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THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 RAJAB 20, 1434 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Rise of Police snare US accuses Federer, Al-Qaeda French ‘Most currency Serena show Sahara Wanted’ 6 weeks exchange of no mercy at terrorist9 after10 jailbreak laundering21 $6bn French20 Open Nod to laws on prices, Max 41º Min 28º investment authority High Tide 04:12 & 14:55 First woman tweeter gets 20-month suspended term Low Tide 09:31 & 22:23 40 PAGES NO: 15824 150 FILS By B Izzak

KUWAIT: The National Assembly yesterday passed a law stipu- lating to set up a public authority for promoting foreign invest- ment to replace the foreign investment office in a bid to attract more foreign direct investment flow into the country. The authority will be under the ministry of commerce and industry and its main objective is to clear obstacles that hinder foreign investors from doing business in Kuwait, which has the lowest FDI inflow among the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The assembly also passed a law that allows authorities to moni- tor and determine the prices of commodities in the country as a means for protecting consumers from artificial increases of prices. Pressing to complete the study and approval of a series of legislations before parliament goes into summer recess at the end of next month, MPs passed other laws and decided to hold extra sessions and extend the duration to make the Assembly end sessions at 4.00 pm instead of 2.00 pm. MPs passed a law that provides salary and remuneration increases to servicemen who are below officers to equate them in this regard with high ranking officers. They also passed a controversial law for elec- tions at cooperative societies, giving each voter only a single vote despite protests by officials at the cooperative societies and at the cooperative union. MPs also demanded that the government should suspend appointments made by the resigned oil minister Hani Hussein in the oil sector, but the government used its constitutional right to delay the discussion of the issue for two weeks. The Assembly could not complete the debate on proposed amendments to the Kuwait Airways privatization law due to a lack of quorum. During the debate, the government rejected calls by MPs that KAC should be given the $500 million Iraq has paid in compen- sation over damages to the national carrier, with Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamali insisting that the compensation has already been deposited with the government. Shamali however said that the government will pay all the losses incurred by KAC in the past several years and which are estimated at KD 440 million. Under the law, the government is responsible to meet any shortfall in the budgets of state-owned establishments. Meanwhile, the criminal court yesterday sen- tenced the first female opposition tweeter for 20 months in jail but suspended the implementation of the prison term against the payment of KD 200. The tweeter, Sara Al-Derees, was JERUSALEM: A woman holds her son as she reacts while Israeli bulldozers destroy a Palestinian home in the Arab east Jerusalem’s neighborhood of Beit Hanina yes- accused of insulting HH the Amir through remarks on her Twitter terday. Palestinian homes built without a construction permit are often demolished by order of the Jerusalem municipality. Palestinians claim that it is impossible account. If the appeals court confirms the conviction, Darees will to obtain permits. — AFP have to serve the jail term. Nepal marks 60 years PAGE US spelling bee starts PAGE since Everest conquest with a new challenge Buddhist mobs attack Muslims in Myanmar LASHIO, Myanmar: Religious riots armed with sticks were roaming the shook eastern Myanmar for a second streets of Lashio looking for Muslims day yesterday with one man hacked to yesterday, while an AFP reporter saw death and four injured, a top official two houses ablaze. A Reuters reporter said, after an orphanage and mosque saw scores of young men and boys on TOKYO: Egyptian-born Osunaarashi raises his arms were burnt down. Police fired warning motorbikes and on foot marauding in joy after becoming the first African to be promot- shots to disperse rioters after the fresh through the city of 130,000 people in a ed to the jyuryo, the elite division of Japan’s ancient Buddhist-Muslim clashes in the town of mountainous region about 700 km sport of sumo, at Otake stable yesterday. — AP Lashio in Shan state, according to presi- from the commercial capital Yangon. By dential spokesman Ye Htut. “The early evening, Muslims shops and deceased is a man. He was hacked to homes were still burning in one quar- Egypt sumo death with a knife,” Ye Htut told AFP, ter. “I don’t know where the Muslims adding that the security forces were are. They all ran away,” said Kyaw Soe wrestler gets taking action to halt the unrest. Several Win, a Buddhist resident of a mixed TUNIS: An activist from the women’s movement Femen is lead away by a episodes of religious violence have neighbourhood where motorbikes and Tunisian police officer as she demonstrates in front of the Ministry of Justice to exposed deep rifts in the Buddhist- household possessions lay burning in protest against the jailing of a Tunisian member yesterday. — AP promoted majority country and cast a shadow the streets. Nearby, a man with a sword over widely praised political reforms and a stick combed through the TOKYO: The first professional sumo wrestler from either since military rule ended two years ago. remains of one burned-out shop. Africa or the Arab world was given a boost yesterday, Trio in Arab world’s Residents said Buddhist mobs Continued on Page 15 winning promotion to the sport’s second highest divi- sion in Japan. The Japan Sumo Association promoted 21-year-old Egyptian Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan, first topless protest who goes by the ring name of “Osunaarashi” (Great Sandstorm), to the “jyuryo” division, made of wrestlers TUNIS: Three young European women some of who tried to cover up the ranked between 43rd and 70th. “I am very glad,” Shaalan with topless protest group Femen were women. A group of lawyers linked to the told reporters in Japanese at his stable in downtown arrested yesterday after baring their hostile crowd attacked some of the jour- Tokyo. “I will work hard and aim higher still by practising breasts in Tunis, a first in the Arab world nalists, accusing them of giving a plat- more and more.” that sparked scuffles outside the Tunisian form to the topless activists. As the The 189 cm (6 ft 2 in) grappler, who weighs in at 145 capital’s main courthouse. Standing on a young women were being transferred kg, made his debut in March last year and has lost only wall in front of the railings outside the from one office to another within the six of his 49 regular matches in seven tournaments courthouse, the women, two French and court building, the lawyers sang the since. In the latest tournament, held in Tokyo this the other German, shouted: “Free Amina,” Tunisian national anthem and shouted month, he won all seven matches. But the going will get in support of a young Tunisian woman “Get out!” a rallying cry during the tougher from now on, with wrestlers in the top two divi- detained while protesting against hard- January 2011 revolution that ignited the sions fighting 15 times in every tournament. A devout line Islamists and awaiting trial today. Arab Spring. Muslim, Shaalan will again fast during this year’s “Breast Feed Revolution” read graffiti on “An inquiry has been opened and they Ramadan, the Islamic holy month when adherents can- the women, who wore only denim micro will be placed under arrest and brought not eat or drink in daylight hours. “I’ll be alright. I can shorts and black shoes, and “Femen to trial,” justice ministry spokesman Adel handle it,” he said about this year’s Ramadan, which is Extremist” was daubed on their backs. Riahi told AFP, without specifying what set to clash with the July tournament. The police swiftly arrested them and the women might be charged with. Shaalan belongs to one of about 40 sumo stables. took them inside the building, before a Indecency in Tunisia is punishable by six His position in the top 70, known as “sekitori”, affords crowd of journalists. The Femen protest, months in jail. The French consul in him his own room, having previously shared with other LASHIO, Myanmar: People gather around a burning mosque in this city in also intended to highlight the difficulties Tunisia, Martine Gambard-Trebucien, wrestlers. northern Shan State, late Tuesday. — AP facing women in socially conservative told reporters she had met the women Continued on Page 15 Tunisia, provoked the anger of onlookers, Continued on Page 15 THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 LOCAL

Crumbling infrastructure blamed for water cut

KUWAIT: Sources at the Ministry The sources said the produc- and there were no quick solu- of Electricity and Water blamed tion capacity at the water distil- tions. Instead, it required a thor- the crumbling infrastructure of lation stations has reached 500 ough change in the network’s the old water network as being million imperial gallons per day, infrastructure, something being responsible for the continued but they do not produce more done by the ministry currently. water cut offs in certain areas in than 400 million due to the sta- The sources said that there is a the country. They said the net- tions’ inability to accept such a huge variation in water consump- work cannot cope with the huge amount of produced water. tion pattern between northern quantity of water produced by At times, the water production and southern areas of the coun- the distillation stations or to car- stations are compelled to shut try. The South consumes more ry it to these areas with the some units off the network water due to overcrowded areas. required efficiency. The network because they produce excess At the same time, the ministry did will clog and choke if the water quantities over and above the not have the choice to transfer quantity it receives exceeded capacity of that network. production capacity from north the capacity of the pumping sta- The sources said the water to south due to lack of a coordi- KUWAIT: Alexander Olshevski Bulgarian ambassador to Kuwait recently visited the Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief tions. network problem was not new, nated network nationwide. Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan (right). The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest. — Photo by Joseph Shagra Kuwait honors US troops in Memorial Day Parade Participation reflects deep gratitude for Gulf War

WASHINGTON: Kuwait took part in Jaber Al-Sabah, said at the parade. alties of war, and deceased veterans. the eighth annual National “For us, the idea behind partici- He noted the war in Afghanistan Memorial Day Parade in Washington pating was to express our grateful- was winding down but not finished. on Monday honoring men and ness and appreciation for what the “Fewer Americans are making women of the armed forces who US armed forces did for us almost the ultimate sacrifice in died in combat. The parade hosted 20 years ago,” he told KUNA in an Afghanistan, and that’s progress for nearly 200 marching bands, military interview. “Our being here is impor- which we are profoundly grateful,” units, civilian groups, and floats tant for that reason; to remind the Obama said Monday. “And this time from across the country and the Americans that we have not forgot- next year, we will mark the final world. As many as 300,000 specta- ten those who were lost in the first Memorial Day of our war in tors gathered along the mile-long Gulf War. I think it is very important Afghanistan. “But even as we turn parade route on Constitution for us to be here on a yearly basis to the page on a decade of conflict, Avenue, one of Washington’s most make that statement to say ‘Thank even as we look forward, let us nev- historic thoroughfares, for the 2013 you and we haven’t forgotten what er forget, as we gather here today, parade. you’ve done’.” This year’s parade also that our nation is still at war.” Obama As part of an annual show of sup- focused on some major anniver- also marked the 60th anniversary of port, two dozen Kuwaiti children saries: World War II’s 70th, the the end of the fighting in the participated in the parade. Korean War’s 60th, and the Vietnam Korean War; more than 54,000 US Marching down Constitution War’s 50th anniversary. The parade service members died in that con- Avenue, several waved Kuwaiti and is a moving timeline of the country’s flict. American flags and a banner that military history, paying tribute to The president also urged read “Kuwait Remembers” in refer- those who served in the American Americans to remember the fight- ence to the US contribution in the Revolution through the most recent ing still underway in Afghanistan, liberation of Kuwait in Operation wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. where more than 60,000 US troops Desert Storm. Behind them, others In a special message, Defense remain. “Not all Americans may dressed in traditional costume Department Secretary Chuck Hagel always see or fully grasp the depth waved to spectators from atop a thanked those who have served in of sacrifice, the profound costs that Photos show the scene of the explosion decorated float. the US military. “These are not easy are made in our name - right now, Kuwait’s participation reflects the times for our country and for the as we speak, every day,” Obama said. country’s deep gratitude for the sac- world, and certainly these are not “Our troops and our military families Transformer explodes rifices of American service members easy times to be part of our armed understand this, and they mention killed in the Gulf War. “We Kuwaitis forces,” he said. Meanwhile, US to me their concern about whether By Hanan Al-Saadoun comb it - just in case there was any- with sub-coordinates and supply appreciate what you did for us and President Barack Obama hailed the the country fully appreciates what’s thing to be found. them with all the necessary informa- what you’ve done for my country nation’s service members who fell in happening.” “Let us never forget to KUWAIT: Firefighters rushed to Fahad In another development, General tion. will always be with us in our hearts the battlefield in his speech at always remember and to be worthy Al-Ahmad area after an explosion in Director of Fire Department Lt Al-Ansari urged the graduates to and minds,” Kuwait’s Ambassador to Arlington National Cemetery in of the sacrifice they make in our one of the electricity transformers led General Yousuf Al-Ansari received the put more efforts into their job of pro- the US, Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al- Virginia, dedicated to military casu- name,” he concluded.— KUNA to fire breaking out there. The explo- second group of university graduates tecting citizens, expats and property. sion was caused by electricity over- at his office in order to congratulate In the end, Al-Ansari presented to the load during peak hours. A private them for earning the rank of colonel. officers a book titled “Laws and school in Hawally had to evacuate He also gave them his recommenda- Systems of Civil Service”, which was students and teachers from its class- tion so they could be employed at given to the administration by rooms after receiving a threat about a the middle management level, be Assistant Undersecretary Nahla bomb in the school. Such threats considered for supervising the plan- Ibrahim Bin Naji. Al-Ansari thanked have been received several times ning and implementation of strate- the Civil Service Commission for pro- lately, but no bomb has ever been gies at the highest levels, be aware of viding regular updates on new laws found. For safety reasons, though, laws and regulations, administrative and decisions concerning the fire police had to evacuate the school and and financial functions, stay in touch department. Conference on crisis management begins

KUWAIT: Under the auspices of the opportunity to meet with GCC special- related issues, how the media should Minister of Information and Minister of ized media figures so as to exchange tackle them, working on preventing them State for Youth Affairs, Sheikh Salman Al- expertise on media management”, he and preparations in case of actual occur- Humoud Kuwait’s annual conference on underlined, adding that with the growth rence. Omran said that a number of Arab Media Coverage in Crisis Management of international airlines, immediate crisis management experts such as Dr kicked off yesterday. Speaking on the response emergency and crisis manage- Adel Abdel Ghaffar (Cairo University occasion, the aviation safety manager at ment centers has become so necessary. media professor), Al-Anbaa executive edi- Kuwait Aviation Club pilot, Ali Abdullah Notably, Hussein presented a paper on tor, Mohammed Al-Huseini, Redha Ali Hussein said that the conference ‘partnership between the media and avi- Ameen (Azhar University media profes- gained its importance from the fact that ation during crises and disasters’. sor), Security strategic expert, Dr Fahad the GCC foreign ministers meeting two On his part, the head of the organiz- Al-Shulaimi, the head of TV and Radio years earlier had recommended estab- ing committee at Pro-Media section at Cairo university’s media col- lishing a GCC Crisis Management Center. International, Jamal Omran said that the lege, Howaida Mustafa and captain “Therefore, this conference is a great conference covers very important crisis- Hussein would lecture on the conference.

Bureaucracy ‘a snag in face of development’ AMMAN: A visiting official of Kuwaiti Municipality has shed light on some problems hampering work of the department and other state sectors which includes; the lack of adherence to a development timetable, prevailing bureaucracy and lack of well-planned urban develop- ment. Saad Al-Muhailbi, who is in charge of Kuwait Municipality’s department of structural planning listed some obstacles facing coordination among the various state departments, particularly in the sectors of educa- tion, health, utility and infrastructure. Al-Muhailbi underlined the necessity of earmarking the special budgets to cope with mounting population growth in countries of the region. Meanwhile, an activity organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) kicked off in the Jordanian capital on Tuesday. Conferees addressed a host of issues, includ- ing cooperation between GCC municipalities with Habitat. Agenda of the deliberations also touches on planned regional construction and development strate- gies. The Kuwaiti delegation taking part in the three-day workshop is headed by Kuwaiti Municipality Director General Ahmad Al-Sebeeh. —KUNA THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 LOCAL

Embassies push for deportees’ rights

KD500 minimum wage proposed for dependency visa

KUWAIT: Two Asian embassies complained to Kuwaiti said. address Kuwait’s demographic imbalance, which senior the sources explained. They added that the senior official officials about the “arbitrary actions” taken during the Many expatriates arrested during the recent traffic ministry officials described as “a main duty” for his depart- also plans to refer a letter to the Ministry of Social Affairs deportation of illegal residents and lawbreakers, who crackdowns reportedly remain in custody, as their respec- ment. “Maj Gen Al-Sabah told the directors that labor and Labor, recommending that it suspend issuing work were arrested in a series of crackdowns over the past few tive embassies refuse to grant authorities travel docu- forces in countries having internal struggles should not visas to holders of commercial visit visas. weeks across the country, a local daily reported yesterday, ments on the grounds that their visas are still valid. In that be able to move to Kuwait, and that Kuwait should not Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Thekra Al-Rashidi quoting sources with knowledge of the case. regard, the sources revealed the ministry had been trying become a shelter for them and their problems,” said announced two months ago a plan to deport 100,000 for- Nearly 1,260 people of Arab and Asian nationalities to reach the employers in order to retrieve the passports sources quoted in an Al-Rai report yesterday. Nationals of eigners every year, as part of a strategy to reduce the have been deported since Kuwait launched crackdowns of the soon-to-be-deported expatriates. Syria, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Yemen are cur- number of expatriates in the Gulf state by one million on traffic violators late last month. The General Traffic Meanwhile, a senior Interior Ministry official defended rently banned from obtaining visas to work in or visit over a period of 10 years. Criticism sparked by the lack of Department stated that deportation was enforced in cas- Kuwait’s right to deport illegal residents or foreigners Kuwait. In that regard, Maj Gen Al-Sabah said the lifting of details about the proposed plan prompted the minister to es of repeat offenders. Thousands of others have been who break the law. “It is the right of every country to the ban on them in the future must be coupled with con- later clarify that the plan targeted illegal residents, whose detained in simultaneous crackdowns targeting people deport expatriates who violate its residency laws or its trols to regulate their entrance and prevent the country’s numbers have reached 93,000, as per official statistics with expired visas or those working in violation of labor laws in general, or take legal action against them, in order demographic imbalance from getting worse, said the released last year. Kuwait is home to 2.6 million expatri- regulations. But according to a report published yester- to maintain safety and security, in line with human rights sources, who spoke to Al-Rai on the condition of ates who account for 68 percent of the country’s total day by Al-Qabas daily, the Ministry of Interior received principles,” Assistant Director of the ministry’s General anonymity. population of 3.8 million. Meanwhile, minister Al-Rashidi complaints from the embassies of India and Bangladesh, Training Department, Brigadier General Adel Al-Saadoun, The meeting also discussed other suggestions aimed released an order - with effect from July 1, 2013 - to termi- regarding the swift deportation of a large number of their was quoted by Al-Jarida yesterday. He made these com- at reducing the number of expatriate workers in Kuwait, nate the services of expatriate employees who have nationals without them getting the opportunity to ments at a workshop on Tuesday, organized by the including Maj Gen Al-Sabah’s intentions to “prepare a worked for at least 30 years in the Social Affairs and Labor receive what they were owed from their employers. International Organization for Migration office in Kuwait. memorandum about the benefits of raising the minimum Ministry. According to sources familiar with the issue, the The sources, who spoke to Al-Qabas on the condition In other news, Undersecretary Assistant for Citizenship cap for foreigners applying for dependency visas for rela- ministry has already started the process to end the servic- of anonymity, said many of the deportees were sent back and Passports Affairs, Major General Sheikh Faisal Al- tives”. Currently, such visas can be obtained as long as a es of nearly 70 foreigners by the beginning of July. The home through the use of travel documents released by Nawaf Al-Sabah, during a meeting with directors of supporter earns a minimum of KD250 a month, but the decision is in accordance with a government plan that their respective embassies, instead of their original pass- migration departments in Kuwait, called for “tougher pro- Undersecretary Assistant reportedly suggested during requires forcing Kuwaitis who have held government ports that, in most cases, are kept by their sponsors. “The cedures” with regard to the issuance of visitor visas, so the meeting that the cap be raised to KD500. posts for 30 years, including senior officials, into retire- Indian and Bangladeshi embassies are currently taking marginal labourers would not be able to gain access into “Maj Gen Al-Sabah questioned the capability of a man ment. According to official statistics, published by Al- legal recourse to secure the rights of the deported the country. who receives KD250 a month to meet the educational, Qabas yesterday, 138 senior officials, including 11 women, nationals, including their original passports”, the sources He made the demand amid a discussion on efforts to health and living requirements of a family with children,” will be subjected to this regulation. 750 illegal residents arrested in Benaid Al-Gar

KUWAIT: The field operations team, supervised by the acting MOI undersecretary Lt General Sulaiman Fahad Al-Fahad and led by the Assistant Undersecretary for Citizenship and Passports Lt General Faisal Al-Nawaf recently raided the Benaid Al-Gar area where 750 expats were arrested for violating residency laws. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 LOCAL Authorities hunt ‘handicap parking’ violators

KUWAIT: The traffic department carried In the capital governorate, 45 citations department personnel will safeguard the two for being in possession of drugs. Eight garage. Four teenagers were arrested and out a special campaign in Farwaniya to were handed out and 10 vehicles besides rights of the handicapped. wanted vehicles were found, besides five sent to the concerned authorities. Several check people parking their cars in the a motorcycle were detained. Traffic The Ahmadi security personnel carried other vehicles that were detained. A total check points were set up in the gover- slots reserved for those with special department authorities called upon all the out an inspection campaign supervised of 125 traffic citations were handed out. norate and over speeding vehicles were needs, besides cars parked in no parking citizens and the expats to abide by traffic by Ahmadi governorate security director In Mubarak Al-Kabeer governorate, a caught with the help speed-measuring areas. The campaign resulted in 25 cita- norms and not park in the handicapped Lt General Ayadh Al-Otaibi that resulted in similar campaign was carried out under radars. Security media called upon all the tions being handed out and four cars persons’ parking lot. Any car found parked the arrest of 259 persons. Of these, 221 the supervision of security director citizens and the expats to abide by the being confiscated as these were found wrongly will attract a fine and may also be were found without identification or with Colonel Tawheed Al-Kandari, which result- law, emphasizing that such campaigns parked in handicapped persons’ parking detained. He explained that the cam- expired residency permits, 34 turned out ed in 235 different traffic citations. Tens of will continue round the clock and wherev- lot. paigns will continue and the traffic to be on the wanted list, two vendors and vehicles were sent to the detention er the ministry found suitable. Fugitive held at airport Bid to smuggle baby cheetah foiled KUWAIT: A man was arrested at the Kuwait reported, and took the girl to the Adan Hospital. vehicle which carried no license plates. The driv- International Airport as soon as he arrived on The 14-year-old was diagnosed with multiple er was eventually caught after his car got stuck Tuesday from Thailand where he spent the past fractures and contusions, while doctors in quicksand, but a person who was on the pas- six months to escape prosecution in drug-relat- described his condition as stable. An investiga- senger’s seat managed to escape. The suspect ed cases. The Kuwaiti citizen had reportedly tion was opened into the case. The incident hap- was identified as a Gulf national while police approached his country’s embassy in Bangkok pened only 24 hours after a middle school stu- found drugs as well as drug paraphernalia from and explained that he wanted to return home dent died when she was run over in the same his possession. The man was referred to the but his passport had expired. Embassy officials area by a school bus. proper authorities while search was on way for contacted the Kuwaiti Interpol, which discov- his accomplice. ered that the man was wanted to serve a three Baby cheetah found and a half years’ jail term since he was sentenced Customs officials at the Nuwaiseeb Border Good Samaritan saves woman in absentia. Based on these findings, the Checkpoint foiled an attempt to smuggle a baby A man was hailed as a hero in Shuwaikh after embassy officials provided the necessary travel cheetah into Kuwait. A Kuwaiti man had arrived he intervened to save a woman from the clutch- documents for the man which were handed over at the southern border on Monday night with a es of a potential rapist and even held on to the to him at the airport before he boarded the cloth-covered cage among his luggage. Officials suspect until police arrived at the scene. The plane back home. The man arrived in Kuwait ear- removed it only to find that the cage contained Yemeni man was reportedly walking by when he ly Tuesday morning and was placed under arrest a baby cheetah. The animal was taken to the rel- spotted a woman struggling to break away from immediately before being taken to the proper evant authorities after the man failed to provide a man who held her in a corner in a dark alley. authorities for further action. an official document to transfer the feline. The man caught hold of the suspect and over- powered him before calling the police. Security Student injured after fall Chase ends with arrest officers arrived shortly afterwards and placed A teenager was injured after he fell from the A man was arrested for being in possession of the suspect under arrest. The suspect, an Arab second floor of a middle school in Um Al- drugs after a hot pursuit recently in Sulaibiya. man, was taken to the Shuwaikh police station KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait received a commemorative plaque from Haiman Tuesday. Police and paramedics had Patrol officers went after the suspect after he where the Filipina woman also headed to press management of the Dasmah Co-operative Society in appreciation of the quality serv- rushed to the scene after the incident was ignored orders to pull over and drove away in his attempted rape charges. — Agencies ices provided at the CBK branch in the area.

Sheikha Fraiha and Khaled Al-Jarrallah stand between African ambassadors. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh Diplomatic missions celebrate Africa Day

KUWAIT: The African diplomatic missions in Kuwait celebrated “The African Day” at the Regency Hotel on Tuesday evening. Hailemeariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the African Union was on hand for the Occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the African Union. Addressing the function he said that the celebration of the Day of Africa this year is indeed special as it marks a significant milestone in the history of “our conti- nental organization.” He said “it was fifty years ago on 25 May 1963, that our Founding Fathers, inspired by the ideals of Pan-Africanism to pro- mote common understanding between the peo- ples of Africa and foster greater cooperation between African States in a larger unity tran- Nigerian ambassador pictured with the embassy staff scending ethnic and national differences, signed the Charter establishing the Organization of African Unity.” Dessalegn provided a brief historical back- ground on the When the UAU was established in 1963, there was indeed a lot of euphoria and optimism for Africa’s rejuvenation. He stressed, “Those were the heady days when thirty two African States just started to enjoy their hard won freedom and independence and aspire for a better future. The OAU Charter was the expres- sion of their collective aspirations to promote unity and solidarity amongst themselves as well as to coordinate and intensify their cooperation Sheikha Fraiha, Khaled Al-Jarrah cutting the ribbon at the African Day reception on Tuesday. to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa.” “At this important juncture, it is therefore decade, it was encouraging that several African He said that the OAU played an invaluable incumbent upon us to ask what really went economies have entered a high growth trajecto- role in the liberation of our continent and, for wrong? In spite of our rich historical heritage ry. “The number of conflicts ravaging our conti- this, we have to pay tribute to successive gener- and abundant natural resources, why, have we nent has also slowly subsided if not completely ations of African leaders who have bequeathed not been able transform our societies? We need eradicated. Moreover, we are witnessing Tunisian ambassador, wife and daughter to us a continent free from the shackles of colo- to do a serious soul searching as we reflect on improved governance with the introduction of a nialism IL Lid Apartheid. The OAU has also con- our past and try to chart our future in a bid to democratic dispensation in many of the African tributed to the process of integration in our con- realize a peaceful, prosperous and united Africa. countries. As we move forward, we need to tinent and has served as a continental platform Previous generations have paid the ultimate sac- rededicate our efforts to ensure lasting peace for collective action within Africa and interac- rifice to liberate our continent from all forms of and stability, accelerate economic growth and tions with the rest of the world, he enthused. subjugation and Apartheid. It is up to the cur- deepen governance reforms with a view to lay- “We all recognize that Africa’s aspirations for rent and future generations of Africans to ing a solid foundation for Africa’s socio -econom- lasting peace and prosperity still remain to be achieve the socio-economic emancipation of ic transformation,” he said. realized and the vision of our Founding Fathers our continent,” he said. With a visionary leadership committed to is yet to be fulfilled. We cannot deny the reality He stressed that there has been certain bring about change, a developmental state that internal problems related to bad gover- progress over the last decade. “The transforma- capable of playing a proactive and dynamic role nance together with the adverse external envi- tion of the OAU into the African Union has no and the mobilization of all sections of the ronment contributed to Africa’s current politics doubt enabled us to better respond to the chal- African people, there is no doubt that we will be and socio-economic problems. In the 1960s, lenges facing our continent in the 21st century. able to fully realize our continental agenda in although some east Asian countries were eco- We have also charted an independent path of the coming decades. As previous generations nomically at par with the newly independent development through the New Partnership for were inspired by the ideals of Pan-Africanism to African countries, it is disheartening that they Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and started to fight for their freedom and dignity, current arid still languish in poverty and underdevelopment learn from each other’s experiences on issues of future generations should therefore be guided while the east Asian countries managed to governance by utilizing the African Peer Review by the same PanAfrican spirit to struggle for achieve economic miracles in a span of two or Mechanism (APRM),” he said. Africa’s socio-economic emancipation and real- three decades,” he said. He further explained that over the last ize the African Renaissance. THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 LOCAL Kuwait donation helps tsunami-hurt children Mental health care center inaugurated in Japan MORIOKA: With financial backing from Kuwait, a mental health care center for children who suf- fered psychological damage in the wake of 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster was inaugurated in northeastern Japan yesterday. Using a fund gen- erated from Kuwait’s USD two million donation made through the Japanese Red Cross Society, the 800-sq-meter Iwate Children Care Center was built on the premises of Iwate Medical Sheikha Sheikha Al-Sabah addressing the audience University in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. The grant was announced by His Highness Using technology to assist the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah during his state visit to Tokyo the disabled and elderly March last year, on top of an initial donation of five million barrels of crude oil worth $500 mil- KUWAIT: Under the patronage of her the elderly. Also the importance of technol- lion in 2011. At a ceremony to unveil a memorial Excellency Sheikha Sheikha Al-Abdullah Al- ogy in facilitating the lives of disabled peo- plate for Kuwait-Japan friendship in the care Sabah, the first conference on “Using tech- ple and the elderly, improving their ability to center, Governor of Iwate Prefecture Takuya nologies in achieving an independent living integrate and communicate, developing Tasso stressed on importance of creating a sta- for people with disability and the elderly”, their talents, and providing additional ble support system in the medium and long kicked off yesterday at Jumeirah Messilah opportunities for them to care about their term for affected children that meets their Beach Hotel. During workshops, a number of health and treatment were discussed. On his changing demands as they grow. leading Arab and international specialists dis- part, Ebrahim Al-Kandari, a member of the Considering 2013 as “Year of Accelerating the cussed the importance and challenges of organizing committee, stated that this con- Reconstruction,” the governor said his prefecture Independent Living and what the available ference is essential to discuss new concepts aims to proceed with the reconstruction faster. technologies that provide a more independ- of independent living for disabled and elder- Tasso also shed light on Kuwait’s heart-warming MORIOKA: Kuwaiti ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi (center right) pic- ent lifestyle for people with disabilities and ly people. encouragement and unstinting donation follow- tured with other Japanese officials. Furthermore, he highlighted the major ing the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and ensuing in their time of need and in future too, based on ment, as of February this year, about 670 daily challenges for this targeted groups and tsunami, which left nearly 19,000 people dead or the true friendship that binds the two countries, affected children visited regional care centers the role of technology in making these peo- missing in northeastern Japan, with about 6,000 which was reconfirmed by HH the Amir during due to such health issues as uncertainty, ple more independent similar to people who victims in Iwate alone. his visit to Japan last year that came after a gen- insomnia and psychosomatic symptoms. do not have physical or mental challenges, “Kuwait’s aid has been used for the establish- erous invitation by the Japanese Emperor. “The Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and paving the way for them to live a full mean- ment of this center, the restoration of the disas- donations offered by Kuwait in the aftermath of Kuwait TV after the ceremony, President and ingful life instead of living in the shadows. ter-struck railway and various other reconstruc- the disaster were just a small token of apprecia- CEO of Iwate Medical University Akira Ogawa Al-Kandari stressed on the need to tion projects. On behalf of the people of Iwate, I tion to the people of Japan for their historic thanked Kuwait for the assistance for running improve laws and regulations in the GCC that would like to express once again our heartfelt stances in supporting Kuwait for more than five such a well-equipped facility, saying, “The will be protect the rights of people with dis- gratitude to Kuwait,” said Tasso. On his part, decades,” he said. memorial plate we unveiled today will be long ability and the elderly and to provide a clear Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al- “When we look back on the recovery efforts remembered as a proof of bonds for the future understanding of the latest technology Otaibi voiced his pleasure at witnessing Japan made since March 11, 2011, and despite the between the peoples of the two countries.” advancement in the field. taking another significant step on the path sadness at the great loss of so many lives and As a hub of providing comprehensive sup- Additionally, he called for training these towards recovery after the destruction, to which destruction, our hearts are filled with hope port to affected children in Iwate, the center is targeted people on how to utilize these tech- the children of Iwate also fell victim. that full recovery is now drawing near and that also tasked with organizing training courses nological tools through the internet, smart “Because these children hold the key to the the northeastern region will rise again to for the support staff and related institutions, phones and other gadgets as platform for future of Iwate and Japan, nothing can be more become better than it was before,” he added. research for effective treatment as well as these trainings. Al-Kandari concluded by say- urgent than addressing their needs and provid- Mental care support for children who lost their enlightenment activities. “We will provide a ing that “we are very pleased from the sup- ing them with all the special care and support families and friends in the disaster requires great deal of mental care to affected children port received from SSAT through its judiciary they require,” Al-Otaibi said in his speech. Thus, long term commitments. The center in Morioka in coping with their growth in the long run panels, workshops and awarding participants he lauded the initiative to establish the care cen- will serve as a central office for the three local while seeking coordination with the regional certificates. We also thank all the sponsors ter that bears “a tremendous responsibility to care centers in the prefecture’s disaster-hit branches,” said Ogawa. Last month, Al-Otaibi Commercial Bank of Kuwait, Zain, Advanced help brighten the children’s lives, contribute to coastal areas, where the number of doctors also visited Iwate’s coastal city to attend a cere- Technology Company, Al Majd educational their well-being and help them overcome their Ebrahim Al-Kandari, member of the and medical facilities for such support are lim- mony for the re-launch of the tsunami-dam- organizing committee. company and Genatak.” tragedies in order to aspire for a better future.” The ambassador stressed that the govern- ited, to treat children mentally hurt by the twin aged railway, which was also highly appreciat- ment and people of Kuwait have committed disasters. ed by the local people and drew large media themselves to standing by the Japanese people According to the Iwate prefectural govern- attention.— KUNA Burgan Bank supports KACCH

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank reiterated its commitment of World Child Care Program that aims to assist to the community by rendering its support to the children in coping with the stress of being in hospi- Kuwait Association for Care of Children in Hospitals tal for treatment. The association pays great efforts (KACCH). This is an ongoing commitment which is to provide a healthy and entertaining environment now in its 12th year. The association between to the children through the kids clubs that KACCH Burgan Bank and KACCH was avowed at a special established in many hospitals in Kuwait. Bait visit to Bait Abdullah building site in Sulaibekhat Abdullah serves as a substitute home to children’s where Hessa Al-Najadah, Senior Public Relations hospitals for patients suffering from terminal ill- Officer at Burgan Bank, presented a cheque to nesses and their families, who need support to live KACCH’s Vice President Margaret Al Sayer. a robust life. It is also notable that facilities are Over the past 11 years, Burgan Bank’s continual available to provide daily care, including recreation contributions helped support the development of and residential facilities for emergency or healthcare and pediatric facilities in several hospi- advanced cases. The Bank’s support to KACCH and tals which are part of the KACCH, often helping to other numerous programs under its Corporate children and their families fund treatment and Social Responsibility framework avows its true val- recovery from fatal and terminal illnesses, as well as ues, commitment, dedication and belief in the Sheikha Sheikha Al-Sabah and Al Sheikha Ohoud Salem Al Ali (right) pictured providing entertainment. The KACCH is a volun- importance of supporting the community and during the conference. teering organization working under the umbrella humanitarian causes. ‘Kuwait products are better’ Industrialists urge state to support local product KUWAIT: Officials in a number of always outperforms the domestic element of sustainable develop- turing sector. The sales represen- industrial companies operating in one in the specification. ment. Sales Manager in one of the tative at a dairy products compa- the country have asserted the They said the national product local companies Tareq Al-Hajj said ny Ahmad Al-Ali said that partici- Kuwaiti product’s ability to com- now is in dire need to strengthen the state and the companies pation in fairs is significant espe- pete with foreign products in its presence in the domestic mar- share the responsibility in the cially in Kuwait Industries quality, variety and prices, calling ket through consolidating the cul- upgrading of the industrial sector, Exhibition in order to display the on consumers to give the national ture of “The Kuwaiti product is pointing out that the state is latest products of the company to product the confidence needed better,” expressing the hope that responsible for providing the a large segment of the public at to encourage and support the the State and local businesses appropriate industrial environ- one place and time. Al-Ali added local industry. offer more support and confi- ment for industrialists. He added that the exhibition is an opportu- They said in interviews with dence to spread this culture that the industrialist seeks to nity for local companies to make Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) dur- through media campaigns, adver- achieve a reasonable profit mar- customers acquainted with the ing their participation in the tising and awareness. They added gin, explaining that this cannot be latest products and innovations of Kuwait Industries exhibition that that the national industry in any achieved without existence of the industry in the local market as local consumer now has a “mis- country has become a key com- laws and regulations that keep well as a chance for consumers to placed conviction most of the ponent of the developed state as pace with developments wit- get the best product offerings at time” that the foreign product its development is an important nessed by the industrial manufac- lower prices.— KUNA

Ambassador inaugurates Kuwaiti projects in Cambodia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuwaiti convoys, and distribution of relief sup- Ambassador to Cambodia Dherar Al- plies to 470 families in need. This was Tuwaijri inaugurated several Kuwaiti in addition to purchase and distribu- charity and humanitarian projects in tion of fishing boats, sponsoring 10 Cambodia’s Takeo Province yesterday, students, sponsoring 20 orphans, and accompanied by Deputy Prime paying salaries of three tutors. Minister, Minister in charge of the The ambassador was honored with Office of Council of Ministers Sok An. a royal medal, as was the representa- The opening ceremony was attended tive of Social Reform Society, the state- by officials including the undersecre- ment said, while Al-Barakah Charity tary for vocational training, undersec- chairman was honored with a royal retary of religious affairs, and the Cambodian order. Another 30 institu- Ambassador of Pakistan. tions, authorities, and benefactors A statement by the Kuwaiti Embassy were also awarded royal orders in on the occasion said the projects were appreciation of their support of such funded by Kuwait’s Social Reform projects. Social Reform Society funded Society in cooperation with Al-Barakah many projects in Cambodia in recent charity in Cambodia, at a total of years in cooperation with Al-Barakah $185,000. The projects included con- Charity. The projects included con- struction of two mosques, six schools, struction of schools and homes and vil- and seven housing units, and drilling lages for the poor in many areas of the of 34 wells, purchase of four medical Takeo Province.— KUNA THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 LOCAL

kuwait digest Letters to Muna

Elections in Iran: Develop the public Tail risk in 2013 transports system

By Francisco Quintana

he massive liquidity injections that central banks are pumping into the global financial sys- Ttems should be enough to keep the world’s By Muna Al-Fuzai economy afloat in 2013. However, in spite of the vast network of monetary instruments in place, the econo- my remains fragile and could collapse in the event of a shock. This year, politics is and continues to be the likeliest source of shocks: fiscal cliffs and sequesters in the US are weakening growth, elections in Italy or cor- [email protected] ruption scandals in Spain are preventing measures that have already been agreed upon from being Dear Muna, implemented, while the upcoming elections in I have been reading your articles in the Kuwait Times Germany are paralyzing the design and implementa- and I am quite impressed with your views on traffic in tion of any stimulus measure in Europe. Kuwait. I was wondering why we do not think about However, a political event that could have a size- extensive development of public transports. Having able effect on the world’s economy is not getting metro trains connecting various places like in London, many headlines: Iran will elect the substitute for Amsterdam or Milan would help us overcome the traffic President Ahmadinejad this June 5th. These elections problems in Kuwait. Instead of spending time chatting could easily be the most crucial in 2013 for two rea- about how people should leave the country to bring sons: first, because of the likelihood of triggering down traffic congestion, we should set the ball rolling to some form of unrest and second, because of the very construct metro rails. This way we can have the com- kuwait digest high impact that unrest in Iran might have on the rest plete train network operational in about six or seven of the world. years. Also, we can think about increasing the number of The previous election, in 2009, triggered demon- buses plying across the country to bring down the num- strations in which tens of citizens died. The risk in The blame game ber of cars on the road. 2013 is potentially higher for three fundamental With regards, changes that took place since then. First, Iran has Bala developed its nuclear technology, spurring tension By Dr Moudhi Al-Hmoud with both Israel and the Gulf countries. Second, inter- Hi Muna, nal conflicts have developed within the political elite. I have just read your article “New decision on iqama While in 2009 Ahmadinejad was the only official ormer lawmaker Mubarak Al-Duwailah offered improve the education system. in a recent column his diagnosis of Kuwait’s A majority of the former ministers mentioned by transfer.” By Allah, it is very disturbing. I just do not Ftroubled education sector, saying that all prob- the columnist are open-minded, intellectual and loyal understand why the authorities are taking such hasty, However, a political event that lems in the sector were a result of “the control of liber- to Kuwait. During their tenures, they dealt profession- unreasonable and impractical decisions? First of all, it amounts to clearly exploiting an employee as the sec- could have a sizeable effect on the al figures over the Ministry of Education”. He men- ally and respectfully with committees and school tioned a number of education ministers, including administrations that have been dominated by ond employer can keep his worker captive at the same pay for as long as he wants. If, however, this rule is to be world’s economy is not getting many Khalid Al-Mas’oud, Saleh Abulmalek, Jassem Al- Islamists for the past 20 years or more. These commit- implemented, then there should also be a rule that binds headlines: Iran will elect the substitute Marzouq, Anwar Al-Nouri, Hassan Al-Ibrahim, Ahmad tees are responsible for putting together curricula, the employer to grant reasonable annual increments to for President Ahmadinejad this June Al-Rab’ie, Musa’ed Al-Haroun, Sulaiman Al-Bader, especially those for religious and social studies. the employee at least. Rasheed Al-Hamad, Perhaps in an attempt Secondly, it is going to badly affect the ministries and 5th. These elections could easily be Yousuf Al-Ibrahim and me. to fish in troubled waters, A majority of the former ministers the government bodies themselves since many of these the most crucial in 2013 for two rea- Al-Duwailah also Mr. Al-Duwailah suggested are running as per contracts. I will give you my own sons: first, because of the likelihood of named a number of liber- mentioned by the columnist are open- that the liberals’ only con- example. I am working in a ministry (along with another al undersecretaries, minded, intellectual and loyal to cern was to adopt coedu- 1000 people on various posts) in an engineering post triggering some form of unrest and despite the fact that a cation. This is wrong through a two-year company contract now. Once this second, because of the very high majority of people who Kuwait. During their tenures, they dealt because it was Islamists two-year period is over, the ministry will announce a ten- impact that unrest in Iran might have held that post in the min- professionally and respectfully with who raised the coeduca- der and if the company that we are working for fails to istry were not liberals in committees and school administrations tion issue and campaigned win the contract and some other company wins, then on the rest of the world. the same vein as to ban it in the Kuwait we will be transferred to that new company. Imagine the Abdurrahman Al-Khadhari that have been dominated by Islamists University, the Public same scenario two years further down the road if this and Tamadher Al- for the past 20 years or more. These Authority for Applied new rule comes into effect. None of us would be able to establishment candidate facing a reformist opposi- Sadairawy, who, by the committees are responsible for putting Education and Training, as transfer to yet another new company winning the con- tion, in 2013 there is no such thing as a consensus way, are among the most well as private schools. Out tract. In that case, the new company will have to find candidate representing the status quo. Ahmadinejad qualified people to serve together curricula, especially those for of respect to the law and about 1000 new employees. Presume that the new com- has completed two mandates and the Constitution Kuwait from that post. I religious and social studies. regulations, the liberal pany even manages to do so. Still, these new people will does not allow him to run for a third term, so the do not know exactly why ministers honored the ban be unfamiliar with the Ministry’s system compared to us who would have worked by that time for four years. So President is maneuvering to bring a close ally, his MAl-Duwailah failed to on coeducation despite chief of staff Esfandir Mashaei, to power. Meanwhile the Ministry will be losing experienced people who mention former ministers such as Dr Adel Al- the negative impact it had on the education system know the system very well but will be enrolling fresh Ayatollah Khamenei is trying to bring in a candidate Tabtabaei and Ahmad Al-Mulaifi, and current minister over the past years. through whom a more direct influence can be exert- people who will take time to learn the system. Once they Nayef Al-Hajraf. Does he consider them to be conser- While I do respect Al-Duwailah’s right to express do so, the same cycle will be repeated after four years. ed. vatives? Or is there a reason why he might have delib- his opinion, I call upon him to respect our intelli- On June 21st the Council of Guardians excluded I hope the authorities taking such decisions make an erately avoided mentioning their tenures? gence. We have all witnessed the attempts made by in-depth case study of the things first and then go for it. Mashaei from the official list of candidates. There are some facts that all Kuwaitis, including Al- religious movements to take over education and its Every day a new law is coming into the picture and even Ahmadinajad started to put pressure on the Ayatollah Duwailah himself, know with regard to the subject he institutions, which has resulted in the situation that a dimwit will be able to see these as unfit and impracti- to re-examine the “unjust” exclusion. Regardless of brought up. First of all, everyone mentioned by the the sector is living through today. I have deliberately cal. I don’t understand why people sitting in such the outcome of this fight, the unity that the Iranian columnist had served for a relatively short period in chosen not to describe them as conservatives, responsible positions can take such illogical decisions. political elite exhibited in 2009 is shattered, making the ministry, as the longest tenure did not exceed two because all liberal lawmakers have been committed May Allah help us all! the Iranian political outlook uncertain. Finally, and years. The average length of their tenures is 18 to maintaining the values of their society and have Regards, most importantly, since the last election the econom- months, which is the average for all ministries in used their posts to achieve what is best for the coun- ic situation in Iran has deteriorated sharply, mostly as Kuwait. Moreover, most of those who introduced try instead of what serves their alliances. In the end, I Iqbal a result of the international embargo that the country reform faced grilling sessions, were transferred, or think it is best that we avoid trading blames and is suffering. were forced to resign - as a result of the strong instead focus on supporting current ministry officials, The Iranian rial is depreciating quickly. In 2011 alliance between the religious movement and the with the hope that they can successfully implement kuwait digest 12,000 rials were enough to buy one euro. In 2012 the government, which obstructed every attempt to the educational reforms. — Al-Qabas rial had depreciated to 27,000 and today it is being changed for around 60,000 rials to the euro. Consequently, prices have skyrocketed since the sanc- Insubstantial tions were imposed in June 2012. Over the last year, kuwait digest gas and power became three times more expensive, justifications which in turn has increased the cost of transportation and food; the price of a bread loaf in Teheran tripled to 70,000 rials and rice rose more than 50%, now cost- Rational approach missing By Abdullatif Al-Duaij ing more than 80,000 a kilo. The purchasing power of Iranian wages has therefore deteriorated rapidly. think everyone who defended the security agreement By Dr Shamlan Y Al-Essa among the Gulf Cooperation Council states signed The salary of a clerk in Tehran hovers around eight recently failed to come up with convincing arguments. million rials per month, less than 150 euro. Salary I espite the fact that Oil Minister Hani Hussein It seems that realistic voices and a rational approach Maybe their failure stemmed from the fact that it was very hikes have been unable to partially offset the impact resigned, the criticism of the government and the has gone missing from some of our MPs’ minds as they difficult to defend the treaty while simultaneously taking of a 28% annual official inflation, which in reality must Dobjections raised against the minister who has are not looking for truth, whether in the Dow Chemicals into account the peculiar situation that Kuwait faced. I be around twice as large. Civil servants are less affect- now quit did not stop. MP Yaqoub Al-Sane said though issue or others. They want to be seen as heroes in front know many people do not like this notion, but Kuwait is ed because their salaries adjust to inflation, at least Hani Hussein escaped political grilling, he will not be of the people so they can be re-elected. My humble different than its sister nations in the Gulf region. Yes, we partly: in 2013 they will receive salary increases of able to escape legal responsibility and demanded that knowledge of Hani Hussein made me believe that he are all Arabs and have oil, but we are not all Kuwaitis, and around 18%. However, they only account for 16% of the council of ministers should review the latest decision was a victim of parliamentary, government and extrem- not all of us have democracy. These distinctions are living the working population. taken by him. MP Faisal Al- ists’ personal interests. Eng. facts which prove as false all claims of there being com- The situation for the 84% of workers in the private Kandari said, “We will not be Hani Hussein is one of the plete harmony and accord among the GCC countries. sector is considerably worse. Salaries adjust following satisfied with the resigna- It seems that realistic voices and a few Kuwaitis who are special- In the meantime, Undersecretary of Kuwait’s Foreign the company’s performance and given that most tion and we will expose rational approach has gone missing ized in the oil field and petro- Ministry Khalid Al-Jarallah came up perhaps with the most firms’ sales revenue came down since the sanctions those who benefitted from from some of our MPs’ minds as they are chemicals and spent most of misleading notion when he suggested that development were implemented, many workers have suffered his decisions.” his life working in this field. was hard to achieve without having what he described as salary cuts even in nominal terms. The unemploy- Dr Maasouma Mubarak not looking for truth, whether in the Never did we hear that he a ‘security fence’. It appeared that Al-Jarallah ignored the ment level is much higher than the official 12% and said the Oil Minister escap- Dow Chemicals issue or others. They indulged in any corruption, examples of countries such as Cuba, North Korea and the keeps rising as firms that need to buy from or sell to ing from owning up his or benefited personally or former Soviet Union which turned out to be among the want to be seen as heroes in front of the worst countries when it came to development even foreign partners get hit by the depreciation of the responsibility in the Dow any other such accusations. though they surrounded themselves with total security Chemicals catastrophe will people so they can be re-elected. My An evidence of this is that currency and the trade sanctions. protection. These countries’ influence has either faded or The dangerous combination of internal political only expedite in classifying humble knowledge of Hani Hussein the MPs formed a special there are less and less of such nations as the world conflict, demand for reforms, and rampant unemploy- the controversy as “culprit made me believe that he was a victim of committee to investigate entered the third millennium. unknown”. MP Al-Tamimi what happened in the Dow ment and poverty could spark unrest either before parliamentary, government and Former Secretary General of the GCC Abdullah Bushara the elections, amid protests and political struggle fol- said Hani Hussein’s resigna- Chemicals issue, and the drew a link, meanwhile, between the security agreement lowing the ban imposed on some candidates, or after, tion was rightly accepted extremists’ personal interests. government also formed a and incidents such as the Iraq-Iran war. If such threats no if citizens perceive that the results have been rigged. and he should be taken to committee. Both the com- longer exist, I think promoting the agreement on that This context creates an urge for Iranian authorities to court. MP Saadoun Hammad mittees have held several basis today was unjustified. I know most people are going find a scapegoat and divert the attention of its popu- said the resignation of the Oil Minister amounted to his meetings with officials in the oil sector. So, why all this to say that the agreement is needed to thwart potential lation away from the dire economic situation. Any conviction and will not prevent him and his associates storm of accusations against the minister who has risks in the region - or the alleged Iranian risk. However, external conflict, let it be with Israel, USA, Syria or the from going after him and sending him to the ministers’ already resigned? Why have we reached a solution that the Iranian intervention is an international issue. It is GCC represents an opportunity to channel domestic court since a loss worth millions was caused to the pub- he stands convicted even before the committees have about armies, satellites and espionage. These things are frustration towards outside forces and will reduce dis- lic funds. finished their work? We are not attempting to defend the not covered by the security agreements. Instead, the content at home. MP Adnan Al-Mutawa said, “We will not accept the minister, but the chaos and irresponsible behavior being agreement is intended to provide legal cover to prosecute The possibility of such tension evolving into a fully issue as having been closed until the investigation com- seen in the country along with the display of a lack of people, or anyone with a certain position not to the gov- ernment’s liking. fledged conflict is, nevertheless, low, given the limited mittees finish their work, come up with their recommen- neutrality and credibility is leaving our young ministers MP Nabeel Al-Fadhl made an unfortunate attempt to military and economic capacity of the country at this dations and send all those involved in violations to the vulnerable to attacks by some MPs. They are equivalent court.” It is not possible to publish all the statements by to those extorting the government by indulging in such justify signing the agreement as well. In his words, the stage. However, the potential impact of a conflict is agreement should be accepted on the basis that it does substantial: a third of the world’s traded oil crosses National Assembly members and the political innuendos tactics of screaming at and attacking a particular minis- inbuilt in these. The real purpose behind these state- ter. The investigation committees will reveal all the mis- not require a signatory nation to be bound by its articles. I the Strait of Hormuz every day. Even a short-lived clo- know it is confusing, but this is an actual quote from the ments was not to search for the truth, but rather to take understandings in the Dow row and other issues, but sure would have a great impact on oil prices. An lawmaker himself. According to him, the agreement extended blockage could undermine the efforts of a political stand against the government and its minis- what is the use of all these committees if the man has allows a signatory country to choose against executing central banks and bring the global economy back into ters so that these MPs can appear as if they can look the already been convicted and the minister has resigned? articles that were in conflict with its respective regula- recession in 2013. The elections in Iran are a tail risk government in the eye and that they are the ones who We are living in times when honest people are not being tions. If that was the case, then where was the need to worth keeping an eye on. forced the Oil Minister to resign. defended.— Al-Watan sign it in the first place? —Al-Qabas THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 Iran election takes to TV, Khamenei Ethiopia embarks on Blue Nile diversion says play clean Page 9 Page 8

HERMEL, Lebanon: A Lebanese man removes debris from his damaged house, hit by rockets fired by Syrian rebels according to villagers, in this town in the northeast of Lebanon yesterday. Shells fired from Syria regularly strike Hermel, a predominantly Shiite town. — AP Elite troops in battle for Qusair UN rights chief urges halt to flow of arms, fighters to Syria

DAMASCUS: Syrian elite troops rushed to bol- “deep concern” that the involvement of the Chamberlain Donahoe. On the ground, elite consolidate its grip on a key road from break a deadlock in the Coalition. Dissidents say ster a Hezbollah-led offensive against rebels in fighters could “further exacerbate the deterio- Syrian Republican Guards and Hezbollah fight- Damascus to the coast - the heartland of Assad’s the chaotic meeting has been deadlocked by Qusair yesterday as the UN Human Rights rating human rights and humanitarian situa- ers rushed to Qusair as government fighter jets Alawite community. Hezbollah’s Al-Manar televi- internal bickering as well as conflicting pres- Council condemned the use of foreign fighters tion”. pounded rebel areas, the Syrian Observatory for sion showed live images it said were from sures from key backers of the revolt, Saudi in the strategic town. Russia warned a European UN rights chief Navi Pillay told the council Human Rights said. Dabaa airport taken after the army had recap- Arabia, Qatar, France, Turkey and the United Union decision to lift its arms embargo on that “the increasing number of foreign fighters The Syrian army said it had seized the dis- tured the facility. In Paris, French Foreign States. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet rebels fighting to oust its ally, Syrian President crossing Syria’s borders... is further fuelling the used Dabaa military airfield north of Qusair Minister Laurent Fabius said there were some Davutoglu, US ambassador to Syria Robert Ford Bashar Al-Assad, harmed its joint efforts with sectarian violence. “The situation is beginning to which had been in rebel hands and that fierce 3,000 to 4,000 Hezbollah fighters in Syria, dou- and a top French diplomat on Syria were at the the United States to end the conflict. Hopes are show worrying signs of destabilising the region fighting was raging in the area. A military source ble the 1,700 number previously reported. meeting along with a Saudi intelligence official building for a US-Russian initiative for a peace as a whole,” she warned. Referring to efforts to told AFP the battle for the airfield was fierce and “Regarding the Hezbollah militants present in and a top Qatari diplomat. “The Coalition really conference to be held in Geneva next month, convene a peace conference in Geneva in com- lasted several hours. “The operation led to the the conflict, numbers vary between 3,000 and is at a make-or-break moment. If we fail to but serious obstacles could still scupper the ing weeks, she said: “This is an extremely impor- liberation of the airport and the deaths of sever- 10,000. Our estimate is around 3,000 to 4,000,” agree after this meeting, I don’t know what talks - not least divisions within Syria’s opposi- tant opportunity for states with influence to pull al men who were inside. “There are bodies litter- Fabius said. Assad, who has clung to power will happen to the group,” a Coalition member tion. the parties back from the brink of catastrophe ... ing the ground, rebels have been captured and despite Western and Arab calls for him to resign, present at the meeting told AFP on condition In Geneva, 36 of the 47 members of the UN The flow of arms must stop and the process of others surrendered. The army is now advancing is to be interviewed on Hezbollah television on of anonymity. Diplomats at the United rights body voted in favour of a resolution that national dialogue must begin now.” on the town of Dabaa,” the source added. Thursday, according to his office. Nations said yesterday that Britain had implicitly refers to the involvement of fighters The United States rejected a statement by The capture of the airfield means that the Meanwhile, his divided opponents in the informed the UN of “new incidents” of appar- from Lebanon’s Shiite militant group Hezbollah Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the Syrian army now controls all the roads leading National Coalition were meeting in Istanbul for ent chemical weapons use in Syria. If con- in the fierce battle for Qusair. The non-binding resolution was “unwholesome” and undermined out of Qusair - a serious setback for rebels still an unscheduled seventh day under pressure firmed, the attacks would heap further pres- text put forward by the United States, Turkey peace efforts. “We don’t see this as... undermin- entrenched in the north and west of the town. from Turkey and the US to thrash out a common sure on Western governments supporting and Qatar “condemns the intervention of for- ing in any way” but rather an effort to put rights Control of Qusair is essential for the rebels as it is position on the planned Geneva talks. A string Syrian rebels to intervene in the conflict, eign combatants fighting on behalf of the abuses on record and work towards a solution, their principal transit point for weapons and of top diplomats arrived yesterday at the meet- which the Observatory says has claimed more Syrian regime in Al-Qusair”. It also expressed said US ambassador to the council Eileen fighters from Lebanon while it helps the army ing in what looked like a last-ditch effort to than 94,000 lives. — AFP Autopsy: UK soldier died from cuts, stab wounds

LONDON: An autopsy shows that an off- tial basis. London counterterrorism been disclosed. Britain’s Ministry of duty soldier killed in a suspected Islamic police officers handed out leaflets Justice declined to comment on the extremist in London attack last week Wednesday seeking information from email and would not spell out any died from multiple cuts and stab wounds pedestrians and bus passengers in a demands made by the prisoners. after he was hit by a car, police said yes- quest for new information. The killing of The English Defense League, a right- terday. Lee Rigby, 25, was first struck by a an off-duty soldier by suspected militants wing group with strong anti-Islam lean- blue Vauxhall Tigra and then attacked by has raised racial enmities in many parts ings, has mounted a series of protests in two men near his barracks in southeast of England, with far-right groups mobiliz- the wake of the killing, while Muslim London’s Woolwich area, police said. ing to protest. community organizations have reported Images that emerged in the attack’s British prison officers have been a surge in attacks and harassment. One aftermath showed two men wielding warned to be on the lookout after a mosque in the northern England town of knives and meat cleavers. Police said the hostage drama blamed on extremist Grimsby was firebombed, while the word autopsy showed Rigby died from “multi- Muslim inmates, British newspapers “ISLAM” was daubed in big red letters ple incised wounds”. reported yestertday. An email circulated across the Royal Air Force Bomber Both prime suspects were shot and to high-security prisons and young Command memorial in London’s Green wounded by police who arrived on the offenders’ institutes warned that Park, near Buckingham Palace. Two peo- scene roughly 14 minutes after the Sunday’s incident at Full Sutton deten- ple have been charged over the arson killing. Suspect Michael Adebolajo, 28, tion facility in the northern England attack. It’s unclear who was responsible remains hospitalized in stable condition. region of Yorkshire was linked to religious for the graffiti. Michael Adebowale, 22, was discharged extremism and warned of an increased Hackers have also posted a purported from a hospital Tuesday and is in police risk of attacks at other institutions, list of English Defense League leaders custody. With a cause of death estab- according to papers including The and supporters to the Web. The list was at lished, police said an inquest on Rigby’s Yorkshire Post and The Times. least partially genuine, according to death will open Friday at Southwark “Three Muslim prisoners took an offi- English Defense League supporter Glen Coroner’s Court. In Britain, inquests are cer hostage in an office. Their demands Warren, 32, whose name and phone conducted to establish the circum- indicated they supported radical Islamist number were among those made avail- stances surrounding unexpected or vio- extremism,” the letter was quoted as say- able online. He said the Anonymous col- lent deaths. Police asked members of the ing. “All staff are reminded to remain vigi- lective of Internet rebels appears to have public to come forward with any infor- lant to the increased risk of potential spliced together old information leaked mation about the case and urged anyone attacks on prison officers inspired by by a disgruntled supporter with newer with photos or videos related to the slay- these and last Wednesday’s events.” information gleaned from Facebook LONDON: A British police officer stands guard near some of the thousands of tributes left in honour of ing to send them to police on a confiden- The hostage-takers demands have not postings and media reports. — AP murdered 25-year-old British soldier Lee Rigby near Woolwich Barracks yesterday. — AP THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 INTERNATIONAL Africa plans emergency force, but can it deliver?

NAIROBI: Aware that they have failed to come from member states on a voluntary equal, but we live in an Orwellian world the story ends,” Katumanga said. “The fact force. He noted that Kenya prides itself get a fully-fledged peacekeeping force basis. The AU was criticised for not where some states are more equal than is that most states in Africa are not viable,” on having a professional army, even if it up and running, African leaders now plan responding fast enough to crisis in Mali, others... and not all are in a position to he told AFP, arguing that most countries first saw active combat in 2011, whereas a rapid-deployment emergency force, after soldiers seized power in a coup in make a contribution to peace and securi- “are basically in the same situation as Uganda and Ethiopia have armies that but analysts question whether it can March 2012, opening the way for Islamist ty,” he said. The new force will have to Mali, it is just a matter of time.” used to be rebel groups. Some observers deliver. The African Union’s “African rebels to take over the country’s north. make the best of an ungainly name: the Roland Marchal, an analyst with the argue that the AU has accomplished Standby Brigade”, meant to intervene However, some analysts are hopeful. African Capacity for Immediate Response French research institute CNRS, was also great things with its intervention force in swiftly in regional crises, has made little Solomon Ayele Dersso, senior researcher to Crises (ACIRC). The force will be tasked pessimistic, saying AU states would find it Somalia, AMISOM, whose 17,700 men headway since preparations for a pro- on conflict prevention at South Africa’s with “carrying out operations of limited tough to agree on when to deploy. from five nations are fighting to claw posed force of 32,500 troops and civilians Institute for Security Studies, said the duration and objectives or to contribute “Already the European Union has difficul- back territory from Al-Qaeda linked drawn from the continent’s five regions emergency force could work since the to the creation of conducive conditions ties with 25 members. Shebab insurgents. started a decade ago. Only two of five troops for it will be volunteered by mem- for the deployment of AU and/or UN With 53 or 54 nations it’s even more But Marchal said AMISOM - funded regional sections are close to becoming ber states with proven military capacity, peace operations of wider scope,” AU difficult for the AU,” he noted. “All you mainly by Western backers - is a model operational. instead of trying to include soldiers from documents said. have to do is think back over the different “that hasn’t really succeeded”. “We con- A new emergency force announced every member state, as the full Standby Musambayi Katumanga, a political sci- crises, and ask yourself if there would gratulate ourselves on taking back this week is intended to bridge the gap Brigade proposes. “One thing that’s differ- ence professor at Nairobi University, said have been a majority,” he added. “On Mogadishu, but we haven’t solved any- pending the full coming into operation of ent about the new force ... is that it will be ACIRC will work as a limited measure to Central African Republic, for example, thing in Somalia,” he said. “The problem that brigade, AU security chief Ramtane based on the principle of military capaci- contain but not solve crises. “As a short there wouldn’t have been one.” with AMISOM is that there is no political Lamamra said at the organisation’s head- ty,” he told AFP. He cited Nigeria, Ethiopia, term reactive measure to a rapidly chang- On top of questions about a common strategy to go with the military strategy.” quarters in the Ethiopian capital. South Chad and Kenya as states that have ing situation, in which you say, ‘Let’s try to political agenda there are technical prob- Instead, the emergency force is “a pro- Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia have proven their military capacity over the do something about the situation, but lems, he added, notably regarding the posal built on a failure (Mali) when the pledged troops to the interim force. past 18 months or so. not resolve it’...then you could say it capacity of troops from different conti- reasons for that failure have not been Funding and troop contributions will “It’s nice to say all member states are makes a lot of sense - but this is where nental armies to work within a single analysed”, Marchal added. — AFP

IAEA says may find nothing at Iran base

VIENNA: The UN nuclear watchdog The IAEA said in a report to member acknowledged yesterday it might not states last week that Iran had asphalted find anything if allowed access to an a “significant proportion” of the specific Iranian military facility, in an apparent part of Parchin it wants to inspect. It did reference to suspected cleanup work not say why Iran may have decided to do there, diplomats said. Herman this, but one Western official who Nackaerts, deputy director general of attended yesterday’s briefing said it the International Atomic Energy Agency could be a bid to cover up any remain- (IAEA), made the comment during a ing traces there. Iran’s ambassador to the closed-door briefing where he showed IAEA, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, declined to satellite imagery indicating Iran had now speak to reporters when he left the partly paved the site, they said. The pic- meeting room. ture was the latest sign of what Western The UN agency wants to check officials suspect is an Iranian attempt Parchin as part of its long-stalled investi- since early last year to remove or hide gation into suspected atomic bomb any evidence of illicit nuclear-related research by Iran, which says its nuclear activity at Parchin, located southeast of program is entirely peaceful. Iran says it the capital Tehran. first needs to agree with the IAEA on In response to a question, “he how the broader inquiry is to be con- (Nackaerts) said there is a chance they ducted before granting access. Citing won’t find anything”, in view of the sus- satellite imagery, Western diplomats pected sanitisation efforts, said one earlier this year said that Iran appeared diplomat who was at the meeting. to be rebuilding the site, after previous- Nackaerts made no public comment. ly razing smaller buildings and remov- The UN agency believes Iran may have ing soil. carried out explosives tests relevant for Experts say that while it may now be nuclear weapons development at difficult to find any evidence, it could Parchin, possibly a decade ago, and has still be possible to locate any traces of TEHRAN: Female supporters of Iranian presidential candidate and top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili - shown in the poster on the wall - wait for been pressing Tehran for more than a nuclear materials with the IAEA’s sophis- him at a campaign rally yesterday. — AP year to be allowed visit the sprawling ticated equipment. “The more they facility. Iran, which denies Western alle- (Iran) do, the less likelihood there is of gations that it seeking the capability to picking up something easily,” one Iran election takes to TV, make nuclear weapons, says Parchin is a Western envoy said. “(But) I think the conventional military complex and chances of wiping out every trace of rejects accusations that it is trying to whatever might have been going on remove any evidence. there is very slim.” — Reuters Khamenei says play clean Iraqi militia warns Candidates to hold first of three debates TEHRAN: The eight candidates running for pres- Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, in live Rezai’s controversial comments on “ethnic dis- of sectarian fighting ident are to stage a televised debate on Friday, face-to-face debates on state television. crimination” were also edited out, media with the ailing economy topping the agenda, as Yesterday, Khamenei warned the candidates reports said. BAGHDAD: A senior member of an Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr’s political bloc Iran’s spiritual guide Ayatollah Ali Khamenei against creating tensions. “The candidates The debate tomorrow, which could run up to Shiite militia that once fought the US mili- and has been trying to morph into a legiti- called for a clean vote. Campaigning for the June should refrain from tarnishing their opponents four hours, is expected to provide a glimpse into tary warned yesterday that Iraq is heading mate political movement. It said in late 14 presidential poll officially kicked off last week and the realities of the society just to attract candidates’ plans for the economy, which has toward widespread sectarian bloodletting 2011 it was moving away from armed strug- after Iran’s electoral watchdog, the Guardians votes,” he told a group of lawmakers in remarks been hit hard by international sanctions target- similar to the kind that once pushed the gle after US forces left but it has not handed Council, approved the eight including several reported on his website. ing Iran’s vital oil income over Tehran’s nuclear country to the brink of civil war. The head of over its weapons. It and the Hezbollah figures close to Khamenei - from a field of nearly This year’s campaign has been low-key. Street ambitions. the political bureau of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq Brigades were among a group of Shiite mili- 700 would-be candidates. Two main contenders rallies are banned, according to security officials, Although the nuclear case is a uniting factor group, Adnan Faihan, also said the militia is tias backed by Iran that carried out lethal were disqualified. and candidates have yet to roll out election among all candidates, who defend Iran’s “legiti- preparing to defend itself, but denied the attacks against US bases in the summer of The campaign has so far been mostly con- posters or banners, even in major cities. “I have mate right” to have a peaceful atomic program, group’s involvement in a spate of attacks 2011. fined to short provincial tours and appearances not yet received many orders to print posters or their tactics to resolve a years-long standoff with targeting Iraq’s Sunni Arab minority. Faihan yesterday also urged the Shiite on state television and radio, rather than the banners for the presidential election,” said Ali, 32, the West could differ. Boasting his non-compro- Iraq has been wracked by a wave of the faithful to defend the Sayida Zeinab shrine lively street rallies by supporters of candidates in owner of a major printing house in the north- mising stance in nuclear talks with world pow- most sustained violence the country has in Syria. The holy site outside Damascus has the 2009 presidential election that gave eastern city of Mashhad. “This is probably ers, Jalili has vowed to implement a “resistance seen since American troops left in late 2011. been a rallying point for foreign Shiite mili- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a second four-year because there are so many of them. Many will economy” in response to sanctions imposed The bloodshed, which includes coordinated tants fighting alongside government troops term. The Guardians Council has barred moder- withdraw and do not want to waste their mon- over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions that have led to car bombings blamed on Sunni militants as loyal to President Bashar Al-Assad, whose ate ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and ey.” raging inflation and high unemployment. well as a string of attacks on Sunni Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shiite Islam. Ahmadinejad’s close ally Esfandiar Rahim The eight candidates comprise five conserva- Hassan Rowhani, the only cleric in the race, mosques, is raising fears that Iraq is slipping “Our stance is ... not to interfere in others’ Mashaie. The debate tomorrow, the first of three, tives, including top nuclear negotiator Saeed says his experience in leading talks with the so- back toward all-out sectarian fighting like internal affairs. But regarding Sayida Zeinab is expected to take the form of a Q&A session, Jalili, two moderates and a reformist. Pre-record- called P5+1 group - the United States, Russia, that which nearly tore the country apart at shrine, we’ve called on Muslims to go and with Iran’s ailing and sanctions-hit economy ed messages from candidates began to air on China, France, Britain plus Germany - could help its peak in 2006 and 2007. protect it because any attack on the shrine expected to top the agenda. Saturday and have already roused controversy. resolve the nuclear standoff. “We have major concerns. Because what will lead to bloody events in the region. So Plunging oil exports combined with foreign Mohsen Rezai, former commander of the elite All key decisions in the Islamic republic, is going on now is the same that led to protecting this shrine is a must,” he said. currency curbs have triggered a severe econom- Revolutionary Guards and a conservative, had including the nuclear programme, rest with what happened in 2006,” Faihan told AP. Also yesterday, Iraqi officials raised the ic crisis, with inflation officially running at more his speech censored as he spoke of a father who Khamenei. Former foreign minister Ali Akbar “We are ready for it and we are ready to pro- death toll from attacks the previous day than 30 percent and foreign investments drying had lost three sons in the 1980s war against Iraq. Velayati, another conservative close to tect our people.” Faihan made the com- that shook Baghdad and towns north of the up. The run-up to the 2009 election, which led to Quoting the unnamed man, Rezai criticised rag- Khamenei, has pledged to curb inflation of ments on the sidelines of a press confer- capital to 28. Police said the deadliest of anti-regime protests over voter fraud charges, ing inflation and high unemployment in the more than 30 percent “in 100 days,” and to ease ence it held in Baghdad under heavy guard Tuesday’s attacks struck the southern Dora produced heated exchanges between country, saying the father had threatened to Iran’s international isolation under by camouflage-clad militia members. neighborhood, where back-to-back bomb- Ahmadinejad and his pro-reform opponents, Mir commit suicide if the economy was not fixed. Ahmadinejad. — AFP During the event, Faihan distanced the ings killed nine people and wounded 10. group from recent attacks against Sunnis, Bombs in the eastern neighborhood of Sadr saying such allegations were the result of a City and in the northern Shaab area killed misleading defamation campaign. 12 and wounded 33. Blasts and shootings in Doubts over Mali plan He railed against what he called a Tarmiyah and Mosul killed seven other peo- Turkish-Qatari agenda to create sectarian ple. Medical officials confirmed the casualty strife again and to divide Iraq - a reference figures. All spoke on condition of anonymity to Sunni countries many Shiites accuse of because they are not authorized to talk to for nationwide polls backing members of Iraq’s Sunni communi- the media. A relentless wave of violence has ty who have been holding months of edged Iraq closer to all-out internal warfare. protests against the Shiite-led government. On Monday, attacks killed more than 70 BAMAKO: Malians have welcomed news of a more sacred than the holding of credible elec- torial in the Malian newspaper “September 22” Years ago, Asaib Ahl al-Haq - or the Band of people. More than 450 have died this July 28 presidential election but serious con- tions.” noted on Monday. “Even civil servants won’t go the Righteous - broke away from radical month. — AP cerns remain about the possibility of a free and Yabi highlights a number of stumbling blocks there without the army and security forces.” fair vote in Kidal, a key northern city occupied by to an indisputable result, including the comple- Mali’s interim cabinet has clearly stated that separatist rebels. Under pressure from its former tion of the electoral register and the distribution the election must be held “throughout the terri- colonial power France, which has led a military of new voter cards, and the ongoing uncertainty tory”, a sentiment underlined by French Foreign offensive since January against Al Qaeda-linked in Kidal. The desert city, a key regional capital, is Minister Laurent Fabius on Tuesday in Bamako. militants in Mali’s vast desert, the battle-scarred occupied by armed ethnic Tuaregs from the “For France, it is clear that there cannot be two west African nation confirmed the date Monday. National Movement for the Liberation of countries within the same country. July has always been a goal for the vote, seen as Azawad (MNLA) who rose up to fight for inde- Arrangements will be made so that in Kidal, you essential to restoring democratic rule after a pendence for the north in Jan 2012. They over- can vote just the same as anywhere else,” he said. coup last year paved the way for the Islamist whelmed government troops, leading to the But he did not specify what those arrangements rebels to seize control of Mali’s Saharan cities. coup which toppled elected president Amadou might be. Analysts have argued that the timetable is Toumani Toure. Together with hardline Islamists, Burkina Faso’s President Blaise Compaore is in unrealistic in the still deeply-divided nation, they seized key northern cities, but were later talks in Ouagadougou with Malian officials and which is emerging from war and an 18-month chased out by their Islamists allies. Tuareg leaders from northern Mali to try to clear political crisis which caused 500,000 people to France sent troops in January to block an the way for a country-wide vote. flee to the more stable south or neighbouring advance by the extremists on Bamako and Meanwhile former Malian prime minister and countries. But the insistence of France on a July pushed them out of the main cities and into presidential candidate Sumana Sacko has poll and promises of international aid of Ä3.2 bil- desert and mountain hideouts, allowing the accused President Francois Hollande of med- lion ($4.1 billion), appear to have won hearts and MNLA back into Kidal. While French troops con- dling by promising France would ensure Kidal’s minds, with virtually all of Mali’s warring political trol the airport and work with the MNLA in Kidal, residents got to vote. factions accepting the deadline. the separatists have rejected any suggestion “Going against the tide of history, the “The pressure is understandable because that they should allow Malian military or govern- anachronistic comments by President Hollande everyone believes that the current government ment into the town. denote a certain paternalism, even a vague cannot solve the problems,” said Gilles Yabi, of “Without the presence of the army in Kidal, desire to transform Kidal, an integral part of Mali, BAGHDAD: Adnan Faihan, the head of the political bureau of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq International Crisis Group in Senegalese capital there will be no elections. This ought to be the into a French protectorate,” his party said in a group, speaks during a press conference yesterday. — AP Dakar. “But it appears that the date itself was leitmotif of every presidential candidate,” an edi- statement. — AFP THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 INTERNATIONAL Uganda general says he’s Ethiopia embarks on fighting abuse of power

KAMPALA: A Ugandan army general who say a word because they fear to be framed sparked controversy over the presidential ... or worse. “ Blue Nile diversion succession said yesterday he’s fighting the Sejusa cited the example of Kizza use of state institutions to keep the coun- Besigye, a retired army colonel who went try’s long-serving president in power. Gen on to become Uganda’s most prominent David Sejusa - who is in London - told AP opposition leader. According to Sejusa, Sudan, Egypt hold talks in Cairo yesterday that the Ugandan military is a Museveni has been reluctant to see the exit from the army of senior army officers of ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia has begun “prison” used by President Yoweri Museveni diverting the Blue Nile as part of a to sideline ambitious army officers from questionable loyalty. Sejusa himself tried giant dam project, officials said yes- challenging him for power. Uganda’s mili- and failed to quit the army in 1996 after terday, prompting talks in Cairo tary laws bar serving officers and soldiers accusing its leadership of incompetence in between downstream states Sudan from participating in electoral politics. battles against the fugitive warlord Joseph and Egypt. The $4.2 billion Grand Sejusa warned that “abusing the law and Kony. Renaissance Dam hydroelectric institutions just to keep the current leader- The Ugandan military accuses Sejusa, project had to divert a short section ship in power ... pretty soon will lead to who directs the country’s domestic and for- of the river - one of two major trib- ceaseless strife” in Uganda, which hasn’t eign spy agencies, of spreading propagan- utaries of the Nile - to allow the had a single peaceful transfer of power da that encourages rifts within the army. main dam wall to be built. “To build since independence from Britain in 1962. Army spokesman Lt Col Paddy Ankunda the dam, the natural course must Sejusa, 58, a four-star general who is a said that “officially an investigation is on be dry,” said Addis Tadele, decorated hero of the bush war that about Sejusa’s conduct”. The general is also spokesman for the Ethiopian brought Museveni to power in 1986, said accused of traveling out of the country Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo), he’s one of many senior officers whose without first getting the authorization of a day after a formal ceremony at efforts to retire from the army have been the army chief. the construction site. thwarted by the president. Sejusa last Sejusa’s case has riveted many in this The river is being shifted about month wrote a letter to the internal securi- East African country that once was prone to 550 m from its natural course, ty service urging an investigation into violent takeovers of power but which has Addis said, but stressed that water reports that high-ranking officials are at risk seen relative stability under Museveni. But levels would not be affected. “There of assassination if they oppose the political the president, in power for 27 years, now is no problem with the river levels,” rise of Museveni’s son. Details of his letter faces growing pressure within and outside he said. The first phase of construc- were published by a local newspaper, the his party to retire when his current term tion is expected to be complete in Daily Monitor, whose premises in the capi- expires in 2016. Some say Sejusa may be three years, with a capacity of 700 tal, Kampala, have since been occupied by positioning himself to become the leader megawatts. Once complete, the police looking for evidence against the of those within the military who want to dam will have a capacity of 6,000 general. discourage Museveni from hanging onto megawatts. Both Sudan and Egypt, Sejusa had travelled to London when power. Frank Tumwebaze, a government arid nations that rely heavily on the details of his letter became public and he minister who speaks for Museveni, accused Nile for water, particularly for agri- has since cancelled a scheduled trip back Sejusa of harboring presidential ambitions. culture, are extremely sensitive to Uganda. The general faces arrest when Sejusa said in his statement that it’s “sicken- about projects that could alter the he returns to Uganda, and his lawyer said ing” that “they think it’s a crime” for an army officer to have political ambitions. flow. Sejusa has postponed the trip back home for at least three months. Police deployed With Sejusa away, the newspaper that Sudan’s minister of irrigation, heavily at Uganda’s international airport on published his concerns has come under Osama Abdallah Al-Hassan, arrived May 11, the day Sejusa was originally pressure to explain how it obtained a copy in Cairo for talks on the Ethiopian scheduled to return from London. of the letter that has exposed a rift among move, Egypt’s official MENA news Joseph Luzige, Sejusa’s attorney in the military elite over the growing influ- agency said. The Egyptian cabinet Kampala, said Tuesday that his client has ence in the army of Museveni’s son. also met and issued a statement requested - and been granted - the protec- Museveni has never said he sees his son as saying it opposed all projects which tion of British police after reporting a threat his political heir. But the son, a senior army could affect the flow of the Nile. It to his life. British officials said they had no officer named Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has said it had planned “several scenar- comment on Sejusa’s case. Sejusa’s new been rapidly promoted in recent years, ios” depending on the outcome of statement is expected to further estrange leading many here to believe he is being an assessment to be conducted by him from the Museveni administration that groomed for high office. Kainerugaba is the three governments. In GUBA, Ethiopia: A picture taken on Tuesday shows the Blue Nile during its diversion ceremony. — AFP he helped to bring into power nearly three now a brigadier with full command of the Khartoum, the foreign ministry said decades ago. country’s special forces, an elite group Sudan would not be affected by from 1929 and 1959 which allow it more water during otherwise low power for both domestic con- “This is the issue of refusing to retire within the military that protects the presi- the project, stressing in a statement 87 percent of the Nile’s flow and flows. sumption and export. EEPCo has officers from the army so that they are ren- dent and guards national assets such as oil that there are agreements and con- give it veto power over upstream The dam project, in Ethiopia’s plans to establish transmission dered captive forever, so that none can fields. sultations between Sudan, Egypt projects. But a new deal was signed northwestern Benishangul-Gumuz lines to neighbouring countries, challenge the regime,” the general said in More than two weeks after Sejusa’s let- and Ethiopia. in 2010 by other Nile Basin coun- region near the border with Sudan, including Sudan, Kenya and the statement. “In essence, using (the army) ter was leaked, Museveni announced “Sudan respects the agreements tries, including Ethiopia, allowing was launched in April 2011 by late Djibouti. One of Ethiopia’s deputy as a prison so that anyone who threatens or changes in the military that saw the ouster to cooperate with those two coun- them to work on river projects prime minister Meles Zenawi. prime ministers, Demeke is even rumored to have political ambitions of army chief Gen Aronda Nyakairima and tries (Egypt and Ethiopia) in matters without Cairo’s prior agreement. Funding is being raised publicly, Mekonnen, officially launched the is threatened with military law. “I refuse to his deputy. Nyakairima, who had been cit- that concern sharing the waters of EEPCo insists the project will not with the state raising funds locally, river diversion on Tuesday, along- succumb to perpetual abuse,” he said. “(The ed in Sejusa’s letter among those opposed the Nile and sharing mutual rev- impact downstream needs, claim- and no external financing has been side EEPCo chief Mihret Dibebe. president) must set us free and set my suf- to the rise of the first son, was given a civil- enues,” the ministry said. Egypt ing the dam will provide “highly provided. When completed, the dam wall will fering comrades free or we shall free our- ian post as interior minister. His deputy, Lt believes its “historic rights” to the regulated outflows” by reducing Ethiopia is constructing a series stretch almost 1.8 km in length and selves. I speak for those gallant officers who Gen Ivan Koreta, was made an ambassa- Nile are guaranteed by two treaties floods at peak times and providing of dams to produce hydroelectric 145 m in height. — AFP are virtual prisoners in the army but can’t dor. — AP Rise of Al-Qaeda Sahara terrorist

DAKAR: After years of trying to discipline him, The letter, signed by the group’s 14-member The list of slights is long: He would not take got bored with.” In another quote, he calls bin been the accusation that, despite this history of the leaders of Al-Qaeda’s North African branch Shura Council, or governing body, describes its their phone calls. He refused to send adminis- Laden and Zawahiri “the leaders of the Islamic terrorism, Belmoktar and his unit had not pulled sent one final letter to their most difficult relationship with Belmoktar as “a bleeding trative and financial reports. He ignored a meet- nation, not the leaders of an organization off any attack worthy of mention in the Sahara. employee. In page after scathing page, they wound,” and criticizes his proposal to resign and ing in Timbuktu, calling it “useless”. He even alone. We love them and we were convinced by “Any observer of the armed actions (carried out) described how he didn’t answer his phone start his own group. “Your letter ... contained ordered his men to refuse to meet with Al- their program. ... So it’s even more now that we in the Sahara will clearly notice the failure of The when they called, failed to turn in his expense some amount of backbiting, name-calling and Qaeda emissaries. And he aired the organiza- are swords in their hands.” To which AQIM Masked Brigade to carry out spectacular opera- reports, ignored meetings and refused time sneering,” they write. “We refrained from wad- tion’s dirty laundry in online jihadist forums, replies with more than a hint of sarcasm: “Very tions, despite the region’s vast possibilities - and again to carry out orders. Most of all, they ing into this battle in the past out of a hope that even while refusing to communicate with the lovely words. ... Do you consider it loyalty to there are plenty of mujahedeen, funding is avail- claimed he had failed to carry out a single spec- the crooked could be straightened by the easi- chapter via the Internet, claiming it was inse- them to revolt against their emirs and threaten able, weapons are widespread and strategic tar- tacular operation, despite the resources at his est and softest means. ... But the wound contin- cure. to tear apart the organization?” gets are within reach,” the letter says. “Your disposal. ued to bleed, and in fact increasingly bled, until Sounding like managers in any company, Belmoktar’s defection was a long time in the brigade did not achieve a single spectacular The employee, international terrorist Moktar your last letter arrived, ending any hope of the Shura leaders accuse Belmoktar of not making, and dates back to his time as a com- operation targeting the crusader alliance.” In Belmoktar, responded the way talented stanching the wound and healing it.” They go being able to get along with his peers. They mander of Algeria’s Salafist Group for Preaching December, just weeks after receiving the letter, employees with bruised egos have in corpora- on to compare their group to a towering moun- charge that he recently went to Libya without and Combat, or GSPC. When the Iraq war start- Belmoktar declared in a recorded message that tions the world over: He quit and formed his tain before raging storms and pounding waves, permission from the chapter, which had ed in 2003, his ambition created friction he was leaving the Al-Qaeda chapter to form his own competing group. And within months, he and say Belmoktar’s plan “threatens to frag- assigned the “Libya dossier” to a rival com- between younger Algerian fighters like himself, own group. carried out two lethal operations that killed 101 ment the being of the organization and tear it mander called Abou Zeid. And they complain who wanted to join the global jihad, and an He baptized it, “Those Who Sign in Blood.” people in all: one of the largest hostage-takings apart limb by limb.” They then begin enumerat- With that name, he announced his global ambi- in history at a BP-operated gas plant in Algeria ing their complaints against Belmoktar in 30 tion. “Those Who Sign in Blood” was also the in January, and simultaneous bombings at a successive bullet points. “Abu Abbas is not will- name of an Algerian extremist unit that military base and a French uranium mine in ing to follow anyone,” they add, referring to him hijacked an Air France flight leaving Algiers in Niger just last week. by his nom de guerre, Khaled Abu Abbas. “He is 1994. Though their goal to fly the plane into the The Al-Qaeda letter, found by The only willing to be followed and obeyed.” Eiffel Tower in Paris was thwarted, the unit fore- Associated Press inside a building formerly First and foremost, they quibble over the shadowed the terrorist vision that led to the fall occupied by their fighters in Mali, is an intimate amount of money raised by the 2008 kidnap- of the Twin Towers in New York. window into the ascent of an extremely ambi- ping of Canadian diplomat Robert Fowler, the On Jan 11, French warplanes began bom- tious terrorist leader, who split off from regional highest-ranking United Nations official in Niger, barding northern Mali, the start of a now 5- command because he wanted to be directly in and his colleague. Belmoktar’s men held both month-old offensive to flush out the jihadists, touch with Al-Qaeda central. It’s a glimpse into for four months, and in a book he later pub- including Belmoktar’s brigade. Five days later, both the inner workings of a highly structured lished, Fowler said he did not know if a ransom suicide bombers took more than 600 hostages terrorist organization that requires its com- was paid. The letter says they referred the case in Ain Amenas in far eastern Algeria and killed manders to file monthly expense reports, and to Al-Qaeda central to force concessions in the 37, all but one foreigners, including American, the internal dissent that led to his rise. And it US-led war in Afghanistan, a plan stymied when French and British nationals. Belmoktar claimed foreshadows a terrorism landscape where Belmoktar struck his own deal for € 700,000 responsibility in a triumphant recording. It was charismatic jihadists can carry out attacks (about $900,000) for both men. That’s far below no accident that he chose Ain Amenas, Guidere directly in Al-Qaeda’s name, regardless of the $3 million per hostage that European gov- said. The area is in the home province of Abou whether they are under its command. ernments were normally paying, according to Zeid, Belmoktar’s longtime rival who com- Rudolph Atallah, the former head of coun- global intelligence unit Stratfor. manded a different Saharan brigade and was terterrorism for Africa at the Pentagon and one “Rather than walking alongside us in the This undated file image taken from video shows terrorist leader Moktar Belmoktar.— AP always in step with the Algeria-based emirate. of three experts who authenticated the 10- plan we outlined, he managed the case as he “It’s a punch in the gut,” Guidere said. “It’s page letter dated Oct. 3, said it helps explain liked,” they write indignantly. “Here we must that the last unit they sent Belmoktar for back- older generation whose only goal was to create saying, ‘You’ve never been able to do anything what happened in Algeria and Niger, both ask, who handled this important abduction up in the Sahara spent a full three years trying an Islamic state in Algeria, according to Islamic even in your native region. Watch me. I’ll carry attacks that Belmoktar claimed credit for on poorly? ... Does it come from the unilateral to contact him before giving up. “Why do the scholar Mathieu Guidere, a professor at the out the biggest hostage operation ever in that jihadist forums. “He’s sending a message direct- behavior along the lines of our brother Abu successive emirs of the region only have diffi- University of Toulouse. The younger faction very region. ... Ain Amenas is the illustration of ly north to his former bosses in Algeria saying, Abbas, which produced a blatant inadequacy: culties with you? You in particular every time? won, but Belmoktar felt slighted because his his ability to do a quality operation, when he is ‘I’m a jihadi. I deserve to be separate from you.’ Trading the weightiest case (Canadian diplo- Or are all of them wrong and brother Khaled is contemporary, Abdelmalek Droukdel, was under no authority other than his own, when And he’s also sending a message to Al-Qaeda, mats!!) for the most meager price (€ 700,000)!!” right?” they charge. The letter reveals the rifts named emir of the GSPC, instead of him. he doesn’t have to turn in expense reports or saying, ‘See, those bozos in the north are The complaint reflects how Al-Qaeda in the not only between Belmoktar and his superiors, Soon after, the group petitioned to join Al- answer to anybody.” incompetent. You can talk to me directly.’ And in Islamic Maghreb, initially considered one of the but also the distance between the local chapter Qaeda. The terror network announced a As if to turn the knife even further, last week these attacks, he drew a lot of attention to him- group’s weaker wings, rose to prominence by and Al-Qaeda central. The local leaders were “blessed union” on the anniversary of the Sept Belmoktar also claimed responsibility for a May self,” says Atallah, who recently testified before bankrolling its operation with an estimated $89 infuriated that Belmoktar was essentially going 11 attacks in 2006. Both Belmoktar and 23 attack at a French-owned uranium mine in Congress on Belmoktar’s tactics. million raised by kidnapping-for-ransom for- over their heads, saying that even AQIM has Droukdel wrote “candidacy letters” to bin Laden Arlit, Niger. It was in Arlit in 2010 that Abou Zeid Born in northern Algeria, the 40-something eign aid workers and tourists. No less than had few interactions with the mother brand in asking to be emir, according to Guidere’s book carried out his boldest operation and seized Belmoktar, who is known in Pentagon circles by Osama bin Laden endorsed their business Pakistan and Afghanistan, a region they refer to on the subject. seven foreign hostages, including four French his initials MBM, traveled to Afghanistan at the model, according to documents retrieved in the by the ancient name of Khorasan. “The great Again, Droukdel won. Frustrated, Belmoktar nationals who are still in the hands of AQIM. In age of 19, according to his online biography. He terror leader’s hideout in Pakistan. obstacles between us and the central leader- drifted farther south. He set up in the an apparent attempt to raise the stakes, claims he lost an eye in battle and trained in Al- The letter also confirms for the first time that ship are not unknown to you. ... For example, ungoverned dunes of neighboring Mali, took a Belmoktar’s men slipped past a truck entering Qaeda’s camps, forging ties that would allow payments from European governments went since we vowed our allegiance, up until this Malian wife and tapped into the smuggling the mine and detonated explosives inside. More him two decades later to split off from its directly toward buying arms to carry out attacks very day, we have only gotten from our emirs in routes that crisscrossed the Sahara, amassing than 100 miles to the south, a different unit of regional chapter. Over the years, there have against Western targets, as long speculated by Khorasan just a few messages, from the two arms and fiercely loyal fighters who called fighters under his command killed 24 soldiers at been numerous reports of Belmoktar being experts. The council chides Belmoktar for not sheiks, bin Laden (God rest his soul) and Ayman themselves, “The Masked Brigade.” His fighters a military camp, with help from another local Al- sidelined or expelled by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic following this practice. “(The chapter) gave Abu (Al-Zawahiri),” they write. “All this, despite our killed more than a dozen soldiers at a military Qaeda off-shoot, called the Movement for Maghreb. The letter recovered in Timbuktu, one Abbas a considerable amount of money to buy multiple letters to them.” garrison in Mauritania in 2005 and gunned Oneness and Jihad in West Africa. Jean-Paul of thousands of pages of internal documents in military material, despite its own great need for Belmoktar’s ambition comes through clearly down four French tourists there in 2007. On Rouiller, the director of the Geneva Center for Arabic found by the AP earlier this year, shows money at the time. ... Abu Abbas didn’t partici- not only in the bitter responses of his bosses, multiple occasions Belmoktar was declared Training and Analysis of Terrorism, compared he stayed loyal to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic pate in stepping up to buy weapons,” the letter but also in his own words: “Despite great finan- dead, including most recently in March, and the escalation in attacks to a quarrel between a Maghreb, or AQIM, until last year, and traces the says. “So whose performance deserves to be cial resources ... our works were limited to the each time, he re-emerged to strike again. The man and a woman in which each tries to have history of their difficult relationship. called poor in this case, I wonder?” routine of abductions, which the mujahedeen sharpest blow in the council’s letter may have the last word. —AP THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 INTERNATIONAL Police snare French ‘Most Wanted’ after jailbreak

PONTAULT-COMBAULT, France: French The penitentiary was just 15 km from the the town, sandwiched between a ware- police yesterday captured the country’s Belgian border and a Europe-wide arrest house and a steak house and is close to a most-wanted man in a hotel outside Paris warrant was issued as French authorities ring road. French officials had warned that six weeks after he dynamited his way out had believed he may have fled the coun- Faid, who grew up in tough immigrant of prison in a spectacular jailbreak. try. Valls told i-Tele that it appeared Faid suburbs outside Paris, was considered Redoine Faid, a famed 41-year-old career had changed locations repeatedly during armed and “especially dangerous”. thief who had been serving time for rob- his time on the run and that he “benefited He had been in prison since mid-2011 bery and risked a heavy new sentence from the help of a certain number of for breaking the terms of his parole over over the 2010 death of a policewoman, accomplices”. past convictions for bank robberies and was arrested in the early hours at a hotel Clients at the hotel - a shabby one- brazen heists of cash-in-transit vehicles. in Pontault-Combault, about 20 km east of storey building with some 50 rooms each He is suspected of masterminding a May central Paris. costing €60 ($66) a day - reported hearing 2010 armed robbery that turned into a Police said he was arrested with a 29- “a lot of noise” around 3:00 am (0100GMT) gunfight in which a policewoman, 26- year-old accomplice and that weapons when police swooped in. A woman work- year-old Aurelie Fouquet, was killed. Faid were seized in his room and in his car, sug- ing at the hotel, in an industrial area on had been released from a previous stint of gesting Faid may have been preparing the outskirts of Paris, said Faid’s accom- a decade behind bars after convincing another heist. Interior Minister Manuel plice had paid for the room in cash and parole officials that he regretted his crimi- Valls hailed police for the “thorough and that the two men had been there for sev- nal past and was determined to start effective” investigation that led to Faid’s eral days. The woman, who identified her- afresh. He made several television appear- capture. Faid was brought before a judge self as Morgane, said Faid and his friend ances and co-authored two books about yesterday afternoon in the northern city had requested that there be no house- his delinquent youth and rise as a criminal of Lille, not far from where he escaped. keeping in the room on Sunday. in the Paris suburbs, saying his life of Officials said they would determine which Christian Lothion, the head of the crime was inspired by American films such prison to hold him in now. national judicial police charged with as “Scarface” and “Heat”. Questions have Faid used explosives to blast his way investigating and fighting serious crime, been raised about how Faid could have out of the Sequedin penitentiary during said the force had “tracked him down” on escaped, with critics including prison PONTAULT-COMBAULT, France: Journalists stand yesterday in front of a his April 13 jailbreak and, armed with a Tuesday evening. “When we were sure unions noting that he had been moved to pistol, briefly took four guards hostage that he had returned and was in his room, a lower-security facility at Sequedin and hotel near Paris where Redoine Faid - the country’s most-wanted man - before escaping in a waiting getaway car. we decided to strike in the dead of night,” had been kept among the general prison was captured six weeks after he dynamited his way out of prison in a All the hostages were released unharmed. he said. The hotel is located at the entry to population. — AFP spectacular jailbreak. —AFP France holds man in stabbing of soldier Prosecutors say attack religiously motived PARIS: French police arrested a attack, stabbing the soldier “sev- last three or four years”. Police day, there was always drink in his young man yesterday over the eral times” with a fold-out knife. said he was identified thanks to backpack, he’d eat on the hoof... weekend stabbing of a soldier in He said video footage from the video footage and traces of He seemed a bit like a tramp.” Paris, with prosecutors saying he the shopping centre showed the his DNA found on items left at Valls meanwhile warned of a admitted to the attack and was suspect buying two knives an the scene in a plastic bag, includ- growing number of young radi- probably motivated by “religious hour prior to the attack and pray- ing a knife and a bottle. In a cals in France similar to ideology”. Paris prosecutor Xavier ing eight minutes before the statement Interior Minister Mohamed Merah, the Islamist Molins said the man, named as stabbing. Molins said the suspect Manuel Valls said investigators gunman who killed seven peo- Alexandre D and who turns 22 was known to police for various were seeking to know more ple, including three soldiers, in today, was a convert to Islam misdemeanours but did not have about the suspect’s “motivation, and around the southwestern who had bought two knives and a criminal record. background and family environ- city of Toulouse last year. Valls SOFIA: Bulgaria’s new centre-left Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski receives said a prayer shortly before stab- He was arrested at the home ment”. said on French television that greetings in the parliament as his cabinet is sworn in yesterday. — AFP bing Private First Class Cedric of a friend, who Molins said was Acquaintances in the La there are “several dozen, perhaps Cordiez in the neck on Saturday. not connected with the crime Verriere area where the suspect several hundred, potential Molins said the man, who was and did not know that the sus- lived described him as a troubled Merahs in our country,” adding Oresharski becomes known to police after undergo- pect was being sought. A police loner. “People in the neighbour- that young French Muslims were ing an identity check in 2009 for source said the suspect did not hood found him a bit weird being “radicalised” on the Bulgaria’s new PM praying on the street, had “admit- resist during his arrest at around because sometimes we’d see him Internet and by extremist imams. ted to the act” during his arrest in 6:00 am (0400 GMT) and told offi- at the mosque, but on the other The key suspect in the London SOFIA: Bulgaria’s parliament yesterday versity professor Petar Chobanov, 36, as the Yvelines region just west of cers he had spent three days hid- hand he drank alcohol. He was attack, Michael Adebolajo, was confirmed economist Plamen Oresharski as finance minister and Socialist lawmaker Paris. The stabbing echoed the ing in an abandoned railcar in lost,” local resident Kader captured on video carrying new prime minister to head a Socialist- Dragomir Stoynev, 37, as economy and grisly killing of a British soldier in the area. Dahamni said. “He was often bloodied knives and a meat backed anti-crisis cabinet of technocrats, energy minister. London last week and authorities A source close to the investi- alone, walked alone, came home cleaver after the attack, saying he ending a post-election stalemate in the Zinaida Zlatanova, who previously head- are seeking to determine if the gation earlier said the suspect late at night,” Dahamni said. “He had murdered off-duty soldier EU’s poorest country. Oresharski won sup- ed the European Commission representa- Paris incident was a copycat. “The had been a follower of “tradition- seemed like a person who has Lee Rigby because British troops port from 120 out of the 217 lawmakers tion in Bulgaria, will take the sensitive jus- nature of the acts, the fact they alist even radical Islam for the lost his way, lives from day to were killing Muslims.— AFP present in the divided 240-seat parliament, tice ministry, which has come under were committed three days after with 97 opposed. “The country is in a deep repeated criticism from Brussels over lag- London and the prayer said just institutional crisis, continuing economic ging reforms, and will also oversee the use before the act took place lead us depression and worsening disintegration of of EU aid funds as vice premier. The labour to believe that he acted in the society,” the 53-year-old finance professor and social policies portfolio will be over- name of his religious ideology said before the vote confirming his 16- seen by MRF lawmaker Hasan Ademov. and wanted to attack a represen- member cabinet. He urged “maximum pub- European Parliament member Kristian tative of the state,” Molins said. Vigenin and Socialist party spokesman lic consensus on the necessary urgent The prosecutor said the suspect measures for stabilisation, economic recov- Angel Naydenov will be in charge of for- had “a fairly clear intent to kill” ery, strengthening of the institutions and eign affairs and defence, respectively. And more solidarity in a society shaken by a former chief of the state agency for during the attack, which took despair and lack of prospects.” national security, Tsvetlin Yovchev, was place in a busy underground Oresharski and his cabinet were imme- named interior minister. shopping and transport hub diately sworn in after the vote. Massive and Just one seat short of a majority in the while Cordiez was on patrol with sometimes violent anti-poverty street ral- legislature even with the MRF’s support, two colleagues. Cordiez, 23, was lies ousted the previous government of the Socialists will need to rely on the sup- wounded but released from hos- conservative premier Boyko Borisov in port of the unpredictable far-right Ataka to pital on Monday and returned to February. His GERB party won tight snap pass legislation. This might make its work his unit. elections on May 12 but failed to find part- extremely difficult, analysts said. Most The head of Paris investigative ners to govern in an extremely polarised observers predict the cabinet will not fulfil police, Christian Flaesch, said legislature, leaving the second-placed its four-year term, with some saying it there had been no previous indi- Socialists to name a new prime minister. might not stay in place more than a year. “It cations of the suspect’s involve- Oresharski’s cabinet was approved with is unclear now how long this government ment in violent extremism. support from the Socialist BSP and the will last,” political analyst Antoniy Todorov “Other than the praying in the Turkish minority party MRF, while the ultra- wrote in the Sega newspaper yesterday. It street, there were no other ele- nationalist Ataka boycotted the vote. Stern might be extremely difficult to oust, how- ments that could have indicated non-partisan Oresharski, who served as ever, as this will require an absolute majori- he was dangerous,” Flaesch said, finance minister in a Socialist-led coalition ty of 121 lawmakers, he added. Borisov’s adding that the man was from a cabinet between 2005 and 2009, has GERB has just 97 seats, while Ataka has 23. “family that seems completely pledged to ensure fiscal and macroeco- “The risks for the cabinet lie outside par- honourable”. Molins said the sus- PARIS: The suspected perpetrator of the May 26, 2013 attack on a soldier in the La Defense busi- nomic stability and a low budget deficit liament, in a society that is now waiting to and public debt ratio, as well as maintain see what will be accomplished but is ready pect had shown an “impressive ness district is escorted by a policeman of the Intervention and Search Brigade (BRI) as he the Bulgarian lev’s currency peg to the to mobilise quickly if things take a wrong determination” to carry out the arrives at police headquarters yesterday. — AFP euro. Yesterday, he also promised to battle turn,” Todorov said. Addressing low “stagnating economic and investment incomes and high energy bills that sparked activity, dispirited entrepreneurship, thin- the winter rallies, and other problems such ning reserves and growing debts in the as slow judiciary reforms, growing crime Ex-adviser warns Cameron public and corporate sector, quickly grow- and severely underfunded healthcare, was ing unemployment and widening poverty.” key to win the people’s trust, he added. “If Oresharski has named two leftwing fellow this does not happen, the street lies in leadership is under threat economists to help with his program, uni- wait,” Todorov warned. — AFP LONDON: British Prime Minister David electoral appeal that cuts across party election. However, the intervention of Cameron’s position is under threat from lines. Cameron, who leads a two-party Coulson, a former insider, is likely to resur- the mayor of London, who is waiting for coalition, is under growing pressure from rect speculation about the strength of him to “fail miserably” at the next election his own lawmakers over his stance on Cameron’s position. “Boris Johnson desper- so he can take his job, the leader’s former Britain’s membership of the European ately wants to be prime minister and David communications chief has said. In a rare Union and his decision to press ahead with has known that fact longer than most,” foray into politics, Andy Coulson said he gay marriage legislation. Both issues have Coulson wrote. “When Boris asked me to thought Boris Johnson, the British capital’s divided the Conservatives, who trail the pass on the message that he was keen to flamboyant mayor, was playing a waiting opposition Labour party by 10 percentage stand as mayor of London, David respond- game, hoping Cameron would lose the points in the polls and face a threat from a ed ‘Well, if he wins, he’ll want my job next’.” 2015 election so that he could assume his surging anti-European Union party, the UK Johnson has been mayor since 2008. role as leader of the Conservative party. Independence Party, which they have so Coulson advised Cameron, 46, to adopt “Stabbing David, or anyone else for that far failed to stifle. a careful strategy. “Support his good ideas, matter, in the back would be distinctly off A small group of Conservative lawmak- advise privately on the bad ones, but only brand - just not very Boris,” Coulson wrote ers even want to oust Cameron before the engage publicly if absolutely necessary - in GQ magazine in an article to be pub- next election, but most deem that unlikely. and celebrate Boris’s considerable success- lished today. Johnson has long been tipped as a poten- es,” he wrote. Coulson resigned from his job “He would much prefer to see David fail tial successor to Cameron and has made no as Cameron’s head of communications in miserably in the election and ride in on his secret of his ambition to succeed him if the 2011 after allegations he had known of bike to save party and country,” he added, position became vacant, while at the same phone hacking by journalists at the now referring to Johnson’s preferred mode of time pledging loyalty to the prime minis- defunct News of the World tabloid, of transport. Known for his colourful turn of ter. “Grateful as I always am to Andy for which he was previously editor. Coulson, THE HAGUE: (From left) Bosnian Croats Jadranko Prlic, Bruno Stojic, Slobodan phrase and unruly mop of blond hair, career advice, I am backing David Cameron who denied wrongdoing, is due to stand Praljak, Milivoj Petkovic, Valentin Coric and Berislav Pusic stand in the court- Johnson, 48, was credited with playing a all the way,” Johnson told reporters on trial over the matter later this year. He also room yesterday before their sentencing at the International Criminal Tribunal key role in last year’s successful London Wednesday, saying he was increasingly faces charges related to allegations of brib- for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Prosecutors have asked for sentences of up to Olympics, and supporters say he has the confident Cameron would win the next ing public officials. — Reuters 40 years for the defendants. — AFP THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 INTERNATIONAL

Attorney general signed off on Fox phone records subpoena

WASHINGTON: US Attorney General Eric details continue to emerge in the con- Justice Department official said. ees. A law enforcement official said that of subpoenas against a news organiza- Holder personally approved a decision troversy. Rosen reported in June 2009 The Obama administration has also subpoenas issued for Fox News covered tion had to be submitted to his office for to subpoena Fox News telephone that US intelligence officials believed been under fire for a separate subpoena telephone records for two days during approval. Corallo said that of “dozens” of records as the Justice Department inves- North Korea would conduct more of Associated Press phone records as 2009. The official said that a certified let- requests from prosecutors for subpoe- tigated an unauthorized leak regarding nuclear tests in response to UN sanc- part of a different investigation of an ter and fax notifying the general counsel nas directed against news organizations, North Korea, officials said on Tuesday. tions. Stephen Kim, a former State alleged unauthorized leak. Both inci- of News Corp, parent of Fox News, about he approved only one during his tenure. The Justice Department did not mention Department analyst who was Rosen’s dents have sparked an outcry from jour- the subpoenas was sent on Aug 27, President Barack Obama said last week the subpoena when it issued a state- alleged source, is scheduled to go on tri- nalists, but the Fox News case has 2010, the day Kim was indicted. that Holder would begin a review of ment on Friday describing how Holder al as soon as next year on charges that proved more concerning to some Authorities emailed Rosen at his work Justice Department procedures related had vetted a decision to seek a search he violated an anti-espionage law. Rosen because investigators described Rosen address with a similar notification, the to media records. warrant for the contents of an email has not been charged. “In the investiga- as a suspected “co-conspirator” in the official said. News Corp has said that it Holder, speaking to reporters on account used by Fox News reporter tion that led to the indictment of leak of secret government information. has found no record of such notifica- Tuesday, said he hopes to meet this James Rosen. Stephen Kim, the government issued tions, though it is not disputing govern- week with media organizations about The revelation that Holder approved subpoenas, with approval from the ACCUSED OF INTIMIDATION ment officials’ accounts. Mark Corallo, a the review. “We’re going to have a real subpoenas that sought Fox News phone attorney general as required by Justice Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes said Justice Department spokesman frank, good conversation about this,” records shows that his involvement was Department guidelines, for toll records in a statement on Thursday that the between 2002 and 2005, said that dur- Holder said. “And I think we’re going to broader than the Justice Department for five phone numbers associated with Obama administration was attempting ing his tenure, any request from any part make some changes. I’m not satisfied had earlier acknowledged publicly, as the media over a two-day period,” a to intimidate Fox News and its employ- of the Justice Department for the issuing with where we are.”—Reuters Derailment and blast near Baltimore rattles homes CSX freight train crashes into trash truck ROSEDALE: A CSX freight train crashed into a sion.” Everyone left the building and drove 2007 derailment involving a freight train car- trash truck and derailed Tuesday in a several blocks away. Then they heard the rying hazardous materials near Camden Yards, Baltimore suburb and the explosion that fol- explosion, five to 10 minutes after the derail- CSX agreed to give security officials real-time lowed rattled homes at least a half-mile away, ment, he said. information about potential harmful cargo sending a plume of smoke into the air that “Even like three blocks away, it was loud. I moving through the state on freight trains. could be seen for miles, officials and witness- mean, it just about took you to your knees,” Railroads had previously guarded such es said. In the third serious derailment this Lindemann said. Exactly what triggered the details as proprietary information. Also hit by month, the dozen or so cars went off the explosion was being investigated, and a serious derailment this month was COLORADO: A large sign posted at the entrance of Paradise Firearms in tracks at about 2 pm in Rosedale, a Baltimore Hohman said firefighters were informing resi- Bridgeport, Conn. On May 17, more than 70 Colorado Springs invites customers to sign a recall petition against Colorado eastern suburb. dents of about 70 nearby homes that they people were injured when a commuter train Democratic State Senate President John Morse. In gun-friendly Colorado, gun- Hazmat teams were on the scene, but could leave if they choose and shelter will be went off the tracks. The eastbound train from rights activists with support of the National Rifle Association are seeking Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz provided. However, no one was being forced New York City derailed during evening rush Morse’s ouster for his support of new laws that restrict ammunition magazines said at a news conference that no toxic to evacuate. Derailments have done great hour, came to a stop and was struck about 20 and expand background checks to private gun sales. — AP inhalants were burning. Officials did not order damage before in Baltimore, a city with count- seconds later by a westbound train. In an evacuation. The truck driver was taken to less train tracks. Rockview, Mo, on Saturday, a cargo train crash Gun debate overlooks the hospital in serious condition and two CSX Twelve years ago was the derailment and injured seven people and destroyed a high- workers aboard weren’t hurt, fire officials said. chemical fire in Baltimore’s Howard Street tun- way overpass that could take a year to repair. Dale Walston said he lives about a half-mile nel. Rail cars burned for five days under- Despite the high-profile railroad accidents, America daily violence away and that he thought he could smell ground in July 2001. Portions of downtown the overall number of such crashes has been chemicals. “It shook my house pretty violently were closed and rail traffic across the US was declining industry wide and for CSX over the LARGO: Florena Carter’s shattered life didn’t are essential for hunting and personal safety, a and knocked things off the shelves,” he said in affected for days. CSX eventually agreed to past decade. Last year was the safest year on make national news. Her son was killed on right that has been protected by the Second his 28th birthday in 2009. Carter’s brother Amendment of the Constitution for more than an email to The Associated Press. pay Baltimore $2 million to help defray the record for the railroad industry, according to pulled the trigger. Her father shot himself 200 years. As the American frontier expanded Even an hour after the blast, the thick city’s cleanup costs. The National the railroad administration. All train accidents soon afterward. The horrifying family tragedy westward, gun ownership became culturally plume of black smoke drifted across the Transportation Safety Board and the Federal are down 43 percent since 2003, and derail- became one more private story in America’s entrenched, and for many citizens, it remains a Baltimore city line and covered the eastern Railroad Administration were sending teams ments are down 40 percent over the same plague of gun violence. That year, 9,146 oth- way of life. But other Americans believe the part of the city. The face of one warehouse to investigate Tuesday’s crash. period, according to data provided by the er people nationwide lost their lives in shoot- Second Amendment, adopted in 1791, no near the train tracks blew off. Shortly after Photos showed at least a dozen train cars administration. Freight train derailments ings. The vast majority died in the type of longer makes sense in modern urban settings 6:30 pm, the plume lightened considerably, off the tracks, including at least one tanker specifically are also down 40 percent. daily gun violence that does not grab nation- like Prince George’s County, where shootings changing from black to gray, and its intensity car. Sease said four of the cars believed In each of the past five years, CSX has al headlines in the same way as the tear at society. diminished. Firefighters had been battling the derailed carried terephthalic acid, which is reported more than 100 deaths in accidents December massacre of 20 young children Florena Carter, a 24-year veteran police flames for an hour and a half after initially used in the production of plastics and poly- and incidents involving the railroad. CSX, and six teachers at an elementary school in officer, has concerns about the easy access to considering letting the cars burn out. ester, among other things. He said it is not list- based in Jacksonville, Fla, operates over Connecticut, or the mass shooting last July in handguns for civilians. She is convinced that CSX spokesman Gary Sease said in an email ed as a hazardous material. One of the cars 21,000 miles of track in 23 eastern states and a Colorado movie theater that killed 12 peo- simply owning a gun made her brother more that sodium chlorate is on one of the trains, still burning was carrying terephthalic acid, two Canadian provinces. Its shares traded ple and wounded 70. likely to use it. Her son and her brother had which the Department of Transportation clas- and another was carrying fluoroacetic acid, higher Tuesday before the derailment was Those attacks became the focus of a bitter been out on the town celebrating Stefan’s sifies as a hazardous material. However, Hohman said. Fluoroacetic acid can be used reported. The shares closed down 20 cents at national debate over guns, which culminated birthday. When they were heading home, she Baltimore County Fire Chief John Hohman as a pesticide. $25.30. Bertha Pressley and her husband Tom with the defeat in the Senate of several pro- said, her son tried to stop her brother from said the chemical is not in one of the cars that Hazardous materials moving through Brown said their townhome in Middle River, posals backed by President Barack Obama to driving because the older man was intoxicat- was burning into the evening. The bleaching Baltimore and elsewhere in Maryland was the about 3 miles away, shook and they initially tighten gun control laws, including banning ed. They fought and Carter’s brother pulled a agent is used in making paper. Nick Materer, subject of an agreement a few years ago feared a bomb or natural disaster. “I thought military-style assault weapons and expanding handgun and shot Stefan. Carter was at a loss an Oklahoma State University chemist and between the state and CSX. After a November it was terrorism,” Pressley said.— AP background checks to stop criminals and the to explain how the dispute escalated. The two mentally ill from buying firearms. Often lost in men had been close; neither was prone to vio- chief science officer at ExploSafe LLC in America’s divisive gun control politics are the lence, Carter said. “All I can think is that it was Stillwater, Okla., said sodium chlorate, when stories of people whose urban communities the alcohol and that he had a gun,” she said. combined with fuel, makes a more volatile suffer the most from shootings every day. That argument goes counter to rhetoric often mixture. “When you mix them together and Although violent crime has been declining in cited by US gun advocates who say that gun add fire they go boom,” he said in a phone the United States, it still far outstrips the rate restrictions can’t stop people who are deter- interview. Materer said the chemical is usually of other developed countries. FBI figures show mined to misuse guns. What’s more, they shipped as a white powder but it can also be 8,583 people were killed by guns in 2011, the argue, such shootings among family members in a liquid solution. Either way, he said, the last year for which numbers were available. should not deny law-abiding citizens from fumes can irritate the lungs if inhaled. That is nearly 24 people a day. The figure is owning guns for self-protection. Since the Earlier, fire officials had said buildings had far higher when counting the number of peo- Connecticut school shooting, many gun- collapsed, but Hohman modified that to say ple who kill themselves with guns. The federal rights activists have insisted the solution is for two warehouses were heavily damaged by Centers for Disease Control listed 19,392 gun more people to own guns, not fewer. the explosion and other buildings were suicides in the United States in 2010, the latest Politicians in some states have proposed harmed, but none collapsed. An Amtrak figures available. laws allowing school teachers to carry guns, spokeswoman said its Northeast Corridor Among the hard-hit places is Prince arguing that shooters will be less likely to tar- service was not affected. Kevin Lindemann, George’s County, the Washington D.C. suburb get public places where they know people are 29, a salesman for industrial pipe supplier where Stefan Carter was killed by his uncle 3 armed. Supporters argue that restricting Baltimore Windustrial near the tracks, said he 1/2 years ago. The county in the state of firearms rights will only prevent people from and about 10 co-workers felt the ground Maryland has long suffered under a reputa- defending themselves from criminals who will shake, ran to a window and saw several cars tion for violent crime, even though the U.S. find a way to get guns no matter what. But in Census Bureau lists it as the wealthiest majori- Prince George’s County, Carter doesn’t buy the on their sides and flames he estimated were ty African-American county in the country. argument that guns make people safer. Last 50 feet high. Support for gun control tends to run high year, she worked with a county program “You could feel the heat as soon as you in places like Prince George’s County. In other known as Gift Cards for Guns, which allows walked out the door,” Lindemann said. “We parts of the country, particularly states with people to anonymously turn in their weapons kind of panicked pretty quick,” he said. “We large rural populations, people say firearms in exchange for a $100 gift card.—AP didn’t wait around to see what was happen- ing. So as soon as we saw the flames I took a ROSEDALE: A fire burns at the site of a CSX freight train derailment in Rosedale, Md quick picture and got in my truck and drove where fire officials say the train crashed into a trash truck, causing an explosion that UK fund executives away. I wasn’t sticking around for the explo- rattled homes at least a half-mile away and collapsed nearby buildings.— AP go on trial in Cuba US school-bomb suspect charged

HAVANA: The two top executives of a September 2011 authorities shut down one CORVALLIS: An Oregon high-school student the Columbine attackers, Eric Harris and Dylan in which Acord allegedly describes how he would British investment fund in Cuba are sched- of the most important Western trading accused of making bombs and plotting a massacre Klebold, and which “contained written and typed carry out the attack. “Get gear out of trunk. Carry uled to go on trial in Havana today, accord- companies in Cuba, Canada-based like that carried out at Columbine High School in plans including diagrams to commit ‘mass murder’ at Duffle in one hand, napalm firebomb in the other, ing to sources close to the accused men, as Tokmakjian Group, after doing the same in Colorado 14 years ago was charged on Tuesday with West Albany High School.” Also found was a list of walk towards school with ‘airport stak’ blasting out of part of an unprecedented government July to another Canadian trading firm, Tri- 19 criminal counts, including attempted murder. supplies to bring, which included a “black trench car. Drop duffle. Light and throw napalm, unzip bag crackdown on corruption involving foreign Star Caribbean. Grant Acord, who according to court documents coat, black tactical backpack and medium black duf- and begin firing. Cooly state: ‘The Russian grim businessmen. In the second trial of foreign The closed trial of Sarkis Yacoubian, compared himself to the two attackers who killed 12 fel bag.” Police said they found a document, titled reaper is here’ (bad boys 2),” the plan says in part. “If executives on the Communist-run Island in originally from Armenia and the owner of fellow students and a teacher and then themselves “The (Loosely Stated) ‘Plan’ AKA Worse case Scenario,” 3d exit is blocked by napalm fire, or is locked, run to a week, Amado Fakhre, a Lebanese-born Tri-Star Caribbean, was held last week. An in the 1999 Columbine attack, was advised of the 1st entrance. In either entrance, throw a smoke British citizen and chief executive officer of associate of Yacoubian, Lebanese citizen charges against him during a brief hearing at the bomb prior to walking in. Proceed to enter the Coral Capital Group Ltd, faces various Krikor Bayassalian, was a co-defendant. Linn County Circuit Court in Corvallis, Oregon. school, then shoot and throw bombs throughout the bribery charges related mainly to the fund’s They were charged with bribery, tax eva- Acord, 17, was arrested at his mother’s home on school. Kill myself before S.W.A.T. engages me,” the import business. sion and damaging the economy. If the Thursday after police got a tip that he had made a plan says. Chief Operating Officer Stephen Purvis, court affirms their guilt, sentencing is bomb and planned to detonate it at West Albany Earlier on Tuesday, Acord’s mother, Marianne Fox, who headed up various investment proj- expected within a week or so. “The arrests High School, some 70 miles southwest of Portland. A said in a statement through her attorney, Alan ects, reportedly faces lesser charges, such are aimed at shaking the tree to get to cor- search of the residence in North Albany turned up six Lanker, that her son suffered from a rare form of as operating outside the bounds of the rupt Cuban officials and purchasers,” a local home-made explosive devices, including pipe obsessive-compulsive disorder. “My heart goes out fund’s license. Fakhre has been jailed since expert on state-run companies said, asking bombs, Molotov cocktails and napalm bombs, under to everyone affected by Grant’s struggle with PAN- the company’s offices were raided and that his name not be used. the floorboards of Acord’s bedroom, authorities say. DAS, a rare form of OCD,” Fox said. “I grieve for my closed in October 2011. Purvis was arrested Dozens of Cuban officials and business- Acord was not brought into the packed courtroom son, but understand and support the efforts of law and imprisoned in March 2012. “We are men have reportedly been arrested, tried but appeared via closed-circuit television from a enforcement to keep our beloved community safe. providing consular assistance to them and and sentenced in the anti-corruption juvenile detention facility. “This is a challenging and confusing time for every- their families and a consular official will sweep. A number of other foreigners and He spoke only a few words, in response to ques- one who knows Grant,” she said. “I will have no fur- attend the trial,” a British diplomat said. Cubans who worked for the three foreign tions from the judge about his understanding of the ther comment while I wait with the rest of you to see The trial has not been announced to the companies remain free but cannot leave proceedings, and at the request of a court-appointed what unfolds.” Lanker said that Acord’s parents were public or media. Coral Capital was one of the island because they are considered wit- defense attorney did not enter a plea. He was OREGON: This booking photo shows sus- divorced and that the boy lived primarily with his only a handful of small foreign investment nesses in the cases. Cuban officials and ordered back to court on June 4. In their search of pect Grant Acord. A US teenager accused mother. PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune funds in Cuba. It was caught up in a drag- lawyers for the defendants could not be Acord’s home, police also discovered diagrams of his of plotting an explosive attack on his Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with high school, which they say led them to believe he Streptococcus, is caused by an immune reaction to net of Cuba’s international trading sector, reached for comment. Cuba’s state-run school inspired by the 1999 Columbine which was part of a broader crackdown on media has not yet reported the trials, nor was planning a Columbine-style attack. strep, and the symptoms are similar to those of child- corruption by President Raul Castro, who mentioned the arrests and crackdown on According to affidavits filed with the charging massacre suffered from a rare mental hood obsessive compulsive disorder and tic disor- replaced ailing brother Fidel in 2008. In foreign trade.—Reuters documents, police seized journals and notebooks disorder, his mother was quoted as say- ders, according to the website of the International from Acord’s home in which he compared himself to ing yesterday. —AFP OCD Foundation. —Reuters THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 INTERNATIONAL Tension mounts near the Filipino shipwreck South China Sea tensions enter new risky era MANILA: A wrecked navy transport spokesman for the Philippine fishing in Chinese waters, adding Philippines believed China was try- ship perched on a remote coral reef Department of Foreign Affairs, not- that Vietnam’s accusations “did not ing to pressure it to leave the shoal. could be the next flashpoint in the ing the area’s proximity to Palawan, accord with the facts”. A report “We don’t want to wake up one South China Sea, where China and the country’s largest province. He issued on Tuesday by Chinese mili- day with fresh structures sitting near five other claimants bitterly dispute said the Chinese ships were a “provo- tary think tank the Centre for our navy ship there. We have to bite territory. The Philippines is accusing cation and illegal presence”. Chinese National Defense Policy said it was the bullet and strengthen our posi- China of encroachment after three Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong the US “pivot” back to Asia which had tion there or risk losing the territory.” Chinese ships, including a naval Lei said on Tuesday the Second “shattered” the relative calm of the The Association of South East Asian frigate, converged just 5 nautical Thomas Shoal was part of the Spratly South China Sea, warning of crisis Nations (ASEAN), a 10-nation group- miles from an old transport ship that Islands, over which China had “indis- ahead. ing that includes the Philippines, has Manila ran aground on a reef in 1999 putable sovereignty”. “It is beyond “While the conditions do not yet been talking to China about a bind- to mark its territory. reproach for Chinese boats to carry exist for a large-scale armed clash, ing code of conduct to ease tension. JAKARTA: Loudspeakers and telecommunication antennas from various telecommu- Philippine officials say they fear out patrols in these waters,” Hong the dispute is becoming normalized But China says it will negotiate nication companies are installed on the minaret of Jami Babus Salam mosque in the Chinese ships will block supplies said, adding China called on all par- and long-term ... and ineffective “when the time is ripe”. Jakarta. Indonesian mosques have been ordered to cut down on their use of loud- to about a dozen Filipino marines ties to “refrain from taking actions management may lead to a serious ASEAN foreign ministers are due speakers, an Islamic group said yesterday, a move that may provide some relief to stationed in abject conditions on the that complicate the situation”. crisis,” the report said, according to to meet in Thailand in August to millions who live near the places of worship. — AFP rusting ship, raising tensions over the China News Service. The tension forge a position on the code of con- one of Asia’s biggest security issues. CHINA REPORT WARNS comes just before US Defense duct before meeting Chinese offi- Indonesia mosques ordered The area, known as Second Thomas OF CRISIS AHEAD Secretary Chuck Hagel meets his cials in late August or early Shoal, is a strategic gateway to Reed The tension illustrates how a Asia-Pacific counterparts at the so- September in Beijing. Zha Daojiong, Bank, believed to be rich in oil and decades-old territorial squabble over called Shangri-La Dialogue in an international relations professor to turn down the volume natural gas. the South China Sea is entering a Singapore at the weekend. The at Beijing’s Peking University, said In 2010, Manila awarded an more contentious chapter as South China Sea is on the agenda of China was serious about asserting its JAKARTA: Indonesian mosques have been neighborhoods should broadcast only the Anglo-Filipino consortium a licence claimant nations spread deeper into the regional security forum. Second claims in the South China Sea. “There ordered to cut down on their use of loud- call to prayer, which is often relatively quiet to explore for gas on Reed Bank but disputed waters in search of energy Thomas Shoal is one of several possi- is now a quiet agreement among dif- speakers, an Islamic group said yesterday, a and short, said Masudi. If there are several supplies, while building up navies ble flashpoints in the South China ferent Chinese voices that some- move that may provide some relief to mil- mosques in the same area, only one should drilling stalled last year due to the Sea that could force the United times you have to act as well as issu- lions who live near the places of worship. broadcast the call, he said. presence of Chinese ships. Manila and alliances with other nations. ing statements,” he said. There are some 800,000 mosques in For longer and louder readings, speak- says Reed Bank, about 80 nautical Vietnam this week again accused States to intervene in defense of its Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest ers can still be used, but they must face miles west of Palawan island at the China of endangering the lives of its Southeast Asian allies. Ian Storey, a scholar at Muslim population, and many use speakers into the grounds of the mosque, he said. southwestern end of the Philippine fishermen with the ramming of a Singapore’s Institute of South East to blast out the call to prayer as well as fiery Mosques become particularly noisy during archipelago, is within the country’s trawler in the South China Sea. “The ‘CLEAR AND PRESENT Asian Studies, said tension at Second Quranic verses, often at high volumes in the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims 200-nautical mile exclusive econom- actions of the Chinese vessels have DANGER’ Thomas Shoal could prove more the early hours. forgo food, drink and sex between dawn ic zone. Beijing says it is part of the seriously violated Vietnam’s sover- As of Tuesday, two Chinese dangerous than last year’s stand-off But now the Indonesian Mosques and dusk and the loudspeakers blare out Spratlys, a group of 250 uninhabit- eignty, sovereign rights and jurisdic- marine surveillance ships remained at unoccupied Scarborough Shoal, Council has asked the places of worship to Quranic verses almost constantly. able islets spread over 165,000 tion in the East Sea, threatening lives in the area, Philippine navy given the presence of Filipino restrict the use of loudspeakers following Previous attempts to get mosques to square miles, claimed entirely by and property damage of Vietnam’s spokesman Colonel Edgardo Arevalo troops. “It is hard to imagine China years of complaints by weary residents. “We lower their volume have met with extreme China, Taiwan and Vietnam and in fishermen,” Foreign Ministry said, adding the fishing boats and using force to gain full control over must not force something that we believe opposition. An elderly Indonesian was part by Malaysia, Brunei and the spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi said the frigate had left. “The presence of Second Thomas, but some kind of is good on others who may see it as a dis- forced earlier this year to withdraw a legal Philippines. in a statement posted on Tuesday. those ships is a clear and present blockade to drive out the turbance,” said Masdar Masudi, deputy action against a noisy mosque in the city of “China should pull out of the area Vietnam handed a diplomatic danger,” said another senior Philippines’ troops would have to be head of the council that groups many of Banda Aceh on Sumatra island after an because under international law, note the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi Philippine navy officer, who declined a possibility,” Storey said. “There is a the country’s mosques. angry mob threatened to kill him. they do not have the right to be to protest the incident. China said it to be identified as he is not author- real chance of escalation or miscal- “Even Muslims, such as those who are ill Nevertheless, he ended up winning a rare there,” said Raul Hernandez, a was merely acting to prevent illegal ized to speak to media. He said the culation.” —Reuters or have insomnia, will definitely get victory-the mosque in question turned annoyed at the noise.” down the volume significantly after the Loudspeakers that face into surrounding case. — AFP Bhutan to vote on second ever govt

THIMPHU: Voters in the isolated Himalayan unemployment and a rupee liquidity crunch “Gross National Happiness”, a unique yardstick Malaysia oppn figures kingdom of Bhutan will begin electing their sec- under the party’s watch. Bhutan is heavily that prioritizes citizens’ well-being and environ- ond ever government this week, five years after dependent on India for aid, investment and the ment-friendly policies. the country’s Buddhist “dragon kings” gave way majority of its imports, leading supplies of the In April, Bhutan voted for 20 elected seats in charged with sedition to democracy. The electorate of less than Indian rupee to run out last year due to too the National Council, the upper house of parlia- 400,000 people will choose from four parties on much demand. Bhutan’s ngultrum currency is ment whose members have no party affiliation KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian court yester- Surendran, who is also vice-president of Friday when the primary round of voting for the also pegged to the rupee. and monitor the government’s actions, review day charged four people with sedition as the People’s Justice Party headed by Anwar lower house of parliament, the National Political science lecturer Karma Tenzin, 27, legislation and advise the king. part of what critics have decried as a crack- Ibrahim. Assembly, commences. The two most popular said he wanted a new government that would Turnout was just 45 percent, down from 53 down on accusations that the government Anwar had led a three-party opposition parties will then contest a run-off round on July promote more long-term self-sufficiency. percent in the last election, but greater interest cheated to win recent elections. The allega- against the Barisan Nasional (National 13 to form the next government. “Dependency on foreign aid is not sustainable,” is expected in the vote on Friday, which has tions, repeated in a series of opposition- Front) coalition that has ruled Malaysia Bhutan, which is landlocked by Asian giants he said. The economy grew by 7.5 percent in the been declared a public holiday. Party leaders organized rallies drawing tens of thousands since independence in 1957. “This is part of India to the south and China to the north, held fiscal year to June 2012, down from 10 percent a kicked off the election season in early May with of people around the country, have added a wider campaign by the prime minister its first election in 2008 after the monarchy ced- year earlier, but is expected to rise to 8.6 percent a televised debate. Bhutan was the last country pressure on Prime Minister Najib Razak and the home minister to silence opposi- ed absolute power and actively led the move to this year fuelled by hydropower and high-end in the world to introduce TV in 1999 and it who was already smarting from a disap- tion to election fraud,” Surendran added. a parliamentary democracy. In the 2008 vote, tourism, according to the Asian Development remains fiercely protective of its national identi- pointing polls win. The opposition has accused Barisan of ille- the centre-right Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), Bank. The country is better known for measuring ty and culture. — AFP The four men charged yesterday-oppo- gally enlisting immigrant workers as voters drawn from the country’s traditional elite, won a sition politicians Tian Chua and Tamrin and introducing supposedly indelible ink- huge landslide and secured 45 of 47 seats avail- Ghafar, and two activists-pleaded not meant to prevent multiple voting-that able against the People’s Democratic Party. guilty in a Kuala Lumpur district court. washed off easily, among other allegations. This time two new centre-left parties, both Sedition carries a prison term of up to three Najib has denied any wrongdoing. The led by women, are joining the contest, but the years. They were charged with making opposition has since launched a broad well-established DPT is generally expected to “seditious” statements by calling for campaign to portray Najib as an illegiti- win by a small margin-although opinion polls protests against the May 5 elections, Chua’s mate ruler and force substantive electoral are banned. A rule that allows only graduates to lawyer N Surendran said. Their comments reforms, including a complete overhaul of stand for office has created difficulties for the were made during a post-election public an Election Commission it says is biased. new parties in their search for recruits, with a forum. “It’s a completely groundless charge. Another student activist was charged last fifth party disqualified over its lack of candi- It seems to be punishing free speech,” said week with sedition. —AFP dates. “I think the DPT will get through because of the (pro-)incumbency factor,” a political ana- lyst in the capital Thimphu said, declining to be Philippine airline cancels named. He said Bhutan’s huge development under Taiwan flights amid row the DPT, especially the building of roads and provision of electricity to rural areas, made the MANILA: One of the Philippines’ biggest issuing a “red alert” against travelling to the party popular in a nation where more than 40 airlines said yesterday it had cancelled the Philippines and imposing economic sanc- percent of people depend on agriculture and planned launch of a new Taiwan route tions. The zones claimed by the two sides forestry. Jigmi Y Thinley, the incumbent prime because of tensions over a Taiwanese fisher- overlap in some areas. It rejected repeated minister, is also the only leading candidate who men being killed by the Filipino coastguard. apologies from the Philippine government, can speak in Bhutan’s many local dialects, which Cebu Pacific had been scheduled to begin and demanded that criminal charges be could help him win more support in remote cor- flights between Cebu, the Philippines’ sec- brought against those responsible for the ners of the country. ond-biggest city, and Taiwan’s capital, killing. The DPT is unlikely to repeat its 2008 land- Taipei, in July but this week indefinitely sus- Philippine tourism department slide win, analysts say, as it faces more competi- THIMPHU: In this file photograph, Bhutanese residents queue as they wait to cast their votes at a pended the route, an airline spokeswoman spokesman Benito Bengzon said the travel tion amid concerns over corruption, youth polling station in Thimphu during the second parliamentary elections of Bhutan. — AFP said. “It would be a bit difficult to start it alert had started to have an impact, and a with the current tension... some passengers strategy was being put into place to try and (had) already requested refunds or travel make up for the fall from Taiwan by attract- changes” spokeswoman Candice Iyog said. ing tourists from other markets. Budget car- However she said an existing route rier Zest Airlines said last week it had can- Inquest: Journalist killed between Manila and Taipei would be kept. celled flights between Taiwan and Kalibo, a Coastguard officers shot dead a 65-year- gateway to the popular beach resort of old Taiwanese man on May 9 who they said Boracay. Taiwan has also frozen the hiring of by Thailand army bullet was aboard a boat fishing illegally in overseas Filipino workers, and an invitation Philippine waters. Taiwan’s government, for the Philippine national basketball team which said the incident took place in its to play in a regional tournament in Taipei BANGKOK: An Italian photogra- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, from position that can hurt people.” Journalists. “It’s clear that the fami- exclusive economic zone, reacted with fury, was rescinded. — AFP pher killed while covering the Thai which led to at least 91 deaths dur- The Polenghi case is the eighth ly of Fabio is going to fight this and military’s crackdown on anti-gov- ing the two months of demonstra- inquest initiated by Thai authorities will effectively try to establish and ernment protesters in Bangkok tions on the streets of Bangkok in to seek the cause of deaths of hold to account those at the high- three years ago was shot by a high- 2010, and of a political divide that those killed in the violence. The est ranks of the chains of com- velocity bullet like those issued to remains in the country. Polenghi court previously ruled that five mand that ordered soldiers to soldiers, a judge said yesterday. The was shot as he tried to take pictures people were killed by guns used by shoot that day.” Thai authorities inquest said it was unknown who of the army’s assault on the Red military personnel, while two have a long history of shielding fired the bullet and stopped short Shirt encampment. Testimonies inquests were inconclusive on who military personnel from prosecu- of outright blaming the military. from the inquest that began last committed the killings. Abhisit’s tion in political bloodsheds in Rights groups have repeatedly July showed the bullet went in government approved the use of recent decades. called for Thailand’s government to Polenghi’s back and came through live ammunition under limited Polenghi’s lawyer Karom hold the powerful army account- his left chest. The judge said the conditions and deployed sharp- Polpornklang said Wednesday the able for its part in the violence. bullet went through his heart, lung shooters and snipers during the inquest will be used in a future A Bangkok South Criminal Court and liver, causing excessive bleed- demonstration. The Red Shirt- court case against Abhisit and his judge said that the inquest into the ing until he died at the hospital on allied government that succeeded then-deputy Suthep Thaugsuban, death of 48-year-old Fabio May 19, 2010. Abhisit’s agreed last year to pay who controlled a joint government Polenghi showed the fatal shot Born in Italy in 1962, Polenghi compensation to all the victims of military center that ran the opera- “was fired from the direction of had been a fashion photographer violence in order to promote politi- tion ending the protests. “It has to security forces” who were mobi- for many years but was transition- cal reconciliation. be proven that the orders for the lized to quash the demonstration in ing to news. Elisabetta Polenghi, 48, Rights groups have repeatedly security forces to move in ... came central Bangkok. It was likely his younger sister, was among 13 called for the government to hold from Mr. Suthep and Mr. Abhisit. Polenghi was killed by a bullet from witnesses who testified in the court the army accountable. “It’s the first They cannot deny their responsi- the .223 cartridge which was used case. She was accompanied by her step towards achieving justice in bility and cannot be dismissed in with M-16 and HK33 rifles issued to mother and her elder sister to hear this case and we’re encouraged this case,” Karom told reporters. “Or soldiers on the ground that day, the the court’s order yesterday. “It was that the judges effectively else an incident like this will hap- TAIPEI: Foreign migrant workers gesture and shout “I love Taiwan” during a gather- inquest said. positive but it’s not the solution,” acknowledged that the bullet pen again.” The Department of ing in Taipei in a “thank-you” event organized by a group of Taiwanese artists and The findings were a stark Elisabetta Polenghi said of the came from state security forces,” Special Investigation began a mur- academics for foreign workers on the island. The gathering came as anti-Manila sen- reminder of a battle fought inquest’s results. “The solution will said Shawn Crispin, a Southeast der investigation of Abhisit and timent has mounted in Taiwan after a 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman was shot between the Red Shirt protesters come when the responsible will be Asia’s representative of the non- Suthep last year, but charges have dead earlier this month by Philippine coastguards who claimed his vessel had and the government under then- asked to go out of their duty, away profit Committee to Protect not been brought to court. — AP intruded into their territorial waters. — AFP THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 INTERNATIONAL Nepal marks 60 years since Everest summit victory

KATHMANDU: Nepal yesterday marked were going into the unknown. “People to fulfill their dreams,” he added. More 60 years since the first ascent of Everest, didn’t know what was up there, they did- than 3,500 people have so far reached celebrating the pioneering climbers n’t know whether or not you could the peak, according to government fig- whose bravery spawned an industry that remain conscious, they didn’t know ures. many mountaineers fear is now ruining whether they could climb that final sum- This season alone 540 people reached the world’s highest peak. Four days of mit knife-edged ridge and get up what is the summit, including the first female ceremonies dubbed the “Everest now called the Hillary Step.” amputee, the first women from Saudi Diamond Jubilee” ended yesterday with A host of famous mountaineering fig- Arabia and Pakistan and the first armless family members of Edmund Hillary and ures attended a gala night at the palace man. Nepalese and Japanese octogenari- Tenzing Norgay, the first summiteers, lay- of Nepal’s former royal family. But while ans have faced off to claim the record for ing garlands on statues of the legendary the Nepalese government is keen to pro- the world’s oldest person to reach the pair. mote the anniversary- Everest is a major summit. But Nepal’s Min Bahadur Hillary’s granddaughter and niece revenue-earner for the impoverished Sherchan, 81, cancelled his bid yesterday, joined Italian climbing celebrity Reinhold country-many in the climbing communi- ceding the record to Yuichiro Miura, 80, Messner, Norgay’s grandson Tashi ty reflected on the dangers of over-com- who reached the top last week. Kancha Tenzing and the last surviving member of mercialisation. Recent photographs Sherpa, now 81, worked as a porter on the 1953 expedition, Kancha Sherpa, in a showing queues of climbers waiting their the maiden expedition, which he remem- horse-drawn chariot procession through turn to reach the summit, as well as bers as an arduous but ultimately joyous Kathmandu. The British-funded trip to growing mounds of rubbish and even a affair-although he regrets that the glory the highest point on earth - 8,848 meters brawl between climbers and porters this is not more equally shared among the above sea level-changed mountaineer- year, have highlighted problems on the team. “Everyone knew Tenzing and ing forever and turned New Zealander “roof of the world”. Hillary climbed Everest but nobody Hillary and Nepalese guide Norgay into “Everest has turned into a playground knows how hard we worked along the household names in many parts of the for people with all sorts of interests,” vet- way,” Kancha told AFP. “One thousand, world. eran climber Temba Tsheri Sherpa, who two hundred coolies (porters) were gath- “Hillary and Tenzing were rock stars of runs an expedition company, lamented in ered together at Bhaktapur near the 1950s and into the 1960s,” Hillary’s an interview with AFP. “All they want is to Kathmandu...”Everyone walked from KHUMBU: Participants of the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon begin their race son Peter told AFP in an interview. “The set new records and they seem to be will- there because there weren’t any roads, at the Everest base camp in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas yester- biggest thing about 1953 is that they ing to pay thousands of dollars in order no motor vehicles, no planes. —AFP day. — AP

Pentagon’s Hagel to discuss US drone kills top US ‘rebalance’ towards Asia WASHINGTON: Pentagon chief Chuck ized by the London-based International Hagel will reassure allies in a trip to Asia Institute for Strategic Studies, Hagel was Pakistani militant this week that the United States intends due to meet numerous defense ministers to ‘follow through’ on its promised strate- from the region and deliver a policy gic shift to the Pacific region, officials speech on Saturday. said. In his first trip to the area since he At last year’s Singapore summit, for- First drone strike in Pakistan since election took over as defense secretary in mer defense secretary Leon Panetta February, Hagel was expected to discuss announced that the majority of the US PESHAWAR: A suspected US drone strike killed Washington’s “rebalance” towards Asia naval fleet would be gradually shifted to the No 2 commander of the Pakistani Taleban and recent tensions with North Korea in the Pacific region as part of the pivot to yesterday, Pakistani intelligence officials said, meetings with his counterparts at a Asia. Hagel was scheduled to hold bilat- although the militant group denied he was killed. Singapore conference. eral talks with counterparts from the If confirmed, the death of Waliur Rehman would “The focus is really follow through this Phillipines, South Korea, New Zealand, be a strong blow to the militant group responsi- year,” said a senior defense official, who Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia as well as ble for hundreds of bombings and shootings spoke on condition of anonymity. “Last Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan across Pakistan. year, we were sharing with the region the Dung. He also will hold a trilateral meet- The United States has a $5 million bounty out new strategic guidance. This year is really ing with ministers from Japan and South on Rehman, who Washington has accused of about showing that that strategic guid- Korea. “We have a lot to talk about in involvement in the 2009 suicide attack on a US ance, the rebalance, is under way,” the terms of shared security interests, espe- base in Afghanistan that killed seven Americans official told reporters. President Barack cially given some recent provocations working for the CIA. Missiles fired by a US drone Obama last year unveiled a new security and provocative rhetoric from North slammed into a house yesterday in Miran Shah, strategy that emphasized a shift towards Korea,” the US official said. North Korea the main town of the North Waziristan tribal the Asia region, reflecting worries over reacted to joint US exercises with South region, killing four people including Rehman, China’s growing military power. Korea in March and April with a new three Pakistani officials said. But a budget impasse in Washington round of bellicose rhetoric, including dire Two of the officials said their informants in the has triggered automatic cuts to US mili- threats of nuclear war from Pyongyang. field saw Rehman’s body, while a third said intelli- tary spending, raising concerns in Asia The North has since toned down its lan- gence authorities had intercepted communica- that America’s promised rebalance could guage in recent weeks and US officials tions between militants saying Rehman had be derailed. At the Shangri-La Dialogue say medium-range missiles were no been killed. The officials spoke on condition of in Singapore, an annual summit organ- longer poised for launch. —AFP anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. A spokesman for the Pakistani Taleban, however, denied the reports. “This appears to me to be false news. I don’t have any such information,” said Ahsanullah Ahsan, speak- 6 die as suicide bombers ing to The Associated Press by telephone from an undisclosed location. storm governor’s office Most of North Waziristan is under militant control, and journalists do not have access to the PESHAWAR: Newly-elected northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly mem- BAZARAK: Afghan security forces killed six man and two civilians died in that attack. rugged region near the Afghan border, making it bers take an oath at the provincial assembly building in Peshawar yesterday. The newly militants who stormed the Panjshir provin- The effectiveness of Afghan security difficult to independently confirm such incidents. elected members of Pakistan’s southern Sindh and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cial governor’s office yesterday in a brazen forces is crucial to the government’s ability The missile attack was the first since Pakistan’s provincial assemblies were sworn in for a new term of five years. Pakistan’s national assem- assault in one of the country’s most stable to defeat the Taleban insurgency as landmark elections on May 11 in which the bly will start its new term on June 1 and will elect the country’s new prime minister the fol- areas. Panjshir northeast of Kabul was a 100,000 NATO-led combat troops prepare American drone program was a hotly debated lowing week. — AFP bastion of anti-Taleban resistance during to withdraw by the end of 2014. The police, topic. It was also the first strike in Pakistan since Pakistani Taleban has been battling government maintained that the drone strikes are counter the extremists’ 1996-2001 regime, and has army and special forces are being trained President Barack Obama’s speech last Thursday forces for years in a bid to push them from the productive, entail loss of innocent civilian lives, been largely peaceful since they were oust- up by the international coalition, but there during which he discussed more restrictive rules tribal regions, cut Pakistan’s ties with the US and have human rights and humanitarian implica- ed. The attack by a team of would-be sui- are widespread fears that they will not be he was implementing on the use of the contro- eventually establish their brand of hardline Islam tions and violate the principles of national sover- cide bombers will heighten concerns about able to impose security after 12 years of versial drones in places such as Pakistan and across Pakistan. Rehman has been on the US eignty, territorial integrity and international law,” the militants’ ability to strike in districts war. The fiercely anti-Taleban Panjshir valley Yemen. radar for years. In 2010, Washington offered $5 the ministry said.Senior civilian and military offi- where they have little presence or public is one of the most scenic places in The tribal region in northwestern Pakistan is million for information leading to Rehman under cials are known to have supported some of the support. “Six suicide bombers wearing Afghanistan, and is tightly secured by home to a variety of local and Afghan militant their “Rewards for Justice” program. While attacks in the past, but many say that is no longer police uniform entered the governor’s checkpoints on the main road at the valley outfits, including Al-Qaeda-linked fighters. The Rehman was mostly known for his activities in the case. Pakistan has been hit by 355 such office. Our security team responded and entrance. It was previously a stronghold of US has often criticized Pakistan, saying it does Pakistan, the US said in its announcement that he attacks since 2004, according to the New all, except one who detonated himself, the Northern Alliance resistance, which not vigorously target militants in these areas who also participated in cross-border attacks in America Foundation, a US-based think tank. The were brought down,” Abdul Kabir Waseq, successfully held Panjshir against repeated then attack American troops in neighboring Afghanistan against US and NATO personnel. figure does not include yesterday’s strike. Up to the governor’s spokesman said. advances by the ruling Taleban forces. Afghanistan. Pakistani officials say their military The US wanted Rehman in connection with 3,336 people have died in the strikes, according One policeman was killed by the suicide Ahmad Shah Massoud, the Northern is already overtaxed by fighting militants in both his alleged involvement in an attack on a US base to the think tank. bomb in the attack, which started at Alliance’s leader, was assassinated days the tribal regions and in the southwestern in Khost, Afghanistan in 2009. The attack on Obama’s speech last Thursday was his most around 4:00 am and continued for about before the 9/11 attacks on the United province of Baluchistan, and that the casualties Camp Chapman killed seven Americans working extensive comments to date about the secretive one hour. The bodies of the attackers were States by militants and is buried at a large they’ve already incurred have not been properly for the CIA, a Jordanian intelligence officer and drone program, which has come under increased displayed in the front of the burnt-out and tomb in the valley. recognized. wounded six other CIA personnel. Pakistan’s criticism for its lack of accountability. The presi- bullet-damaged compound as firemen In Baghlan province which borders Washington’s drone program remains deeply incoming Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has dent cast drone strikes against Islamic militants damped down the remains of a blaze that Panjshir, a suicide bomber struck outside unpopular in Pakistan, even though the number repeatedly said he is against the use of American as crucial to US counterterrorism efforts but took hold during fighting. The governor government buildings 10 days ago, killing of strikes has dropped significantly since the drones on Pakistani soil, and Pakistani officials acknowledged that they are not a “cure-all.” The was asleep in separate accommodation 14 people including a local politician. The height of the program in 2010. The strikes usually have demanded publicly that the program be president also said he is deeply troubled by civil- nearby and was unhurt in the attack, for insurgents launched their annual “spring target Al-Qaeda-linked insurgents or other mili- stopped. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs con- ians unintentionally killed in the strikes and which the Taleban claimed responsibility. offensive” last month, vowing to use sui- tants who fight in Afghanistan against NATO, demned the drone strike yesterday but made no announced more restrictive rules governing the Waseq said an explosives-packed car cide blasts to inflict maximum casualties although some strikes have killed militants who mention of Rehman in their brief statement. attacks - measures that his advisers said would that had not been detonated was recov- and warning Afghans working for President are at war with the Pakistani government. The “The Government of Pakistan has consistently effectively limit drone use in the future. — AP ered from the scene in the district of Hamid Karzai’s regime to distance them- Barazak. The Afghan government immedi- selves from the government. ately hailed the security forces for their Meanwhile, Britain is holding up to 90 actions, with an interior ministry people at its main base in Afghanistan, spokesman saying that they were “more Defense Secretary Philip Hammond admit- Growing crystal meth use blurs capable than ever”. The attack followed a ted yesterday, as lawyers claimed they were major assault on Kabul on Friday, when the possibly being detained unlawfully. British Taleban launched a suicide and gun strike lawyers representing two of the men being drug-hungry Afghanistan future on an international compound in the city held at Camp Bastion in the southern centre and triggered a battle that lasted province of Helmand claim their cases KABUL: Impoverished Afghanistan, through Pakistan. “It’s a potential fy the substance and its potency. A seizures have been scattered across several hours. All four militants, one police- could amount to internment. —Agencies already plagued by insurgency and threat,” a Kabul-based official from sack of transluscent crystals resem- the country. Its street price is about struggling to contain crippling rates the US Drug Enforcement bling large grains of sea salt sat on $20, or five times that of heroin, of opium addiction, faces another Administration (DEA) said, speaking one of the lab’s tables - one of the making it relatively expensive in potential headache with spiraling on condition of anonymity. recent seizures of crystal meth. It one of the world’s poorest coun- usage of the synthetic drug crystal Small quantities of around half a stood out starkly among the brown tries, said Ahmad Khalid Mowahid, methamphetamine. The growing kilogram are usually seized, said hues of heroin, opium, morphine spokesman for the Criminal Justice use of the drug, known as crystal Peter Bottomley, the UNODC’s con- and hashish in tiny bags. Task Force that convicts serious meth or ice, comes at a critical time. sultant in Kabul, describing it as a “If only we could get the punish- drug offenders. But its rocketing use Some fear that, with the exit of “worrying trend”. “If this country ment increased for selling this,” said hints at falling exclusivity. “If glass most foreign troops by the end of gets addicted to meth, there will be Mohammad Khalid Nabizada, the users are added to our opium next year and dwindling interest a big problem,” Bottomley said. head of the lab, which operates addicts, it’ll be a disaster. Meth and aid from the international com- Afghanistan is the world’s top pro- under the Interior Ministry’s addicts jump off roofs and punch munity, significant addiction to the ducer of opium, from which heroin Counter Narcotics Police. Prison fists in walls. relatively new drug could wreak is made and which helps fund the terms for selling crystal meth are Imagine such abnormal behavior social havoc. Taleban’s insurgency, and is head- relatively light, with dealers facing here,” Mowahid said. He said The number of crystal meth sam- ing for a near-record this year, the up to one year behind bars for 1 kg, Afghanistan does not have the ples taken from seizures tripled to UNODC has said. Treatment options compared with up to three years for “medicine nor the means” to try to 48 in 2012 compared with the year for Afghanistan’s 1 million heroin opium and a maximum of 10 years contain a growing meth addiction. before, according to the United addicts, some of whom inject into for the same amount of heroin. The United States is no stranger to Nations Office on Drugs and Crime their groins in broad daylight in the epidemic of crystal meth, where (UNODC). Importantly, however, central Kabul, are sorely limited. ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR home-made labs and a booming there are concerns the power vacu- In the country’s sole, ultra-secre- Dubbed “glass” in Afghanistan, Mexican trade have consumed um left by the withdrawal of foreign tive drugs lab on the outskirts of crystal meth only appeared in small towns. “It has that same look troops could turn Afghanistan into Kabul, Afghan pharmacists analyse recent years and is made in high- coming out of Iran, of large-scale a new route for moving Iranian- samples from seizures brought in tech labs across the border in Iran. commercial properties ... And it can PANJSHIR: Afghan security forces stand over the dead bodies of insurgents as the made crystal meth to nations in the on a daily basis, which are subject Most of it is consumed in the border become a cancer,” the DEA official damaged provincial governor’s office is seen after a suicide attack in Bazarak district, Pacific, like Thailand and Indonesia, to three rounds of testing to identi- provinces of Herat and Nimroz, but said. — Reuters Panjshir province yesterday. — AFP THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 ANALYSIS14

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Issues Rising concern over Yemen arms smuggling

By Abdulrahman Shamlan

emen is stepping up its coast guard patrols, seeking to interrupt what has become a full-fledged flood of Yillegal weapons that is seen as a threat to the nation’s security and stability. According to sources in Yemen, most of the illegal arms originate in Turkey and Iran, underscor- ing the regional struggle for influence. The Yemeni defense ministry recently announced the seizure of trucks carrying Turkish-made guns in the southern province of Taiz after the shipment cleared the Mokha Port. It was the second time in a month and the sixth time in six months that Turkish-made weapons were seized. The ministry said an investigation into the source of the shipment was under- way but gave no further details. In early May, a Yemeni coast guard vessel situated along Palestinian homes answer knock by women the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait seized a boat carrying 20,000 Turkish-made pistols following a pitched gun battle By Dinah Atallah had traditionally been a male-dominated industry. bedrooms, making it awkward for the female client to with the ship’s crew. According to the defense ministry “We’re also helping to raise confidence in women work- allow a male to enter her private space. website, the ship’s captain was detained but his crew lients answering the door bell for service person- ing in IT,” Gemzo GM Ghareeb added. “We usually arrange a time that suits our clients,” escaped capture. Iran is also a player in the arms game. nel in the Palestinian Authority may be in for a bit The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) Atteyeh Kanan, support service manager at the Call U Earlier this year, Yemeni and American forces together Cof a surprise: women doing what used to be con- reveals a 2 percent increase in women in the workplace - Internet service company told The Media Line. “Some seized an Iranian ship carrying sophisticated weapons that sidered work for men only as they take advantage of an from 14 percent to 16 percent - between 2010 and 2011, women have no problem, but others prefer a man to be included surface-to-air missiles, explosives and rocket-pro- increasing number of new opportunities to join the noting that one-third of all working women are in the household when we visit. This is why we organize pelled grenades. The arms appear to have been destined workforce. Women are finding position with a growing employed by the Palestinian Authority itself. This, in con- late visits,” he added. There is no additional charge for for Yemen’s Houthis, a Shiite insurgent group backed by number of businesses, especially those who send trast to in Israel, where 52.6 percent of women are in the the specialized women’s only service. “Prices of Internet Tehran. The shipment seized was similar to an arms cargo employees on home visits, in some cases allowing the work force. Palestinian women have traditionally main- service providers are fixed, so we try to be special in the seized last year. As the poorest Arab state with the second- customer to opt for a female over a male technician. The tained a stronger presence in the academic sphere services we provide,” said Ghareeb. “I disagree with those highest rate of gun ownership after the United States, Yemen is an attractive market for weapons smugglers. Its response has been so great that long-established com- where 57 percent of university students were women in who have women restaurants or coffee shops, but in this population of 24 million owns an estimated 60 million panies in the West Bank are now trying to meet this 2010-2011. Palestinian colleges graduated almost 11,000 case it’s different because it’s in a private home rather firearms. Among Yemen’s security challenges is the pres- growing demand with new services. students in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 2011. than a public place,” he told The Media Line. ence of what is considered to be the most dangerous fran- “For Gemzo female service, press 2,” the voice on the The number of women working in the private sector Ghareeb added that he had received a letter of appre- chise of the global Al-Qaeda terrorist organization. As well, answering machine at Ramallah’s Gemzo Internet also varies according to the job description. The over- ciation from Minister of Telecommunication Safa’ Naser experts assert that tribal leaders, government officials and Service Company says when you call. “The female sup- whelming number of working women is found in hair Al Deen. “She said our service encourages more women intelligence officers are all involved in the business of gun port service is what distinguishes us,” the automated and cosmetic fields and agriculture; with only 0.9 per- to join the work force,” Ghareeb said. “We don’t consider smuggling. voice on the other end tells the company’s prospective cent of women in IT and communications. “The majority this a form of separation but more of customized con- While Yemen ostensibly acts to halt the gun-smuggling, clients. While female voices and customer service of women feel comfortable coming to female-only hair venience for Palestinian women,” he concluded. many believe it’s a case of “too little, too late.” So while responses by women on the phone were typical until salons because it’s not acceptable to take the headscarf Cultural norms do create circumstances that require Interior Ministry spokesman Mohammed Al-Mawri said now, Gemzo offers a service that’s becoming more pop- off in public if men are around,” said Hameeda Mansour, gender separation, however, particularly at weddings. naval patrols were increased along Yemen’s coasts, stretch- ular: women actually visiting customers’ homes in order owner of the Hameeda Hair Salon in the town of El Bireh, Women photographers and DJs often are chosen to do ing from the Arab Sea, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, “to secure to provide information technology (IT) support services. near Ramallah. “Only a small number of males have hair such work specifically among women at weddings the country from arms infiltration,” analysts argue that the Gemzo Internet Services is the only IT company in the salons but they cater to a select group of women who where men and women sit in separate halls. Ramallah’s task was almost impossible. Most seem to agree that the West Bank providing this option for women clients: a feel it’s an elite thing to go to male hairdressers,” she told Studio Al Amar is one such company that offers a full recent seizure of illegal weapons indicates some security service it launched in Jan 2013. “Ten percent of the com- The Media Line. package for a wedding party providing both camera- vigilance, but the interdictions are also seen as evidence pany’s clients signed up for the gender specific services,” Even in this female-dominated field, bias against man and camerawomen. that arms smuggling is increasing and that many illegal says Gemzo General Manager Basel Ghareeb. The GM women can be found. “I go to male hairdressers because Manager Sa’eed Ahmed explains that “this allows any arms are being successfully brought in. adds that customer satisfaction has improved, increas- I feel they are more qualified and trained as professional woman to be able to participate in the wedding without “The authorities talk about the arms shipments they ing his market share of the Palestinian IT market to 20 hairdressers compared to women, who are not,” said wearing the hijab and to be photographed in keeping have seized, but nobody knows how many shipments with the principles of the Islamic faith.” He says Al Amar managed to make it into the country,” Muaad Al-Maqtari, percent. Of Gemzo’s total work force of 45, half of the call Riham Mohammad, a 32-year-old accountant. When chairman of the Bab Al-Mandab Center for Studies, a think center employees are women, while two other women asked about women in the IT sector, Mohammad added employs 14 women and 8 men who are photographers tank concerned with Yemen’s maritime issues including perform field visits. she is not against having female technicians do the work “because 80 percent of my clients ask for women.” The weapons smuggling, told The Media Line. “We believe that Areej Zeid, a 27-year old Gemzo technician who as long as they are qualified. company has been offering the special “female service” the cargoes captured by the government are very little wears a hijab head-covering but not other traditional Gemzo client Amal Shakir, 28, signed up for the for 10-years. when compared to those that managed to get in,” he said. women’s garb, says she is specifically requested by women’s only service and said it makes her life easier. However, not all special gender matters have yet After each weapons seizure the government says it will clients about twice a week. “Sometimes women say they “My father prefers to be at home if a male technician been solved by these companies. Ghareeb wanted to open investigations, but usually no details emerge, includ- prefer I visit to resolve the Internet problem they’re hav- comes to the house. He can’t take time off from work put two separate doors at his company - one for men ing from where the shipments originated or for whom the ing because their husbands are not at home,” Zeid told and wait for technicians to be available,” she explained. and one for women - but says he “recanted because it shipments are destined. “Yemen has a coastline of about The Media Line. She says she is happy that more people Shakir added she knows of other women who also pre- felt like segregation. But I want to buy a pink car for the 2,200 kilometers on the Red and Arab seas and this makes are confident in her ability to handle IT problems in what fer this service because their IT routers are set up in their company’s female technicians to use in their field visits.” the country a volatile area for arms smuggling. This long coastline works in the smugglers’ favor as it makes their job easier,” Al-Maqtari said. “In contrast, it makes the authori- ties’ job of securing the coasts almost impossible. This is Egypt foaming over alcohol consumption especially true in Yemen’s case, given that the country’s coast guard forces lack basic training and equipment...They By Sherif Elhelwa beer is well accepted among many hol prices due to imposed alcohol taxes. there’s more room for newcomers in the don’t even have enough working boats to patrol the terri- Egyptian Muslims and non-Muslims People are a bit careful in their spend- nightclubs who started coming in to fill torial waters.” he economic and political situa- despite the fact that there is a prohibi- ing, but they still come and drink,” he the gap. In addition, more venues Retired brigadier general and military analyst Mosheen tions may be serious here, but tion against drinking intoxicants in the said. Egypt puts a 1200 percent to 3000 opened up so more people started Khasroof agreed with Al-Maqtari’s assessment that many Tthey’re not stopping Egyptians Holy Quran. percent import tax on alcoholic bever- going out.” illegal arms cargoes have probably made it into the coun- from consuming more alcohol or While most Egyptians don’t drink ages but that also has failed to stem Five upscale nightclubs have opened try. He said he believes, “organized bodies are behind the expanding the party scene, partygoers alcohol in public, preferring to drink pri- increasing sales and partying. The since the start of the revolution in Cairo recent persistent Turkish and Iranian arms smuggling into and club owners told The Media Line vately at home, there is still a growing Egyptian government collects a hefty in 2011: Graffiti at the Four Seasons Yemen, discounting the notion that regular gun dealers are recently. The increase in booze con- demand for alcohol consumption that tax on cigarettes and alcoholic bever- Hotel; O Bar at the Fairmont Hotel; to blame. “Yemen’s national security is clearly targeted by sumption has boosted revenues for the created a need for more bars and night- ages that amounts to $1.2 billion annu- Cavalini and The Roof at the Sunset Mall; these smuggled cargoes. If the smuggled weapons were clubs, bars, and the Egyptian govern- clubs in Cairo and Alexandria. Indeed, ally. Alcohol is mostly consumed in and Level in Zamalek, an affluent Cairo like those widely distributed and owned by Yemenis, there ment as well from taxes collected on the the large increase in alcohol consump- restaurants, bars or nightclubs, and hotel neighborhood. “We have found a would be no reason for grave concern. But these illegal brew. tion is a sobering thought considering lounges which have an alcoholic sales demand for drinkers after the revolution. shipments include pistols and rifles equipped with Peter Matta, an Egyptian in his mid- the tense political and economic situa- license. The Freedom and Justice Party People are running away from their silencers and night vision scopes, as well as RPGs, etc,” he told The Media Line. “In short, these are assassination thirties known for organizing events and tions in Egypt. While some social unrest (Muslim Brotherhood) has occasionally problems and to a safer environment,” instruments aimed at stirring violence and destabilizing parties, was asked by The Media Line remains, the volume of beer sales in showed support for the tourism indus- DJ Omar Asmy said. the country.” “Obviously, there are domestic and foreign whether parties and drinking have Egypt rebounded strongly in 2012, try, and will not prohibit the sale of alco- “Drinking and partying used to be sides standing behind these smuggling operations. Those increased since the revolution. “Many! reflecting a partial recovery in tourism hol to tourists. Beer is sold from any- restricted to a certain class of people, but behind the smuggling are against the reconciliation, and Way more parties,” he said. “People are and more drinking by young Egyptians. where between $1 a bottle at the local now there is a flood of newcomers from aim to drag the country into violence,” political analyst crazy. There always are so many parties According to statements by the beer and wine store to $5 in nightclubs. all social classes,” Matta said. Whereas in Mohammed Shamsan told The Media Line. He was refer- always going on. We can’t keep up any- spokesman for the Dutch beer Heineken, Some bars in local areas serve beer for the past the social scene was a tightly ring to the ongoing National Dialogue Conference, where more, and I’m very involved in the scene. alcohol consumption in Egypt increased $2 a bottle. Generally, prices for wine closed circle, now others have begun to 556 participants are debating Yemen’s future.—Media Line There are more local DJs, more parties, in 2012 despite the 2011 revolution and and beer at bars and clubs are deter- mingle. Also, a more diverse type of more exposure, more international DJs. drop in the number of tourists. Heineken mined by the location where it is sold. music was introduced at some People are drinking moirÈ now. We all made over $300 million in profits from Tamer Leithy, a DJ and party organiz- nightspots “which attracted a different All articles appearing on these have noticed that.” beer sales in Egypt last year. er in Alexandria, says that more youth sector who never went out very much pages are the personal opinion of Mohammed Fahmy, from Maadi, a According to an Al-Ahram Beverages are now gravitating to Alexandria night- before. Also the younger generation is all Cairo suburb, said his drinking habits statement, “Egypt is the 17th largest clubs. On the first anniversary of the over.” he said. In general, Egyptians are the writers. Kuwait Times takes no have remained the same since the revo- beer market in Africa and the Middle Egyptian revolution, Agami Club House now more open about their alcohol con- responsibility for views expressed lution despite soaring prices for alco- East, reaching a demand of roughly 110 in Alexandria opened to Egyptians in sumption than before, as stress from the therein. Kuwait Times invites read- holic drinks. “My spending is the same, million liters annually, of which 690,000 their thirties and above. “I believe these revolution atmosphere and other uncer- ers to voice their opinions. Please but prices are more for sure. Despite $15 are alcoholic beer.” “My sales grew by 80 nightclubs cater to the upper middle tainties fuels this kind of rebellion cocktails, I still go out and have a few percent since the revolution started. class and for people who don’t want to against all that is traditional, even when send submissions via email to: opin- drinks,” he told The Media Line. The People seem to have a lot to talk about be bothered with young crowds,” Leithy it comes to a simple bottle of beer. Even ion@kuwaittimes.net or via snail increase in drinking and partying is a bit and they come here to ventilate, drink a told The Media Line. Matta said that the Egyptian women are drinking as well, mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. easier to explain when you consider that few beers,” Gamal Gomaa, a partner in older generation had switched over and it’s not just a male-dominated scene. The editor reserves the right to edit Egypt was the first nation on earth to Spitfire, an Irish pub in Alexandria, told from going out to more private parties. Matta says, “All my girlfriends drink. New ferment barley to produce what known The Media Line. “People tend to come “There are certainly selective private girls in the party scene are also drink- any submission as necessary. today as beer. The tradition of drinking more often despite the increase in alco- parties that I get invited to now. So ing...it’s crazy, really crazy!” —Media Line NEWS THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Schoolchildren watch as ‘Inuka’, a male polar bear, swims in its pool enclosure at the Singapore Zoo yesterday. The 22-year-old polar bear, the first one born in the tropics, moved into his new frozen tundra home yesterday in a 2,700 sq m exhibit featuring climate controlled resting areas and an expanded pool. — AFP US spelling bee starts with a new challenge

OXON HILL, Maryland: Sometimes-nervous contest- with a fingertip while spelling aloud. ants in the United States’ Scripps National Spelling Bee Since 2002, a written or computer spelling test has launched two days of competition yesterday, facing the been a component that, along with onstage spelling, new challenge of not only having to spell obscure factored in determining which spellers advanced to the words correctly, but also knowing what they mean. A semi-finals. This year, competitors will advance to the total of 281 contestants aged 8 to 14 from across the semi-finals and finals based on their onstage spelling, as United States and other countries took to the stage for a well as computer-based spelling and vocabulary ques- preliminary spelling round in the spelling bee. The finals tions. Vocabulary evaluation will count for half of a are tonight. For the first time since it began in 1927, the speller’s overall score. contest is requiring young spellers in preliminary and Contestants said the multiple-choice test taken on semifinal rounds to take a computerized vocabulary Tuesday was fairly easy for them. Amber Born, 14, a test. Organizers say it is part of the Bee’s commitment to home-schooled eighth grader from Marblehead, deepening contestants’ command of English. Massachusetts, said after the first round of spelling that Sixteen spellers were eliminated in a first onstage it “was good, it was fun”. Standing next to Born, round, with a second round to come for survivors. They Katherine Wang, an 11-year-old sixth grader from the stumbled on such words as “sinecure”, a paid job with Qooco School in Beijing, called it “nerve-wracking”. “It little work; “weissnichtwo,” an imaginary place; and “yan- was multiple choice, so you could narrow it down,” Born nigan”, player in an individualized baseball game. Some said. She and Wang had met at last year’s contest and spellers were visibly nervous before advancing to the stayed in touch through email. Griffin said the test was “a microphone in the packed auditorium, clutching arms little hard. I knew how to spell the words but now having to sides, jiggling feet or crossing themselves. “I felt a lit- to know them makes the challenge a little harder.” tle nervous before I got on stage, but once I was on Paige Kimble, the Bee’s executive director who won stage I was OK,” said Matthew Griffin, a 12-year-old the competition in 1981, told a news conference the home schooled eighth grader from Bailey, North decision to add the vocabulary test had come after Carolina, who correctly spelled “panglossian,” or about a year and a half of discussion. A key element was extreme optimism. “It’s pretty cool. I’ve made a lot of support from spellers and their parents who believed friends,” he said. that adding the test would increase the tournament’s Owen Duffy, 13, from Fort Johnson Middle School prestige, she said. The contestants hail from all 50 in Charleston, South Carolina, did not fare as well. states and the District of Columbia, US territories and Given “langlauf” to spell, the seventh grader asked Defense Department schools around the world. Some chief pronouncer Jacques Bailly for the pronunciation contestants come from the Bahamas, Canada, China, of the German word for cross-country skiing several Ghana, Jamaica, Japan and South Korea. The Bee is tak- times. “Langlauf? Langlauf? Langlauf?” Duffy said ing place at the Gaylord National Resort and slowly. He barely finished spelling it, incorrectly, Convention Center outside Washington. It is being before his time ran out. Almost all the contestants broadcast by ESPN. The contestants range from third to asked for the origin of the word, the kind of word and eighth graders, with 116 speaking more than one lan- a definition, which is allowed as an aid to spelling. guage. The group is 52 percent girls and 48 percent NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland: Christopher O’Connor of Tucson, Arizona, participates in the round two of the They then wrote it out on the palm of their hands boys, organizers said. — Reuters 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee yesterday at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center yesterday. — AFP

Egypt sumo wrestler gets promoted Buddhist mobs attack Muslims in Myanmar Continued from Page 1 Shaalan first tried sumo at the age of 15. He won a bronze medal at the 2008 world junior sumo champi- Continued from Page 1 in the violence in order to stop the fighting in Lashio,” he Stablemaster Tadahiro Otake said despite Shaalan’s onships. Sumo has been dominated by Mongolians in said. Fear rippled through the streets on Wednesday, rapid rise through sumo’s ranks, he needed to keep his recent years. The sport’s two current grand champions, British tourist Stephen Barker, 46, told Reuters he saw with terrified Muslim residents describing a 30-strong feet on the ground. “He has not got strong all by himself Hakuho and Harumafuji, are both from Mongolia. There a group of about 100 machete and stick-carrying youths group of men with weapons on motorcycles cruising but with the help of many other people. I hope he will hasn’t been a Japanese grand champion since rallying around his hotel in the early afternoon, includ- Lashio and shouting anti-Muslim slogans. never forget this,” he said. “I want him to draw attention Takanohana retired in 2003 and a Japanese wrestler ing four or five monks. Police and military moved them The residents said there was not enough security in with his brand of sumo, not because he is the first from hasn’t won a major tournament since ozeki Tochiazuma on and arrested half a dozen people. “I got a light for my the town. “Almost all Muslim people are trying to stay in the African continent.” in 2006. — Agencies cigarette from one and he told me to kill all Bengalis safe places.... we don’t know how we are going to get while waving this 18-inch blade around.” Muslims through the night,” one resident said by telephone, ask- appeared to have fled a mixed Lashio neighbourhood ing not to be named. He said the mob of bikers was Trio in Arab world’s first topless protest known as Quarter Number 17. threatening to “kill any Muslims they see on the road”. A local hospital confirmed it had received four injured Religious unrest in the former army-ruled nation has Continued from Page 1 after she was threatened by Tunisia’s increasingly active hard- men, all Buddhists. One of the wounded, 41-year-old caused global alarm. US President Barack Obama last line Islamists for posting topless pictures of herself on Myint Naing, was seen lying in the hospital, wrapped in week voiced “deep concern” about anti-Muslim attacks, held by police and that they were “fine”. After the scuffles Facebook. Her family said that she suffered from chronic bandages. The local electricity board worker said he was during a landmark visit to Washington by President outside the courthouse, police intervened and arrested six depression and had suicidal tendencies, and they prevented attacked by a group of around 30 Muslims as he was Thein Sein. Nyan Win, a spokesman for opposition leader French and Tunisian journalists, including from Reuters news her from going out, claiming her safety was at risk. But Amina, leaving the town on his motorcycle yesterday. “My friend Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, said agency and France’s Canal+ television. They were later who accused her relatives of holding her in captivity and beat- was able to run away and escape but I couldn’t... I was the party believed outsiders were whipping up the vio- released after giving statements to the police about the con- ing her, ran away from home in April and has regularly attacked. They cut my arm off,” he said, adding he was lence in Lashio. “The people they know that this violence troversial protest. “It is the first action that we have taken in appeared in public since, although never topless. waiting to go into surgery to reattach the limb. (does) not happen automatically. They know that there’s the Arab world... I prepared this international team in Paris The Femen movement, founded in Ukraine and now Security forces had imposed an overnight curfew a third person there,” he said, without elaborating. and they were sent yesterday (Tuesday) to Tunis,” Femen’s based in Paris, has flourished since 2010, with feminists Tuesday after the initial unrest, which authorities said In March at least 44 people were killed in sectarian leader in Paris, Inna Shevchenko, told AFP by phone. “These around the world stripping off in protest at a wide range of was triggered by an attack on a local Buddhist woman. A strife in central Myanmar with thousands of homes set countries and these totalitarian regimes prey on women. We issues linked to the mistreatment of women, but also against don’t take any notice of this kind,” she added, referring to the dictatorship. Tunisia, whose ruling coalition is headed by 48-year-old Muslim man was arrested over that incident, ablaze. Some monks - who were among the most vocal protesters’ risk of being jailed. Islamist party Ennahda, has the most liberal laws in the Arab in which the 24-year-old woman suffered burns but was pro-democracy supporters during Myanmar’s repressive An 18-year-old Tunisian known by her pseudonym Amina world governing women’s rights, although gender equality not in serious condition, according to state broadcaster junta era - have been involved in the violence, while oth- Tyler was arrested in the city of Kairouan on May 19, the day has yet to be inscribed in the new constitution. MRTV. A Muslim orphanage, a mosque and several ers are spearheading a move to boycott shops owned by that Salafist movement Ansar al-Sharia planned to hold an Secular opposition parties and feminist groups frequently shops were destroyed by rioters, a different government Muslims. Wirathu, a monk from Mandalay responsible for illegal congress there, after painting the word “Femen” on a accuse Ennahda of seeking to roll back women’s rights, official said, requesting anonymity. some of the most vitriolic anti-Muslim rhetoric, yester- wall near a cemetery. She faces a pepper spray charge which although the Islamist party has opposed enshrining Islamic Ye Htut, who earlier appealed for calm, posted pic- day posted several graphic pictures apparently of the carries a maximum prison sentence of six months. An investi- sharia law in the constitution. But a failed attempt last year to tures of police making arrests in the town on Wednesday injured Buddhist woman on his Facebook page. gating magistrate is also considering pressing a charge of des- introduce the concept of gender “complementarity” rather as they tried to quell a second eruption of violence that Communal unrest last year in the western state of ecrating a cemetery, punishable by up to two years in jail. than equality into the draft text raised serious doubts about he said saw “conflict from both sides”. “The security Rakhine left about 200 people dead and displaced up to Amina sparked both scandal and a wave of online support the party’s real intentions. — AFP forces are taking action against people who are involved 140,000 people, mainly Rohingya Muslims. — Agencies THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 SPORTS

Braga coach Peseiro leaves ‘BCCI chief should quit’ Beckham in quest for LISBON: Braga parted company with coach Jose Peseiro yesterday after only NEW DELHI: India’s sports ministry said the country’s cricket chief should resign MLS team ownership one season despite the club winning the League Cup, which was their first tro- to avoid a conflict of interest, four days after police arrested his son-in-law in phy in almost 50 years. “Peseiro was part of another page of Braga’s successes connection with an illegal betting scandal in a cricket league. MIAMI: Former England captain David Beckham will visit Miami this week as he steps up his interest in over the last few years,” the Portuguese Primera Liga club statement said, Pressure has mounted on N Srinivasan, one of the world’s most influential owning a new Major League Soccer (MLS) team. Beckham, who played for L.A. Galaxy in the MLS, has an adding the decision was by mutual agreement. cricket administrators, to quit his position on “moral grounds,” with two of the option to create a new franchise in the North American league. While the exact location is still to be The northern club, which has been chal- key members of India’s cricket board having also demanded he stand down ear- decided, he will be in the Florida city to explore possibilities, according to former Miami mayor Manny lenging the dominance of Porto, Benfica lier yesterday. Diaz. “Yes, he is coming. My understanding is that it’s very exploratory at this stage,” said Diaz, who took part in the last time a Miami-based MLS and Sporting, finished fourth in the “There is a conflict of interest in this inquiry, therefore BCCI president should team was under discussion in 2009. Then, Spanish giants league this season, just failing to qualify tender his resignation on moral grounds, pending the outcome of the inquiry,” the sports ministry said in a statement. The ministry does not govern the BCCI Barcelona, together with Miami-based Bolivian billionaire for the Champions League. Marcelo Claure, tried to start a team but the project was called Braga came bottom of their group in but its comments add an official voice to media demands that Srinivasan should step down. off due to “adverse market conditions”. this season’s Champions League with only The Indian Premier League (IPL), the sport’s richest tournament, was A supporters group, calling itself MLS Miami Bid, told one win at Galatasaray. Peseiro’s League embroiled in controversy earlier this month when police arrested three crick- Reuters that Claure would be one of those meeting Beckham Cup triumph, a shock 1-0 win over eventu- eters on suspicion of taking money to concede a fixed number of runs and and that the pair planed to watch Miami Heat’s NBA playoff game al league champions Porto, was the club’s police have intensified investigations to discover the extent of the scandal. against the Indiana Pacers today. Julio Caballero, the organiser of first trophy since 1966. Police arrested Gurunath Meiyappan, Srinivasan’s son-in-law and a manage- MLS Miami Bid, said they would greet Beckham at the Heat’s American Airlines Arena. Caballero said his organisation, which has In 2012 Braga’s then coach Leonardo ment member of the Chennai Super Kings IPL franchise, on Saturday for his over 3,000 Facebook members, had been contacted by Claure and was Jardim also left the club “by mutual consent” alleged involvement in the illegal betting scandal. The BCCI has set up a three- planning a rally to show the Englishman a fan base is already emerging. after one season in charge having taken them member panel to investigate the allegations. Chennai Super Kings is owned by Soccer fanatic Claure, who owns Bolivian club Bolivar, was not immediately to third place in the league. —Reuters India Cements, a company headed by Srinivasan. —Reuters available and a spokesman for Beckham declined to comment. —Reuters Phillies and Rays roll

BOSTON: Cliff Lee allowed four hits over eight innings and Jonathan Papelbon earned his first save at Fenway Park as a Red Sox opponent on Tuesday, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-1 victory over Boston. Michael Young and Domonic Brown homered for the Phillies, and Erik Kratz singled in the tiebreaking run in the seventh inning to snap Boston’s four-game winning streak. Lee (6-2) allowed a first-inning run and then retired 22 of the next 23 batters to win his fourth consecutive decision. He struck out eight to match his season high and walked none. Ryan Dempster (2-6) allowed two runs on six hits and three walks, striking out four in seven innings for Boston. Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth for his 10th save. The Red Sox closer from 2005- 11 - including their 2007 World Series title - he entered to a chorus of boos and without the theme song “Shipping up to Boston” he used for much of his career here. ST. PETERSBURG: Outfielder Desmond Jennings No. 8 of the Tampa Bay Rays singles in the 9th inning to RAYS 7, MARLINS 6 drive in the winning run against the Miami Marlins. —AFP In St Petersburg, Desmond Jennings drove in the winning run with a two-out Kansas City for the Royals’ 10th consecu- 1) followed Karns with 1 2-3 innings of Seattle, but will be right back at it on single in the bottom of the ninth inning, tive home defeat. perfect relief. Wednesday in San Diego for two more lifting the Rays to a victory over the The only two hits that Lyons (2-0) games. Marlins. allowed over seven innings were to Billy PIRATES 1, TIGERS 0 Gyorko hit a two-run shot in the The Rays came back from an early 4-0 Butler - a two-out RBI double in the first In Detroit, Neil Walker ended a fourth inning off Seattle starter Brandon deficit and won their third in a row. inning and a bloop single in the seventh. lengthy pitching duel with a home run in Maurer (2-7) and Amarista followed with TORONTO: Thad Weber No. 51 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch during Miami lost its seventh straight game. Trevor Rosenthal pitched the eighth the 11th inning, lifting the Pirates over a solo shot an inning later. inning in a driving rain for St. Louis, and the Tigers. Seattle’s bats got very little done inter-league MLB game action against the Atlanta Braves. —AFP Kelly Johnson opened the ninth with an infield single and took second on Evan Edward Mujica breezed through a per- The game was scoreless until Walker - against Volquez (4-5), and its lineup lost Longoria’s single off Mike Dunn (1-1). fect ninth for his 16th save of the season. the brother-in-law of Tigers center fielder its most potent punch after right fielder A contentious year in golf With two outs, Jennings singled Matt Carpenter and Matt Holliday Don Kelly - homered off Jose Ortega (0-2) Michael Morse had to leave the game in against Chad Qualls. Fernando Rodney added solo homers in the sixth off the with one out in the top of the 11th. the fifth inning with a right quadriceps (2-2) got the win. Jennings, Luke Scott Royals’ Ervin Santana (3-5) as the Former Tigers reliever Jason Grilli pitched strain. DUBLIN: Ernie Els flashed that easy smile fried chicken, and he wound up with egg Cardinals (34-17) improved to a major the bottom half for his 21st save in 21 when he saw a reporter walking toward the on his face. and Yunel Escobar each had three of Tampa Bay’s 16 hits. league-best 20-9 on the road. tries, striking out Torii Hunter, Miguel ATHLETICS 6, GIANTS 3 clubhouse at the TPC Sawgrass earlier this Garcia threw out the racial stereotype Cabrera and Prince Fielder in succession. In Oakland, Derek Norris hit a two-run month. the same day that the Royal & Ancient Golf METS 2, YANKEES 1 Mark Melanson (1-0) picked up the homer in the second inning and Jarrod “This must be great for you guys,” he said Club and U.S. Golf Association introduced REDS 8, INDIANS 2 In Cincinnati, Xavier Paul singled In New York, David Wright and Lucas win with a scoreless 10th inning for Parker pitched seven strong innings as through his laughter. “Come out to the PGA Rule 14-1b, effective in 2016, that would Duda hit RBI singles off Mariano Rivera in Pittsburgh. Pirates starter Jeanmar the Athletics beat the Giants for their fifth Tour and every week they hand you another ban the anchored stroke used for long put- home a pair of runs in the first inning as the Reds completed a two-game home the ninth inning as the Mets rallied past Gomez and his Tigers counterpart Rick straight victory. story.” And he wasn’t talking about Adam ters - like the one Scott used when he won the Yankees to beat baseball’s career Porcello were dominant, putting up one Adam Rosales homered in the eighth the Masters, or the one Els used at the sweep of the Indians. Scott winning the Masters. saves leader only hours after honoring of the best outings of their respective for the A’s to snap an 0-for-24 funk since British Open, and Webb Simpson in the US The intrastate rivals headed to The debate over anchored strokes and him at Citi Field. Matt Harvey and Hiroki careers. he connected against Kansas City on long putters. Deer antler spray. Rule 33-7. A Open, and the ones used by Tim Clark and Cleveland for two more games. The Kuroda locked up in an entertaining Gomez pitched seven scoreless May 17. player cleared of an anti-doping violation Carl Pettersson their entire pro careers. At Indians lead the all-time series 42-41. The pitchers’ duel that went to the ninth with innings before giving way to the bullpen. Hunter Pence homered in the ninth on a technicality, and then suing his own least three players, including Scott, have Reds have won 14 of their past 17 games the Yankees leading 1-0 on Lyle Porcello went eight innings and struck and hit an RBI single in the first to give tour. Players hiring an attorney over a new retained a lawyer as they wait to see overall, leaving them with the second- Overbay’s run-scoring single. But all three out a career-high 11. Mike Kickham a lead before he took the rule related to the long putter. whether the PGA Tour goes along with the best record in the majors at 33-19. They batters to face Rivera (0-1) got hits, hand- mound for his major league debut. And this was before the public spat new rule. The tour met with its Player trail NL Central-leading St. Louis. ing him the first blown save of his DODGERS 3, ANGELS 0 Parker (3-6) reached seven innings for between Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods Advisory Council on Tuesday at Muirfield Cleveland has dropped five straight - farewell season in 19 chances. In Los Angeles, Ryu Hyun-jin pitched the third straight start. The 24-year-old took an ugly turn that brought overtures of Village, the first step toward figuring out matching its season high - and seven of The Yankees have lost three in a row a two-hitter for his first complete game in Kickham (0-1) was tagged for four runs racism back into golf. “It’s been quite a con- which direction it will go. eight. Mat Latos (5-0) handled a slump- for the first time this year. Scott Rice (3-3) the major leagues, Luis Cruz hit his first on four hits in 2 1-3 innings with three troversial year for golf,” Lee Westwood said. According to one PAC member at the ing lineup, allowing one run in 6 1-3 tossed a scoreless inning for the win. homer of the season and the Dodgers strikeouts and four walks as the Giants Woods already has won four times on meeting, there was passion on both sides of innings. The Indians have been beat the Angels in the second game of lost for the seventh time in their last eight the PGA Tour going into the Memorial, a the debate, which was not surprising. And outscored 33-14 during their losing the Freeway Series. road games. tournament he already has won five times there was no consensus, also not surprising. streak. NATIONALS 9, ORIOLES 3 in his career. So when someone asked This was only a conversation, and from all The Reds had 18 hits, one shy of their In Washington, Adam LaRoche Ryu (6-2) struck out seven and walked TWINS 6, BREWERS 5 Westwood on Tuesday if there was a sense indications, no one called anyone names. season high. Paul’s two-run single put homered twice and drove in four runs as none. The left-hander from South Korea that the No. 1 player was on the verge of So much for golf’s reputation as a gen- the Reds ahead 3-0 in the first against the Nationals enjoyed a rare offensive retired 19 consecutive batters during one In Milwaukee, pinch-hitter Eduardo going on a big run, Westwood looked mild- teel sport. “Is it bad for golf?” Nick Watney Zach McAllister (4-4). outburst at the expense of the Orioles. stretch. His six victories lead all rookie Escobar hit a sacrifice fly with one out in ly perplexed. said Tuesday afternoon. “It depends on your LaRoche, Tyler Moore and Roger pitchers in the majors, while his 71 2-3 the 14th inning, lifting the Twins to a vic- “I think he’s on one, isn’t he?” Westwood theory of publicity. If you had the BRAVES 7, BLUE JAYS 6 Bernadina connected off Orioles rookie innings pitched lead all rookies this sea- tory over the Brewers. Jean Segura went said. “How many tournaments has he Kardashian feeling that any publicity is In Toronto, Brian McCann hit two Kevin Gausman (0-2). LaRoche added a son. Joe Blanton (1-8) gave up three runs 6 for 7 - all singles - to raise his batting played this year? He’s won more than 50 good publicity, then it’s good. If you’re a home runs, including a solo shot in the solo shot in the eighth off Troy Patton. and seven hits in seven innings. He struck average to an NL-leading .366 but percent.” purist in terms of golf, then it’s bad. The law- 10th inning that lifted the Braves over the It added up to Washington’s highest- out five and walked none. Milwaukee lost for the fourth straight But any talk of Woods is sure to include suits, the rule change, the little feud going Blue Jays 7-6. scoring performance since a 10-3 win time and 20th in 25 games. the illegal drop he took at the Masters, the on. My view is that it’s bad. This is supposed McCann and rookie Evan Gattis hit over Miami on April 15. Chris Davis hit his PADRES 6, MARINERS 1 Ryan Doumit, Josh Willingham and two-shot penalty he received the next day, to be a gentleman’s game. We’re different back-to-back homers off Ramon Ortiz in major league-leading 17th homer for the In Seattle, Edinson Volquez pitched Aaron Hicks homered for the Twins, which the incorrect scorecard with his signature from a lot of other pro sports.” This isn’t the the sixth, giving the Braves a 6-5 lead. The Orioles, and J.J. Hardy also went deep. into the eighth inning and Jedd Gyorko have won three of four after dropping 10 on it and Augusta National invoking Rule first time golf has gone way beyond birdies Blue Jays tied it on J.P. Arencibia’s RBI Nathan Karns, in his major league and Alexi Amarista each homered, lead- straight. Burke Badenhop (0-2) was the 33-7, which gave it discretion to disregard and bogeys. double in the seventh. debut, gave up three runs, five hits and ing the Padres over the Mariners. loser. Ryan Pressly (2-0) pitched two perfet the penalty of disqualification for the incor- There was the lawsuit involving Ping and McCann connected for a leadoff drive two walks in 4 1-3 innings. Zach Duke (1- The teams split the two-game set in innings of relief to earn the victory. —AP rect scorecard. That debate lost steam when the square grooves in the 1980s. There was in the 10th against Thad Weber (0-1) for Vijay Singh sued the tour the day before The Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, leading his sixth home run. It was McCann’s first Players Championship began at TPC the breakaway from the PGA of America to multihomer game of the season and the MLB results/standings Sawgrass, where the Fijian spent years hon- start what is now the PGA Tour at the end of ninth of his career. ing a game that brought him nearly $70 the 1960s. Imagine if Woods and Phil Cory Gearrin (2-1) pitched one inning Atlanta 7, Toronto 6 (10 innings); Colorado 2, Houston 1; Washington 9, Baltimore 3; Pittsburgh 1, Detroit 0 (11 million in earnings and a spot in the World Mickelson did something like that today. for the win. Craig Kimbrel celebrated his innings); Philadelphia 3, Boston 1; Cincinnati 8, Cleveland 2; NY Mets 2, NY Yankees 1; Tampa Bay 7, Miami 6; St. Golf Hall of Fame. Lawsuits against the tour “It’s not a perfect game,” Curtis Strange 25th birthday by finishing for his 16th Louis 4, Kansas City 1; Minnesota 6, Milwaukee 5 (14 innings); Oakland 6, San Francisco 3; San Diego 6, Seattle 1; are rare, but the details of this one were said. “Some people believe there’s no such save in 19 chances. Jordan Schafer also bizarre. thing as bad press, but it seems like we’re homered for the Braves. LA Dodgers 3, LA Angels 0. “Nobody has ever sued the tour for still having growing issues. We’re learning American League National League being cleared of getting a drug violation,” how to handle doping issues, although ROCKIES 2, ASTROS 1 Eastern Division Eastern Division Padraig Harrington said. nobody has learned to do that yet. I’m been In Houston, Michael Cuddyer had W L PCT GB Atlanta 31 20 .608 - WADA warned against deer antler spray. reading about Lance Armstrong all day.” three hits, including an RBI single in the Boston 32 21 .604 - Washington 27 25 .519 4.5 Vijay Singh used deer antler spray. The tour It always seemed like some other sport’s ninth inning that gave the Colorado NY Yankees 30 21 .588 1 Philadelphia 25 27 .481 6.5 proposed a six-month suspension. Singh problems, and now some of those problems Rockies a win over the Astros. Baltimore 28 24 .538 3.5 NY Mets 20 29 .408 10 appealed. WADA said deer antler spray was belong to golf. “It’s been great on the golf Troy Tulowitzki doubled off Houston no longer the same concern. Singh was off course - fantastic, really,” Geoff Ogilvy said. Tampa Bay 27 24 .529 4 Miami 13 39 .250 18.5 closer Jose Veras (0-4) to start the ninth Toronto 22 30 .423 9.5 the hook. And then Singh sued the tour. “Tiger has won four times. The Masters was and advanced to third on a wild pitch. The good news for PGA Tour commis- amazing again. Any time golf is in the news- Cuddyer followed with his single, which Central Division Central Division sioner Tim Finchem was the lawsuit was paper, it’s a good thing for us. Obviously, sailed just out of reach of leaping third St. Louis 34 17 .667 - Detroit 29 21 .580 - largely forgotten three days later. The bad the Sergio-Tiger thing wasn’t good. But it baseman Matt Dominguez. Cincinnati 33 19 .635 1.5 news for the tour was why it was forgotten. has been a tumultuous year.” Cleveland 27 24 .529 2.5 Tulowitzki had an RBI single in the Pittsburgh 32 20 .615 2.5 Singh vs. PGA Tour felt like an undercard And it’s not anything Finchem can make Chicago White Sox 24 25 .490 4.5 first. Chris Carter tied it in the fourth with Chicago Cubs 20 30 .400 13.5 compared with Garcia vs. Woods. go away with a wave of his hand. Kansas City 21 28 .429 7.5 an RBI grounder. Matt Belisle (2-2) threw Milwaukee 19 31 .380 14.5 The Spaniard opened a slanging match Considering that golf is a niche sport, maybe a perfect eighth for the win. Closer Rafael Minnesota 21 28 .429 7.5 during a rain delay by suggesting Woods that’s not the worst thing. Betancourt struck out two in the ninth for was the cause of a commotion in their final “Outside the ropes, golf is probably more his 11th save. Western Division Western Division group of the third round. Woods fired back interesting than it ever has been,” Robert Texas 32 20 .615 - Arizona 30 22 .577 - by calling out Garcia for his constant com- Garrigus said. “I don’t think it’s all that bad if CARDINALS 4, ROYALS 1 Oakland 30 23 .566 2.5 Colorado 28 24 .538 2 plaining, which led Garcia to say Woods it makes our sport more interesting. There In Kansas City, Carlos Beltran hit a LA Angels 23 29 .442 9 San Francisco 28 24 .538 2 wasn’t the nicest guy on tour. And with no might be a few more people come out to two-run homer against his former team Seattle 22 30 .423 10 San Diego 23 28 .451 6.5 interest by either side in a truce, Garcia tried the US Open.” That would be good for golf. and rookie Tyler Lyons made another Houston 15 37 .288 17 LA Dodgers 22 28 .440 7 to make a joke about having Woods over for Maybe not so much for Garcia. —AP dazzling start as the Cardinals beat THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 SPORTS Squash, baseball, wrestling on 2020 shortlist

ST PETERSBURG: Wrestling, baseball/softball and squash made an International Olympic Committee shortlist for potential inclusion in the 2020 Games with five other sports failing to make the cut, the IOC announced yesterday. The three sports will now be put to the vote at the International Olympic Committee session in Buenos Aires in September with only one of them winning a place on the 2020 Games programme. The IOC is eager to revamp its sports pro- gramme in a bid to keep the Olympics relevant to a younger generation to attract viewers and spon- sors. Five other sports - karate, wakeboarding, sports climbing, wushu and roller sports - did not make the shortlist, meaning their chances of Olympic inclusion were dashed for at least another four years. “It was never going to be an easy decision but I feel my colleagues on the (executive) board made a good decision in selecting baseball/softball, squash and wrestling to be put forward in Buenos Aires,” said IOC president Jacques Rogge. For IOC vice president Thomas Bach it was “a good mix between team sports and individual sports. “Wrestling managed to convincingly present the changes they have undertaken, both on a sporting level as well as in the organisation,” Bach said. Wrestling was taken off the 2020 Games pro- gramme in February in a shock move but Wednesday’s decision threw the sport an Olympic lifeline. Wrestling, which has featured in every modern Olympics since 1896 apart from the 1900 edition, has frantically scrambled to push through a string of reforms since February in a desperate bid to remain in contention. It made the cut yesterday after only one round, winning a majority eight out Ricky Ponting of 14 votes. Baseball/softball, which received no votes in the first round, booked their spot next with squash clinching the final place on the short- Ponting leaves door half list. ST PETERSBURG: Franco Carraro, Chairman of the Olympic program commission speaks Olympic inclusion guarantees sports millions of during a news conference after the IOC presentation of wrestling as a candidate sports ajar to Ashes call-up dollars of revenues while a Games exit can stifle a for 2020 Olympics at the SportAccord International Convention. —AFP sport’s global growth. gramme since polo in 1936, united into one feder- 2016 Olympics but lost out to rugby and golf, it LONDON: Ricky Ponting has revealed he ally been away from home more than ever. “All of those who helped us, I want to call on ation and the move paid off as they grabbed a was a long-awaited decision. might not be able to resist the lure of the I know I’ll have to slow down at some them to help us again because the match is not spot on the list. “This is a huge milestone in our quest to join Ashes if Australia asked him to come out of point.” finished,” said international wrestling federation “We got a chance to fight for our dreams,” Don the Olympic Programme and I would like to thank test retirement. For the first time in many years, Australia (FILA) president Nenad Lalovic. Porter, co-president of the World Baseball Softball the executive board for the faith it has placed in The combative 38-year-old, who quit go into the Ashes as big underdogs after a “The second match starts now,” said the Federation, told Reuters. squash,” federation chief N Ramachandran said. the international scene in December, is the 4-0 mauling in India where four players Serbian, who jumped up and hugged associates “We are in the seventh inning, we will now The IOC will elect the 2020 Games host city at most successful captain in test history but were dropped for “not doing their home- in a packed conference room during the IOC move to the ninth and I guess we need to hit a its session on Sept. 7 and the new sport to be lost three Ashes series including the last work”. Ponting said he did not totally agree announcement. home run. Our young athletes had dreams and we included in those Games a day later. Tokyo, Madrid time the two teams met in 2011 when with the decision but feels Australia are Baseball and softball, which in 2005 became can now help them get those dreams back.” and Istanbul are bidding to stage the 2020 England won 3-1 away. regaining confidence. the first sports to be taken off the Games pro- For squash, which battled to win a spot at the Olympics. —Reuters The latest five-match battle against “Our batting is key, if it can stand up to England starts at Trent Bridge on July 10 the English bowling then we will be com- and if an Australian batsman was to break a petitive. We have a good, solid number of Swimming and gymnastics finger, the Tasmanian would be torn. bowlers and our young quicks are really Kings advance, “They will have reserve batsmen around exciting,” he remarked before turning to should anything like that happen so I don’t England. “(Captain Alistair Cook) is proving get Olympic revenue boost think they will be needing me,” Ponting he is a worthy successor to Andrew Strauss. edge Sharks told Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper yester- Joe Root looks a good player, Jonny LOS ANGELES: Justin Williams scored two goals in the second ST. PETERSBURG: Swimming and gymnas- games in Rio will start when the athletics day. Bairstow has something about him and period to lead the Los Angeles Kings into the Western Conference tics were the big winners yesterday in a new starts. The sport that will make the games “You wouldn’t say no, would you, if that when Kevin Pietersen is fit England will get finals with a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks in Game 7 on revenue-sharing ranking of Olympic sports, special is athletics.” call came and I would never say never, but a world class player again. They are a quali- Tuesday. signaling the start of the debate over how to The IAAF is getting about $45 million you have to say a call-up like that now is ty side.” Jonathan Quick made 25 saves as the defending Stanley Cup split the money from the 2016 Games in Rio from the total of $520 million in revenues extremely unlikely.” Even if he does not There was no word on England’s strug- champions finished off this agonizingly even series with their de Janeiro. being shared out among the federations return, his influence may still be felt in the gling opener Nick Compton, who scored 14th consecutive home victory over the past two months, includ- The IOC executive board promoted the from last year’s London Olympics. Ashes with Ponting in England playing for his first test centuries in New Zealand earli- ing seven straight in the postseason. The home team won all sev- international swimming and gymnastics fed- “The IAAF will get less money than in the county side Surrey. er in the year but has now scored only 54 en games in this thrilling all-California series, and the fifth-seeded erations into the top tier along with track past,” ASOIF director general Andrew Ryan “If Michael Clarke wants to run anything runs in six innings despite England’s 2-0 Kings barely rode their home-ice advantage to victory in their first and field in a list of five groups comprising said. “The groups are very important, but we by me he knows where I am. There’s noth- home win over the Black Caps. potential elimination game in the last two years. Antti Niemi the 28 summer Olympic sports. don’t know yet how the calculations will ing official in place but I’ll only be down the With Pietersen set to return from injury stopped 16 shots, and Dan Boyle scored early in the third period Previously, the International Association work for Rio.” road,” added the scorer of 13,378 test runs, for the Ashes, Compton could be the man to for the Sharks, who fell just short of their third trip to the confer- of Athletics Federations was ranked alone in The second-tier Group B comprises bas- who is looking forward to his two-month miss out as England coach Andy Flower piles ence finals in four years. The Kings will face Chicago or Detroit the highest of four groups and received the ketball, cycling, football, tennis and volley- stint in the English game. on the pressure. “He’s got to go away and get when they attempt to reach the Stanley Cup finals for the third biggest share of the hundreds of millions of ball. Group C has archery, badminton, box- “My wife is still asking me when I will be back into form, score some heavy runs for time. The Blackhawks host the Red Wings in Game 7 on dollars generated from television rights and ing, judo, rowing, shooting, table tennis and through with all this cricket stuff. I’ve actu- Somerset,” Flower told the BBC. —Reuters Wednesday. Los Angeles has won eight straight home playoff other deals from each Summer Games. weightlifting. games dating to last season’s Stanley Cup clincher, but this one Under a revised formula announced by Group D is made up of canoe/kayaking, might have been the toughest. San Jose pressed the action IOC President Jacques Rogge, swimming equestrian, fencing, handball, field hockey, throughout the third period after Williams’ back-to-back goals put body FINA and gymnastics federation FIG sailing, taekwondo, triathlon and wrestling. the Sharks in a mid-game hole, but Quick and the Kings’ defense join the IAAF in Group A. One of the big los- Group E has modern pentathlon, golf and hung on for a win in Los Angeles’ first Game 7 at home since ers was modern pentathlon, which dropped rugby. Golf and rugby are new sports for Rio 1989. Williams scored on a power-play tap-in and a one-timer into a new Group E, the bottom rung. and were put in the bottom rung because 2:57 apart early in the second, putting the Kings on top to stay. The Association of Summer Olympic there is no way to gauge their revenue The veteran wing had an eight-game, goal-scoring drought, but International Federations, the umbrella impact. the two-time Stanley Cup winner has a knack for Game 7 heroics, group comprising all the sports, asked the According to Ryan, the sports which scoring nine points in his four career appearances in the decisive IOC to come up with the new groupings. moved up in the groupings were table ten- game. Quick and Los Angeles’ defense barely held off the Sharks Now it will be up to ASOIF to figure out how nis, badminton, boxing, judo, archery, shoot- in a frantic third period. Quick showed off his Conn Smythe to divvy up the money. ing and weightlifting. Moving down were Trophy form yet again, finishing the seven-game series by allow- “You are throwing a hot potato in our equestrian, handball, hockey and modern ing just 10 goals. hands,” Rogge told ASOIF President pentathlon. This series was even from the start, with neither team able to Francesco Ricci Bitti. “Now I am handing you Under the previous formula, the federa- take more than momentary control. The clubs were similarly equal back the hot potato.” tions in Group B received $22 million, with in the regular season, when the Kings’ 3-2 home victory over San While the IAAF is now expected to receive $16 million for Group C and $14 million for Jose in the finale pushed fifth-seeded Los Angeles ahead of the less than before, IAAF President Lamine Group D. Rogge said the London revenues of Sharks. That eventually led to the Kings starting a playoff series at Diack made clear he feels his sport remains $520 million represent a 75 percent increase home for the first time since 1992. Los Angeles opened with two the top draw at the Olympics and deserves from the $296 million from the 2008 Beijing home victories, stealing Game 2 with a pair of power-play goals in the greatest share. Games. The figure was $256 million for the the final minutes for the only major comeback of the series. The “Aquatics is a nice sport. Gymnastics is a 2004 Athens Olympics. Sharks responded with two solid 2-1 victories at home, keeping nice sport,” Diack said. “But you cannot com- Rogge said the IOC will pay out the last the Kings’ offense punchless away from Staples Center. —AP pare with athletics. We are the only sport installment of London revenues to the feder- which makes the games universal. We filled ations within a month once the financial Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf the stadium in London for nine days. The books are closed. —AP Pakistan umpire denies fixing LAHORE: Pakistan umpire Asad Rauf yester- The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dis- day denied spot-fixing allegations made tanced itself from the controversy, saying Pirelli delay race debut of against him during the Indian Premier Rauf was under ICC control and the event League, as Delhi’s sports ministry urged India’s was held in India, but assured action would powerful cricket chief to quit pending an be taken against him if the governing body revised Formula 1 tyres inquiry into the scandal. ordered it. Indian media accused Rauf of involvement Rauf, on the Elite Panel since 2006 with 48 in the fixing controversy engulfing the Tests, 98 one-day internationals and 23 LONDON: Pirelli have shelved plans for be approved by all the teams, unless the Champions Red Bull have been vocal in such as Lotus, Ferrari and Force India are megabucks Twenty20 competition and the Twenty20 internationals to his name, said he Formula One teams to race with new- governing International Automobile calling for the 2013 tyres to be made more against the changes because they have sport’s governing body pulled him from next had never been interested in fixing or back- specification tyres in Canada next week, a Federation (FIA) orders it on safety durable to reduce the number of pitstops got their cars working well with the com- month’s Champions Trophy amid reports he handers. company spokeswoman said yesterday. grounds - which has not been the case. and allow drivers to race harder. Others pounds. was under police investigation. “Fixing, illegal money and gifts have never She said the modified rear tyres would Pirelli have also come under fire for Media in India alleged Rauf had been in been my topic, nor my target. These allega- now be used only in Friday practice in carrying out a ‘secret’ tyre test in Spain contact with Bollywood actor Vindu Dara tions have no truth and this is all,” he said. Montreal for evaluation purposes, with with Mercedes after this month’s Spanish Singh Randhawa, arrested on charges of act- Rauf clarified his pull-out from the each team given two sets, with the hope Grand Prix. ing as middleman between bookies, players Champions Trophy, saying he was only with- that they could then be used in the race The matter has been referred to the and officials, but the 57-year-old Wednesday drawn from the tournament and not at the British Grand Prix at the end of FIA, who could pass it on to their interna- insisted he was innocent. removed from the panel of top umpires June. tional tribunal, after protests by Ferrari and “I vehemently deny allegations of match- approved to stand in Tests and one-day inter- “The regulations allow us to bring a Red Bull at last weekend’s Monaco Grand fixing, spot-fixing, taking gifts (from bookmak- nationals. “The ICC took the decision in the set of experimental tyres to Friday prac- Prix. Testing is banned during the season, ers) and any illegal money,” Rauf said at a press best interests of the game and for me, and I tice,” explained the spokeswoman. “We although Pirelli have it written into their conference in the eastern Pakistani city of accept that,” he said. decided to do it that way which gives contract that they can carry out a number Lahore, his first public statement since news Rauf is the second Pakistani umpire to everyone a chance to test them and of 1,000-km tests with a representative car. of the scandal broke. come under scrutiny in fixing after another ex- hopefully all agree.” Red Bull principal Christian Horner said “I am ready to face any inquiry if the ICC’s international panel umpire was banned for Pirelli want to restructure the tyres to Mercedes, winners in Monaco, had acted anti-corruption unit wants to conduct any.” four years in April following a sting operation incorporate a 2012-style inner belt made in an ‘underhand’ manner by not telling The investigations started on May 16 when by an Indian channel which showed him of kevlar, rather than steel, after a spate of others about the test. He suggested they Delhi police arrested three cricketers includ- agreeing to fix matches. Pakistan has a history failures caused by debris. had gained an advantage by running a ing Test fast bowler Shanthakumaran of match-fixing controversies. Three of their The supplier is keen to eliminate current car on tyres to be used later in the Sreesanth, accusing them of deliberately players-Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and ‘delaminations’ - where the tread separates MONACO: Lotus F1 Team’s French driver Romain Grosjean season. Pirelli have disputed that, saying bowling badly in exchange for tens of thou- Mohammad Aamer-were banned and jailed in from the body of the tyre without it deflat- drives with a damaged tyre during the third practice session at Mercedes did not know what they were sands of dollars during the lucrative IPL. a spot-fixing scandal in 2010. —AFP ing. However any change would have to the Circuit de Monaco in this file photo. —AFP testing. —Reuters THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 SPORTS LeBron gets more Photo of the day attention than he wants

NEW YORK: LeBron James likely did lated, and it wasn’t without some mer- with considerably less on the line. himself no favors with the refs by fuel- it. One came with two seconds left in Just before they tangled in last sea- ing the debate over flopping just the third quarter, after he collected a son’s Eastern Conference semifinals, ahead of Game 4. loose ball close to Indiana’s basket, Vogel labeled the Heat the “biggest Little more than 12 hours after he then swung both arms to protect it flopping team in the NBA.” breezily labeled the practice “not even from David West and grazed the “Flopping is a problem in this a bad thing, you’re just trying to get Pacers big man with his elbow. The league,” he continued. “Miami certain- the advantage,” the Miami Heat star contact in that instance seemed mini- ly has some guys who do a lot of it. I collected his sixth foul and took a seat mal. But when big bodies get just don’t think it’s good for the game on the bench with the game on the bounced around, James knows it’s the in general.” line and just under a minute left refs who have to sort it out. Vogel got slapped with a $15,000 against the Indiana Pacers. “It was a couple of calls I didn’t feel fine from the league, but with the James devoted the rest of his time were fouls, personal fouls on me,” he series tied 2-2 heading back to Miami, on the floor, and a few moments in his said, then tried to temper his com- that’s beginning to look like money interview session afterward, to grum- plaints. “That’s how the game goes well spent. This Heat-Pacers series has bling about the officials’ handiwork. sometimes.” been bruising at times, and while not “I didn’t believe it was an offensive Yet that’s not the way anyone in nearly as rugged or contentious as the foul,” he said about the last call. “I was the NBA, from commissioner David Heat-Bulls matchup in the last round, going to set a screen, and I felt like I Stern on down, wants the games to it’s kept the referees on their toes. was stationary. ... Lance (Stephenson, go - ever. Refereeing a sport where Wade leveled a forearm at the Pacers’ guard) actually ran into the court’s barely big enough to Stephenson’s head in Game 2 that me.” accommodate the ever-larger, more- wasn’t whistled at the time, because The call was made after James athletic players that crowd it is tough the refs missed it. The league office attempted to set a screen for team- enough. Too much contact requires reviewed the play, though, and subse- mate Dwyane Wayne at the top of the too many judgment calls, which quently slapped Wade with a flagrant key then stuck out his left leg to make results in too much controversy, even foul. Pacers fans have apparently been Michal Navratil of the Czech Republic dives from the 27.5 metre platform on the Saint Nicolas Tower it tougher for Stephenson to get when everybody is playing honest. following the back-and-forth almost during the opening training session of the first stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, La around him. For good measure, he That’s why the league came up as intently as the players, since they Rochelle, France. —www.redbullcontentpool.com also stepped on Stephenson’s foot. with its anti-flopping policy this sea- began chanting “Beat the Floppers” While you rarely see an illegal screen son - the same one James called not long after the opening tip. called late in a tight game, when attention to by suggesting, “It hasn’t Indiana raced out to an 11-0 lead, Stephenson stumbled to regain his been a problem for many guys at all.” but ultimately prevailed because they balance the officials were forced to In fairness, James was simply played smothering defense (Miami Meyer feared he had sort out the damage. Right after the answering questions about flopping, shot just 39 percent for the game), whistle, James put both hands to his which seemed to be the topic du jour controlled the paint on both ends head in a gesture that suggested both at both teams’ Tuesday morning (building a 50-32 edge in points there) surprise and disbelief. It was a little shootarounds. That’s probably and ran up a 49-30 edge in rebound- ruined career of Youngs late for both. That was his fourth foul because the Heat and Pacers have a ing. The six extra free-throw attempts in the final 12 minutes, and Indiana’s history in that regard. Indiana coach they picked up along the way (33-27) DURBAN: Heyneke Meyer feared he carrier, has lots of speed, a great feel back when he decided to make the soon-to-be-cemented 99-92 win Frank Vogel, like his Bulls’ counterpart didn’t hurt, either. had ruined Tom Youngs’ career when for the game and superb defence. “I change in position. “I think he can marked just the second time he’s Tom Thibodeau, is one of the best in “We knew we were going to take he persuaded the Englishman to knew he could make the conversion, achieve a lot more in his career, as he fouled out in a playoff game. This one the league at drawing up defenses their punches,” Indiana George Hill. switch from centre to hooker. The because he had the hunger to play at has all the attributes needed to suc- cost the Heat mightily. and tailoring them to choke off anoth- “And we knew we were going to have Springbok coach can probably rest highest level, was willing to listen and ceed at the top.” James actually had a beef with er team’s attack. They play rough just to throw punches back.” And trade the easy now. to work very hard to achieve his Youngs will be one of three hookers three more of the six fouls he accumu- about every time they meet, even Heat flop for flop, as well. —AP Youngs touched down in Hong dream.” in Australia along with Welshman Kong on Tuesday, one of 37 British and Meyer is quick to hand the credit Richard Hibbard and Ireland’s Rory Irish Lions preparing for Saturday’s for the success of the move to the hard Best in an evenly matched race for a match against the Barbarians before work put in by Youngs but says he has starting spot in the first test on June heading on for the tour of Australia. taken some satisfaction in watching 22 in Brisbane. His inclusion amongst the elite of how the player has grown into the Son of Nick, a former England the home nations almost certainly role. scrumhalf, and older brother to Ben, would not have happened had Meyer “I don’t want to take credit for this, who plays with him at Leicester, not arrived for a short spell in charge because he was the one who believed England and is also on the Lions tour, of English club side Leicester in 2008. in the move and, along with others, Youngs was initially farmed out to low- Meyer was convinced a move to made a success of it,” he said. er league club Nottingham to learn the middle of the front row would be a “However, when he was selected to the dark arts of the front row. better fit, Youngs agreed and both play for England, I got a letter from his He returned to Leicester in 2009 were proved right when the 26-year- parents thanking me for what I’ve and has enjoyed a meteoric rise, old went on to make his England done for him, which was a very special named English Premiership Player of debut in the number two shirt against moment in my career as I’ve coached the Year earlier this month and help- Fiji last November. thousands of players and to get a ing Leicester to a 10th title last week- “At first I was worried that I might thank you letter like that one, it stood end at Twickenham. have wrecked his career because oth- out. Youngs said he never thought ers didn’t necessarily believe in his “I’ve moved quite a few players in twice about following Meyer’s sugges- move to hooker, but Tom never my career, but what impressed me tion. “I never ever doubted the wis- stopped believing and kept on work- most about Tom was that he immedi- dom of making the move,” Youngs told ing hard to succeed,” Meyer told ately said ‘yes’ when we discussed his the Daily Telegraph last week. “I told Reuters in Durban. move from centre to hooker, because my dad that even if it meant that I nev- “Although I thought he would be a he wanted to play test rugby. er went back to Leicester it was still good centre, I knew he could be a “I was ecstatic when I heard he was the right thing to do. I’ve enjoyed the world class hooker, as he has all the selected for the British and Irish Lions whole journey. Mind you, I never attributes to succeed in that position. to tour Australia and I think it is just thought it would end here with the “He is mentally tough, a strong ball reward for a player that never looked Lions.” —Reuters

Clarke looks to Champions defence CARDIFF: Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke said yesterday should his side successfully defend their Sergio Parisse Champions Trophy one day title it would give them a huge boost ahead of taking England on in the Ashes Parisse leads strong series which follows. The 32-year-old is seeking a pick me up ahead of the Ashes next month side against Lions after a humiliating 4-0 test series loss to India which was also marked by serious splits in the squad which WELLINGTON: Italy captain Sergio baas and it is a big honour to be back Rowan Varty in his 23-man match day resulted in disciplinary action being Parisse said he wanted to give the again,” Parisse told reporters in Hong squad after he played in the taken against several players. British and Irish Lions an early taste of Kong on Tuesday. Barbarians 40-12 loss to England at Clarke - who is bidding to regain pressure after being named to lead “For any player, especially from Twickenham last Saturday. the Ashes after two successive losses - the Barbarians side in Saturday’s Italy, it is a great opportunity and I Barbarians: 15-Jared Payne (Ulster), says all his energies and his team’s will encounter in Hong Kong yesterday. know we have enough talent and skill 14-Joe Rokocoko (Bayonne and New be focussed on retaining the one day The inspirational number eight will among this group of players to put the Zealand), 13-Elliot Daly (London title they won in South Africa four lead the iconic invitational side which Lions under pressure.” Wasps), 12-Casey Laulala (Munster and years ago. has been stacked with internationals, Saracens hooker Schalk Brits was New Zealand), 11-Takudzwa Ngwenya The tournament runs from June 6- headlined by the likes of former All also named to play Warren Gatland’s (Biarritz and USA), 10-Nick Evans 23 in England and Wales while the Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko and fly- side, four years after he missed an (Harlequins and New Zealand), 9- five-Test Ashes series is in July-August. half Nick Evans. Coach Dai Young, opportunity to play the Lions in his Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz and France), 8- “I don’t think we as a team are focused three times a Lions tourist and a series native South Africa. Sergio Parisse (Stade Francais and on the Ashes at all at this stage,” said winner in Australia in 1989 and South “The year I joined Sarries in 2009 Italy), 7-Sam Jones (London Wasps), 6- Clarke, who is leading a largely inex- Africa in 1997, has selected Italy prop was the year that the Lions toured Samu Manoa (Northampton and USA), perienced test side. Martin Castrogiovanni in the front row South Africa so hopefully now I’ll have 5-Dean Mumm (Exeter Chiefs and “No doubt there’s a lot of build-up Michael Clarke along with Wales loosehead Paul that chance to play against them,” he Australia), 4-Marco Wentzel (London in regards to media and the public (experience of English conditions),” matches that we just played in India. James. told his club’s website, before adding Wasps and South Africa), 3-Martin back home. “I’m sure it’s the same here said Clarke. This group is very focused on what’s Former Lions utility back James he hoped to be facing club colleagues Castrogiovanni (Leicester and Italy), 2- in England. I certainly have no prob- “That’s the best preparation possi- in front of us. Hook, who had held out a slim hope Mako Vunipola and Matt Stevens in Schalk Brits (Saracens and South lems in speaking about it and hearing ble. Like I say, my focus is having suc- “We know how tough the Champions that he might make the party for the the front row on Saturday. Africa), 1-Paul James (Bath and Wales). about the Ashes because it’s a fantas- cess in this tournament right now. I’m Trophy tournament is and how tough tour of Australia, was named on the “Hopefully they’ll give me an easy Replacements: 16-Duncan Jones tic series that every Australian crick- not too concerned about the Ashes international one-day cricket is around Barbarians bench. ride but, let’s be honest, I don’t think (Ospreys and Wales), 17-Leonardo eter looks forward to.” right now.” Clarke said that he was no the world these days with teams being Former England centre Mike that will happen!” The Barbarians, who Ghiraldini (Treviso and Italy), 18-Jim Clarke also played down any fears longer dwelling on the India debacle. so close together. Tindall, who missed the 2005 Lions traditionally name an uncapped play- Hamilton (Gloucester and Scotland), England would be better prepared for “I certainly don’t want to look back “You know, it’s going to be a tough tour to New Zealand because of injury, er, have named three for the match at 19-Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz and the Ashes, thanks to beating an out- (at the tour),” said Clarke. “I think I’ve tournament, there’s no doubt about it. is also on the bench, while former Hong Kong Stadium with Ulster’s France), 20-Andrea Lo Cicero (Racing classed New Zealand side 2-0 in a had enough time over the past eight We know we’re going to have to be at Wallabies lock Dean Mumm will be out Jared Payne at fullback behind centre Metro and Italy), 21-Kahn Fotuali’i home test series which came to a cli- weeks to look back. It’s about looking our best and at this stage we’re cer- to strike an early blow or two for Elliot Daly and his Wasps team mate (Ospreys and Samoa), 22-James Hook max on Tuesday. forward. We’re here for a completely tainly very focused on making sure Australia. Sam Jones at openside flanker. (Perpignan and Wales), 23-Mike Tindall “I think if we win the Champions different tour, obviously a one-day we’re as prepared as we can be for “I played two years ago for the Baa- Young did not include Hong Kong’s (Gloucester and England). —Reuters Trophy it’ll be more than enough tournament as opposed to Test that first game.” —AFP McQuaid calls on Armstrong to tell all to UCI ST. PETERSBURG: Cycling federation presi- should come forward.” the federation has been accused of complici- time. There were no tests available for the said. “Maybe USADA and WADA should also dent Pat McQuaid is waiting for a visit and an McQuaid said Armstrong should also ty and cover-ups in his cheating. products. The UCI was not to blame. take some responsibility.” McQuaid said he apology from Lance Armstrong. McQuaid meet with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and But, in a wide-ranging interview with “Ten or 15 years ago, the armory was has invited USADA chief executive Travis said Armstrong should travel to UCI head- World Anti-Doping Agency to provide full reporters on the sideline of the SportAccord much weaker. Today we are spending 7.5 mil- Tygart for talks in Switzerland. Tygart, who has quarters in Switzerland to tell all about his details on how he cheated to win the Tour de Convention, McQuaid repeatedly defended lion euros ($9.6 million) a year on testing. We been one of the UCI’s harshest critics, has doping history and offer to help clean up the France seven times. The American was himself, the UCI and former president Hein are not spending 7.5 million euros ($9.6 mil- accepted and a date for the meeting is being sport. stripped of all the titles last year after admit- Verbruggen. lion) to let cheats get away.” arranged, McQuaid said. “He should jump on his private plane, ting to doping. “I do not think the UCI made mistakes,” the McQuaid said the UCI tested Armstrong The UCI head claimed he never suspected come to Switzerland and say, ‘What should I “Everyone accepts he has not come clean,” Irish official said. “The facts show the UCI was 200 times between 1999 and 2005, while Armstrong was cheating during his domi- do?’” McQuaid told reporters. “He still hasn’t McQuaid said. “He should sit down and work always the most advanced federation in the USADA tested him 12 times during that peri- nance of the Tour de France, saying he had apologized to the sport of cycling. If he has with us.” McQuaid and the UCI have come fight against doping. The problem was the od. been inspired by the rider’s comeback from information that is valuable to the sport he under fire for failing to catch Armstrong and products that couldn’t be tested for at the “All the blame has been put on the UCI,” he cancer. —AP THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 SPORTS19 Relegation no obstacle to new Premier League job

LONDON: Having a relegation on your since he took over in 2009 but having a the vacant Stoke City job despite fail- the odds on Stoke being relegated sion,” Crilly added. Villa sacked him a CV might not seem the best thing for manager who eventually lost a drop- ing spectacularly at Queens Park next season to 3-1 fifth favorites. year later after flirting with the drop. the employment prospects of aspiring zone dog fight is not exactly what Rangers on a big budget, getting “That’s the shortest price for relegation Premier League boards rarely seem to Premier League managers but it does sixth-placed Everton covet. sacked in November and leaving such since their first season back in the top look at trophy cabinets these days not seem to be hampering their The Liverpool-based side, who have a mess that even experienced hand flight. The Hughes rumour has hardly when selecting new coaches. chances of a plum job. lost long-term manager David Moyes Harry Redknapp could not stop relega- set the market alight,” William Hill’s Joe Rafael Benitez was only ever seen as Roberto Martinez is being courted to Manchester United after Alex tion. Former Wales manager Hughes Crilly told Reuters. “Given what hap- an interim appointment at Chelsea by high-flying Everton despite presid- Ferguson’s retirement, are keen to was previously fired by Manchester pened at QPR, the Stoke fans would be despite a European Cup, Club World ing over Wigan Athletic’s drop to the push on for the top four and the City in 2009 and left mid-table Fulham on his back straight away.” Cup, two Spanish titles, an FA Cup and second tier after they conceded a joint- Champions League places next term in 2011 because he said they did not Experience of the English top flight a UEFA Cup on his rÈsumÈ before land- worst 73 goals in 38 league games. on a limited budget. meet his ambition. or a similarly high-pressured European ing the Europa League with the Blues They have won plaudits for their Martinez’s emphasis on an attrac- Stoke had become a solid if mostly league seems the most important fac- and then leaving for Napoli. attacking play and lifted their first tive passing game and his eye for a dour top-flight outfit under Tony Pulis tor when boards are assessing candi- Moyes excelled by keeping Everton major trophy with an FA Cup triumph transfer bargain in far flung corners of before his seven-year reign ended last dates, with young up-and-coming in the upper echelons of the Premier over Manchester City but Martinez the world like Central America are like- week with the board wanting to take a coaches from the lower divisions rarely League for much of his 11 years in being so sought after has bemused ly to be plus points for Everton. different direction. considered. charge but did not win any silverware, some Wigan fans, who have taken to “I will speak with Roberto in the Cynical fans are hoping the club’s Indeed, appointing a manager in stark contrast to new employers social media to celebrate his exit. next 48 hours,” Everton chairman Bill new direction if Hughes is handed the whose most recent record is dire is not Manchester United. “Martinez sent us down and left. Kenwright told Sky Sports News yester- job won’t be down. They have already a new development in the Premier Moyes’ original appointment at Good riddance,” wrote one fan on day. “He is on the list. No more than on been protesting against the League. Many Villa fans were aghast Everton, where he was plucked from Twitter after the Spaniard asked to the list. “There’s no way I or anyone can Welshman’s possible appointment, when the club named Alex McLeish as English second tier side Preston North leave on Tuesday. say we will get it right.” with one supporter parking his van their new boss in 2011 despite his hav- End after modest success, is unlikely to The 39-year-old, who turned down It is not just Martinez who could be with a giant “Hughes out” sign in the ing led local rivals Birmingham City to be mirrored any time soon if the recy- Aston Villa two years ago, had engi- rewarded despite failure in the Premier Britannia Stadium car park. relegation from the top flight weeks cling of Premier League managers neered a series of relegation escapes League. Mark Hughes is favorite for Bookmakers William Hill have cut earlier. “That was just a bizarre deci- remains in vogue.—Reuters Porto thrive in big-money moves LISBON: Many European clubs will envy League and Europa League. One of their first Porto’s track record over the last decade, dur- sales of the decade was Portugal striker Helder ing which they have reaped more than half a Postiga to Tottenham for nine million euros in billion euros ($650 million) from player trans- 2003. fers while keeping their competitive edge Postiga failed to thrive in London but Porto sharp. were undaunted. They sold Anderson to Porto’s sales of Joao Moutinho and James Manchester United for some 30 million euros, Rodriguez to Monaco for 70 million euros last Colombian striker Falcao to Atletico Madrid week were the latest in a long series of big- and Brazilian Hulk to Zenit St. Petersburg for money moves and few in Portugal were sur- 40 million euros each, to name just a few. prised by their scale. Porto have dug into the South American “We are used to seeing this from Porto in pool of talent in particular, carefully picking the last 10 years or so: excellence in elevating talent, developing it and then collecting the players’ quality,” Portuguese League boss profit. Mario Figueiredo told Reuters. “The secret for a small country like us to Figueiredo said Portugal was, between stay up there with the very best is to be highly 2001 and 2011, the only European Union professional and nurture talent,” said country with a positive net balance in player Figueiredo. trade, with sales of some one billion euros and Behind the success lay basic economic rea- a 400-million-euro surplus. “We have become soning: buy low and sell high. “This happens a stepping stone for talent from several South all throughout the value chain, not just with American countries, not just from Brazil but Porto and Benfica but also with clubs like also Colombia and Argentina,” Figueiredo said. Braga and Maritimo and in the lower leagues.” Debt-laden Portugal wants to export its The rise of big-spending Russian oligarchs way out its economic crisis and its football such as Chelsea’s Roman Abramovich and now clubs, at least, seem to have listened. Monaco’s Dmitry Rybolovlev has also helped If you deduct what Porto paid for their later clubs such as Porto to find demand for their resold players, they pocketed some 400 mil- shiny talent. lion euros in transfer gains over the decade, In 2004 alone, Abramovich spent more Expresso weekly reported, and did so while than 60 million euros on three players - winning the league almost every year. Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Tiago - Porto have been champions in eight of the who moved from Porto to Stamford Bridge last 10 seasons and also won the Champions with coach Jose Mourinho. — Reuters BOGOTA: Colombia’s Santa Fe player Wilder Medina (right) vies for the ball with Peru’s Garcilaso player Rolando Bogado during their Copa Libertadores 2013 football match. —AFP Santa Fe rout Garcilaso

BUENOS AIRES: Striker Jefferson Cuero ally settling the tie with a 3-1 win in last defender Ivan Santillan was sent off in the scored with a brilliant lob as Independiente week’s first leg in Cusco. 75th. Santa Fe advanced to their second Cuero caught Garcilaso goalkeeper Diego Garcilaso, founded only four years ago, Libertadores Cup semi-final with a 2-0 win Carranza off his line in the seventh minute had earned a surprise place in the quarter- over debutants Real Garcilaso in Bogota on with a lob from 25 metres that went in off the finals by eliminating former champions Tuesday. underside of the crossbar to snuff out any Nacional of Uruguay on penalties in the last The Colombian side, whose only previous hope the Peruvian side had of turning the tie 16. semi-final was in 1961, completed a 5-1 their way. The semi-finals and final will be played in aggregate quarter-final victory over the Midfielder John Valencia added Santa Fe’s July after a break for the Confederations Cup Peruvians at their El Campin home after virtu- second goal in the 66th minute and Garcilaso in Brazil next month.—Reuters

PORT LOUIS: The President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter (left) is received by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Blatter is in Mauritius to attend the Bid to solve 63rd FIFA Congress which takes place today. —AFP Palestinian sports FIFA highlights reforms, dispute with Israel Blatter salary a secret PORT LOUIS: FIFA president Sepp Blatter promised Palestinians yesterday that soccer’s world governing body PORT LOUIS: FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s “Whatever Jack Warner and Chuck Blazer are would help put an end to the long-running problems with salary remained a secret yesterday while the saying to me now is worthless because they Israel that severely restrict sport in the territories. money-spinning world football body still have obviously over an extended period of time Blatter, who went to the region two years ago to try to backed its reform process and insisted it was abused the system.” help improve the relationship between the Palestinians and becoming more financially transparent. Blazer, a former secretary general of CONCA- Israel, was applauded by delegates at a conference of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Mauritius before FIFA’s A day after FIFA said a debate over restrict- CAF and FIFA’s most senior American official for Congress starting today. ing the age and number of terms of officials years before he left his position on the execu- Blatter told AFC delegates he was aware of what he called would be put off until at least next year, the tive this month, has been temporarily banned “this touchy problem”, adding: “I can confirm I will help, FIFA earnings of its leaders were also still off limits from all football amid accusations he embez- will help. It’s a problem of football. We will help you and this ahead of the annual congress in Mauritius on zled at least $21 million. Warner resigned in will be done. It’s not a promise it’s a will — and where there’s BRAZIL: Brazilian national football team players Neymar (right) and David Luz Thursday and Friday. 2011 after being accused - by whistle-blower a will there’s way.” The tensions between the neighbours have take part in a training session at the military school in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil will Domenico Scala, a Swiss industrialist Blazer - of trying to bribe people to vote for been exacerbated as the start of UEFA’s European Under-21 face England in a friendly match on June 2. —AFP brought in to be FIFA’s top financial watchdog another disgraced official, Mohamed bin Championship, being staged in four Israeli cities next month, and lead its new audit and compliance commit- Hammam, in that year’s leadership contest approaches. Neymar admits to nerves tee, said he knew how much money Blatter against Blatter. Last week UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino said made but would not reveal it. Yet with its stories of high-powered corrup- after its Congress in London that European soccer’s governing ahead of joining Barcelona “It is not my role to disclose it,” Scala said at a tion, FIFA, which has an annual income of over body was within its rights to award the tournament to Israel beachside hotel on the Indian Ocean island. $1 billion, is still listed as a nonprofit organiza- and would not consider moving it. But Jibril Rajoub, president “The decision to disclose salaries is part of the tion, leading critics to insist the earnings and of the Palestine FA and Palestine Olympic Committee, said the RIO DE JANEIRO: Barcelona-bound Confederations Cup,” said Neymar who process we have ... and part of the role of the any bonuses of its executive and directors situation had worsened since Blatter and International Brazil forward Neymar has been feeling will have to live up to a price tag estimat- FIFA executive committee. You will definitely should be made public. Scala, who has been Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Jacques Rogge visited the nervous ahead of his blockbuster trans- ed at about 74 million Brazilian Real not get the salary from me. You will have to get praised for his work in reforming some of FIFA’s region on separate occasions in 2011 and 2010. At Rajoub’s fer to the Spanish champions once he ($35.82 million) by local media. the salary from him.” financial processes in the past year, said reality request there will be an open debate on the situation at the has finished playing in the “That’s what’s most important - win- Blatter has reportedly referred questions dictated that FIFA was less comparable to other FIFA Congress on Friday. Confederations Cup in June. The 21-year- ning Brazil that title,” added Brazil’s over his earnings and bonuses to Scala, and nonprofits. Palestinians are angry that Israel’s security forces, who con- old, who is leaving Santos, juggled a ball World Cup hope, donning new orange hinted in the past that it was just over $1 mil- “It is an association, I agree, but it has an eco- trol movement between Gaza and the West Bank, frequently briefly under a spotlight in a darkened boots being unveiled by Nike for lion. It’s believed to be much more than that. nomic reality,” Scala said. “We are talking about prevent athletes from travelling freely between the two areas. warehouse by the port of Rio de Janeiro reporters. Making public earnings of top FIFA officials - billions. You know that.” The situation is not restricted to Palestinians. As a full on Tuesday and then talked about his A Brazilian soccer federation especially the decision-making executive com- As well as remuneration transparency, FIFA member of FIFA and the AFC, the Palestine FA has started to future after a long, fitful courtship with spokesman said Neymar was expected to mittee - was one of the recommendations of also hasn’t apparently made any progress on hold more regional tournaments but the Israelis are stopping several European suitors. fly to Spain early next week for his official law professor Mark Pieth’s expert panel after calls for independent advisers to be allowed to athletes from third countries entering the West Bank. those advisers were brought in by FIFA after sit on its executive committee, while limiting Before Barca finally clinched a deal presentation with Barca before returning Recently two teenagers from Myanmar were stuck in last weekend, other major European by midweek to train with Brazil in prepa- recent scandals involving corruption and finan- the age and number of terms for top officials Jordan for a week awaiting clearance so they could play in an cial misconduct. was effectively dropped from the congress teams, had for the past two years sought ration for the Confederations Cup. Under-17 tournament before eventually been granted access to lure him away from the Brazilian club Despite Neymar’s success at Santos, FIFA said “key management personnel” agenda on Tuesday by the executive commit- to the Palestinian territories. After yesterday’s meeting, shared $33.5 million in bonuses and perks in tee, which said the limits would be debated Rajoub told Reuters: “It’s crazy what the Israelis are doing. where he started his career. where his speed and skills have attracted 2012, and Pieth’s reformers have pushed for again in 2014. In comparison, the IOC has age They should be asked either to respect and accept the “What I feel are chills in my stomach,” global attention, he has yet to perform more openness over remuneration of top fig- and term limits and its president, Jacques statutes or pay the price. I am talking about free access and the gazelle-like forward said referring to consistently at the same high level on ures as one of three key reforms that won’t now Rogge, doesn’t draw a salary. Despite the free movement for both athletes and sports instructors and his impending move before adding that the international stage. be adopted at the annual congress in Mauritius. absence of those three principles at world foot- experts from abroad. the nerves would not distract him from He needs to find his best form at the Scala also described as “horrible” an ethics ball’s ruling body, FIFA and Scala say some of “We just want to enjoy sport like the rest of the associa- the Confederations Cup. Confederations Cup to help dispel con- report from CONCACAF into alleged long-run- the work since the troubled 2011 congress and tions.” Asked whether IOC and FIFA intervention had helped, The tournament being played in six cerns about his ability to play under ning corruption by United States official Chuck World Cup hosting votes should be praised, he said: “No. The situation is deteriorating. They have to cities in his home nation is a warm-up pressure and to encourage local fans Blazer and disgraced former CONCACAF presi- especially the strengthening of FIFA’s own recognise reality on the ground and Palestine is a member of before Brazil hosts the World Cup finals hoping Brazil can improve on recent dent Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago. ethics committee. Scala said FIFA needed time both FIFA and the IOC and accepts all of the standards and next year. lacklustre performances as they prepare “It doesn’t say anything positive,” he added. to change. —AP statutes of FIFA.” —Reuters “Right now the focus is the for the World Cup. —Reuters Phillies and FIFA highlights Rays roll reforms, Blatter salary a secret

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 16 19 Squash, baseball, wrestling on 2020 shortlist Page 17

MADRID: Spanish matador Daniel Luque performs a pass on a bull during a bullfight of the San Isidro Feria at the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid. — AFP Federer, Serena show no mercy

PARIS: Roger Federer won his 56th French Open match recovered from squandering five set points in the ninth while Serena Williams racked up a 26th consecutive win as game. the former champions showed no mercy to hapless oppo- Spanish men’s fourth seed David Ferrer, a semi-finalist in nents at Roland Garros yesterday. Federer, the second 2012, also made the third round, beating compatriot seed, trounced Indian qualifier Somdev Devvarman, Albert Montanes, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3. ranked 188 in the world, 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 and next faces In the women’s event, double Australian Open champi- France’s Julien Benneteau. on Victoria Azarenka cruised into the second round. Third- It was Federer’s most one-sided win in Paris since he seeded Azarenka clinched a 6-1, 6-4 win over Elena beat Belgium’s Kristof Vliegen in the first round in 2004, Vesnina-her fifth win in five matches against the experi- also for the loss of just four games. enced Russian — and will next face German 19-year-old The Swiss great’s latest French Open victory took him to Annika Beck, the 2012 junior champion, for a place in the 56, just two behind the tournament record held jointly by third round. Guillermo Vilas and Nicola Pietrangeli. Roland Garros has been Azarenka’s least successful “It’s great that all the work is paying off and I hope to Grand Slam. Having reached at least the semi-finals of the keep experiencing this as long as possible,” said the 2009 other three majors, the 23-year-old’s best run in Paris saw champion. Women’s top seed Williams cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 her make the last eight in 2009 and 2011. win over French teenager Caroline Garcia, conceding just But she was relatively untroubled on Wednesday seven points on her serve. against Vesnina, with whom she reached the final of the The 31-year-old American, who will face Romania’s women’s doubles in 2009. Sorana Cristea, the 26th seed, for a place in the last 16, has “It felt good to be on the court after getting cancelled dropped just four games in two rounds. yesterday,” said Azarenka in reference to Tuesday’s rain-hit “I felt I was doing well, being serious and getting the schedule. job done,” said Williams. “I like the clay here, I like to slide.” Polish fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanksa, who has nev- Her 26th consecutive win in 2013 is only nine behind the er got beyond the fourth round, eased past Mallory record of 35 set by sister Venus in 2000. In stark contrast, Burdette of the United States 6-3, 6-2. Danish 10th seed Caroline Wozniacki, a former world num- She had been scheduled to tackle her sister for a place ber one, went down 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 to Serbian world number in the last 16, but Urszula Radwanska, who put out Venus 47 Bojana Jovanovski, who had defeated her in Rome two Williams in the first round, crashed out 6-3, 6-3 to German weeks ago. qualifier Dinah Pfizenmaier, the world number 127. Wozniacki had only snapped a five-match losing streak Former champions, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Ana in the first round in Paris when she beat Britain’s Laura Robson. “It hasn’t been the best clay season this year,” she Ivanovic also went into the third round. Kuznetsova saw off Magdalena Rybarikova, 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 while Ivanovic beat PARIS: Switzerland’s Roger Federer stretches to hit the ball against India’s Somdev Devvarman during their French admitted. Tennis Open match at the Roland Garros stadium. — AFP “I guess it’s good that it’s the last tournament.” Sixth- Mathilde Johansson, 6-2, 6-2. — AFP seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, cruised past Finnish veteran Jarkko Nieminen, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-3 as he continues his campaign to become France’s first men’s champion in 30 Pacers leave it late to see off Heat years. Tsonga, a quarter-finalist last year when he squandered INDIANAPOLIS: Roy Hibbert had 23 points But with Indiana leading 81-72 early in Miami posed as they had in the first two rebound, Indiana went on a 7-0 run to four match points against Novak Djokovic, next faces com- and 12 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers the fourth, Miami answered with a 14-2 run games of this series. When Miami used a 9-0 retake the lead and Miami never tied it patriot Jeremy Chardy. charged back late to beat the Miami Heat that gave the Heat an 86-83 lead. Indiana run to take a 60-54 lead early in the third again. This was not the same Miami team “I’m French, it’s in France, and of course there may be a 99-92 on Tuesday and level the Eastern leveled the score with Paul George’s three- quarter, Indiana answered immediately that dominated Indiana in Game 3. Nor was bit more pressure, but for me it’s positive,” said Tsonga. Compatriot Gael Monfils, a semi-finalist in 2008, won a Conference finals at 2-2. point play and erased the Miami lead by with a 10-0 run to regain the lead. When it the same Pacers defense that got overrun thrilling contest against in-form but unpredictable Latvian LeBron James led the Heat with 24 closing the game on a 16-6 run. Indiana was James committed an offensive foul with 2 by James and his teammates two nights Ernests Gulbis, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 and next faces points before fouling out with 56 seconds desperate — and it showed. seconds left in the third quarter, his first earlier. Spanish veteran Tommy Robredo. to go. Mario Chalmers had 20 points on a Bodies crashed to the ground all night. turnover since the end of Game 2, the Miami struggled to score early, Dwyane Wildcard Monfils was playing his 12th match in 17 days night the defending NBA champs failed to An angry George uncharacteristically Pacers got a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Wade was limping noticeably in the first after reaching the final in Nice last weekend. “I don’t think take command of the series. The Heat will smacked the floor after being called for a Stephenson to make it 77-70. half and forward Chris Bosh hurt his right about fatigue, I just hope to be ready for my next match,” host Game 5 today. foul in the third quarter, leading to a techni- Even as the Heat rallied in the fourth, knee in the first half and his right ankle in said the 26-year-old who hit 29 winners and 33 unforced “We’re not going anywhere. We’re going cal foul on coach Frank Vogel. And the charging back from an 81-72 deficit to take the second. The Big Three combined to go errors. back down to Miami to go out there and defense did a far better job against James an 86-83 lead, the Pacers answered. George just 14 of 39 from the field. Gulbis finished with 52 winners but an ugly 69 errors. In fight again,” Hibbert said. Lance Stephenson and his high-scoring teammates. James fin- tied the score on a three-point play on Indiana, meanwhile, reverted to its more a match played in a fine spirit, Monfils even whipped his added 20 points for the Pacers, who started ished 8 of 18 from the field. But the Pacers which James committed his fourth foul. Ray traditional style. The Pacers had a 49-30 mobile phone from his bag at the end of the third set to fast and spent the rest of the night trying to did not get rattled. Allen broke the deadlock with a 3 from the rebounding advantage and outscored film the crowd giving him a standing ovation after he had fend off Miami’s continual comebacks. Instead, they answered every challenge left wing, but after corralling rebound after Miami in the paint 50-32. — AP China’s fresh graduates enter tight job market Page 25

Switzerland frees banks to Business settle US tax evasion cases THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 Page 23 Xerox encourages Europe remains threat to world economy: OECD regional businesses to ‘Drive for Digital’ Page 22 Page 26

TOKYO: Some 2,500 members of the Japan Fisheries Cooperatives (JF) raise their fists in the air to protest against rising fuel prices caused by weak Japanese yen, at a rally yesterday.— AFP Liberty Reserve ‘bank of choice for criminal underworld’ $6bn fraud probe targets digital currency NEW YORK: Calling it perhaps the biggest “Completely Made Up City, New York,” and was no public record of their arraignments Liberty Reserve accounts. “The irony of this money laundering scheme in US history, then conduct transactions he recorded as on Friday night, and there was no immedi- is I went to them because of the security,” federal prosecutors charged seven people “ATM skimming network” and “for the ate response to phone messages left Rossetti said. “All sales were final.” Bluechips lift Qatar Tuesday with running what amounted to cocaine.” “The coin of the realm was Tuesday with their attorneys. Of the three Liberty Reserve appears to have played an online, underworld bank that handled anonymity,” Bharara said. “It was the oppo- remaining defendants, one was in custody an important role in laundering proceeds to new 28-mth high $6 billion for drug dealers, child pornogra- site of a know-your-customer policy.” in Costa Rica and the others were at large from the recent theft of some $45 million phers, identity thieves and other criminals The network charged a 1 percent fee on there. from two Middle Eastern banks, according MIDEAST STOCK MARKET around the globe. The case was aimed at transactions through middlemen known A notice pasted across Liberty Reserve’s to documents made public by US authori- Liberty Reserve, a currency transfer and as exchangers, who converted real curren- website Tuesday morning said the domain ties earlier this month. In that scheme, DUBAI: Qatar’s bluechips helped lift the bourse to a payment processing company based in cy into virtual funds and then back into “has been seized by the United States thieves stole debit card information and new 28-month high yesteerday, while most other Costa Rica that authorities say allowed cus- cash. In the indictment, prosecutors called Global Illicit Financial Team.” Attempts to then used it to drain cash from thousands Gulf markets also gained. Doha’s index climbed 1 tomers to move money anonymously from the network “one of the principal means by reach Liberty Reserve by phone and email of ATMs around the world in a matter of percent to its highest close since January 2011. The one account to another via the Internet which cyber criminals around the world were unsuccessful. Budovsky and Kats hours. market is up 9.6 percent in 2013, underperforming with almost no questions asked. distribute, store and launder proceeds of have previous convictions on state charges As part of the Liberty Reserve investiga- other regional bourses. “Qatar has been lagging the US officials said the enterprise was stag- their illegal activity ... including credit card related to an unlicensed money transmit- tion, authorities raided 14 places in gering in scope: Over roughly seven years, fraud, identity theft, investment fraud, ting business, according to court papers. Panama, Switzerland, the US, Sweden and region and a catch up play is in order,” said Ahmed Liberty Reserve processed 55 million illicit computer hacking, child pornography and After that case, they decided to move their Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, investigators Shehada, head of trading at Qatar National Bank transactions worldwide for 1 million users, narcotics trafficking.” operation to Costa Rica, the papers said. recovered five luxury cars, including three Financial Services. including 200,000 in the US. The network Bharara said it was possibly “the largest In an online chat captured by law Rolls-Royces. Bharara said authorities also Dubai’s measure is up 44 percent and Abu Dhabi “became the bank of choice for the crimi- international money laundering case ever enforcement, Kats admitted Liberty seized Liberty’s computer servers in Costa has gained 34 percent in 2013. Kuwait is so far the nal underworld,” US Attorney Preet Bharara brought by the United States.” Budovsky Reserve was illegal and noted that authori- Rica and Switzerland. second-best regional performer with 2013 gains at said in announcing the unsealing of an and another defendant, identified as ties in the United States knew it was “a The businesses that were raided in 41.7 percent. Doha’s developer of The Pearl project, indictment against the defendants, includ- Azzeddine el Amine, were arrested Friday money-laundering operation that hackers Costa Rica on Friday as part of the investi- United Development (UDC) jumped 6.9 percent, ing Liberty Revenue founder Arthur at a Madrid airport while trying to return use.” While authorities described Liberty gation into Liberty Reserve are dedicated extending year-to-date gains to 21.9 percent. Budovsky, an American who renounced his to Costa Rica, according to a Spanish court Reserve as being rife with criminals, the to Web hosting services, website develop- “UDC will be mandated for a lot of infrastructure US citizenship after deciding to set up in official, who spoke on condition of site’s ease of use, low fees and irreversible ment and Internet business consulting. In and government jobs. With the pension fund com- Costa Rica. anonymity because court policy forbids transactions that deterred fraud also Costa Rica, all online businesses are legal ing in as a partner, the company is now under the Liberty Reserve allowed users to open him from speaking on the record. They attracted legitimate users. and there aren’t any laws regulating them, close monitoring of the government,” Shehada accounts using fictitious names, including were ordered jailed while they await a Mitchell Rossetti, whose Houston-based so the country has been attracting entre- added. UDC sold shares worth 1.6 billion riyals “Russian Hacker” and “Hacker Account.” An hearing on extradition to the US. ePayCards.com was one of several main- preneurs setting up Internet-based com- ($439.41 million) to General Retirement and Social undercover investigator was able to regis- Two other men, including Liberty stream merchants that accepted Liberty panies that do everything from e-com- Insurance Authority last year, making it a strategic ter using the name “Joe Bogus” and the Reserve co-founder Vladimir Kats, were Reserve’s online-only currency, said his merce to gambling banned in other coun- partner. address “123 Fake Main Street” in arrested last week in New York City. There business still had about $28,000 tied up in tries. — AP Qatar National Bank rose 1.9 percent to an all- time high of 146 riyals and Gulf International Services climbed 4.5 percent, back at June 2008 lev- els. In Dubai, the measure climbed 0.7 percent, up UAE says oil price fair for all for a third consecutive session. The market failed to break last week’s 43-month peak. Builder Arabtec jumped 7.7 percent to 2 dirhams VIENNA: OPEC, enjoying oil at just over $100 great, balanced -inventories are balanced,” day. “It’s been sustained for some time with- concern of a looming market share battle in per share after an announcement by the company a barrel, looks set to keep its output policy on influential Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said out impacting the economics of the produc- Asia. Saudi Arabia and the UAE were first to that its shares are trading ex-rights from yesterday a steady course for 2013. Saudi Arabia, its top on Tuesday. ers and the countries that are buying the arrive in Vienna, with Iraq, Ecuador and eased dilution worries among investors. oil producer, has already set the stage for a And while the price of oil by historical crude. It also encourages investment in future Venezuela expected later yesterday. The Shareholders as of end of May 30 will be eligible for swift and easy deal when oil ministers meet standards is expensive, it is well below the supply,” said Mazroui, attending his first meet- remaining ministers are due today. a June rights issue subscription, which aims to raise on Friday and are expected to retain a 30-mil- $125 that rang alarms in major consumer ing of OPEC. Some within OPEC are concerned about capital by $650 million. lion barrel-a-day output target. “Let me tell countries last year. “The current price is fair Triple digit oil has also encouraged devel- the potential for both slow global growth and you this, this is the best environment for the and reasonable,” UAE Oil Minister Suhail Bin opment of US shale oil, some of which is a dramatic rise in US shale oil to send prices “A lot of speculative investors were waiting for market. Supplies are plentiful, demand is Mohammed Al-Mazroui told Reuters yester- among the most costly in the world to pro- tumbling. The International Energy Agency the time they don’t have to be committed to the duce and competes with OPEC’s crude. But forecast this month US shale oil supply will rights issue and not face the risk of dilution,” said Saudi Arabia - holder of most spare capacity help meet most of the world’s new demand in Fadi Al-Said, head of investments at ING Investment US fines Total $398m in the Organization of the Petroleum the next five years, leaving little space for Management. “The pent up demand is catching up, Exporting Countries - shows no sign of open- OPEC to lift output without risking lower especially since Arabtec was underperforming other ing the taps to bring down prices and curtail prices. “We’re heading for a problem in 2014 stocks in Dubai.” Some analysts say the stock is over bribes in Iran that output by making it uneconomic. and we’ll probably have to make a supply cut,” catching up to an adjusted fair value price on the OPEC, which dismissed it as of little con- said a senior OPEC source. “And if OPEC were stock of 2.24 dirhams. WASHINGTON: French oil giant Total has lengthy probe, and in tandem Wednesday cern a year ago, does not hold a common proactive, we’d start to look seriously at indi- Abu Dhabi’s benchmark rose 1.2 percent. In Saudi been fined $398.2 million to resolve French authorities recommended that Total, position on shale. While Saudi’s Naimi wel- vidual production allocations.” But the group Arabia, dairy firm Almarai surged 5.7 percent to an charges it bribed officials in Iran to secure the company’s chairman and chief execu- comes it, his Nigerian counterpart Diezani that pumps a third of the world’s oil is not eight-month high after the firm said it plans to raise oil and gas concessions, US authorities tive be prosecuted for violating French Alison-Madueke has said it will have a “major known for contingency plans. OPEC delegates its capital by 50 percent to 6 billion riyals ($1.6 bil- announced yesterday. Total was fined bribery laws, the department said. Total impact.” Nigeria, along with Algeria, has now say this meeting will not be electing a lion) through a bonus share issue. $245.2 million by the Department of Justice agreed to pay the fines under a deferred already felt the heat from the US oil boom, new secretary general - stuck in a logjam of The company will distribute a bonus share for for violations of the Foreign Corrupt prosecution agreement which requires the losing ground in its most lucrative export competing candidates from Iran, Iraq and every two shares already held. Samba Financial Practices Act (FCPA), while the Securities company over the next three years to retain market and diverting sales to Asia. Fast-grow- Saudi Arabia - but will merely approve the cri- Group rose 3.2 percent, helping lift the banking and Exchange Commission penalized it an independent corporate compliance ing exporter Iraq is also fighting for more teria for prospective candidates to come for- index by 1.1 percent. Banks are expected to post another $153 million in disgorgement and monitor and to implement controls to pre- Asian market share, undercutting regional ward. And unable for several years to agree strong earnings growth in the second quarter. The interest in the case. The charges stemmed vent violations of the FCPA. “Today’s rival Saudi Arabia. individual output quotas, it may need to allo- kingdom’s benchmark climbed 0.4 percent to hit a from some $60 million in bribes that Total deferred prosecution agreement, with both The United Arab Emirates is the only oth- cate them if required to cut back heavily and fresh one-year high. Elsewhere, Kuwait’s measure intermediaries paid Iranian officials its punitive and forward-looking compli- er OPEC member with significant growth share out reductions. Until then, Saudi Arabia declined 0.3 percent, easing off Tuesday’s 53-month between 1995 and 2004 to obtain the rights ance provisions, dovetails with our goals of plans. It has the ability to pump 3 million has assumed the role of market manager - high. In Egypt, the main benchmark lost 1.3 percent, to develop several oil and gas fields, the bringing violators to justice and preventing barrels per day (bpd) and plans to increase deftly trimming back or raising supply to halting a two-session gain as local investors sold Justice Department said. US authorities future misconduct,” said US Attorney Neil capacity to 3.5 million bpd by 2017, said keep markets in balance and oil at around shares. — Reuters worked together with French officials in the MacBride. — AFP Mazroui. But the minister brushed off any $100 a barrel.— Reuters THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 BUSINESS

Europe remains threat Japan bullet train deal to crown India sales package to world economy: OECD TOKYO: India is seen set to use Japanese said. bullet train technology for a high-speed The pledges will come on top of a connection between Mumbai and March offer of a 71 billion yen loan Ahmedabad, a report said yesterday, the towards the construction of an under- OECD slashes forecast again centrepiece of a huge package of infra- ground rail network in Mumbai. structure sales. Prime Minister Shinzo Japanese media have said the two sides PARIS: The recession in Europe risks the euro-zone in its report six months lic debt financing requirements Austerity measures have inflicted Abe and his Indian counterpart will agree on drafting a master plan for threatening the world’s economic ago - and this time last year, it forecast and exit risks.” severe economic pain and sparked Manmohan Singh will issue a joint state- new infrastructure in southern India, recovery, a leading international body growth of nearly 1 percent for 2013. Meanwhile, the euro-zone’s 12.1 social unrest across the continent. ment at a summit later in the day giving which could see Japanese know-how warned yesterday. In its half-yearly The US economy will continue percent unemployment “is likely to Europe’s young people are especial- details on a feasibility study for the rail- used to build a power grid, roads, rail- update, the Organization for Economic to outpace Europe, the OECD said, continue to rise further ... stabilizing ly suffering, with unemployment of way, the Nikkei newspaper said. ways and ports around Bangalore and Abe is to offer a sweetener in the form Chennai. Cooperation and Development said with growth of 1.9 percent in 2013 at a very high level only in 2014,” the around 50 percent in some of the of 101.7 billion yen ($1.0 billion) in yen- The sales boom comes as the two that protracted economic weakness in and 2.8 percent in 2014. For global OECD said. The OECD report pre- hardest-hit euro-zone countries based loans to India, the Nikkei said, as countries-both democracies-eye the rise such as Spain and Greece. But OECD Tokyo fights off competition from of China with increasing unease as Secretary-General Angel Gurria also nations such as France, which has the Beijing presses territorial claims with noted that the tough reforms that TGV high-speed rail network. Japan growing insistence. Singh on Tuesday those countries - to loosen their under Abe is embarking on a renewed called for the shoring up of military and labor markets and make their public drive to sell roads, rail and power stations security ties, Kyodo News said, stressing administrations more efficient - will to emerging nations, including India, in a the commonalities between Tokyo and soon bear fruit. bid to offset lassitude in the domestic Delhi. “In the periphery in particular, economy that has left it treading water. “We should intensify our political dia- which was hardest hit by the crisis, Earlier this month Abe pledged he logue and expand our strategic consulta- that is where the reforms are taking would travel the world on behalf of tions on... issues of mutual interest,” place at the faster pace and where Japan Inc and said he wanted to treble Singh said in a speech, adding that things eventually are, I believe, sales of Japan’s well-respected infrastruc- defence and security dialogue, military going to be looking better faster ture projects to 30 trillion yen a year. The exercises and defence technology collab- once we go through the acute stage Mumbai-Ahmedabad rail line would oration should also grow between the of the crisis,” Gurria told reporters. stretch 500 kilometres (312 miles) at a two countries, according to Kyodo. With a population of more than half cost of up to one trillion yen, the Nikkei Singh stressed that Japan is the only a billion people, the EU is the world’s said, adding the two governments plan country with which India has held a “two- largest export market. If it remains to finish technological reviews and cost- plus-two” meeting of foreign and ings by March 2014. defence ministers, Kyodo said. Media stuck in reverse, companies in the Abe was also expected to offer around reports earlier this week said Japan was US and Asia will be hit. 17.7 billion yen to India to build a confer- expected to sell amphibious planes to Last month, US-based Ford ence hall and other facilities at the Indian India in what would be the first sale of Motor Co. lost $462 million in Institute of Technology in Hyderabad, hardware used by the Japanese military Europe and called the outlook along with around 13 billion yen for the since a weapons export ban was there “uncertain.” Other major Tamil Nadu state government, the Nikkei imposed in the 1960s. —AFP economies have faltered this year but none are in recession, like Europe. The US economy grew 2.2 percent last year and China, the Asia gold demand to world’s No. 2 economy, is growing around 8 percent a year. hit quarterly record The OECD urged Europe to bol- ster its efforts to support economic LONDON: Asian gold demand from this what happened in April,” Grubb said. recovery. While the European April to June will reach a quarterly record Grubb said as net imports of gold into PARIS: OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria (left) talks as Norway Prime Minister Jens Central Bank’s loose monetary poli- as bullion consumers in the region take China reached around 160-170 tonnes in Stoltenberg (center) and OECD Chief Economist Pier Carlo Padoan listen during the presentation cy has helped, “more can be done possession of supply freed up by selling April alone and physical demand shows no of the Economic Outlook during the OECD Week at the OECD headquarters yesterday. —AFP through further non-conventional from exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the sign of abating, total offtake this year measures” and the establishment of World Gold Council (WGC) said yesterday. could reach more than 880 tonnes. This Europe “could evolve into stagnation gross domestic product, the OECD dicts unemployment will reach 28 a Europe-wide banking union, the Gold prices fell to their lowest in more than compares to a previous forecast of 780-880 with negative implications for the glob- forecasts an increase of 3.1 per percent in Spain next year and 28.4 organization said. In the US, the two years at $1,321.35 an ounce in mid- tonnes. Chinese coin and bar demand hit a al economy.” The OECD again slashed cent for this year and by 4 percent percent in Greece. The euro-zone organization urged politicians to April on signs of economic improvement quarterly record of 109.5 tonnes in the first its forecast for the 17 European Union for 2014. Noting that euro-zone economy shrank 0.2 percent in the soften automatic across-the-board in main markets and fears that central quarter, up 22 percent, and jewellery con- countries that use the euro, saying it policymakers have “often been January-March period, the sixth budget spending cuts to make banks around the world could start to cur- sumption rose to 185 tonnes. India’s bar will shrink by 0.6 percent this year, after behind the curve,” the OECD consecutive quarterly decline, mak- them less harmful to growth, and tail their bullion-friendly policy measures. and coin investment rose 52 percent to 97 0.5 percent drop in 2012. The OECD warned that Europe was still beset ing it the euro-zone’s longest ever said “a credible long-term fiscal plan The move scared investors in the West, tonnes over the period, while jewellery triggering a sharp liquidation of specula- demand reached 160 tonnes, the WGC said had predicted a 0.1 percent decline for by “weakly capitalized banks, pub- recession. needs to be put in place.” —AP tive and ETF positions. But lower prices in a recent report. The council will publish also prompted strong physical demand its second-quarter demand trends report from price-sensitive countries such as India in mid-August. and China, which together account for Oil slips back on economy uncertainty more than 50 percent of consumer Western investment demand for bullion. Gold investment in the West, however, LONDON: Brent crude oil futures retreated yes- ous session to its highest since May 21. January high above $98. Acting as a support for “Asian markets will see record quarterly plunged this year as a brighter view of the terday, on worries that the Federal Reserve could US crude shed 50 cents to $94.53. “The mar- prices, the worsening conflict in Syria has kept totals of gold demand in the second quar- US economy prompted investors to favour phase out its stimulus package, and an uncer- ket expected a pickup of the global economy concerns simmering over supply from the ter of 2013,” WGC Managing Director other assets such as stocks over bullion. As tain demand outlook for the global economy fol- this year, but it looks like there will only be a Middle East. Marcus Grubb said. “Even if ETF outflows of the end of April, ETF holdings had fallen lowing weak growth forecasts for China. Upbeat gradual restart to acceleration in the second half, Britain and France said on Tuesday they did continue in the United States, it is quite by 13 percent, or 350 tonnes, with half the US housing and consumer confidence data so it seems the tipping point is moving further not have to wait until Aug 1 to arm rebels fight- likely that the gold previously held in ETFs outflows recorded over the past month. sparked expectations of improved demand from into the future,” said Andy Sommer, analyst at ing Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, and Russia will find a ready market among Indian, Holdings in the world’s largest gold- the world’s top consumer and saw prices rise EGL in Dietikon, Switzerland. said it would not scrap plans to deliver an air Chinese and Middle Eastern consumers backed ETF, SPDR Gold Trust, have lost 74 sharply the previous session. Data on Tuesday showed US home prices defence system to the conflict-ridden nation. who are taking a long-term view on the tonnes since the start of April, compared However, there are fears that the stronger US accelerated in March by the most in nearly seven US oil prices may also be supported by crude prospects for gold.” with outflows of around 120 tonnes in the data means the Federal Reserve will scale back years as spring buying gave the sector traction, inventory data that is likely to show commercial The council expects Indian gold imports first quarter. its quantitative easing programme, and this while surging consumer confidence pointed to a crude stockpiles fell for a third consecutive week to reach 350-400 tonnes in the second These investment vehicles, which issue could derail a hesitant recovery. The resilient recovery. However fears that this strong on lower imports and higher refinery activity. quarter, 200 percent higher than a year ear- securities backed by physical metal, had International Monetary Fund cut its growth fore- data will make it more likely that the stimulus The American Petroleum Institute releases lier and almost half of last year’s total proved a popular way to gain exposure to cast for China this year to 7.75 percent from 8 will be withdrawn, combined with weak Chinese inventory numbers yesterday, with figures from imports. This also compares to imports of the gold price since the start of the finan- percent, citing a weak world economy and manufacturing data for May prevented oil the Energy Information Agency due on 256 tonnes in the first quarter of 2013. “We cial crisis. “We don’t expect to see anything exports, while the OECD cut its forecast to 7.8 strengthening further. Thursday. Technical indicators point to a drop for now definitely expect Indian demand to like the same exit of gold from the ETFs percent from 8.5 percent. Front-month Brent Brent is down more than 12 percent from this oil. Brent is expected to retrace to $103.29, while come in at the upper end of the 865 tonnes that we’ve seen in the first four months of futures slipped 28 cents to $103.95 per barrel by year’s high of over $119 in February, while US US crude may drop to $94.07 per barrel, said to 965 tonnes range that we had previously the year ... the pace of redemptions is flat- 0947 GMT, after rising more than $2 in the previ- crude has lost more than 3 percent from its Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao. —Reuters forecast for 2013 because of the effect of tening out now,” Grubb said. —Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Commercial Bank of Kuwait Malaysian ringgit 94.221 Omani Riyal 744.69 748.000 Guinea Franc 0.0000446 0.0000506 Irani Riyal 0.271 Qatari Riyal 79.07 79.500 Hg Kong Dollar 0.0344513 0.0375513 Irani Riyal 0.273 Saudi Riyal 76.49 77.000 Indian Rupee 0.0051002 0.0051642 US Dollar/KD .2770000 .2880000 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0000244 0.0000295 GB Pound/KD .4310000 .4470000 GCC COUNTRIES Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Jamaican Dollars 0.0028724 0.0038724 Euro .3680000 .3760000 Saudi Riyal 76.657 Japanese Yen 0.0027581 0.0029381 Swiss francs .3020000 .3170000 Qatari Riyal 78.986 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Kenyan Shilling 0.0033556 0.0035856 Canadian Dollar .2780000 .2920000 Omani Riyal 746.650 US Dollar 286.750 Malaysian Ringgit 0.0896040 0.0966040 Nepalese Rupee 0.0030879 0.0032879 Australian DLR .2940000 .3020000 Bahraini Dinar 763.520 Canadian Dollar 282.465 Pakistan Rupee 0.0028905 0.0029305 Indian rupees .0040000 .0069000 UAE Dirham 78.286 Sterling Pound 436.890 Sri Lanka Rupee .0020000 .0035000 Philippine Peso 0.0064572 0.0069272 Euro 370.980 Sierra Leone 0.0000733 0.0000763 UAE dirhams .0771240 .0778990 ARAB COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 295.860 Bahraini dinars .7513970 .7589480 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.850 Singapore Dollar 0.2231395 0.2291395 Bahrain Dinar 759.185 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.0022314 0.0022734 Jordanian dinar .3930000 .4110000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.468 UAE Dirhams 78.050 Saudi riyals .0720000 .0770000 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.341 Thai Baht 0.0092030 0.0098030 Qatari Riyals 78.710 Arab Omani riyals .7366120 .7440150 Tunisian Dinar 174.520 Saudi Riyals 76.430 Jordanian Dinar 405.950 Bahraini Dinar 0.7552440 0.7637440 Egyptian pounds .0370000 .0440000 Jordanian Dinar 404.225 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.929 Egyptian Pound 0.0384730 0.0405030 Egyptian Pound 40.419 Ethiopeanbirr 0.0129538 0.0194538 Syrian Lier 3.123 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES Sri Lankan Rupees 2.269 Ghanaian Cedi 0.1460100 0.1478000 Morocco Dirham 33.886 US Dollar/KD .2841000 .2862000 Indian Rupees 5.174 Iranian Riyal 0.0000799 0.0000804 GB Pound/KD .4338920 .4370990 Pakistani Rupees 2.908 Iraqi Dinar 0.0001765 0.0002365 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Euro .3707360 .3734770 Bangladesh Taka 3.680 Jordanian Dinar 0.3994455 0.4069455 Swiss francs .3043390 .3065880 US Dollar Transfer 273.350 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Euro 371.400 Philippines Pesso 6.954 Canadian dollars .2795430 .2816100 Cyprus pound 703.420 Lebanese Pound 0.0001762 0.0001962 Danish Kroner .0497330 .0501010 Sterling Pound 434.040 Moroccan Dirhams 0.0219552 0.0459552 Canadian dollar 276.960 Japanese Yen 3.795 Swedish Kroner .0443660 .0446940 Thai Bhat 9.710 Nigerian Naira 0.0012248 0.0018598 Australian dlr .2963730 .2985640 Turkish lira 158.750 Omani Riyal 0.7348357 0.7458357 Swiss Franc 296.700 Syrian Pound 4.095 Hong Kong dlr .0365940 .0368650 Nepalese Rupees 3.330 Qatar Riyal 0.0782176 0.0790006 US Dollar Buying 286.150 Saudi Riyal 0.0760400 0.0766800 Singapore dlr .2291130 .2308060 Malaysian Ringgit 94.935 Japanese yen .0029600 .0028810 Sudanese Pounds 0.0466918 0.0472418 GOLD Indian Rs/KD .0000000 .0052870 Syrian Pound 0.0027765 0.0029965 20 Gram 262.000 Bahrain Exchange Company Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 .0022880 Tunisian Dinar 0.1723211 0.1783211 10 Gram 131.000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 .0029190 UAE Dirhams 0.0767591 0.0782031 5 Gram 69.500 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Yemeni Riyal 0.0012958 0.0013958 Bangladesh taka .0000000 .0036810 Europe UAE dirhams .0773800 .0779520 British Pound 0.4278481 0.4368481 Bahraini dinars .7538810 .7594530 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Czech Korune 0.0062612 0.0182612 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian dinar .0000000 .4048090 Danish Krone 0.0457656 0.0507656 Saudi Riyal/KD .0757800 .0763400 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Euro 0.3664124 0.3739124 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Omani riyals .7382100 .7436660 Australian Dollar 282.25 283.000 Norwegian Krone 0.0452526 0.0504526 US Dollar 286.750 Philippine Peso .0000000 .0069870 Canadian Dollar 281.89 283.000 Scottish Pound 0.4235148 0.4310418 Swiss Franc 300.90 299.000 Swedish Krona 0.0392353 0.0442353 Euro 374.250 Swiss Franc 0.2939051 0.3009051 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Euro 374.24 372.000 Pound Sterling 435.050 Australasia Canadian Dollar 277.750 US Dollar 286.35 288.000 Australian Dollar 0.2677639 0.2797639 Sterling Pound 436.82 438.500 Japanese Yen 2.875 ASIAN COUNTRIES New Zealand Dollar 0.2246165 0.2346165 Indian Rupee 5.107 Japanese Yen 2.823 Japanese Yen 2.87 3.300 Uganda Shilling 0.0001140 0.0001140 Egyptian Pound 40.465 Indian Rupees 5.105 Bangladesh Taka 3.688 3.740 America Sri Lankan Rupee 2.266 Pakistani Rupees 2.913 Indian Rupee 5.125 5.400 Canadian Dollar 0.2713010 0.2803010 Bangladesh Taka 3.685 Srilankan Rupees 2.268 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.262 2.460 Colombian Peso 0.0001462 0.0001642 Nepali Rupees 3.231 Nepali Rupee 3.215 3.420 US Dollars 0.2850000 0.2871500 Philippines Peso 6.790 Singapore Dollar 227.150 Pakistani Rupee 2.910 2.985 Asia Pakistan Rupee 2.914 Hongkong Dollar 37.013 UAE Dirhams 78.03 78.800 Bangladesh Taka 0.0036421 0.0036971 Bahraini Dinar 763.600 Bangladesh Taka 3.684 Bahraini Dinar 762.14 763.500 Cape Vrde Escudo 0.0031866 0.0034166 UAE Dirham 78.100 Philippine Peso 6.792 Egyptian Pound 40.38 40.500 Chinese Yuan 0.0457618 0.0507618 Saudi Riyal 76.550 Thai Baht 9.543 Jordanian Dinar 407.53 415.000 Eritrea-Nakfa 0.0166100 0.0197100 *Rates are subject to change THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 BUSINESS Cold weather chills German job market Analysts blame large number of public holidays

FRANKFURT: The German labour revival can also be explained by the believed employers were keeping to the depressed economic condi- market, which has so far held up well relatively high number of public holi- cautious after the concerns about tions”. in face of the euro-zone debt crisis, days in May and the still cold weath- Italy and Cyprus and the long and “All in all, we expect the German took a knock in May, but largely due er,” he said. “It is far too premature to harsh winter. unemployment rate to remain close to the high number of public holidays start singing swan songs on the With private consumption grow- to a post-reunification low at 6.9 per- and the cold weather, analysts said labour market,” Brzeski said. ing and healthy wage increases cent in 2013,” he said. Newedge yesterday. On the face of it, headline Berenberg Bank economist boosting purchasing power, stronger Strategy analyst Annalisa Piazza was unemployment fell this month, but the drop was solely due to seasonal factors, monthly data compiled by the Federal Labour Office showed. The raw or unadjusted jobless total fell by 83,360 to 2.937 million and the jobless rate-which measures the JAKARTA: Soft drink and water bottles filled with petrol are offered for sale to number of unemployed as a propor- passing motorists along a street yesterday. Indonesian President Susilo tion of the working population as a Bambang Yudhoyono in late April gave the clearest sign yet the government whole-fell to 6.8 percent in May from wants to hike the price of petrol, which is one of the cheapest in Asia, but cau- 7.1 percent in April. tioned it would only happen once parliament approved compensation for In seasonally-adjusted terms, how- ever, the jobless total-which irons out those likely to be affected. —AFP seasonal fluctuations-increased by 21,000 to 2.963 million the agency said, faster than analysts’ expecta- Switzerland frees banks to tions. And the seasonally-adjusted jobless rate was unchanged at 6.9 settle US tax evasion cases percent. Labour office chief Frank- Juergen Weise insisted that the job ZURICH: Switzerland aims to save its banks framework, but declined to comment on when market was “fundamentally sound from heavier punishment in the United States it might reach a settlement with U.S. authori- and is developing solidly in a difficult for helping wealthy tax cheats by sidestepping ties. economic environment”. its own famed secrecy laws to let bankers dis- But he noted that the usual spring close data to U.S. prosecutors. A government Umbrella deal abandoned upturn was weaker than usual this bill put to parliament yesterday would let Swiss Finance Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf year. Analysts blamed that on the banks hand over internal information to US said the government wanted to rush the legis- large number of public holidays in authorities in the hope of avoiding threatened lation through parliament in June for fear that May, as well as the unseasonably cold LANDSHUT-SALZDORF: Theresa (left) and Anita pose during a photo shoot press event for the new criminal charges - though the banks still face US authorities could bring criminal charges and wet weather-which usually “Bavarian and Austrian farmer wife’s calendar” 2014 at a farm in Landshut-Salzdorf southern against large banks and open new investiga- fines likely to total billions of dollars. affects employment in outdoor sec- Germany yesterday. —AFP Bankers welcomed the prospect of an exit tions into many more banks. She said the US tors such as construction. “The non- from years of legal wrangling that has already Department of Justice would only start offer- seasonally adjusted drop was the Christian Schulz agreed. The rise in domestic demand should “offset the more cautious. She predicted that, cost them dear and driven one bank out of ing individual settlements with banks once the weakest May performance since seasonally-adjusted data “is likely to temporarily clouded export outlook despite rising business confidence, business but were disappointed ministers Swiss parliament had approved the legal 2005,” said ING DiBa economist remain a minor temporary setback,” and allow Germany’s economy to “we still expect the labour market to failed to win more clarity from Washington on framework. Carsten Brzeski. he said. “The strong increase in senti- return to trend growth rates over the show signs of slow moderation as the what settlements they might now expect. The biggest party in parliament, the right- “To some, this is a clear warning ment indicators such as the Ifo index course of 2013,” Schulz said. Natixis German economy is still running Opposition in parliament could yet block the wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), said it would that the debt crisis is finally taking its points to resuming growth. The economist Paul Beaumont said he below potential and companies are measure. reject the proposal, as did the left-wing Social toll on the German labour market. In underlying fundamentals are very was also confident that the German unlikely to revise their hiring plans Five months after US action over tax evasion Democrats (SP). However, that does not mean our view, however, the weak spring favourable,” the expert argued. He labour market would remain “resilient near term.” —AFP led to the closure of the country’s oldest private that the legislation will not ultimately pass in bank, and with formal investigations under way some form. The government has been negoti- into some of its biggest institutions, the Swiss ating with US authorities for two years to try to Jaguar Land Rover Drake & Scull International gets government urgently wants a compromise to resolve the tax dispute, but has abandoned an end threats of criminal charges that have hurt a attempt to reach an umbrella settlement deal helps India’s Tata AED158m contract in Amman vital national industry. for the whole financial industry due to secrecy top forecasts Drake & Scull International PJSC (DSI), a It insists banks will still not be allowed to laws as well as squabbling among the country’s regional market leader in the integrated hand over client names - protected by its treas- banks as to who should pay what. MUMBAI: India’s biggest carmaker by revenue Tata design, engineering and construction disci- ured secrecy law of 1934. But the new propos- The Swiss Bankers Association said it wel- plines of General Contracting, Mechanical, al, valid for a year only, would allow them to comed a deal to clean up the historic problem Motors Ltd posted a smaller-than-expected drop in fourth-quarter net profit as Chinese demand for luxury Electrical and Plumbing (MEP), Water and hand over so much information on customers’ in the United States but was “alienated” by the Power, Rail and Oil and Gas, announced that behaviour that US officials should be able to lack of detail offered by the Swiss government motors helped to compensate for sliding domestic sales. Tata, which bought the upmarket Jaguar Land Rover Ltd on the sidelines of the recently held World identify Americans who have used Swiss bank on what penalties they will face if they now Economic Forum 2013 in Jordan, Arabtec accounts to evade their taxes. hand over information to negotiate settle- (JLR) for $2.3 billion in 2008, said yesterday JLR’s profit margin rose to 16.9 percent in the three months ended Construction LLC the main contractor of the “If banks were not authorised to cooperate ments with U.S. prosecutors. St Regis Hotel and Residences project in with the US authorities, the initiation of further Reaction among banking experts were March 31 from 14.6 percent in the same period the year before, helped by a favourable exchange rate and record Amman appointed DSI to execute the pro- criminal investigations or charges concerning divided. Peter V Kunz, a professor at Berne ject’s entire mechanical electrical and banking institutions could not be ruled out,” University said the deal was good for quarterly sales. Tata had previously announced that sales of Britain- plumbing works for a contract value of the Swiss finance department said in a state- Switzerland and for its banks. But others were AED158 million. ment. much less positive: “In my opinion it’s just pure made Jaguar saloons and Land Rover sport utility vehicles (SUV) rose 18 percent to 115,504 units in the quarter. Key St Regis Residences Amman comprises Swiss analysts were divided: some called it a blackmailing by the US government,” said two towers connected through an external sensible way out of a problem that meant banks, Martin Janssen, professor of finance at Zurich to that was a 21 percent rise in sales in China, JLR’s fastest growing market. JLR accounts for more than three quar- faÁade and offers 79 residential units and which are mostly now pulling out of the US pri- University. stunning sky villas, in addition to a swim- vate client business, found themselves barred by “You cannot even estimate what the costs ters of Tata Motors’ group revenue. The lacklustre performance at Tata Motors’ India busi- ming pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, Swiss law from cooperating with US prosecutors; will be,” he said. “The US government will just reception lounge, business centre facilities, others condemned the blow to secrecy as try and find out what the willingness is of the ness, due to high interest rates and slowing economic growth, however, remains a worry for India’s biggest truck playgrounds, multifunctional executive “blackmail” by Washington. Swiss banks to pay.” Sources have said fines for lounge, cinema theatre and dedicated con- The country’s biggest bank UBS was forced the industry might amount to $10 billion but manufacturer and the maker of the Nano, dubbed the world’s cheapest car. “We see the external environment ference and meeting rooms. On the other in 2009 to pay a fine of $780 million and deliver minister Widmer-Schlumpf said the govern- hand, St Regis Hotel Amman includes a 17- the names of more than 4,000 clients to avoid ment had not discussed a total sum for fines and overall economic scenario very, very challenging and (it) will remain stressed,” said Tata Motors’ Chief Financial storey tower offering 260 units and 4 Khaldoun Tabari indictment, giving the US authorities informa- and would not offer financial assistance for restaurants and cafes, in addition to a swim- tion that allowed them to then pursue other banks as they seek individual settlements. Officer C Ramakrishnan, adding this would have an impact ming pool, fitness centre and spa, spacious grated engineering services across the Swiss banks. Switzerland’s tradition of bank The finance department said the bill pro- on demand for its products. conference rooms, business centre facilities regional hospitality sector. We are keen to secrecy has helped make it the world’s biggest posed by the cabinet yesterday would allow Car sales in India are forecast by the automakers’ associ- and retail stores. maintain the highest levels of quality, sus- offshore financial centre, with $2 trillion in banks to hand over information about asset ation to grow by 3-5 percent in this financial year, a Having partnered with some of the tainability and safety while delivering an assets. But that tradition has come under heavy transfers, such as when accounts were closed rebound from the first drop in sales in a decade in world’s leading hotel operators, Drake & integrated and comprehensive engineering fire since the financial crisis as cash-strapped and where money was transferred, as well as 2012/13. Tata Motors, part of the salt-to-steel Tata con- Scull International has acquired extensive offering to address the current and future governments around the world have clamped details of third parties who had business rela- glomerate, said net profit for the January-March quarter expertise in the hospitality industry, posi- needs of the growing hospitality industry in down on tax evasion, with authorities probing tionships with US clients, such as tax lawyers. was 39.45 billion rupees ($705 million), down 36.7 percent tioning itself firmly at the forefront of hospi- Jordan which has positioned itself as an Swiss banks in Germany and France as well as Widmer-Schlumpf said that for the United on the same time the year before, with revenue up 10 per- tality and tourism construction sector. The attractive destination for investment and the United States. States to get at more client names, the US cent to 560 billion rupees. company has completed several projects in tourism.” Banks under formal US investigation Senate must now ratify a new, wider double- A one-off tax gain had contributed to a significantly the UAE, including Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Drake & Scull continues to enhance and include Credit Suisse , Julius Baer, British bank taxation agreement that Switzerland agreed in higher net profit in the year-earlier quarter. Analysts had Wafi Mall expansion, Twin Towers in Dubai strengthen its services offering with HSBC’s Swiss arm, privately held Pictet in 2009 but which has languished in Washington. on average expected a profit of 28.86 billion rupees on and Baynunah Tower in Abu Dhabi, along unmatched vertical integration and global Geneva and smaller players such as LLB’s Swiss Switzerland’s oldest private bank, Wegelin & Co, revenues of 518.51 billion, according to Thomson Reuters with other hotel projects in Sharm El-Sheikh footprint. The collaborative capabilities of arm and local government-backed Zuercher said in January it was closing down after plead- Starmine. JLR’s operating margins for the full fiscal year and the Nile Corniche in Egypt and other the Engineering services (MEP and Water Kantonalbank and Basler Kantonalbank. A ing guilty to helping Americans evade taxes. It was 15.2 percent, and Ramakrishnan said the margin was countries in the region. and Power), General Contracting, Oil and Credit Suisse spokesman welcomed the legal was fined nearly $58 million. —Reuters expected to remain in the range of 14-15 percent for this financial year. Khaldoun Tabari, CEO of Drake & Scull Gas, Rail and Infrastructure development Quarterly revenues for the Indian business fell 32.5 per- International, said: “Winning this contract is continue to deliver strong performance Bain & Company appoints cent to 110.68 billion rupees, as sales of its vehicles a major step forward towards strengthen- quality work on project sites. Armed with a plunged 30 percent year-on-year to 184,942 units. The ing our presence in Jordan where the King multicultural workforce, inherent financial profit margin dropped to 3.6 percent from 9.5 percent a Hussein Medical City was one of our key strength and solid regional experience, the new Dubai partner year earlier. Shares in Tata Motors closed 2.7 percent high- breakthroughs. The new contract under- company’s outlook remains positive in er at 303.80 rupees before the quarterly numbers were scores our successful history in offering spe- terms of realising greater profitability and DUBAI: Bain & Company, the global business Mathematics from La Sorbonne University. In his released. The main Mumbai market index fell 0.1 percent cialized MEP services and reinforces our improving productivity across MENA, South consulting firm, has appointed Grégory Garnier new role he will leverage his extensive experi- and the auto sector index rose 0.3 percent. —Reuters position as the preferred provider of inte- Asia and Europe. as its new Partner in Dubai. A specialist in the ence of working with leading telecom and tech- telecommunications and technology sectors as nology companies on their strategy as well as well as in consulting private equity firms that transformation programs. Prior to his move to invest in these industries, Garnier joins Bain’s Dubai, Garnier was working in the Bain French UBP snags Lloyds intl private banking arm Dubai office with a mission to develop Bain office since 2003. Middle East’s activity with telecom players in the Luc J Luyten, Managing Director of Bain & ZURICH/LONDON: Union Bancaire Privee tions in Britain were not included in the sale. Executive Guy de Picciotto told Reuters. region. Company Middle East, said: “The Middle East has (UBP) is buying Lloyds Banking Group Plc’s Lloyds said it would receive 100 million pounds The purchase comes at a time when Garnier, who graduated from Ecole emerged as a hotbed of technology initiatives international private banking arm, as the for the business, comprising an initial 65 mil- Switzerland’s private banks sweat over the Polytechnique Engineering School and ENSTA, given the aggressive modernization projects bailed-out British lender focuses on its domes- lion followed by a further 35 million depending effects of potential deals between Switzerland also holds a Masters Degree in Financial being undertaken across the region. The tic market and the Swiss wealth manager on performance in the next two years. and governments in the United States and appointment of GrÈgory Garnier is an important builds on a recent acquisition spree. Geneva- Lloyds also said yesterday it would sell its Europe to root out untaxed money from Swiss strategic move that will strengthen Bain’s pres- based UBP has struck several deals in the past private banking business in Miami to Spain’s banks. ence in the technology sector, particularly among major telecom players in the region.” two years to rebuild an asset base which Banco Sabadell, close its business in Dubai and “It is true everyone is waiting to see what Grégory Garnier said: “Bain Middle East has almost halved through the financial crisis from intended to withdraw from South Africa. happens, but meantime there are clients to be been gaining significant inroads in the region its peak of 135 billion Swiss francs ($138 billion) Sabadell will pay Lloyds up to 8 million pounds served,” said de Picciotto. “We saw a nice client and I look forward to contributing to its contin- in 2007. for the Miami business, which has assets under book and good managers, so for us it was a no- ued success as the consulting firm of choice The deal will lift UBP’s assets under manage- management of 800 million pounds. brainer,” he added. “Switzerland is a stable among business leaders and multinationals. ment - which totalled some 83 billion francs at country with a solid currency and no debt, so it There is a particularly robust outlook for the the end of April - by more than 10 billion More assets is still attracting tax-compliant money.” telecom and technology sectors and my role will francs, the bank said. Lloyds, 39 percent-owned Recent acquisitions by UBP include ABN Lloyds has been looking to sell assets to be to bring the best of Bain Telecom & by British taxpayers and under pressure from AMRO’s private banking arm, Paris-based boost capital and last week raised 450 mil- Technology experience to our Middle East lawmakers and regulators to slim down and asset manager Nexar and a portfolio of assets lion pounds from the sale of a 15 percent clients.” focus on lending to British households and from Spanish bank Santander’s Swiss asset stake in wealth manager St James Place. Bain & Company has been making a series of businesses, said the sale fitted its strategy to management arm. “The acquisition adds Lloyds was rescued by a 20.5 billion pound strategic appointments to enhance its organiza- simplify its business. more assets in Zurich and Geneva and allows government bailout in the 2008 financial cri- tional performance and market productivity. The business being sold has assets under us to open a booking centre in Monaco, sis. After a prolonged slump, shares in the The company has maintained a strong presence management of 7.2 billion pounds, 500 staff which is a growing centre for tax-compliant bank recently hit a price that would allow the in the Middle East since the early 1990s, manag- and branches in Geneva, Zurich, Monaco and money, family offices and very high net- government to break even on its investment Grégory Garnier ing activities in the GCC area, Egypt and Turkey. Gibraltar. The bank’s private banking opera- worth individuals and families,” UBP Chief if it sold. —Reuters THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 BUSINESS Brazil set to hike interest rate again Q1 GDP data could be key in rate decision

BRASILIA: Brazil was likely to hike interest rates tious 25-basis-point increase to 7.75 percent, ly hinge on economic growth data from the first ping previous references to “cautious” rate After slashing a staggering 525 basis for the second straight meeting yesterday, but repeating the dose from April’s monetary policy quarter due out earlier in the day. Weak eco- hikes and instead adopting more incisive points off the Selic in just over a year to the market remains divided on whether policy- meeting. nomic expansion will raise pressure on policy- language, saying the central bank will “do record lows, the central bank decided in makers will maintain the pace of tightening dur- It is a difficult choice for central bank chief makers to maintain the pace of tightening. what is necessary, in a timely manner” to April to change tack in a bid to ease a surge ing a timid recovery or accelerate it to curb high Alexandre Tombini, who is under pressure to act Stronger growth will give them room for a slow inflation. of inflation that pierced the target’s ceiling inflation. A slight majority of analysts are betting more decisively to anchor high inflation expec- steeper increase. “If the central bank is indeed concerned that month. Naggingly high inflation that Brazil’s central bank will be more aggressive tations. At the same time, though, Tombini must The economy likely grew 0.9 percent in the about reining in inflation expectations, the threatens to foil President Dilma Rousseff’s and hike its benchmark Selic rate to 8 percent administer the rate hikes with caution to avoid quarter from the previous one, according to a pattern of dovish surprises has to end crusade to shore up the once-booming from 7.5 percent, according to a Reuters poll. tripping up an economy on the rebound. The Reuters poll of 31 economists. Tombini has sig- someday and now seems to be the appro- Brazilian economy before she is up for re- The rest believe policymakers will opt for a cau- magnitude of yesterday’s rate hike will most like- naled he may step up the tightening cycle, drop- priate time,” Mario Mesquita, a former cen- election next year. tral bank director who is now chief econo- Annual inflation slowed to 6.46 percent mist at local investment bank Brasil Plural, in the month to mid-May, just a shade wrote in a research note. below the target range ceiling of 6.5 per- Others, however, interpreted Tombini’s cent but way above the bank’s self-pro- recent comments as a mere reiteration of claimed goal of 4.5 percent. Even as infla- his pledges to tame inflation, citing the last tion in Brazil remains resilient, the central rate decision, when markets erroneously bank cited the sluggish global economy expected the bank to opt for a more and weaker commodity prices as reasons aggressive rate increase. That hesitation is behind the smaller rate hike in April. also mirrored in the bets of market traders Two of the eight members of the bank’s with the yields of interest rate future con- monetary policy committee, known as tracts pricing a 56 percent chance of a half Copom, voted to keep rates steady at its percentage rate hike versus 44 percent for April 17 meeting citing slow global growth a 25-basis-points increase, according to as positive for local price dynamics. “We Thomson Reuters calculations. believe the Copom’s strategy remains that Brazil is one of the few major world of delivering the smallest possible tighten- economies currently raising interest rates ing cycle that would anchor inflation as strong demand, high production costs expectations within the upper bound of and infrastructure bottlenecks keep infla- the target range,” economists at Barclays tion closer to the upper end of an already Capital said in a research note that calls for high official target range. a 25-basis-points rate hike. — Reuters

COSTA MESA: In this photo, two shoppers are reflected in the mirror at a shopping mall in Costa Mesa, Calif. — AP Economic gains boost US confidence to 5-year high WASHINGTON: Home prices are surging, confidence index jumped to 95.1 from 85.3. job growth is strengthening and stocks are Among most other income groups, con- setting record highs. All of which explains fidence either rose more slowly or fell. For why Americans are more hopeful about the those earning $15,000 to $24,999, for exam- economy than at any other point in five ple, the confidence index rose modestly, years. Investors on Tuesday celebrated the from 52.6 to 55.9. And for those earning latest buoyant reports on consumer confi- $25,000 to $34,999, it slipped from 59.8 to dence and housing prices, which together 57.9. Economists say the disparity points to suggest that growth could accelerate in the the gain in stock prices, which mostly bene- second half of 2013. fits more affluent Americans. Greater confidence could spur people to Consumers’ outlook on the job market spend more and help offset tax increases also improved last month. The percentage and federal spending cuts. And the fastest who said jobs are plentiful rose, and the rise in home prices in seven years might percentage who said they’re hard to find lead more Americans to put houses on the declined. Economists say the shift suggests market, easing supply shortages that have that the pace of hiring could pick up. The kept the housing recovery from taking off. economy has added an average of 208,000 Tuesday’s report from the Conference jobs a month since November. That’s well Board, a private research group, showed above the monthly average of 138,000 dur- that consumer confidence jumped in May ing the previous six months. The job growth to a reading of 76.2, up from 69 in April. has helped reduce the unemployment rate That’s the highest level since February 2008, to a four-year low of 7.5 percent. two months after the Great Recession offi- Some of the decline in unemployment is cially began. due to fewer people looking for work. The A separate report showed that US home government counts people as unemployed prices jumped nearly 11 percent in March only if they’re actively searching for a job. compared with a year ago, the sharpest 12- The economy grew at an annual rate of month increase since April 2006. Prices rose 2.5 percent in the January-March quarter, year over year in all 20 cities in the Standard up from a rate of just 0.4 percent in the & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index. The October-December quarter. The fastest economic news helped send the Dow Jones expansion in consumer spending in more industrial average up 106 points to close at than two years drove the economy’s a record. The Dow has rocketed nearly 18 growth. Many economists think growth is percent this year. And the Standard & Poor’s slowing slightly in the April-June quarter to 500 stock index is on track for its seventh an annual rate between 2 percent and 2.5 straight monthly gain, the longest winning percent. But lots of analysts say growth streak since 2009. should strengthen in the second half of the Surging stock prices and steady home- year, boosted by the gains in housing and price increases have allowed Americans to employment. regain the $16 trillion in wealth they lost to A key reason the Case-Shiller index of the Great Recession. Higher wealth tends to home prices jumped in March was that a embolden people to spend more. Some growing number of buyers were bidding on economists have said the increase in home a tight supply of homes. In Phoenix, prices prices alone could boost consumer spend- rose by 22.5 percent over the past 12 ing enough to offset a Social Security tax months, the biggest gain among cities. That increase that has reduced paychecks for was followed by San Francisco (22.2 per- most Americans this year. cent) and Las Vegas (20.6 percent). “Rising The Conference Board survey said con- home prices may begin to alleviate a lack of sumers are also more optimistic about the housing inventory ... by encouraging more next six months. That should translate into homeowners to put their properties on the greater consumer spending, substantial market,” Maninder Sibia, an economist with growth in hiring and faster economic Economic Advisory Service, said in a growth in the second half of 2013, said research note. Thomas Feltmate, an economist with TD Builders are responding to the supply Economics. Michael Quintos, head of a shortage by ramping up construction. Chicago advertising agency that helps small Applications for building permits rose in businesses market themselves through April to the highest level in nearly five years. social media, sees more optimism at work The supply of available homes jumped in and among friends and relatives. April but was still 14 percent below its level “A year ago, I had more friends asking a year earlier. Stan Humphries, chief econo- me if I knew anybody who was hiring,” mist at Zillow, a real estate data provider, Quintos said. “Now I have more people who said the increase in the Case-Shiller index are hiring asking me if I know anyone look- has been skewed higher by cities such as ing for a job.” At work, Quintos is finding it Phoenix and San Francisco. Fewer homes easier to land customers. In the past couple are available in those areas because many of months, businesses that have asked homeowners still owe more on their mort- about his services have been more likely to gages than their homes are worth. That follow through and hire him. A year ago, makes it difficult to sell. Yet even excluding most were wary. “I’ve had more work than I those markets, prices are rising steadily can handle,” Quintos said. As a result, his nationwide, Humphries said. The increases firm hired a web designer last week. The are “certainly confirmation that the housing Conference Board found that optimism is market is experiencing a brisk recovery,” he growing mostly among those earning more adds. Rising prices typically encourage than the median household income of more would-be buyers to purchase homes roughly $50,000. For those households, the before prices rise further. —AP THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 BUSINESS Accountants should quiz banks more: UK watchdog FRC report adds to doubts over bank loss provisions LONDON: Accountants still fail to question completeness of information in respect of for- current rule is applied. It said UK auditors must banks properly over how they make provisions bearance arrangements and the implications for also take a stronger lead in checking mining and for poorly performing loans on their books, both provisioning and disclosures was also of other companies whose registered “letterbox” in Britain’s auditing policeman said yesterday. The concern in a number of audits,” the FRC said. Britain but nearly all of the activity is abroad. criticism goes to the heart of regulatory efforts The watchdog has passed on its findings to More audits were given the poorest rating in the since the 2007-09 financial crisis to restore the Bank of England’s prudential regulation past year partly because of issues relating to “let- investor confidence in the figures lenders pub- authority, as it normally does. Four accounting terbox” company audits relying heavily on sign lish about their health. The Financial Reporting firms dominate auditing in the UK: PwC, KPMG, offs from accountants outside Britain. Council (FRC) said in its annual report it was con- Ernst & Young, and Deloitte. KPMG said it worked “We don’t believe that in all cases the UK cerned and disappointed there had been no sig- and invested continuously to improve the quali- group auditor is sufficiently engaged in the work nificant improvement in auditing loan-loss pro- ty of its audits and the FRC’s report and specific of the group’s main components,” FRC executive visions at banks and building societies in Britain. observations were an important part of that director Paul George told Reuters. The FRC is also PRAGUE: A homeless person sleeps on a bench near the banks of the river There was “insufficient challenge” to the key process. E&Y declined to comment. PwC and looking at how some audit partners have sought Vltava early morning yesterday in Prague. — AFP assumptions used to determine provisions, inad- Deloitte had no immediate comment. bonuses or promotion for winning advisory equate corroboration of management’s explana- work from the company whose books they are tions, and insufficient verification of supporting “Not sufficiently engaged” checking. “Audit partners and staff cannot be calculations, the watchdog added. Accounting The Bank of England has said expected losses incentivised to sell non-audit services to clients,” Malaysia Airlines firms were accused of being too cosy with their on bank loans were in some cases greater than George said. The FRC report saw an overall banking clients and giving them a clean bill of current provisions and worried that delays in improvement in audit work, especially at the top health just before many had to be shored up by recognising losses and making provisions lead 350 listed companies, though accountants still back in red in Q1 taxpayers in the crisis. to a wrong impression of asset values at banks. needed to question what clients were telling This prompted world leaders to call for Accounting rules are being changed to make them. The report is based on a review of 85 sam- reforms to make banks book provisions much banks recognise losses sooner from around 2016 ple companies, of which 33 were from the top KUALA LUMPUR: Struggling flag carrier respond faster to changes in the market.” earlier. “Insufficient evidence demonstrating the and for now the FRC is trying to tighten how the listings.— Reuters Malaysia Airlines said today it slipped back Revenue for the quarter increased 14 per- into the red in the first quarter due to a for- cent to 3.55 billion ringgit from 3.11 billion eign exchange loss after two quarters of prof- ringgit year-on-year. The airline said it saw a its. The airline said in a filing to the stock 17 percent increase in passenger traffic. Last exchange that it posted a net loss of 278.6 mil- year, the carrier admitted it was in “crisis”, forc- China’s fresh graduates lion ringgit ($91.8 million) for the three ing it to implement a cost-cutting campaign months ending March 31, compared to a net centred on slashing routes and other meas- loss of 171.3 million ringgit in the same quar- ures, which saw it record two consecutive ter last year. quarters of net profit for the last six months of enter tight job market It said in a statement that the quarter’s loss 2012. was mainly due to “an unrealised forex loss of This left it with a 433 million ringgit net BEIJING: Chemistry student Jiang Wenying gradu- affects economic development, improvement to be choosy. 21 million ringgit”, compared to a forex gain of loss for the 2012 financial year, a marked ated three years ago and decided the job market living standards, and social stability,” said a central China’s job market is notoriously discriminating. 200 million ringgit in the previous year. Higher improvement from a record 2.5 billion loss the was so tough she might as well go back to school government document issued in mid-May when Employers have openly snubbed women, out-of- financing costs for its fleet renewal pro- previous year. Analysts have blamed a combi- for a graduate degree. Now she’s finding it even the issue was on the agenda of a state council town job applicants and graduates from less presti- gramme also impacted the bottom line, it nation of stiff competition, poor manage- worse, in what looks to be China’s tightest market meeting presided by Premier Li Keqiang. Education gious institutions. This year, the Chinese State said, with deliveries of new fuel-efficient air- ment, change-resistant unions, government ever for job-seeking graduates. Jiang says she has Ministry spokeswoman Xu Mei told state media Council has demanded that employers make no craft. “The continued high jet fuel prices, interference and other factors for the carrier’s sent out more than 1,000 job applications, netting that the ministry and local education bureaus requirement on gender, ethnicity, age, residence added capacity in the market and increased poor performance. Its domestic rival, Asia’s no more than 10 interviews and not a single job would offer more job fairs and online job-seeking and type of school when hiring graduates of higher competition, put pressure on our yields,” largest low-cost carrier AirAsia, said last week offer. Jiang, who received her graduate degree in services. “All sides are making efforts to ensure the education, but the directive is unlikely to be fol- group chief executive officer Ahmad Jauhari that its first-quarter net profit fell 39 percent chemical industry from the Harbin University of employment rate of this year’s class won’t get low- lowed. Yahya said. “The business environment is year-on-year due to a foreign exchange loss Science and Technology this year, recently traveled er,” she said. AP’s request for an interview with a When compared with elsewhere, China’s econo- tough, but Malaysia Airlines is now able to on borrowings to 104.79 million ringgit.—AFP to Beijing to try her luck at a university campus job ministry official on the issue was not immediately my is still doing relatively well, with an overall fair, but found no firm prospects there either. answered. urban unemployment rate of only 4.1 percent in “The job market has been getting worse by the Some job seekers are lowering their expecta- 2012. That compared with unemployment rates year,” said the young woman, who looked dejected tions. Wang Yuan, an industrial design major at ranging from 4.7 percent to more than 27 percent as she slouched against a column at the end of the southern China’s Hunan Industrial University, in European countries; the U.S. rate was 7.5 percent job fair. She spoke just loud enough to be audible thought a design job would be waiting for her after last month. However, a large share of China’s popu- above the din of workers dismantling booths. graduation. But nothing has become of the two lation is in the countryside, and urban data only “There are far more chemical industry students dozen job applications she has sent out since last cover a portion of China’s workforce. than needed,” she said. While the job market in fall. “They were like stones sinking into the sea,” Luo Xiaoming, editor-in-chief of the Chinese- China is still much better than in many other parts said Wang, 23. She has since changed her tack. “Any language financial news site Caixun.com, said of the world, 2013 is being billed locally as the job will do, and choosiness will have to come later,” China’s economic growth of 7.7 percent for the first worst for young graduates. A record number of she said. quarter should be able to absorb the increase in them - about 7 million - are leaving universities and Lynn Lee, a 21-year-old law undergraduate stu- job seekers, but the challenge in the job market graduate schools to seek their first employment at dent at Huaiyin Normal College in Jiangsu reflects a flaw in China’s investment-driven econo- a time when companies are hiring fewer people. province, tried to find work in legal affairs, media, my, which is expanding without job growth. “This Women appear to be faring worse than men. sales and executive assistance before finally land- economic model has misled the market, resulting The stunning economic growth of the past ing a job as a bank teller near her hometown. Her in excessive production capacity, and its lack of dozen years is slowing, and gone are the days job search included nearly 100 applications and openness to the private sector has stifled innova- when graduates were assigned jobs in their respec- several out-of-town trips. “There were rounds of tion and entrepreneurship,” Luo said in explaining tive industries - a system dismantled in the 1990s interviews, and many candidates had impressive the lack of jobs in China. “Economic transformation in China’s fast-changing economy. The issue is academic credentials,” she said. “I was so nervous I has been stagnant.” politically sensitive because China’s urban, educat- couldn’t sleep at night, and now I’m left with a Some lay the blame on China’s education sys- ed class has become outspoken about government shortcomings in dealing with ills ranging from endemic corruption to polluted air, and the tight job market could leave many among them disgrun- tled after more than a decade of economic expan- sion and rising expectations. This year’s biggest-ever graduating class is the fruit of many years of government policy to boost enrollment, but the number of jobs for new hires MANILA: A man gives food to a beggar at a street yesterday. The Philippines has declined about 15 percent compared with the has failed to make headway in cutting rampant poverty, with more than one previous year, said Yang Xiong, director of the in four citizens deemed poor despite the country’s economic growth, Youth Research Center in Shanghai Academy of according to census figures released. — AFP Social Sciences. “With those two factors, you end up with the toughest job market this year,” Yang said. “The Russian crude prices soar global economy is not faring well, and China is part of the globalization. With closure of many export- MOSCOW: Russian state-controlled oil aires and British oil company BP making it oriented businesses and appreciation of the company Rosneft has cut off supplies of the world’s largest listed oil company. But Chinese currency, employers have to slash on per- sonnel.” Preliminary data reported in state media crude to small Russian refiners since its the buy-out caused conflict within TNK- show about a third of the 2013 class had signed BP, which, insiders say, was not used to acquisition of TNK-BP, traders say, stifling employment contracts by May, compared to more local plants by driving domestic prices the state company’s tough management than 40 percent a year ago. The number of stu- above world rates. Rosneft has refused to techniques and dozens left. The world’s dents applying for graduate schools has reached a comment on the move, widely reported top listed crude producer appointed new new high of 1.76 million. by market participants, many of whom managers last week, including BP veteran The notion that education provides the promise speculate its aim is to force small refiners Marcus Cooper to take charge of of success has ancient, Confucian roots in China. It BEIJING: This photo shows Chinese job seekers visit a job fair held at the China who had bloomed on the back of trade Rosneft’s trading department. continues today, perhaps even more so because of with TNK-BP eventually to sell out or dis- family planning policies that often put the burden International Exhibition Center in Beijing. —AP appear. Suffering of a family’s future on a single child. The country’s migraine.” Lu Feng, an electronics senior at Xidian tem, which they say is a mismatch to China’s job For now, the cutting off of supply to While the market debates Rosneft’s policy-makers - aware that a lack of jobs for the University in central Chinese city of Xi’an, said he market. Many jobs require only a polytechnical those plants has prompted other Russian reasons, the domestic spot market, esti- young and educated could be seen as a failure to was shocked to see a room filled with more than education, and perhaps China is currently produc- producers, such as Lukoil, to step in to fill mated at around 3.5 million tonnes (25.7 uphold the social contract - have been urging that 1,000 applicants when he showed up for an inter- ing too many university graduates, including doc- the gap, reducing exports of crude to million barrels) of crude per month, is suf- every measure be taken to help newly minted view with a technology firm from southern China toral-level students, said Yang, the youth research multi-year lows. Domestic crude prices fering, leaving small producers and firms graduates gain employment, including creating recruiting for 20 jobs in his city. He got hired, and center director. That means many graduates end have risen over 20 percent for June deliv- that lack refining capacity struggling to more community-level jobs, reducing paperwork, the job hunt took him only a couple of weeks. Lu up with lower-level jobs that have little to do with ery versus May and are now more attrac- cover their needs. Prices at West Siberian recruiting for the military and promoting entrepre- and several other male job seekers interviewed by their areas of study. “Why would they want to take tive than the alternative of exporting, metering points for June jumped to neurship. The Associated Press said they feel they have better basic jobs? If they don’t, they become unem- traders say. That in turn will add to down- 12,600-13,200 roubles ($400-420) per “The employment of the graduating class job prospects than females, and can even afford to ployed,” Yang said.— AP ward pressure on world oil prices that are tonne from 10,500-10,900 roubles in May already falling. and highest since September. Traders said quotes for spot delivery in This is more than the exporting net- June on the Russian market had reached back via Baltic Sea port Primorsk - the S Sudan, Sudan resume cross-border oil flows a nine-month high after deals with TNK- price excluding transportation costs and BP were not honoured and Rosneft’s export duty - for Urals of 11.350-11.900 KHARTOUM: South Sudan expects threatened to close the export in Port Sudan,” he said late on this. Both countries also planned offers, which traditionally made up a third roubles, according to Reuters calcula- its first oil to arrive in Sudan’s pipelines if South Sudan support- Tuesday, adding it would be to increase direct flights with a of total volume on the market, dried up. tions, reflecting lower global crude prices. export port in mid-June as both ed insurgents operating on loaded on vessels around June 20. third carrier getting ready to oper- Rosneft did still supply large volumes to Rosneft sold a 100,000 tonnes parcel of countries are continuing to imple- Sudanese soil, claims long denied The neighbours have fixed a tech- ate, said Wol. Around 41,000 South several plants including Afipsky and oil from the Republic of Udmurtia for ment oil and trade deals despite by Juba. nical problem at a pumping sta- Sudanese, who were unable to Khabarovsk but exports have also fal- 12,830-12,900 roubles per tonne, 20 per- Khartoum’s renewed accusations But South Sudan’s ambassador tion at a Sudanese export facility, afford air tickets, were waiting in tered as other suppliers take up the slack cent higher than in the previous month, over rebel support, Juba’s ambas- to Sudan, Mayan Dut Wol, said he which forced South Sudan last Sudan for both countries to apparent at others. traders said. sador to Sudan said. The neigh- was relaxed about Bashir’s speech, week to halve production to reopen the land border to return “Before we bought oil from TNK-BP. “It is a pure madness to buy for such a bours, which fought one of Africa’s describing it as “emotional” out- 105,000 barrels a day, he said. Oil is home, said Wol. The frontier was But Rosneft said it won’t give us anything. price with Brent falling. Margins are close longest civil wars, agreed in March burst of the president he has got the lifeline for both countries closed around the time of south- We have to find other ways and seek oth- to zero, it’s better to halt the plant for to resume cross-border oil flows used to since growing up in struggling with high inflation, ern secession in July 2011. While er suppliers,” a trader at a local refinery maintenance,” a trader said. Rising and end tensions plaguing them Khartoum. “I am not shocked,” said weakening currencies and high praising bilateral ties, Wol switched said. The fall in exports reduces revenue domestic oil prices have also contributed since the south seceded in 2011. Wol in an interview. “We know the unemployment. one time during the interview to a to the government of President Vladimir into thin Russia’s exporting volumes, with South Sudan has started since president, we know him,” he said, defiant tone to say he was not Putin, who is struggling to boost a falter- shipments via Baltic ports dwindling then to pipe oil to two treatment laughing. He said bilateral meet- Bank deal bothered at all if Sudan closed the ing economy and keep inflation in check, down to its lowest since 2004. Leonid plants in Sudan to be readied for ings have been going on normally On trade cooperation, Sudan’s pipelines as threatened by Bashir. especially on fuel in a country obsessed Fedun, deputy head of Russia’s No.2 exports, the first time since the since the speech for both sides to central bank granted this week a “I want to say that our oil was not with cars. crude producer Lukoil, said on Tuesday landlocked new nation shut down work out details on oil, trade and first South Sudanese bank - Juba- shut down by Sudan. We shut it Rosneft, led by Putin ally Igor Sechin, his company would cut seaborne exports, its production of 350,000 barrels a border security deals signed in based Ivory Bank owned by local down and now it’s one and a half declined repeated requests by Reuters for mainly via the Black Sea, due to high mar- day in January 2012 in a row over March. businessmen - a licence to open a years later and people are living,” comment. It acquired TNK-BP earlier this gins - up to $200 per tonne - on the export fees. On Monday, Sudan’s “The oil is flowing... We expect it branch in Khartoum, Wol said. A he said. “We can survive without year from a consortium of Russian billion- domestic market. — Reuters President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir to arrive on the 13th, 14th or 15th central bank official confirmed oil.” — Reuters THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 BUSINESS

Xerox encourages regional businesses to ‘Drive for Digital’

KUWAIT: Xerox - the leading global enter- sense of the changing dynamics of tech- Peter Muir, President of Bizucate Inc, focus on in order to enhance productivity prise enabling workplaces with services, nology and provide insights into lucrative will conduct a workshop at the event on and drive improved profit performances. technology and expertise - will embark on opportunities to grow business as well as “The Six Focus Areas of a More Successful Xerox will underline the importance of an intensive Middle East Customer add value to customers. These workshops Business”. With over 15 years of education- technology for business, as well as support Innovation Tour from May 13 to 24, 2013 will help organisations increase profits, al design and business coaching experi- a well-rounded approach that looks at across the region. The event will be in reduce inefficiencies, and expand product ence, Peter is well known within the graph- driving genuine business growth and effi- Kuwait City on Wednesday, May 22, at The and services capabilities. ic communications industry as a source of ciencies. “The workshops will elaborate on Regency Hotel from 5 pm. Industry experts John Paul Teti, Manager, Production information and inspiration. “The manage- Xerox’s workflow automation, business will be available all day to provide valuable Technology, Xerox Middle East and Africa, ment of a business directly impacts its development consultancy, colour manage- insights and advice to the graphic arts, elaborated: “Xerox understands the diver- profitability. By highlighting main focus ment, industry best technology, depth of commercial print and banking, as well as sity of challenges associated with the areas, businesses can work to create a well- offerings as well as staff experience levels,” to businesses across other industry verti- Middle East region, which is why we are rounded, workable model for success,” said John Paul Teti. “Customers from a vari- cals. taking our ‘Drive for Digital’ workshops to advised Peter Muir. “While technology is ety of different market segments including At a time of intense regional and global several major markets in the region to help important, so is understanding how to use graphic arts, commercial print, financial competition and rapidly changing tech- our customers better understand the it to maximize its value to an organization. services, education and government, to nology, Xerox understands that organiza- lucrative opportunities available in our This involves understanding business name a few, have the opportunity to learn tions need more support than ever before. segment of the technology industry. We requirements, market trends, customers, how to better expand their businesses and Xerox firmly believes that the most suc- want to demonstrate that Xerox has the workflow, sales, products and much more,” increase their ROI.” cessful businesses will be those that inno- broadest offering of technology and serv- he added. The Xerox Customer Innovation Tour is vate to help people be more efficient in ices as well as the most robust infrastruc- The workshops at the Xerox Middle East an opportunity to interact and learn from the management of information and com- ture to be able to consistently deliver value Customer Innovation Tour 2013 will some of the industry’s foremost consult- munication of ideas, and reduce the com- to our customers. Our deliverables around encourage participants to drive positive ants and thought leaders. Attendees will plications of working in a digital world. process automation, customized commu- change in their business. During the event, also have a more comprehensive under- However, understanding innovation nications across different digital media Xerox will highlight new applications, pro- standing of technology trends and how and the challenges it presents is not easy. platforms, colour management, technical duction efficiencies, higher value products best to position themselves and their Hence Xerox is launching a series of free support, experience levels and innovation and services, in addition to new markets organizations to take advantage of these ‘Drive for Digital’ workshops to help make are the strongest in the region.” for growth in which their customers can trends. Kyrgyz protesters step up pressure on Centerra Gold Kyrgyz ‘mob rule’ scares off strategic investors BISHKEK: Hundreds of villagers blocked the a few more weeks to work closely with its prime minister by parliament last September, only road to Centerra Gold Inc’s flagship gold legal consultants before making a final deci- pledging to fight corruption and alleviate venture high in Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan moun- sion. Centerra said its operations at Kumtor widespread poverty in the mainly Muslim tains yesterday, threatening to move in on had so far not been affected by the protest nation of 5.5 million, which hosts both the mine unless the government tears up its which began on Tuesday but warned gold Russian and US military air bases. The moun- agreement with the investor. The Kumtor production and its results would be hit if the tainous nation, where gross domestic prod- mine, set some 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) road block was not removed soon. “Kumtor uct per head is less than a tenth of that in oil- above sea level, has long been the focus of shall work regardless of anything, because if rich neighbour Kazakhstan, holds ample infighting among political forces and regional its production stops just for a day, it will be a reserves of precious and rare earth metals clans in a nation that has seen two presidents blow to the country’s entire economy,” Prime and mercury discovered by Soviet geologists. toppled since 2005. Minister Zhantoro Satybaldiyev was quoted But vested interests of powerful local clans, Nationalist deputies and groups are calling by his press service as saying later yesterday. which often defy the authority of central gov- for the nationalisation of the mine and parlia- Ice movement in Kumtor’s open pit cut out- ernment, have kept strategic investors away. ment has set a deadline of June 1 for the gov- put by 46 percent to 315,238 ounces in 2012, “There are those interested in destabilising ernment to renegotiate - or repudiate - a deal but the company expects production to the situation in the country,” Satybaldiyev KUWAIT: The father of Zaid Wael Naeem receives the prize from Mohammed Al- struck in 2009 with Toronto-listed Centerra to rebound to between 550,000 and 600,000 said, commenting on the road block. He did Othman, NBK’s Executive Manager, Consumer Banking Group. operate the mine. A state commission said ounces this year. not elaborate. Earlier this month, Kyrgyz pres- Centerra has been paying too little to run ident Almazbek Atambayev said “mob rule” Kumtor and accused it of environmental “Mob power” in action had wrecked the sale of Jerooy, the country’s Wael Naeem wins KD 125,000 damage leading to $457 million in fines. The A Kumtor worker, who declined to be second-largest gold field. He said local clans gold mine is the largest operated in Central named, said he had seen some 300 protesters had tripled the asking price for Jerooy to a in NBK’s Al-Jawhara draw Asia by a Western company and alone worth blocking a bridge at a gorge near Kumtor. hefty $300 million, scaring off investors. In roughly 12 percent of Kyrgyzstan’s economic “Many of them are aggressive and in an agi- Centerra’s case, those blocking its only supply KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) the market,” they said. output. tated mood,” he told Reuters by telephone route have also put forward additional announces the winner for May’s KD Al-Jawhara account offers numerous “The main demand is to cancel this agree- from the area near the Chinese border. He demands to the investor, which vary from 125,000 Al-Jawhara monthly prize, minor benefits to NBK customers. Not only is it an ment. If it is not done today, the protesters said they had laid out five traditional yurt felt building new roads, water pipelines, sport Zaid Wael Naeem. The draw was held under interest-free account with regular deposit will start moving up to block the mine,” Naris tents and were guarded by two dozen men gyms and a kindergarten in local villages to the supervision of the Ministry of Trade and and withdrawal privileges, but also entitles Kalchayev, a local youth leader and an organ- on horseback. “These are mainly residents of providing long-term loans and Kumtor jobs Industry. account holders to enter the weekly, iser of the road block, told Reuters by tele- four local villages, and their number is grow- to their residents. “They are crying for the NBK re-launched Al-Jawhara account monthly and quarterly Al-Jawhara draws. phone. Several Kyrgyz parliamentarians told ing. Locals bring them food,” he said. “They moon,” the Kumtor worker said. “What they offering customers more chances to win Each KD 50 in an Al-Jawhara account enti- Reuters that the government was unlikely to demand that the prime minister should come bigger prizes; KD 5,000 weekly, KD 125,000 tles the customer to one chance in any of want is actually the prerogative of the gov- monthly and a grand prize of KD 250,000 the draws. meet the June 1 deadline, because it needed and meet them.” Satybaldiyev was elected ernment, not Kumtor.” — Reuters quarterly draw. All prizes are automatically credited to Minor Zaid Wael Naeem, the winner of the winners’ accounts the day after the May’s KD 125,000 draw and his family draw. The more money held in your Al- expressed their happiness in winning Al- Jawhara account, the greater your chances Who are the winners in a multi-polar world? Jawhara monthly prize. “Winning KD of winning. Al-Jawhara accounts are avail- 125,000 came as a complete surprise. We able to both Kuwaitis and expats and can Miguel S Lobo portation and logistics have already become stantial autonomy. The diversity allows for truly thank NBK for its great services and be opened at any one of NBK’s branches central to these economies. The Gulf is a nat- experimentation, innovation, and emulation. offers and for always being number one in around Kuwait. hether it was the Roman Empire, ural waypoint between Europe and East In the race to be the broker, logistically and the Caliphates, the British Empire Asia, as well as between Africa and Central financially, between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Wor, most recently, what has been and East Asia. This geographical reality all Gulf countries have similar geographic VIVA announces Lamborghini called the American Century, history records reaches further than the present logistical advantages. Good legal and regulatory long cycles when a dominant economic cen- advantages it confers. A tradition that comes frameworks are then the key competitive Gallardo draw winner today ter defined much about the world. In such from being in this position, a cross-roads for advantages. Relatedly, for many private busi- times, a hub-and-spoke pattern of trade sea trade and desert routes, has allowed for nesses the stability of the cosmopolitan tal- KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing excitement while drawing for the lucking develops, and from the hub a dominant cultures that are open to outsiders, with an ent that the region has attracted and nur- telecom operator, will be holding its winner. The draw, which was launched business culture, even a dominant language, understanding that we can work with those tured is still a concern. Short-term visa Postpaid Lamborghini Gallardo Draw on the March 3, was open to all VIVA set the norms to which others default. But, who are different from us without having to regimes create uncertainty about the long- today at the Avenues Mall, the Grand postpaid customers and is one of the when looking back, we tend to pay less become like them or expecting them to term commitment of staff, which reduces Avenues, at 7 pm where the lucky winner most exciting campaigns launched to attention to what happens during the inter- become like us. incentives to invest in training and develop- of the brand new 2013 Lamborghini date by VIVA! VIVA wishes all its cus- vals between periods of hegemony, which is The Gulf does have many challenges to ment, putting at risk the ability to remain Gallardo, will be announced. tomers the best of luck and looks for- unfortunate on two counts. First, these inter- overcome in order to fully capture the value competitive. This particular piece of the legal VIVA invites all its customers and the ward to witnessing the ground breaking regnums can last a very long time indeed from being a link between many places in a framework is unlikely to change, as it reflects wider Kuwaiti public to attend this high- moment that will certainly be life chang- and, for those living in them, they are not an multi-polar world. The greatest economic the reality that government policy operates ly anticipated event, and share the ing to the lucky winner. interregnum but simply the way the world is. opportunities come from the ability, geo- within the rigid constraints defined by politi- Second, we are entering such a time. graphically and culturally, to bridge East and cal legitimacy and social stability. In East Asia, Japan, China and South West. However, while cultural and economic Will such concerns remain just con- Al-Mulla Exchange announces Korea have already risen to contest the 20th links to Pakistan and India run deep, ties are straints, or will they come to dominate poli- century’s western economic center, and oth- much weaker when looking further East. cy? With the end of American hegemony, Egyptian promotion winners ers will soon follow, likely including the usual When, beginning in the 1960s, the region the security envelope it provided contin- KUWAIT: Al-Mulla International Exchange, May 20 from Farwaniya 3 Branch, suspects, India, Russia and Brazil. Africa will was racing to catch up, its development took uesto erode. Recognition of the strategic the premier exchange company in Kuwait, Mohammed Magday Mohamed Abdelazez too, maybe sooner than most anyone place in a world where the West, especially security risks in the region has been a central announced seven lucky winners in the was the winner for May 21 from Salmiya 4 expects. Who are the winners in a multi- the USA, had uncontested dominance. This motivation for the leadership of small Gulf Egyptian Promotion which began on May Branch, Ez Al Din Mustafa Ahmad was the polar world? The answer can be everyone. made the West the default choice not just countries to create an environment con- 16, 2013 and ran through May 22, 2013. winner for May 22 from Hawally 1 Branch. Such periods have often been a time of for technology and business practices, but ducive to growth and attractive to interna- Winners were picked at the end of each day Each of the seven winners won a Mobile great creativity and development, even if the also for education. In the education received tional investors. Economic development is, from all transactions done at any branch of Samsung S3 Mini. lack of a hegemon means there will be no by the native-born as well as in the national rightly so, seen as a pre-condition for long- Al Mulla Exchange. The various promotions conducted by hagiographic cultural production to memo- makeup of highly skilled expatriates in the term security and political autonomy. Since The winner of the draw held on May 16 Al-Mulla EXchange are yet another reason rialize the age. But some benefit more than Gulf, this imbalance is evident. Government the strategic realities of the Middle East are was Sabri Farghali Abdul Haleem for his for customers to remit their money others. As patterns of trade shift from hub- and private business can now be expected unlikely to change for some time, this prag- transaction made at Jahara 1 Branch, through Al-Mulla Exchange which offers, and-spoke to a more complex network to look for balance, cultivating economic matic motivation will remain. We can expect Ashraf Ahmed Ashraf Ahmed Saleem was free insurance and loyalty points on every structure, these are times when being at the and educational ties to China and Asia more governments of the small Gulf statesto con- picked as the winner for May 17 from transaction, as well as SMS confirmation on cross-roads, able to create a bridge between broadly. tinue to build on the advantages of geogra- Abbasiya 1 Branch, Mohammad Alam delivery of remittances. Besides making many others, becomes a more valuable It wasn’t inevitable that a hub would phy and openness to the world to drive eco- Aldeen Ahmed Abu Alhasan was the win- money transfer a quick, safe and relaxed asset. The transitions that challenge the develop in the Gulf, and competition nomic growth. ner for May 18 from Salmiya 4 Branch, Mhd experience for customers, Kuwait’s premier small Gulf countries also define these coun- between the small Gulf states has played a Miguel S. Lobo is the Associate Professor of Abdu Tawfiq Abdul Kareem was the winner exchange also offers the facility to send tries’ potential. While oil and gas have been key role. In the UAE, this dynamic extents to Decision Sciences and Director of the Abu on May 19 from Hawally 1 Branch, Abdul money from the comfort of one’s home or the drivers of growth and wealth, trans- Emirate-level governments that have sub- Dhabi Campus. Alftah Saad Ebrahim was the winner on office through their online service. THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 technology Microsoft Kuwait partners with MoE in a Master Teacher Training Program

KUWAIT: In line with its commit- ment to broaden digital inclusion and promote technology in edu- cation, Microsoft and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education have recently collaborated to organize a Master Teacher Training Program. More than 100 educa- tors which included Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti teachers from across Kuwait attended a workshop which took place from May 12th till the 28th where all educators were certified to become Master Teachers. The Master Teacher Training Program is designed to actively increase access to technology and improve its use in the educa- Ehab Mostafa MSFT Khaled Al Rushaid tion sector through several train- Kuwait GM ing sessions using the latest ed to participate in a competition 20 will be selected as winners Microsoft technologies and soft- in which the teachers have to and recognized internationally. ware. The aim of the program is design a Virtual Classroom Tour The four day forum will include to improve creativity and innova- (VCT) project using the tools and workshops and an exhibition of tion in the classroom while find- ter future for individuals, commu- explore the benefits it can bring new skills. This program is an information acquired through all the participating schools and ing effective ways to share infor- nities and nations and the world to the classroom. These training example of our strong partner- the course. The competition will educators projects, as well as mation among educators across as a whole. sessions aim at providing educa- ship with Microsoft and we look be open to all Kuwaiti teachers. executive speeches from the country. After the completion The master teacher training tion leaders in Kuwait with the forward to a continuous long- The top projects will have the Microsoft and education special- of the program, the master teach- program represents a continua- tools to envision, implement and term association to further edu- chance to represent the country ists. ers will have the opportunity to tion of our commitment to coop- manage change.” cators in Kuwait.” at the annual Global Partners in The Global Forum is the culmi- share their newly acquired skills erate with Kuwait Ministry of Commenting on the program, The Teacher Training program Learning Forum 2014. nation of a series of country-level with their peers by organizing Education to contribute to the Dr. Khaled Al-Rasheed - Assistant is part of Microsoft’s Innovative At the Global Forum, we are events that took place through- similar sessions within their economic and social develop- Undersecretary for Planning & Educator Program. The program, expecting to welcome around out the year. Teachers competed schools. ment and advance efforts to Information from the Ministry of which is implemented globally, 500 innovative educators from to receive one of twelve innova- Ehab Mostafa, Country build a knowledge based society. Education said “The Master aims at helping educators across the entire world in order to share tive teaching awards in four key Manager of Microsoft Kuwait Through the Train the Trainer teacher training program is in the world to collaborate and ideas and experience in success- categories, and they had already said, “At Microsoft, we believe methodology, we are seeking to line with the Ministry’s efforts to improve education through inte- fully integrating ICT in education. been chosen as winners in their that education is the most impor- help schools gain better access to reach out to educators across the gration of ICT. Out of the 500 participants only local events. tant investment to ensure a bet- technology and for educators to country and help them acquire The trained teachers are invit- Crystal IS wins top honor BlueTech Water Technology GREEN ISLAND: Crystal IS yesterday ice provided with the technology. “BlueTech announced its win of the Disrupt-o- Research has long been tracking and analyz- Meter(tm) Award at the 2013 BlueTech ing the market potential for innovative and Forum in Amsterdam. Crystal IS was selected disruptive water technologies. from a range of participants for the water We believe that the technology presented sector award honoring innovative, industry- by Crystal IS represents one of the strongest revolutionizing technology. opportunities in the technical space in the “We are thrilled to be recognized by this next 5 to 10 years, and are excited about the global forum composed of water industry potential for LEDs in the market, particularly leaders, market experts and our peers,” said within the water space. UV LEDs represent Therese Jordan, SVP of Business Development one of the top five potentially disruptive at Crystal IS. “This honor signifies the global water technologies, with the global UV water market’s confidence in our technology and its disinfection market worth $1.1Bn. UV LEDs future impact.” have the potential to disrupt this market and BlueTech Research monitors the global access market share, and equally importantly, water market for companies with innovative to open up new applications and markets and disruptive technologies and a strong go- previously inaccessible to conventional UV to-market strategy. The Disrupt-o-Meter lamp technology,” stated Paul O’Callaghan, Award is given to the water technology com- CEO of BlueTech Research. pany that has the highest potential to not Crystal IS reported record outputs of only influence existing markets, but open up greater than 60mW for their UVC LEDs earlier new markets because of its ability to be used this year. As part of this award, Crystal IS will CUBA: People reflected in the window line up at a post office as they wait to use the Internet service in Havana. Cuba announced in various applications. have the opportunity to showcase their prod- Additionally, the award analyzes the com- ucts in the 2013 WEFTEC Innovation Pavilion Tuesday that it will offer more access to the Internet starting June 4, at navigation sites around the country for $4.50 an hour. The pany’s business model and the quality of serv- at the conference in Chicago, IL this October. average salary in Cuba is $15 per month. —AP Cuba to offer public Internet Mobile apps to report racism in English football at salons islandwide LONDON: English football’s main anti- calling for better stewarding at matches. racism organization is working on creating “The majority of football fans have told HAVANA: Cuban authorities said Tuesday that they email, often through workplace or school Rebelde mentioned the issue. a mobile phone application for players to Kick It Out they want action to get rid of will begin offering public Internet access at more hookups or places such as computer clubs and The Internet is a highly politicized issue on the report abuse. discrimination at all levels of the game,” than 100 cyber-salons across the island, though post offices. island, with critics pointing to restrictions as an Kick It Out released details Wednesday Kick It Out director Roisin Wood said. home Web service remains greatly restricted. “Great! I knew this was coming,” said Camila example of infringement upon freedom. of an app for fans to lodge complaints “These new reporting tools will allow fans Starting June 4, people can sign up with state Delgado, a 44-year-old shop worker in Havana, Authorities say that the limitations are due about racist abuse at matches from the to help clubs and the relevant authorities telecom Etecsa for temporary or permanent though she added that “there’s still a ways to go to more to technical reasons and that Cuba has the start of the new season in August. target instances of discriminatory behavior accounts to use one of the 118 centers, according be like everywhere else on the planet. We don’t obligation to prioritize its limited capacity for In a survey of 5,463 fans by Kick It Out, more consistently while maintaining to a measure enacted with its publication in the have access at home and the prices are prohibitive.” things that benefit the public good, such as 75 percent said that discriminatory lan- healthy and vocal rivalries. government’s Official Gazette. “New areas for Indeed, some scoffed at the new cyber-centers’ research and work centers or universities. guage and behavior among supporters is “Over the past 20 years, the campaign (Internet) navigation will gradually be incorporat- price tag of $4.50 an hour, a stiff fee for islanders Earlier this year, Cuba began sending and still a problem at matches in Britain. Work is has stayed at the forefront of tackling dis- ed,” official newspaper Juventud Rebelde reported. whose state salaries average about $20 per month receiving data traffic through a fiber-optic cable also underway with the Professional crimination with innovative campaigns and Until now, the Internet has been limited to plus an array of subsidized goods and services. strung from Venezuela in 2011 that provided the places such as tourist hotels that charge $8 an hour “It’s a real bargain,” snarked a user on state island’s first hard-wired Internet connection to the Footballers’ Association to develop a more we have made real progress, but there is for creaky Wi-Fi, foreign-run companies and some news website Cuba Si who gave the name outside world. secure app just for players. still plenty to do. This will go some way in sectors of Cuban business and government. Osvaldo Ulloa. “I mean, I work for a week and then Expanding connectivity options for Cubans “is There also has been a resurgence of helping responsible fans work with us to Residential dial-up accounts are rare and restricted. I can get online for hour - fabulous.” consistent with Cuba’s stated strategy of continu- racism among players at matches in make further progress.” According to government statistics, only 2.9 Even for those who are already able to ing to facilitate more and more access to new England in recent years, notably with bans The app will be free on iPhone and percent of Cubans said they had access to the access the wider Internet, some sites are cen- technologies, depending on the availability of for Chelsea captain John Terry and Android devices, and the reports are sent Worldwide Web - though outside observers put sored for things including pornography or resources and with a focus that favors social use,” Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. to the clubs and English Football the likely figure at 5 to 10 percent, taking underre- politically objectionable content. It was not Juventud Rebelde said. The paper added that the Almost half of fans reported hearing Association. Fans who make complaints porting into account. About 16 percent were able clear whether the new service will block such new service is possible thanks to the Venezuela racist or homophobic aimed directed at can do so anonymously or chose to be to go partway online via a domestic Intranet and pages, and neither the Gazette nor Juventud cable. —AP players or match officials, with 73 percent updated on an investigation. —AP Singaporean online community angered by new media rule SINGAPORE: Singapore’s feisty online also one of the most regimented. Its tra- Websites granted a licence will have tainly looks like there’s political motiva- announcement Tuesday, it said it expect- community reacted angrily yesterday to ditional media are widely seen to be pro- to remove “prohibited content” such as tion behind this new licensing frame- ed “no change in content standards” an announcement that news websites government, giving rise to alternative articles that undermine racial or religious work, and the motivation seems to be to since websites already must comply with including one operated by Yahoo! will sources of news online amid growing harmony” within 24 hours of being noti- rein in Yahoo! Singapore,” wrote promi- content restrictions, citing in particular have to obtain licences subjecting them discontent with the ruling party and its fied by the MDA. nent blogger Ravi Philemon. the need to curb “content that under- to rules governing traditional media. policies. International media watchdog Others questioned what they called lines racial or religious harmony” in the “It is obvious that the new rules are to The popular news site of Yahoo! Reporters Sans Frontieres ranked the arbitrary nature of the MDA’s deci- multi-ethnic society. set and control the tone of discourse Singapore was included Tuesday on a list Singapore 149th globally in press free- sion to require Yahoo! to obtain a licence Traditional media outlets, owned by online, a concern which the government of 10 websites that will have to obtain dom this year, down 14 places from under the new regulatory regime while Singapore Press Holdings and state- has had for a while now,” said Andrew annual licences starting Saturday-all the 2012 and below neighbours such as leaving untouched volunteer-run blogs linked broadcasting group Mediacorp, Loh, the editor of socio-political website nine others are sites run by mainstream Malaysia and Indonesia. also popular among Singaporeans. are subject to licences that can be Publichouse.sg. Singapore media groups. Yahoo! Singapore, which has a team “MDA’s failure to explain how its new revoked at any time by the authorities. “The rise of social media, as an The Media Development Authority of reporters doing independent cover- policy is to be applied at present suggest The People’s Action Party, in power increasing number of Singaporeans get (MDA), the official media watchdog, said age, has become a magnet for anti-gov- that the manner in which it is being for more than 50 years, suffered its worst their news online, has now prompted websites that have at least 50,000 ernment comments posted by readers introduced is opaque and arbitrary,” ever electoral performance in May 2011, the government to let go of its promised unique visitors from Singapore every in reaction to local news stories. wrote the editors of socio-political web- getting an all-time low of 60 percent of ‘light touch’ on the Internet,” he wrote on month and publish at least one local Executives at Yahoo! Singapore told site The Online Citizen. the popular vote after the opposition the site. Singapore is one of Asia’s news article a week fall under the new AFP they would not comment until they There was no immediate reaction and its supporters relied heavily on social wealthiest and most wired nations but rules. see details of the licensing rules. “It cer- from the MDA to the criticism. In its media for campaigning. —AFP HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Healthy quintuplets born in Salt Lake hospital

SALT LAKE CITY: A Utah woman gave birth to a see that they were ok, that everything turned out “He did not become a patient, which is a good thing,” them. Fernando Garcia’s bosses have told him to healthy set of quintuplets over the weekend with normally,” she said in Spanish. The largest is baby Manuck said. take as much time off as he needs from his work as a help from a team of eight doctors, one anesthesiolo- Fernando, who weighed 3 pounds, 14 ounces. The Though the hospital had never had quintuplets welder at a local factory. gist and dozens of nurses ensuring the mother and two baby boys are still using breathing tubes, while before, they’ve had many women give birth to The family has health insurance, but the Utah the tiny babies survived. Guillermina and Fernando the girls are breathing on their own. Dr Tracy triplets and quadruplets and drew on those experi- Doula Association has setup an account where peo- Garcia’s five babies - three girls and two boys - weigh Manuck served as Guillermina Garcia’s doctor at the ences to help them Sunday, Manuck said. The beam- ple can donate to help with the costs of having five between 2 to 3 pounds each and are expected to hospital and called the mother an extraordinary per- ing couple, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, now babies. When asked how she plans to care for all five have to stay at the University of Utah hospital in Salt son who never complained, despite suffering from begins a future sure to be filled with droves of dirty babies, Guillermina Garcia shrugged her shoulders, Lake City for another six weeks. Doctors predict they high blood pressure and severe pre-eclampsia dur- diapers, endless hours of trying to calm crying laughed and said simply: “I don’t know.” Her husband will grow up completely healthy. Guillermina Garcia, ing the pregnancy. The doctors also complimented babies and enough bottles and binkies to fill a sink. smiled and gave a more confident answer: “Now that 34, carried the babies until 31 1/2 weeks - seven her husband’s support throughout the pregnancy - They also have a 1-year-old girl, Julietta. They said they’re here, we’ll find a way,” he said. “We’re through weeks shorter than most single-birth pregnancies including in the operating room Sunday morning. they have sisters who live in the area who will help the hardest part.” — AP but about three weeks longer than most quintuplet mothers. The extra time in the womb helped their lungs develop more than other quintuplets, said Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien, of the newborn intensive care unit. “They are all doing remarkably well,” O’Brien said. It was the first set of quintuplets ever born at the hospital. Less than 10 quintuplet sets are born each year in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention counted 37 babies who were born as part of a set of five or more in 2010. “We feel like we’re dreaming,” said Fernando Garcia in Spanish at a Monday afternoon news conference. “It’s incredi- ble that we have five.” The Utah couple used fertility drugs, which increases the odds of a woman having multiple births. They found out early in the pregnancy they were having quintuplets, and Guillermina Garcia had been in the hospital on bed rest since early April. All five babies were born by cesarean section - coming SALT LAKE CITY: Dr Tracy Manuck, left, gives a baby present to out within two minutes. A team of five, including SALT LAKE CITY: This undated photo provided by the University of Utah Guillermina and Fernando Garcia after a news conference at the one doctor and two nurses, was waiting for each Hospital shows one of the quintuplets born over Memorial Day weekend University of Utah hospital. — AP photos baby. Their names are Esmeralda, Fatima, Marissa, to Salt Lake City couple Guillermina and Fernando Garcia at University Fernando and Jordan. “I was excited to see them and of Utah Hospital.

WHO urges action against obesity as poor nations get fatter Obesity levels doubled between 1980 - 2008

GENEVA: Alarmed at expanding waistlines around the disease and cancer cases attributable to overweight, makes them sick.” world, the UN’s health agency has urged countries to according to the UN agency’s numbers. The world’s fat- The industry itself has welcomed most of the WHO get serious about reining in a ballooning obesity crisis, test country is the tiny South Pacific island nation of proposals, claiming it had already made strides both in proposing an action plan that includes taxing Nauru, where 71 percent of the population is consid- “reformulating” existing products to make them healthi- unhealthy snacks and rules against marketing junk food ered obese, WHO figures show. er and in voluntarily reining in the advertising of to children. Once considered only a problem in high- The newly adopted plan “is extremely important in unhealthy foods and drinks to youngsters. The recom- income countries like the United States, where nearly 70 addressing one of the most devastating health crises of mended actions “are ones we support and have been percent of the adult population is overweight, obesity is our time,” said John Stewart of the watchdog Corporate implementing on a voluntary basis since 2004,” said now growing fastest in developing nations in Africa and Accountability International, describing obesity as “an Jane Reid of the International Food an Beverage Latin America, according to the World Health epidemic”. Since foods high in fat, sugar and salt are Alliance, which represents the world’s largest food and Organization (WHO). often cheaper than healthier alternatives, the battle drink corporations, including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s As the urgency to tackle the crisis grows, member against the bulge is increasingly spreading to poorer and Nestle. countries of the UN body late on Monday adopted a nations, observers say. “In many high-income countries The organization, which maintains that voluntary 2013-2020 action plan to fight against diseases like car- the problem is leveling off, but the worst problems we action and self-regulation by companies is the answer diovascular illness, cancer, and chronic diabetes. “The see are in low- and middle-income countries where the to the obesity problem, was less supportive of the WHO cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of taking action,” rate of obesity... is increasing at a very fast pace,” plan’s call for countries to consider taxing unhealthy the body said. The plan, which targets risky lifestyle Godfrey Xuereb, a WHO expert on the issue, told AFP. foods and subsidizing healthier choices in a bid to choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption and an The new WHO plan calls for a range of measures to impact eating habits. “Fiscal measures aimed specifically unhealthy diet, includes a goal to halt the rise in global stymy obesity’s upward trend, including urging food to change behavior are complex to design and enforce,” obesity levels by 2020. “The fight against obesity is... and beverage companies to cut levels of salt and sugar Reid wrote in an email to AFP, adding there was little one of the most important factors in fighting no com- in their products, replace saturated and trans-fats with proof such taxes would help improve eating habits. municable diseases,” Francesco Branca, WHO’s head of unsaturated fats, and reduce portion sizes. And in a And, she maintained, a food tax “would be felt hardest TEXAS: In this May 10, 2013 handout photo provid- nutrition for health and development, told reporters in world where more than 40 million children under the by low-income families,” who might “compensate for ed by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Nakato, a male Geneva. age of five are overweight, it also calls on countries to unanticipated budget shortfalls by buying more ener- twin giraffe, gets mom, Carol’s attention shortly Obesity levels nearly doubled between 1980 and strictly control the marketing of unhealthy foods and gy-dense, lower-nutrient foods.” after birth in New Braunfels. — AP 2008, when at least one in three adults worldwide was drinks to children. Taking on marketing aimed at young- Stewart meanwhile cautioned against giving the overweight and around one in 10 was considered sters was “incredibly important,” Stewart told AFP, insist- industry players widely blamed for the obesity epidem- obese, according to the WHO. At least 2.8 million adults ing that food and beverage corporations for too long ic too much say in how to solve the problem. “What we Rare twin die each year as a result of being overweight or obese, have been “taking advantage of children’s inherent vul- really need are statutory regulations that are binding giraffes born in not counting the large percentages of diabetes, heart nerabilities by marketing them unhealthy food that and make a real impact on kids’ health,” he said. — AFP Central Texas UN call to financial arms New vaccine protects NEW BRAUNFELS: Officials with a Central Texas wildlife for new war on poverty kids against hand, foot refuge say twin giraffes have been born, marking just and mouth disease the second time such a birth has occurred in the US UNITED NATIONS: Hundreds of billions of dollars Private enterprise must be “at the heart of our agen- Female calf Wasswa was born first May 10, followed by have been spent battling extreme poverty and dis- da” of economic change. The new targets had to brother Nakato. Officials with the Natural Bridge Wildlife ease since 2000 and now the United Nations is lin- build on the MDGs but all had agreed that goals LONDON: Chinese scientists have developed the first vaccine to Ranch waited until Tuesday to announce the births to ing up a new war on the social distress still suffered “weren’t perfect,” Cameron added. “Rich countries protect children against a virus called enterovirus 71, or EV71, that ensure the calves would survive. by huge numbers around the world. Ideas on tar- meeting their aid commitments is important, but it causes the common and sometimes deadly hand, foot and Ranch spokeswoman Melissa Welch says Wasswa mouth disease. The new inactivated EV71 vaccine, made by and Nakato are the only set of living giraffe twins in the gets to follow the Millennium Development Goals will not be enough on its own. And our report will (MDGs) and how to pay will be in a report to be make clear that we need to tackle the causes of Beijing Vigoo Biological, was developed for use in the Asia-Pacific US A previous set was born in 1988 but have since died. region, which accounts for most of the serious cases of the disease Welch says most twin giraffes are stillborn or have to be handed over by Indonesia’s President Susilo poverty, not just the symptoms,” said the prime Bambang Yudhoyono to UN leader Ban Ki-moon. minister. that can cause potentially fatal meningitis and encephalitis. Since aborted. Wasswa and Nakato are reticulated giraffes, its discovery in 1969, EV71 has caused major outbreaks of hand one of the most common species. They’ll stay at the pri- Yudhoyono, Liberia’s President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson Cameron said “the importance of good gover- and Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron drew nance (and) lack of corruption” would be a key new foot and mouth disease around the world, affecting mostly chil- vately owned ranch outside New Braunfels for public dren. According to the World Health Organization, outbreaks of up the report with 24 other ministers, business rep- element of the new goals. East Timor’s Finance viewing. — AP HFMD occur every few years in different parts of the world. But in resentatives and experts. Minister Emilia Pires, a member of the panel, recent years these have occurred more in Asia. Places with recent The UN now has less than 1,000 days to meet the stressed the need to eradicate conflict to help the large increases in the number of reported cases include China, existing eight Millennium goals and decide how poorest countries. “The lack of peace was one of the Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, they should be followed. When the MDGs were major obstacles for achieving the MDGs,” Pires told Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. agreed at a UN summit in 2000, experts predicted AFP in an interview. “If people are scared, children A large outbreak of HFMD infected about 35,000 people and the goals-ranging from halving numbers living on do not attend schools, they do not go to hospitals.” killed 17 in China’s Hunan province in June 2012. Symptoms of less than $1.25 a day, to cutting mortality among There have to be targets for all countries, not just the disease include mouth sores, skin rashes and fever. Until now, under fives by two thirds and halting the spread of for the poorest, she said, and some of the existing there have been no effective vaccines against EV71. But in trial AIDS-would cost about $60 billion dollars. The UN goals have to be refined. “We must make sure we data published in The Lancet medical journal on Tuesday, says the poverty target has already been reached, do not leave behind all those people who have researchers said Beijing Vigoo’s vaccine gave 90 percent protec- mainly because China’s economic miracle has creat- already been left behind with the first goals.” tion against EV71-associated hand, food and mouth disease, with ed so much new wealth. East Timor is emerging from its own instability 80.4 percent protection for at least 12 months. The trial took place Progress on the other targets has been steady, which needed a UN peacekeeping force and is now at four sites across China - three in Jiangsu province and one in but Ban’s panel has agreed that helping the remain- saving toward a sovereign wealth fund from the Beijin. It involved 10,245 babies and children aged 6 to 35 months ing 1.5 billion chronically poor-increasingly discovery of valuable gas and oil reserves. Pires said who were randomly assigned to get two doses of the vaccine, or entrenched in sub-Saharan Africa-remains the pri- better financial management in the target coun- two doses of a placebo. Commenting on the results, Nigel ority. The UN could face a battle on how to carry tries could help pay for the new goals. “A lot of the Crawford and Steve Graham from the University of Melbourne out the renewed vow, though. Experts are reluctant poor countries, countries with a lot of poor people, and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Australia said “the to estimate how much has been spent on the especially those in conflict, are actually very rich in gains made in (this) trial need to be shared internationally.” This MDGS so far.”Western donors have spent hundreds terms of mineral wealth, oil and gas. The problem is should include an assessment of potential cross-protection for of billions of dollars in aid since the Millennium that the resources are not well managed,” she said. other types of EV71 prevalent in other epidemic countries such as goals were agreed in 2000,” said Simon Scott, head “If we make sure that our resources are well Singapore, Malaysia and Japan, they added. The Chinese of the statistics and development finance division managed, that revenues goes into some sort of sov- researchers, led by Feng-Cai Zhu of the Jiangsu Provincial Center at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and ereign wealth fund, we can fund out our own for Disease Control, said the vaccine was safe and well-tolerated Development in Paris. needs,” she said. But small countries need help with and side-effects were similar in both the vaccine and placebo “In fact, annual aid flows have increased by half good governance and to haggle with multinational groups. But they cautioned that there was no evidence the vaccine in real terms since then. Most donors orient their companies to get the best deal for resources. “They would cross-protect against another virus called coxsackievirus A aid towards achieving the goals,” Scott said. But the have lawyers, they have all these negotiators. You 16, which is often found circulating with EV71 and also causes are sitting there like David and Goliath and then financial crisis has badly hit donor payments in the hand foot and mouth disease. This and several other viruses can past five years and Cameron said on a recent visit to you sign off on contractors that later you regret,” cause hand foot and mouth disease, they added, so using a vac- New York that there had to be a “transformational she said. “But it is too late and all the revenues have cine against only EV71, even if it is highly effective, may have only shift” in the way development goals are reached. left the country.”— AFP a minimal impact on reducing the overall number of cases of the disease. — Reuters HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

JOHANNESBURG: (Left) A child selects a play item from a shelf at a toy library run by Cotlands, a local non-profit organization that promotes early learning opportunities for children. (Center) A child tumbles in a tube and (right) Children play with hula hoops.—AP photos South Africa: Children learn by playing

JOHANNESBURG: Hundreds of South African children cel- kids, said Lois Moodley, Cotlands’ marketing manager. It World Play Day is in its 14th year and is commemorated ebrated what some children’s advocates call World Play runs a child care unit that houses abandoned children up on May 28 as part of an advocacy campaign for early child- Day on Tuesday, romping with toys at two Johannesburg for adoption, and coordinates with child welfare services hood education. It was started by a non-profit group, The centers run by a non-profit organization. The Cotlands run by the state. International Toy Library Association. Cotlands used to run organization campaigns for improvement in early educa- Individuals and day cares with no access to play an HIV hospice in 1996 to address the increasing problem tion in South Africa, where a 2010 general household sur- areas partner with the center, which provides a two- of children born with the virus that causes AIDS in South vey released by a government-backed statistics agency hour morning lesson, meal, playtime and access to a Africa, which claimed 98 children at the non-profit group showed only 32 percent of children under 5 had access to nurse and social worker at no additional cost. It costs in 2002. The state later stepped up funding for anti-retrovi- early childhood development programs. the center R25 (about $2.50) daily to provide for each ral drugs, and infection rates have dropped. At the peak of The biggest challenge for the organization is convinc- child, which it funds through corporate and private the AIDS crisis, the disease killed a child in the organiza- ing families that it wants to introduce children to early donations. The doors remain open for after-school play tion’s care every week, Moodley said. In the last three years, learning skills, and is not a haven for neglected or abused activities. she said, “we haven’t had a single child die.”—AP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

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IKEA Kuwait opens doors to Kuwait University interns

KEA Kuwait recently sponsored the acquire hands-on knowledge of key concept in focus. The groups focused sible organization that supports the graduation ceremony of students functions across IKEA Kuwait’s busi- on four departments ranging from community in which it operates and I from the Industrial and ness divisions. Supply Chain and Logistics, Customer youth development initiatives such as Management Systems Engineering The students were divided into four Service and Self-Serve, Delivery and the summer training programs, sports department of Kuwait University that groups in which each group examined Assembly, and Return, Exchange and tournaments and so on, as a testimo- interned at the IKEA store, in Costa Del a different department of the compa- Recovery. ny of gratitude to the people of Sol Hotel. The internship program ny for possible areas of improvement Recognized as a global leader in its Kuwait for their trust in IKEA for over served as a platform for students to and feasible solution keeping IKEA’s field, IKEA Kuwait is a socially respon- 28 years. GUST recognizes honor students in College of Business Administration

he Gulf University for Science and Human Resources Group in Boubyan gave a Technology, under the Platinum few words as well, noting that Boubyan was sponsorship of Boubyan Bank recog- Muna with the daughter of the King of Swaziland T proud to sponsor such an event and nized all the outstanding undergraduate during the Day of Africa reception, at the Regency, because of the bank’s investment and inter- students in the College of Business Tuesday. est in expanding the knowledge environ- Administration. Faculty, staff, students, fam- ment and elevating the education in the ily and friends joined in the celebration and banking industry, they chose GUST as their Announcement recognition of the hard work of these stu- academic partner and hope to have a fruit- dents. ful partnership for a long time. Student, Legal awareness camp An honor student is distinguished by Ashveen Sethi, spoke on behalf of her fel- ichar Bharathi Kuwait in association with the maintaining a GPA of 3.8 and above in their low honorees, thanking her professors and major. Dr Ahmad Al-Galfy introduced all the friends for their support and last but not Indian Lawyers Forum will hold a ‘Legal speakers, noting that this is the 4th consec- least, her family for always being there for Awareness Camp’ on May 31 at the United V utive year of hosting this award ceremony her, “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for your Indian School from 10am to 1230pm. The program only now it includes all the CBA students, support.” will be inaugurated by Adv Labeed Abdal who will not just some majors. Dr. Khaled Kisswani Congratulations to Economics and also will join our experts panel. The participating then spoke, telling the students: “You’ve Finance Honor Students: Aisha Al-Muhailan, lawyers from Indian Lawyers Forum are Adv. Thomas made us all very happy and very proud.” He Fajer Al-Refai, Khalid Houran, Mariam Panicker, Adv Sumod MK, Adv Mohammed Basheer, thanked the parents especially, noting that Beidas, Adnan Mohammad Ali, Rubab Adv Thomas Stephen. The function will be organized their support at home and environment Fatima Karamdeen, Tahreer Mohamed, in three sessions, as follows. Subject presentation by made it easier for the students to thrive. Dr Noor Abd Elqader and Dalal Souyan; to the Lawyers Panel, on the following topics: Creating Sabah Qaddoumi, Vice President for Business Administration Honor Students: expatriate awareness on basic Kuwait Academic Services, spoke next: “We are all Nour Esmaeel, Noor Abou Seido, Fatma Al- Labor/Civil/Criminal Laws. And creating expatriate here to celebrate your success, hard work, Shuraian, Elias Karam, Ali Arzouniand awareness on basic Indian Civil/Criminal Laws. and your family and teacher’s commitment Yasmeen Jaafar; to Accounting and MIS to you. We know you made a good choice in Honor Students: Sindhuvasavi Srinivasan, choosing GUST as the location of your stud- AshveenSethi, Faisal Al-Shatti, Anwar Al- ies with the renowned faculty who care Zalzalah, Omar Mohammad, Reem Houran, about your success.” Dr Qaddoumi was fol- Madiha Najem, Fatimah Faour, Abdullah Al- lowed by a few words from Dr Lee Caldwell, Baghli and Yasmin Al-Dari. GUST wishes its the Dean of the GUST CBA, who thanked students continued success in all their fields Boubyan for their great community spirit and thanks the faculty involved in putting and spoke of his pride about the students together this event, with Special thanks to and his belief that they would’ve been top Dr Fida Karam, Assistant Professor, students at any university in the world. Economics & Finance, the main organizer of Adel Al-Hammad, General Manager - the event. Enjoy Sensational Summer Savings at The Regency!

IMAX

IMAX film program

Thursday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Flight of Butterflies 3D 10:30am, 5:30pm, 8:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 11:30am Tornado Alley 3D 12:30pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm To The Arctic 3D 6:30pm rom now until August 8, 2013, The Regency is Lounge, where from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm they can exceptional dining, The Regency offers a weekly cal- inviting sun lovers of any age to make the most enjoy a private beach and sun terrace with plenty of endar of incredible culinary events: enjoy an array of Fof its spectacular beachside location, three full sun loungers as well as a delightful cafE and swim- fresh seafood on Tuesdays, spectacular Indian cuisine size pools and award-winning luxury with huge sav- ming pool with power jets. on Wednesdays and Lebanese delicacies on ings for everyone. “This summer sees a host of exceptional events at Thursdays. This is not forgetting the Royal Brunch Write to us For a limited period only, guests may benefit from The Regency”, commented Russell Loughland, which has been proved so popular every Friday since an exclusive value-added offer. Based on two persons Director of Sales and Marketing. “We are planning to its inception. sharing a Superior Room, the rate includes full buffet launch the Regency Gourmet cake shop and deli- In June, The Regency’s four Master Chefs from Italy, breakfast on top of which, there will be a free transfer catessen in the next weeks and with the arrival of our Canada, France and Malta will be bringing a new Send to What’s On to Avenues Mall, Marina Mall and The Scientific Centre new Italian Executive Sous Chef, Carmine de Filippo, lunch buffet to the Regency’s Silk Road in which they upcoming events, birthdays or on a scheduled timetable. we have introduced an Italian gastronomic menu at will be showcasing the finest cuisines of their related All guests enjoy free access to the beautiful beach- Silk Road for a limited period only. Of course we also countries. celebrations by email: side swimming pools, where young guests can enjoy have Ramadan and Eid offers plus amazing discounts “This just goes to prove that summer in Kuwait [email protected] a range of inflatable toys. There is of course compli- on suites, in addition to terrific culinary promotions offers myriad opportunities and plenty of added-val- mentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. Ladies during this season’s biggest holiday. ue offers” commented General Manager Aurelio Fax: 24835619 / 20 may avail themselves of the exclusive private Ladies’ In addition to the unbeatable room offers and Giraudo. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 Embassy BSK celebrates success with Information

International Award Scheme EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: info.aus- [email protected] (VFS) [email protected] (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more informa- tion. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm. n n n n n n n EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada in Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration depart- ment. All processing of visa and immi- gration matters including enquiries is conduct- ed by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, t has been another extremely busy, yet rewarding UAE. Individuals who are interested in working, year at The British School of Kuwait (BSK) for all stu- studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada Idents involved in the International Award (IA). With should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu over 125 students from more than 30 countries cur- Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.going- rently taking part in the program, and over 90 of those tocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-im- receiving an award this evening, it is wonderful to see [email protected]. The Embassy of young adults fulfilling their personal challenges. The Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, community has benefited in many ways with our Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at young adults’ involvement in the IA. A significant www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is development to the program this year has been com- open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through munity service. This drive saw IA students raise nearly Thursday. The reception is open from 07:30 to KD1400. The Silver participants spent KD500 on build- 12:30. Consular services for Canadian citizens ing materials in order to renovate a new classroom in a are provided from 09:00 until 12:00, Sunday local school in the Tawal region, Nepal. The Gold stu- through Wednesday. dents raised KD900. They then built a new canteen in a n n n n n n n local school in the Northern region of Ban Thaton, EMBASSY OF CYPRUS Thailand. Both of these initiatives were hard work, yet In its capacity as EU Local Presidency in thoroughly rewarding. The continued success of consisted of a 42km trek over three days and nights, to Mfolozi Nature Reserve. The International Award is the State of Kuwait, the Embassy of the encouraging alumni participants to take ownership prepare for the final expedition; five days trekking in tough, but it is about individual challenge, not about Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the and responsibility of the Award, both in training ses- the Tawal region of Nepal. The goal was to reach the reaching specific standards set by someone else. The Member States of the EU and associated sions and on expedition, continues to be very popular. village of Tawal for some community work. The Gold students at BSK have to be responsible for designing States participating in the Schengen cooper- This has allowed students at the completion stages of award group undertook a residential project building a their own Award Program, setting their own goals and ation, would like to announce that as from the Award to use their skills to accept a leadership role. new school canteen and caring for orphaned and recording their own progress. The only people they 2nd October 2012 all Schengen States’ Whether it was giving advice, helping to build life skills underprivileged children in Ban Thaton, Northern compete against are themselves, giving them the Consulates in Kuwait will use the Visa or lending practical help, this role has certainly Thailand. For the Gold expedition, 27 students and opportunity to find out more about themselves, their Information System (VIS). The VIS is a central become a coveted one. The three final expeditions staff had the biggest challenge, ten days walking the abilities, their personal skills and their leadership database for the exchange of data on short- were challenging but thoroughly rewarding, taking famous Giants Cup Trail in the Drakensberg mountains, potential. It has been wonderful for parents and teach- stay (up to three months) visas between students to amazing destinations worldwide. At the South Africa. The demanding trek covered 68km in five ers to witness the young adults of BSK rise to these Schengen States. The main objectives of the Bronze level BSK offered an overseas final expedition days at altitudes of up to 2200metres. Of course, no challenges and be an exemplar for future participants. VIS are to facilitate visa application proce- to Oman. The Silver participants’ practice expedition trip to South Africa is complete without a Safari in dures and checks at external border as well as to enhance security. The VIS will contain all the Schengen visa applications lodged by an ‘Wonder Girl’ visits GIS applicant over five years and the decisions taken by any Schengen State’s consulate. This reelakshmi Suresh, youngest web for her school. Soon after her speech, will allow applicants to establish more easily designer & CEO of eDesign the house was open for the question and the lawful use of previous visas and their STechnologies who was on a visit to answer session. An array of questions bona fide status. For the purpose of the VIS, Kuwait was invited to Gulf Indian School ranging from web designing to manag- applicants will be required to provide their on 15.05.2013 to have an “Interactive ing her business interests flooded the biometric data (fingerprints and digital pho- Session” with the senior students. floor. Sreelakshmi was quite impressed tos) when applying for a Schengen visa. It is a Sreelakshmi has been credited with with the lively and spontaneous ques- simple and discreet procedure that only takes several national and international awards tions that she said, “I feel quite at home a few minutes. Biometric data, along with the for her excellence in web designing. standing here among you”. The Principal data provided in the Schengen visa applica- She was welcomed warmly by Ayisha S Divakaran honoured her with a tion form, will be recorded in the VIS central Noha Jamal of class X. Adhipa Sreekumar memento on behalf of the GIS fraternity. database. Therefore, as from 2nd October of class IX presented her with a bouquet GIS thanks Sreelakshmi Suresh and 2012, first-time applicants will have to appear of flowers. Sreelakshmi briefly outlined Mohandoss, Founder and Co-ordinator in person when lodging the application, in her success story that started at the ten- of Frontliners for making this event pos- order to provide their fingerprints. For subse- der age of eight with designing web site sible. quent applications within 5 years the finger- prints can be copied from the previous appli- cation file in the VIS. The Cypriot Presidency would like to assure the people of Kuwait and KALA-Balakalamela Bharathiya Vidhyabhavan topper 2013 all its permanent citizens that the Member States and associated States participating in harathiya Vidhyabhavan School topped the pres- the Schengen cooperation, have taken all tigious KALA-Balakalamela 2013, the art and cul- necessary technical measures to facilitate the Btural competitions held at Indian Public School rapid examination and the efficient process- on May 3, 2013. BVS scored 78 points stood first for the ing of visa applications and to ensure a quick 4th consecutive year while Delhi Public School with 45 and discreet procedure for the implementa- points stood second and Gulf Indian School with 38 tion of the new VIS. points at third position. More than 1000 students of dif- ferent Indian Schools participated in the unique plat- form of KALA-Balakalamela-2013. n n n n n n n Vijay Krishnan of DPS with highest individual score is EMBASSY OF ITALY titled as ‘KALA Prathibha’ for boys while Parvathi S Nair The Board of the Kuwait Italian Business of United Indian School and Chandana Ravikumar of Group (KIBG), will unveil the KIBG website on Gulf Indian School shared the title of KALA Thilakam’. 28 May 2013. The event starts at 18:00 with Renowned Malayalam poet Prof K Sachithanandan registration and socialization and includes a wel- will distribute the prizes for the winning schools and come address at 19:00 by the Ambassador of Italy to individual prizes for the winners from 11:00 am at the Kuwait followed by the formal presentation of the inaugural function of the grand event of KAKA-Kuwait KIBG website. The event will end at 20.00. Event named as ‘Samtha-2013’ scheduled to be held tomor- row, May 31, 2013 at Indian Community School, Location Italian Embassy Jabriya Block 9 Street 1 Khaitan. Selected winning items of KALA-Balakalamela- Villa 84. Valet service will be provided . No mobiles 2013 will be staged as the part of Samata-2013 on nor equivalent devices are allowed in the Embassy. Friday at the same venue. n n n n n n n EMBASSY GREECE The Embassy of Greece in Kuwait has the pleasure to announce that visa applica- BKRS holds dua and prayer mehfil tions must be submitted to Schengen Visa Application Centre (VFS office) located at 12th n the memory of saver Rana Plaza and state institutions have not flourished floor, Al-Naser Tower, Fahad Al-Salem Street, Al- tragedy on April 24, 2013 Bangladesh in the way that we would have liked for Qibla area, Kuwait City, (Parking at Souk Watia). For IKuwait Recruiting Samity (BKRS) held a which the blame must lie with current information please call 22281046 from 08:30 to dua and prayer mehfil for the deceased Awami league Government under the 17:00 (Sunday to Thursday). Working hours: workers at Gulshan Hotel, Kuwait city on leadership of current Prime Minister of Submission from 08:30 to 15:30. Passport collec- May 11, 2013 seeking salvation of the Sheikh Hasina Wazed. Unfortunately, cur- tion from 16:00 to 17:00. For visa applications departed soul. The search for the dead rent regime of impunity has hindered please visit the following website ended on May 13. Prayer mehfil was effectiveness of the rule of law and most www.mfa.gr/kuwait. presided by Convener Of BKRS Abdul current minister engaged various kind of Khader Mulla and conducted by lqbal corruption that has multiplied the capital- n n n n n n n Hussain. It is considered to be the dead- ism. Distinguished personalities represen- EMBASSY OF SOUTH KOREA liest garment-factory accident in history, tative from Bangladesh community writer The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in as well as the deadliest structural failure in reporter/professional, poet, along with Kuwait will organize 2013 K-POP Contest on modern human history (excluding the col- Member of Convener Committee (BKRS) Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 6:00 pm. The aim lapse of the World Trade Center, which was Monir Husain, Mukbul Hussain, Karim, of the contest is to provide an opportunity to the the aftermath of a deliberate act of vio- Anwar Swapan, Abdul Latif, Abdul Awal, participants to showcase their exciting talents to the lence). In the discussion Convener Abdul Moebul Ahmed , said Chowdhury, audience. Everyone is encouraged to participate in Khader Mulla castigated Home Minister Salauddin, BUIBUI. the contest. Application forms can be downloaded Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir. Khader Mulla This program was concluded by prayer from the Embassy’s website: http://kwt.mofa.go.kr said, “A highly educated minister like him for the demises and injured in this man (Select English from the menu at the top of the has said this. How low will you stoop? made accident and peace and prosperity page then Bilateral Relations) or visit the “Korean Don’t stoop so low. Quit power if you for the people of Kuwait and Bangladesh Culture Diwaniya” Facebook Group. Interested appli- believe that BNP has such power.” as well as whole mankind followed by lav- cants must send their application forms to Also In the discussion invitee guest ish dinner and dua mahfil conducted by [email protected] by 24 May 2013. mentioned that regrettable, democracy Sheikh Abu bakkar Siddque. TV PROGRAMS THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

03:45 Sport Today 18:30 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 19:30 News Special 02:20 THS 04:00 BBC World News 18:55 The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo 20:00 International Desk 03:15 Style Star 04:30 Asia Business Report 19:20 Tom And Jerry Tales 21:00 Quest Means Business 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 04:45 Sport Today 19:45 What’s New Scooby Doo 21:45 CNN Marketplace Europe 04:10 THS 00:45 Your Worst Animal 05:00 BBC World News 20:10 Tiny Toon Adventures 22:00 Amanpour 05:05 E!es Nightmares 05:30 Asia Business Report 20:35 Puppy In My Pocket 22:30 CNN Newscenter 06:00 THS 01:35 I’m Alive 05:45 Sport Today 21:00 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 07:50 Style Star 02:25 Charles & Jessica: A Chimp 06:00 BBC World News 21:25 Looney Tunes 08:20 E! News Tale 06:30 Hardtalk 21:50 Dexter’s Laboratory 09:15 Ice Loves Coco 03:15 Wildest Africa 07:00 BBC World News 22:15 Tom & Jerry Tales 09:45 Ice Loves Coco 04:05 Galapagos 07:30 World Business Report 23:05 Pink Panther And Pals 00:15 Unchained Reaction 10:15 30 Best & Worst Beach Bodies 04:55 Shamwari: A Wild Life 07:45 BBC World News 01:10 James May’s Man Lab 12:05 E! News 05:20 Echo And The Elephants Of 08:00 BBC World News 02:05 Mythbusters 13:05 Chasing The Saturdays Amboseli 08:30 World Business Report 03:00 Mythbusters 13:35 Chasing The Saturdays 05:45 SSPCA: On The Wildside 08:45 BBC World News 03:55 Border Security - Series 6 14:05 Kourtney & Kim Take New 06:10 SSPCA: On The Wildside 09:00 BBC World News 00:30 Grim Adventures Of... Specials York 06:35 Wildlife SOS 09:30 World Business Report 01:20 Johnny Test 04:20 Auction Hunters 15:00 Style Star 07:00 The Really Wild Show 09:45 BBC World News 02:10 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 04:50 Storage Hunters 15:30 E!es 07:25 Groomer Has It 10:00 BBC World News 02:35 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 05:15 How Stuff Works 16:30 Extreme Close-Up 08:15 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 10:30 World Business Report 03:00 The Amazing World Of 05:40 How Stuff’s Made 17:00 Playing With Fire 09:10 Weird Creatures With Nick 10:45 BBC World News Gumball 06:05 Sons Of Guns 18:00 E! News Baker 11:00 BBC World News 03:25 Regular Show 07:00 Mythbusters 19:00 THS 10:05 Charles & Jessica: A Chimp 11:30 Hardtalk 03:50 Ben 10: Omniverse 07:50 Jesse James: Outlaw Garage 20:00 Kourtney And Kim Take Miami Tale 12:00 BBC World News 04:15 Scooby-Doo! Mystery 08:45 Gold Rush 21:00 Chasing The Saturdays 11:00 Animal Cops Phoenix 12:30 World Business Report Incorporated 09:40 Border Security - Series 6 21:30 Fashion Police 11:55 Shamwari: A Wild Life 12:45 Sport Today 04:40 Powerpuff Girls Specials 22:30 E! News 12:20 Wildlife SOS 13:00 BBC World News 05:05 Evil Con Carne 10:05 Auction Hunters 23:30 Chelsea Lately 12:50 Safari Vet School 13:30 BBC World News 05:30 Cow & Chicken 10:30 Auction Kings 13:15 Safari Vet School 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 06:00 Casper’s Scare School 10:55 How Stuff Works 13:45 Animal Precinct 14:30 GMT With George Alagiah 06:30 Angelo Rules 11:25 How It’s Made 14:40 Charles & Jessica: A Chimp 15:00 BBC World News 07:00 Dreamworks Dragons Riders 11:50 Unchained Reaction Tale 15:30 World Business Report Of Berk 12:45 James May’s Man Lab 00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 15:30 Echo And The Elephants Of 15:45 Sport Today 07:25 Johnny Test 13:40 Mythbusters 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Amboseli 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 07:45 Scooby-Doo! Mystery 14:35 Border Security - Series 6 00:55 Unwrapped 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 Impact With Mishal Husain Incorporated Specials 01:20 Unwrapped 16:30 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 17:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 08:10 Evil Con Carne 15:05 Auction Hunters 01:45 Charly’s Cake Angels 17:25 Your Pet Wants This, Too! 17:30 Hardtalk 08:55 Adventure Time 15:30 Auction Kings 02:10 Charly’s Cake Angels 18:20 America’s Cutest Pet 18:00 Global With John Sopel 09:45 Regular Show 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 02:35 Unique Sweets 19:15 Escape To Chimp Eden 18:30 Global With John Sopel 10:35 Angelo Rules 16:55 Gold Rush 03:00 Unique Sweets 19:40 Bondi Vet 19:00 Global With John Sopel 11:25 Ben 10: Alien Force 17:50 Mythbusters 03:25 Food Wars 20:10 Shamwari: A Wild Life 19:30 World Business Report 11:50 Ben 10: Alien Force 18:45 Sons Of Guns 03:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 20:35 Echo And The Elephants Of 19:45 Sport Today 12:15 Hero 108 19:40 How Stuff Works 04:15 Unique Eats Amboseli 20:00 BBC World News 12:40 Hero 108 20:05 How It’s Made 04:40 Chopped 21:05 Charles & Jessica: A Chimp 20:30 BBC Focus On Africa 13:05 Mucha Lucha ! 20:35 Auction Hunters 05:30 Iron Chef America Tale 21:00 World News Today With 13:30 Angelo Rules 21:00 Storage Hunters 06:10 Food Network Challenge 22:00 Biggest And Baddest Zeinab Badawi 14:20 Evil Con Carne 21:30 Sons Of Guns 07:00 Guy’s Big Bite 21:30 World News Today With 15:10 The Amazing World Of 22:25 Amish Mafia 07:25 Guy’s Big Bite Zeinab Badawi Gumball 23:20 Hellriders 07:50 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 22:00 World News Today With 15:35 Adventure Time 08:15 Unique Sweets 00:40 Come Dine With Me Zeinab Badawi 16:00 Regular Show 08:40 Kid In A Candy Store 01:30 MasterChef Australia 22:30 World Business Report 16:30 Johnny Test 09:05 Barefoot Contessa 22:45 Sport Today 02:15 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 17:00 Ben 10: Omniverse 00:05 The Tech Show 09:30 Food Network Star 03:05 Mitch And Matt’s Big Fish 23:00 Business Edition With Tanya 17:25 Dreamworks Dragons Riders 10:20 Extra Virgin THE TOURIST ON OSN CINEMA Beckett 00:30 Sci-Fi Science 03:30 Cash In The Attic Of Berk 01:00 Bad Universe 10:45 Extra Virgin 23:30 Hardtalk 17:50 Gormiti New 11:10 Cooking For Real 04:15 Bargain Hunt 01:50 Sport Science 11:00 NBC Early Today 18:15 Young Justice 11:35 Food Crafters 05:00 House Swap 02:45 Stephen Hawking’s Grand 03:15 7 Below 11:30 ABC America This Morning 18:40 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 12:00 Ultimate Recipe Showdown 05:45 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow Design 05:00 Transformers: Dark Of The 12:30 Live ABC America This 19:05 Total Drama Action 12:50 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 06:35 Mitch And Matt’s Big Fish 03:35 Bad Universe Moon Morning 19:30 Total Drama Action 13:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 01:15 7 Below-18 07:05 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 04:25 Engineered 08:00 True Justice: Dead Drop 13:30 MSNBC First Look 00:45 Wacky Races 19:55 Mucha Lucha ! Basics 03:00 Transformers: Dark Of The 07:35 Food And Drink 05:15 The Gadget Show 09:45 Goal! 14:00 Live NBC Today Show 01:35 Duck Dodgers 20:20 Ben 10: Omniverse 13:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Moon-PG15 08:05 Homes Under The Hammer 05:40 The Tech Show 11:45 X-Men: First Class 17:57 Live MSNBC Hardball With 02:00 Duck Dodgers 20:45 The Amazing World Of Basics 06:00 True Justice: Dead Drop-PG15 09:00 Bargain Hunt 06:05 Voyage Dans L’espace-Temps 14:00 Mission To Mars Chris Matthews 02:25 Dastardly And Muttley Gumball 14:05 Food Wars 07:45 Goal!-PG15 09:45 Antiques Roadshow 07:00 James May’s 20th Century 16:00 Goal! 18:38 Live MSNBC The Ed Show 02:50 Dastardly And Muttley 21:10 Adventure Time 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 09:45 X-Men: First Class-PG15 10:35 Extreme Makeover: Home 07:25 James May’s 20th Century 18:00 Green Lantern 19:19 Live MSNBC The Rachel 03:00 Dexter’s Laboratory 21:35 Regular Show 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 12:00 Mission To Mars-PG15 Edition 07:50 Finding Bigfoot 20:00 Mission To Mars Maddow Show 03:30 Wacky Races 22:00 Ben 10 15:20 Guy’s Big Bite 14:00 Goal!-PG15 11:20 MasterChef Australia 08:40 The Gadget Show 22:00 Beneath The Darkness 20:00 MSNBC Andrea Mitchell 03:55 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 22:25 Ben 10 15:45 Chopped 16:00 Green Lantern-PG15 12:10 Come Dine With Me 09:05 The Tech Show Reports 04:20 Tom & Jerry 22:50 Mucha Lucha ! 16:35 Barefoot Contessa 18:00 Mission To Mars-PG15 13:00 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 09:30 Scrapheap Challenge 21:00 MSNBC Newsnation 04:45 The Garfield Show 23:15 Mucha Lucha ! 17:00 Barefoot Contessa 20:00 Beneath The Darkness-PG15 13:25 New Scandinavian Cooking 10:25 Future Weapons 22:00 MSNBC The Cycle With Andreas Viestad 05:00 Bananas In Pyjamas 23:40 Powerpuff Girls 17:25 Food Wars 22:00 Boogeyman-18 05:25 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:20 Engineered 00:00 Hard Breakers-18 23:00 MSNBC Martin Bashir 13:55 Bargain Hunt 12:10 Meteorite Men 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:40 Cash In The Attic 05:45 Jelly Jamm 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 02:00 Take Me Home Tonight-18 06:00 Ha Ha Hairies 13:00 Finding Bigfoot 04:00 The Winning Season-PG15 15:25 Antiques Roadshow 13:50 Sci-Fi Science 18:40 Guy’s Big Bite 16:15 Extreme Makeover: Home 06:25 Bananas In Pyjamas 19:05 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 02:00 Something Borrowed-PG15 06:00 The Waterboy-PG15 14:20 The Gadget Show 00:30 PGA PGA European Tour Edition 06:50 Lazytown 19:30 Chopped 04:15 Extremely Loud & Incredibly 08:00 Police Academy 6: City Under 14:45 The Tech Show Weekly 17:00 Homes Under The Hammer 07:15 Krypto: The Super Dog 00:00 Amanpour 20:20 Chopped Close-PG Siege-PG15 15:10 James May’s 20th Century 01:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 17:55 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 07:40 Baby Looney Tunes 00:30 World Sport 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes 07:00 A Dog Named Duke-PG15 10:00 12 Dates Of Christmas-PG15 15:35 James May’s 20th Century 04:00 Ladies European Tour 18:20 The Roux Legacy 08:05 Gerald McBoing Boing 01:00 Piers Morgan Live 22:00 Food Network Challenge 09:00 Something Borrowed-PG15 12:00 The Winning Season-PG15 16:00 Scrapheap Challenge Highlights 19:00 The Hairy Bikers USA 08:30 Cartoonito Tales 02:00 CNN Newsroom Live From 22:50 Fantasy Weddings 11:00 Arrietty-FAM 14:00 A Heartbeat Away-PG15 16:55 Future Weapons 05:00 NRL Premiership 19:20 New Scandinavian Cooking 08:55 Ha Ha Hairies Hong Kong 23:40 Food Wars 13:00 What’s Wrong With Virginia- 16:00 12 Dates Of Christmas-PG15 17:45 Engineered 07:00 HSBC Sevens World Series With Andreas Viestad 09:20 Lazytown 03:00 Anderson Cooper 360 PG15 18:00 Turner & Hooch-PG15 18:35 Voyage Dans L’espace-Temps 10:00 Inside The PGA Tour 19:45 Come Dine With Me 09:45 Baby Looney Tunes 04:00 Piers Morgan Live 15:00 Ghost Machine-PG15 20:00 Bridesmaids-18 19:30 James May’s 20th Century 10:30 PGA European Tour 20:35 Extreme Makeover: Home 10:10 Krypto: The Super Dog 05:00 Quest Means Business 17:00 The Tourist-PG15 22:15 Hard Breakers-18 10:35 Cartoonito Tales 06:00 The Situation Room 19:55 James May’s 20th Century Highlights Edition 00:30 Dr G: Medical Examiner 19:00 How I Spent My Summer 11:00 Jelly Jamm 07:00 World Sport 20:20 Finding Bigfoot 11:30 PGA PGA European Tour 21:20 Antiques Roadshow 01:20 A Haunting Vacation-PG15 11:25 Gerald McBoing Boing 07:30 Talk Asia 21:10 The Gadget Show Weekly 22:15 Bargain Hunt 02:05 Nightmare Next Door 21:00 Hemingway & Gellhorn-18 11:50 Lazytown 08:00 World Report 21:35 The Tech Show 12:00 Top 14 23:00 Homes Under The Hammer 02:55 Nightmare Next Door 23:30 The Disappearance Of Alice 01:00 Arc-18 12:15 Baby Looney Tunes 09:00 World Report 22:00 James May’s 20th Century 14:00 Super League 03:45 I Almost Got Away With It Creed-18 03:00 White Irish Drinkers-PG15 12:40 Jelly Jamm 10:00 World Sport 15:30 Super Rugby Highlights 04:30 Dr G: Medical Examiner 05:00 Oscar And Lucinda-PG15 13:00 Tom & Jerry Kids 10:30 News Special 16:30 HSBC Sevens World Series 05:20 A Haunting 07:15 Taken Back: Finding Haley- 13:25 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 11:00 World Business Today 19:30 PGA PGA European Tour 06:10 Nightmare Next Door PG15 13:50 Moomins 12:00 World One Weekly 07:00 Mystery Diagnosis 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 09:00 A Woman-PG15 00:00 BBC World News America 14:20 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 12:30 News Special 20:00 PGA Tour Highlights 00:00 Hannah Montana 07:50 Street Patrol Stewart 11:00 Black Forest-PG15 00:30 BBC World News America 14:45 The Looney Tunes Show 13:00 Amanpour 21:00 Inside The PGA Tour 00:20 Hannah Montana 08:15 Street Patrol 01:00 The Colbert Report 12:30 Mutum-PG15 01:00 Newsday 15:10 The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo 13:30 CNN Newscenter 21:30 Live PGA Tour 00:45 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 08:40 Real Emergency Calls 01:30 Weeds 14:30 A Woman-PG15 01:30 Asia Business Report 15:35 Taz-Mania 14:00 Piers Morgan Live 01:05 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 09:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 02:00 It’s Always Sunny In 16:30 Honey 2-PG15 01:45 Sport Today 16:00 Tiny Toon Adventures 15:00 News Stream 01:30 Emperor’s New School 09:30 On The Case With Paula Zahn Philadelphia 18:30 The Help-PG15 02:00 Newsday 16:25 Moomins 16:00 World Business Today 01:50 Emperor’s New School 10:20 Undercover: Double Life 02:30 The Ricky Gervais Show 21:00 Biutiful-18 00:00 Inside The PGA Tour 02:30 Asia Business Report 16:50 Tom And Jerry Tales 17:00 International Desk 02:15 Replacements 11:10 Disappeared 03:00 Ben And Kate 23:30 Awaydays-18 00:30 Super League 02:45 Sport Today 17:15 What’s New Scooby Doo 18:00 Global Exchange 02:35 Replacements 12:00 Mystery Diagnosis 03:30 The Simpsons 02:00 NRL Full Time 03:00 Newsday 17:40 The Looney Tunes Show 18:45 CNN Marketplace Middle East 03:00 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 12:50 Street Patrol 04:00 Seinfeld 02:30 Futbol Mundial 03:30 Asia Business Report 18:05 The Garfield Show 19:00 CNN Football Club 03:20 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 13:15 Street Patrol 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay 03:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 03:45 Emperor’s New School 13:40 Forensic Detectives Leno 01:00 Shelter-PG15 03:30 AFL Premiership 04:05 Emperor’s New School 14:30 On The Case With Paula Zahn 05:30 Hope & Faith 03:00 Taken From Me: The Tiffany 06:00 Trans World Sport 04:30 Replacements 15:20 Real Emergency Calls 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Rubin Story-PG 07:00 Futbol Mundial 04:50 Replacements 15:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 08:00 Seinfeld 05:00 Certain Prey-PG15 07:30 Super League 05:15 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 16:10 Disappeared 08:30 Hope & Faith 07:00 A Mother’s Choice-PG15 09:00 Dubai Duty Free Darts 05:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 17:00 Undercover: Double Life 09:00 Ben And Kate 09:00 Alvin And The Chipmunks: Masters 06:00 Prankstars 17:50 Forensic Detectives 09:30 Modern Family Chipwrecked-PG 12:30 Futbol Mundial 06:25 Suite Life On Deck 18:40 On The Case With Paula Zahn 10:00 The Mindy Project 11:00 Hugo-PG 13:00 Trans World Sport 06:45 Cory In The House 19:30 Disappeared 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay 13:15 A View From Here-PG15 14:00 NRL Full Time 07:10 A.N.T. Farm 20:20 Nightmare Next Door Leno 15:00 According To Greta-PG15 14:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 07:35 Austin And Ally 21:10 Couples Who Kill 12:30 Seinfeld 16:45 Alvin And The Chipmunks: 15:00 Live PGA European Tour 07:55 Jessie 22:00 On The Case With Paula Zahn 13:00 Hope & Faith Chipwrecked-PG 19:00 WWE NXT 08:20 Good Luck Charlie 22:50 I Escaped Death 14:00 The Simpsons 18:30 The Avengers-PG15 20:00 Dubai Duty Free Darts 08:45 Doc McStuffins 23:40 I Almost Got Away With It 14:30 The Mindy Project 21:00 The Lucky One-PG15 Masters 09:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 15:00 Modern Family 23:00 After Life-18 23:30 Trans World Sport 09:30 A.N.T Farm 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 09:55 Jonas Stewart 10:15 So Random 16:00 The Colbert Report 00:00 Mass Participation Ironman 10:40 Hannah Montana 00:45 Around The World For Free 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 01:00 Maroons 01:00 Golfing World 11:05 Sonny With A Chance 01:40 Deadliest Journeys 18:00 New Girl 02:45 Olentzero Christmas Tale 02:00 World Pool Masters 11:25 Kim Possible 02:05 The Best Job In The World 18:30 Friends 04:30 Kong Return To The Jungle 03:00 World Cup Of Pool 11:50 Shake It Up 02:35 Bondi Rescue 19:00 Community 06:00 Little Einsteins: Rocket’s 04:00 Super Rugby 12:15 Shake It Up 03:00 Bondi Rescue 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Firebird Rescue 06:00 Trans World Sport 12:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 03:30 Danger Beach Leno 08:00 The Happy Cricket 07:00 Golfing World 13:00 That’s So Raven 03:55 The Ride: Alaska To Patagonia 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 10:00 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 08:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 13:25 Austin And Ally 04:25 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Stewart Travelled 11:30 The Tooth Fairy 2 08:30 Total Rugby 13:45 Dog With A Blog 21:30 The Colbert Report 05:20 Long Way Down 13:00 Twigson 09:00 World Pool Masters 14:10 A.N.T. Farm 22:00 The League 06:15 Gone to save the planet 14:30 Olentzero Christmas Tale 10:00 World Cup Of Pool 14:35 Suite Life On Deck 23:00 The Ricky Gervais Show 06:40 Market Values 16:00 Arthur’s Missing Pal 11:00 Super Rugby 14:55 So Random 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 07:10 The Frankincense Trail 18:00 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 13:00 Total Rugby 15:20 Good Luck Charlie 08:05 Around The World For Free 20:00 Rebound 13:30 Trans World Sport 15:45 Jessie 09:00 Deadliest Journeys 22:00 Twigson 14:30 Marathon 16:10 Shake It Up 09:25 The Best Job In The World 23:30 Arthur’s Missing Pal 17:30 Total Rugby 16:35 A.N.T Farm 01:00 The Client List 09:55 Bondi Rescue 18:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 17:00 Austin And Ally 02:00 Castle 10:20 Bondi Rescue 19:00 Trans World Sport 17:20 Dog With A Blog 04:00 Bones 10:50 Danger Beach 05:00 Castle 20:00 Super Rugby Highlights 17:45 Suite Life On Deck 11:15 The Ride: Alaska To Patagonia 07:00 Emmerdale 00:00 M SNBC Hardball With Chris 21:00 ICC Cricket 360 18:10 Cory In The House 11:45 Lonely Planet: Roads Less 07:30 Coronation Street Matthews 21:30 Pro 12 18:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place Travelled 08:00 The Finder 18:55 That’s So Raven 12:40 Travel Oz 01:00 MSNBC Politicsnation 09:00 Bones 19:20 A.N.T. Farm 13:05 Travel Oz 02:00 Live NBC Nightly News 10:00 Castle 19:40 Good Luck Charlie 13:35 Gone to save the planet 02:30 ABC World News With Diane 11:00 Touch 01:30 NHL 20:05 Jessie 14:00 Market Values Sawyer 03:30 Mass Participation Ironman 20:25 Shake It Up 14:30 Walking The World 12:00 Emmerdale 03:00 MSNBC All In With Chris Hayes 04:00 US Bass Fishing 20:50 A.N.T Farm 15:25 Around The World For Free 12:30 Coronation Street 04:00 MSNBC The Ra chel Maddow 21:15 So Random 16:20 Deadliest Journeys 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Show 05:00 NHL 21:40 Hannah Montana 16:45 The Best Job In The World 16:00 Emmerdale 05:00 MSNBC The Last Word With 07:00 WWE SmackDown 22:00 Jonas Los Angeles 17:15 Bondi Rescue 16:30 Coronation Street Lawrence O’Donnell 09:00 Ping Pong World 22:25 Sonny With A Chance 17:40 Bondi Rescue 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 NBC Nightly News 10:00 US Bass Fishing 22:50 Sonny With A Chance 18:10 Danger Beach 18:00 The Finder 06:30 ABC World News With Diane 11:00 NHL 23:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:35 The Ride: Alaska To Patagonia 19:00 Switched At Birth Sawyer 13:00 WWE Vintage Collection 23:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 19:05 Don’t Tell My Mother 20:00 Fairly Legal 07:00 Live NBC Nightly News 14:00 WWE Bottom Line 20:00 Walking The World 21:00 Suits 07:39 ABC Nightline 15:00 European Le Mans Series 21:00 Gone to save the planet 22:00 The Hollow Crown 08:06 Live MSNBC The Rachel 16:00 UIM Powerboat Champs 21:30 Market Values Maddow Show 16:30 UIM Aquabike Champs 22:00 Long Way Down 09:00 MSNBC The Last Word With 17:00 UIM F1H2O Nations Cup 00:00 Opening Act 22:55 Gone to save the planet Lawrence O’Donnell 17:30 UFC 00:55 Style Star 23:20 David Rocco‚Äôs Dolce Vita 01:30 Wrong Turn 4: Bloody 10:00 ABC World News Now 20:30 Prizefighter GREEN LANTERN ON OSN ACTION HD 01:25 E!es 23:50 David Rocco‚Äôs Dolce Vita Beginnings 10:30 Live ABC World News Now 23:30 NHL Classifieds

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (30/05/2013 TO 05/06/2013)

SHARQIA-1 NO SUN+ TUE+WED ABDUCTED (DIG) 5:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 1:30 PM ABDUCTED (DIG) 7:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 4:00 PM FANAR-3 ABDUCTED (DIG) 9:45 PM SARA 3 AL AHEBA (DIG) 6:30 PM ABDUCTED (DIG) 12:45 PM ABDUCTED (DIG) 12:05 AM AT ANY PRICE (DIG) 8:00 PM YEH JAWANI HAI DEEWANI (DIG) (HINDI) 2:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED SARA 3 AL AHEBA (DIG) 10:00 PM YEH JAWANI HAI DEEWANI (DIG) (HINDI) 5:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 11:30 PM AT ANY PRICE (DIG) 8:45 PM 360º- 3 NO SUN+ TUE+WED ABDUCTED (DIG) 10:45 PM DINO TIME (DIG-3D) 12:45 PM ABDUCTED (DIG) 12:45 AM DINO TIME (DIG-3D) 2:45 PM SHARQIA-2 NO SUN+ TUE+WED DINO TIME (DIG-3D) 4:45 PM DINO TIME (DIG-3D) 12:30 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 6:45 PM EPIC (DIG-3D) 2:30 PM MARINA-1 THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 9:00 PM EPIC (DIG-3D) 4:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 2:00 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 11:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 7:00 PM HUMMINGBIRD (DIG) 4:45 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 1:15 AM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 9:30 PM SARA 3 AL AHEBA (DIG) 6:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 12:05 AM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 8:15 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED HUMMINGBIRD (DIG) 10:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 HUMMINGBIRD (DIG) 12:30 AM EPIC (DIG-3D) 2:00 PM SHARQIA-3 NO SUN+ TUE+WED THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 4:15 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 2:15 PM EPIC (DIG-3D) 6:15 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 4:15 PM MARINA-2 THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 8:30 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 6:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 12:30 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 10:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 8:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 2:45 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 12:30 AM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 10:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 5:15 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 12:45 AM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 7:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 10:15 PM AL-KOUT.2 FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 12:45 AM SARA 3 AL AHEBA (DIG) 12:45 PM MUHALAB-1 NO SUN+ TUE+WED FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 2:30 PM HUMMINGBIRD (DIG) 1:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 5:00 PM FRI MARINA-3 SARA 3 AL AHEBA (DIG) 7:15 PM EPIC (DIG) 1:00 PM EPIC (DIG-3D) 1:00 PM AT ANY PRICE (DIG) 9:15 PM THU+SAT+MON EPIC (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 11:45 PM HUMMINGBIRD (DIG) 3:30 PM EPIC (DIG-3D) 5:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED EPIC (DIG) 5:30 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 8:00 PM AT ANY PRICE (DIG) 7:45 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 10:00 PM AL-KOUT.3 HUMMINGBIRD (DIG) 9:45 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 12:05 AM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 1:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 4:30 PM MUHALAB-2 FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 7:00 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 1:45 PM AVENUES-1 FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 9:30 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 4:00 PM ABDUCTED (DIG) 12:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 12:15 AM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 6:00 PM ABDUCTED (DIG) 3:00 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 8:15 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 5:15 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 10:15 PM ABDUCTED (DIG) 7:30 PM BAIRAQ-1 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 9:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 1:30 PM MUHALAB-3 ABDUCTED (DIG) 12:05 AM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 4:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 2:00 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 7:00 PM ACCOMMODATION DINO TIME (DIG-3D) 4:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 9:45 PM THU AVENUES-2 FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 12:30 AM Sharing accommodation IDDARAMMAYILATHO (TELUGU) 4:30 PM AT ANY PRICE (DIG) 2:30 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED for only Indians, family or FRI+SAT AT ANY PRICE (DIG) 4:45 PM executive bachelors only, in FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 4:30 PM AT ANY PRICE (DIG) 7:00 PM BAIRAQ-2 Salmiya, Block - 12, Al- For sale Honda model 2001, NO THU+FRI+SAT AT ANY PRICE (DIG) 9:15 PM EPIC (DIG) 12:30 PM Mughera bin Shoba Street. IDDARAMMAYILATHO (TELUGU) 6:30 PM AT ANY PRICE (DIG) 11:30 PM EPIC (DIG) 2:45 PM gold color, good condition, MATRIMONIAL THU NO SUN+ TUE+WED EPIC (DIG) 5:00 PM Contact: 97202594. price KD 750/-. Contact: FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 7:30 PM EPIC (DIG) 7:15 PM (C 4430) 50952218. (C 4426) Inviting proposals for daugh- NO THU AVENUES-3 HUMMINGBIRD (DIG) 9:30 PM 30-5-2013 ter Dr. Pharmacy, Age 27, tall, FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 10:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 12:45 PM HUMMINGBIRD (DIG) 11:30 PM For sale Mercedes Benz smart, Kuwait working FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 3:30 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED Fully furnished 2 bedroom, C300, model 2009, mileage Muslim Pakistani family, from FANAR-1 FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 6:15 PM 2 bath, salah with satellite, 54,000km, body kit AMG, seasonable same status boys FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 12:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 9:00 PM BAIRAQ-3 internet, telephone, sea Price KD 7,500/-. Contact: through parents. Contact: FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 3:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 11:45 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 1:15 PM view closet, near Burger 97479763. [email protected] SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 5:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 3:30 PM King, Blagat Street, from 01- 28-5-2013 (C 4428) SARA 3 AL AHEBA (DIG) 8:00 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 5:45 PM 6-2013 to 20-08-2013, rent 30-5-2013 SARA 3 AL AHEBA (DIG) 9:30 PM 360º- 1 FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 8:00 PM KD 270. Contact: 50687350. CHANGE OF NAME FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 11:30 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 1:30 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 10:30 PM 28-5-2013 NO SUN+ TUE+WED THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 3:45 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 12:45 AM Prayer timings THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 6:00 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED I, Moidin Kunhi Badiyar FANAR-2 THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 8:15 PM FOR SALE Husan, S/o Husan Kunhi Fajr: 03:16 THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 12:30 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 10:30 PM PLAZA Urmene Moidin holder of Shorook 04:49 HUMMINGBIRD (DIG) 2:30 PM THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 12:45 AM IDDARAMMAYILATHO (DIG) (TELUGU) 3:30 PM Doctor owned cars - Toyota Indian Passport No. THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 4:30 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED FRI+SAT+MON Yaris 2009 (hatchback) and F4932532 have changed Duhr: 11:45 THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 6:30 PM IDDARAMMAYILATHO (DIG) (TELUGU) 6:30 PM Nissan Murano (2006), low my name to Mohammed Asr: 15:20 mileage, going cheap and THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 8:30 PM 360º- 2 IDDARAMMAYILATHO (DIG) (TELUGU) 9:30 PM Mohideen for all purposes. HUMMINGBIRD (DIG) 10:30 PM ABDUCTED (DIG) 12:45 PM THU+FRI+SAT well maintained. Contact: Maghrib: 18:42 (C 4427) THE HANGOVER PART III (DIG) 12:30 AM ABDUCTED (DIG) 3:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 9:30 PM 97202594. (C 4429) Isha: 20:12 30-5-2013 26-5-2013 112

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Thursday 30/5/2013 KNE 474 JEDDAH 20:50 Departure Flights on Thursday 30/5/2013 ABY 122 SHARJAH 15:05 Airlines Flt Route Time MSC 401 ALEXANDRIA 21:05 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 673 DUBAI 15:05 BBC 43 DHAKA 00:05 ALK 229 COLOMBO 21:10 AIC 976 GOA/CHENNAI 00:05 ABY 124 SHARJAH 15:30 QTR 148 DOHA 00:15 UAE 859 DUBAI 21:15 AXB 490 MANGALORE 00:15 KNE 473 JEDDAH 15:30 SAI 441 LAHORE 01:30 ETD 307 ABU DHABI 21:30 JAI 573 MUMBAI 00:20 OMA 646 MUSCAT 15:40 THY 764 SABIHA 01:40 QTR 136 DOHA 21:35 UAL 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 00:25 KAC 617 DOHA 15:45 JZR 267 BEIRUT 00:20 GFA 217 BAHRAIN 21:45 DLH 637 FRANKFURT 00:30 KAC 773 RIYADH 16:00 JZR 539 CAIRO 00:40 QTR 146 DOHA 22:00 BBC 44 DHAKA 01:30 KNE 471 JEDDAH 16:00 ETH 620 ADDIS ABABA 01:45 JAI 576 COCHIN 22:05 JZR 502 LUXOR 01:30 SVA 505 JEDDAH 16:00 GFA 211 BAHRAIN 01:55 FDB 59 DUBAI 22:20 THY 773 ISTANBUL 02:20 JZR 188 DUBAI 16:00 UAE 853 DUBAI 02:25 FDB 8057 DUBAI 15:50 SAI 442 LAHORE 02:30 KAC 613 BAHRAIN 16:35 ETD 305 ABU DHABI 02:30 ABY 123 SHARJAH 14:50 THY 765 ISTANBUL 02:40 FDB 8058 DUBAI 16:40 FDB 67 DUBAI 03:10 KAC 118 NEW YORK 16:00 ETH 621 ADDIS ABABA 02:45 NIA 252 ALEXANDRIA 16:50 MSR 612 CAIRO 03:15 KAC 786 JEDDAH 18:30 UAE 854 DUBAI 03:45 RJA 641 AMMAN 16:55 RBG 555 ALEXANDRIA 03:15 KAC 562 AMMAN 14:40 FDB 68 DUBAI 03:50 JZR 238 AMMAN 17:05 QTR 138 DOHA 03:30 KAC 176 GENEVA 17:45 RBG 556 ALEXANDRIA 03:55 JZR 512 SHARM EL SHEIKH 17:15 KAC 302 MUMBAI 07:50 KAC 788 JEDDAH 15:00 MSR 613 CAIRO 04:15 QTR 135 DOHA 17:20 KAC 352 COCHIN 08:05 KAC 542 CAIRO 18:15 ETD 306 ABU DHABI 04:20 ETD 304 ABU DHABI 17:20 KAC 412 MANILA 06:15 KAC 614 BAHRAIN 19:35 QTR 139 DOHA 04:25 JZR 538 CAIRO 17:40 KAC 206 ISLAMABAD 07:25 KAC 674 DUBAI 19:25 QTR 149 DOHA 05:15 ABY 128 SHARJAH 17:50 KAC 382 DELHI 07:30 KAC 104 LONDON 18:45 FDB 70 DUBAI 06:30 UAE 858 DUBAI 18:15 KAC 332 TRIVANDRUM 07:55 KAC 774 RIYADH 19:25 GFA 212 BAHRAIN 07:00 GFA 216 BAHRAIN 18:20 THY 770 ISTANBUL 04:35 KAC 618 DOHA 19:10 THY 771 ISTANBUL 07:10 SVA 511 RIYADH 18:20 DHX 170 BAHRAIN 05:10 KAC 502 BEIRUT 18:50 JZR 240 AMMAN 07:10 JZR 184 DUBAI 18:30 FDB 69 DUBAI 05:50 SVA 500 JEDDAH 14:30 KAC 545 ALEXANDRIA 07:20 JZR 266 BEIRUT 18:40 BAW 157 LONDON 06:30 KNE 472 JEDDAH 14:35 JZR 164 DUBAI 07:25 UAL 982 BAHRAIN 18:40 FDB 53 DUBAI 07:45 OMA 645 MUSCAT 14:40 BAW 156 LONDON 08:25 TAR 328 TUNIS 18:50 JZR 555 ALEXANDRIA 06:20 KNE 470 JEDDAH 15:05 FDB 54 DUBAI 08:25 QTR 145 DOHA 19:25 JZR 503 LUXOR 07:40 NIA 251 ALEXANDRIA 15:50 JZR 256 BEIRUT 08:50 FDB 64 DUBAI 19:35 JZR 529 ASSIUT 06:40 RJA 640 AMMAN 15:55 JZR 534 CAIRO 09:10 GFA 220 BAHRAIN 19:50 QTR 130 DOHA 09:50 QTR 134 DOHA 16:15 KAC 561 AMMAN 09:25 AXB 394 KOZHIKODE 20:15 UAE 4987 DUBAI 10:35 ETD 303 ABU DHABI 16:35 KAC 671 DUBAI 09:25 RBG 554 ALEXANDRIA 20:20 KAC 362 COLOMBO 8:45 UAE 857 DUBAI 16:55 ABY 126 SHARJAH 09:30 JAI 571 MUMBAI 20:35 KAC 284 DHAKA 12:05 ABY 127 SHARJAH 17:10 KAC 787 JEDDAH 09:35 FDB 62 DUBAI 20:40 KAC 672 DUBAI 13:40 GFA 215 BAHRAIN 17:20 IRA 606 MASHHAD 09:40 ABY 120 SHARJAH 20:45 KAC 546 ALEXANDRIA 14:15 SVA 510 RIYADH 17:20 IZG 4162 MASHHAD 09:45 KAC 331 TRIVANDRUM 20:50 UAE 855 DUBAI 8:25 UAL 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 17:25 UAE 856 DUBAI 09:50 KAC 343 CHENNAI 20:55 IRA 605 ISFAHAN 8:40 TAR 327 TUNIS 18:00 FDB 56 DUBAI 09:55 OMA 648 MUSCAT 20:55 IZG 4161 MASHAD 8:45 QTR 144 DOHA 18:25 QTR 133 DOHA 10:00 KAC 351 KOCHI 21:05 ABY 125 SHARJAH 8:50 FDB 63 DUBAI 18:55 IRA 616 AHWAZ 10:10 MEA 403 BEIRUT 21:15 GFA 219 BAHRAIN 19:05 QTR 132 DOHA 9:00 AXB 393 KOZHIKODE 19:15 ETD 302 ABU DHABI 10:15 AFG 415 JEDDAH 21:20 IRA 617 AHWAZ 9:10 JAI 572 MUMBAI 19:35 KAC 101 LONDON 10:25 MSC 404 ASSIUT 21:25 FDB 55 DUBAI 9:15 RBG 553 ALEXANDRIA 19:40 SYR 342 DAMASCUS 11:10 MSR 619 ALEXANDRIA 21:30 ETD 301 ABU DHABI 9:30 OMA 647 MUSCAT 20:00 KAC 501 BEIRUT 11:10 KAC 543 CAIRO 21:30 SYR 341 DAMASCUS 10:10 FDB 61 DUBAI 20:00 QTR 131 DOHA 11:20 KNE 475 JEDDAH 21:45 GFA 213 BAHRAIN 10:40 JZR 535 CAIRO 16:10 GFA 214 BAHRAIN 11:25 DHX 171 BAHRAIN 21:50 MEA 404 BEIRUT 10:55 JZR 787 RIYADH 16:15 KAC 541 CAIRO 11:30 MSC 402 ALEXANDRIA 22:05 MSC 403 ASSIUT 12:40 JZR 177 DUBAI 17:30 UAE 4987 BEIRUT 11:35 ETD 308 ABU DHABI 22:15 UAE 871 DUBAI 12:45 JZR 125 BAHRAIN 16:25 KAC 165 ROME 11:45 ALK 230 COLOMBO 22:20 MSR 610 CAIRO 13:00 JZR 257 BEIRUT 14:30 MEA 405 BEIRUT 11:55 UAE 860 DUBAI 22:25 THY 766 ISTANBUL 13:10 JZR 777 JEDDAH 17:50 JZR 776 JEDDAH 12:25 QTR 137 DOHA 22:35 KNE 480 TAIF 13:20 JZR 189 DUBAI 20:10 JZR 786 RIYADH 12:50 KAC 301 MUMBAI 22:40 QTR 140 DOHA 13:45 THY 6512 ISTANBUL 22:20 KAC 785 JEDDAH 13:00 GFA 218 BAHRAIN 22:45 FDB 57 DUBAI 13:50 AIC 981 CHENNAI 22:25 JZR 176 DUBAI 13:20 FDB 60 DUBAI 23:00 ABY 121 SHARJAH 14:25 UAL 981 BAHRAIN 22:40 JZR 124 BAHRAIN 13:30 KAC 205 ISLAMABAD 23:00 JZR 241 AMMAN 12:35 DLH 636 FRANKFURT 23:10 MSC 406 SOHAG 13:40 QTR 147 DOHA 23:05 JZR 165 DUBAI 11:35 JAI 574 MUMBAI 23:20 MSR 611 CAIRO 14:00 JAI 575 KOCHI 23:05 ABY 129 SHARJAH 20:05 KLM 411 AMSTERDAM 23:40 THY 767 ISTANBUL 14:10 JZR 554 ALEXANDRIA 23:20 MEA 402 BEIRUT 20:15 THY 772 ISTANBUL 23:45 KNE 481 TAIF 14:10 KAC 411 BANGKOK 23:40 AFG 415 KABUL 20:20 JZR 239 AMMAN 22:30 UAE 872 DUBAI 14:15 KAC 283 DHAKA 23:45 MSC 405 SOHAG 20:25 JZR 185 DUBAI 22:40 FDB 58 DUBAI 14:30 KAC 415 KUALA LUMPUR 23:50 MSR 618 CAIRO 20:30 JZR 513 SHARM EL SHEIKH 23:20 QTR 141 DOHA 14:55 JZR 528 ASSIUT 23:55

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) stars34 THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

CROSSWORD 205 STAR TRACK

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

This is one of your better days this month. The balance is shifting and A difficult project in the workplace may call for your investigation before you are less likely to ignore business situations. You have a lot of interests you tackle the problem. As usual, you can work out the best way to come up with the most that can be focused to help you find the many answers you seek. You are socially active, creative and successful way to solve a problem or tackle a project. This afternoon you may confident, successful with investors’ or other people’s money and much less assertive. Take not appreciate someone’s unrealistic approach to a particular situation. General fogginess nothing for granted. Check and recheck to make sure you were understood and that you and an impractical attitude may find you or others in a quandary. Speak the facts, if need- understand instructions. You could feel great support from those around you. You are ed, and then move forward with your own plans. Technical work helps balance your ener- most persuasive with others and eloquent in your communication skills. The situation is a gies. You are likely to reach out to a loved one this evening—consider cooking the evening natural for self-expression. Cooperation, support and harmony makes this time successful, meal yourself—surprising and pleasing someone. Keep conversations light and enjoy an favorable and happy. after dinner walk among the stars.

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

You have a natural aptitude for describing the most sensitive areas of You make a strong effort to organize your workplace. Focus could be diffi- the human psyche; you are a practical psychologist of the first order. You may enjoy work- cult—especially if you are in designing or an advertising type of business. For some reason, ing with young people that need special guidance. You can manage and work with touchy completing unfinished business is important just now. You are a good speaker with a nice issues that others will not attempt. You may find yourself looking forward to any problem voice, and may be called to teach others the finer points of some technical program. This after- challenge that may occur. This afternoon is a good time to buy clothes, join a club, give a noon you may find that a love relationship needs some attention. Concentrate on communi- party, buy property, collect debts and have a spa treatment. You have a new incentive and cating to each other what you really feel so that you can bring about a better understanding of some new ideas that will help to lighten your load in the future. You have a sense of value how your lives fit together. People that are close to you in friendship and as loved ones, draw and valuing that may find you lavishing affection on those near you. You enjoy the compa- close to you. Being appreciated and admired for your gifts and talents are powerful needs. ny of someone your senior this evening. Positive growth is yours.

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

You are very passionate and personal. You rush past superficialities and right This is a busy day but you dive in as though the hours were all connected to the heart of most matters. You will see the results of your hard work today. from one day to another. Interesting travel experiences can be shared with co- Given to clearheaded thinking and practical insight and vision, you take a distant perspective workers during the noon break. There are some special travel deals that sound most interesting and a cool appraisal with most opportunities. This permits you to make good choices most of to you and you might want to write down some internet sites and check them out. An older ACROSS support a roof. the time and limits your risk-taking to a minimum. You may find yourself analyzing some new person or someone in authority may deem it necessary to give you advice today. Be grateful for projects—take your time. Today you will be able to tackle tasks that require real organization this input—it will soon make a big difference in your earning power. You draw emotional suste- 1. Any of numerous local fertility and nature 2. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical nance and a sense of security from ideals, friends and social involvement. This may mean regu- deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples. regions for its fragrant flowers and colorful skills. You will find yourself in a very practical mood and working with, instead of against, your- self. You may have some serious or contemplative moments. Your confidence and willingness lar get-togethers with co-workers or friends for a short while after the workday to visit and 5. Firmly fastened or secured against opening. fruits. to help others is evident. bond. You are the optimist. 12. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in 3. Jordan's port. Turkey). 4. Covered with dense cottony hairs or hairlike 15. A town and port in northwestern Israel in the filaments. eastern Mediterranean. 5. A boy or man. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. An ancient jar with two handles and a nar- 6. An almond-shaped neural structure in the CAPRICORN row neck. anterior part of the temporal lobe of the cere- If you give your best efforts at work now, great strides can be taken. This is a If your attitude toward challenges is positive, you will do well. There may be a 17. A unit of pain intensity. brum. positive result sort of day and good for working in groups. You may be sought test of sorts to see which person would best fit at a particular job identity. A cur- after as just the person to be added to a team or to head your own team. Your intuition is sharp rent situation may demand some time for research but you may be ready for a little time to 18. Lacking excess flesh. 7. Administration of a nutritionally adequate gather information from the back shelf of some library or other resource. A busy but quiet after- solution through a catheter into the vena cava. and you may have insights about the future stability of your company. Welcome the trials of a 19. Characterized by action or forcefulness or new financial venture. You have the mental insight today to chase down an unusual opportuni- noon finds you gathering all the information you need in order to succeed at some project. force of personality. 8. Material consisting of seed coverings and ty. While out with your friends this afternoon—be slow to criticize. There is one who may grind Your ambition and drive are strong. You are able to use good common sense and can make all 20. Cleaning implement consisting of absorbent small pieces of stem or leaves that have been on your nerves. Romance is available in the workplace—however, it would be a good idea to the right moves that will get you where you want to go. Position, career and emotional bonds material fastened to a handle. separated from the seeds. practice discretion. This evening is a great time to enjoy a new book, neighbor or friend. are in the forecast now. You want to demonstrate your appreciation for someone special in your life this evening. 21. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a 9. Industrial city of Belarus southeast of Minsk. skewer usually with vegetables. 10. Capital of Armenia. 22. Marked by intense agitation or emotion. 11. Small European freshwater fish with a slen- 24. A highly unstable radioactive element (the der bluish-green body. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 12. The supreme commander of a fleet. heaviest of the halogen series). You are at your most practical when it comes to dealing and working You may find that you are able to bring more imagination to your goals 25. Little known Kamarupan languages. 13. Web-footed long-necked typically gregari- with others. Today, your ability to solve problems is important and you have a lot of talent and ambitions at this time. You are able to cut through the red tape and get to what is 27. A particular geographical region of indefinite ous migratory aquatic birds usually larger and for working things out in positive ways. Some difficult customer seems to enjoy making behind most situations that others feel have no remedy. This is a time when you can make less aquatic than ducks. life complex. Your compassion and influence are at a high point—it won’t take long to get boundary (usually serving some special purpose a real difference in the workplace and help the profits of the company for which you work. positive results from a difficult situation. Luck also visits you today; your financial situation or distinguished by its people or culture or 14. First in order of importance. There is support and recognition from those around you. You might find your ideals taking increases. You will be extremely busy. This evening a cycle of nostalgia and domesticity geography). 23. A unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal a more spiritual turn, thus involving you more in community and religious projects. This is begins, emphasizing a need for security and a sense of roots. Family, home, relatives and to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material. a time when philosophical ideas—religion, psychology and such—really take a hold on 28. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the real estate play a big part in your life. You want to belong on a private, intimate, personal you. You will be very idealistic during this time, able to see the unity that binds, so to alkali metal group. 26. An ester of adenosine that is converted to level—you like being needed. speak. Romance is possible this evening. 31. A quantity of no importance. ATP for energy storage. 33. A constellation in the southern hemisphere 29. Large west African tree having large near Telescopium and Norma. palmately lobed leaves and axillary cymose pan- Virgo (August 23-September 22) 37. The smallest multiple that is exactly divisible icles of small white flowers and one-winged Pisces (February 19-March 20) by every member of a set of numbers. seeds. 40. A loose cloak with a hood. 30. Characteristic of a baby. This morning a co-worker or higher-up has a lot to say and may have This is a good day to work and communicate with the opposite sex. the opportunity to assert a little power—they may seem controlling. This time will pass Staying away from competitive challenges is a good thing. A need to be respected is 44. A very light colorless element that is one of 32. A former copper coin of Pakistan. 34. Voluntary contributions to aid the poor. easily enough, especially if you just continue on with your work and what you know is set important to you and it comes easily when you show respect for another person. You the six inert gasses. develop a knack for organizing things and people—a sense of ambition and practicality 35. A gathering of passengers sufficient to fill an aside as your responsibility today. Express your creative side at home this evening. 45. A collection of resources. Perhaps you will enjoy this time to think and study, for you have a real appreciation for takes hold. Work, achievement and ambition take priority. Because your thoughts and 48. A silvery ductile metallic element found pri- automobile. ideas and thoughts. Also, this evening is a good time to just sit back and enjoy what you energies are more focused on your work, it may not the best time to try to shop, even marily in bauxite. 36. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. have. Your health gets better all during this year; keep it that way through structured and over the internet. You may not find much support for your particular tastes and values just now. There is plenty of enthusiasm today, enabling you to work or play at accelerated 49. A rosid dicot genus that includes moon car- 38. An African river that flows northwest into programmed exercise and smart eating. You could find yourself enjoying a long conversa- tion, writing a letter, or making a special phone call this evening. paces. Physical activity, especially sports, is a good way to be expressive. rots. Lake Chad. 50. Chief port of Yemen. 39. A noisy riotous fight. 51. A river in north central Switzerland that runs 41. United States physiologist (born in Germany) northeast into the Rhine. who did research on parthenogenesis (1859- Word Search Yesterday’s Solution 1924). 53. Very close in friendship or affection. 42. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfections 55. Neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of the skin. of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar 43. Any of various strong liquors distilled from and tied in knot at the front. the fermented sap of toddy palms or from fer- 57. Someone who engages in arbitrage (who mented molasses. purchases securities in one market for immedi- 46. Chop cut from a lamb. ate resale in another in the hope of profiting 47. A person employed to watch for something from the price differential). to happen. 60. According to the Old Testament he was a 52. A simple type of jet engine. pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th 54. A city of southeastern Mexico. century BC). 56. A New England state. 61. (astronomy) A measure of time defined by 58. Measuring instrument in which the echo of a Earth's orbital motion. pulse of microwave radiation is used to detect 62. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow and locate distant objects. leaves and small flowers. 59. A major biotic community characterized by 64. Being six more than ninety. the dominant forms of plant life and the prevail- 69. A material effigy that is worshipped as a god. ing climate. 71. A spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle. 63. By bad luck. 72. Informal terms for a mother. 65. A Spanish unit of length (about a yard) hav- 73. Absence of the pupil in an eye. ing different values in different localities. 75. Type genus of the Hylidae. 66. A member of the Siouan people formerly liv- 76. (Greek mythology) Greek god of war. ing in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska. 77. Gasoline jelled with aluminum soaps. 67. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm 78. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mytholo- used in India for writing paper. gy. 68. A large quantity of written matter. 70. An adult male person (as opposed to a DOWN woman). 1. One of several parallel sloping beams that 74. Before noon. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 Al-Madeena 22418714 Al-Shuhada 22545171 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Al-Shuwaikh 24810598 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Al-Nuzha 22545171 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Sabhan 24742838 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Al-Helaly 22434853 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Al-Faiha 22545051 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967

Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Al-Farwaniya 24711433 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Al-Fahaheel 23927002 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Ahmadi 23980088 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Al-Mangaf 23711183 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Al-Shuaiba 23262845 Rawda 22517733

Adaliya 22517144 Al-Jahra 25610011 Khaldiya 24848075 Al-Salmiya 25616368 Kaifan 24849807 Shamiya 24848913 INTERNATIONAL Shuwaikh 24814507 CALLS Abdullah Salem 22549134

Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 PRIVATE CLINICS Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 (1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 FRCS (Canada) 25655535 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 LIFESTYLE36 THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 Gossip

Lovato misses Spears on ‘X factor

emi Lovato is missing Britney Spears on ‘The X Factor’ USA. The ‘Heart Attack’ singer formed close D“bonds” with the ‘Hold It Against Me’ hitmaker and fellow judge LA. Reid when they worked together on the hit singing competition last year, but she is excited to work with new judges Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio, who will replace on the show this year. Speaking to Digital Spy, she said: “I do miss them. We spent a lot of time together and we’d formed those bonds, but it’s a new chapter now and I’m excited to start a new experience with new people.” Britney, 31, signed a sensational $15 million deal to appear on the show but left after just one season on the judging panel alongside Simon Cowell, Demi and LA. Meanwhile, Reid, 56, quit his role on the show after two seasons to con- centrate on running his Epic Records music label. Although Demi misses her former colleagues, the 20-year-old star has already hit it off with former Destiny’s Child star Kelly, 32, after filming auditions for the new season last week, and says they had “instant” chemistry. She said: “Kelly is so much fun to work with. She’s got a great energy about her and we connect really well. It was just an instant, off-the-bat kinda thing.” Demi also praised Latin singer Paulina, 41, adding: “Paulina is doing great as well - she’s really, really huge in South America and I’m glad the show is representing that side of things more.”

Khan undergoes Johar keen to adopt baby surgery ollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan has under- gone surgery for a shoulder injury suffered ollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, who is would bring up the child wonderfully. He said, while doing stunts for his new movie “Chennai not married, says he wants to adopt a “Tell me, who does not want to have a family to B Express.” Sanjay Desai, his doctor, said Khan’s surgery Bbaby. Johar said in an interview in extend himself or herself?” Johar, whose father in a Mumbai hospital on Tuesday was successful but Wednesday’s Hindustan Times that adopting a is the late Bollywood producer Yash Johar, is he will need to rest for two months. He refused to use child is “on top of my mind at present.” The 41- known for directing and producing some of body doubles and performed his own stunts for the year-old filmmaker said he had the full support Bollywood’s highest-grossing films, starting movie, the Press Trust of India news agency said. The of his mother, Hiroo Johar, with whom he lives. from his directorial debut hit film “Kuch Kuch 47-year-old is expected to leave the hospital this He said he was confident that he and his mom Hota Hai” (“Something Happens”) in 1998. weekend. Khan is one of Bollywood’s biggest stars in India. He has acted in more than 70 films in a career spanning more than two decades.

David and Harper appear on Miller to join Wahlberg on KissCam in ‘Transformers 4’ avid Beckham and Harper were caught on KissCam omedian T.J. Miller is set to join Mark Wahlberg in at a ice hockey game on Tuesday. The retired soccer Michael Bay’s “Transformers 4,” TheWrap has learned. Dstar was at the NHL playoffs game between the LA CThe Paramount sequel reboots the live-action cast Kings and San Jose Sharks at the Staples Center in Los of the franchise, with Walhberg and rising stars Nicola Angeles on Tuesday when the camera picked him out of Peltz (“Bates Motel”) and Jack Reynor (“What Richard Did”) the crowd and zoomed in on him holding his 23-month- taking the reins from Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox and Rosie old daughter. When the athlete - who announced he was retiring from professional soccer earlier this month - real- Huntington-Whitely. Miller will play a blue-collar mechan- ized he was up on the big screen, he planted a big kiss on ic who is a longtime friend of Wahlberg’s character. Ehren the adorable toddler’s cheek. As the crowd erupted into Kruger wrote the script for the big-budget blockbuster, choruses of, ‘Awww’, David proudly smiled and laughed, which will co-star Kelsey Grammar and Sophia Myles. while Harper giggled gleefully as she pointed to her image Lorenzo di Bonaventura is producing with Ian Bryce, Tom on the screen. David’s fashion designer wife Victoria, and DeSanto and Don Murphy. Miller, who is currently filming their sons Brooklyn, 14, Romeo, 10, and Cruz, eight, also Universal and Gold Circle’s comedy “Search Party,” previ- accompanied them to watch the match. Meanwhile, fellow ously starred in “Yogi Bear” and “She’s Out of My League.” A-lister and family friend Tom Cruise was also in the crowd, He’s repped by WME, 3 Arts Entertainment and attorney watching the game with his son Connor, 18. The ‘Oblivion’ Karl R. Austen. actor was sitting one row in front of the Beckham family, and was spotted chuckling to himself as he watched the tender moment unfold. David, 38, flew out to Los Angeles to join his family last week, and is thought to be heading to Miami next in order to discuss the possibility of owning a stake in a new Major League Soccer team.

Watson feels ‘inadequate’ about acting skills mma Watson constantly feels “inadequate” as an actress. The 23-year-old actress lacks confi- Ronan is ready dence when it comes to her abilities and always worries about being labeled a “fraud”, despite Efinding success as Hermione Granger in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise and then acclaim for other roles, most recently ‘The Bling Ring’. She told Rookie magazine: “It’s called the impostor syndrome. for independence It’s almost like the better I do, the more my feeling of inadequacy actually increases, because I’m just aoirse Ronan is ready to be more independent. The ‘Byzantium’ star going, ‘Any moment, someone’s going to find out I’m a total fraud, and that I don’t deserve any of has been acting since the age of 10 and is usually chaperoned on what I’ve achieved.’ “I can’t possibly live up to what everyone thinks I am and what everyone’s expec- location by her parents, but for her latest role in ‘The Grand tations of me are.” Emma credits ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ director Stephen Chbosky for giving S her confidence by casting her in the coming-of-age movie and helping her shake off the good girl Budapest Hotel’, the headstrong 19-year-old decided it was time to embrace adulthood and venture to the set alone. She said: “I want to be stereotype she gained playing Hermione from the tender age of nine. She added: “After ‘Harry Potter’ able to look after myself. I felt strongly about making my own food and I didn’t feel very confident in myself as an actor. It’s lucky that I’ve improved that now, but back then I doing my own washing. I wouldn’t go down the route of having an assis- needed someone to believe in me, and Stephen really did.” Emma - who studied English literature at tant. I don’t want to be like that. I want to be normal.” Growing up in the Brown University in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, but is yet to complete her studies - has ambitions movie industry, the Irish beauty - who shot to fame starring in to write a book but she thinks she would have to use a pen name so people could approach it with- ‘Atonement’ alongside Keira Knightley - admits she is “more comfortable” out any prejudices. She said: “I almost feel like I would have to publish it under another name - just around adults but has never lost her youthful, playful nature. She because there’s a definition of me out there that feels kind of stuck in the moment when it was explained to Stylist magazine: “I’ve always been quite mature because of formed. I was 15 or 16 then, and I’m now 23. “I’m not complaining, because people really have given the way my parents brought me up. They were very good at talking to me permission to evolve and have been very supportive of my work outside of ‘Harry Potter’. So I me like a person rather than a baby and I was around so many actors don’t feel too suffocated in that sense. But sometimes I’ve felt a little constrained by that idea of who and directors from such a young age because my dad is an actor. I was I’m meant to be.” more comfortable with adults rather than actually being an adult child. “I don’t think I ever lost that child-like quality. I was never one of those kids, and I’ve seen them, who act like an adult on set. I don’t want to be that kind of person. I enjoyed it too much to be that serious.” —Agencies lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Music & Movies

os Angeles County Sheriff’s detectives are scurried into his home without speaking. The next week or two. Bieber’s publicist did not investigating Justin Bieber for reckless Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department immediately return a call for comment. Johnson Ldriving after witnesses - including former received two calls and responded to the loca- declined to comment via ESPN, where he now National Football League star Keyshawn tion. When they tried to talk to Bieber, however, works as a TV commentator. Johnson - complained about the pop-star’s they were also turned away. “His security detail Prosecutors are also looking at whether to alleged freeway speeds in their gated commu- said he declined to talk to us based on the charge Bieber for battery in a separate incident nity in north Los Angeles County. At about 8 pm advice of counsel,” Whitmore said. Deputies involving a neighbor, who complained the pop- Monday, Bieber allegedly drove his white Ferrari interviewed two witnesses, including Johnson, star attacked and threatened him. “We take this at freeway speeds in what is a 25 mph (40 kph) and wrote up their report. They handed that off very seriously and if this actually did occur, File photo shows zone, Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore said. to detectives who are continuing to investigate which it appears that it did, it is unacceptable Justin Bieber Johnson was outside with his 3-year-old the incident. behavior from anybody, anywhere, anytime,” performing dur- daughter who was preparing to get into a small “Their eyewitness testimony to our deputies Whitmore said. — AP ing the ’I Believe electric car when Bieber zoomed by. Johnson was definitive - not only the speed, not only the Tour ‘ at the was upset and got into his Prius, following vehicle, but Mr Bieber was sitting and driving in American Bieber to his nearby home. As the garage door the driver’s side seat,” Whitmore said. Deputies Airlines Arena in was closing, Johnson put out his arm and plan to send a reckless driving report to the Los Miami, Florida. stopped it, telling Bieber he wanted to talk Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to —AP about his reckless driving. Whitmore said Bieber consider filing misdemeanor charges in the

ast & Furious 6” raced to the top of a record- Transformers films have a worldwide gross of $2.67 10.”Oblivion,” Universal, $1,038,730, 572 locations, breaking weekend at North American billion. The third “Iron Man” film was released last $1,521 average, $85,588,010, six weeks. “Fmovie theaters, and the sixth installment in month, and the franchise has claimed $2.36 billion 11.”Oz the Great and Powerful,” Disney, $853,079, the street-racing franchise delivered a turbo-charged worldwide so far. The top 20 movies at U.S. and 401 locations, $1,625 average, $231,351,161, 12 performance overseas. The film debuted atop the hol- Canadian theaters Friday through Monday, followed weeks. iday weekend box office, collecting $117 million by distribution studio, gross, number of theater loca- 12.”Pain & Gain,” Paramount, $787,933, 1,003 loca- domestically and $158 million internationally - the tions, average receipts per location, total gross and tions, $641 average, $46,712,183, five weeks. biggest opening yet for a Universal Pictures release. number of weeks in release, as compiled Tuesday by 13.”Frances Ha,” IFC, $684,211, 60 locations, $9,163 Ticket tallies over the four-day weekend also set a Hollywood.com, are: average, $137,398, two weeks. Memorial Day record with $314.2 million. “This just 1.”Fast & Furious 6,” Universal, $117,036,995, 3,658 14.”G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” Paramount, $548,675, 346 obliterated the 2011 record, which was $276.75 mil- locations, $26,620 average, $117,036,995, one week. locations, $1,272 average, $120,522,043, nine weeks. lion,” said box-office analyst Paul Dergarabedian of 2.”The Hangover Part III,” Warner Bros., $50,262,366, 15.”The Iceman,” Millennium Entertainment, Hollywood.com. 3,555 locations, $11,722 average, $62,051,829, one $479,120, 258 locations, $1,425 average, $762,885, More than a third of the take belonged to “Fast & week. four weeks. Furious 6” which stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle 3.”Star Trek: Into Darkness,” Paramount, 16.”Tyler Perry Presents: Peeples,” Lionsgate, Rodriguez and Dwayne Johnson, along with an inter- $47,187,313, 3,907 locations, $9,545 average, $419,911, 485 locations, $644 average, $7,867,757, national supporting cast. The film follows the muscle- $83,701,981, two weeks. three weeks. car crew as they join with police in a worldwide hunt 4.”Epic,” Fox, $42,820,971, 3,882 locations, $8,638 17.”Escape from Planet Earth,” Weinstein Co., for a terrorist, battling a plane and a tank along the average, $42,820,971, one week. $336,059, 346 locations, $735 average, $55,612,398, way. The film’s international cast and settings con- 5.”Iron Man 3,” Disney, $24,693,407, 3,424 locations, 15 weeks. tributed to its appeal. “It’s no coincidence that the $5,644 average, $337,661,977, four weeks. 18.”Before Midnight,” Sony Pictures Classics, movie takes place overseas,” said Dave Karger, chief 6.”The Great Gatsby,” Warner Bros., $17,027,318, $305,975, 5 locations, $49,383 average, $$305,975, This film publicity image released by Universal Pictures shows Dwayne correspondent for movie site Fandango.com. “That 3,090 locations, $4,383 average, $90,682,832, three one week. Johnson, left, Vin Diesel, center, and Paul Walker in a scene from ‘Fast & was, I’m sure, a very calculated decision.” weeks. 19.”The Big Wedding,” Lionsgate, $282,842, 265 Furious 6.’—AP Though a proven box-office winner, with its six 7.”Mud,” Roadside Attractions, $2,508,660, 712 locations, $861 average, $20,308,188, five weeks. films cumulatively collecting $1.9 billion so far, the locations, $2,727 average, $11,656,971, five weeks. 20.”Love Is All You Need,” Sony Pictures Classics, “Fast & Furious” series hasn’t quite reached the level of 8.”42,” Warner Bros, $1,709,316, 915 locations, $272,163, 63 locations, $3,450 average, $477,134, other powerhouse action franchises such as “Harry $1,376 average, $88,816,627, seven weeks. four weeks. — AP Potter,” “Transformers” and “Iron Man.” The five Potter 9.”The Croods,” Fox $1,634,258, 1,008 locations, films have earned $7.7 billion worldwide. The three $1,210 average, $177,024,785, 10 weeks.

ormer “Supernanny” star Jo Frost traded in the bun and prove to viewers that Frost had no intention of kicking up her Jo Frost the suit for her new TLC series debuting Tuesday, but heels and retiring. It places her in the cross hairs of a blended Fthat doesn’t mean she’s lightened up. Frost takes on family, which is everything but united. “‘Family S.O.S.’ is more some very challenging family problems on “Family S.O.S.,” raw,” Stone explained of her show. “Certainly, there were cir- which meant changing up her approach. “I knew that I want- cumstances that were unexpected. A child loses a close ed to create a format that was looser, one that would help friend who was also involved with using alcohol and drugs. show the whole family receiving the help,” Frost told TheWrap. You don’t get any realer than that, you know? We continue to “I knew I had to say goodbye to one format in order to reach out to families who have difficulty with adoption and open up the opportunity for another. So, it was a very con- relationship issues, people who have come into marriages, scious decision for me to say goodbye to the ‘Supernanny’ teenagers who are hurt and upset.” show, so I can make ‘Family S.O.S.’” After seven seasons of “I’m incredibly proud of the six families and the work that working with countless misbehaving toddlers, misinformed they did,” she continued. “I think they’re really representative parents, and even having her ACL replaced, Frost’s new show of the families that are out there. It’s real.” Stone calls her has her dealing with the entire family over a minimum of four brand of reality TV, “factuality.” “From what I gather from being 17-hour days. Tough work, said Stone, and certainly not the here for nine years in this country, reality seems to be very retirement that some believed she was embarking on at the much produced and scripted. I deal with real people and real John Fogerty end of “Supernanny’s” run. issues.”— Reuters “There were articles out there saying, ‘Supernanny’s’ quit. She’s gone on to get married, to have a baby,’ as if I was whisk- ing off into the sunset,” she said. “By no means was I whisking off into the sunset to have babies and get married, this sort of picturesque nanny walking into the sunset.” The 90-minute premiere episode of “Family S.O.S.” should

he new John Fogerty album features the former Creedence Clearwater Revival singer teaming up with Ttop names in country and rock music, along with some R&B flavor, for a fresh take on his most popular songs. Fogerty, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his Creedence band mates in 1993, told Reuters his wife came up sher and Darius Rucker have been added to the Rucke, who has been the lead singer of Hootie and the especially hold it in Oklahoma City, which is near ground with the collaborative concept behind “Wrote a Song for lineup of performers set to hit the stage for yester- Blowfish since the band was formed in 1986, is now a cer- zero.” Everyone,” which was released Tuesday on Fogerty’s 68th Uday’s “Healing in the Heartland: Relief Benefit tified country performer. His latest album, “True Believers,” The event will raise funds for the United Way of Central birthday. Concert,” NBC announced Monday. The show has been included the release of single “Wagon Wheels,” which hit Oklahoma May Tornadoes Relief Fund. Working with their “She suggested getting all my favorite artists to do various organized and will be headlined by Blake Shelton. Others No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Chart. Tickets for the local community partners, United Way of Central songs, and it seemed like a great idea - to do fresh arrange- set to perform include Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts and Ryan concert went on sale Saturday morning and sold out in Oklahoma will use the Fund for immediate, intermediate ments and interpretations of them,” Fogerty said. The 14-track Tedder of OneRepublic, as well as Grammy Award-win- under five minutes. The event will take place at and long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts in album, Fogerty’s ninth solo studio album and first since 2009’s ning artists Miranda Lambert, Reba and Vince Gill. Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma following the tornadoes that devastated “The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again,” revamps some of his Usher is a coach alongside Shelton on NBC’s “The The concert will be televised live at 9 pm ET/PT on Moore earlier this week. —Reuters biggest hits from both Creedence Clearwater Revival and his Voice” and is a multi-platinum recording artist. He’s been NBC. It will also air on cable networks Style, G4, Bravo, E! solo work, along with some new tracks. ranked by the Recording Industry Assn. of America as one and CMT on either a live or delayed basis. “Everyone has The album includes collaborations with rockers Foo of the best-selling artists in American music history, hav- their way to help, and mine as an entertainer is to per- Fighters, country singers Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and ing sold over 44 million albums worldwide. He has won form to help raise money and awareness for this tragedy,” Brad Paisley and R&B singer Jennifer Hudson, who was accom- numerous awards including eight Grammy Awards. Shelton said. “This is why I want to do this special and panied by blues musician Allen Toussaint on one of Fogerty’s best known hits, 1969’s “Proud Mary.” “Wrote a Song for Everyone” took Fogerty, who also served as producer, two years to complete, and he compared the logistics to lining up so many guests to a “military-style operation.” “It’s remarkably hard to get 14 different artists organized, as they’re all busy with their own careers, touring and record- ing,” Fogerty said. “Everyone wanted to do it but I had no idea it’d be so difficult.” The hardest artist to pin down was country Top Songs singer Alan Jackson, who ended up on the 1971 track “Have 1. “Can’t Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton),” Ryan Lewis, Macklemore You Ever Seen the Rain?” 2. “Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. & Pharrell), Robin Thicke 3. “Just Give Me a Reason (feat. Nate Ruess),” P!nk ‘The music still sounds good’ 4. “Come & Get It,” Selena Gomez “I was very happily surprised when he said yes,” Fogerty 5. “Clouds,” Zach Sobiech said. “Some of the artists who I know, like Bob Seger, I could 6. “Get Lucky (Radio Edit) (feat. Pharrell Williams),” Daft Punk just call up and get an answer right away. But even if you’re 7. “Radioactive,” Imagine Dragons friends, you don’t want to put anyone on the spot. So you put 8. “Mirrors,” Justin Timberlake the idea out there and let it simmer for a while.” Fogerty let his 9. “I Love It (feat. Charli XCX),” Icona Pop guest artists select the song they wanted to record with him 10. “Cruise (Remix) (feat. Nelly),” Florida Georgia Line and spin their own interpretation of it. The album was recorded at studios in Los Angeles, New Top Albums Orleans and Nashville, Tennessee. Creedence’s 1969 Vietnam 1. “Random Access Memories,” Daft Punk War-era anthem “Fortunate Son” was recorded with Foo 2. “The Great Gatsby (Music from Baz Luhrmann’s Film),” Various Artists Fighters at their 606 studio in Los Angeles, which was the sub- 3. “Trouble Will Find Me,” The National ject of recent documentary, “Sound City.” Along with gearing 4. “True Believers,” Darius Rucker up for the album’s release, Fogerty found time to join the 5. “Excuse My French,” French Montana Rolling Stones on a rendition of “It’s All Over Now” at their May 6. “Modern Vampires of the City,” Vampire Weekend 8 San Jose show.—Reuters 7. “The 20/20 Experience,” Justin Timberlake This May 20, 2013 file photo shows Ben Haggerty, better known as Macklemore of 8. “Fix Me Up (feat. Zach Sobiech & Sammy Brown),” A Firm Handshake Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performing during the Rolling Stone hosted Bacardi Rebels 9. “Night Visions,” Imagine Dragons Concert Event on Cuban Independence Day in New York. — AP 10. “LOVE LUST FAITH + DREAMS,” Thirty Seconds to Mars — AP lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 Features

In this 2007 photo provided by the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, a light A visitor relaxing in the cafe and gift shop at the Noguchi Museum. This photo provided by The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum shows designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi hangs in the dining room of the Noguchi, the late modernist sculptor, in his studio in Long Island City, NY, in the home and studio where artist Georgia O’Keeffe lived and worked in 1960s, surrounded by his lighting sculptures. — AP photos Abiquiu, NM. Noguchi’s lighting sculptures were inspired by Japanese lanterns used for ancestor worship and they became widely imitated classics of mid-20th century home design.

he round, white, paper light shades sold at Ikea 1950s contemporary, modern, efficient lighting sphere lantern on a tour of her home and studio in for $5 are a familiar item in contemporary interi- trends,” said Peter Barna, provost of Pratt Institute, the Abiquiu, N.M. Noguchi “sent Miss O’Keeffe several Tor design. But these inexpensive lanterns are art and design college in Brooklyn, NY. lanterns as gifts with his sister,” explained Judy Lopez, knockoffs of light sculptures created by the Popular lighting options of the day included track director of Abiquiu Historic Properties for the Georgia renowned artist Isamu Noguchi in the early 1950s. lights, adjustable desk lamps and “pole lamps with O’Keeffe Museum. “She decided to place this large The Noguchi lamps - called akari, the Japanese word conical shades,” added Barna, a former president of an one in her dining room.” for light - were inspired by traditional Japanese international lighting design firm. Noguchi’s designs The lamp hangs from a wooden ceiling in the lanterns used in ancestor worship. Over the decades, were radically different, “a sculptor’s memory of the inviting, white-walled space, over a simple table and the akari became classics of mid-20th century mod- soft magic of material and light,” said Barna. chairs. Cheap imitations of Noguchi lamps - especially ern home decor. Eventually, Noguchi developed a relationship with the white sphere - have become so ubiquitous that one family of lantern makers. The same family still they’re almost a cliche of outdoor party decor and a produces his designs today. “They’re all handmade, somewhat bohemian style. But why spend hundreds each one, individually, from molds. They’re not mass- on an original when you can get a knockoff for a frac- produced,” Dixon said. “We’re now working with the tion of the price? Aside from the difference in work- third generation there, filling our orders. ... Our manship and materials, Berman points out that “the biggest challenge is meeting the demand.” knockoffs aren’t quite his designs.” Dixon also notes, Depending on which lamp is ordered, “you might hit “Noguchi made these lamps so that people could buy the jackpot and get a lamp right away or you can wait them and live with his sculpture. It was the idea that three to six months.” She added: “We lose a lot of busi- you, too, the every man, for $100, a modest amount ness” from customers who don’t want to wait. of money, could own an artwork by a prominent per- Each lamp has bamboo ribbing and standard son.” One downside: The paper is vulnerable to damp wiring, and can accommodate incandescent or com- climates, though it does well in dry locations like pact fluorescent bulbs (45 watts for small lamps, 75 O’Keeffe’s. And what if you don’t live in a home watts for large). Designs range from spheres, discs defined by modernist aesthetics? Would a Noguchi and cylinders to triangles, boxes, trapezoids, and oth- lamp work with flowered curtains, an overstuffed sofa er geometric shapes and combinations. Most shades and patterned wallpaper? are white, but some are decorated in orange, green or Berman thinks “antiques and modernist pieces black; a few bear abstract designs. can work well together.” But whether you mix the There are hanging lamps, as well as table lamps lamp in with a jumble of interesting objects or set it and floor lamps with metal legs or small black circular off as a special piece, she said, consider its shape. In a bases. Many appear breathtakingly elegant; others room with lots of square and rectangular lines, go for have a whimsical, futuristic look. A large selection of a rounded lamp; in a room with curves in furniture akari can be seen at the Noguchi Museum, located in and decor, go for a linear lamp. Barna agreed that the Two lighting sculptures on display at the Isamu Noguchi’s original designs are still handmade in the studio where he worked for decades in Long lamps can work with any style, but noted they “were Noguchi Museum. Japan; they come in a variety of colors and dozens of Island City, an industrial neighborhood in the New conceived as sculptures that delicately stand as A lighting sculpture geometric designs - including the widely imitated York City borough of Queens. A few lamps are dis- warm friends in an interior space. They glow, so will for sale in the gift white sphere - and range in price from $100 to played amid Noguchi’s sculptures, but the best place probably be the dominant focus in any space they shop at the Isamu $1,000. And they pop up in some pretty cool places, to see them is in the cafe and gift shop, where they are in.”— AP Noguchi Museum. from painter Georgia O’Keeffe’s home in New Mexico line bookshelves, hang over the cash register, and to Tony Stark’s bedroom in “Iron Man 3.” decorate a small area where visitors can relax, using a The story of how the late Noguchi came to create Noguchi coffee table to put their snacks on. akari is rooted in the recovery of Japan’s post-World Danielle Berman, the production designer for “Iron War II economy and the cross-cultural currents that Man 3,” chose a tall Noguchi lamp in a stacked box influenced his spare, bold, modernist aesthetics. design to illuminate Tony Stark’s bedroom. “It was Noguchi’s mother was American; his father Japanese. such a modernist home,” she explained. “It had a lot of They never married. Born in 1904, Noguchi spent very round, organic lines. I immediately thought of years in both countries during his youth. After World that lamp because it was such a geometric contrast.” War II, he was greatly admired by the art and design Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., is a superhero bil- community in Japan, and at some point met the may- lionaire. Berman said she imagined his girlfriend, “the or of the town of Gifu, where local industry centered Gwyneth Paltrow character, putting the lights around around making lanterns for ancestry worship, using Tony’s house when she redecorated. She’s a lover of paper from mulberry trees. design and art.” Berman has also used Noguchi lamps “The mayor asked Noguchi, ‘Can you help us resur- on many other sets, from the TV show “House” to the rect our lantern business?’” said Jenny Dixon, director first film in the “Hangover” series. of the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, NY. Noguchi’s “understanding of space,” she said, is “That’s how the akari were first produced. They were “very organic. He uses all these natural materials. It’s exported as an economic product and were well- the simplicity, yet it’s very complex. You light it and received by the design community.” She added that the paper gives this beautiful glow. It’s a beautiful ele- Noguchi “papered them sculpturally. He didn’t call ment to have on any set. I try to use them whenever I them lanterns or lamps; he called them light sculp- can.” Fans of the 20th century modernist painter Lamps designed by the late sculptor Isamu Noguchi are displayed on shelves at the gift shop of the tures.” Noguchi’s concept “stood in sharp contrast to Georgia O’Keeffe will find Noguchi’s classic white Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, NY.

he Disney universe is populated by a countless array of shift in guests’ experience,” Mongello said, standing in Epcot’s heroes and villains. Think Simba and Scar, Peter Pan and UK pavilion, only steps from where a handful of kids and their TCaptain Hook, Cruella De Vil and the 101 Dalmatians. families were playing the “Agent P’s World Showcase They’re the stars of screen, stage and page, and it has been in Adventure” game. those venues that Disney-philes traditionally have come into Featuring characters from the popular Disney Channel ani- contact with the characters they most loved or loved to hate. mated series, “Phineas & Ferb,” the “Agent P” game transforms But the Mouse House is taking it a step further these days, participants into secret agents, provides them with a “high- affording Walt Disney World visitors not only the opportunity tech secret agent device” - basically a cellphone - and asks to see their favorite characters but to interact with them in them to scour the World Showcase section of the park for new and unique ways. The latest generation of Disney theme clues as they try to help the heroic Agent P defeat his nemesis, park-goers - young and technologically savvy - wants more the evil Dr Doofenshmirtz. Like its Epcot counterpart, than just to be in Disney World. “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom” also is part high-tech scav- They want to be in Disney’s world. And Disney in recent enger hunt, part problem-solving contest. years has been more than happy to accommodate that desire. Participants become apprentice sorcerers and, armed with It introduced a pair of problem-solving contests at Disney special spell cards, do battle with some of Disney’s most World’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot parks; added new interac- famous animated villains - Jafar from “Aladdin” and Ursula tive queues to a number of popular existing attractions, from “The Little Mermaid” among them - who show up on LED among them “Dumbo the Flying Elephant,” “The Many screens scattered across the park. “What you’re seeing is Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” and the “Haunted Mansion”; video-game style immersion and depth, but now applied to” began offering the “My Disney Experience” mobile application; the Disney parks, said Jonathan Ackley, a member of the Walt and amped up the pin and Vinylmation offerings and trading Disney Imagineering team that developed the games. Ackley opportunities throughout the parks. joined Disney from LucasArts, where he developed adven- “The trend is very much to creating a much more interac- ture-style video games.—AP tive experience, because that’s what young kids want,” said File photo shows a sign encouraging Walt Disney World A sign encouraging Walt Disney World guests to partic- Lou Mongello, a Disney World expert who hosts the weekly guests to participate in the ‘Sorcerers of the Magic ipate in the ‘Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure’ “WDW Radio Show” podcast. “They don’t want to sit back and Kingdom’ game is displayed at the Magic Kingdom game is displayed at the Epcot theme park in Lake watch a show.” “I think we are at the very early stages of a huge theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — AP photos Buena Vista, Fla. lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Features

This image released by Seaworld Orlando shows guests visiting the new attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, at This undated photo supplied by Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas shows a view of the water park before it opened Memorial Day SeaWorld Orlando in Orlando, Fla. weekend from atop the Desert Racers slides with the Las Vegas Strip in the distance. — AP photos

f there’s ever been a summer to visit a theme park - or two, rooms are decorated in pirate, adventure or kingdom themes, or three - this is it. High speed wooden roller coasters? and most items in the rooms appear as if they are built of IThrilling, sense-assaulting rides? Penguins? Yes, yes and Legos. Not to be outdone by Florida, California’s theme parks most definitely. In Orlando alone, four of the area’s big parks - also have new offerings - mostly in the form of thrill rides. Disney, Universal, Legoland and SeaWorld - have opened, or At Disneyland, the new Fantasy Faire offers all of the are about to open, new attractions. Cedar Point in Ohio Disney Princesses in one place - the intricately detailed Royal unveiled a new roller coaster a few weeks ago and in Las Hall. Also at Disneyland, “Mickey and the Magical Map” is the Vegas, a $50 million water park debuted on Memorial Day new show at the Fantasyland Theater this summer. weekend. In California, visitors to Disneyland can meet all of Great America in Santa Clara will have the Gold Striker, a the Disney Princesses in one place. Elsewhere in the Golden wooden coaster that soars to 108 feet at 54 mph, opening this State, four different parks boast new roller coasters. summer. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s new Undertow “Wherever you live, that park is likely to have something roller coaster will replace the Hurricane coaster in June; it’s new,” said Jeremy Schoolfield, the senior editor of Funworld described a spinning roller coaster. At Six Flags Magic Magazine, the trade publication for the International Mountain, the Full Throttle is billed as “the world’s tallest verti- Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). cal loop” at 160 feet; that coaster will open later in the sum- “There’s lots of innovations, what we call immersive experi- mer. Knotts Berry Farm debuts the Coast Rider this summer - ences.” There’s been an onslaught of new attractions in with 1,339 feet of track, the company says it “gives guests the Orlando in recent months. feeling of riding the California coast.” Back in December, Disney World opened a newly expand- Non-coastal residents also have new offerings at regional ed Fantasyland, the largest project in the park’s 41-year histo- parks. Dollywood in Tennessee has opened RiverRush in the ry. There are two sections: Enchanted Forest, where visitors Splash Country part of the park. In the Nevada desert, a water will find Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” and Ariel from “The park called Wet ‘n’ Wild has opened in Las Vegas. A Wet ‘n’ Wild Little Mermaid,” and Storybook Circus, which is inspired by the had been on the Strip for 20 years but shut down in 2004. The Disney film “Dumbo.” new, $50 million Water Park opened to passholders on A new ride called Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Memorial Day weekend and is open to everyone on June 3. This undated publicity image released Legoland California Mermaid and Enchanted Tales With Belle, a walk-through There are 25 water slides. Resort shows a Bellhop made of Legos greeting guests in experience that features a magical mirror and costumed char- And in Ohio at Cedar Point, thrill-seekers will be treated to front of Legoland Hotel at Legoland California Resort kin acters, will impress movie lovers. And the popular Dumbo a new, $30 million roller coaster. Called The GateKeeper, the Carlsbad, Calif. attraction is now a little less crowded, because Disney built a 4,164-foot track soars over the park’s entrance and winds second, identical ride. The new spaces are built on what was once the site of the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea experience, and the expansion The image of Mike Wazowski, a character from the upcom- doubles the size of the original Fantasyland. George ing Disney-Pixar animated film ‘Monsters University,’ is Kalogridis, president of the Walt Disney World Resort, said that projected on the exterior of the Spaceship Earth attrac- if he were bringing his family to the park on a summer day, he tion at Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. would begin with the Enchanted Tales with Belle experience, then check out the new Doc McStuffins segment at Disney Junior-Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios. Hollywood Studios is also the place to find costumed char- acters from the Disney-Pixar movie Monsters University. “Something new in every park makes it easy to satisfy every- body in the family,” he said. Over at Universal Orlando, a 3-D theme park ride based on the Transformers toy and film brand will open June 20; a similar ride is already open at Universal’s parks in California and Singapore. The park describes the ride as an interactive, “larger than life battle” between the Autobots and Decepticons. It uses flight simulator technology, along with wind, heat and smoke to make the riders feel immersed in the experience. At SeaWorld Orlando, the Antarctica - Empire of the Penguin attraction opened on May 24. With a ride, restaurants and the penguin habitat, it’s the largest expansion in the park’s history. The ride takes visitors through a queue, themed around a fictional penguin named Puck. As visitors make their way through the queue and ride, the temperature keeps dropping - until visitors are in 30- degree temperatures. The ride ends at the penguin habitat, where more than 250 birds live. Visitors can watch the birds frolic on shore or under- water. Park executive said that in doing research for a new In this image released by attraction, penguins are a big draw at parks. through the park. It’s the longest winged coaster in the world, Disney, the Moore family, “As we developed this attraction, we found that adults like industry analysts say - which means that riders sit on either Nick, back left, Stacie, penguins just as much as kids, and we’ve seen adults act just side of the track, with nothing above their heads or below background right, like kids when they’re around them,” said Terry Prather, the their feet. Adrian,11, and Hannah, 9, vice president of park operations at SeaWorld Orlando. Busch The two-minute, 40-second ride features rolling flyover from Seminary, Miss, as Gardens in Tampa has two new offerings: the Madagascar Live maneuvers, 360-degree flips, drops, spirals and a gut-churning they pose in front of show and three just-born rare Malayan tiger cubs. 170-foot drop. Each vehicle has four riders and each one can Cinderella Castle before Over at Legoland Florida, the park is expanding to include move independently and snake through elements,” said sunrise in the Magic a new ride and interactive play area based on the company’s Schoolfield. “What’s exciting about this coaster is that it’s very Kingdom park in Lake popular Legends of Chima product line. The section, which is maneuverable.”— AP Buena Vista, Fla. scheduled to open July 3, will include an interactive water ride called The Quest for Chi, a Lego-building challenge, a 4-D movie and a meet-and-greet with costumed characters. An empty train during a test run above a new main Legoland also has a Carlsbad, Calif., outpost and in April, entrance area on Cedar Point’s new GateKeeper roller opened a 250-room Legoland hotel there. Visitors are greeted coaster in Sandusky, Ohio. by a fire-breathing dragon made of 400,000 Lego bricks. Guest

This photo illustration released by Universal Orlando Resort shows an image This undated image supplied by Busch Gardens Tampa shows a performance This rendering supplied by California’s Great America theme park depicts Gold promoting the Transformers: The Ride, an attraction that will officially open on from ‘Madgascar Live!’ which is a stage show at the theme park inspired by the Striker, a roller coaster opening at the Santa Clara, Calif, park this summer. June 20, 2013 at Universal Studios Florida. animated ‘Madgascar’ movie. Justin Bieber investigated for reckless37 driving THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Photso show views of the Garden of Ninfa near Cisterna Di Latina. — AFP photos

are plants, enchanting ruins and the tinkle of waterfalls: the English-style Rbotanical oasis of Ninfa near Rome is a secret idyll billed as “the world’s most roman- tic garden”. The exquisite garden dates back to the late 19th century when the aristocratic Caetani family took over lands deserted for centuries including Ninfa, a town that was abandoned in the Middle Ages. The town once had 150 homes and seven churches-a stopping off point for pilgrims and mer- chants on the ancient Roman Appian Way- but was ravaged by a civil war before becom- ing an artistic haven. “Ninfa is not just a garden, it is a long cul- tural history,” said Lauro Marchetti, head of the Roffredo Caetani Foundation, which manages the garden some 70 kilometers (44 miles) from Rome. Caetani’s mother, an Englishwoman named Ada Wilbraham, was the founder of the garden. Caetani, a musi- cian and a protege of Hungarian composer Frantz Liszt, came up with the streams and waterfalls to create bewitching melodies. “At night in the spot that we call ‘of the nightin- gales’, there is a real concert with the bird- song and the water,” Marchetti said. Caetani’s American wife Marguerite Chapin added roses, irises, peonies and a bamboo pavilion to the garden and invited her literary friends. Virginia Woolf, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote all visited, as well as Italian writer Alberto Moravia and cult film- “This garden is one of the glories of Italy. maker Pier Paolo Pasolini. Many were It is very well kept, a true symphony between inspired by the ruins of the Roman bridge, nature and the capacity of man to cultivate a the former customs house and waters teem- place like this,” said Patrick Hennessy, the Irish ing with rare trout and filled with aquatic flo- ambassador to Rome, during a recent visit to ra. Under the arched vault of the customs the site. The Australian envoy David Ritchie is house-where reflections of the water dance a regular. “I love sitting down, listening to the on the walls-Italian author Giorgio Bassani birds singing and the sound of the water- wrote his famous novel “The Garden of the falls,” he said. “It is so romantic with the water, Finzi-Continis”. the roses and the ruins. In Australia, we have “Shortly before his death, he came back aquatic plants, acacias and eucalyptuses like here one last time. He was very ill and he told here but there is nothing like this,” he said. me with a heavy sigh: ‘Now I can die’”, In order to preserve it, the foundation Marchetti said. The arrangement of plants only organizes guided visits between April from around the world is sophisticated but and November. There are usually around natural-looking, with 1,300 different species 55,000 visitors a year. “We have to respect the in total. Among the rarities on display are tranquility of the birds and the butterflies,” giant rhubarbs from Brazil, witch-hazel from Marchetti said. The garden had a one-day the Alborz mountains in Iran and cedar trees record this year of 3,972 visitors, even North Africa. though it does not do publicity and is only Banana trees, American tulips and known about “by word of mouth”, he said. Japanese maple can also be seen, along with Ticket sales help pay the salaries of five gar- a climbing rose wrapped 21 metres (69 feet) deners but there is no question of it ever up a cypress tree. Borders of the garden are becoming a mass market business. Marchetti in flower between April and November and sneered: “Ninfa can never be a commercial were created by Lelia, the daughter of place filled with Coca-Cola cans, plastic bags Roffredo and Marguerite Caetani, an impres- and cigarette butts.”— AFP sionist-style painter who died in 1977. Lelia An artist works on a botanic painting in the Garden of was the last of the Caetanis and she passed Ninfa. on to Marchetti the challenge of safeguard- ing Ninfa and its rules on organic gardening. Another artist works on a botanic painting in the Garden of Ninfa.

he world’s oldest complete Torah scroll has the Nazis in Germany and central Europe and by the laboration between Christian and Jewish scholars in been found in a university archive in Bologna, fascists in Italy. “There was an incredible destruction the early Middle Ages, Perani said. The city of Taccording to an Italian professor who said the in the 20th century,” Perani said, adding that some Bologna has long had a large Jewish community text could be from the 12th century. The precious Torah scrolls were even cut up and used to bind and the university first began teaching Hebrew lambskin scroll had been classified by the university books. The oldest previously known scroll dates studies in the 15th century. Fragments of the Torah library as being from the 17th century and was from the late 13th century, although a biblical have been found from as far back as the 7th or 8th named simply “Scroll Number Two”. But Hebrew codex-which has a book form instead of being rolled centuries-much older than the presumed date of Studies professor Mauro Perani told AFP yesterday up exists in St Petersburg that dates from 1008. the Bologna scroll. he noticed that the text did not conform to key Carbon dating in Italy and the United States con- “This is the oldest complete one,” Perani said. He changes in Torah writing brought about starting firmed his findings, placing the manuscript between said very few Torah scrolls exist from before the 14th from the 12th century. the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The intact century since they were buried. Torah scrolls are not “I immediately thought it was much older,” he scroll is 36 meters (118 feet) long and 64 centimeters dated under Jewish tradition, complicating the work said, adding that it contained letters and symbols wide and the report said it had been mislabeled by of researchers. The scroll was exhibited briefly on that were banned by Jewish scholar and philoso- an archivist in 1889. “He said the text looked awk- Tuesday and Perani said he hoped there could be a pher Moses Maimonides. The Torah was among ward and contained uncommon annotations. He more permanent display in the near future.—AFP This handout around 30 Jewish manuscripts in the university was completely wrong, it is a splendid manuscript,” photo provided library that Perani began to catalogue in February of Perani said. The professor said the scroll came to by the this year. “The scroll is very rare because when the Bologna University from a Dominican monastery in University of manuscripts spoil they lose their holiness and can the city, most likely after Napoleon disbanded reli- Bologna shows no longer be used. They are then buried,” he said. gious orders in the country in the 19th century. the oldest com- “The state of conservation is excellent.” Tens of It was “completely normal” that Dominican friars plete scroll of thousands of Torah scrolls were also destroyed by would have an ancient Torah as there was close col- the Torah.—AFP