percent, QPIC’s net a cash dividend of 25 per cent (25 fils per tomers, revenue and profits based on the ance companies, we’ve been developing a real profit increased by 22 percent, while GIG was share). favorable demographics of OSN’s target base estate company and invested lot money in up 18 percent. Revenue for URC and UGB was KIPCO said that 2014 was its twenty-third and its world-class customer propositions. expansion programs,” he said. Indicators point up 23 percent and 163 percent respectively in consecutive year of profitability. The company The cumulative dividend potential of OSN to gradual local and regional economic recov- 2014. These results reflect the strong per- had also achieved its objectives for the year over the next five years could reach around ery and their companies are poised to benefit formance indicators in our core sectors. They and delivered on its promise of double-digit US$ 1 billion. OSN is expected to distribute from this improvement in their respective also reflect the Group’s approach of building growth. KIPCO’s operating profit in 2014 US$ 100 million to its shareholders during markets and to continue to be profitable and scale, capabilities and footprint while main- increased 26 per cent to KD 166 million (US$ 2015, subject to approvals. dividend paying in 2015 and beyond. Faisal Al-Ayyar

London builds on China links with new traded product Bourses tumble amid Yemen talk LONDON: The London Stock Exchange yester- in developing an offshore RMB market in London day launched a product allowing small investors through innovation and partnership.” MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS exposure to Chinese bond markets in the local Jin Xu, a senior official at the Chinese currency, building on the British capital’s status as embassy in London said “the UK can continually Advanced Petrochemical Co, whose net triangle pointing considerably lower. a global financial hub. “The listing, the first of its play an important role in the RMB international- DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s stock market tumbled type in any European market, underlines London ization”. The fund, known as Commerzbank CCBI in a broad sell-off yesterday as investors profit OBIC expects to plunge 87 percent, Abu Dhabi’s bourse edged down 0.4 per- and London Stock Exchange’s pre-eminent posi- RQFII Money Market UCITS ETF, allows investors grew concerned about upcoming first-quar- tumbled 7.8 percent on Wednesday. cent as National Bank of Abu Dhabi dropped tion as the leading Western financial centre for to make use of ETFs, which are traded like shares ter earnings announcements, stretched valu- National Commercial Bank, the kingdom’s 2.6 percent. But investment firm Waha trading of” products denominated in renminbi and are widely regarded as an inexpensive and ations and the escalation of military conflict biggest lender, fell 5.1 percent after OBIC Capital jumped 3.3 percent after its share- (RMB), said a statement issued by the LSE. low-risk way of investing. in neighboring Yemen. forecast its quarterly profit would slip 1.5 holders approved a 0.30 dirham dividend for The new Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) is the “The launch of this innovative new prod- Other Gulf bourses were also weak, even percent. 2014. Chairman Hussain Jasim Al Nowais first to offer both institutional and retail investors uct, which will provide further opportunities as oil prices climbed about 1 percent on the Instability in Yemen also hurt market sen- told the meeting that Waha planned further exposure to money market instruments that for British and other global investors to invest back of a weaker US dollar, indicating that timent. Saudi Arabia is moving heavy mili- investments in high growth sectors such as invest in the China Interbank Bond Market (CIBM) directly into China, underscores Britain’s posi- concern over Yemen may be shared across tary equipment including artillery to areas healthcare, education, energy and infrastruc- via Germany’s Commerzbank and China’s CCB tion as the Western centre for offshore RMB the region. near its border with Yemen, US officials said ture, while its capital markets division was International (CCBI). “This is a landmark listing for and a global centre for asset management,” London and an important sign of the market’s said senior Treasury official Andrea Leadsom. The main Saudi index sank 5.0 percent, its on Tuesday, indicating a risk that Riyadh looking to expand into investment manage- openness to new RMB product development,” Britain last year launched a yuan-denominat- biggest daily drop in three months, with might be drawn into the conflict. The Arab ment, according to the company’s state- said LSE chief executive Xavier Rolet in a state- ed sovereign bond, the first of its kind by a most stocks deeply in the red on strong vol- League’s deputy secretary general said on ment. ment. “We are fully committed to supporting the Western nation outside China and the largest ume. The benchmark had vastly outper- Wednesday that the regional body would Qatar fell 1.5 percent with most stocks in efforts of the Chinese and the UK governments ever non-Chinese issue. — AFP formed other Gulf markets and was up 12 discuss a proposal by Yemen’s foreign minis- the red, while Kuwait edged down 0.5 per- percent year-to-date as of Tuesday’s close. ter, who called on Arab states to intervene cent and Oman slipped 0.1 percent. Egypt’s Most other markets in the region are sitting militarily to halt the Houthi Shiite militia’s market fell 1.8 percent to 9,198 points, a on year-to-date losses. “We have been talk- advance. two-month low, in another broad sell-off. ing about expensive valuations for the last It is not clear that even military interven- Selling pressure intensified after it dipped couple of weeks,” said Abdullah Alawi, assis- tion would have a significant impact on the below technical support at its March low of tant general manager and head of research Saudi economy or its domestic security situ- 9,259 points. at Aljazira Capital. “But the drop was faster ation, but the news from Yemen neverthe- The market rallied earlier this year, first on than expected.” less unsettled some retail investors. hopes that cheaper oil would help Egypt Expectations for first-quarter earnings bridge its fiscal and foreign trade gaps, and were a negative factor for some stocks, UAE, EGYPT then as the government rolled out plans for although Alawi said they had mostly been Dubai’s index dropped 2.2 percent as new projects worth tens of billions of dollars priced in already. Emaar Properties and Arabtec, the most for an investment summit this month. Broker and fund manager Osool and traded stocks, fell 3.3 and 5.0 percent respec- But despite oil’s plunge, Egypt’s current Bakheet Investment Co (OBIC) has published tively. Builder Arabtec closed at 2.30 account deficit widened to $2.9 billion in its forecasts for a number of companies, pre- dirhams, again testing major technical sup- the three months to December from $1.4 dicting sharp declines for petrochemicals as port at its July 2014 low of 2.35 dirhams; any billion in the same period the previous LONDON: Xavier Rolet (left), Chief Executive Officer of the London Stock Exchange low oil prices squeeze their profit margins, clean break of that support - two straight year, official data showed at the end of last Group and Dr Hu Zhanghong (third left), Chief Executive Officer of the China and minor decreases for some banks. daily closes - would trigger a bearish right week. — Reuters Construction Bank, are pictured during the opening of the market at the London Stock Exchange in London yesterday. — AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 BUSINESS Qatar bourse to treat Gulf investors as locals News Doha freeing up foreigner quotas in brief

DUBAI: Qatar’s stock exchange will treat investors from Gulf ed Qatari companies, most of which have ceilings on total with the heaviest weightings in global benchmarks. Kuwait Central Bank Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as local citizens from foreign ownership of 25 or 49 percent. However, the deci- Index compiler MSCI upgraded Qatar to emerging mar- issues monthly report today when calculating whether foreign ownership in listed sion looks likely to have little immediate impact on invest- ket status last year, prompting an inflow of foreign funds. KUWAIT: Central Bank of Kuwait Governor Dr companies has reached permissible limits, the bourse said ment flows since foreign ownership limits for most stocks However, the market has since suffered in the region-wide Mohammad Al-Hashel said yesterday that the bank yesterday. are far from being used up. sell-off driven by oil’s plunge. It has lost 6.4 percent this year. issued its monthly statistical report, including chronol- The move will in effect allow foreign investors, from both Foreigners own just 7.3 percent of Qatar National Bank GCC members, apart from Qatar, are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, ogy of major national economic events since 40 years the Gulf and outside the region, to hold bigger stakes in list- and 6.8 percent of Industries Qatar, two local companies the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Bahrain. —Reuters ago. Al-Hashel told KUNA the edition will be a useful reference for researchers and anyone concerned with economic, banking or financial affairs. The CBK regularly Sinopec Oilfield updates its data references and basis. The new edition includes figures about the CBK assets, budgets of local expects lower banks and investment companies. It also includes infor- mation about commissions on monetary trades, partic- overseas contracts ularly those via ATM machines, interest rate of banks’ HONG KONG: Sinopec Oilfield Service Corp expects deposits, rate of the Kuwaiti dinar, currencies of other GCC countries, vis-a-vis major currencies. It is available to sign overseas contracts worth $2.4 billion this online, at: www.cbk.gov.kw. year, it said yesterday, representing a 21 percent fall year-on-year amid belt-tightening across the sector after the sharp decline in crude prices. Saudi Maaden shuts The company will continue to implement its over- down ammonia plant seas expansion strategy, despite the expected fall in overseas demand, chairman Jiao Fangzheng said at DUBAI: Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) said yes- the results briefing. The company, parent of Asia’s terday its subsidiary Maaden Phosphate Company (MPC) largest refiner Sinopec Corp, will focus on providing had shut down an ammonia plant due to unscheduled integrated oilfield services-from drilling, to geo- technical repairs at a cooling facility. The plant, located in the Maaden complex at Ras Al-Khair city, was shut down physics and engineering and construction-to proj- on March 23 “for a period of around 10 days”, the company ects in countries like Mexico, Kuwait, Nigeria and said in a statement. Ma’aden said MPC would continue pro- Kazakhstan this year, he said. ducing diammonium phosphate, a fertiliser for which Sinopec Oilfield is also seeking to make an over- ammonia is a feedstock, using its inventory and “the shut- seas acquisition to secure technologies the compa- down will have no significant financial impact”. Ma’aden ny lacks, Jiao said. He did not elaborate, but noted has a 70 percent stake in MPC and Saudi Basic Industries that Sinopec Oilfield hopes to grow its offshore owns 30 percent. service capabilities as currently onshore services account for 95 percent of its annual revenue. Sinopec Oilfield announced yesterday that Egypt’s Suez canal turnover declined 12 percent year-on-year to 94.4 revenue at $382m billion yuan ($15.20 billion) in 2014, 66 percent of CAIRO: Egypt’s revenue from the Suez Canal was $382 which came from its parent, which is engaged in oil BEIJING: People walk by the headquarters of the China National Petroleum Corporation in Beijing yes- million in February, a government website said yester- and gas exploration around the world. “Domestic terday. The inexorable decline of the euro offers ambitious Chinese firms a bargain buffet of euro-zone day, down from $434.8 million in January. The fastest and international oil companies have mostly low- business, analysts say, with this weekend’s multibillion deal for Italian tyremaker Pirelli only the latest shipping route between Europe and Asia is one of ered their exploration and production capital Egypt’s main sources of foreign currency. expenditure, which is posing a serious challenge to course in an acquisition binge. —AFP our company,” Jiao told reporters. Net profit surged 20-fold to 1.2 billion yuan, due Hikma Pharma to meet largely to one-off gains from a major asset restruc- Amlak to seek shareholder investors for dollar bond turing involving the injection of oil service assets DUBAI: Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc, a drugs group found- into the listed company from its parent. backing to lift trading halt ed in Jordan in 1978, has picked four banks to arrange a Like many other oil service companies, Sinopec series of fixed income meetings starting Friday for a poten- Oilfield is suffering from falling upstream spending tial benchmark dollar bond, a document from lead by Chinese national oil giants like its parent and DUBAI: Dubai’s Amlak Finance will hold a shareholder next month’s Amlak’s annual shareholder meeting, arrangers showed. The company has picked Citigroup, PetroChina. They have been cutting spending due meeting on April 16 to seek their approval for lifting a which was published on Dubai’s bourse website yester- Barclays, HSBC and National Bank of Abu Dhabi to arrange to a government-led corruption investigation in the six-and-a-half year trading suspension on the mortgage day. investor meetings in Europe and the Middle East, the docu- sector and an about 50 percent decline in interna- lender’s shares, according to a bourse filing yesterday. If In March, Amlak reported a 22 percent rise in attrib- ment stated. Hikma, rated BB+ Standard and Poor’s and tional oil prices since June. Sinopec Corp said this shareholders agree, the board will then seek permission utable net annual profit for 2014 as gains from its debt Ba1 by Moody’s, joined Britain’s benchmark FTSE 100 equi- week its upstream spending will fall 15 percent to from the “concerned authorities” to resume trade and restructuring offset write-downs in its property portfo- ty index in March. Getting into the FTSE 100 can often fuel 68.2 billion yuan this year. determine a date to do so. lio. The company signed a $2.7 billion debt and financ- further demand for a company’s shares, since funds that Shares of privately-controlled Chinese oilfield Trading in Amlak, 48 percent owned by Dubai’s ing restructuring deal with creditors last November track the FTSE or invest in the index can then add that service firms, such as Anton Oilfield, Hilong biggest developer Emaar Properties, was halted in after protracted negotiations. stock to their portfolio. Holdings and Honghua Group, have tumbled 50-70 November 2008 as credit markets dried up and the emi- Amlak’s meeting agenda also proposes paying addi- percent in the past 12 months. Jiao said Sinopec rate’s real estate prices began a 50 percent tumble from tional fees to directors “for their special and additional Oilfield is benefiting from Sinopec Corp’s growing their peak. Various officials have previously claimed that efforts above their normal duties ... to regularize the Bank of China spending on shale gas production. Sinopec Corp trading would soon resume - in March 2014, the United financial situation of the company”. plans to spend 12.8 billion yuan on shale gas devel- Arab Emirates’ economy minister said this would occur in The shares last traded at 1.02 dirhams ($0.28) on Nov. says 2014 net opment this year, up from 11 billion yuan in 2014, the second half of that year. 20, 2008, having fallen 79 percent in the preceding six he noted. —Reuters But the plan now appears more concrete - an item to months as Dubai’s housing crash and the global finan- profit up over 8% approve restarting trading is included on the agenda of cial crisis sent related stocks tumbling. —Reuters SHANGHAI: The Bank of China (BOC), the country’s main foreign exchange bank, said yesterday that its net profit Brent oil rises as euro gains against dollar rose more than eight percent last year, helped by expanding overseas business. Net profit reached 169.60 billion yuan ($27.80 billion) last year, up from 156.91 bil- LONDON: Brent oil prices rose yester- fifth month in a row in March, hitting its crude oil stockpiles to record highs “Although the market should already lion yuan in 2013, according to a statement to the Hong day as the euro strengthened against highest since July 2014, Ifo’s business above 450 million barrels. have expected that the demand from Kong stock exchange, where it is listed. the dollar following a boost in business climate index showed. Business morale Chinese crude oil stocks are also at China’s SPR would not last forever, it “The operating environment for banks is undergoing morale in the euro-zone’s top two also rose in France to its highest for historic highs and the country’s com- (was) hard to predict when this time immense and profound changes,” bank chairman Tian economies. nearly three years. A senior Gulf dele- mercial and strategic storage is almost would come,” said Daniel Ang, invest- Guoli said in the statement. “Chinese economic growth The euro was up 0.6 percent against gate of the Organization of the full, a Sinopec trading executive told an ment analyst at oil brokerage Phillip has entered the new normal.” the dollar, the currency in which crude Petroleum Exporting Countries told industry forum. Futures. The phrase is authorities’ preferred term for slower but oil futures trade. The dollar lost 0.5 per- Reuters on Tuesday that stronger-than- With storage approaching its limit, US oil prices have been squeezed as hopefully more sustainable expansion. China’s gross cent against a basket of currencies, expected global oil demand should China’s oil imports will likely stay flat or crude stocks continue to rise to record domestic product grew 7.4 percent last year, the weakest making dollar-traded commodities help support crude prices at around rise only slightly this year, the official highs. Investors awaited US oil invento- in nearly a quarter of a century. more attractive for holders of other cur- $55-$60 a barrel in the next two months said. China has been taking advantage ry data from the Energy Information The Agricultural Bank of China, another of the coun- rencies. despite some signs of a growing glut in of cheap oil to build up its strategic Administration (EIA) due later on try’s “Big Four” state-owned banks, on Tuesday reported Brent crude oil was up 74 cents at the United States. US crude oil invento- petroleum reserves (SPRs), helping push Wednesday to see whether it confirmed a 7.9 percent rise in net profit last year to 179.46 billion $55.85 a barrel by 1236 GMT. US light ries rose by 4.8 million barrels in the its imports to record highs late last year the API report. A Reuters poll of eight yuan, citing the country’s weak economy. BOC stock crude oil was up 35 cents at $47.86 per week to March 20, data from the despite an economy growing at its slow- analysts forecast the EIA report would closed down 3.15 percent in Shanghai and fell 0.23 per- barrel. Germany, Europe’s largest econo- American Petroleum Institute (API) est pace in 25 years, but that process is show a crude stock build of 5.1 million cent in Hong Kong on Wednesday before the earnings my, saw business morale rise for the showed on Tuesday, pushing total US now ending. barrels on average last week. —Reuters report was released.—AFP EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.590 Sierra Leone 0.000066 0.000072 Nepalese Rupees 4.000 Singapore Dollar 0.216008 0.222008 South African Rand 0.019343 0.027843 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 81.630 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001877 0.002457 Japanese Yen 2.509 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.900 Australian Dollar 234.33 Taiwan 0.009472 0.009652 Indian Rupees 4.823 Thai Bhat 10.175 Canadian Dollar 243.99 Turkish Lira 115.790 Thai Baht 0.008898 0.009448 Pakistani Rupees 2.944 Swiss Franc 317.21 Srilankan Rupees 2.245 Euro 332.77 Arab Nepali Rupees 3.016 US Dollar 300.35 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.789692 0.797692 Singapore Dollar 220.050 Sterling Pound 451.05 Egyptian Pound 0.038974 0.042074 Hongkong Dollar 38.707 Japanese Yen 2.55 Iranian Riyal 0.000083 0.000084 Bangladesh Taka 3.857 Bangladesh Taka 3.856 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Iraqi Dinar 0.000190 0.000250 Philippine Peso 6.703 Indian Rupee 4.812 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.419321 0.426821 Thai Baht 9.238 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.245 Belgian Franc 0.007827 0.008827 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Nepali Rupee 3.018 British Pound 0.438833 0.447833 Lebanese Pound 0.000149 0.000249 GCC COUNTRIES Pakistani Rupee 2.945 Czech Korune 0.003935 0.015935 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021458 0.045458 Saudi Riyal 80.072 UAE Dirhams 81.64 Danish Krone 0.039834 0.044834 Nigerian Naira 0.001233 0.001868 Qatari Riyal 82.493 Bahraini Dinar 797.19 Euro 0.322149 0.330149 Omani Riyal 0.773595 0.779275 Omani Riyal 780.120 Egyptian Pound 39.25 Norwegian Krone 0.034140 0.039340 Qatar Riyal 0.081733 0.082946 Bahraini Dinar 797.530 Jordanian Dinar 426.76 Romanian Leu 0.074121 0.074121 Saudi Riyal 0.079403 0.080103 UAE Dirham 81.762 Omani Riyal 778.93 Slovakia 0.008902 0.018902 Syrian Pound 0.001271 0.001491 Qatari Riyal 82.71 Swedish Krona 0.031256 0.036256 Tunisian Dinar 0.152605 0.160605 ARAB COUNTRIES Saudi Riyal 80.01 Swiss Franc 0.306057 0.316257 Turkish Lira 0.116094 0.123094 Egyptian Pound - Cash 40.275 Turkish Lira 0.116094 0.123094 UAE Dirhams 0.080738 0.081887 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.263 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemeni Riyal 0.001356 0.001436 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.401 Australasia Tunisian Dinar 156.170 Australian Dollar 0.227877 0.239377 Jordanian Dinar 423.790 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.222660 0.232160 Al Mulla Exchange Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.014 US Dollar 300.350 America Syrian Lira 2.140 Canadian Dollar 239.250 Canadian Dollar 0.234445 0.242945 Morocco Dirham 30.007 Sterling Pound 444.335 US Dollars 0.296050 0.300750 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Euro 321.480 US Dollars Mint 0.296550 0.300750 US Dollar 298.850 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 297.320 Euro 323.750 US Dollar Transfer 300.150 Bahrain Dinar 798.955 Asia Pound Sterlng 452.450 Euro 329.110 UAE Dirhams 82.150 Bangladesh Taka 0.003513 0.004113 Canadian Dollar 239.000 Sterling Pound 447.220 Qatari Riyals 83.325 Chinese Yuan 0.046837 0.050337 Indian Rupee 4.775 Canadian dollar 240.700 Saudi Riyals 80.275 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036616 0.039366 Egyptian Pound 39.150 Turkish lira 117.300 Jordanian Dinar 423.940 Indian Rupee 0.004521 0.004922 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.240 Swiss Franc 313.960 Egyptian Pound 39.288 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Bangladesh Taka 3.842 Australian Dollar 237.720 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.249 Japanese Yen 0.002423 0.002603 Philippines Peso 6.750 US Dollar Buying 298.950 Kenyan Shilling 0.003255 0.003255 Indian Rupees 4.805 Pakistan Rupee 2.942 Korean Won 0.000262 0.000277 Pakistani Rupees 2.943 Bahraini Dinar 795.750 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.078266 0.084266 Bangladesh Taka 3.858 UAE Dirham 81.600 20 gram 238.940 Philippines Pesso 6.692 Nepalese Rupee 0.003039 0.003209 Saudi Riyal 79.800 10 gram 121.940 Cyprus pound 737.245 Pakistan Rupee 0.002809 0.003089 5 gram 61.650 Japanese Yen 3.485 Philippine Peso 0.006687 0.006967 *Rates are subject to change THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 BUSINESS Ooredoo announces the fastest network in Kuwait with ‘4G+ Speed’ & LTE-Advanced Delivering data speeds of up to 150Mbps

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, part of the international nology, has also been enabled and introduced in users”. This has been achieved by adding more LTE-Advanced Network making Kuwait one of the leading group “Ooredoo”, formally announced Kuwait. It will be even more faster than the recently capacity in the network which will help customers leading countries in the region.” launching a state-of-the-art 4G+ network and LTE- launched 4G+Speed, combining a chunk of connect more devices, browse internet faster, and He continued: “Capacity is the lifeline for a good Advanced yesterday. 1800MHz spectrum and a chunk of the 800 MHz enjoy high definition images and videos-even super- mobile network and we will continue to add giving Ooredoo has upgraded its 4G-LTE network to spectrum to deliver peak speeds more than 185 detailed 4K. our customers best mobile experience in the coun- ‘4G+ SPEED’ in Kuwait, delivering data speeds of up On the launch of this new network, General try and enhancing their digital lifestyles. These new to 150Mbps. This makes ‘4G+ SPEED’ available to all Manager and CEO Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al- developments will also start to bring a range of new of Ooredoo Kuwait’s customers on their existing 4G- Thani General Manager & CEO of Ooredoo Kuwait innovative services to the fore.” LTE plans and 4G-LTE handsets or routers. said “We are proud to launch Ooredoo’s ‘4G+SPEED’ “We’ve invested a lot in our infrastructure as well Customers don’t need to purchase a special handset network to all our customers. This service truly puts as in our network modernization and given people or router to take advantage of this very fast ‘4G+ Mbps - at par with the fastest mobile networks in the us on the map as one of the most connected coun- in Kuwait a mobile network, one of the most fastest SPEED’ network. There is also no additional charge world.. Ooredoo Kuwait will have the fastest LTE tries in the world and will provide the fastest and in the world, and even faster than most fiber broad- for Ooredoo Kuwait customers to use the new ‘4G+ Advanced network best LTE service in Kuwait for our people. At the band available in the world. Ooredoo Kuwait is now SPEED’ network. ‘4G+SPEED’ is like adding an extra lane on a same time, we are honored to introduce the latest in back being a world leader in mobile networks,” the LTE-Advanced which is the next step in 4G tech- motorway, leading to better & faster experience for mobile data technology with the introduction of our CEO concluded. AAW Chairman meets with Lebanese ambassador

KUWAIT: Ali Abdulwahab Al-Mutawa Commercial Co (AAW) yesterday announced that Chairman and CEO of AAW, Faisal Ali Abdulwahab Al- Mutawa met with Lebanese Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Kheder Hilwe, at the AAW headquarters where they discussed historical ties between Kuwait and Lebanon and the business relationship between the two countries. During the visit, Dr Hilwe expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome received from Al- DALLAS: A Jaguar F-Type S Convertible listed at $81,000 is on display in the Mutawa, strengthening relations High End section of the 2015 DFW Auto Show at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson and promoting mutual interest Convention Center in Dallas. —AP between the two parties. AAW Chairman and CEO, Faisal Ali Al- Mutawa said: “For years, Lebanon Saudi’s Dar Al-Arkan says land and Kuwait have had excellent ties and deep cooperation between the tax unlikely to hurt business two economies, helping make a KUWAIT: AAW Chairman and CEO Faisal Ali Abdulwahab Al-Mutawa with Lebanese Ambassador positive difference in various fields to Kuwait Dr Kheder Hilwe at the AAW headquarters. RIYADH: Dar Al-Arkan Real Estate PROJECTS of interest. I would like to thank Dr KhederHilwe for his visit, his com- Ali Abdulwahab Al-Mutawa Biotronik, Nuxe, Bioderma, Nolte Estate, and Pharmaceuticals where it Development Co, one of Saudi Arabia’s Dar al Arkan’s projects mainly focus on mitment, and welcome him anytime Commercial Co (AAW) is one of the Group, La Cornue, Bosch, Siemens, is a leading wholesale and retail dis- largest listed property firms, said a development of basic infrastructure on at AAW.” largest trading and commercial com- The North Face, Coleman, Nike, The tributor of pharmaceutical and med- planned tax on undeveloped land was undeveloped land and the sale of such AAW is one of the oldest, largest panies in Kuwait, operating in seven Athlete’s Foot, Crocs, Puma, Shoebox ical products. It also holds a unlikely to be applied to its huge land land. According to its latest financial retail and distribution companies in diverse business sectors and distrib- New York, among many others. renowned portfolio of principals like bank or push the kingdom’s land prices report, its revenue from land sales was Kuwait with world-class operations utes in Kuwait’s surging wholesale, AAW’s continuously growing Pfizer and Novo Nordisk distributed down sharply. 2.9 billion riyals in 2014, out of total rev- in seven diverse retail divisions, rep- retail and consumer market over 100 business lines include Consumer through its subsidiary Safwan The cabinet’s announcement of the enue of 3.1 billion riyals. resenting over 100 global brands in different global brands, including Goods, Furniture, Kitchens, Home Trading and Contracting (Safwan). tax, designed to deter hoarding of land To insulate itself from the volatility of the surging consumer market of world-class brands such as Procter Appliances, Outdoor Gear and Safwan is listed on the Kuwait Stock and force more of it into the market the Saudi land market, the company has Kuwait. and Gamble, Clorox, Roche, Takeda, Equipment, Sports and Fashion, Real Exchange. where it can be used to resolve a housing launched a diversification plan which shortage, shook up the Saudi stock mar- envisages obtaining only 50 percent of ket on Tuesday. Shares in construction its revenue from selling land and hous- and building supplies firms jumped on ing units. Forty percent is to come from hopes of an increase in home building, leasing housing and commercial units, while shares in real estate developers and 10 percent from investment in equi- sank as investors feared their land banks ties and bank deposits, by around 2019. would be taxed. Dar Al-Arkan tumbled Shelash said he did not expect the 6.5 percent. new tax to cause a sharp fall in Saudi The company’s land bank, which it val- land prices, predicting only a moderate ued at 14.5 billion riyals ($3.9 billion) at change. He noted that government offi- the end of 2014, totals almost 40 million cials had been discussing the idea since square metres concentrated in Saudi mid-2014. Arabia’s major cities; 60 percent is in “The impact has been largely dis- Jeddah, 12 percent in Riyadh, 21 percent counted in the market already,” he said, in Mecca and 7 percent in Medina and adding that in the past two quarters, Eastern Province. land prices had stopped increasing and But Dar Al-Arkan chairman Yousef al- transactions had declined. Shelash told Reuters that he did not In a step to address the housing short- expect the tax to be applied to this land, age, the government in 2011 allowed since the company was in the process of “off-plan” sales of housing units - those developing it and the government was which are still in the process of being targeting “white” or totally undeveloped built. But the regulations include time- land. “DAAR welcomes all initiatives by consuming requirements for developers, the administration to improve the hous- including a licence for each off-plan ing solutions and facilitate a faster devel- development. opment process, and we are working Shelash said that if the government with the municipalities for master plans followed the land tax with measures to and zoning approvals for our land, and make off-plan housing sales easier, his we are collaborating with utilities compa- company would step up its home build- nies to provide services for these lands,” ing. he said by email on Wednesday. “The purpose of this new law is to “Therefore, taxation on these lands facilitate faster housing development, and we are hoping that on top of the would be unlikely, as it applies to white LONG BEACH: Ships as they wait to be unloaded at the Port of Los Angeles in Long Beach. Orders for US durable goods sagged in lands.” The cabinet gave no details of the new mortgage law, there would be February after January’s gain, led by declines in auto and aircraft orders, the Commerce Department said yesterday. —AFP likely size of the tax, how it would be additional measures to facilitate the off- implemented, or a timetable for introduc- plan selling,” he said. “This would ing it. An economic council will make pro- prompt us to be in a position to change posals to the Shura Council, a top advisory our strategy to massively increase our Weak US business spending body. production of housing units.” —Reuters data points to Q1 slowdown Dubai World gets approval Durable goods orders drop 1.4% in February to restructure $14.6bn debt DUBAI: State-owned conglomerate cerns over whether it could meet a WASHINGTON: US business investment spend- ital goods orders were previously reported to month. Shipments of core capital goods, which Dubai World has been granted large repayment due in 2018, spurred ing plans fell for a sixth straight month in have increased 0.5 percent in January. They last are used to calculate equipment spending in the approval to end court proceedings it to try to amend the terms of that February, likely weighed down by a strong dollar rose in August. US stock index futures were government’s gross domestic product measure- relating to its $14.6 billion debt original deal. and weak global demand, which could lead econ- mixed and prices for US Treasury debt rose after ment, rose 0.2 percent last month after slipping by restructuring deal, according to a The company had brought the omists to further lower their first-quarter growth the data. The dollar hit session lows against the a revised 0.4 percent in January. They were previ- document on the court’s website. The case under Decree 57, a law the gov- estimates. The Commerce Department’s durable euro, yen and Swiss franc. Business spending on ously reported to have gained 0.1 percent in action allows lawyers for the con- ernment introduced to help adminis- goods report yesterday was the latest data to sug- capital goods has been hurt by a strong dollar, January. glomerate to gather the signatures of ter restructurings through the tribu- gest economic growth braked sharply early in the which has cut into overseas profits of multina- That downward revision could see economists creditors in support of the deal out- nal in the absence of an effective year, in part due to bad weather and a now-set- tional companies. Lower crude prices also have trim their first-quarter GDP growth estimates, side the Dubai World Tribunal, the insolvency law in the United Arab tled labor dispute at the country’s busy West acted as a drag, forcing oil firms to either delay or which currently range between a 1.2 percent and special court that had been oversee- Emirates. But after gaining 100 per- Coast ports. cut back on investment projects. The dollar has 2 percent annual pace. ing the process. Formal sign-off for cent support for the plan, Dubai While economists largely view the slowdown gained about 13.2 percent against the currencies “Barring a big rally in March, there is a good the restructuring could occur within World’s lawyers applied to withdraw in activity as temporary, softer growth could of the main US trading partners since last June on chance that the GDP figures will show that days or weeks, two people familiar the application during a court hear- prompt the Federal Reserve to delay raising inter- expectations that the Fed will start raising rates investment in equipment contracted slightly with the matter said, with the timing ing last month. est rates until later in the year. “Today’s report pro- this year after keeping them near zero since over the first quarter,” said Paul Ashworth, chief dependent on how quickly creditors Tribunal member Sir David Steel vides strong evidence that the manufacturing December 2008. Construction and mining equip- U.S. economist at Capital Economics in Toronto. complete the approval process. approved the application on Monday sector is feeling some considerable heat from the ment maker Caterpillar Inc warned in January With core capital goods orders falling, overall Dubai World was at the heart of afternoon, according to the court stronger dollar,” said Anthony Karydakis, chief eco- that lower oil prices would hurt its business in orders for durable goods - items ranging from the emirate’s financial crisis at the document. The proposal involves nomic strategist at Miller Tabak in New York. 2015. Procter & Gamble the world’s largest toasters to aircraft that are meant to last three turn of the decade and was forced to repaying early an existing $2.92 bil- The Commerce Department said non-defense household products maker, already has said that years or more - fell 1.4 percent last month. restructure around $25 billion of debt lion maturity due in September 2015, capital goods orders excluding aircraft, a closely full-year sales are likely to fall 3 percent to 4 per- Durable goods orders also were hampered by a in 2011. But a recovery in the emi- with an extension granted for a 2018 watched proxy for business spending plans, cent because of the dollar. 3.5 percent plunge in orders for transportation rate’s economy since then, and con- repayment to 2022. —Reuters dropped 1.4 percent last month after a revised Economists polled by Reuters had forecast equipment. Durable goods orders increased 2 0.1 percent dip in January. The so-called core cap- core capital goods orders gaining 0.3 percent last percent in January. —Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 Upbeat German lifts euro, shares fall

LONDON: A forecast-beating survey of German of $1.1029. Euro strength hit the exporter-heavy MSCI’s main gauge of Asia-Pacific stocks outside Athens. Shanghai, which surged to a near sev- “We could see continued volatility in for- business morale helped push the euro higher German DAX index , however, prompting some Japan edging up 0.1 percent. Tokyo’s Nikkei index en-year high over the past 10 sessions, fell eign exchange markets.” The Dow dipped 0.58 against the dollar yesterday, pegging back profit-taking, analysts said. This in turn weighed on rose 0.2 percent to 19,746.20 points, just below a 0.83 percent, or 30.68 points, to percent, the S&P 500 fell 0.61 percent and the European stock markets. Futures showed Wall the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index which fell 15-year high closing level of 19,754.36 hit on 3,660.73.Hong Kong gained 0.53 percent, or Nasdaq lost 0.32 percent. Street set to open steady. Germany’s Ifo index rose 0.6 percent. Just last week it touched 7 1/2-year Monday. Shanghai slips after 10-day rally, US data 128.63 points, to 24,528.23. The index was Hopes for a resolution to the long-running for the fifth successive month to its highest since highs. “The macro newsflow in Europe is quite posi- revives rate talk. boosted by a rally in Hutchison Whampoa Greek debt crisis were raised after the coun- July 2014, suggesting growth in Europe’s largest tive, but after such a rally the market needs to catch Shanghai stocks retreated for the first time in 11 after it said it had agreed to buy British tele- try’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras held meet- economy rebounded again in the first quarter of its breath,” IG France chief market analyst Alexandre sessions on profit-taking Wednesday but other com giant O2 for more than $15 billion. ings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel 2015. Baradez said. Asian equity markets were mixed after a healthy Global investors are keeping a close watch on and other officials in Berlin that were said to The data, based on a survey of 7,000 firms, was “At this point a pause is needed, while the medi- batch of US data revived the prospect of an early the United States, looking for any signs that have gone well. stronger than forecast by economists in a Reuters um-term trend remains very positive.” interest rate hike. The euro edged up marginally as could give an idea of when the Federal European officials on Tuesday were hope- poll and helped push the euro back towards $1.10. investors were cheered by warmer relations Reserve will lift interest rates. ful that after months of tough Chinese stocks The single currency was last at $1.0983, up 0.5 per- Asian shares stall between Greece and Germany as euro-zone lead- Comments last week from the central broke a 10-day winning streak as banks fell. cent on the day and rising towards Tuesday’s peak Asian shares had largely stalled earlier, with ers try to hammer out a reformed bailout deal for bank that the economy still had weaknesses The CSI300 index of the largest listed compa- cooled expectations it would announce an nies in Shanghai and Shenzhen was down 0.8 increase in early summer. However, markets percent. The euro hit a 12-year low of $1.0945 took note of news from the Labor last week but has risen since the Federal Department that inflation hit 0.2 percent in Reserve signalled a more cautious outlook for February. That followed three successive US growth, prompting some analysts to push months of falling prices, including January’s back expectations for when interest rates 0.7 percent drop, which was the steepest might rise. The dollar index, which measures since late 2008 during the financial crisis. the US currency against a basket, fell 0.5 per- Sales of new single-family homes also cent to 96.704 but stayed above Tuesday’s surged to a seven-year high in February, accel- two-week low of 96.378. The index has fallen erating for the third consecutive month, the about 4 percent from a near 12-year high hit in Commerce Department reported Tuesday. The mid-March. The yen was up 0.2 percent at figures revived talk of an early rate hike, send- 119.64 to the dollar. ing the dollar up and US stocks lower. “Markets are still feeling the effects of the In Asian currency trade the dollar bought Fed stance from last week and a lot of long 119.53 yen, compared with 119.77 yen in New dollar positions are being flushed out,” said Ian York but still up from 119.45 yen earlier Gunner, portfolio manager at Altana Hard Tuesday in Tokyo. “Traders love a good pull- Currency Fund. “Whether this develops into a back and as soon as the dollar looks like it’s meaningful trend depends on forthcoming US setting up to resume its bullish trend currency data.” traders will flood the market with trades,” Scott In fixed income markets, German 10-year Schuberg, chief executive officer of Rivkin government bond yields fell 2 basis points to Securities in Sydney, told Bloomberg News. 0.22 percent. — Agencies BUSINESS THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Top US CEOs reaped Special interview billions from stock gains in recent UK offers opportunities for years: Report Kuwait’s small investors BOSTON: CEOs at large US companies collectively realized at least $6 billion more in compensation than initially esti- mated in annual disclosures in the five years after the finan- Britain to reduce trade barriers, corporate tax , says UKTI Director cial crisis first hit, according to a Reuters analysis. The reason for the windfall: the soaring value of their stock awards. By Sajeev K Peter lion arrives in Kuwait from the UK via Jebil Ali. I also have Gulf unique access to the UK market for their retail busi- About 300 CEOs who served throughout the 2009-2013 plans hopefully before Ramadan to bring a senior member nesses. The competition is open to Kuwaiti and other GCC- period at S&P 500 companies together realized about $22 KUWAIT: The British govern- of UK Export Finance (UKEF) to Kuwait. UKEF can provide based owners of businesses in the wider retail sector, be billion in compensation in the form of pay, bonuses and ment is looking at ways to trade finance (pre and post export), working capital and they design or fashion companies, food and drink outlets share and option grants, or an average of $73 million each, diversify its trade and invest- credit insurance or a combination of all three. UKEF will be or tech startups. It runs until 31st of March so applicants figures provided by executive compensation data firm ment portfolio and there are a able to promote and explain to the resident British and are encouraged to visit www.gov.uk/great-business-award Equilar show. That compares to about $16 billion initially wealth of opportunities for Kuwait businesses, banks, trading families and senior offi- to get their submissions in by then. reported in annual company summary compensation smaller scale investors from cials how to access UKEF support to further encourage tables, which include estimates for the value of stock grants Kuwait and the Gulf region British exporters of both goods and consultancy services Retailers based on the price of shares at the time of awards. The hoping to expand to the UK, and Kuwait nationals and institutions in doing business KT: What are the opportunities for Kuwaiti retailers comparison does not include pensions and perks such as and access the European mar- together. to expand their businesses in the UK? country club memberships and use of corporate jets for pri- ket, says Simon Williams, the These trade and investment links are also supported by Williams: As seen by the large numbers of Kuwaiti vate use. The study also excludes rewards reaped by other Director of UK Trade & the significant ease of travel between the two countries, as nationals and residents who visit London and other British top executives, such as chief financial officers and chief Investment (UKTI) in Kuwait, in showcased for example by British Airways’ direct Heathrow cities each year, the UK has always been considered one of operating officers, and compensation for CEOs who did not an exclusive interview with to Kuwait service being its most profitable route. The the top retail destinations in the world. In fact, it is the sec- serve the full five years. Kuwait Times. British Embassy visa team in Kuwait issues over 100,000 ond largest retail destination globally and is home to more Further gains in share prices in 2014 and so far this year “There are several initiatives visas a year. than 60 million consumers making 320 million transactions will only have increased the gap between the annual dis- open to Kuwait and Gulf-based Simon Williams per week. That represents a significant market opportunity closures and the amount actually derived from the awards, business owners and entrepre- Diversified for Kuwaiti businesses owners looking to expand interna- with the full picture for last year only becoming clear over neurs with innovative ideas that enable them to relocate to KT: How do you look at next phase of investments tionally. the next couple of months. The S&P 500’s total return, the UK where they will be given mentoring and support from the Gulf region to the UK as the trade relations The UK is a mature, established e-commerce market, including dividends, was 166 percent from the end of 2008 while retaining full control over the business direction and move to another level? with British consumers spending more online per head through Monday of this week, according to S&P Dow Jones its equity,” he said. During the interview, Williams spoke at Williams: Historically, there has been a great deal of than any other country in the world. However, the oppor- Indices. The impact of the stock market gains on executive length about the growing bilateral trade relations between media attention on large institutional and sovereign tunities don’t only lie with the online shoppers. There are pay illustrated in the study will strengthen concerns about Kuwait the UK and explained how UKTI HQ in London is wealth funds from the GCC investing into the UK. The more than 17,000 shopping locations in the UK, which how much of an impact the US Federal Reserve’s easy mon- ready to support potential investors from Kuwait. Excerpts: Kuwait Investment Office was the first ever Sovereign include city centers, leisure parks and over 460 shopping ey policies have had on income inequality. Critics say that Wealth Fund for example and recently celebrated its 60th centers. by raising the value of assets, such as stocks, the Fed’s stim- Kuwait Times: What are your impressions of Kuwait? anniversary in London. A major investor in the British econ- Moreover, for Kuwaitis, these significant investment ulus has helped those who are already wealthy even as Williams: I arrived only ten weeks ago but I am familiar omy, the KIO has holdings across a range of asset classes in opportunities are supported by one of the most ambitious median household income declined 4 percent between with the region having worked in Qatar to promote UK the UK. Local links remain strong with Embassy colleagues packages of policies, business incentives, tax credits, tax 2009-2013. business and have served also in Riyadh, Damascus, attending the Kuwait Investment Authorities recent semi- rate reductions and visa support in the world. The bull market also has some investors re-evaluating Casablanca and most recently Tripoli where I was also nar on “Financial Innovation, Stability and Growth”. how they judge compensation plans. In some cases, they working for UKTI. It has been a busy time since my arrival The British government is always looking at ways to Trade barriers say CEOs may be benefiting greatly from a rising tide even with visits by the Lord Mayor of the City of London and his diversify its trade and investment portfolio, and there are a KT: How is the British government reducing the bar- when their performance might be weak. “You’re seeing financial delegation, a visit also by Baroness Morris the wealth of opportunities for smaller scale investors from the riers to entry for Kuwaiti and Gulf business owners overpayment, or outsized payments, for what is market British Prime Minister’s Special Trade Envoy to Kuwait who region hoping to expand to the UK, and access the looking to set up in the UK? performance or mediocre performance,” said Aeisha chaired the Trade, Investment and Planning sub commit- European market. To support this, there are several initia- Williams: Through UKTI and other agencies, the British Mastagni, an investment officer for the $191 billion tees of the joint UK/Kuwait ministerial level Joint Steering tives open to Kuwait and Gulf-based business owners and Government is constantly working to reduce red tape and California State Teachers’ Retirement System, who helps Group. Embassy colleagues also organized a visit by HRH entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that enable them to provide incentives to companies wishing to set up in the oversee its votes on executive pay proposals at company The Prince of Wales and HMS Dauntless. I have also found relocate to the UK where they will be given mentoring and UK. Britain is now one of the fastest places in the world to annual meetings. “Directors can’t ignore the issue of pay the time to return to the UK and engage with over 100 support while retaining full control over the business’ get a new business going. Businesses can also take advan- inequality or rising executive pay.” However, more compa- small and medium sized enterprises in Worcester, Leyland, direction and its equity. UKTI HQ in London has dedicated tage of the significant support provided by UKTI through- nies are disclosing their realized pay figures and some are Leicester, Nottingham and Northampton. I am fortunate to sector based inward infrastructure and investment teams out the process - from assessing market opportunities to eager to defend the supercharged rewards if shareholders have inherited a great UKTI team from my predecessor ready to support potential investors. government relations support to running mentorship pro- have also benefited. Some of the highest paid executives Martin Hall who has remained in Kuwait to establish the While London remains a prime investment destination I grams to drive commercial success. also often appear in top CEO lists compiled by investors Kuwait British Business Centre to be collocated at the am pleased that Kuwaiti financial institutions have recog- In addition, one of the most significant benefits is the and others because they have run companies so success- British Embassy. The UKTI team are also working closer nized, and invested in, the excellent opportunities outside UK’s low tax rate - corporation tax is set to reduce from 28 fully that their share prices have gone through the roof. with the British Business Forum and indeed on Monday a of the capital and in the UK regions. Kuwait has invested in percent at the beginning of last year, to 20 percent from number of UKTI staff went to a well attended Special UK universities, medical practices, high end retail and com- April this year, which will be the joint lowest in the G20. A $600 M QUESTION Interest Group meeting of those working in the construc- mercial property, housing and in high end engineering. An example is John Martin, the CEO of drug maker tion sector in Kuwait. The UKTI team in Kuwait works closely with, PWC one of KT: What is the purpose of the Great Business Award, Gilead Sciences Inc, who has become the best compensat- the world’s leading providers of advisory services, who what’s in it for the winners? ed executive of a major U.S. company since the crisis, when KT: Can you give an overview of the bilateral trade have a contract with UKTI HQ in London to supply invest- Williams: The purpose of the 2015 GREAT Business factoring in stock and options. relations between Kuwait and the UK? ment specialists. Award is really to showcase the investment opportunities He realized $400.6 million in total compensation from Williams: The UK is one of the most open economies for within the UK’s retail sector, as well as positioning it as a 2009 to 2013, according to the Reuters analysis of the near- inward investment in the world, and Kuwait is an extremely KT: Have you identified any potential sectors in the prime destination to set up or expand a business. ly 300 CEOs tracked by Equilar. That is poised to top $600 important investment partner. Our two countries have a UK that appeal most to GCC investors? The winner of the award will receive a bespoke business million by this summer, mostly because of additional exer- long track record of trade and historical ties, and today Williams: Investment from the Middle East into the UK development program during their visit to explore expan- cises of stock options. Their value has surged well beyond these ties remain just as strong. In 2013, the UK Kuwait has typically spanned a range of sectors, from infrastruc- sion opportunities in the UK market. This will include men- the estimates in annual disclosures. Business Council was established with a focus on building ture to healthcare, and from automotive to energy. torship with a respected UK retail leader in the winner’s Gilead had estimated Martin’s compensation totaled business growth between the two countries. Chaired by Alongside these well documented, larger-scale investment particular field and discussions with UKTI advisers on only $75 million over the five years from 2009 to 2013. But Lord Marland from the UK and Mohammed Al-Shaya from opportunities, the UK’s retail sector has been identified as a potential locations to base their business. The winner will Gilead’s shares have climbed nearly 300 percent since the Kuwait, the Council aims to boost trade and investment high-potential marketplace for GCC businesses looking to also take part in consultancy sessions with accountants end of 2008 while net income almost quadrupled to $12.1 relations and also seeks to remove the obstacles hindering expand internationally. and lawyers on setting up their business, including visa billion in 2014, fueled by sales of its hepatitis C drug a swift exchange of investments between the UK and To help drive this investment, earlier this year UK Trade requirements and tax implications. Sovaldi. The company declined to comment for this story. Kuwait. UK exports to Kuwait were £525 million in 2014, & Investment launched the 2015 GREAT Business Award, This really is a unique opportunity, and one that I hope The second highest-paid CEO over the period was services amounted to £725 million and a further £250 mil- offering the citizens and residents of the countries of the will attract strong interest from Kuwaiti retailers. Starbucks Corp’s Howard Schultz who realized $366 million, or more than three times the $97 million reported in sum- mary compensation tables. That upside is largely the result of the cafe chain’s shares climbing 931 percent since the Australia ready to end of 2008 as earnings surged. “When the company performs well and the stock price increases, our executives, partners (employees) and share- join China-led bank holders are all rewarded,” a Starbucks spokeswoman said. The equity-oriented pay structure is good for CEOs of high-growth companies, but also bites those who don’t SYDNEY: Australia is “well and truly” Japan, however, is cautious about show big growth. Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corp, realized disposed to join the China-led Asian joining while South Korea has said it is $282 million during the five-year period analyzed by Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), yet to decide. Tokyo “does not need to Reuters. That was $100 million below the value reported in Prime Minister Tony Abbott said yester- sign in” on joining the bank unless Oracle’s summary compensation tables. The software day, but wants to know how much China lays out clear rules on when and giant’s total stock return since 2008 has been several per- power Beijing would hold in the insti- what conditions it will provide loans, centage points better than the S&P 500 Index, according to tution before a formal decision. Fairfax Finance Minister Taro Aso said on FactSet. But off a large base, profit growth has been rela- Media citing government sources, Tuesday. Japan is hesitant to join out of tively slow. Operating income has increased by 8 percent to reported the federal cabinet has concern over China-led lending prac- $14.8 billion over its past three fiscal years. Oracle declined approved Australia signing a “memo- tices, Tokyo’s relations with Washington comment. randum of understanding” on joining and the AIIB’s potential rivalry with the the AIIB. Australia, South Korea and Asian Development Bank (ADB), the GE CEO LAGS Japan are the notable regional absen- Manila-based multilateral institution Another CEO who realized less pay than originally esti- tees from the bank, which the United dominated by Japan and the United mated was Jeff Immelt of General Electric Co. His $52 mil- States had warned against. Despite States. lion in realized pay was less than the $69.2 million reported YICHANG: A bank teller counts euro bank notes in a bank in Yichang, central China’s Hubei province yesterday. — AFP Washington’s misgivings, US allies But ADB chief Takehiko Nakao said in summary compensation tables for 2009-2013. With a Britain, France, Germany and Italy his institution could cooperate with the total return of about 96 percent since the end of 2008, GE EU slaps anti-dumping duties announced this month they would join AIIB and co-finance projects if stan- shares badly lag the S&P 500 index. GE declined to com- the bank, leading the Obama adminis- dards for loans were met. “When it is ment. Companies began introducing bigger stock and tration to reassess its stance. formally established, co-financing options awards in executive pay packages in the 1990s as a on China, Taiwan steel The Wall Street Journal reported this would be a major way of complement- means of reducing tax liability on cash bonuses and as part week that China had proposed to forgo ing ... We’d like to proceed with co- of a push to encourage CEOs to act in the interests of share- BRUSSELS: The EU said yesterday it has Taiwan firms include Chia Far Industrial veto power at the AIIB to attract more financing” and other ways of coopera- holders. But with stock markets breaking records, some decided to impose anti-dumping duties for Factory Co, Taipei City, Tang Eng Iron countries to join the new bank. tion, Nakao, a former Japanese vice worry the awards will only underscore the widening gulf six months on flat-rolled stainless steel Works Co, Kaohsiung City and Yieh United finance minister for international affairs, between the compensation of top executives and average imports from China and Taiwan. The deci- Steel Corporation, Kaohsiung City. Total Chinese foreign ministry spokes- workers. “The numbers can be obscene, particularly when sion is the latest in a series of rows between imports from China and Taiwan rose by 70 woman Hua Chunying said yesterday told a news conference in Tokyo. you look at the general challenges we face as an economy Brussels and Beijing over alleged dumping percent between 2010 and the period of that each country’s stake in the AIIB By custom, the ADB is headed by a and society,” said Matthew Benkendorf, a portfolio manager of products ranging from wine to solar the investigation from mid-2014 and early would decrease as new member coun- former senior official from the Bank of at Vontobel Asset Management, which oversees about $50 panels. 2015, while the market share increased by tries are brought into the organization. Japan or the country’s finance ministry. billion. Duties of around 25 percent for the tar- 63 percent, the European Commission She dismissed the notion that The World Bank has also said it is dis- In 2013, CEOs made 331 times the average worker’s geted Chinese firms and 10 percent for the said. Beijing sought - or gave up - veto pow- cussing cooperation with the AIIB. income, the largest such gulf in American history and a gap Taiwan companies will take effect from The investigation found that the EU er as an “impossible proposition”. The Abbott said he has discussed the that is set to rise further, according to a study by the AFL- today, the European Union Official Journal industry concerned suffered a production AIIB has been seen as a significant and matter with US President Barack CIO, the largest U.S. federation of unions. “The executive has said. Chinese and Taiwanese companies volume decline of five percent, which led possibly historic setback to US efforts Obama and Japan’s Prime Minister received a windfall based on the bull market, which isn’t that cooperated with the EU investigation to an eight percent drop in capacity utiliza- to extend its influence in the Asia Shinzo Abe and would continue talk- always attributable to their own performance, and that’s are excluded from the duties. tion. Pacific region to balance China’s grow- ing to them. Speaking to the Australia wrong,” said Brandon Rees, deputy director of the AFL-CIO’s “In the absence of measures, the Market share declined by five percent, ing financial clout and assertiveness. China Business Council, Treasurer Joe Office of Investment, which advises union-sponsored pen- dumped imports from the countries con- employment dropped by 11 percent, and Although Australia is a vital part of Hockey said it was important to secure sion plans managing $560 billion. Big investors can influ- cerned will continue to force Union indus- labor costs increased by eight percent Washington’s strategic “pivot” toward the country’s best interest in a well ence the size of company pay plans but have mostly try to sell at loss-making prices,” the journal while investment decreased by 17 percent, Asia, it is close to joining as well. “We governed bank that will work to pro- backed management, largely because the value of their said. The EU opened the investigation on it said. “It was clear that the strong increase are certainly well and truly disposed to mote greater infrastructure and shares has also been climbing. In each year since 2011 June 26 last year after complaints from of dumped imports led not only to deterio- joining something which is in fact a growth in the region. when most Russell 3000 companies began holding adviso- European competitors about the Chinese rating profitability but also to lost market genuinely multilateral institution with “If well designed, the AIIB could play ry votes on executive compensation, more than 90 percent and Taiwanese firms. share by the Union industry and drop in transparent governance, clear account- a key role in helping to address the of companies have gotten more than 70 percent approval Flat-rolled steel is used in a variety of production, capacity utilization, employ- ability and with major decisions made region’s acute infrastructure needs. In for their executive compensation plans, according to pay products including household electrical ment, investments and return on invest- by the board,” Abbott told reporters. order to do this we will need a strong consultant firm Semler Brossy. goods like washing machines and dish- ments,” the Official Journal said. The com- “That is really the fundamental and well governed AIIB,” he said. washers as well as medical tools and auto- panies from China and Taiwan can submit For example, Michael Cuggino, president and portfolio thing for us, would major decisions be “It is early days for the AIIB, but mobiles. Chinese companies targeted in complaints to the EU and request a hearing manager of the $5.3 billion Permanent Portfolio Family of made by the board and is it going to China has made strong progress on the latest decision include Baosteel from the European Commission, the execu- Funds in San Francisco, supported the pay of Gilead CEO governance so far. The proposed Stainless Steel Co, Shanghai, Ningbo tive of the 28-country bloc. be a multilateral institution rather than Martin. His funds own Gilead shares and Cuggino said one that is controlled by any one coun- governance arrangements will be Martin deserves credit for managing the company in a risky Baoxin Stainless Steel Co, Ningbo, Shanxi In February, a WTO panel largely ruled Taigang Stainless Steel Co, Taiyun City and against China in its row with the European try,” he said at a news conference in modelled on international best prac- industry, where failed drug trials are common and can Canberra. tice.” — Reuters wreck a company’s share price.—Reuters Tianjin TISCO and TPCO Stainless Steel Co, Union and Japan over Chinese anti-dump- Tianjin City. ing duties on imports of steel pipes. — AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

KIA Motors unveils ‘Milestone’ family-oriented models

All-New Grand Carnival Minivan & Sorento Midsize SUV offers class-leading style, safety, comfort

KUWAIT: Ahmad Al-Mutawa, Chairman & CEO of Al-Mutawa Group, and other executives during the launch of the All-New Grand Carnival Minivan & Sorento Midsize SUV. — Photos by Joseph Shagra KUWAIT: National Agencies Group, a Rethinking the Minivan cantly higher quality materials. One of the Subsidiary of Abdulaziz Al-Ali Al-Mutawa “With the All-New Grand Carnival, the most distinctive interior styling features is Group of Companies & the Authorized #1 selling minivan in Kuwait has improved the Swiss watch-inspired user interface, Distributor of KIA Motors in Kuwait, has in every aspect, with the aim of cementing which incorporates KIA’s latest HMI unveiled what it describes as bold evolu- KIA’s domination of this important seg- (human-machine interface) technologies, tionary milestones for the minivan and ment,” explained Ahmad Al-Mutawa, surrounded by new silver-look border. midsize SUV segments; the redesigned Chairman & CEO of Al-Mutawa Group. Available in 5- or 7-seat versions, the Grand Carnival and Sorento, at the KIA Based on the widely-renowned KV7 new Sorento features debuts a number of concept, the 8-seater Grand Carnival new, advanced on-board technologies to sports an eye-catching exterior character- improve convenience and further enhance ized by a wide stance and boxy profile that the ownership experience. New available is designed to deliver maximum interior features will include: an Around-View space. Inside, the Grand Carnival features Monitor with four cameras helping the elegant styling and features which can driver to manoeuver when parking and a compete with minivans from premium Smart Power Tailgate. European brands. It is worthwhile noting In terms of safety, 53 percent of the that Grand Carnival also comes in 7 & 11 body structure, compared to 24 percent in seats combinations. It was named Best the previous generation Sorento, is now New Car Design at the 2014 New York Auto constructed from Ultra High Strength steel. Show. Customers can opt for features such Moreover, buyers of the new Sorento will as 20.3cm touchscreen navigation, DVD be able to choose from a wealth of ‘active’ player, tri-zone a/c, power doors and tail- smoother, swept-back profile and deeply styling changes are evolutionary, they sub- safety technologies including ASCC gate, blind-spot monitor, keyless entry, sculpted surfaces introduce a higher level tly alter the character of the Sorento, high- (Adaptive Smart Cruise Control); LDWS cruise control and more. of sophistication for the third-generation lighting its sleek, sinuous, profile, while (Lane Departure Warning System), which “There is no question in my mind that model, delivering a premium look and creating a sophisticated appearance and emits an audible alert when the driver the all-new Grand Carnival will play a role feel, with more space and numerous inno- ensuring the new model has a bolder on- strays from the chosen lane without using in redefining modern-day minivans as vative features. “This midsize SUV reflects the-road presence that has resulted in the indicators; FCW (Front Collision Warning); both functional family movers and incredi- KIA’s evolving design philosophy which Sorento winning the prestigious ‘iF Design BSD (Blind-Spot Detection); LCA (Lane bly stylish automobiles,” added Al-Mutawa. continues to win so many awards, while Award’ from Germany. Inside the Sorento is Change Assist); RCTA (Rear Cross-Traffic Motors Showroom in Al Rai on March 24th. continuing the KIA tradition of offering where some of the most significant Alert), which warns against other cars driv- The All-New Grand Carnival and All-New Sophisticated SUV the latest technology in our cars,” com- improvements are to be found. Interior ing behind the Sorento in car parks; and Sorento aim to build on the remarkable The All-New Sorento exhibits a unique mented Al-Mutawa. styling was led by the brand’s European SLIF (Speed Limit Information Function), success of their predecessors by offering blend of style, practicality and technolo- The designers of the third generation design team, based in Frankfurt, and KIA’s which displays the speed limit in the dri- distinctive class-leading style, safety and gy, which builds on the success of the Sorento named their inspiration for the designers have created a more sophisticat- ver’s instrument cluster based on cameras comfort in their respective segments. outgoing model. The new SUV’s new car as ‘Streetwolf’. Although the ed, more luxurious cabin, featuring signifi- detecting roadside signs.

Joyalukkas announces part sale Gatehouse Bank, Threadneedle to on diamond and polki jewellery KUWAIT: The World’s favourite jeweller, with contemporary and traditional designs explore investment opportunities Joyalukkas has announced a Part Sale’ on that suit every style and age group. their Diamond and Polki Jewellery collec- “The discount offered during the part KUWAIT: At a media briefing held yesterday in steadily for two decades. Gatehouse has been a said “In the four years to 2014, Sharia-compliant tion, wherein customers will enjoy amazing sale at Joyalukkas will be up to 65 percent Kuwait City, Gatehouse Bank plc (Gatehouse) and major participant in bringing new and diversified funds under management grew at more than 17 discounts on a choice of exquisite jewellery Off on Diamond &PolkiJewellery. Shoppers Threadneedle Investments (Threadneedle) hosted investment opportunities to investors, particularly per cent annually and the outlook remains strong. designs with upto 65 percent off. can take this opportunity to gift their loved members of the GCC media. During the briefing, those based in the GCC region and Malaysia” said We think there is an exciting opportunity to devel- Polkijewelllery collection is made with ones, add to their collection of jewellery or they outlined their plans to explore the develop- Henry Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of op a broader range of Sharia-compliant invest- uncut diamonds that has been naturally wear it for an upcoming special occasion. ment of a range of diverse investment products Gatehouse. “This market remains very buoyant, and ment products encompassing equities, real estate mined, with no artificial enhancements or This offer will be valid for a limited period aimed at the growing market segment of Islamic is being joined by increasing demand from a and sukuk to meet the needs of the expanding laboratory and synthetic alterations. They only, across all Joyalukkas showrooms,” said investors. The briefing comes shortly after the broader base of investors. We believe that with investor base. Gatehouse’s combination of Sharia- are considered a great investment because John Paul Joy Alukkas, Executive Director, announcement of Threadneedle’s acquisition of an Threadneedle’s global investment knowledge, compliant investment expertise, and the breadth they do not lose out on their value and are Joyalukkas Group. equity stake in Gatehouse, bringing together a track record and distribution strength, we can of its relationships across the GCC region and acclaimed internationally. Dating back to Joyalukkas Group is a multi-billion dollar global asset management powerhouse and one of explore with them a range of Sharia-compliant Southeast Asia makes them a very good fit for the 16th century, being the pride of the global conglomerate, with varied business the most well-established originators of high quali- structured products which will appeal strongly Threadneedle’s track record in fund management. Mughals and Rajputs, these jewels are rich interests. The group operates its various ty Shariah-compliant structured investments. within the traditionally strong Islamic markets We are excited about the opportunities for work- in Indian culture and flaunt royalty and business operations across UAE, Saudi In early March 2015, Threadneedle, a leading where Gatehouse has excellent, entrenched rela- ing with Gatehouse to develop our ideas for this impeccable design. Joyalukkas Polki jew- Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, international asset manager based in London with tionships”. Ted Truscott, Chairman of Threadneedle growing market.” ellery features exquisite collections that fits Singapore, Malaysia, London and India. The assets under management of $148.2 billion, com- every occasion perfectly, and make a group businesses include jewellery, money pleted the acquisition of a 2% strategic equity woman look her best in every given situa- exchange, fashion & textiles, luxury air char- stake in Gatehouse. Doing so, Threadneedle joined NBK considering issuance tion. The ideal compliment to wedding ters, malls and realty. Joyalukkas employs a roster of GCC based financial institutions as a sig- apparel, this elite range of jewellery is over 7,000 professionals across the world, nificant investor in Gatehouse, the London-based extremely fashionable, yet poised with ele- and is one of the most awarded and recog- and regulated investment bank. Gatehouse has of US dollar perpetual gance. Polki Jewellery remains timeless nizedjewellery retail chains in the world. built a widely regarded reputation for the origina- tion of high quality Shariah-compliant investments Additional Tier 1 securities in real estate and other asset classes. An important part of Threadneedle’s investment in Gatehouse is KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait SAKP spans many of the world’s leading financial Al-Danah’s first quarterly the desire of both parties to work together, sharing (NBK), the largest bank in Kuwait (rated Aa3 centers including London, Paris, Geneva, New their respective global fund structuring knowledge by Moody’s, A+ by S&P and AA- by Fitch), is York and Singapore, as well as China draws to take place today and Shariah-compliant origination track record. considering issuing a USD benchmark per- (Shanghai). Meanwhile, regional coverage petual Additional Tier 1 Regulation S securi- extends to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, They intend to use this combination to explore the ties, subject to market conditions. Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Turkey. considerable opportunities for a range of high The transaction would be used to boost NBK was founded in 1952 as the first live on Marina FM’s show quality Sharia-compliant institutional and retail NBK’s capital as per Basel III requirements indigenous bank and the first joint stock investment products. and the directives of the Central Bank of company in Kuwait and the Gulf Region. NBK KUWAIT: Gulf Bank has announced that increase their chances of winning one of “Over the past eight years, Gatehouse has Kuwait. The securities, which would be reported profits of $894 million (KD 261.8 mil- the first major Al-Danah draw of 2015 is the two KD1,000 prizes, which are drawn gained recognition globally as one of the foremost guaranteed by NBK, are expected to be rat- lion) for 2014. NBK’s total assets were $74.4 scheduled to take place today, 26 March each working day. originators and structurers of diversified Sharia- ed Baa3 by Moody’s, reflecting NBK’s high billion (KD 21.8 billion) at the end of 2014, 2015, at 1 PM live on Marina FM’s, station Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah draw account compliant investments” said FahedBoodai, credit standing. while shareholder equity stood at $8.6 billion 88.8, Diwaniya Show. The first quarterly offers its customers the biggest cash prizes Chairman of Gatehouse. “So we are pleased at hav- NBK has mandated HSBC and Standard (KD 2.5 billion). draw will be for cash prizes of KD 200,000, in Kuwait, while helping them to save mon- ing established this relationship with KD 125,000 and KD 25,000 as well as addi- ey at the same time. The more money cus- Chartered Bank as Joint Global Coordinators, NBK is the largest financial institution in Threadneedle, widely respected as a leading inter- and Citigroup, HSBC, NBAD, NBK Capital and Kuwait with effective market dominance in tional prizes that will be announced during tomers keep in their Al-Danah accounts national asset manager in multiple asset classes. Standard Chartered Bank as Joint Lead the commercial banking market and has been the show. The draw event will be held in and the longer the duration that money is The skills and experience of our two organizations Managers to arrange on its behalf a series of consistently awarded the highest credit rating the presence of a representative from the kept, the higher their chances of winning are very complementary and given the outlook for fixed income investor meetings in Asia, the of all banks in the region from Moody’s, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. will be. high quality, well-managed and properly struc- Middle East and Europe, commencing on 26 Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings. To participate in the Al-Danah draws, In addition to the unique prize draws, tured Sharia-compliant investment products, we March 2015. NBK also stands out in terms of its local customers must have an Al-Danah account the Al Danah account also offers an Al- see considerable benefit in a partnership that we NBK is the largest financial institution in and international network, which includes containing at least KD 200. Customers can Danah ATM Deposit-Only Card to help hope will last many years.” Kuwait with effective market dominance in branches, subsidiaries and representative open a new Al-Danah account at any one account holders deposit their money easily This partnership recognizes the growing poten- the commercial banking market. It enjoys a offices in China, Geneva, London, Paris, New of the 59 Gulf Bank branches in Kuwait. and quickly, and the Al-Danah Calculator, tial for investment products targeting the Sharia- broad banking presence with an internation- York, and Singapore alongside its regional Those who already have an account can which helps customers calculate their win- compliant financial sector. “The market aimed at al network of worldwide branches in four presence in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, increase their chances of winning by ning chances from their current Al-Danah the institutional and high net worth segments continents. NBK’s international presence Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey, and the UAE. increasing their deposits. This will also account balance. within Sharia-compliant finance has been growing technology THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 MEA PC market posts another quarter of growth

DUBAI: The Middle East and Africa (MEA) PC mar- Corporation (IDC) show that the overall market where PC vendors shipped significantly higher 2015, with a total of 17.48 million units to be ket posted its third successive quarter of year-on- grew 2.8% year on year for the quarter, spurred pri- quantities than a year earlier in fear of anticipated shipped over the 12-month period. Some country year growth in Q4 2014, continuing its recovery marily by shipments of portable PCs and the return changes to import duties from the start of 2015. markets are expected to suffer in early 2015 due to from the seven consecutive quarterly declines it to a semblance of stability in certain key markets However, the consequence of this was that chan- currency fluctuations, including Egypt, Algeria, experienced leading up to Q2 2014. The latest fig- across the region. nels exited the quarter with high levels of invento- Tunisia, and Nigeria. “At the same time, the market’s ures announced today by International Data IDC’s data shows that portable PC shipments ry, which will inevitably have a negative impact on performance will be hindered by uncertainty over grew 4.3% year on year in Q4 2014 to reach 2.83 shipment volumes in Q1 2015.” the outcome of general elections in both Nigeria million units, while desktop shipments experienced The top three vendor rankings in terms of PC and Turkey,” says Charakla. “And the recent rapid much flatter growth of 0.4% over the same period market share remained unchanged for the sixth decline in global oil and gas prices will have an to total 1.8 million units. This growth was aided by consecutive quarter. HP retained top spot, record- impact on almost all parts of the region, although a recovery from the instability that plagued parts of ing strong year-on-year growth of 17.3%. The ven- the extent of this will vary from country to country. the region in the corresponding quarter of 2013, dor maintains a notably stronger presence in Africa Nigeria and Ghana are expected to suffer the most, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the ‘Rest of than the market’s other key players. Second-placed with PC shipments to these countries set to shrink Middle East’ sub-region, where the bulk of PC ship- Lenovo once again posted the strongest year-on- around 40%year on year in 2015.” ments can be attributed to Iraq and Iran. year growth, with shipments up an impressive38.2% “In the longer term, IDC forecasts the PC market “The market’s growth was also spurred by sev- for Q4 2014. Dell lost some ground in third position, to remain almost flat from 2015 through to 2019,” eral mid- to large-scale education deliveries that suffering a year-on-year decline of0.8%. Asus continues Charakla.”However, the gradual shift of took place across the region in Q4 2014, with the ranked fourth, posting growth of 6.9%, while Acer PC demand from consumers to the commercial largest being in Pakistan,” says Fouad Rafiq ranked fifth, with a decline of 5.8%. Combined, the segment is expected to gather pace. This is Charakla, research manager for personal comput- top three vendors accounted for more than 65.0% because a growing portion of home users will ing, systems, and infrastructure solutions at IDC share of the commercial demand seen in Q4 2014. switch from PCs to tablets and smart phones, Fouad Rafiq Charakla Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. “One of the Looking ahead, IDC expects the MEA PC market while commercial end-users are expected to biggest surprises of the quarter came from Turkey, to suffer an overall decline of 3.9% year on year in remain more loyal to the PC.” Beijing behind Internet security violation: Group

BEIJING: China’s cyberspace adminis- recent draft law that would require for- tration is “complicit” in attacks on major eign companies to hand over their Internet companies including Google, encryption keys and other sensitive an anti-censorship group said yester- data in order to do business in China. day, calling on firms worldwide to A Google security engineer, in a strengthen their defences. posting on the company’s online secu- Beijing dismissed the accusation rity blog Monday, said CNNIC and a and called for all sides to “abandon firm called MCS Holdings had been accusing each other without proof”. found to have issued “unauthorised GreatFire.org, which operates websites digital certificates for several Google seeking to circumvent China’s vast cen- domains”. sorship apparatus, pointed to state- “The misissued certificates would be ments by Google, Microsoft and trusted by almost all browsers and Mozilla as showing the Chinese gov- operating systems,” he wrote, describ- ernment was involved in so-called ing the resulting vulnerability as a “seri- “man-in-the-middle” operations. ous breach” of the Internet certificate Such attacks involve an unautho- authority system. rised intermediary inserting them- On Tuesday Microsoft and Mozilla, selves between computer users and owner of the popular Firefox web their online destinations, usually unde- browser, announced that they were tected, allowing them to harvest data revoking trust in all MCS certificates. traffic including passwords. GreatFire.org welcomed the compa- GreatFire.org said the firms’ state- nies’ response but added: “We once ments amounted to “concrete evi- again call for Google, Mozilla, Microsoft dence” the Cyberspace Administration and Apple to revoke trust for CNNIC of China (CAC) — the government’s immediately in order to protect Chinese Internet authority-and the China user data and user data worldwide.” Internet Network Information Centre Asked about the accusations (CNNIC) — the administrator-were Wednesday, foreign ministry spokes- “behind these malicious actions and woman Hua Chunying said: “I think that are endangering safety and security on all parties should abandon accusing the Internet for everyone”. each other without proof. What they The ruling Communist Party main- should do is to press ahead with talks on tains tight controls over the Internet, forming cyber rules and to maintain blocking websites it deems politically cybersecurity.” TOKYO: Satoshi Sugie, CEO of Japan’s personal mobility venture Whill, demonstrates the company’s stylish electric wheelchair sensitive in a system dubbed the “Great Beijing frequently describes itself as a “Whill model A” in Tokyo yesterday. Japan’s mobile communication giant NTT Docomo and Whill will start sharing service of the Firewall of China” and obliging social victim of hacking. CAC and CNNIC did wheelchair using Docomo’s bicycle sharing system which allows users to travel more freely. —AFP media companies to censor user-gen- not immediately respond to requests for erated content. At the same time, comment by AFP. Last week Washington and Beijing regularly trade GreatFire.org said it had been hit by a Sony streaming service accusations of hacking, with FBI direc- barrage of automated requests known tor James Comey declaring last as a distributed denial of service attack October that China was at the “top of in an attempt to bring down its anti- modernizes TV, not your bill the list” of countries launching cyberat- censorship services. “We are under tacks on US firms. attack and we need help,” it said in a Beijing has also drawn criticism for a blog post at the time. —AFP NEW YORK: Sony’s new PlayStation Vue television video at 1080p. any available on-demand from the past few days. service probably won’t save you money over You get standard DVR controls for live TV, Episodes are organized neatly in the order they cable. Starting at $50 a month, Vue offers more including pause and rewind - but you get a brief first aired, not when they got recorded. But the than 50 over-the-air and cable channels for online delay here, too. There’s a similar delay with record- practice of mixing in future shows gets annoying. streaming. But you need a PlayStation game con- ed shows, making it difficult to skip commercials. I You also can’t record just a single episode, nor can Gulfnet Communications sole and you still need Internet access - likely from have found cable systems and stand-alone DVRs you extend recordings for events that might run the same cable company you’re trying to ditch. If such as TiVo much smoother. over, such as sports. You can’t stop future record- exclusive Info Connect you press, your pay-TV company might offer a ings of a show without deleting past episodes slimmed-down TV package that’s comparable to Finding shows either. packages continue Sony’s in price and lineup. Vue gets rid of channel numbers and simply There’s unlimited storage, but shows get Instead of a lower bill, what you get is an presents all cable channels in alphabetical order. removed after 28 days, with no option to archive. attempt to modernize how we watch TV: Who can remember that Nick Jr is on Channel 257 And many sports - including March Madness KUWAIT: Gulfnet Communications, “The event was an absolute suc- anyway? Easier to scroll to “N.” You can mark chan- games - mysteriously disappeared after the the first internet provider in the Gulf cess... we look forward to maintaining Channel lineup nels as favorites so they appear first. Over-the-air game’s conclusion, possibly because of rights region, took part in the annual info this positive outlook and keeping our The service currently is limited to New York, channels are listed next, then cable channels. issues. Regular DVRs don’t do this. (DVR controls connect event, held at Mishref customers happy,” said Rania Hijazi, Chicago and Philadelphia. More cities are coming Unlike other program grids, channels run horizon- work while the game is still on, though.) Fairground’s during the last week of Head of Residential & Small Business. later this year. Vue has many popular cable chan- tally and show times are vertical. Click on a show January. Gulfnet Communication’s’ pack- nels, local CBS, NBC and Fox stations, and major to start watching or record. Remote viewing Being one of the leading commu- ages that were offered at the event networks that televise sports, including March To search, enter the first letter or two, and your You get up to three simultaneous streams with- nications companies and key players remain ongoing to ensure the conti- Madness basketball. Local sports channels are choices narrow instantly. “SC” gets me “Scandal” as in your home network. An iPad app is coming, but at the event, Gulfnet provided servic- nuity of customer satisfaction, such available for an extra $10. But major omissions an option, for instance. Unfortunately, the search there will be limits on what you can watch, espe- es & packages tailored to meet all as the scratch & win offer with worthy include ABC, PBS and ESPN. News is available doesn’t include episode titles, actors or keywords, cially outside your home. Vue does offer mobile customer needs. Some of the pack- prizes, and attractive installment through CNN, MSNBC and Fox News Channel; no all of which TiVo offers. Vue also doesn’t integrate apps for several channels, so you can watch past ages included subsidized annual packages with no interest. Being part C-SPAN. Kids get Nickelodeon channels and The shows on Netflix, Hulu and other services, which and current shows remotely that way. I could packages offered to the customers at of the company’s long term plan, as Cartoon Network, but not Disney. AMC is coming, TiVo does. come here for March Madness replays, but I no additional interest, a tailor your an initiative to offer its customers tai- though not necessarily in time of the April 5 return Vue recommends shows based on your per- shouldn’t have to. own package offer, whereby the cus- lored and flexible packages meeting of “Mad Men.” sonal viewing habits and what others are watch- tomer could chose the device, speed all needs and wants throughout the Vue falls short in truly modernizing TV by fail- ing, something cable doesn’t do. An explore fea- Comparisons of internet and installment of their year. ing to offer much choice. I would have preferred ture lets you see everything available based on Vue is more expensive than Dish’s $20-a-month choice, In addition, there were several “We are pleased to have started the option of buying a low tier of fewer channels - such criteria as genre, program length and age rat- Sling TV, but also offers much more. Sling TV limits other packages offering flexibility to 2015 on a positive note, as we set the the ones I actually watch - for less than $50. ing. It’s useful, except for the fact that Vue treats you to one stream at a time, and there are no customers. tone for the coming year. We look for- past, current and future shows the same. You broadcast channels. You do get ESPN and nation- It’s like cable ... or not might click on a show only to find out it won’t be wide access on a variety of devices, though. Furthermore, a scratch & win con- ward to many more successful ven- Video quality was on par with cable. It takes a available for three days. Vue’s modernized interface is impressive. But test took place, where all participants tures & pave the way fora fruitful second or two to switch shows as Vue loads video for those used to cable and satellite TV, TiVo won, wrapping up the event as future at Gulfnet”, said Yousif Ahmed data, but cable TV has that lag, too. Unfortunately, Recordings already does this and does it better. Vue shows a another successful presence for Chief Operating Officer at Gulfnet the maximum resolution I got was 720p. Dish’s Recording an episode gets you all future lot of potential, but needs improvements to be a Gulfnet Communications. Communications. competing Sling TV online service offers sharper episodes of that show automatically, along with viable threat. —AP Japan military eyes recruits with cutesy smartphone game

TOKYO: Japan’s military has released a smartphone Pacifist Japan’s Self-Defence Forces (SDF) launched 2013 which let players fight enemy forces in islands dis- game featuring cutesy characters who dodge house- four promotional videos for the game on YouTube with puted with Japan-echoing a real diplomatic spat that hold objects, marking the latest effort to polish the the tagline “Be an SDF official and protect your home!” has marred relations between the Asian powers. force’s image and lure new recruits. “We want people in a wide age group to learn about In another image-bolstering effort, the SDF earlier The game, launched last week, calls on cartoonish what SDF officials do,” a defence ministry spokesman this month put officers on the runway as models at figures in military uniforms to protect a home while the said. The game is part of efforts to soften the image of Tokyo Boys Collection, a fashion event dedicated to owners are away, including crawling on the floor and the 230,000-strong force, which saw the number of supporting victims of Japan’s earthquake-tsunami dis- piloting a jet fighter to avoid flying objects including applicants for positions fall 10 percent in 2014 from a aster in 2011. apples. year earlier. In 2013, the maritime forces launched an online cam- TOKYO: Arisa Katayama, an employee of Japan’s Called Jieitai Collection, the game can be played for The new game has not been without social media paign inviting the public to vote for their favourite per- auto parts maker Katayama Kogyo, demonstrates free on iPhones and Android devices with new missions critics, however, who have said it is too tough to play. sonnel via smartphones. The military is also involved the company’s electric motor-assisted standing- to be launched on the application every month until The cute and cuddly approach is in sharp contrast with a magazine that features female models posing in style tricycle called the “Walking Bicycle” in Tokyo June. with a videogame released by the Chinese military in military uniforms. —AFP yesterday.—AFP HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

BRUSSELS: In this May 13, 2013 file photo, WWF members and sympathizers protest against overfishing of the LONDON: A Pacific lipstick tang -Naso Lituratus- is reflected in an aquarium during a media preview of ‘Coral Reef - European seas in front of the EU Council in Brussels. Two studies from environmental groups, obtained yesterday Secret Cities of the Sea’ exhibition at the Natural History museum in London, yesterday. The museum’s new show by The Associated Press ahead of their release, show EU nations continue to overfish their Atlantic waters despite plunges into the underwater world of coral reefs and the thousands of marine species they support, featuring a commitments to fish sustainably and stay within safe scientific limits. — AP ‘virtual dive’ that gives visitors a 180-degree view of five coral reefs controlled by a joystick, including one vista with a manta ray in Komodo Island, Indonesia. — AP Indian doctors find success in tackling ‘invisible burden’ of TB

NEW DELHI: When Indian street-food seller Kumar Stephen’s Hospital’s Community Health Department. ly the young and working population of our country. lems. “While the system is focused on the patient tak- Pal first began treatment for multi-drug resistant “The long duration of the treatment which can be It is unfortunate that in India even today one person ing their medicines, no one stops to ask them how tuberculosis two years ago, he quickly spiralled into more than two years, the adverse side effects of all dies every two minutes due to this menacing dis- they are feeling inside,” said Ravi Kumar Mishra, one depression and gave up hope of living. the drugs and the social shame attached to the dis- ease,” President Pranab Mukherjee said in a state- of the eight home care health workers working in Weighing just 35 kg (77 lbs), shunned by his rela- ease can cause patients to suffer problems like ment this week to mark World Tuberculosis Day. Sunder Nagari. “Many of the patients are depressed tives and friends and in extreme pain due to the side depression, anxiety, anger or even feeling suicidal ... “There is urgent need to build public awareness and feel hopeless. But we encourage them to contin- effects of a cocktail of medicines, 40-year-old Pal and they soon stop taking their medication.” about the curability and prevention of this disease.” ue. It’s not easy but a relationship develops overtime spent weeks in bed. “I stopped taking the medicines. Vaghela said the hospital’s home care mental Under a revised government TB control programme, and the patients learn to trust you and will phone I was certain that I was going to die anyway. I worried health program has treated over 400 patients with patients must report to local TB centres six days a regularly just to talk.” about how my wife would manage with four chil- impressive preliminary success rates, proving that week to have their daily drugs administered but from Under the programme which began in 2009, dren,” said Pal, sitting in his two-roomed home in the psychological support is crucial. the 19 million patients treated since 1993, only 3.4 health workers fortnightly visit patients at their maze of lanes in Sunder Nagari slum in northeast Studies by the hospital in 2011 found 5.7 percent million have been cured. homes and advise and counsel them and their fami- Delhi. “The health visitors gave me support ... they of MDR-TB patients under the home care pro- Experts say more than drugs are needed as lies about the disease and what to expect. used to tell me to take my medicines, do exercise, eat gramme quit treatment compared to the national patients often lack employment, nutrition, decent Given the low incomes of many families, the hos- properly. It gave me hope for the future,” said Pal, average of 23 percent. The death rate under the pro- housing, and good healthcare. pital also provides supplies such as eggs and milk to who now weighs 55 kg and has recently been gram was 6.9 percent compared to the average of 23 “When TB is diagnosed, patients and their families patients who require a high protein diet and crche cleared of the disease. percent. must receive counseling, nutrition, and economic services to help with day care. Pal is one of hundreds of multi-drug resistant support,” Zarir Udwadia, consultant physician at the In some cases, health visitors have also helped tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients at St. Stephen’s Difficult disease P.D. Hinduja National Hospital in Mumbai, wrote in families gain access to government welfare schemes, Hospital in Delhi who have been cured, aided by a Each year India has 2.2 million new cases of TB, the British Medical Journal. soft loans and arranged skill development for family unique program providing psychosocial support to more than 300,000 deaths, and economic losses of members of TB patients. sufferers of one of the world’s most deadly diseases. $23 billion, prompting the nation’s president to call Invisible burden Doctors at St. Stephen’s Hospital, which gets Despite a lot of progress over the past two for greater efforts to curb its spread, especially with In Sunder Nagari slum, home to some 70,000 funding from the charity United Way Worldwide, say decades, the bacterial lung disease TB, that is spread the emergence of MDR-TB, a form resistant to front- people, TB is common but still brings with it stigma the mental health home care programme is effective through coughs and sneezes, infected nine million line drugs that is hard and costly to treat. and shame. Health workers report cases where and should be in the national TB programme. people and killed 1.5 million in 2013, according to All cases of TB are hard to treat and require patients are thrown out of their homes, sacked from “Mental health is the invisible burden of TB,” said the World Health Organisation (WHO). months of antibiotics. Symptoms include coughing, jobs and ostracised by their community. Vaghela. “Patients do not want to admit to having “One of the things overlooked when it comes to sometimes with sputum or blood, chest pains, weak- With no access to finance to support their fami- mental health issues and most doctors are too busy curbing tuberculosis is the mental health problems ness, weight loss and fever. lies, a feeling of isolation and the harsh side effects of to deal with it. But if we want to end TB, we need to of patients,” said Joyce Vaghela, deputy director at St. “TB is a major health problem which afflicts main- the drugs, patients can develop mental health prob- address this aspect of this disease.” — Reuters Guinea starts testing Merck vaccine in Ebola hotspots Death toll in West African epidemic exceeds 10,000

CONAKRY/DAKAR: Guinea started testing an exper- care workers with stones and machetes amid responding to treatment,” said Francis Karteh, the imental Ebola vaccine from Merck and NewLink rumours that they were plotting to contaminate head of Liberia’s Ebola Incident Management Team. Genetics on affected communities this week, in a them with the virus or that they had invented the “She had contact with more than 50 people. We have move officials hope will accelerate the end of an epi- disease as part of a plot to harvest their organs in been following these people and they are all home demic first detected a year ago. But some worry Ebola treatment centres. The vaccine administers a with no sign of Ebola yet.” The woman is the wife of a about violent reactions from communities fearful small diminished portion of the live virus in order to cured Ebola patient, a source said. about healthcare workers’ intentions in a country stimulate an immune reaction. This may trigger a Liberia has recorded more than 4,000 Ebola where resistance to the anti-Ebola campaign has fever, one of the early symptoms of Ebola. deaths but was at an advanced stage of recovery, been strongest. “Someone arriving with a syringe in their hand expecting to be declared Ebola-free by mid-April The Ebola outbreak in West Africa has so far killed might be taken as confirmation of all the rumours before the latest case in the capital Monrovia. more than 10,200 people and, though now waning going around. It’s going to be very complicated,” said During a visit to the JFK Hospital in Monrovia, the across the region, case numbers have increased in Jerome Mouton, Guinea country director for leading largest in the country, Liberian President Ellen recent weeks in Guinea. anti-Ebola charity Medicins Sans Frontieres. Johnson Sirleaf “thanked God” that only one person The World Health Organization (WHO) plans to had been identified so far, an official statement said. COLUMBIA: In this Feb. 21, 2015 photo, Eliza O’Neill, 5, left, plays with her mother vaccinate around 10,000 people over six to eight No force vaccination “So far, we’re very pleased with their response Cara O’Neill at their home in Columbia, S.C. Glenn and Cara O’Neill started the Cure weeks. Health workers will immunise the high-risk The WHO said it would not force people to be and the ability to contain the virus,” the statement Sanfilippo Foundation in hopes of saving Eliza, who suffers from the rare Sanfilippo contacts around Ebola patients, thereby creating a vaccinated. The Red Cross’s Africa director Alasan said quoting Sirleaf as saying on Monday. Syndrome and is beginning to lose her ability to speak. The disease kills brain cells, “ring of immunity” around them. “Combined with Senghore said overcoming resistance was the Since the outbreak began in December 2013, causing hyperactivity and autistic-like behavior, then seizures, loss of ability to walk control measures that we are putting in place with biggest challenge to ending the epidemic. 24,753 people in nine countries have been infected and usually death by the mid-teens. “The next six or seven years will be horrible for our partners, a safe and effective vaccine will allow us “Realistically it will take towards the end of the year with the virus, and 10,236 of them have died, accord- her, and then she’ll die,” her father said. — AP to close this trying chapter and start rebuilding our (to end Ebola),” he told Reuters. ing to the latest figures. All but 15 of those deaths country,” said Sakoba Keita, national coordinator of Meanwhile, a Liberian woman who last week have occurred in Liberia and its neighbours, Sierra the fight against Ebola in Guinea. became the country’s first Ebola patient in more than Leone and Guinea. But the tide seemed to have The vaccine has already been administered to one month has not passed on the infection to any- turned in Liberia, which six months ago was Time to control online some volunteer healthcare workers. The first team for one else, a senior official said yesterday. reporting more than 300 new cases a week. The this stage of the trial arrived in a village in western The case was a setback to hopes that Liberia, World Health Organization (WHO) announced Guinea, one of the virus hotspots, on March 23 and once the worst Ebola-hit country, would soon be offi- earlier this month that no new case of the deadly sales of breastmilk received an “excellent response”, the WHO said. cially declared free of the deadly disease. virus had been registered in Liberia since Residents in Guinea have in the past attacked health- “The patient is in a stable condition. She is February 19. — Agencies PARIS: Health watchdogs should regulate and storage conditions. Another investiga- online sales of breast milk, so prone to con- tion into 102 online samples found that 25 tamination that babies may be placed at percent arrived with severely damaged Ice ‘Australia’s greatest drug risk, the BMJ medical journal said in an edi- packaging and were no longer frozen, lead- Mars has nitrogen, torial yesterday. ing to more rapid bacterial growth and threat’, use growing: Report New mums face mounting social pres- contamination. key to life: NASA sure to provide breast milk, given its “Other studies identified occasional SYDNEY: Crystal methamphetamine is the perspective, there appears to currently be sig- famous nutritional benefits, and more and contamination with bisphenol A and illicit greatest drug threat to Australians, with usage nificant production of methylamphetamine in WASHINGTON: NASA’s Curiosity rover has found nitro- more are turning to the Internet if they are drugs and tampering, including the addi- spreading across the nation despite unprece- Mexico,” the report said. “Mexican crime gen on the surface of Mars, a significant discovery that unable to provide the milk themselves. tion of cow’s milk or water to increase vol- dented seizures of the substance by authori- groups are importing cocaine and methylam- adds to evidence the Red Planet could once have sus- Breast milk purchased online is cheaper ume,” the specialists said. “Such contamina- ties, Justice Minister Michael Keenan said yes- phetamine into Australia.” Australia was a par- tained life, the space agency said Tuesday. By drilling than that obtained from regulated breast tion cannot easily be detected before terday. Keenan, who was releasing an ticularly attractive market for drug traffickers into Martian rocks, Curiosity found evidence of nitrates, Australian Crime Commission report into the milk banks. The reason, the editorial said, is infant feeding.” as the price of ice was much higher in the compounds containing nitrogen that can be used by liv- supply and use of the white crystalline drug, nation compared with its regional counter- that Internet providers cut corners on the The editorial is lead-authored by Sarah ing organisms. The Curiosity team has already found cost of checking donors and on storing and Steele, a lecturer at the Global Health, also known as “ice”, said local and international parts, the report added. crime groups were heavily involved in the illic- It noted that while US$80 bought one evidence that other ingredients needed for life, such as shipping the milk in hygienic conditions. Policy and Innovation Unit at Queen Mary it trade. “Our nation’s addiction to this mind- gram of ice in China, users in Australia had to liquid water and organic matter, once existed at the site “Unlike donors at licensed milk banks, University London. eating, personality-distorting, life-ending pay US$500 for the same amount. The report known as Gale Crater. online sellers are not required to undergo Breast milk is not just purchased for drug is undermining the social fabric of com- said local dealers were mixing other drugs “Finding a biochemically accessible form of nitrogen any serological screening, meaning that babies-gym enthusiasts and cancer munities, and paying big dividends to the into ice to try to increase addiction levels. is more support for the ancient Martian environment at diseases such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, patients are also among the buyers, believ- organised criminal syndicates that are profit- More users were also turning to ice rather Gale Crater being habitable,” Jennifer Stern of NASA’s human T cell lymphotrophic virus and ing it provides a nutritional plus for mus- ing from its misery,” the minister said in a than the powdered form of methampheta- Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland syphilis may not be detected,” it said. cle-building and the immune system. statement. “The report confirms ice poses the mine. Ice can be smoked instead of injected, said in a statement. Nitrogen is essential for all known The editorial pointed to several published The editorial called for better regulation greatest threat to the Australian public of all and so is easier to use and more accessible. forms of life, because it’s a building block of DNA and studies highlighting the risks. One found that of the collection and shipping of breast illicit drug types.” The report also said there “These factors, and the ready availability of RNA. However, “there is no evidence to suggest that the 21 percent of tested samples of Internet- milk, and improved training for healthcare was an “unprecedented level of organised methylamphetamine, have created new fixed nitrogen molecules found by the team were creat- bought breast milk were contaminated with workers who advise new mothers. crime involvement” in the trade of the drug - demand in areas where the drug has not pre- ed by life,” NASA cautioned. “The surface of Mars is a herpes virus called cytomegalovirus, com- “Milk bought online is far from an ideal which is highly addictive. viously been present,” the commission said. inhospitable for known forms of life.” The research team More than 60 percent of domestic criminal “This includes regional, rural and remote com- pared to five percent from a regulated bank. alternative, exposing infants and other suggested that instead, the nitrates are ancient and like- Another found that 92 of 101 online samples consumers to microbiological and chemi- groups including motorcycle gangs were munities.” The broader impact of ice use involved, with the drug passing through sev- included psychosis and long-term psychologi- ly came from meteorite impacts, lightning and other tested positive for bacterial growth, likely due cal agents,” it said. “Urgent action is eral countries before being imported into cal issues, while it has also been linked to vio- non-biological processes.—AFP to a lack of pasteurisation, and poor shipping required to make this market safer.” — AFP Australia, the commission said. “From a global lent crimes, Keenan said.—AFP HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 Health experts defend e-cigarettes despite concerns

ABU DHABI: Health experts at an anti-tobacco con- first month of the e-cigarette use on average,” he Geneva University, “e-cigarettes and nicotine and University of Alabama Center for the Study of ference in Abu Dhabi defended e-cigarettes last said. “That’s something you don’t see with any other tobacco vapourisers should not be excessively regu- Tobacco and Society, says he would usually recom- week, dismissing widespread concerns that the method of smoking cessation.” But on Wednesday, lated”. mend e-cigarettes to patients trying to quit smoking devices could lure adolescents into nicotine addic- World Health Organization (WHO) chief Margaret This could “decrease the numbers of smokers who rather than “give a pharmaceutical product which tion. Chan voiced support for governments that are “ban- switch to these new products”, benefiting “only the has side effects and which have not worked very Most experts agreed, however, that use of the ning... regulating” e-cigarette use. She was speaking big tobacco industry” whose leaders “will be able to well”. But he also warned that e-cigarettes are being devices, about which research warns that not to reporters at the World Conference on Tobacco or survive in a tightly regulated environment”. used by schoolchildren and that some people use enough is yet known, should be regulated to prevent Health, hosted by the capital of the United Arab Etter called the WHO stance on e-cigarettes “polit- cannabis and marijuana in the devices. their use by non-smokers. Konstantinos Farsalinos, Emirates which has so far banned the devices. ical”. “I think that the WHO people should know bet- Citing a recent but yet unpublished study, researcher from Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre in “Non-smoking is the norm and e-cigarettes will ter than kill alternatives to smoking cigarettes,” he Farsalinos insisted that “if three percent of smokers Athens, told AFP that in a study of nearly 19,500 peo- derail that normality thinking, because it will attract said. E-cigarettes were first produced in China in switch to e-cigarettes we are going to save about ple, mainly in the United States and Europe, 81 per- especially young people to take up smoking,” said 2003, and have since spread globally. two million lives in the next 20 years”. cent of participants said they had quit smoking by Chan. They have sparked what several participants at “There is not a single case of a never-smoker who using e-cigarettes. “So I do not support that.” the gathering called a “very divisive debate”. used e-cigarettes and then became a smoker of “In fact, they quit smoking very easily within the But for Jean-Francois Etter, associate professor at Alan Blum, a family doctor and director of The tobacco cigarettes,” he said. — AFP Lombardy, the new Caspian for caviar

CALVISANO: With pools 85 times the aging them. size of the nearby pitches where Rugby Then the eggs are rinsed using a Calvisano plays, the company Agro Ittica patented method that keeps them from Lombarda is putting this northern Italian clumping together. town on the map again-as the world’s Zanin, who trained in Russia and Iran top caviar producer. before joining Agro Ittica in 1996 when The story began in the late 1970s, the company began commercial produc- when the town’s steel mill teamed up tion of caviar, inspects and samples the with a Californian biologist to use the various eggs. He photographs them and heat generated by the mill to warm takes notes. pools to raise sturgeons, whose eggs are “For each fish we note the species, the used to make the salty delicacy. age, the year, the weight, egg yield, their The world’s most prized caviar comes size, colour, appearance and taste,” said from wild sturgeon in the Caspian Sea. Agro Ittica’s chief executive, Lelio Agro Ittica was the first sturgeon farmer Mondella. in Europe and well positioned in 1998 “When you produce 25 to 30 tonnes when under CITES, the international con- of caviar per year, it is important to know vention to protect endangered species, exactly what you are selling.” Next the fishing of the Caspian sturgeon was eggs are salted, which is what turns them restricted, then banned outright in 2010. into caviar. Zanin takes a pinch of Cervia The caviar industry has since shifted salt, or what he called the “Pope’s salt”, to farming the fish across the globe, from from Italy’s Adriatic coast and considered China to Israel to Uruguay. France, Russia less bitter than other sea salts. and the United States are also major pro- Three percent of the weight of the ducers. eggs is the dose for lightly salted caviar. While most consumers associate Then the eggs are packaged for ageing: caviar with Russia, Agro Ittica points out from three months minimum to up to 15 that sturgeons were historically found in years. The containers are covered with many parts of the world, including Italy. plastic film to let air escape as fermenta- ROSTOCK: The male polar bear cub explores with its mother Vilma for the first time their outdoor enclosure at the zoo in Rostock, Germany, “The sturgeon is closely intertwined tion slowly proceeds. YESTERDAY. The three and a half month old polar bear cub will get a name on March 31.— AP with Italian history, you see it in Less than 20 minutes has passed since Renaissance painting and even Roman the sturgeon arrived. “That is critical,” said sculptures,” said Agro Ittica’s export direc- Zanin. “Otherwise the eggs soften and tor John Giovannini, citing the writings become fragile.” of 15th century writer Bartolomeo Bill to create organic-style Platina. First class, middle class But “it disappeared from Italian rivers Agro Ittica has become the top global in the 1960s due to dams and pollution,” producer, accounting for a fifth of the labels for modified foods he added. 150 tonnes produced worldwide each Now 60,000 sturgeons swim in Agro year. Its 24 million euros ($26 million) in Ittica’s pools: white sturgeons from North sales last year were mostly to Russia Bill steps up FDA review of GMO foods America, the Adriatic and Siberia as well which can’t make enough of it and as the belugas that produce the largest chose not to include caviar as part of its WASHINGTON: Inspired by the popular “USDA be USDA-certified to carry any organic label on a food that is safe and 1,000 different rules.” eggs that made Caspian caviar famous. embargo on Western food products-as organic” label, House Republicans are proposing a package, the USDA non-GMO certification would He said he is working with his party’s leadership A separate farm in the Ticino wildlife well as the United States, France and new government certification for foods free of not be required for every food that bills itself as and other senators to try to pass the bill this year. park to the west of Milan raises Russian parts of Asia. genetically modified ingredients. non-GMO. The idea is that the USDA-certified non- Genetically modified seeds are engineered in sturgeon that produces smaller eggs Agro Ittica sells its caviar under differ- The idea is part of an attempt to block state GMO foods would have a special government label laboratories to have certain traits, like resistance to used to make Osetra caviar, known for its ent labels to different market segments. efforts to require mandatory labeling of foods that that companies could use to market their foods. herbicides. The majority of the country’s corn and nutty flavour. The Calvisius brand targets high fliers, include genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. The bill also steps up FDA review of genetically soybean crops is now genetically modified, with whether they are in top of the line shops The label would be voluntary, says Rep. Mike modified foods. much of that going to animal feed. They are also Pope’s salt in New York, London and Paris or in the Pompeo, R-Kan., who is including the idea in legis- Pompeo says inconsistent state laws would be made into popular processed food ingredients like When the females are ready, they are first class sections of airlines. lation he plans to introduce as soon as today. confusing and costly for consumers and for compa- high-fructose corn syrup and soybean oil. taken to the Renzo Zanin, the “Caviar Its Caviar Club brand targets a wider Pompeo says a government-certified label nies. Vermont became the first state to require the Consumer advocates pushing for the labeling would allow companies that want to advertise labeling in 2014, and that will go into effect next say shoppers have a right to know what is in their Master” at Agro Ittica Lombarda. After market via supermarkets. With many their foods as GMO-free to do so, but it would not year if it survives a legal challenge from the food food, arguing that not enough is known about the knocking them out, he deftly removes consumers still feeling the pinch of the be mandatory for others. The food industry, which industry. effects of the technology. They have supported the egg sac. global economic crisis, Agro Ittica’s chief backs Pompeo’s bill, has strongly opposed individ- several state efforts to require labeling, with the The roe is quickly transferred to a executive Mondella said the small jars of ual state efforts to require labeling, saying labels Affordable food eventual goal of having a federal standard. room kept at 5 degrees C (41 F), where it 10 or 20 grammes “allow everyone to would be misleading because GMOs are safe. “We’re perfectly happy to have folks to under- Pompeo’s bill would override any state laws that is massaged by hand on a sieve to sepa- experience caviar, like champagne by the Under Pompeo’s bill, the Agriculture stand if there’s GMOs or not in their food,” Pompeo require the labeling. He introduced a similar bill last rate the eggs from the sac without dam- glass”. — AP Department would oversee the certification, as it said in an interview with The Associated Press. “It is year that did not include the Agriculture does with organics. But while organic foods must simply not the case that you can have affordable Department certification. — AP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Australian strip loin Pulled Aussie BBQ with caramelized onions Lamb Sandwiches Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Serves: 4 Cooking time: 15 minutes Prep time: 60 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients: * 4 Australian rump eye, 1.5 inch thick Ingredients: * 3 white onions, sliced * 1 bone-in Australian lamb shoulder roast Marinade: * 4 hamburger buns * 1/2-cup dark soy sauce Rub: * 1/4 cup rice vinegar * 2 Tbsp. coffee milled * 2 tablespoons brown sugar * 2 Tbsp. pure chilli powder * 2 tablespoon finely chopped garlic * 2 Tbsp. kosher salt * Freshly ground black pepper to taste Chef Tarek on Mashawy set. * 4 tsp. granulated sugar * 1/2-cup extra-virgin olive oil * 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Dressing: * 1 tsp dry mustard * 1/2 cup drained full cream yogurt Sauce: * 1 mashed garlic clove * 1 cup ketchup * 1 teaspoon dried lemon thyme * 1cup apple cider * Salt & freshly ground black pepper * 2 tsp Worcestershire Salad: * 1 tsp tobacco * 2 bunch arugula Chef Tarek with big chop. * 1tsp ginger * 1 beetroot julienne * 1tsp paprika * 1/2 tsp dry mustard Method: * 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1. In a blender place all marinade ingredients and blend. Method: 2. Place the steaks into the a suitable dish and spoon 1. In a glass bowl mix the rub ingredients together. Generously half the marinade to coat the steaks rub the mix all over the lamb shoulder. 3. Place the onions slices in the bowl with remaining 2. Prepare your grill for indirect grilling. If using a charcoal BBQ marinade mix well. Set aside alongside the steaks. have the coals at the outer rim and if using a gas BBQ have only 4. In a medium bowl mix the Yogurt and horseradish. the outside burners on. Place the shoulder of lamb on indirect Stir in the thyme and the mashed garlic; season to taste heat and close the BBQ lid and keep it closed. Grill until the with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate. meat is falling off the bone. (Check after 1 and 1/2 hours with 5. Heat the grill for direct cooking over high heat on fork to see if meat falls away) one side of the grill and medium heat on the other side. 3. Using a cast iron skillet place all sauce ingredients inside and 6. Place the steaks over the direct heat keeping the lid bring to a simmer stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the sea- closed as much as possible until done to your liking. sonings. It should be spicy and tangy. 7. Strain the onions from the marinade, and place on 4. Transfer the lamb roast to a sheet pan and tightly cover to rest the grill over direct medium the lamb for about 30 minutes. 8. After removing the steaks from the grill and resting it 5. Pull the warm meat apart with your fingers to shred the meat. for at least 5 minutes place the grilled onion on top the Place lamb In a large bowl and add as much sauce as you like. steaks then top with Arugula, beetroot and drizzle with Pile the lamb on hamburger buns. Serve warm with fries sea- the yogurt sauce. soned with cumin, salt and pepper, if desired 6. Serve with French onion rings Pulled lamb sandwiches. Australian strip loin with caramelized onions. Fried Onion Rings: (This recipe makes very crisp, sweet rings - everything that an onion ring should be. Take care not to over- Master Chef Tarek Ibrahim - Trip to Australia brown them; they burn and become bitter and black very easily.) Ingredients: In search of perfection Down Under * 2 medium onions * 2 tsp fine sea salt s a chef, whether I’m creating dishes for TV shows, a know where their lamb has been produced” green pastures with clean, fresh air it was now time to * 4 tsp cornflour special banquet or teaching culinary students, I’m Now I’ve seen the farm and know how my lamb is pro- find out how they end up on my plate! The traceability * Oil (preferably enough for deep frying) Aalways looking for the very best ingredients. My duced it’s time to taste the product. Paul handed me, what I system in Australia is the best in the world. Each head of style of cooking is clean with each ingredient shining can only describe after over 40 years as a chef, the best cattle has an ear tag that electronically records every- Method: through and for me red meat is the hero of the plate. I looking and smelling lamb chops I’ve ever seen. Beautiful thing you may ever need to know about it from birth to 1. Peel and slice the onions into thin rings discarding the cen- firmly believe in matching correct cooking methods to colour and a sensational size, it was my absolute pleasure slaughter. ters. Sprinkle lightly with the salt and leave for 10 minutes then each cut, utilizing and respecting the whole animal-in a to grill the chops, season with salt and pepper and serve to rinse well to remove salt. Pat dry on paper towels. nutshell nose to tail cooking! my new friends with some fabulous Arabic salads. Simple. As Halal As It Gets 2. Dust the rings liberally with the corn flour to coat and leave In my quest for culinary perfection and an interest bor- Perfect. Delicious. Now I’m off in search of the perfect As a strict Muslim halal integrity is incredibly impor- for 5 minutes, then turn them over, packing the corn flour well dering on obsession to see exactly where my food comes steak... tant to me. In 1983, the Australian Quarantine Inspection down onto them. 3. Heat the oil in a deep pan until just smoking. Plunge the from, I swapped chef whites for an Akubra hat and headed Cowboy Chef Service (AQIS) introduced the Australian Government onion rings into the oil for a couple of minutes, lift them out, to Australia in search of perfect lamb and beef. Landing in Brisbane, I travelled to Queensland to visit Authorised Halal Program (AGAHP) to control the pro- and, while the oil is reheating, sprinkle them with a further tea- Why Australia you ask? Well apart from being the Josie and Blair Angus’s cattle station ‘Kimberley’. Over duction of halal meats and products. The AGAHP was put spoonful of corn flour. world’s largest exporter of Halal red meat, strict global safe- 400,000 acres of prime cattle country, nestled between in place to ensure that halal production for both domes- 4. Return them to the hot fat and fry them until they are really ty standards and an enviable reputation for a great food the Great Barrier Reef and the rugged outback, it’s clear tic and overseas markets is assured the best in the world. crisp but do not allow them to become very dark or they will producing nation, quite simply I’ve always wanted to be a the Angus family have a passion for this wonderful land. AQIS controls the AGAHP and has recognized a number taste bitter. Drain on paper towels and keep warm. cowboy! First stop on my culinary adventure is Malabar “What an incredible place”, I exclaimed to which Blair of Islamic organizations that are responsible for the pro- farm in Melbourne... responded by handing me a pair of RM Williams boots vision of halal inspection, supervision and certification I’m met by Paul and Jenny O’Sullivan, who run and introducing me to my horse-unbelievably named services for meat and meat products. It is also ensured Gippsland Food Adventures from their 640 hectares farm, Silver. As I saddled up, took in the spectacular scenery, I that only practicing Muslim slaughter men are employed Malabar, near Walkerville. They have 5500 sheep, 1000 cat- knew I was somewhere special and that I was going to to perform the slaughtering and supervisory work; these tle and have produced lambs for Coles supermarket for gain a true understanding of not only where my food orginisations provide guidance and expertise on Islamic over 16 years. Paul wastes no time putting me to work on comes from but also what it’s like to be an Australian Shari’ah and interpretation of Halal principles. It doesn’t the drafting gate to separate ewes from lambs. Whilst hard farmer. get more Halal than that. at work ensuring I didn’t miss any lambs, Paul shared his As my heart was soaring and my culinary curiosity ethos with me: was peaking it dawned on me rather quickly I’d never Griller! “It’s really important for Australian farmers that we look ridden a professional working horse before. Sensing my After my first hand experience of the paddock it was after our sheep. As you can see they’re well fed, well nour- sudden unease, Blair quickly informed me I should now time to put my day job to good use. At the end of a ished and well cared for. It’s important for the sheep, it’s “show the horse you’re in charge and make sure he long day mustering cattle, we all gathered round a large important for us and at the end of the day it’s going to knows you’re the boss”! Putting my kitchen brigade dining table and enjoyed some incredible steaks. When make a great product. If they have no stress in their life leadership skills in high gear, I set off on my farm to fork something is as good as this you keep it simple. My new they’re going to eat beautifully.” adventure. TV show, Mashawi, is all about grilling and the weather in Australia is just perfect for barbequing just like the Raising the Baa Raising the Steaks Middle East is now! I simply salted the steaks (when you On asking why Australia deserves its reputation for food It quickly became apparent how animal welfare is of BBQ don’t use pepper as it burns, put pepper on after- safety Paul showed me the tags on the lambs ears and great importance and the respect with which I saw the wards) and whipped up a fresh salad whilst the steaks explained: animals being treated was first class. Welfare standards were grilling on direct heat (see recipe opposite). “One of the things we’re particularly proud of in form part of an on-farm program allowing the Angus Another tip - don’t eat the meat straight off the Barbie - Artist Johnarts Kalabhavan is conferred a doctor Australia is our traceability. We can guarantee with great family to record and declare the welfare, food safety and let your meat “rest” for up to ten minutes and it will taste in record breaking by World Records University integrity the point of origin of the lambs. Lambs are quality assurance status of their cattle. This has a direct even better - I promise! In no time at all we were eating for ‘most number of caricatures presented on tagged before they leave the property and it’s critical. It impact on the cattle and coupled with calm handling the juiciest, most succulent steaks you could imagine. A stage’ yesterday. Johnarts who is based in Jleeb has a PIC- Property Identification Code so lambs can be techniques results in happy cows. Being a chef I know true taste sensation shared with new friends. Al-Shuyoukh has presented about 500 caricatures traced back to the source of origin. If there’s ever an issue, has a major impact on the flavour and tenderness of Chef Tarek’s new TV show Mashawi is playing now on drawn by him to various celebrities who are visit- even if its been sold a couple of times, its animal health his- meat exported to the Middle East. Having seen the cattle Fatafeat TV. For more Chef Tarek recipes go to www.lam- ing Kuwait. tory can be traced. This gives great faith that people can moving freely and grazing in their environment of lush bandbeef.com

Greetings 2nd Birthday Greetings - Shayan Rehman. know we live far away now but Iyou’re always in my thoughts, espe- cially on occasions like this on your birthday. You were the smallest miracle I had ever seen, and as you grow older every day, you become the biggest. Best Wishes from Uncle Rihab Thondiyil & Grandfather Ummer Thondiyil

What’s On - Submission Guidelines

All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone ASSE organises training program numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will merican Society of Safety Engineers, Kuwait stated his lecture by briefing and elaborating the below Scaffold (Cuplock). not be published. Chapter organized a one day training program on topics: 5. Inspection of all types of Scaffolds A“Scaffolding Competent Person” at Kohinoor 1. General Safety requirements of Scaffolds (OSHA 6. Calculating Scaffold Loads Banquets Hall, Fahaheel, on 13th March. The training ses- Standard) 7. OSHA Scaffold Standards Please send them to sion was commenced with a welcome note by Sanjay 2. Erection and dismantling of Frame Scaffold. He has explained with examples that how the compa- [email protected] Jaiswal, Head of Training committee and the speaker 3. Erection and Dismantling of Tube & Clamps nies can benefit by having trained employees with them. Mohamad Riaz Shareef, was introduced. Scaffolds. There were 28 ASSE members who participated in this Mohamad Riaz Shareef, Scaffolding Train-the-Trainer 4. Erection and Dismantling of System training program. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 Malabar developers launches two new projects

he property development division of the city. The highlight of this project is the Park smarter Homes’. Malabar Group Malabar Developers location, which is a stone’s throw from Architect Tony Joseph launched mpa- Tannounced the launch of two apart- Sarovaram Bio Park, blessed by verdant hammed.com, the blog of Malabar Group ment projects for Kozhikode, ‘Grand Oak’ and greenery and refreshing environs. It promises Chairman. Though he ventured into social ‘Turmeric Park Smarter Homes’ in a well- superior living and unmatched features that media only a couple of months back, M.P. attended function at the Corporate office offer the best for the aspiring elite. Ahammed expressed happiness in exploring premises of Malabar Group. ‘Turmeric Park Smarter Homes’ coming up the endless possibilities of new media for Architect Shereena Anwar welcomed the at Kunduparambu in the city limits offers val- interacting and sharing ideas, especially with gathering. Malabar Group Chairman M.P. ue for money with smart features for the mid- the young generation. Creative Director Ahammed addressed the guests and dle class. Spacious atrium and elevator facili- Bhanuprakasan also spoke on the occasion. Regional Town Planner K. V Abdul Malik was ties give it a distinct identity from the budget Having started operations in 1995, Malabar the Chief guest for the evening. apartments in similar price range. Developers has an impressive track record of Brochures of the two projects Grand Oak’ Malabar Gold & Diamonds Managing residential apartments as well as commercial and ‘Turmeric Park Smarter Homes’ were also Director ( India Operations) Asher O., Group properties. Luxury villas, Townships, conven- released in the function by KV Abdul Malik Executive Directors A.K. Nishad, K.P.Veeran tion centres, shopping malls, all figure in their and Tiny Philip respectively. Kutty, Corporate Head (HR) Abdul Jaleel E, expansion plans in the near future. Grand Oak Super luxury apartments is Tiny Philip Business consultant received the Yashir Adi Raja, Director Malabar coming up at Cherooty Nagar in the heart of first bookings of ‘Grand Oak’ and ‘Turmeric Developers expressed the vote of thanks.

Teachers’ training held in connection with Sunday School Golden Jubilee

s part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations President of Orthodox Sunday School teacher shouldn’t be teaching but only making lamented the deplorable conditions of the Earlier, the inaugural meeting was presided of St Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church Association of the East and Metropolitan of grounds for the students to learn by them- teaching fraternity where they are no longer over by Fr Reji C. Varghese (Associate Vicar), Fr ASunday School, Kuwait-the largest Kochi Diocese, who himself was a teacher for selves. Learning happens only when a mean- role models as in the past. A good teacher shall Shaji P Joshua, Kurien Varghese (Headmaster) Sunday School of Indian Orthodox Church with many decades. The keys to successful teaching ingful relationship establish between the be enthusiastic and should encourage the stu- and P C George (Golden Jubilee convener) 1,365 students-a teachers training program are proper preparation, social awareness, wide teacher and student. A teacher shall exhibit the dents to think differently. He further gave spoke on the occasion. John P Abraham with the theme ‘The Ministry of Teaching’ was reading habit, inquisitiveness, innovative think- love of a mother and the discipline of a father. practical and simple tips to become a success- (Program Jt Convener) compeered the pro- conducted, in which teachers from three ing and a close and affectionate attachment to The second session was lead by Fr Mathai ful teacher including how to use body lan- grams. Besides St Gregorios Maha Edavaka, Orthodox parishes participated. the students. They should understand their les- Edayanal Cor-episcopa, a great orator and a guage in communicating effectively with the teachers from St Basil and St Thomas parishes The key speaker was Dr Yakoob Mar Irenios, sons well and love their students. A good well known teacher for over 3 decades. He students. participated in the program.

National and Liberation Day celebrations at IIS, Mangaf

uwait National Day and Liberation Day was celebrated students on the importance of Kuwait National &Liberation with great pomp and gaiety at India International School days. An Arabic song with patriotic fervor reverberated the K(IISM) on 24th February 2015. It was indeed a pleasure to assembly hall and instilled national feeling towards our foster see the students clad in Kuwait flag coloured dress express their land. ‘Kuwait through our eyes’ performed by the students of love towards the country in which they live. The event started in IX.C took the spectators on a wonderful journey through the the Kindergarten section with the students dressed in Kuwaiti history lane throwing light on the rich culture and tradition of traditional costumes marching down the amply - decorated Kuwait. It was followed by an Arabic skit unfurling the history corridors, waving their flags to the lovely tunes of ‘K-U-W-A-I-T’ of Kuwait by giving glimpses of how the country got liberat- Kuwait National day songs and lining up for the celebration. ed. The next item was a mind blowing celebration song fol- The day was also marked with the special assembly and cultural lowed by enactment of major incidents in the history of activities to enhance the festive spirit among the tiny tots. Kuwait. The event was graced by the presence of the school The senior section of the school organized a special Director, Principal, Sr. Vice Principal, and Section Vice assembly in this regard. Informative speeches were given by Principals.

hanthigiri Ashram representative Janananma Jnana Thapasvi speaks on the launch of Shanthigiri nursing mission in Kuwait, intending the availability of Ayurvedic medicines in Kuwait. Shoba SNair, Kuwait spokesperson said a naturopathic clinic will opened in Mahboula or Salmiya. THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

13:50 Nyc: Inside Out 01:20 Amazing Wedding Cakes 02:00 Mixology 20:00 Scary Movie 5-PG15 14:40 Food Factory 02:10 Chopped 02:30 Web Therapy 22:00 21 & Over-18 15:05 How It’s Made 03:00 Food Network Challenge 03:00 Hot In Cleveland 15:30 How We Invented The World 03:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 16:20 Strangest Weather On Earth 04:15 Chopped Jimmy Fallon 00:50 China’s Deadliest Snakes 17:10 How Do They Do It? 05:05 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 05:30 My Name Is Earl 01:45 Animal Cops Houston 17:35 How Do They Do It? Cook Off 06:00 Til Death 02:40 Tanked 18:00 Through The Wormhole With 05:50 Siba’s Table 06:30 My Boys 01:15 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 03:35 The Lion Queen Morgan Freeman 06:10 Sweet Genius 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 03:00 Ashes-PG15 04:25 Animal Cops Houston 18:50 How It’s Made 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 08:30 My Name Is Earl 05:00 The Fifth Estate-PG15 05:15 Treehouse Masters 19:15 How It’s Made 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 09:00 Hot In Cleveland 07:15 Magic Journey To Africa 06:02 Call Of The Wildman 19:40 Food Factory 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 10:30 My Boys 09:00 Inescapable-PG15 06:25 Call Of The Wildman 20:05 Food Factory 08:15 Chopped SA 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 11:00 The Fifth Estate-PG15 06:49 The Lion Queen 20:30 Rise Of The Machines 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Jimmy Fallon 13:15 Heaven’s Door-PG 07:36 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 21:20 Rise Of The Machines Basics 12:00 Til Death 15:00 The Bag Man-PG15 Warriors 22:10 How Do They Do It? 09:30 Farm Kings 13:00 My Name Is Earl 17:00 Inescapable-PG15 08:00 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 22:35 How Do They Do It? 10:20 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 13:30 My Boys 19:00 August: Osage County-PG15 Warriors 23:00 Rise Of The Machines 10:45 Easy Chinese 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 21:00 Disconnect-PG15 08:25 Too Cute! 23:50 Rise Of The Machines 11:10 Reza’s African Kitchen Stewart 23:00 The Place Beyond The 09:15 The Lion Queen 11:35 The Big Eat... 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry Pines-18 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 12:00 Chopped Wilmore 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 12:50 Siba’s Table 16:30 Til Death 11:05 Gator Boys 13:15 Guy’s Big Bite 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:00 Too Cute! 13:40 Guy’s Big Bite 18:00 Hot In Cleveland 12:55 The Lion Queen 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 18:30 Baby Daddy 13:50 Treehouse Masters 00:00 Violetta 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:00 Black-Ish 01:00 Salmon Fishing In The 14:45 Animal Cops Houston 00:45 The Hive 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:30 Parks And Recreation Yemen-PG15 15:40 Tanked 00:50 Art Attack 15:45 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:00 The Portrait Of A Lady-PG15 16:35 The Lion Queen 01:15 Art Attack Cook Off Jimmy Fallon 05:00 The Perks Of Being A 17:30 China’s Deadliest Snakes 01:40 Jungle Junction 16:35 Chopped SA 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Wallflower-PG15 18:25 Treehouse Masters 01:50 Jungle Junction 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks The Stewart 07:00 Blancanieves-PG15 19:20 Nature’s Newborns 02:05 Jungle Junction Riviera 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 09:00 Yellow Rock-PG15 19:50 Nature’s Newborns 02:15 Jungle Junction 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite Wilmore 11:00 A Cool Dry Place-PG15 20:15 Tanked 02:30 Violetta 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:00 Family Guy 13:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 21:10 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 03:10 The Hive 18:40 Siba’s Table 22:30 Brickleberry 15:00 My Piece Of The Pie-PG15 22:05 Treehouse Masters 03:20 Art Attack 19:05 The Big Eat... 23:00 Web Therapy 17:00 Yellow Rock-PG15 23:00 Ivory Wars 03:45 Art Attack 19:30 Chopped 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 19:00 The Glass Man-PG15 23:55 China’s Deadliest Snakes 04:10 Jungle Junction 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 21:00 Gravity-PG15 04:25 Jungle Junction 21:10 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 23:00 Drive-18 04:35 Jungle Junction Cook Off 04:45 Jungle Junction 22:00 Siba’s Table: Fast Feasts 05:00 Art Attack 22:25 Siba’s Table 01:00 The Voice 05:25 Art Attack 22:50 Best In Chow 02:00 Outlander 05:50 Mouk 01:00 Lay The Favorite-PG15 23:15 Best In Chow 03:00 Hemlock Grove 06:00 Kim Possible 03:00 Last Passenger-PG15 00:00 Kirstie’s Fill Your House For 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 04:00 Glee 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 05:00 Seven Days In Utopia-PG15 Free 05:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 06:50 Girl Meets World 07:00 Labor Day-PG15 00:50 Nordic Cookery With Tareq S.H.I.E.L.D. 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 09:00 The Secret Life Of Walter Taylor 09:00 Glee 07:40 Jessie Mitty-PG15 01:15 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 10:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 08:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place 11:00 Getaway-PG15 01:40 Sweet Baby James S.H.I.E.L.D. 08:30 Austin & Ally 12:45 Saving Mr. Banks-PG15 02:05 Masterchef: The 12:00 Emmerdale 08:55 Dog With A Blog 00:40 Ade In Britain 15:00 Escape From Planet Earth Professionals 12:30 Coronation Street 09:20 Binny And The Ghost 01:30 Come Dine With Me Ireland 16:30 The Secret Life Of Walter 03:00 Bargain Hunt 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 09:45 Girl Meets World 02:00 Emmerdale Mitty-PG15 03:45 Come Dine With Me 16:00 Emmerdale 10:10 Liv And Maddie 02:25 Emmerdale 18:30 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 04:10 The Good Cook 16:30 Coronation Street 10:40 Read It & Weep 02:55 Coronation Street 21:00 Non-Stop-PG15 04:40 Kirstie’s Fill Your House For 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:15 Jessie 03:25 Michael Flately: A Night To 23:00 Sinister-18 Free 19:00 Suits 12:40 Austin & Ally Remember 05:30 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 20:00 The Flash STOLEN ON OSN MOVIES HD 13:05 Good Luck Charlie 04:20 Mr Selfridge Taylor 21:00 American Idol 13:30 I Didn’t Do It 05:15 Above Suspicion 10:55 Stalked: Someone’s 07:35 Julius Jr. 05:55 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 23:00 Hannibal 06:20 Masterchef: The 13:55 Austin & Ally 06:10 Take On The Twisters Watching 07:45 Calimero Professionals 14:20 H2O: Just Add Water 07:05 Come Dine With Me Ireland 11:20 Forensic Detectives 08:00 Jungle Junction 07:15 Bargain Hunt 14:55 Liv And Maddie 07:30 Michael Flately: A Night To 12:10 American Greed 08:10 Zou 01:00 Barbie And The Magic Of 13:00 Disappeared 08:00 Bargain Hunt 15:20 Binny And The Ghost Remember 08:25 Henry Hugglemonster Pegasus 13:50 On The Case With Paula 08:45 Come Dine With Me 15:45 Girl Meets World 08:25 Mr Selfridge 02:45 Barbie As The Princess And 08:35 Julius Jr. 09:20 Coach Trip Zahn 09:10 Kirstie’s Fill Your House For 16:10 Violetta The Pauper 00:45 Extraordinary Pregnancies 08:50 Calimero Free 17:00 Dog With A Blog 09:45 Coach Trip 14:40 Who On Earth Did I 04:30 Twigson 01:35 Extreme Couponing 09:00 Limon And Oli 10:00 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 17:25 Binny And The Ghost 10:15 Above Suspicion 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:00 Mob Wives Marry? 01:00 Good Morning America 06:00 Dudley Do Right 15:05 Who On Earth Did I 09:15 Jake And The Never Land Taylor 17:50 Hank Zipzer 11:10 Emmerdale 08:00 Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 10:25 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 18:15 Jessie 11:35 Emmerdale 03:00 Supernatural Bridesmaids Marry? Pirates 05:00 Good Morning America 09:45 Renart The Fox 15:30 American Greed 10:50 Holmes On Homes 18:40 Austin & Ally 12:00 Coronation Street 11:30 Hatching 03:15 Something Borrowed, 09:40 Doc McStuffins 11:40 Masterchef: The 19:05 H2O: Just Add Water 12:30 Ade In Britain 07:00 Emmerdale Something New 16:20 I Was Murdered 10:05 Art Attack 07:30 Coronation Street 13:00 Barbie As The Princess And 16:45 Stalked: Someone’s Professionals 19:30 Violetta 13:25 Take On The Twisters 03:40 Super Saver Showdown 10:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Pauper Watching 12:35 Bargain Hunt 20:20 Binny And The Ghost 14:20 Come Dine With Me Ireland 14:30 Pacific Pirates 04:30 Cake Boss 11:00 Sofia The First 14:45 Above Suspicion 10:00 Emmerdale 17:10 Murder Shift 13:20 Come Dine With Me 20:45 H2O: Just Add Water 16:00 Hammer Boy 05:00 Sister Wives 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 13:45 Kirstie’s Fill Your House For 21:10 Austin & Ally 15:35 Horsepower With Martin 10:30 Coronation Street 18:00 Disappeared 18:00 Renart The Fox 06:00 17 Kids And Counting 11:50 Calimero Free 21:35 Jessie Clunes 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:25 Jo Frost’s Family SOS 18:50 Fatal Encounters 14:00 Live Good Morning America 20:00 Quest For A Heart 19:40 Forensic Detectives 12:05 Jake And The Never Land 14:35 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 22:00 Gravity Falls 16:30 The Chase: Celebrity 22:00 Pacific Pirates 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 19:00 Parenthood 20:30 On The Case With Paula Pirates Taylor 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Specials 23:30 Hammer Boy Bridesmaids 15:00 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill Teenage Witch 17:25 Tricked 20:00 Sleepy Hollow 07:40 Something Borrowed, Zahn 12:30 Limon And Oli 15:25 Holmes On Homes 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 18:20 Take On The Twisters 22:00 Supernatural Something New 21:20 The Will: Family Secrets 12:40 Henry Hugglemonster 23:00 The Killing Revealed 16:15 Masterchef: The Teenage Witch 19:10 Coronation Street 08:05 Sister Wives 12:55 Handy Manny 22:10 Who On Earth Did I Professionals 23:10 Wolfblood 19:35 Horsepower With Martin 08:55 Say Yes To The Dress: The 13:05 Justin Time Clunes Marry? 17:10 Bargain Hunt 23:35 Wolfblood Big Day (Specials) 13:20 Sofia The First 17:55 Come Dine With Me 20:30 The Chase: Celebrity 22:35 Who On Earth Did I 00:15 Drinking Buddies-PG15 09:45 Cake Boss 13:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 18:25 Kirstie’s Fill Your House For Specials 02:00 Salmon Fishing In The 10:10 Sister Wives Marry? Free 21:25 Tricked Yemen-PG15 11:00 Super Saver Showdown 23:00 Deadly Affairs 14:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 22:20 Coronation Street 00:00 The General’s Daughter 23:50 I Almost Got Away With It 14:35 Julius Jr. 19:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 02:00 Enemies Closer 04:00 All In Good Time-PG15 11:50 Oprah: Where Are They 22:50 Emmerdale 14:45 Jake And The Never Land 20:00 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 04:00 The Aggression Scale 06:00 Streetdance: All Stars-PG15 Now? Notebook: London 00:00 House Of DVF 23:15 Emmerdale 08:00 The Grandmaster-PG15 12:40 Jo Frost’s Family SOS Pirates 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 23:45 Above Suspicion 06:00 Stolen 20:25 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 08:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear 10:15 Vantage Point-PG15 13:30 Bakery Boss 15:15 Doc McStuffins Living 01:25 Keeping Up With The 12:00 Madagascar-PG 14:20 Extreme Cheapskates Kardashians 09:45 Crimson Tide 15:40 Limon And Oli 20:50 Nigel Slater’s Simple 11:45 Man Of Steel 13:45 The Philly Kid-PG15 15:10 Cake Boss 15:55 Zou Suppers 02:20 E! News 15:45 The Grandmaster-PG15 15:35 Something Borrowed, 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 14:15 Red Sky 16:05 Justin Time 21:15 Sweet Baby James 16:00 Stolen 18:00 Closed Circuit-PG15 Something New 00:10 Zou 21:40 Masterchef: The 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 20:00 Delivery Man-PG15 16:00 Hoarding: Buried Alive 16:20 Sofia The First 04:10 THS 18:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear 00:25 Mouk 16:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Professionals 00:00 Brave New World 20:00 Crimson Tide 22:00 We’re The Millers-18 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 05:05 THS 00:35 Jungle Junction 17:15 Lilo & Stitch 22:30 Bargain Hunt 01:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 22:00 Babylon A.D Bridesmaids 23:15 Come Dine With Me 06:00 Keeping Up With The 02:00 Apocalypse World War I 17:15 17 Kids And Counting 00:50 Art Attack 17:40 Adventures Of The 23:40 Home Cooking Made Easy Kardashians 03:00 Swamp Men 17:40 Sister Wives 01:15 Julius Jr. Gummi Bears 06:55 Keeping Up With The 04:00 Rescue Ink 07:00 Golfing World 18:30 Ballroom Blitz 01:25 Calimero 18:05 Chip n Dale Rescue Kardashians 05:00 Science of Stupid 14:00 Live PGA European Tour 19:20 Sneak Peek: Food Hospital 01:40 Henry Hugglemonster Rangers 07:50 Style Star 05:30 Science of Stupid 17:30 Live PGA European Tour 20:10 Jo Frost’s Family SOS 01:50 Zou 18:30 Ducktales 08:20 E! News 06:00 Inside Combat Rescue 00:00 Enemies Closer-PG15 20:30 Golfing World 21:00 90 Days To Wed 02:05 Mouk 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 07:00 Animal Mega Moves 02:00 The Aggression Scale-PG15 21:50 Say Yes To The Dress: The 19:00 Art Attack 22:00 Live PGA Tour 02:15 Jungle Junction 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 08:00 Brave New World 04:00 Stolen-PG15 Big Day (Specials) 19:25 Sofia The First 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 11:10 House Of DVF 02:25 Art Attack 01:10 Chaos Caught On Camera 09:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 06:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear 22:40 Extreme Couponing 19:55 Calimero 12:05 E! News 10:00 Apocalypse World War I 07:45 Crimson Tide-PG15 23:05 Mob Wives 02:50 Julius Jr. 20:10 Limon And Oli 01:35 Chaos Caught On Camera 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 02:00 What Happened Next? 11:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 09:45 Man Of Steel-PG15 23:55 Oprah: Where Are They 03:00 Calimero 20:25 Jake And The Never Land 13:35 The E! True Hollywood Story 12:00 Dogtown 12:15 Red Sky-PG15 03:00 Live NHL Now? 03:15 Henry Hugglemonster 02:25 What Happened Next? 14:30 Style Star Pirates 02:50 Man vs Expert 13:00 Situation Critical 14:00 Stolen-PG15 06:30 NRL Full Time 03:25 Zou 20:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 14:00 Is It Real? 16:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear 07:00 Super Rugby Highlights 03:40 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop The Hamptons 03:40 Mouk 21:20 Minnie’s Bow-Toons Edition 15:00 Brave New World 18:00 Crimson Tide-PG15 09:00 Golfing World 03:50 Jungle Junction 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 16:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 20:00 Babylon A.D-PG15 21:25 Sofia The First 04:05 Garage Gold 11:00 Premier League Darts 04:00 Art Attack The Hamptons 17:00 America’s Lost Treasures 22:00 Mercenaries-PG15 15:00 NRL Premiership 21:50 Adventures Of The 04:30 Storage Wars Canada 17:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 04:25 Julius Jr. 18:00 Last War Heroes 19:00 WWE NXT 00:40 Dates From Hell Gummi Bears 05:00 How It’s Made 17:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 19:00 Brave New World 20:00 WWE SmackDown 01:05 Dates From Hell 04:35 Calimero 22:20 Chip n Dale Rescue 05:30 How It’s Made 18:00 E! News 20:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 22:00 Live Premier League Darts 01:30 Deadly Devotion 04:50 Henry Hugglemonster Rangers 06:00 Yukon Men 19:00 E!ES 21:00 America’s Lost Treasures 02:20 Police Women Of 05:00 Zou 06:50 Fifth Gear 20:00 House Of DVF 22:45 Ducktales 22:00 Last War Heroes Memphis 05:15 Mouk 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 21:00 House Of DVF 00:15 Inappropriate Comedy-R 23:15 Art Attack 23:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 03:10 True CSI 08:30 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 22:00 E! News 02:00 Reginald D. Hunter: In The 05:25 Jungle Junction 23:40 Limon And Oli 04:00 Solved Edition 23:00 The Soup Midst Of Crackers-18 05:35 Art Attack 23:55 Henry Hugglemonster 04:45 Dates From Hell 08:55 Garage Gold 23:30 Fashion Bloggers 04:00 Ride Along-PG15 03:00 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter Final 06:00 Julius Jr. 05:07 Dates From Hell 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 06:00 Boomerang-PG15 3 06:10 Calimero 09:45 How It’s Made 05:30 Deadly Devotion 08:00 In A World...-PG15 04:00 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter Final 06:25 Henry Hugglemonster 10:10 How It’s Made 10:00 Big Daddy-PG15 4 06:20 True CSI 10:35 Chaos Caught On Camera 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 12:00 Son Of The Mask-PG 05:00 ICC Cricket 360 07:10 American Greed 06:35 Zou 11:00 Chaos Caught On Camera Stewart 14:00 Ghost Dad-PG 05:30 ICC World Cup H/L: Semi Final 1 08:00 Nightmare Next Door 06:50 Mouk 08:50 Fatal Encounters 07:00 Jungle Junction 11:25 What Happened Next? 00:05 Chopped SA 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 16:00 In A World...-PG15 06:30 Live ICC World Cup: Semi Final 2 09:40 Murder Shift 00:00 Programmes Start At 11:50 What Happened Next? 00:55 Grill It! With Bobby Flay Wilmore 18:00 Seeking A Friend For The 18:00 ICC Cricket 360 07:10 Art Attack 12:15 Man vs Expert 01:30 Mixology End Of The World-PG15 18:30 ICC World Cup H/L: Semi Final 2 10:30 I Was Murdered 7:00am KSA 13:05 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 07:00 Phineas And Ferb Edition 13:30 Garage Gold 07:25 Phineas And Ferb 13:55 Storage Wars Canada 07:50 Supa Strikas 14:20 Yukon Men 08:15 The 7D 15:10 Fifth Gear 08:40 Ultimate Spider-Man 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 09:05 Lab Rats 16:50 How It’s Made 17:15 How It’s Made 09:30 Kickin’ It 17:40 River Monsters 09:55 Kickin’ It 18:30 Street Outlaws 10:20 Kickin’ It 19:20 American Muscle 10:45 Kickin’ It 20:10 Garage Gold 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 11:10 Lab Rats 21:00 Street Outlaws 11:35 Phineas And Ferb 21:50 American Muscle 12:00 Pair Of Kings 22:40 Hellriders 12:25 Supa Strikas 23:30 River Monsters 12:50 Kickin’ It 13:15 Buffalo Dreams 14:45 Toy Story Toons 14:55 Star Wars Rebels 15:20 Ultimate Spider-Man 00:40 How It’s Made 15:45 Phineas And Ferb 01:05 How It’s Made 16:10 Supa Strikas 01:30 Close Encounters 16:35 Pair Of Kings 01:55 Close Encounters 17:00 Lab Rats 02:20 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 17:30 Mighty Med 03:10 How Do They Do It? 17:55 Best Sports Ever 03:35 How Do They Do It? 18:00 Kickin’ It 04:00 Food Factory 18:25 Phineas And Ferb 04:24 Food Factory 18:50 The 7D 04:48 How We Invented The World 05:36 Strangest Weather On Earth 19:20 Supa Strikas 06:24 Bang Goes The Theory 19:45 Kickin’ It 06:48 How Tech Works 20:10 Kickin’ It 07:12 Food Factory 20:35 Kickin’ It 07:36 How Do They Do It? 08:00 Bang Goes The Theory 21:00 Kickin’ It 08:25 How Tech Works 21:25 Lab Rats 08:50 X-Machines 21:55 Ultimate Spider-Man 09:40 Food Factory 22:20 Hulk And The Agents Of 10:05 How It’s Made 10:30 How We Invented The World S.M.A.S.H. 11:20 Strangest Weather On Earth 22:45 Japaneezi Going Going 12:10 How Do They Do It? Gong 12:35 How Do They Do It? 23:10 Pair Of Kings 13:00 Bang Goes The Theory 23:35 Phineas And Ferb 13:25 How Tech Works MAN OF STEEL ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD Classifieds

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (26/03/2015 TO 01/04/2015)

SHARQIA-1 QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 11:00 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 1:00 AM CINDERELLA 2:45 PM CINDERELLA 5:00 PM FANAR-4 CINDERELLA 7:15 PM HOME -3D 12:15 PM CINDERELLA 9:45 PM HOME -3D 2:15 PM EX MACHINA 12:15 AM HOME -3D 4:15 PM HOME 6:15 PM SHARQIA-2 EX MACHINA 8:15 PM HOME -3D 11:45 AM EX MACHINA 10:30 PM HOME 1:45 PM EX MACHINA 12:45 AM HOME -3D 3:45 PM HOME 5:45 PM FANAR-5 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:45 PM HOME 11:30 AM EX MACHINA 10:15 PM HOME 1:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 AM HOME 3:30 PM FURIOUS 7 10:00 PM HOME 5:30 PM FURIOUS 7 12:45 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:30 PM CINDERELLA 10:00 PM SHARQIA-3 THE GUNMAN 12:30 AM QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 12:00 PM FURIOUS 7 10:00 PM THE GUNMAN 2:00 PM FURIOUS 7 12:45 AM QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 4:15 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 6:15 PM MARINA-1 QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 8:45 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 10:45 PM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM THE GUNMAN 12:45 AM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM CINDERELLA 7:45 PM MUHALAB-1 CINDERELLA 10:00 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM EX MACHINA 12:15 AM MATRIMONIAL CINDERELLA 2:45 PM CINDERELLA 5:00 PM MARINA-2 CINDERELLA 7:15 PM EX MACHINA 11:45 AM NRI Marthoma parents CINDERELLA 9:30 PM QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 2:00 PM inviting proposals for their THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 4:00 PM daughter, BSc nurse, 30 QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 6:30 PM years old / 152 cms, work- MUHALAB-2 QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 8:30 PM ing in MOH Kuwait, prefer- RUN ALL NIGHT 1:00 PM EX MACHINA 10:30 PM QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 3:30 PM THE GUNMAN 12:45 AM ence will be given to man- RUN ALL NIGHT 5:30 PM agement and medical pro- QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 8:00 PM MARINA-3 fessionals. M4 Marry ID: QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 10:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:15 PM QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 12:15 AM 2545008 / email: HOME 3:00 PM [email protected] HOME -3D 5:15 PM MUHALAB-3 (C 4954) HOME 7:30 PM HOME -3D 11:30 AM 24-3-2015 HOME 1:30 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 9:30 PM HOME -3D 3:30 PM NO WED HOME 5:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:05 AM EX MACHINA 7:30 PM NO WED Alliance invited for hand- EX MACHINA 9:45 PM FURIOUS 7 9:30 PM some, god-fearing, WED EX MACHINA 12:05 AM Orthodox boy of reputed FURIOUS 7 9:45 PM FURIOUS 7 12:15 AM FURIOUS 7 12:30 AM WED family in central Travancore, 31/180, fair, BCom and MBA FANAR-1 AVENUES-1 (Finance), bank employee THE LOVERS 12:00 PM MERCENARY: ABSOLUTION 11:45 AM in Kuwait, from god-fearing, MERCENARY: ABSOLUTION 2:00 PM THE LOVERS 2:45 PM well-educated girl. RUN ALL NIGHT 5:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 4:15 PM THE LOVERS 7:30 PM MERCENARY: ABSOLUTION 6:30 PM Contact: RUN ALL NIGHT 9:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:45 PM [email protected] THE LOVERS 12:15 AM MERCENARY: ABSOLUTION 11:00 PM 22-3-2015 MERCENARY: ABSOLUTION 1:15 AM FANAR-2 Accountant, can join imme- Yerraguntla Chandra change my name to CINDERELLA 12:15 PM AVENUES-2 CINDERELLA 2:30 PM EX MACHINA 12:30 PM SITUATION WANTED diately. Contact 50541464. Mohan to Yerraguntla Muhammaed Shaliq. CINDERELLA 4:45 PM EX MACHINA 2:45 PM (C 4957) Chandra Mohan Reddy. (C 4952) CINDERELLA 7:00 PM EX MACHINA 5:00 PM Accountant: Young & 24-3-2015 (C 4956) 21-3-2015 CINDERELLA 9:15 PM EX MACHINA 7:15 PM dynamic B.Com graduate of 24-3-2015 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:30 PM EX MACHINA 9:30 PM 28-years (first class) having NO WED Prayer timings EX MACHINA 11:45 PM good accounts knowledge CHANGE OF NAME I, Thiru Senthil FURIOUS 7 11:30 PM Fajr: 04:26 AVENUES-3 worked in India and last 5- Venkatagalam, holder of FANAR-3 RUN ALL NIGHT 12:45 PM years working in Kuwait I, Yerraguntla Chandra Indian Passport No. Shorook 05:46 QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 1:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 3:15 PM knowing Microsoft office Mohan holder of Indian L2554748, native district QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 3:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 5:45 PM Duhr: 11:54 QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 5:00 PM Tally and Peachtree Passport No. L0082323 Thanjavur, No. 127 RUN ALL NIGHT 8:15 PM Accounting Software. Natarajapuram colony, 8th Asr: 15:23 QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 7:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 10:45 PM resided at Kodur, Kadapa QOT WA FAR (Arabic) 9:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 1:00 AM Having transferable visa AP India. Now would like to Str. Medical college road, Maghrib: 18:03 looking for a job as change my name Thanjavur, 613007, hereby Isha: 19:20

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 26/3/2015 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Thursday 26/3/2015 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time AGY 685 Sohag 15:15 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 MPH 951 Amsterdam 14:35 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 THY 767 Istanbul 15:20 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:40 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KNE 470 Jeddah 14:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 KNE 471 Jeddah 15:50 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 MPH 951 Dubai/SIN 16:05 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 KAC 546 Alexandria 01:10 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 JZR 553 Alexandria 02:45 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 UAL 982 IAD 17:05 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 UAL 982 Bahrain 18:20 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 AFG 415 Kabul 18:30 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 KAC 118 New York 18:30 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 ETH 3718 LGG 05:30 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 AFG 415 Jeddah 19:30 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 TAR 327 Dubai/Tunis 08:35 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 TAR 327 Tunis 07:45 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 BAW 156 London 08:45 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 IRA 668 Mashhad 09:10 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 IRA 667 Esfahan 08:10 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:45 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 502 Beirut 19:50 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 KAC 382 Delhi 08:15 KAC 104 London 19:55 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 ETH 3718 Addis Ababa 09:30 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:05 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 IRA 672 Ahwaz 10:05 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 ABY 124 Sharjah 21:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 IRA 673 Ahwaz 09:05 ABY 123 Sharjah 20:35 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 IZG 4161 Mashhad 11:10 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 501 Beirut 12:00 KAC 203 Lahore 22:20 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 IZG 4162 Mashhad 12:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 UAL 981 Bahrain 22:10 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 QTR 8646 Doha 12:30 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:15 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 JZR 241 Amman 12:55 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 QTR 8647 Doha 13:45 KAC 543 Cairo 23:20 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 AGY 684 Sohag 23:20 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 AGY 680 Alexandria 14:15 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 FDB 060 Dubai 23:40 THY 766 Istanbul 14:20 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 KAC 617 Doha 15:00 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 CROSSWORD 853 STAR TRACK

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

You may work extra hard today and feel that you are not making progress. Make sure you sign what you need to sign and that you write down what you However, by the end of this day, you will see much progress. You have developed a knack need to remember–this could be a very busy day. This afternoon you may want to cancel a lec- for organizing things and people. Work, achievement and ambition are things that mean a ture or class but you will have enough time to squeeze it into your day. After work you may find lot to you. A 1ong-term personal issue that has been on your mind recently may have you yourself at a neighborhood library. Finally, a little time alone to research, read and enjoy some gathering new information and getting the benefit of sage advice to help you make the study or quiet time. Some of you will find it important to help guide a young person with his or right decision. You may find that it is time to consider this long-term issue solved and her homework this afternoon. It is a very nice day that is perhaps filled with some renewed inter- move forward! Forgiveness, compassion and understanding come naturally, especially est and appreciation for all that is beautiful and fine. You lavish affection on loved ones. A new when you look at life from an eternal perspective. Winning the hearts of others is a chal- animal appears in your neighborhood and you may be looking for the binoculars to gain a clos- lenge but you are eager. A gift is coming your way. er view.

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

Today is a good time to work out a difficult situation in the workplace. Your You enjoy being around people in general. Work is definitely not on the back ability to respond in cooperative ways is one key to your success. You follow instructions burner–you are inspired to be productive. There is encouragement from family and friends that well and can guide others in responsible ways. You may be on the phone part of this day, may help you to make some changes in your professional life just now. You are destined to grow working out some technical difficulty. Learn to insert a sense of humor as you wade past by leaps and bounds where the business world is concerned. This could mean putting in for an any slowdowns. You have an appreciation for tasks and duties and if you are interrupted, upgrade or a change of job. It could also mean merging, selling or creating your own business. you usually take a positive attitude. You may find that several people will stop you for your The day does not escape a domestic problem but it is short-lived. You will do your best to keep advice and counsel regarding very personal and emotional issues as well as a few technical the peace, particularly among the members of your family. Build on the good times and during ones. The feeling of stability and permanence creates a deep emotional need. Music helps the tough times you will have something over which to bring to mind and laugh over. you relax tonight.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) A secret admirer will slip and let his or her identity be known today. This could This morning you may tend to judge others too harshly–careful, it works happen in some group gathering such as the workplace or a club meeting. A dis- both ways. As usual, however, your kind and considerate actions will win out in any difficult tribution strategy or forecast is the topic of discussion in a meeting today and you may want to ACROSS DOWN communication. There tends to be quite a lot of communication energy today. A strong life ask for some research time for discovering your competitor’s strategy of distribution. You might 1. Tall palm tree bearing coconuts as fruits. 1. Form by carving. is like a ship of war that has its own place in the fleet and can share its strength and disci- find the answer to this through the distribution companies. You work to find the best avenue for 5. An oral antidiabetic drug (trade names 2. A naturally occuring glyceride of oleic acid pline, but it can also sail alone. You might feel a bit rudderless today. Try to avoid making your company to consider. You could find that you are appreciated and valued for your ability to that is found in fats and oils. really important decisions for now. Stay out of uncharted waters–the course will become act and get things done. You will be dealing with all types of personalities today. You seem able DiaBeta and Micronase) that stimulates the much clearer soon. If you are working with customers, remember they are your employers release of insulin from the pancreas. 3. Tropical American tree producing cacao to handle difficult situations and you create successful ways of communicating clearly with all and need your respect. Calls from family members this evening are enjoyed and a young you meet. 12. Inquire about. beans. person may need your advice. Enjoy solitude. 15. (botany) Of or relating to the axil. 4. (of drugs) Through the mouth rather than 16. Covered or protected with or as if with a through injection. 5. A low triangular area where a river divides case. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which before entering a larger body of water. the pilot is talked down by ground control 6. Not out. Career strivings will meet with success. A business hunch of yours is right on the Today you may find a perfect balance between your career needs and personal 7. Consider or hold as true. using precision approach radar. money. Communication with co-workers or business partners is successful and will gain you posi- needs. This should bring about an inner peace that you rarely get a chance to enjoy. Professional 8. The peninsula and island in the Philippines decisions are on target. You have a supersensitive awareness of the moods and needs of others, 18. The process of remembering (especially tive feedback. Mix-ups in banking or investments call for patience. Spending and earning bring where Japanese forces besieged American you pleasure this month. Your attention this afternoon may involve writing classes and conferring making this an excellent time to run seminars or work with groups. Take some time away at the the process of recovering information by forces in World War II. with close kin and neighbors. Draw a pie chart and make each section represent a piece of your noon break and if the weather is nice, get outside to walk. If the weather is messy, climb stairs or mental effort). walk around inside the building for a way to focus your energies. There is a lot of enthusiasm for 9. The compass point midway between east divided time, as in pie pieces. Create a balance for yourself using this chart and try to keep a little 19. Comb-plate or locomotor organ consisting time for rest and refurbishment. You feel a love of order and law–an appreciation for responsibili- whatever you want to accomplish today. You and your family members may be talking about and southeast. ties. Problems are valued for the lessons they represent, rather than seen as obstacles. some travel this summer. Planning now will make a trip this summer successful. of a row of strong cilia whose bases are fused. 10. Have a tendency or disposition to do or be 20. Thigh of a hog (usually smoked). something. 21. A small bottle that contains a drug (espe- 11. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit cially a sealed sterile container for injection by juice. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) needle). 12. Title for a civil or military leader (especially 22. 100 toea equal 1 kina. Your personal charm is most impressive to others today. There is a key to Someone in your working environment sends confusing silent messages in Turkey). today. You may need to concentrate on the most intelligent way to handle a situation. You 25. An organic compound that contains a increased earnings and dynamic social success–and it is charm. Your enthusiasm is high and the 13. Someone who works (or provides workers) creative ideas are flowing, ready to be applied to the work at hand. If you give your best effort will want to be careful about any involvement with someone in the close work environ- hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom during a strike. now, considerable success may follow and you may unconsciously help a close friend through ment; even if you are in a position to enjoy a new relationship. You could find yourself vol- which in turn is doubly bonded to another 14. God of love and erotic desire. your efforts. Loved ones, children and other people or things dear to your heart are emphasized unteering to make deliveries this afternoon. Lady luck seems to be on your side where mon- carbon atom. 23. An organization of countries formed in now as well. Being appreciated and admired for your gifts and talents are powerful needs and you ey is concerned. This is a good thing as you seem to spend it faster than it comes into your 26. Strike with disgust or revulsion. 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale enjoy the attention. Taking chances can bring big rewards. Don’t hurry today–you could forget life. Others may find you especially witty and eccentric just now. Young people come to you your intentions of today. There will be entertainment tonight to lift your spirits. when they need advice. You tend to give an unbiased opinion and others do not feel threat- 29. An inactive volcano in Sicily. of petroleum. ened. Let yourself dream this evening. Consider the stars. 30. The 3rd planet from the sun. 24. The capital of Cape Verde on Sao Tiago 34. (often followed by `of') A large number or Island. 27. Of or relating to the lips of the mouth. amount or extent. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 39. Relating to or containing bile. 28. A loose cloak with a hood. 40. A peninsula between the Red Sea and the 31. Edge tool used in shaving. A knack for knowing how to put people, ideas and things together profitably will Today is a good time to work out a difficult situation with a friend or associ- Persian Gulf. 32. A social division of (usually preliterate) be recognized now. This could mean a raise or promotion is in the forecast. The workplace is just ate. Cooperation and flexibility are the keys to successful communication. It is also a great 43. An ancient region of west central Italy people. that, a workplace . . . Be wise in your thinking and do not sacrifice your best interest for someone day to clean up all those pesky little jobs that have been nagging at you for so long. Rest else at work or you will find another taking your place. Create a presentation for your employee and reflection are important this afternoon. Find a restaurant that delivers or take every- (southeast of Rome) on the Tyrrhenian Sea. 33. Of or relating to the hyoid bone n. 35. (trademark) An acrylic fiber or the light- review and be ready to show off your skills. You are interested in adding to your skills and may one out to eat this evening. You may be preoccupied with thoughts of how you will go 44. In a pliant manner. find yourself signing up for a class in your chosen field of business. You are happy with the envi- about some future plans–let it go and enjoy the moment and the person or people you are weight crease-resistant fabric made with 46. Title for a civil or military leader (especially ronment in which you have chosen to surround yourself and you enjoy shopping for additional with at this time. A walk after dinner with your loved one may put you in the mood to be Orlon yarns. in Turkey). items to beautify your surroundings. Family time is most enjoyable this evening. the aggressive one in the romance department this evening. Taking chances can bring big 36. Formalwear consisting of full evening rewards. This is the day for making positive changes. 48. A religious belief of African origin involv- dress for men. ing witchcraft and sorcery. 37. Having the taste of wine. 49. An artificial language. 38. Informal or slang terms for mentally irreg- Yesterday’s Solution 50. Lacking natural ease. ular. 52. Exalt to the skies. 41. An employee who mixes and serves alco- 53. A federal agency established to coordinate holic drinks at a bar. programs aimed at reducing pollution and 42. A slender graceful young woman. protecting the environment. 45. United States physiologist (born in 55. Resinlike substance secreted by certain lac Germany) who did research on parthenogen- insects. esis (1859-1924). 56. God of wealth and love. 47. Southeastern Asian perennial with aromat- 58. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. ic roots. 62. Far away from home or one's usual sur- 51. The cardinal number that is the sum of roundings. seven and one. 67. Dried out by heat or excessive exposure to 54. An associate degree in applied science. sunlight. 57. Tropical tree of Central America and West 68. (15th-16th century) A flap for the crotch of Indies and Puerto Rico having spikes of white men's tight-fitting breeches. flowers. 71. A soft white precious univalent metallic 59. Jordan's port. element having the highest electrical and 60. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a thermal conductivity of any metal. skewer usually with vegetables. 72. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 61. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan Chad. River. 73. (informal) Roused to anger. 63. A young horse. 64. Severe diabetes mellitus with an early 74. An iron-clad vessel built by the onset. Confederate forces in the hope of breaking 65. Capital and largest city and economic cen- the blockade imposed by the North. ter of Peru. 77. A decree that prohibits something. 66. Keep in mind or convey as a conviction or 78. Any of various trees of the genus Ulmus. view. 79. An almond-shaped neural structure in the 69. A loud utterance. anterior part of the temporal lobe of the cere- 70. A cgs unit of work or energy. brum. 75. A state in the Rocky Mountains. 80. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 76. A white metallic element that burns with a from aba cloth. brilliant light.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 information

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

Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS 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 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 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. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 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 Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 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 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 lifestyle THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Music & Movies Gruelling work no fairy tale on Turkey’s famed soap operas

eaturing heartthrob heroes, emancipated hero- ever told you not to do when you were growing up, in Since 2004, when the television watchdog RTUK ines and picturesque scenery, Turkish television our industry you crumple it up and throw it out the declared a minimum of 20 minutes between ad Fdrama series have taken the world by storm, window,” said Tilbe Saran, actress and secretary gener- breaks, the channels have been lengthening the dura- gaining faithful audiences in dozens of countries al of Turkish Actors’ Union. tions of TV series to make up for lost income. across Europe, the Middle East and even the Americas. The union has been keeping a list of dangerous sit- “It’s a vicious circle: the more popular dramas get at But life on the sets of the dramas-with episodes that uations since the 1980s that have arisen from eager home and abroad, the more famous actors become can last up to three hours in series of up to 50 parts-is producers pushing the boundaries of safety: runaway per episode and the longer the episodes get,” said not all glitz and glamour. It is fraught with grueling trains, helicopter crashes, out-of-control explosions. Zafer Ayden, the head of the Turkish Cinema Workers’ work, with crews routinely clocking 15 to 18-hour days “Only in third-world countries do people work like this. Union (Sine-Sen). Since the producers of the TV series at the expense of their families, their health, and even But this is the ‘Turkish way’ of working: No supervision, are essentially subcontractors of broadcasters, produc- their lives. no safety measures, no respect for life,” Saran said. In tions are prone to be cancelled immediately. Around “The worst day I ever worked on a show was 27 January, the labor ministry classified drama sets as 50-70 TV series are launched per season, and more hours” young Turkish actress Elif Nur Kerkuk told AFP. “dangerous” workplaces, following street protests from than half are cancelled in the same season, mainly due “It was like going back to slavery.” Kerkuk recalled how the community, including some of Turkey’s most to low ratings. “Some people lose a lot money in this last year after 24 hours of shooting in central Turkey, famous actors and actresses. business, while others make millions. But in the end, it the whole crew was piled on a bus and taken to The decision means that the sets will now be sub- is blood money,” Ayden said. Istanbul for another day of filming, with neither time ject to inspections at regular intervals determined by Last year a number of TV actors including Kenan to sleep nor prepare. “I asked myself, is this it?... Is this the level of risk and will be required to employ safety Imirzalioglu, who stars in the popular Turkish drama going to be my life?” she asked. “But I stay in because I experts and doctors. But all set workers are employed series “Karadayi”, were briefly detained in Istanbul on love it.” as freelancers, meaning they lack insurance and pro- drug charges. Most of the detainees admitted to drug duction companies are not culpable when an accident use, saying that exhausting schedules pushed them to ‘No respect for life’ or a death occurs on the set. take drugs. Imirzalioglu announced last month that A number of fatal accidents have prompted unions after the finale of “Karadayi”, one of the longest-run- and actors to organize an industry-wide movement to ‘Blood money’ ning TV shows in Turkey, he will no longer appear in a put pressure on production companies and govern- According to a 2014 report by consultancy firm television series until the working conditions on the tion. In order to produce a 140-minute episode, we ment to improve standards. Selin Erden, a 26-year-old Deloitte titled “World’s Most Colorful Screen, TV Series sets change and the length of an episode is reduced to TV series crews work in have to work up to 16 hours a day for six days,” video assistant for the hit teen drama “Arka Sector in Turkey”, Turkish dramas reach up to 400 mil- 60 minutes. Istanbul.—AFP Donmez said. “We should all ask for humane treat- Siradakiler” (Those at the Back Row), died tragically lion viewers in 75 countries. One incentive behind the Bracing himself for another long day on the set, ment of humans,” he said, putting the blame on the when the set’s sleep-deprived truck driver hit her dur- long duration of the episodes is to reduce the total Altan Donmez, the director of the TV series “Seref TV channels who want to air more advertisements ing a cigarette break. In September last year, Engin production cost when exporting a TV series, the report Meselesi”, adapted from the Italian drama “Onore e during the shows. — AFP Kucuktopuz, a set worker for “Kacak Gelinler” said. A Turkish TV series episode lasts for around 150- Rispetto” (A Matter of Respect) admitted to pushing (Runaway Brides), died of a heart attack after working 180 minutes including ads, up from 45 minutes only a his own crew too far. “This is because we cannot 45 hours in three days. “Everything that your mother decade ago and long compared to Western standards. shoot the episodes in advance for fear of cancella- Oak Ridge Boys, Browns, Martin join country hall

ocal quartet The Oak Ridge Boys, Jim Ed that we would be among the next inductees into Brown and his singing sisters, and long- the Country Music Hall of Fame.” As the Browns, Vtime session guitarist Grady Martin are the Jim Ed and his sisters Maxine and Bonnie were newest members of the Country Music Hall of known for their harmonies and 1950s era hits Fame. The Country Music Association announced produced by Chet Atkins, including “I Take the their selection yesterday. The induction will take Chance,” “I Heard the Bluebirds Sing” and “The place later this year at the museum’s annual Three Bells.” medallion ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee. The Oak Ridge Boys made the hits “I’ll Be True to You,” ‘Overwhelming day’ “American Made” and “Elvira” and became known The trio, occasionally joined by sister Norma, to a non-country audience when they sang back- disbanded in 1967 when Maxine and Bonnie up to Paul Simon’s “Slip Slidin’ Away.” They’ve retired to raise families. Jim Ed Brown continued sung behind Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Bill with a solo career and also performed duets with Monroe and others. Helen Cornelius. The 1977 Country Music While they are being inducted in the modern Association vocal duo of the year had a hit with “I Doors, Radiohead era artist category, the Boys were founded as the Don’t Want to Marry You.” Brown, who called the Georgia Clodhoppers in 1943 in Knoxville, induction an “overwhelming day” for his family, Tennessee. They sang so often to staff members has also been a television and radio host in preserved by and families at the Oak Ridge nuclear facility that Nashville. Grady Martin, who died in 2001, is the group changed its name to the Oak Ridge known more for his work than his name. As part Quartet two years later. The modern members - of the Nashville A-Team in the 1950s and 1960s, Library of Congress Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and his guitar is featured on Marty Robbins’ “El Paso,” lbums by The Doors, Radiohead and Lauryn Hill will be pre- Richard Sterban are being inducted. Golden is Roy Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman,” Brenda Lee’s served by the Library of Congress in recognition of their the one with the long, flowing white hair and “I’m Sorry,” Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” historical contributions. The giant federal library in beard. and Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” A “I have seen tears in the eyes of Richard He played the fiddle in Hank Williams’ band The Oak Ridge Boys performs at Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam in Nashville, Tenn. — AP Washington on Tuesday named 25 new entries to its National Recording Registry, which will preserve the best available copies Sterban only two times,” Allen said. “The first was and logged 16 years as a guitarist for Nelson inductees “represent quality and precision in tightly knit ensemble playing of an accomplished to safeguard for posterity. The new inductees include the 1967 when we were made members of the Grand Ole before retiring from touring in 1995. Kyle Young, their music. They exemplify harmony, whether in musician.” — AP self-titled debut by The Doors, which featured the hit “Light My Opry. The second was when we were informed director of the country hall, said the new the blending of their magnificent voices, or in the Fire” but also the experimental 12-minute song “The End” that was structured like an Indian raga. The Library of Congress in a statement credited the psychedel- ic rockers led by Jim Morrison with pushing “artistic, sexual and psychological boundaries.” The Library also honored the 1960 self- Idris Elba eyed for titled debut by Joan Baez, calling the work seminal for women in folk music and carrying an “authenticity over sentimentality” that hinted at her later activism. Among more recent works, the Library of Congress chose “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” the Fugees villain role in ‘Star Trek 3’ singer’s introspective 1998 solo album written while she was pregnant. “Hill’s vocal range, smooth clear highs and vibrato are dris Elba is in early talks to play the villain in “Star Trek 3,” sources Pegg and Doug Jung are writing the script. Elba stars in Cary stunning. The rapping is rhythmically compelling while always tell Variety. Justin Lin is directing the pic with Chris Pine, Fukunaga’s “Beasts of No Nation,” which Netflix recently acquired retaining, and frequently exploiting, the natural cadences of con- IZachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana and for distribution and is already garnering awards buzz for Elba. He versational speech,” the Library of Congress said. While primarily Anton Yelchin all on board to return. J.J. Abrams will produce along recently finished “Bastille Day” opposite “Cinderella” star Richard focused on US artists, the Library of Congress selected British with his producing partner Bryan Burke and Skydance’s David Madden and also has “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Disney’s “The experimental rock band Radiohead’s 1997 album “OK Computer,” Ellison. Production is set to start in June. Details of Elba’s role are Jungle Book” and the indie “A Hundred Streets” set to bow in the saying that the dystopian work “has endured as a statement and a keeping kept under wraps. Early rumors suggest that Klingons near future. He is repped by WME. — Reuters cautionary tale for the digital age.” would be the main villains in this movie, as they have not had a full The Library of Congress also honored the 1969 album “Stand!” presence in previous installments, but sources would not confirm if by funk giants Sly and the Family Stone, calling it “one of the most that was the case. Paramount and Skydance had no comment. heavily sampled records of all time,” as well as the single of the Righteous Brothers’ 1964 “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” and soul singer Ben E. King’s 1960 Gospel-touched song “Stand by Me.” Among other works, the Library of Congress selected a 1964 recording of classic New Orleans jazz by pianist Sweet Emma Lauren Bacall’s life possessions on sale in New York Barrett and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the 1949 album for Cole Porter’s Broadway musical “Kiss Me, Kate.”— AFP verything but the kitchen sink would be one way to Many of the lots have associations with some of her describe the staggering array of possessions owned famous friends drawn from the literary, musical and polit- Eby Lauren Bacall that go under the hammer in New ical worlds. There is a landscape by English playwright York next week. From fine art to kitchenware, from avant Noel Coward, an invitation to Bill Clinton’s inaugural ball garde to the kitsch: hundreds of items collected and complete with handwritten notes from him and wife loved by the Hollywood siren go on sale Tuesday and Hillary, and a lithograph of daffodils painted by the late Wednesday at Bonhams auction house. The collection is senator Edward Kennedy. Bacall was a staunch Democrat nothing if not eclectic. It includes jewelry and clothes, and is photographed in the catalogue at a birthday party Aboriginal and African art, English and French furniture of Hillary’s in New York. and items bought in antique shops around the world. “She was known to be a friend of Democrats. She Items that date from her marriage to legendary on- admired Bill Clinton. She admired Obama too. She screen co-star Humphrey Bogart and sculptures by thought that he was very strong and decisive and just a English artist Henry Moore are among the most prized very good man,” said King. The piano, used by Bacall to items. “One thing with Lauren Bacall, when she collected rehearse for Broadway musicals, was also played at par- she didn’t collect because of value or potential value,” ties by composer Leonard Bernstein, with whom her said Jon King, vice president and director of Bonhams in youngest son, Sam Robards, remembers singing Paul McCartney performs during ‘12-12-12 The Concert New York. “An item that cost $100, if it appealed to her Christmas carols. For Sandy Relief’.— AFP she would buy it. If it was $100,000, if it appealed to her, There are Ashanti scales from Ghana used to weigh Some of the items from the Lauren Bacall Collection at she would buy it... her aesthetic sense that’s all that mat- gold, a spoon from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bonham’s in New York. — AFP photos McCartney tered,” King told AFP. combs from the Ivory Coast, and two headrests from to headline Bacall greatly admired Moore, visiting him in England South Africa. The auction house said Bacall became inter- and treasuring his work. She kept most of the small ested in African art while on location for “The African Lollapalooza festival maquettes next to her bed and the most expensive of Queen” starring Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, which which is valued at $40-60,000. At the lower end of the was filmed in Congo and Uganda. Other items from aul McCartney will headline Lollapalooza, the US counter- spectrum, die-hard fans with a several hundred dollars around the world include Indian miniatures, a Japanese culture festival turned Chicago fixture, as the ex-Beatle might be able to snap up some walking sticks. Bacall, one portable brass tea set and a marble table inscribed with Pkeeps up an active touring schedule. Other acts announced of Hollywood’s great golden age actresses, died last “in the name of Allah” in Arabic calligraphy. Tuesday for Lollapalooza, which runs from July 31 to August 2, August aged 89 in her nine-room home overlooking King, who forged a close relationship with the star, include heavy metal giants Metallica, Grammy-winning British Central Park, which is also on the market for $26 million. said Bacall would have mixed feelings about the auction. soul singer Sam Smith and the Belgian dance music star Stromae. The proceeds of next week’s auctions will go to her “She’d be very happy to see the response from her fan McCartney, 72, has an extensive touring schedule in coming three children. All 740 lots-from Yves Saint Laurent base. But she loved each and every one of these and months, including headlining spots at Denmark’s Roskilde festival evening wear to a cheese slicer, silver tea strainer, suitcas- probably, I don’t know, she’d be sad that it’s being dis- and the Firefly festival in the eastern US state of Delaware, as well es and papier mache ornaments-filled Bacall’s plush banded I think.” He says it’s possible some of the items as a return show in his native Liverpool and his first-ever concert Manhattan apartment, and have toured the world could end up in museums, but expects the majority to go in Seoul. Lollapalooza was launched in 1991 by alternative rockers attracting potential buyers from China to France. Above to private collectors. Interest has been “tremendous” from Jane’s Addiction, who envisioned a traveling counter-cultural all they reflect Bacall’s personal taste. Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as Tokyo, Los show as US musical tastes increasingly drifted from the main- Angeles and Paris, Bacall’s favorite city, he said. — AFP stream. Clinton invitation The annual extravaganza folded as critics derided it as increas- From the Bogart years, before he died from cancer in ingly commercial but Lollapalooza re-emerged in 2005 as an 1957, are his black granite games table and a pair of silver annual festival in Chicago’s lakeside Grant Park. Lollapalooza has candelabras from their marital home in Los Angeles. A lithograph by Senator Edward Kennedy titled also expanded internationally with festivals in Argentina, Brazil ‘Daffodils’. and Chile and, for the first time in September, Germany. — AFP lifestyle THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Features

Being selfish is not a bad thing

ow many of us actually plan a day out of the We have so many responsibilities, work and fami- Getting together with a bunch of close friends week to just sit and relax? Rarely. I’m not one ly that we forget what exactly to prioritize and to can really change up your mood. Order some good Hto say anything about this; I’m so over- take care of ourselves. A simple massage or a bub- dinner, watch a movie or catch up over coffee. whelmed and stressed lately! But, this article is ble bath once every other week to just sit and relax Sometimes being around people you’re comfort- what’s going to motivate me to start pampering can work wonders. I used to not be able to “discon- able with can really calm you down and bring your myself. nect”, I tried so hard to stay away from my phone, energy levels at a great place. You can always talk We put ourselves through a lot, physically and not think of work, and just sit to enjoy the moment. about whatever problems you are facing and listen emotionally on a daily basis, that’s not fair because It took a few tries to start controlling how your brain to their advice. Sometimes, all we need is someone in order to work hard and take care of others we work for that good 15-20 minutes, but it worked who is willing to hear us out, and not only listen. need to take care of ourselves and make sure we eventually! Personally, going to the salon and getting my have a healthy mind set as well as body. Taking the hair and nails done literally makes me feel like a time to actually pamper ourselves will really help us Inspire others new person lol. Each and every one of us has our psychologically to deal with the obstacles we A good walk, jog or workout is also own thing we like to enjoy, whether it was art, face on a daily basis as well as in the longer a great way to release any stress or music, sports and so on, to save us from what we run. anger you have. I’ve also call reality. noticed how my migraines Let the change in you be an inspiration to others, are less severe if I went to encourage other people to start loving themselves the gym, moving your and allowing themselves to enjoy an hour or two to muscles and allowing themselves. Being selfish is never a bad thing when your blood to circulate it comes to self appreciation and love. It’s actually makes you feel good on very healthy to be selfish for your own mindset and the inside before the comfort. outside. Love yourself Our routines can be deadly; it kills any emotion of excitement, interest and passion towards any- thing we want to do. We should all keep an open mind to try new things, travel new places and meet new people. It is then that we realize why we are fortunate and what we are missing in our lives. We don’t have to wait for the little setbacks that we have, or till we hit rock bottom to pamper our- selves. It should be a routine, for yourself and body. Studies prove that people who treated themselves while things went wrong rather than self-criticized themselves, ate healthier, worked out more and looked younger and fresher than others! Take the time to fully understand yourself and what you need. Live your life for yourself and treat yourself in order to live the life you want to live, especially if you had a family. You won’t be able to take care of others if you don’t love and take care of yourself. It makes you happier and it also leads you to making better and healthier choices when it comes to the relationships you have in your life.

Till next week! Xo Plague-era skeletons bring Ideal nudes on show at British Museum history back to life in London Greek exhibition

ondon office workers are coming face-to-face ‘A respectful process’ “It’s a respectful process, you do become attached major exhibition on the human body in ancient Greek with the history hidden beneath their feet, as Before construction starts, archaeologists have a in some way,” she added. “You feel you owe it to that art is open at the British Museum from today, exploring L3,000 skeletons dating back to the 16th century couple of months to excavate the skeletons. As well person to look after them up to the point where Anotions of ideal beauty as rendered in marble, terracotta are dug up to make way for a new railway line. as piecing together a microcosm of old London, they’re reburied again.” and bronze. “Defining beauty: the body in ancient Greek art” Between the glass and steel towers of the City of they also hope that DNA from people who died of will trace representations of the body in ancient Greece from London financial district lies the Bedlam burial outbreaks of plague can be tested by researchers Layers of history simple figurines to the height of realism achieved under ground, the final resting place for thousands of peo- for clues about how to fight the disease. A register The site’s history does not stop at the 16th cen- Alexander the Great. Among the 150 objects shown will be ple who died between 1569 and 1738. published on the Crossrail website featuring 5,000 tury-below the roughly five meters of skeletons lie “some of the most important loans that the museum has really As archaeologists carefully brush soil off the of the 20,000 people buried at the site helps piece layers of older artefacts, some of which have ever received”, according to British Museum Director Neil bones, bankers, lawyers and other professionals take together who the dead were. James Lawson, a already been uncovered. These include an ice skate MacGregor. These include a statue of a nude athlete which was time out from hitting deadlines and sealing deals to sketch maker buried in 1584, is said to have “died of made of a cow’s shin bone dating from the raised from the seabed off Croatia in 1999, which will be shown wonder about the area’s past residents, who had to thys new disease”, thought to be the plague. It also medieval period, when the area was marshland and in Britain for the first time after years of conservation. It is rare contend with plague, civil war and the Great Fire of mentions a string of mysterious conditions unrec- used as a rink when it froze in winter. for bronze sculptures to have survived, as many were melted London. “I would have walked along this street so ognizable to doctors of today, reflecting the poor In the next layer down, experts have found down, with most being known to art historians through many times in years gone by-walking on all this his- state of medical science at the time. ancient Roman horseshoes, hairpins and burial urns Roman marble copies in marble. tory,” said Mark Bugeja, 48, who works at a manage- Richard Wyttor, a grocer buried in 1583, “died of from when the area was “Roman suburbia” lying just This is “one of the great archeological discoveries of the last ment consultancy. a burning jaw”, while servant Raulfe Langworthe beyond city walls of Londinium, as the city was then 30 years and with extraordinary generosity (the) Croatians have “There are probably a lot of sad stories about the “died of a thoughte” and was laid to rest in 1610. known. After being dug up, the Bedlam skeletons lent it,” MacGregor said. “This is a national treasure and it is a people who were there. Probably a lot of them need- While it is almost impossible to put names to skele- will be cleaned, dried, pieced together and exam- chance for us to grasp what those Greek bronzes actually n’t have died by today’s standards.” The Bedlam burial tons, Nick Elsden, dig project manager for Museum ined. They will eventually be reburied at a new site looked like.” It will also be the first temporary show to feature ground-built on land bought from the nearby of London Archaeology, said there were clues to in Essex, east of London-and the British capital’s some of the Elgin Marbles-sculptures taken from the Bethlem psychiatric hospital, known as Bedlam-was their identities. “The bones can tell us a lot about perpetual cycle of the past yielding to the future Parthenon in Athens that Greece has demanded be returned. used as a graveyard for people who died during the how they lived-anything from fractures to if they will roll on. — AFP Great Plague of London in 1665-66. Londoners who have got bow legs from rickets to signs of syphilis Permanent collection could not afford a church burial, criminals and mem- like skull lesions,” he said. Six Parthenon sculptures will be moved from their perma- bers of non-conformist religious movements were “You can tell from wear patterns in bones if they nent position in the Parthenon gallery for the exhibition, also buried there. From 2018, the burial site will host did manual labour-you can tell how difficult their including the marble sculpture of the river god Ilissos loaned to the new ticket hall at Liverpool Street station for life was, or how easy.” Alison Telfer, an archaeologist a Russian museum last year. The exhibition will explore the Crossrail, an east-west rail link scything its way across coordinating the work for Museum of London greatest achievement of ancient Greek artists and philosophers the city. Archaeology, said each skeleton looked “individual”. “exploring what it is to be human”, MacGregor said. Other A section of marble loaned treasures include the Vatican Museums’ Belvedere frieze sculpture Torso, a seated hero that inspired Renaissance artist (438-432 BC) from Michelangelo, who saw it as the greatest example of Greek the Parthenon in sculpture known at the time. It will be shown alongside a Athens, part of the reclining nude from the Parthenon and Michelangelo’s draw- collection that is ing of Adam for the Sistine Chapel, bringing together the popularly referred Italian artist’s school and the school of ancient Greek sculptor to as the Elgin Phidias for the first time.—AFP Marbles.—AFP

A human skull is pictured during excavation work at the Bedlam burial ground in London. — AFP lifestyle THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Fashion Heidi Klum: Kardashian changed the fashion industry eidi Klum believes Kim Kardashian West has changed the fashion accepts her look isn’t for everyone. She said: “I love pasta but I won’t have always feel confident in her own skin. She told Marie Claire magazine: industry. The 41-year-old supermodel credits the reality TV star, it all the time. I like to be on a thinner side, I feel fitter and it’s how I’ve “I’m probably not going to be a lingerie model when I’m 60, but who H34, for helping change attitudes to curvier body shapes by proud- always been. I like to be tight and firm and so in order to be my body knows - there have been a lot of amazing campaigns this season featur- ly displaying her voluptuous figure. She said: “Kim Kardashian changed weight, I don’t eat very many carbs and I do like to go on the running ing older women. However old I get though, I’ll always be body confi- the look in the fashion industry, which is amazing.”I know that other machine every once in a while. I think all women like to have a different dent. It’s just the way I am, I’m happy in my skin.” — Bang Showbiz women love to be more curvy - at the end of the day you have to live in a body shape - I certainly don’t think everyone wants to be in my body body that you feel comfortable in and that you love.” The blonde beauty shape.” puts her own slim figure down to exercising and avoiding carbohydrates Heidi - who has her own underwear line Heidi Klum Intimates - doubts and although she feels her best when she is “on a thinner side “she she will continue modelling lingerie into her sixties but insists she will Fashion Week in Lima

Models wear creations from Colombia’s Johanna Ortiz autumn/winter collection during Fashion Week in Lima, Peru. Fashion Week Toronto

Models walk the runway for the David Dixon Fall 2015 collection during Toronto fashion week in Toronto on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. — AP/AFP photos Models walk the runway for the Melissa Nepton Fall 2015 collection.

va Mendes feels uncomfortable in jeans. really uncomfortable actually - aren’t they? tarian diet for her glowing complexion. She The ‘Hitch’ actress has confessed she They’re so restrictive! “I always prefer a said: “I realized a long time ago that I needed to Eva Mendes Erarely wears the denim wardrobe staple boyfriend jean, but I found those to be restric- have some kind of routine. I don’t love it, but because she finds them too “restrictive” and tive, too!” I’ve made peace with that. “I haven’t eaten would only put on a pair if she had no clean Eva, 41 - who has six-month-old Esmeralda meat in about six years, because I don’t agree clothes left. The brunette beauty - who has her with her partner Ryan Gosling - also isn’t a fan with factory farming here. This is just what own clothing line with New York & Company - of sweatpants and recently joked the garments worked for me, it’s important to say, but when I feels uncomfortable told fashion website Who What Wear: “I love a were the number one cause of divorce in the cut that out I immediately felt better. And also, soft pant, so I make sure they’re included in US. She said: “You can’t do sweatpants... ladies, after a year of eliminating it, my skin looked every collection. But if you see me in jeans it’s number one cause of divorce in America, brighter and healthier overall.” probably because all my skirts are at the dry sweatpants, no!” Eva also shared the secret — Bang Showbiz in jeans cleaners or just dirty. “I mean, I think jeans are behind her slender figure and credits her vege- lifestyle THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Awards Macau rolls out the red carpet for Asian Film Awards

sia’s movie greats converged on romance set during China’s tumultuous the gambling hub of Macau yes- Cultural Revolution era. She goes up Aterday as the city rolled out the against compatriot Tang Wei who stars in red carpet for the Asian Film Awards. “Golden Era”, and Zhao Wei of “Dearest” Fans gathered at the luxurious Venetian which revolves around a father tracking resort for the star-studded event which down his missing son. showcases cinema from across the Also among the nominees for best region, with 42 films competing in vari- actress is Indian actress Kalki Koechlin, of ous categories. The awards, organized by “Margarita, With A Straw”, who said she the Hong Kong International Film was excited to be participating in the Festival and aimed at promoting regional event for the first time. Up-and-coming cinema, are in their 9th year. Movie Korean heartthrob Doh Kyungsoo will vie heavyweights including China and India for the Best Newcomer prize with “Cart”, take on newer talents from Taiwan and while the country’s veteran actor Choi the Philippines this year, with Hong Kong Minsik will compete for best actor with director Ann Hui’s “Golden Era”-a biopic “Roaring Current”. He is pitted against of acclaimed Chinese writer Xiao Hong- Liao Fan of “Black Coal, Thin Ice”, who leading the pack with five nominations. won the top acting prize in Berlin last “You’d better give one to me, at least, year and veteran Hong Kong actor Sean or I will have to walk away with nothing,” Lau Ching-wan for crime thriller she joked when asked about the number “Overheard 3”. — AFP of nominations the movie has. “Blind Massage” from controversial Chinese director Lou Ye, featuring blind amateur South Korean boy band Infinite members pose on the red carpet. actors, has four nominations as does Chinese cop thriller “Black Coal Thin Ice” which won Berlin’s Golden Bear last year. India’s “Haider”, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet set in Indian- Japanese actress Ikewaki Chizuru poses after winning the administered Kashmir, and Taiwan’s best supporting actress award at the 9th Asian Film “Paradise in Service”, a story about an Awards in†Macau†yesterday. — AP/AFP photos underground military brothel, also have four nominations each. While the event is likely to be domi- nated by conventional powerhouses in the region, lesser-known cinematic tal- ents are rising to the challenge. “The developing network of filmmakers and film industries in the Asia-Pacific will strengthen the AFA and drive the global- ization of Asian films,” Wilfred Wong Ying- wai, chairman of the AFA Academy, said in a statement.

Cultural Revolution era The Philippines’ Lav Diaz is vying for the best director prize with “From What Is Before”, a black-and-white drama about villagers living in a remote backwater town. Diaz was much lauded at home after winning top prize at the prestigious Golden Leopard awards in Switzerland last year. Prominent Chinese actress Gong Li, who missed out at last year’s Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan despite being a critics’ favorite, will take on her best actress rivals with “Coming Home”, a

Hong Kong director Ann Hui US singer Jermaine Jackson and his sons Taiwanese actress Wan Qian South Korea actor Doh Kyung-soo

South Korean actress Han Ye-ri India actress Kalki Koechlin Japanese actress Miyazawa Rie and Hong Kong actor Aaron Hong Kong actress Ivana Wong Kwok. ‘Court’ wins India’s National Film Award

haitaya Tamhane’s multi-lingual “Court” has won best feature at the Prize at the Viennnale. guage “Jigarthanda” and Baljinder Kaur supporting actress for Haryanvi- Indian government’s annual National Film Awards. The recognition Srijit Mukherji won best director and original screenplay for Bengali- language “Pagdi: The Honour”. Aditya Vikram Sengupta won best debut Cis the latest in a series of accolades for the film including best film language “Chotushkone” and the film also won best cinematography for for “Labour of Love”, a category the film won at Venice too. — Reuters and director at the Mumbai film festival, best Asian feature at the Sudeep Chatterjee. Vijay won best actor for Kannada-language “Nanu Singapore International Film Festival, the Luigi De Laurentiis Award and Avanalla Avalu” and popular Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut best the Venice Horizons Award at the Venice Film festival and the FIPRESCI actress for “Queen”. Bobby Simhaa won supporting actor for Tamil-lan- Macau rolls out the red carpet for Asian Film Awards

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 39

Kuwaiti rappers seek to change image of Arabs ‘Sons of Yusuf’ blaze a musical trail

By Sahar Moussa anything we wanted in life, and that we can change the to be a big change in the Arab world soon. And we want to world if we put our minds into it. be part of this new movement, this new era in the Middle a’koob and Humble Abdul are two Kuwaiti brothers Music is a universal language, and we know the effect it East. We live in amazing times. who have taken rap and hip-hop music to a different can have on people. With positive energy and good inten- Ylevel in a country like Kuwait, trying through their tions, music can be a powerful tool and the best way to KT: What are the challenges you face in reforming music to deliver a positive image regarding Islam and connect with people from anywhere. Kuwait’s music industry? Arabs. ‘Sons of Yusuf’ is what they call their two-member SY: We’ve been making music for as long as we remem- band. Born in Kuwait but brought up in Los Angeles, KT: What are the messages you are trying to convey ber. We don’t depend on any music label or company. What Ya’koob and his younger brother Abdul’Rahman aka through music and art? makes our work more exciting is that we are independent. “Humble Abdul” Al-Refaie blended Western music culture SoY: We want to inspire people through our music. We The only challenge we’re facing is that we are doing every- with an Arabic flavor. want to share our side of the story too, and show the world thing ourselves - from producing to directing, editing etc. Kuwait Times spoke to the duo in an exclusive interview. what it’s really like out here in Arabia. Most importantly we But this is what we love doing. Yes, we know this field can Excerpts: want to spread peace and help alter stereotypes about generate a lot of money, but our top priority is the future Arabs or Muslims today. generation, the youth. We feel like we have a big responsi- Kuwait Times: Who are Ya’koob & Humble Abdul? Growing up in California, nobody really knew anything bility and we are willing to sacrifice and risk everything to Sons of Yusuf: Brothers who comprise the band “Sons about Kuwait or the Middle East. Some had just heard of make a change. of Yusuf” - Ya’koob Al Refaie, 27, producer/songwriter/poet the Gulf War - that’s about it. Since then we knew we had and Abdul Rahman Al-Refaie aka Humble Abdul, 25, song- to introduce people to our culture, tradition and religion. KT: What are your future plans? writer/poet. Most news channels today only show the negative side of SY: We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing. We are the Arab world. just getting started. We have big surprises on the way KT: What does music mean to you? inshallah, and we can’t wait to share it with you. (Follow SoY: Music has always been a big part of our lives. It KT: How do you propose changes to the stereotypes Kuwait Times website to check their video clip with the means everything to us. Ever since we were kids, about 9- of Arab musicians, especially Kuwaiti? lyrics and their CNN interview) 10 years old, we knew we were going to make music. Our SoY: By believing in yourself and doing what you love. father Yusuf was always into art and music, and encour- Musicians in Kuwait don’t get together like they used to, aged us to follow our dreams. He taught us that we can do and we want to help change this. We know there is going Iran film portrays the Prophet Muhammad, drawing criticism ere in this Persian replica of Makkah, built at A very heavy role movie instead uses others to tell his story, like his the cost of millions of dollars, an Iranian film But while Sunni Islam, the religion’s dominant grandfather Abdul-Muttalib, portrayed by Iranian Hcompany is attempting to offer the world a branch, widely rejects any depictions of Muhammad, actor Ali Reza Shoja Nouri. “It was a very heavy role,” literal glimpse of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) his close relatives or companions, Shiite Islam doesn’t. Nouri told The Associated Press. “I cannot express my despite traditional taboos against it. The movie In Shiite powerhouse Iran and other countries, posters, feelings about it.” For his vision, Majidi hired Academy “Muhammad, Messenger of God” already recalls the banners, jewelry and even key chains bear the images Award winning visual effects supervisor and filmmak- grandeur - and expense - of a Cecil B. DeMille film, of Muhammad’s son-in-law Ali, revered by Shiites who er Scott E. Anderson, three-time Oscar-winning Italian with the narrow alleyways and a replica Kaaba shrine see him as the prophet’s rightful successor. The late director of photography Vittorio Storaro and music built here in the remote village of Allahyar. But by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomenei, who led Iran’s 1979 producer Allah-Rakha Rahman, who won two even showing the back of the Prophet Muhammad Islamic Revolution and later became the country’s Academy Awards for his work on “Slumdog as a child before he was called upon by Allah, the supreme leader, reportedly even kept a picture similar Millionaire.” most expensive film in Iranian history already has to young Muhammad in his room for years. By making a high-quality film, Majidi said it will been criticized before its even widely released, call- In the new 190-minute film, the story focuses on give the world the right impression about the Prophet ing into question who ultimately will see the Quranic Muhammad’s childhood, never showing his face. The Muhammad. He blamed Islamic extremists and the story come to life on the big screen. West for sullying the image of a pillar of faith for 1.5 Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, center, director of ‘Muhammad, Messenger of God’ movie “How should we introduce our prophet?” asked billion people across the world. “For Muslims, the conducts a scene of the movie, in Allahyar village. Majid Majidi, the film’s director. “Many relay their Prophet Muhammad is a mercy to the world and the messages to the world through cinema and pictures.” hereafter,” he said. Yet, the film already has seen wide- In American cinematic history, films involving the spread criticism even before being widely released, Bible often find the biggest audience and box office largely from predominantly Sunni Arab countries. In returns. Biblical stories have inspired dozens of films February, Egypt’s Al-Azhar, one of Sunni Islam’s most from the 1920s all the way to recent blockbusters like prestigious seats of learning, called on Iran to ban a “Noah” starring Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott’s bibli- film it described as debasing the sanctity of messen- cal epic “Exodus: Gods and Kings.” But in Islam, por- gers from God. Meanwhile, the Sunni kingdom of traying the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has long Qatar has announced plans to have its own $1 billion been taboo for many. Islamic tradition is full of writ- epic shot on the prophet’s life. Majidi said he would be ten descriptions of Muhammad and his qualities - ready to cooperate with any Islamic country planning describing him as the ideal human being. But clerics a film on Muhammad. —AP generally have agreed that trying to depict that ideal is forbidden. The Paris terror attack on the satirical Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, director of magazine Charlie Hebdo, which killed 12 people in ‘Muhammad, Messenger of God’ movie speaks January, saw gunmen target it over its caricature of in an interview with The Associated Press in Photo shows a replica of Kaba in a scene of ‘Muhammad, Messenger of God’ movie. the prophet. Tehran, Iran. — AP photos