THULQADA 4, 1440 AH SUNDAY JULY 7, 2019

Max 49º 28 Pages Min 30º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 17875 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Kuwait bids farewell to former health E-scooters: Transport ‘tsunami’ Erdogan fires central bank Kawhi joins Clippers, George 210minister Dr Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi that’s flooding cities worldwide 11 chief as policy rifts deepen 26 follows in NBA blockbuster

Kuwait cleared to compete in Olympics after IOC lifts ban Amir, Crown Prince hail move • KOC chief calls on sportspeople to work sincerely

PARIS: Kuwait has been cleared to compete in the 2020 Olympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on India hikes Friday it was lifting the suspension it imposed on the Kuwait Olympic Committee (KOC) duty on gold four years ago. In a statement, the IOC said the KOC had successfully implemented “a roadmap agreed between all parties”. The imports announcement comes less than a week after Sheikh Fahd Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- MUMBAI: India raised the import Sabah was elected President of the KOC. This duties on gold and other precious was the third and final step in the roadmap metals on Friday in a surprise move which also required revision and adoption of that industry officials say could new statutes for sports clubs and federations, dampen retail demand and boost followed by elections. smuggling in the world’s second- HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- biggest bullion consumer. Lower Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah praised Friday HH HH the Amir thanked HH the Crown Prince Kuwait was suspended in Oct 2015 follow- demand from India could weigh on the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber and said the lifting of the ban brought joy for ing “undue government interference after a global prices that are trading near BANGALORE: A salesman arranges a Al-Sabah for his “relentless” efforts to reaf- all Kuwaiti people. HH the Amir commended sports law that was not compatible with the their highest level in six years. Jewely gold necklace at a jewelry store on firm Kuwait’s status at the international level. the relentless efforts of the legislative and basic principles that govern the Olympic trade associations have asked India’s Friday. —AFP HH the Crown Prince, in a cable to HH the executive authorities, the ministry of state for Movement was passed in the country”. The government to reduce gold import Amir to congratulate him after IOC perma- youth and the Public Authority for Sport new law had threatened the autonomy of the which contributed to the permanent lifting of KOC and all other national federations while duties, which have caused a surge in as policymakers try to bring down the nently lifted the ban on Kuwait sport, the ban. HH the Amir, in a cable to HH the also meaning the country would no longer smuggling. fiscal deficit and recapitalize banks. described the end of the ban as “very good Crown Prince, hoped the lifting of the ban comply with the Court of Arbitration for The government instead hiked the “This is a shocking move. news for every Kuwaiti”. The Crown Prince would pave the way for sport achievements at Sport or the World Anti-Doping Agency. duty to 12.5 percent from 10 percent Continued on Page 24 prayed to Allah the Almighty to bestow his blessings upon Kuwait. regional and international levels. Continued on Page 24

News in brief Singapore, before resuming its course, UK ship ‘safe Refinitiv Eikon mapping showed. It stopped as part of a routine procedure to Jordan bans online game PUBG adjust its arrival time at its next port, an and well’ after official at UK Maritime Trade Operations AMMAN: Jordan yesterday banned the hugely (UKMTO) told Reuters. UKMTO, which popular but brutal online game PlayerUnknown’s stop in Gulf coordinates shipping in the Gulf, had Battlegrounds, citing its “negative effects” on the been in contact with the tanker, the offi- kingdom’s citizens. PUBG pits marooned charac- DUBAI: The UK-flagged supertanker cial said. ters against each another in a virtual fight to the Pacific Voyager that halted in the Gulf Yesterday, an Iranian cleric said Britain should be “scared” about Tehran’s possi- death, and has become one of the world’s most yesterday is “safe and well,” a British offi- ble retaliation for the seizure of the Grace popular mobile games. A source in Jordan’s cial told Reuters, after Iran dismissed 1, the Fars semi-official news agency Telecommunications Regulatory Authority reports its Revolutionary Guards had seized the vessel. A Revolutionary Guards reported. “I am openly saying that Britain warned the game “had negative effects on its commander on Friday had threatened to should be scared of Iran’s retaliatory users, which led to its being officially blocked”. seize a British ship in retaliation for the measures over the illegal seizure of the PUBG is widely popular in Jordan and institu- capture by Royal Marines of Iranian Iranian oil tanker,” said Mohammad Ali tions in the kingdom have issued warnings to supertanker Grace 1 in Gibraltar. Mousavi Jazayeri, a member of the employees not to play it. Psychologists in the The Pacific Voyager stopped in the Assembly of Experts clerical body. country have repeatedly warned the game Gulf en route to Saudi Arabia from Continued on Page 24 GIBRALTAR: Supertanker Grace 1 is seen off the coast of Gibraltar yesterday. —AFP encourages violence and contributes to bullying among youth. — AFP UNESCO adds Bahrain Niqab banned in Tunisia govt offices Sudan protesters burial mounds, Babylon TUNIS: Tunisia’s premier on Friday banned the niqab Muslim face covering for women in gov- hail landmark ernment offices, citing security concerns after to World Heritage List attacks in the North African country. Prime deal with generals Minister Youssef Chahed signed a government DUBAI: The UNESCO World Heritage Committee voted yesterday to add Bahrain’s Dilmun Burial Mounds to its circular “banning access to public administra- KHARTOUM: Crowds of jubilant Sudanese took World Heritage List, praising the tombs for their “global- tions and institutions to anyone with their face to the streets of Khartoum on Friday to celebrate covered... for security reasons,” his office said. ly unique characteristics”. The burial grounds include “21 BABYLON, Iraq: In this photo taken on June 29, 2019, the archaeological sites in the western part of the island” a landmark deal between protest leaders and the “They have the right to prohibit (the niqab) given Ishtar Gate is seen at this ancient archaeological site country’s ruling generals aimed at turning the the events we are currently witnessing,” said built between 2050 and 1750 BC, according to the glob- south of Baghdad. — AFP al body. “Six of these sites are burial mound fields con- page on months of political unrest. The power- Ilhem, a young Tunisian woman. “But in the end, sharing deal, reached in the early hours after two it remains an individual freedom,” she added. sisting of a few dozen to several thousand tumuli,” it said in a statement. In all there were some 11,774 burial meets in Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku for its 43rd ses- days of hard-won talks brokered by Ethiopian Lina questioned “why the woman must make and African Union mediators, came after previous sacrifices every time there are security measures mounds, UNESCO said, while another 15 sites include 17 sion. UNESCO said the burial mounds were evidence royal mounds built as two-storeyed towers. of the early Dilmun civilization, “during which Bahrain negotiations collapsed in May over who should to be taken”. The Tunisian League for the lead the new body - a civilian or soldier. Defense of Human Rights urged that the measure The tombs were among a handful of nominations became a trade hub, whose prosperity made yesterday as the World Heritage Committee Continued on Page 24 “The two sides agreed on establishing a sover- be only temporary. — AFP eign council with a rotating military and civilian (presidency) for a period of three years or little more,” African Union (AU) mediator Mohamed El Hacen Lebatt told reporters. Sudan has been Crews assessing gripped by political deadlock since the generals Trump vows to reduce US drug prices ousted longtime president Omar Al-Bashir in a damage as second palace coup in April following months of mass WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on protests nationwide. Friday said his administration is working on an General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the ruling executive order to reduce US drug prices to quake hits Calif military council’s number two, stressed the deal match the lowest in the world. “We’re working “does not exclude anyone”. The group that ini- on a favored nations law where we pay whatever RIDGECREST, California: Emergency rescue crews tially launched demonstrations against Bashir in the lowest nation’s price is,” Trump told fanned out yesterday to assess damage from the sec- December hailed the agreement. “Today, our rev- reporters from the White House South Lawn. ond powerful earthquake to hit Southern California in olution has become victorious and our victory The president accused pharmaceutical compa- as many days - a 7.1 magnitude tremor that revived shines,” the Sudanese Professionals Association nies of having “taken advantage of the system fears of the so-called Big One the region has feared for RIDGECREST, California: Firefighters battle an electrical fire said in a statement. for a long time”, with US drug prices often decades. No fatalities or serious injuries have been Tension between the two sides had soared exceeding those in neighboring Canada and in a mobile home park yesterday following a magnitude 7.1 reported from this second quake, the largest in earthquake on Friday. — AFP after a brutal raid on a longstanding protest camp Mexico as well as Europe. “Why should other Southern California in more than two decades. It hit outside army headquarters in Khartoum that nations like Canada - why should other nations Friday night in a remote and sparsely populated area killed dozens of demonstrators and wounded pay much less than us?” Trump said, declaring around 240 km northeast of Los Angeles, where it was magnitude earthquake in the same region on Thursday. hundreds on June 3. Lebatt did not specify the that he would handle the matter “in the form of also felt. Victor Abdullatif, owner of a small supermarket in the exact make-up of the new ruling body, an executive order”. — AFP But the earth’s mighty twitch shook buildings, dam- Mojave Desert town of Ridgecrest, Continued on Page 24 aged roads and rattled people still jittery from a 6.4- Continued on Page 24 2 Established 1961 Local Sunday, July 7, 2019 Kuwait bids farewell to former health minister Dr Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi Kuwait witnessed comprehensive health renaissance during his tenure

KUWAIT: Kuwait yesterday lost the Former Health appointed Minister of Public Health from 1975 to News in brief Minister, Minister of Planning and National 1983. Dr Awadhi was Minister of Public Health and Assembly member Dr Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi at Minister of Planning from 1983 until 1986, Minister of Amir receives call the age of 83 years, who made major development Planning from 1988 to 1990 and Minister of State for from Egypt’s president in the health sector during his tenure. Minister of Cabinet Affairs in 1990 and 1991. While in the Health Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah expressed his Ministry of Health for more than ten years, Kuwait KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- deepest condolences to the deceased’s family and has witnessed a comprehensive health renaissance Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Friday received a tele- the whole health sector, noting that Dr Awadhi had where most hospitals were built and the medical mis- phone call from Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al- many prominent local, regional and international sion for Hajj was developed. At the international and Sisi. During the call, the two leaders reviewed the achievements. regional levels, Dr Awadhi held a number of posi- sisterly relations between their countries and the lat- Dr Awadhi was born on December 18, 1936, tions, most notably the Chief Executive Officer of the est regional and international developments. received his university education at the American Council of Arab Ministers from 1976 to 1987, the President Sisi also wished His Highness the Amir University of Beirut, and received a Bachelor of Chairman of the Kuwait Environmental Protection everlasting good health. His Highness the Amir Science in 1958. Dr Awadhi continued to receive Council from 1980 to 1987 and the Executive thanked President Sisi for the call which embodies post-graduate science, where he received his doc- Secretary of the Regional Organization for the the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, torate in medicine from the University of Aberdeen in Protection of the Marine Environment in 1981. wishing President Sisi perpetual wellbeing. —KUNA the United Kingdom in 1963 and received a master’s degree in public health from Harvard University, Honorary degrees USA, in 1965. The late minister served as a resident Dr Awadhi received a number of honorary doctor in the Ministry of Health between 1963 and degrees, most notably the Honorary Fellowship of Amir offers condolences 1965 and as a Rapporteur of the Planning Committee the Royal College of Medicine, Ireland in 1977, his of the Ministry of Health in 1965 and a doctor regis- honorary doctorate from the University of Si Cheikh KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- tered at the Ministry of Health Hospitals from 1966 Boon-Korea in 1977, the Honorary Fellowship at the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent Friday a cable of until 1969. He was Assistant Director of the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians condolences to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al- Department of Preventive Services at the Ministry of (Glasgow), 1982, and the Honorary Fellowship of the Saud, expressing sorrow over the demise of Princess Health in 1969 and Assistant Undersecretary of American Society of Public Health 1982. The late Dr Al-Juhara bint Abdulaziz Al-Saud. His Highness the Preventive Services from 1970 to 1975. Awadhi was honored by His Highness the Amir Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 2011 Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Political career as part of the group of doctors who served Kuwait Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar As for his political life, the late Dr Awadhi started for 30 years and received the Sheikh Hamdan Bin KUWAI: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber cables. —KUNA his political career in 1975 when he was elected to Rashid Al-Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences in Al-Sabah honors Dr Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi in 2011 as part of the National Assembly from 1975 until 1980 and was 2008. —KUNA the group of doctors who served Kuwait for 30 years. —KUNA

Kuwait welcomes agreement strategic relations. In a statement to the press after defense, security, and cyber security. Jarallah was signing the joint plan for the 14th session for the satisfied with the outcomes of the committee’s KUWAIT: An official source at Kuwait’s Foreign Deputy PM praises Ministry on Friday welcomed the agreement next six months, Jarallah said the meeting in 14th session, which resulted in the signing of three reached between Sudan’s Transitional Military Kuwait-UK steering London coincides with the celebration of the 120th agreements with the first being a memorandum Council (TMC) and the Forces for Freedom and year since the treaty of friendly relations between between the Kuwait National Guard and the Change (FFC). The source praised the step, hoping both countries was signed. British Defense Ministry for training. The second that it would help begin a new stage to maintain committee’s work The establishment of the steering committee in was between Kuwait Institute of Scientific Sudan’s security and stability as well as meet the 2012 came during His Highness the Amir Sheikh Research and the British Cultural Council on sci- aspirations of Sudanese people. In addition, the LONDON: Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister Khaled Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s visit, driving entific and technologic research, as the third was source stressed Kuwait’s support to all measures Al-Jarallah on Thursday praised the efforts of the and welcoming the historical relations between between Kuwait’s National Council for Culture taken in order to preserve Sudan’s sovereignty and Kuwait-British joint steering committee pointing to both countries, he added. He also pointed to the and Arts also signing with the British Cultural security. —KUNA the meeting held every six months that demon- committee evolving its relations in the fields of Council to learn from their experiences in the eco- strate the official’s keenness on strengthening economics, business, investments, health, culture, nomic industry. —KUNA

LONDON: Kuwait and the United Kingdom sign a memorandum between the Kuwait National Guard and the British Defense Ministry for training.

LOYAC ‘KON’ program kicks off with NBK as platinum sponsor KUWAIT: As a platinum sponsor, National Bank of program, leaders from NBK along with a group of profes- the program last year and looks forward to seeing the par- program, students will be able to present their business Kuwait (NBK) welcomes the participants from LOYAC’s sional leaders mentors and trainers, locally and regionally ticipants moving into key leadership roles in their near ideas before a jury panel, in addition to a professor from program ‘KON’. This social entrepreneurship program is will encourage the participants to create a profitable busi- future,” Turki added. Babson College. co-created with Babson College, the most prestigious ness that solves social challenges. NBK Public Relations ‘KON’ students will experience different stages during NBK believes that investing in human resources is entrepreneurship college in the United States and the Team Leader, Talal Al-Turki said, “NBK’s sponsorship and the program, thinking, planning and doing. The experien- investing in our future. The ‘KON’ program goes along number one institution in the world for entrepreneurship participation in the program comes as a part of its strate- tial learning journey the students undertake throughout with NBK’s initiatives to invest in youth and support their education. The program aims to introduce young adults gic partnership with LOYAC. NBK is dedicated towards the six weeks supports them to learn skills that include aspirations. LOYAC is a nonprofit organization that runs between the ages of 12 to 16 to the world business and to supporting talented young people and empowering them creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, communica- several programs for the youth to develop their profes- turn their ideas into action. towards achieving their goals.” tion and collaboration. The students also learn technical sional skills, enhance their personal growth and help them NBK will take part in the training sessions that will be “‘KON’ is one of these initiatives that help invest and skills to write up a successful business plan, and how to find their sense of purpose by extending themselves to ongoing until August 7, 2019. Throughout the six-week support young youths. NBK is elated with the outcome of pitch their business ideas to investors. By the end of the others. Established 1961 3 Local Sunday, July 7, 2019 Municipality ready to build temporary accommodations for projects’ laborers Land allocated to accommodate 25,000 Clean Fuel Project workers

By Meshaal Al-Enezi and A Saleh local spotlight KUWAIT: Following up the recent statements made by Minister of State for Economic Affairs Mariam Al- Aqeel concerning plans to build temporary prefabri- cated dormitories for expatriate workers at each proj- Labor market ect site so that they could be removed when the proj- ect is finished, Kuwait Municipality Director Ahmad Al-Manfouhi expressed the municipality’s readiness to allocate special land for all government projects to use for building temporary accommodation sites, adding that the municipality had done the same by allocating By Muna Al-Fuzai land to accommodate 25,000 laborers at the Clean Fuel Project’s site. Meanwhile, Manfouhi said that in a bid to fight the housing of ‘bachelors’ in private resi- [email protected] dential areas, the municipality had allowed various fac- tories to build special accommodations for their labor- ers on a maximum of 10 percent of the factory’s area. ince the past few years, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has Bedoons’ hajj Stried to regulate the labor market in The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs contact- Kuwait by applying laws to achieve public ed both the Zakat House and the awqaf secretariat interest, taking the necessary decisions to general and asked them to provide financial support address the imbalance in demographics and needed to contribute in making bedoons’ low-budget preserve the rights of workers and Kuwait’s hajj easier, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and international reputation in front of human Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Fahd Al-Sholah rights organizations, especially with regards said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice announced KUWAIT: This archive photo shows a laborer working at a project’s site in Kuwait. This photo is used for illustration to visa traders. yesterday that it had issued 1,742 governmental and purpose only. However, the road is still long and there non-governmental transactions and documents for are those who exploit and violate the law, bedoons in 2018, in cooperation with Central which is expected under the reality of cor- Apparatus for Illegal Residents. Undersecretary of with a total value of KD 2 million. Universities’ list ruption, but we should not be complacent. Ministry of Justice Abdullatif Al-Suraiye said that Well-informed sources said the board of directors Inspection campaigns recently by the man- legal documentation department has issued 1,121 mari- Mail company of the National Bureau for Academic Accreditation tal documents, 547 divorce documents and 74 marital The Ministry of State for Services Affairs submit- and Education Quality Assurance (NBAQ) will meet power authority at the worksites of the revision documents for illegal residents from January ted a bill establishing the Kuwait Mail Company to the next week to review updating the list of accredited Ministries Complex led to the arrest of 43 until December 2018. Suraiye affirmed that all docu- Fatwa and Legislation Department demanding shifting universities in some countries. The sources added that workers in violation of article 18, seven ments were issued according to the terms and condi- the supervision of this sector to the Communication the board will review reports by some delegations workers in violation of article 20 and some tions of the ministry and in cooperation with the and Information Technology Regulatory Authority dispatched to foreign countries to visit a number of other violators. Central Apparatus for Illegal Residents. (CITRA). According to the proposed law, CITRA will universities. The sources also expected the board to The deputy director general of PAM’s approve new lists of some European universities. planning and development division said the Kuwaiti jobseekers inspection campaigns are within the frame- Minister of State For Economic Affairs Mariam Al- Legal action work of the application of the provisions of Aqeel said that the total number of Kuwaiti jobseek- Temporary The Public Authority for Housing Welfare labor law no. 6 of 2010 and the domestic ers registered with the Civil Service Commission housing helps announced taking legal action against users of gov- employment act no. 68 of 2015 to prevent (CSC) is 240,667 including 236,085 already nominat- ernment-owned land plots who had so far not paid irregularities. He added the authority is ed for jobs and 4,582 still waiting for employment. fight ‘bachelors’ the ‘symbolic’ price of the land nor checked with the working to intensify inspection campaigns at Responding to a parliamentary inquiry by MP Bader Kuwait Credit Bank to finalize the procedures need- all worksites and commercial complexes to Al-Mulla, Aqeel stressed these numbers are variable, residence ed to utilize those plots. The authority’s official ensure the application of the provisions of adding the numbers she mentioned are estimated until spokesperson Ibrahim Al-Nashi stressed that in a the law and regulate and control the labor the date of the inquiry. measure meant to protect public funds, the authority market. found some users had been utilizing these lands for It is worth mentioning that in the file of Excellent performance bonuses over 10 years without paying or checking with the international relations, efforts exerted by be responsible to set mail policies, execute them, Credit Bank to arrange for deducting the price from Manager of the Financial Affairs Department at the Kuwait in regulating the labor market and ensure provision of regular high-quality mail services their loans they get to build their houses. “These Directorate General of Civil Aviation Fahd Al-Obaidli protecting the labor force have been com- at reasonable prices, supervise service providers, land plots are still empty,” Nashi added, noting own- announced excellent performance bonuses had been mended. Forty workers have been sent back deposited in deserving employees’ bank accounts. open the market for fair competition, encourage local ers are requested to check with the Kuwait Credit and foreign private sector to invest in mail and issue Bank within 60 days to sign their construction loan home through the implementation of a volun- Obaidli added 2,950 out of a total of 3,600 employees tary repatriation project in cooperation will get KD 250-1,500 according to their positions, the law’s executive chart. applications. between the shelter and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the that firemen from Subhan and Farwaniya creation of job opportunities through the Firemen handle stations rushed to the scene, where they shelter for 101 female workers who want to immediately evacuated the house and continue working in Kuwait. managed to control the blaze, which had two fires, started on the first floor. No casualties I think Kuwait is still attractive for expatri- were reported. In the meantime, a water ate workers. In 2017, BMI International said accident tanker truck turned over in Doha, said in a study that Kuwait has a relatively safe security sources, noting that on arriving at operating environment. In the report, BMI, around Kuwait the scene, Sulaibikhat firemen found the which is a subsidiary of Fitch, identified a driver trapped in the wreckage and suf- number of attractive factors and challenges fering from various injuries. The driver to improve operational risks in Kuwait. By Hanan Al-Saadoun was rushed to hospital while firefighters According to the report, the infrastructure is removed the truck from the road. An good, but needs constant development in the KUWAIT: A fire broke out yesterday investigation was opened to reveal the face of some challenges such as tightening of morning in a garbage container and two cause of the accident. policies for foreign investment. trucks parked in an open yard in I believe it is unreasonable to establish a Shuwaikh Industrial, said security sources. Reports denied free economic zone that does not have facili- Firemen from Shuwaikh industrial area Responding to recent social media ties, services and logistical support, as well and Ardiya rushed to the scene and man- reports about sand dunes accumulating as the availability of public facilities and aged to control the flames, preventing the along outer highways and allegations of KUWAIT: Firemen battle a blaze reported in Shuwaikh Industrial yesterday. means of transportation, along with the fire from spreading to other parked the absence of interior and public works absence of taxes that should be an attractive trucks. No casualties were reported. ministries’ elements at the scene, the inte- factor. I believe that the state should work to Further investigations are in progress to rior ministry’s relations and security in collaboration with the Ministry of ministry strongly denied some press and improve the business environment and facili- determine the cause of the fire. department strongly denied the report Public Works to remove the sand and social media reports on referring 80-100 tate procedures for small business owners as Meanwhile, a fire broke out in a house and stressed that its teams and traffic and open the road to traffic, which has been investigators and public attorneys to well as attract foreign investors and engage in Siddiq, said security sources, noting security patrols are deployed at the scene already done. Meanwhile, the interior retirement. expatriate workers and citizens in an equal, just and beneficial manner. As for the imbalance in the demographic structure, I do not believe expatriates have a hand in it. This issue of imbalance in the pop- ulation structure has been on the table since the 1970s. It is known that demographic imbalance is caused by government policies supported by visa trade, and expatriates and citizens are both victims of such policies. The solution is easy - by monitoring companies and workers’ rights, especially financial and humanitarian. I think that one of the most important achievements of the authority is the electron- A fireman extinguishes a truck’s fire. Firemen seen battling the blaze in Shuwaikh. ic link between the authority and official bodies for queries and data extraction, which helps in checking the conditions of workers and busting false guarantees. In addition, approximately 450,000 Kuwaitis under the age of 20 are entering the labor market, so the improvement of the work environment is important. The needs and skills needed by the state should be considered, whether for expatriates or citizens. I think that the National Assembly should work to develop a system of economic legis- lation in conjunction with the legislative authority and the private sector. The efforts of the public authority for manpower are good, but continuing cooperation with all official authorities is necessary to regulate A water tanker truck heavily damaged after it turned over in Doha. The exterior of a building where a fire was reported in Siddiq. the labor market. 4 Sunday, July 7, 2019 Local

KUWAIT: Kuwait City’s skyline during sunset. — Photo by Bashir Al-Khairallah (KUNA) KFH announces ‘Journey of 12 Million Miles Begins With a Card’ winners Exclusively for KFH Oasis Club prepaid MasterCard holders

KUWAIT: Officials of KFH, KAC and MasterCard in a group photo. The winners receive their awards.

KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has announced addition to the privileges and discounts, it offers chances multiple benefits. KFH keeps launching new campaigns that the winners of the ‘Journey of 12 Million Miles Begins With to gain extra miles from ‘Oasis Club’ with every transac- meet the expectations of customers and strengthen KFH’s a Card’ Campaign. Exclusively for KFH Oasis Club prepaid tion. Accumulated miles can be later exchanged for special position in the market,” Suabaiei confirmed. MasterCard holders, this offer was in collaboration with promotions and privileges from Kuwait Airways,” Suabaiei Kuwait Airways and Oasis Club. said. “The customer wins 2,000 free miles upon card acti- Collaboration and partnership Announcing their names on KFHgroup account on vation with the issuance being free in the first year during He pointed out that collaboration with Kuwait Airways Instagram, the prizes of 1,000,000 Miles, 500,000 Miles, the campaign period,” he added. in introducing the KFH Oasis Card aimed to serve their 250,000 Miles went to Mohammed Mutlaq Al-Deghem, joint customers, stressing that KFH is keen through its Hilal Mohammed Al-Hammadi, Jarrah Khalifa Al-Attal Exclusive benefits products and services to support the activities of the respectively, while Ashraf Azmi Ramadan and Tahani Suabaiei mentioned that the offer included many exclu- national companies. This can help develop the Kuwaiti Dumaitheer Al-Enezi won 125,000 Miles each. In addition, sive benefits to ‘KFH Oasis Club’ cardholders, including economy, strengthen companies and their competitive 200 winners got 50,000 Miles. free miles from Kuwait Airways (Oasis club) with every capabilities in favor of the citizens and improve the quali- The ceremony was held at KAC ‘Oasis’ Club office in purchase transaction to win free tickets or booking ty of performance, services and economic development the presence of KFH Group General Manager Retail upgrades. The client gets two miles from ‘Oasis Club’ in in society. Banking, Fadi Chalouhi, Group Deputy General Manager reward of every KD 1 in domestic purchases, and three Meanwhile, the winners expressed their pleasure at Cards, Nimer Yasin, Deputy General Manager Sales and miles for every KD 1 international purchases during the Deputy General Manager Sales and Distributions at KFH winning the miles, which would enable them to travel to Distributions at KFH Khaled Al-Subaiei as well as KAC campaign period until mid-June. The client has a chance to Khaled Al-Subaiei speaks to the media. many different destinations. They valued the campaign’s and MasterCard officials. Subaiei extended his congratula- enter the draw for every KD 100 of local purchases and 2 features and timing by making the announcement coin- tions and expressed his pleasure at the success of the 3- chances to enter the draw for every KD 100 of interna- other benefits. For example, a client who accumulates one cided with the summer season and travel. They also rec- month campaign which included 12,000, 000 miles and tional purchases. million miles can travel to the United States 10 times in first ognized the benefits of the KFH Oasis Club card and 205 winners. He added that the ‘KFH Oasis Club’ card allows holders class and to Europe 20 times, worth about KD 20,000. praised the excellence of KFH in offering services, prod- “KFH Oasis Club card is a prepaid card issued in coop- to increase the points with their purchases, convert the “Due to the successful ‘Journey of 6 Million Miles Begins ucts and promotions that meet the needs and expecta- eration between KFH and Kuwait Airways ‘Oasis Club.’ In points to miles and upgrade the class in addition to many With a Card’ in 2017, KFH has launched a new offer with tions of customers.

The winners receive their awards. Established 1961 5 Local Sunday, July 7, 2019

GENEVA: Kuwait’s permanent delegate to the UN Jamal Al-Ghunaim delivered Kuwait’s donation to the International Labor Organization to support Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi meets with the UN Security Council delegation members during their visit to Baghdad. — KUNA Palestinian workers. — KUNA photos Kuwaiti aid continues to help people in hardship worldwide Kuwait calls for action regarding ‘thousands of people’ missing in Syria

KUWAIT: Kuwait maintained its unwavering approach Pinheiro expressed satisfaction over the success of the account the existence of some of these epidemics and the UN Security Council. Members of the UN of humanitarianly supporting nations on the field and initiative, extending his thanks and gratitude to the infectious diseases in refugee camps and displaced in Security Council paid a visit to the State of Kuwait politically as well. On the political level, Kuwait called State of Kuwait for the effort. He called on all parties a number of countries in the region, which requires a and the Republic of Iraq on June 28-29 in a mission on the UN Human Rights Council to take serious action involved in the Syrian crisis, especially the ruling rapid access to a preventive intervention to avoid its co-led by the Kuwait and the United States, as over the whereabouts of thousands of people who have regime, to take immediate steps to provide information spread. He added that Kuwait will spare no effort to members were grateful to the Governments of gone missing in Syria since the beginning of the coun- about detained and missing families. He also stressed support the affected countries, stressing that coopera- Kuwait and Iraq. The members of the Security try’s civil war. The UN Human Rights Council should that it is unacceptable that the fate of tens of thousands tion between Kuwait and the Global Fund to Fight Council noted that the visit underscored their sup- contact all parties concerned for information on the of people remains unknown. The UN Security Council AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria will continue to serve port for Iraq’s continued post-conflict recovery, fate of the missing people, Kuwait’s permanent dele- had adopted resolution 2474, which was submitted by the international humanitarian agenda in the future. stabilization, reconstruction and reconciliation gate to the UN Jamal Al-Ghunaim said amid talks Kuwait, on missing persons in armed conflicts. Ghunaim also handed over a $500,000 donation from efforts to meet the needs of all Iraqis, and empha- involving a UN commission investigating facts in the Kuwait to the International Labor Organization (ILO) sized the importance of the sovereignty, unity, terri- war-torn nation. He lamented the ‘systematic and delib- Fighting disease to support Palestinian workers. torial integrity and security of Iraq. Kuwait’s erate’ nature of attacks on civilians in Syria, which has On another level, Kuwait showed keenness to sup- Ambassador to the UN headquarters in New York left the country’s infrastructure heavily destroyed, said port the objectives of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, UN Security Council Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi was head of the the diplomat. “Kuwait prioritizes the matter of missing Tuberculosis and Malaria. Ambassador Ghunaim deliv- Kuwait’s global humanitarian efforts was also delegation in addition counterparts from other people in armed conflict given the fact that we lived ered a statement in Geneva on the matter following his appreciated by international organizations such as nations. — KUNA through that harrowing expe- meeting with the fund’s rience,” he added, citing the Executive Director Peter Gulf state’s Security Council- Sands at the headquarters of adopted draft resolution on Kuwait donates the Fund in Geneva. Kuwait missing persons during armed has provided a voluntary conflicts. The Kuwaiti envoy $500,000 for contribution of $500,000 to went on to describe the the fund in continuation of humanitarian situation in anti-disease Kuwait’s approach to support Syria as catastrophic, where humanitarian action in the some 11.7 million people are fund world, especially since a in dire need of urgent assis- large part of the fund’s work tance. He reiterated Kuwait’s is directed towards combat- support for a political solution ing these epidemics in many as the only feasible way out of the eight-year old con- developing countries and Islamic countries, Ghunaim flict, urging the UN Security Council to intervene and said. Kuwait was a pioneer in financing the operations stop further bloodshed. of the fund immediately after its establishment with Meanwhile, Head of the Independent International UN resolution in 2001, he added. Recent reports refers Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to outbreaks of tuberculosis and cholera in a number Paulo Pinheiro praised Kuwait’s initiative to urge the of countries such as Yemen, Somalia or Afghanistan, United Nations Security Council to adopt resolution which requires urgent intervention to prevent their 2474. In his report on human rights violations in Syria, spread in the region. He also stressed need to take into

istries, administra- State Audit Bureau tions, public authorities, munici- palities, companies marks 55 years of that the government has a percentage of establishment no less than 50 percent in their KUWAIT: The State Audit Bureau of Kuwait (SAB) capital and compa- marks today its 55th establishment anniversary as an nies that use or run entity in charge of monitoring public wealth. The public properties, bureau was founded on July 7, 1964 to be the chief he said. audit authority to provide and propose solutions to Meanwhile, dilemmas of financial nature for state and govern- Mutairi underlined ment bodies. According to article 151 of the Kuwaiti SAB’s achievements Constitution, the country must establish a body to in 2018 including monitor financial matters. The body is connected to winning the first place in the elections for the the National Assembly and must present an annual Governing Board members of the Asian Organization report on the state’s income, spending and manage- of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) in Vietnam. ment of accounts. The bureau also signed six cooperation agreements SAB’s assistant undersecretary for financial and with its counterparts in Poland, South Africa, the US, administrative affairs Essam Al-Mutairi noted that the Maldives, Morocco and Turkey. Moreover, SAB the bureau aims to achieve its strategic vision 2016- organized about 12 regional and international events 2020 themed ‘sustainable professional excellence’ to including seminars, training program and hosting develop SAB’s monitoring tasks. SAB monitors min- international forums, he added. — KUNA

allocated to the fifth Kuwait wins int’l group, he said, indicating that Kuwait won one of the seats in the elections, with environmental participation of 12 coun- tries, he added. Kuwait organization’s joined the IOC on November 13, 1974 and was elected as a member membership of the Executive Council in 2017, he added. Dr Mullah pointed out that the com- PARIS: Kuwait won a seat on the Executive Council Dr Adam Al-Mullah mittee established by of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission UNESCO in 1960 had (IOC), Kuwaiti Permanent Representative to strengthened international cooperation and program UNESCO Dr Adam Al-Mullah said on Friday. In a coordination in marine research and ocean and statement to the press, Dr Mullah noted that the com- coastal resource management. He expressed grati- mittee is composed of 150 member states and divided tude for the confidence of the member states in into five groups, with Kuwait participating in the fifth Kuwait, stressing the commitment to cooperate with group with 46 countries. The executive board of the all in the IOC to achieve the goals of sustainable committee includes 40 seats, including nine seats development. — KUNA International SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2019 Child rape case sparks protests in Myanmar Hell in high water: Braving the monsoon to save India’s rhinos Page 8 Page 8

AT SEA: German migrant rescue NGO Sea-Eye shows their vessel ‘Alan Kurdi’ during an operation during which they rescued 65 people from an overloaded rubber boat in international waters off the Libyan coast. —AFP Fate of refugees trapped in Libya Forced labour, starved, tortured and bombed

PARIS: Acute malnutrition, forced labour, torture: NGOs Channel 4 in February gives some idea of the brutality Refugee Council, the International Rescue Committee and ‘Locked up for a year’ have sharpened their tone against the shocking conditions inflicted on migrants by militia members who use them to Premiere Urgence Internationale (PUI), decided in May to Their plight was taken up last month by the Council of endured by refugees and migrants in Libya, where over 40 try to extort money from their families. In one clip, a man is break their silence on the catastrophic conditions there. Europe, a pan-European rights watchdog whose human people were killed in an air strike on a detention centre. seen lying on the floor, screaming in agony as his captor They called on the EU and its member states “to urgently rights commissioner asked European countries to suspend Tuesday night’s strike on the centre at Tajoura near the capi- burns his feet with a blowtorch. Another man, wearing a revise their policies on migration”, saying they were “gravely their cooperation with the Libyan coastguard on account of tal Tripoli, in which 70 people were wounded, underscored bloody t-shirt, is suspended from the ceiling by his feet, a concerned about the human cost” of such policies which the “torture, rape, slavery, exploitation or indefinite and the vulnerability of the mainly African migrants trapped in gun pointed at his head. were encouraging “a system of criminalization and deten- unlawful detention” suffered by migrants. conditions the UN has called “ghastly”. A third is bound and lying face down, a huge concrete tion”. “Migrants and refugees, including women and chil- The UNHCR on June 7 denounced the “ghastly condi- Their plight has been blamed by NGOs on an agree- block crushing his back and arms as someone flogs the soles dren, are at risk of arbitrary and indefinite detention in tions” in the centres, with spokesman Rupert Colville saying ment between EU nations and the Libyan coastguard to of his feet. According to figures from the International Libya” where they are held in “appalling” and “inhumane 22 people had died in an outbreak of tuberculosis at a facili- prevent the migrants from reaching Europe’s shores by Organization for Migration, at least 5,200 people are cur- conditions”, they said. ty in the western Libyan town of Zintan since September. boat. Since January, over 2,300 people have been inter- rently trapped in official detention centres in Libya, mostly Benjamin Gaudin, who heads the Libya operations of MSF, which has recently begun operating in Zintan as well cepted at sea and brought back to Libya, according to the from troubled countries such as Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea. French NGO PremiËre Urgence Internationale (PUI), called as Garyan, a city south of Tripoli, spoke of a “sanitation UN. Once back in Libya, they are transferred to detention There are no figures for the number of people held in illegal on the EU to stop sending migrants back to Libya altogether. catastrophe”. According to the NGOs and the UNHCR’s centres like the one in Tajoura. centres run by human traffickers. Describing conditions in the six official detention centres Cochetel, the vast majority of those trapped in these centres The situation has deteriorated further since Libyan The EU has fended off criticism of its pact with the where PUI works, Gaudin said: “At times, the migrants are are bona fide refugees, who would be granted asylum in a strongman Khalifa Haftar, whose forces have been blamed Libyan coastguard on the ground that it has dramatically literally piled up on top of each other, in appalling sanitary developed country. for the airstrike, launched an offensive in April to capture reduced the flow of migrants seeking to reach Italy, which conditions with huge problems getting access to water - The UNHCR has, however, struggled to find safe coun- Tripoli, triggering a wave of violence in which over 700 began turning away rescue boats a year ago. Questioned by sometimes there is no drinking water at all.” tries in Europe or elsewhere willing to take in the refugees. people have been killed. “There is a certain blindness among AFP, the European Commission defended its record, saying “They don’t receive enough food; in some centres, there “There is a strong sense of despair over this impasse: in European countries among the situation of migrants in that since 2014 it had raised some 338 million euros for pro- is absolutely no way to protect yourself from the cold or centres where we have been working in the region of Libya,” Vincent Cochetel, special envoy for the Central grammes linked to migrants in Libya and helped with the the heat. Some don’t even have an outside area so the Misrata and Khoms, people have been locked up for a Mediterranean at UN refugee agency UNHCR told AFP. repatriation of 38,000 people in the past 16 months. migrants there never see the light of day.” Human Rights year,” MSF’s Raickman said. General Ayoub Kacem, “The recent fighting has created an even worse situation. “We are extremely concerned by the deterioration of the Watch, which visited many detention centres in 2018 and spokesman for the Libyan navy, which is in charge of the It cannot be business as usual in terms of this cooperation situation on the ground,” Commission spokeswoman spoke to about 100 migrants, documented the “cruel, inhu- coastguard, argued that Libya was a “victim” of the migra- (with the EU) on returns to Libya,” he argued. The levels of Natasha Bertaud recently said. The Commission, she said, man and degrading treatment” suffered by migrants in a tion flows. despair among the migrants are such that in May, a man in a was hamstrung by the failure of EU members to agree on report earlier this year. Calling the migrants a “burden” for the country he rickety boat who spotted the coastguards approaching common approach towards migrants and asylum-seekers. “The bodies are piling up inside Libyan detention cen- accused the EU of “lacking concern” for their fate and jumped into the sea rather than be captured - a scene cap- When NGO vessels rescues people in the Mediterranean, “it tres,” Julien Raickman, who heads the Doctors Without urged EU members to finally adopt a common approach to tured on video by German NGO Sea-Watch. The man was effectively falls on the Commission to ring round nearly 28 Borders (MSF) mission in Libya said. “The people who are the issue. For MSF’s Raickman it is long past time for talk- later rescued by a passing ship. capitals to find places for people to disembark,” she said, detained there, mostly refugees, are continuing to die from ing. “European states have a scandalous level of responsi- adding: “That is not sustainable!” sickness, hunger and are victims of all sorts of violence, of bility for all these deaths and this suffering,” he said. “What EU on the defensive rape and the arbitrary treatment of the militias,” he said. And we need is action: the urgent evacuation of refugee and Excruciating footage filmed inside hidden prisons run The dead piling up now, he added, “they have found themselves trapped by the migrants who are trapped in extremely dangerous condi- by human traffickers that was broadcast by Britain’s Ten NGOs working in Libya, including the Danish ongoing conflict.” tions in Libya.” —AFP

are on the verge of famine. Thousands of civilians, 5 years into including hundreds of children, have been killed and tens of thousands wounded. Essential health, education and other services have all but collapsed, especially since a war, Yemen at Saudi-led coalition intervened in March 2015 in support of the government. In Amran, rebels carrying automatic rifles remain vigi- ‘rock bottom’ lant day and night, while revolutionary slogans are SANAA: Like most residents of Amran, a strategic gate- daubed everywhere on the old city’s brown buildings way to Yemen’s capital Sanaa, Mohammed Al-Najri made of clay and stones. “Death to America, Death to thought the capture of his city by Houthi rebels five Israel, Curse on Jews and victory for Islam,” reads one years ago would not last long. But fighting quickly slogan. Two Yemeni government officials told AFP that spread to most areas of the country, plunging the Arab when Amran fell into the hands of the Houthis, no one world’s most impoverished nation into a devastating con- was aware of the rebels’ plans to take their military cam- flict that is yet to end. Fifty kilometres north of Sanaa, paign to Sanaa and other regions. Amran was taken by the Iran-backed Houthis on July 8, Beyond the city limits, Amran is a key province in 2014. Yemen historically, boasting important archeological It was the first major city to fall, in a military cam- landmarks, including the 100-year-old Shaharah Bridge - paign that saw the rebels seize vast swathes of Yemen meaning the ‘bridge of sighs’ - which links two moun- from the internationally recognised government. At the tains. It is also home to Raydah town, where the last of education ministry office in Amran where he works, Najri Yemen’s Jews lived, before they made their way to Israel has gone without his salary ever since the beleaguered in 1949-1950 in a secret airlift dubbed “Operation Magic government two years ago moved the central bank from Carpet”. Amran occupies a strategic location between Sanaa to Aden, its makeshift capital. Sanaa and the rebels’ stronghold of Saada in the far “Five years have passed since the war broke out, but north. It is also home to the Hashid, Yemen’s most power- we know there is still a long way to go,” the 40-year-old ful tribe. civil servant told AFP by telephone. “Our situation has deteriorated ... We have reached rock bottom. Everything ‘Almost unimaginable’ has collapsed,” he said. Mohammed Taha, 48, a journalist The Houthis overran government forces in Amran after SANAA: Yemenis inspect the rubble of destroyed houses in the village of Bani Matar, 70 kilometers (43 miles) West of Sanaa. —AFP from Amran who has continued to cover his home city a two-month siege and then moved south, capturing the since the Houthis seized it, does not even consider the capital in September 2014 before pushing into other possibility of peace. “Five years of war were sufficient parts of Yemen. Sixty months after seizing the city, the Yemen. It “has fragmented the country down the lines of displaced, while at least 24 million - some two-thirds of for me to adapt and adjust my life and that of my family rebels still hold the upper hand on the battlefield, despite identity, geography and ideology in ways that were the population - need assistance. “The country is not on accordingly,” Taha said. “Yes, we were affected by the major military campaigns by the government and almost unimaginable before it began,” Peter Salisbury, a the verge of collapse, it is collapsing. It is collapsed war at the start, but we were able to live with its conse- airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition. The rebels still hold Yemen analyst at the International Crisis Group, told actually,” Fabrizio Carboni, the International Committee quences. I no longer care if it continues or ends,” he said. a firm grip on Sanaa and most cities in northern, central AFP. The rebels and the government have participated in of the Red Cross regional director for the Near and and western regions including the strategic Red Sea port several rounds of UN-sponsored talks, the last held in Middle East, said in Geneva on Thursday. For Salisbury, ‘Dangerous’ plot city of Hodeida. Sweden in December, but they failed to strike a deal to “it will take a lot more than five years to get us back to The United Nations says Yemen is experiencing the They have made strong use of their fighting experi- end the bloody war. even 2014 levels of internal cohesion, if at all, (in terms world’s worst humanitarian crisis, warning that millions ence in mountain ranges. But the war has devastated The United Nations says that 3.3 million Yemenis are of) service delivery and economic development.” —AFP Established 1961 7 International Sunday, July 7, 2019 UN calls for Libyan ceasefire as death toll climbs to 1,000 Security Council condemns attack on Tajoura detention camp

TRIPOLI: The UN Security Council has called for a The United Nations has called for an independent ceasefire in Libya as the death toll from a three- investigation to determine who was responsible for month offensive on Tripoli reached 1,000, including the strike on the centre, which housed some 600 scores killed in an air strike that hit a detention centre migrants, mainly from African countries. President for migrants. The council condemned the late Tuesday Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey-which backs the attack on the Tajoura detention camp east of Tripoli GNA-called for an end to “unlawful attacks” by and “stressed the need for all parties to urgently de- Haftar’s forces during a meeting with Libyan Prime escalate the situation and to commit to a ceasefire”, Minister Fayez al-Sarraj in Istanbul on Friday, the said a joint statement. Turkish presidency said. Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, whose forces hold eastern Libya and much of the country’s south, UN shared coordinates launched an offensive in early April to wrestle the UN agencies and humanitarian groups have repeat- capital from forces loyal to the UN-recognised edly voiced concern over the plight of thousands of Government of National Accord (GNA). Air strikes migrants and refugees held in detention centres near and ground fighting have since left nearly 1,000 peo- combat zones in the capital. Secretary-General Antonio ple dead and some 5,000 wounded, the UN’s World Guterres has expressed outrage over the attack and Health Organization said. The fighting has forced said the United Nations had shared the coordinates of more than 100,000 people to flee their homes and the detention centre with the warring sides to protect threatens to plunge Libya into deeper conflict. the civilians. The carnage in Tajoura was “a tragedy that Among the dead are 53 migrants killed Tuesday should have never happened”, said Charlie Yaxley, night in an air raid on a detention centre in the Tripoli spokesman for the UN’s refugee agency. suburb of Tajoura, held by the GNA, which accused Libya has become a major conduit for migrants Haftar’s forces of carrying out the strike. A Geneva- seeking to reach Europe and remains prey to numer- based spokesman for the International Organization for ous militias vying for control of the country’s oil Migration said six children were among the migrants wealth. Rights groups say migrants face horrifying killed. Joel Millman said that 350 migrants, including 20 abuses in Libya, and their plight has worsened since women and four children, were still detained at the cen- Haftar launched the offensive against Tripoli. tre, one of five air hangars hit in the raid. According to the UN, some 5,700 refugees and World powers have been divided over how to migrants are being held in detention centres in Libya, TAJURA, Libya: An image grab taken from CCTV video footage shows the aftermath of an airstrike on the respond to Haftar’s offensive, with the United States 3,300 of whom are vulnerable to fighting in and detention camp for migrants in the capital Tripoli’s eastern suburb of Tajoura. —AFP and Russia refusing to condemn the Libyan strong- around Tripoli. man. The British-drafted council statement con- demned the attack on the migrant camp, called for a Plane downed prise counter-attack late last month, seizing the each lost several planes. The rival camps have return to political talks and for full respect of the An initial lightning assault in early April saw strategic town of Gharyan, the main supply base for remained convinced that with the help of their back- arms embargo on Libya. It followed a closed-door Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army steam Haftar’s offensive. ers, they can win the battle. The GNA receives sup- council meeting on Wednesday during which US towards the capital. But they have since been bogged After the setback, Haftar’s forces threatened to port from Turkey and Qatar, and Haftar is backed by diplomats said they needed more time to consult with down on its southern outskirts, where frontlines have intensify strikes against their rivals. Both sides have the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and according to Washington on the proposed text. been frozen for months. GNA forces launched a sur- launched daily air raids throughout the fighting and experts, to some degree by the United States. —AFP

Tahrir al-Sham, but other jihadist and rebel screening judges and prosecutors on three criteria: that he received 15,000 euros worth of gifts on the Bombings kill 14 groups are also present. Idlib is supposed to be Albanian justice their assets and income, any links with Albania’s occasion of his daughter’s marriage. The net has protected from a major regime assault by a powerful organised crime groups, and their profes- even caught one of Albania’s most feared men-for- September deal between Moscow and Ankara, sional and ethical conduct in the past. It’s a deep mer Attorney General Adriatik Lalla, whose assets civilians in Syria but Damascus and its Russian ally have ramped on pause as scrub of a system where lawyers have said the bulk have been seized as he is under investigation for up their deadly bombardment of the region of their work is acting as “brokers” to negotiate the money laundering. The EU has applauded the results BEIRUT: Syrian regime bombardment has killed since late April. size of a bribe. But it is also leaving the country, of the probe as “crucial to restoring public trust in 14 civilians including seven children in north- judges fall victim More than 520 civilians have been killed whose government happens to be mired in a political the judiciary”. But ordinary people like 62-year old western Syria, a war monitor said yesterday, in since then, according to the Observatory. The crisis, lacking a key pillar of democracy. Ruze Iso are victims of the judicial stagnation. Since the latest deadly raids on the embattled opposi- United Nations says 25 health facilities in the So far, 140 out of 800 judges and prosecutors 2018 she has asked the Supreme Court to annul the tion bastion. Warplanes and helicopters late to graft probe region have been hit, the latest including the have been reviewed. Out of that figure 88 have seizure of her house over a debt, claiming that the Friday carried out air strikes on Mahambel vil- second attack in two months on an underground TIRANA: Inside the halls of Albania’s quiet Supreme either been dismissed-mostly for issues related to ruling was based on fake documents forged by cor- lage in Idlib province, killing 13 civilians includ- hospital in the town of Kafranbel on Thursday. Court building, a clock on the wall has stopped. It is unjustified assets-or resigned just before they were rupt legal officers. “My husband is ill, we’re all on ing the seven children, the Syrian Observatory “The attacks happened despite the fact that the an apt symbol for a tribunal that hasn’t held a hear- set to be scrutinised, according to a May report the street,” she says, explaining that they now live in for Human Rights said. coordinates of this hospital had previously been ing since May, after all but two judges were dis- from the European Commission. At a hearing before an abandoned garage. Her case is likely among the A woman was also killed yesterday in regime shared with the parties to the conflict in a delib- missed as part of a sweeping graft review that is the independent commission last month Gurali mountains of paperwork that are filling up archive rocket fire on the outskirts of the town of Khan erate, carefully planned effort to prevent any cleaning out notoriously corrupt courts-but also Brahimllari, a judge in a criminal appeal court in rooms, empty offices and dark courtrooms and col- Sheikhun in the south of the province, the attacks on it,” an UN official said on Friday. crippling Albania’s judicial system in the process. Tirana, said he was “surprised” by their analysis that lecting dust. “Currently, there is a stack of 32,000 Britain-based war monitor said. Idlib, a region of “I am horrified by the ongoing attacks on “In 2014 there were 17 (judges), in 2019 there his assets greatly exceeded his income. He provided files awaiting review, and we don’t even have a place some three million people, many of whom fled civilian areas and civilian infrastructure as the remain only two,” explains Ida Vodica, a Supreme paperwork to explain the imbalance. But the com- to deposit them,” said Vodica. The court’s president former rebel-held areas retaken by the govern- conflict in northwest Syria continues,” said Mark Court spokeswoman. One of the remaining judges, mission was not convinced, and he was dismissed. Xhezair Zaganjori assures that “in late summer or ment, is the last major bastion of opposition to Cutts, UN deputy regional humanitarian coordi- the president, is under review. The country launched It was a similar story for a prosecutor who in early September four or five new judges will proba- the Russia-backed Damascus government after nator for the Syrian crisis. Syria’s war has killed the intensive vetting process three years ago under November failed to convince the panel that thou- bly arrive to take over the files.” Authorities claim the eight years of civil war. more than 370,000 people and displaced mil- pressure from the European Union, which the Balkan sands of euros (dollars) in income was the result of a Constitutional Court could be functional again in The region on Turkey’s doorstep is adminis- lions since it started in 2011 with a brutal crack- state aspires to join. lucky streak in sports betting. Meanwhile, a judge early 2020. At present, only one of nine judges has tered by Syria’s former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat down on anti-government protests. —AFP An independent body has been tasked with from the Constitutional Court tried in vain to explain evaded the probe. —AFP

ture records throughout a hot spring, par- Alaska’s heat ticularly in the Arctic zone which is espe- cially sensitive to fluctuations in climate. wave shatters city All 30 days in June had above-average temperatures, the NWS said. According record, disrupts to scientists, Alaska is warming at twice the rate of the global average. “From 1901 to 2016, average temperatures in the jobs, lives mainland United States increased by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit... whereas in Alaska LOS ANGELES: Temperatures in Alaska’s they increased by 4.7 degrees,” Rick largest city Anchorage have soared to a Thoman, a climate specialist at the Alaska sweltering all-time record of 90 degrees Center for Climate Assessment and Policy, Fahrenheit (32 centigrade) as a heat wave told AFP in April. grips the US state which straddles the Arctic Circle. Fourth of July fireworks Fast-melting ice were canceled due to risk of wildfires The dramatic warming Alaska has caused by “extreme dry weather condi- experienced in recent years - linked tions,” as temperatures matching those in partly to a decline in sea ice and Arctic Miami highlighted rapid warming in a ocean warming - has wreaked havoc on region considered particularly vulnerable local communities, wildlife and the state’s to climate change. “At 5pm this afternoon, economy. Permafrost - the frozen ground Anchorage International Airport officially that covers almost 85 percent of Alaska - ALASKA: A general view as people enjoy on Jewel Lake in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska is hit 90 degrees for the first time on is thawing, affecting everything from bracing for record warm temperatures and dry conditions in parts of the state. —AFP record,” tweeted the National Weather building foundations to wildlife habitats Service (NWS) late Thursday. The previ- and the picking of berries that grow on was open water on part of the race when sea ice records were first kept, he ous record was 85 degrees, set in June the tundra. Frozen rivers usually serve as 1969. The average high temperature for course. Crab fishing has also been added. While it is unprecedented for the transport routes in winter, as two-thirds affected as the sea ice that fishermen use mercury to hit 90 degrees in coastal July 4 in Anchorage, located in southern of communities in the state are not Alaska, is a far cooler 65 degrees. as a platform is non-existent or too thin Anchorage, temperatures as high as 100 accessible by road. But higher tempera- in some areas. Alaska’s seal population is degrees have been recorded in Alaska’s tures have made the ice dangerously thin likely to be affected this summer, as interior. The high-pressure system caus- Giant high-pressure ridge and unsafe for truck or car travel. The abnormally warm weather is being some species give birth on solid ice, ing the current spike in temperatures is Many recreational sled-dog races Thoman said. expected to shift north to inland areas in caused by a “giant ridge of high pressure have had to be canceled this year, and sitting right over us,” NWS meteorologist Global warming has led to the lowest the coming days, with further records the famed Iditarod race had to be re- ice levels in the Bering Sea - which con- likely to be broken, according to Bill Ludwig told the Anchorage Daily routed as what is normally solid sea ice News. Alaska had earlier broken tempera- nects with the Arctic Ocean - since 1850, AccuWeather. —AFP

group in the Omo Forest, northeast of Africa’s biggest city. UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. “Chopping down Elephants: Jumbo “So they are active at night.” trees is easy,” says Olabode, whose team of eight community Forest elephants are the shy relations of their larger rangers are overstretched. “But if the forest goes, the whole savannah cousins and are experts at hiding; so skilled, in fact, ecosystem changes. The rains reduce, then the farms lose surprise outside very few in the city know about them. The crowded concrete fertility. Everyone suffers.” Half of the forest, a 650-square- jungle of Lagos is better known for wild nightlife than night- kilometre area, is reserved for wildlife and logging is banned. time wildlife. “When people hear about the elephants, they But corruption is rampant. “There are so many trees Nigeria megacity do not believe it,” says Joy Adeosun, a government scientist here,” says Ibiyinka James, on one of dozens of trucks illicitly working with Olabode. “They are in shock,” adds Adeosun, laden with ancient hardwoods, off to become planks for the LAGOS: The jungle was so thick that Emmanuel Olabode fixing a motion-sensitive camera that has not only snapped booming construction market in Africa’s most populous only found the elephants he was tracking when the great elephants, but antelope, buffalo and chimpanzees too. nation. “The birds can fly to another forest,” he adds. And matriarch’s sniffing trunk reached out close enough to almost Omo, spreading across some 1,325 square kilometres of with trees cleared, farmers plant crops. “I need to provide touch. “She flapped her ears, blocking us to guard her family, southwestern Ogun state, was protected as a government for my family. What else can I do?”, cocoa grower then left in peace,” recalls Olabode. “It was extraordinary.” reserve nearly a century ago. A UNESCO “biosphere Christopher Shadrach says, from Ose-Eke, one of the vil- The elusive elephants are just 100 kilometres from down- reserve” of global importance, it is one of the last patches of lages hacked out of the reserve, each one home to hundreds town Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital, home to over 20 pristine rainforest left in Nigeria. Nigeria’s deforestation of people. But to the elephants, the crops are tasty treats, million people. “They are scared of humans,” says Olabode, rates are among the highest in the world, according to the which angers forest farmers. —AFP who leads the Forest Elephant Initiative, a conservation 8 Established 1961 International Sunday, July 7, 2019 Sri Lanka president vetoes military deal with the US American troops not to get free access to island’s ports

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s President yesterday veiled reference to the US which is keen on strengthen- announced he will not allow his government to con- ing their existing military cooperation. clude a proposed military deal that would allow US A year ago, Washington announced it was granting troops free access to the island’s ports. Maithripala $39 million to boost maritime security in Sri Lanka as Sirisena said he was opposed to the draft Status of China developed its strategic hold on the Indian Ocean Forces Agreement (SOFA) that the two countries are island. Increased US interest in Sri Lanka comes as negotiating to further strengthen their military ties. China is upping investment in ports and other building Sirisena is at loggerheads with his pro-Western projects on the island, which is a key link in Beijing’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. “I will not allow ambitious “Belt and Road” infrastructure initiative. any agreement that undermines our independence and The US had stopped arms sales to Sri Lanka during sovereignty,” Sirisena told a public rally in the island’s the height of the island’s Tamil separatist war that end- south. “Several agreements currently being discussed ed in 2009. The global power has also been highly criti- are detrimental to our country.” cal of the human rights record of the former govern- “I will not allow the SOFA that seeks to betray the ment of strongman president, Mahinda Rajapakse. nation. Some foreign forces want to make Sri Lanka Several senior military commanders from the Rajapakse one of their bases. I will not allow them to come into regime have been denied visas to visit the US. the country and challenge our sovereignty.” China has vowed to keep providing financial help, The SOFA seeks to ensure reciprocal access to port including loans, to Sri Lanka despite warnings about facilities and allow freer entry to military personnel and the island nation’s mounting debt. Sri Lanka in 2017 their contractors. Sirisena said there will be no bilateral granted a 99-year lease on a strategic port to Beijing agreements “against Sri Lanka’s national interest” as because of it could not repay Chinese loans for the $1.4 long as he was in office. His term ends in January. billion project. The port in Hambantota straddles the COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena (center) waits next to Navy officers for a group photo dur- He did not name the powers he accused of trying to world’s busiest east-west shipping route and also gives ing a ceremony commissioning P 626 ship, US gifted to the Sri Lankan coastguard at the main port in Colombo gain a military foothold in his Indian Ocean island a strategic foothold to China in a region long dominat- yesterday. The vessels are to be used to help merchant shipping and protect the islands coastline. — AFP republic of 21 million people. However, it was a thinly ed by India. — AFP

ing footprint in the country, claimed Fear and 14 killed as responsibility. The Sunni extremists have conducted frequent prior attacks on Shia targets. While Afghanistan is a defiance mark mortars hit mainly Sunni country, it has a sizeable Shia minority, mainly represented by life for Pakistan’s Afghan market the Hazara community. The deadly incidents come as the war between the Taleban and Afghan minority Hazaras KABUL: At least 14 people were killed security forces rages on, even as and dozens more wounded when a Taliban officials are meeting with US HAZARA TOWN, Pakistan: High walls negotiators in Doha in a bid to bring around the neighborhoods of Pakistan’s embat- busy market in northern Afghanistan tled Hazara community in the southwestern city was hit by mortar fire, officials said about an end to the conflict. of Quetta are designed to protect them from yesterday. An agreement with the Taleban is extremist militants, but also serve as a constant Several Taliban shells hit the market expected to have two main points-a US reminder of the threat they face. Friday morning in the Khwaja Sabz Posh withdrawal from Afghanistan and a Soldiers and security checkpoints greet district of Faryab province, according to commitment by the militants not to pro- visitors to Hazara Town, one of two large Hanif Rezaee, an Afghan army vide a base for terrorists, the main rea- guarded neighborhoods in the capital of spokesman. “Fourteen civilians were son for the US invasion nearly 18 years Baluchistan, a province where religious and killed and 40 — including women and ago. Today, the insurgents will meet in sectarian groups often target the mostly Shia children-were wounded,” Rezaee said. the Qatari capital with various repre- Hazaras with bombs and guns. Despite He said the Taliban had been trying sentatives from Afghan society as part to hit an army checkpoint near the mar- of a potential peace process. improved security in recent years, partly HAZARA TOWN, Pakistan: Pakistan’s embattled Hazara community protest in the southwestern ket. The insurgent group did not imme- Meanwhile, Islamic State fighters because most Hazaras have moved into the city of Quetta. — Reuters guarded enclaves, hardline Sunni militants diately comment. Naem Musamim, claimed responsibility yesterday for the keep up attacks, such as a blast in April that Faryab’s public health director, said 14 deadly overnight attack in a mosque in killed 24 people, among them eight Hazaras. e-Jhangvi (LeJ), and Sunni militant group has two provincial assembly representatives. bodies and 39 wounded people includ- central province of Ghazni in “We are living under siege for more than 1- Islamic State, which has attacked them in both Domestic media often portray the Hazaras ing four children had been taken to Afghanistan. At least two people were 1/2 decades due to sectarian attacks,” said Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan, also as targets of sectarian attacks or holding sit-ins local hospitals. Some victims with criti- killed and 20 others sustained injuries Sardar Sahil, a Hazara lawyer and rights home to many Hazaras. Many community busi- to demand greater protection, but the commu- cal injuries were airlifted to hospitals in as a bomb planted by the hardline activist. “Though all these checkposts were nesses that flourished in Quetta’s bustling nity is developing and growing, said martial Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province. Islamist militants inside the established for our security, we feel we were wholesale markets have shuttered and relocat- arts specialist Nargis Hazara. “Every one of us Also Friday, a bomb detonated Mohammadiya mosque, used by Shiites, ourselves also cut off from other communities.” ed to Hazara Town or Mari Abad, another has a dream, a target and aim in our heart, to inside a Shia mosque in Ghazni city in went off on Friday night, said Aref Sahil carries a pistol whenever he leaves Hazara neighborhood. change the image of Hazaras in the world, and central Afghanistan, killing two wor- Noori, a provincial government home, and relies on his faith as a second layer But the community is defiant. Some still ven- especially in Pakistan,” added the 20-year-old shippers and wounding 20 more, spokesman. of security. ture out into Quetta in search of work, while who last year became Pakistan’s first winner of according to Ghazni governor Islamic State frequently targets “I kiss my mother’s hand and she kisses me others keep businesses running. The Quetta an Asian Games medal in karate. spokesman Aref Noori. Afghanistan’s Shiite minority, which it too and says goodbye with her prayers and community held its first Hazara Culture Day Many Hazaras have joined the armed Baz Mohammad Hemat, the director calls “apostates”. The militant group good wishes,” Sahil told Reuters at his home. this week to celebrate and showcase its history, forces in Pakistan, where the community’s of Ghazni hospital, told AFP that one of said 40 people were injured in the Hazaras, said to be descendants of the Mongols music and traditions. past and future will stay rooted despite any those killed and 14 of the wounded explosion. The explosive device was who swept out of central Asia to rule the sub- The community strives to keep its protests violence, said another martial arts expert, were children. Friday is Afghanistan’s planted ahead of the Friday prayers, continent for many centuries, are easily distin- peaceful, despite unrest stirred up by militants Mubarak Ali Shan. “We want to serve day off and many children attend government officials said. Ghazni has guishable in Pakistan by their facial features. looking to pit people of different sects against Pakistan and despite suffering tragedies and mosque for prayers on the day of wor- recently been the scene of heavy clash- That has made them vulnerable to attacks each other, said Abdul Khaliq Hazara, chairman incidents, our love for peace has not dimin- ship. The Islamic State group’s es between government forces and by groups such as Pakistan’s banned Lashkar- of the Hazara Democratic Party (HDP), which ished,” he added. — Reuters Afghanistan affiliate, which has a grow- Taleban militants. — Agencies

(CID) wearing white t-shirts, some Hell in high water: Thousands printed with the words “Justice for Victoria”. One banner read: “We don’t Braving the want any more Victorias.” protest amid “We need an explanation that peo- ple can accept and justice for the monsoon to save outcry over kid,” said 33-year-old protest organ- izer Aung Htike Min. The protesters India’s rhinos also called on the government to cre- Myanmar child ate a safe environment for Myanmar’s NEW DELHI: The monsoon may bring children. respite from the scorching heat, but for the rape case The police force’s deputy director rangers and animals at Kaziranga National general, Aung Naing Thu, said on Park it also brings danger as poachers take Friday in a news conference broadcast advantage of greater camouflage and flooding. YANGON: Thousands of protesters live on Facebook and watched by The UNESCO-recognized reserve, home to marched to a police office in the thousands of people that police had two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinos, north of Myanmar’s largest city, filed a case at court against a driver at draws hunters who can earn as much as Yangon, yesterday, demanding the victim’s nursery, who was in cus- $150,000 for one horn on a black market speedy and transparent justice in a tody. A thorough investigation was serving foreign demand for its use in tradition- child-rape case that has sparked conducted, he said, but efforts to al Chinese medicine. Three rhinos have been national outrage. identify the perpetrator had been killed so far this year. And in rainy season, it Police said this week they had delayed because officers were waiting can be an especially gruelling battle-the grass arrested a suspect in the rape of a to speak to the victim, a 3-year-old reaches head-height, providing perfect cover toddler - nicknamed Victoria - at a girl who was recovering from medica- tion she was given after the assault. for poachers and flooding forces the animals A picture taken on May 28, 2019 shows a trio of white rhinoceros grazing at Ol-Pejeta conser- private nursery school in the adminis- “We filed the lawsuit against the to move to higher ground, sometimes to the vancy at Laikipia’s county headquarters, Nanyuki. — AFP trative capital, Naypyitaw, in May. outskirts of the park. Social media users have criticized suspect based on the testimony of the “We are always on our toes in this season. the speed and professionalism of the child and technical records,” said There is hardly any rest for us. Information spread in the region but hunting and habitat tre (330-square-mile) park, created in 1908 police response after the girl’s family Aung Naing Thu, referring to securi- about poachers entering the park comes any- loss has slashed their numbers to just a few after the wife of the British viceroy visited and filed a complaint more than a month ty-camera footage that he said impli- time and we have to respond immediately,” thousand, almost all in the north-eastern state complained there were no rhinos, is also home ago, underscoring a lack of trust in cated the driver. The nursery had also explains ranger Gopi Kanta Deka. of Assam. Their main haven now is Kaziranga, to tigers, elephants and panthers, all under authorities in a country still emerg- been closed because it lacked the cor- He and his dedicated colleagues-on duty with 2,413 of the animals living there, accord- threat from poaching. But it is the rhinos that ing from decades of military rule. A rect license to operate, he said. constantly for weeks at a time in this period, ing to a 2018 count. are the big draw. government led by Nobel laureate Demonstrators were sceptical about sometimes sleeping out in the open-must fol- Although hunting them was outlawed in “There is huge demand for the horns and Aung San Suu Kyi took power after the account given by Myanmar police, low the animals to protect them from harm. 1910, poaching has proliferated. Today the international rackets are pumping in huge sweeping elections in 2015, but key a force that is widely perceived as “We walk in groups from one anti-poach- creatures-also known as the Indian rhinoceros amounts of money, prompting poachers some- institutions such as the police remain corrupt or incompetent. ing camp to another or paddle boats during and the greater one-horned rhinoceros-are times to risk their own lives,” wildlife activist under military control and efforts to Ye Myint Win, 37, who joined high floods to reach those areas from where listed as vulnerable on the International Union Somyadeep Datta warns. Prized in some forms strengthen the rule of law have Saturday’s protest along with his wife the information has come in and get to the job for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of traditional Chinese and South East Asian floundered. and 2-year-old daughter, told Reuters quickly,” he adds. that assesses species’ threat of extinction. medicine, acolytes believe the horns containing Organizers estimated as many as authorities should take child rape cas- “We really feel bad when something bad keratin-the same protein in human hair and 6,000 protesters gathered on es more seriously. “I found it very sus- Vulnerable to extinction like poaching happens to the animals,” says nails-can cure anything from cancer to curses, Saturday at the Yangon office of the picious and I don’t trust the investiga- The one-horned rhinos used to be wide- ranger Manoj Gogoi. The 850-square-kilome- or can be used as an aphrodisiac. — AFP Criminal Investigation Department tion of CID,” he said. — Reuters Established 1961 9 International Sunday, July 7, 2019 Released Australian student was ‘spying,’ says North Korea Sigley freed and sent to Japan on Thursday

SEOUL: An Australian student who was released after was much more familiar with the country and spoke flu- being held in North Korea had been “spying” in the ent Korean. He organized tours to North Korea, and ran reclusive country, state media said yesterday. Alek a number of social media sites, which usually had a Sigley, 29, disappeared around two weeks ago prompt- stream of apolitical content about life in one of the ing deep concern about his fate, but was freed and flew world’s most secretive nations. to Japan on Thursday. His blog posts focused on everyday Pyongyang- Official North Korean news agency KCNA said everything from the city’s dining scene to North Korean Sigley had admitted “he had been spying by collecting app reviews-and he married his Japanese wife there our internal information and sharing with others and last year. repeatedly asked for our forgiveness for infringing on our sovereignty”. It said Sigley-one of just a handful of No interviews Westerners living and studying in North Korea-had Chad O’Carroll, director of the NK News, said in a been detained on June 25 for promoting propaganda statement on Saturday that Sigley’s columns for the site against the country online, including on specialist web- “presented an apolitical and insightful view of life in site NK News, which rejected the accusations. Pyongyang”. “The six articles Alek published represent “Sigley, upon request by anti-DPRK news outlets the full extent of his work with us and the idea that such as NK News, on numerous occasions transferred those columns, published transparently under his name information that he gathered while travelling to every between January and April 2019, are ‘anti-state’ in corner of Pyongyang using his status as an international nature is a misrepresentation which we reject,” he said. student, including photographs and analysis,” it said, On Friday, Sigley said he was planning to “return to using the initials of North Korea’s official name. “The normal life” but offered no details of his detention, government of DPRK has exercised humanitarian for- adding he would not be conducting any interviews or bearance and deported him from our grounds on July 4.” holding a press conference. Sigley’s detention came just days before a G20 sum- “I just want everyone to know I am OK, and to thank BEIJING: Alek Sigley arrives at Beijing International Airport after being released from detention in mit and a landmark meeting between President Donald them for their concern for my wellbeing and their sup- China —Reuters Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump port for my family over the past week,” he said in a was closely involved in the case of University of statement released by representatives of his family on Virginia student Otto Warmbier, who was imprisoned Friday. However Sigley gave no indication of why he diplomatic representation in North Korea. “My advice will be pretty clear-I would stay in during a tour of the authoritarian state in 2016. was held, how he was treated or why he was released. Sigley specifically thanked Sweden’s envoy to North Japan. I would go back to South Korea. I would come Doctors said Warmbier suffered severe brain dam- It said he would not make any further comment “at this Korea, who helped negotiate his release. Also on Friday, back to Australia. All of those would have to be better age while in detention, fell into a coma and died days time or later”. Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton cau- options before he returns to North Korea,” Dutton told after arriving back in the United States, aged 22. Sigley The case was also complicated by Australia’s lack of tioned Sigley against returning to Pyongyang. broadcaster channel Nine. — AFP First charges US lawmakers urge sanctions against HK over China’s Xinjiang crackdown WASHINGTON: US lawmakers on Democratic Representative Jim anti-govt Friday renewed their call for sanctions McGovern. “The Chinese government against China’s top official in the has operated with impunity in Xinjiang region on the anniversary of (Xinjiang) for far too long,” they wrote. protester riots that left nearly 200 dead. The Trump administration has China cracked down hard after the repeatedly denounced China’s treat- HONG KONG: A Hong Kong street artist July 5, 2009 rampage in Urumqi, the ment of Uighurs, with Secretary of was charged on Friday with assaulting a region’s capital. Around one million State Mike Pompeo likening the mass police officer and criminal damage, the first Uighurs or members of other mostly detention to Nazi-era concentration prosecution against an anti-government pro- Muslim, Turkic-speaking communities camps. tester since the city was rocked by unprece- have been detained in a vast network of Rubio and McGovern wrote: “The dented demonstrations. camps in the name of counterterrorism. rhetoric has been tough, but it’s not Sparked by a law that would have allowed More than 40 US lawmakers across the enough, given the egregious scope of extraditions to mainland China, the city has political spectrum on April 3 called on abuses.” Administration officials say witnessed three huge peaceful rallies as well the Trump administration to slap sanc- they are studying sanctions, but the as civil disobedience and violence from a SHENZHEN: Policemen hold hands to line up and surround protesters during a demonstra- tions on Chen Quanguo, the Communist issue comes as Trump is already hard core of younger protesters who have tion in the north-western district of Tuen Mun, near the border with the Chinese city of Party secretary in Xinjiang. But the embroiled in a range of disputes with besieged the police headquarters and on Shenzhen, in Hong Kong yesterday. — AFP chairs of the Congressional-Executive China, including a simmering trade war. Monday stormed the city’s parliament. Commission on China, a US government China describes its camps as voca- Authorities have vowed to hunt those body that monitors human rights in the tional training centers where Uighurs behind the unrest that has plunged the semi- colonial-era flag pinned to the legislature’s “After two mass rallies, the cold-blooded country, said the administration has not learn job skills and Mandarin and are autonomous city’s Beijing-backed govern- podium. An AFP tally shows at least 66 government had no response,” the 53-year- yet responded to the letter. dissuaded from embracing extremism. ment into crisis. Pun Ho-chiu, 31, appeared in arrests have been announced by police since old said. “I have to come out to show my “On this sad anniversary, we reiter- But former detainees say they were court on Friday over his alleged involvement the protests began. But it is not clear how support for the youngsters, to tell them I ate that call to hold Chinese officials indoctrinated for merely following in the blockade of the city’s police headquar- many of those people have been charged and stand with them.” accountable,” said the chairs, Islamic traditions, such as wearing long ters on 21 June. police did not respond to requests for a City leader Carrie Lam has postponed the Republican Senator Marco Rubio and beards or face veils. — AFP He was also charged with disorderly breakdown. extradition legislation but has failed to quell behavior for throwing eggs at police outside public anger. Protesters have demanded she the headquarters during the six-hour siege. A ‘Mothers rally’ withdraw the bill entirely, launch an inde- winning a majority of the seats up for well-known activist nicknamed “Painter” for The unrest presents the most severe chal- pendent inquiry into police use of tear gas Japan PM re-election. his street art, Pun was remanded in custody lenge to Beijing and Hong Kong’s leaders and rubber bullets, and step down. However, many voters are still unde- and faces up to ten years in jail if convicted. since the city’s handover to China. Critics say Chief secretary Matthew Chueng-Lam’s cided and the outcome could change. He was one of the only protesters during Beijing has ratcheted up control over the city de facto deputy-held talks with pro-democ- Abe’s coalition Upper house elections are held every the police siege to show himself unmasked. in recent years, stamping down on dissidents racy lawmakers which he said were “con- three years, with members’ terms run- In court his lawyer said he was assaulted and refusing calls for universal suffrage. structive” but there was no suggestion of a on track to win ning for six years. The LDP won a by police who spoke to him in Mandarin-the While the current protests were sparked breakthrough. landslide victory in 2013 but fared less predominant language on the Chinese main- by huge public opposition to the extradition “My meeting with the pan-democrats just well in 2016. Reforms last year land. The judge said the court could not bill they have since morphed into a broad now was very useful in the sense that it’s the solid majority increased the number of seats in the investigate the claims and directed him to the anti-government movement. On Friday first time we’ve really had an opportunity to upper house by three to 245. police complaints procedure. Forensic inves- evening thousands of Hong Kong mothers ral- sit down and talk candidly and frankly over TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Attention will also focus on whether tigators have been combing through the lied at a park in the commercial district of the issues,” he told reporters. Since the par- Shinzo Abe’s coalition is on track to the ruling bloc, along with the smaller trashed parliament for fingerprint and DNA Central in support of those who ransacked liament siege Beijing has vocally thrown its win a solid majority in a July 21 upper Japan Innovation Party and independ- evidence to help identify protesters who parliament. Didi Cheng, who has a 25-year- support behind Lam, calling on Hong Kong house election, and his dream of revis- ents, retain a two-thirds “super majori- stormed the building and left its walls daubed old daughter, told AFP the protesters who authorities to pursue all those involved in the ing the pacifist constitution could still ty” needed to revise the post-war with slogans such as “HK is not China” and a stormed the building “had no other choice”. ransacking. — AFP be alive if enough allies also win, a sur- pacifist constitution, a long-held goal vey showed yesterday. for Abe. Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party Abe is highlighting his call to revise and coordination with the Chinese side (LDP) and its coalition partner the post-war constitution to further China briefed on the peninsula issue,” the ministry Komeito are expected to win more legitimise Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, Indonesia jails added. Luo told Biegun the recent “posi- than 63 seats, a majority of the 124 as its military is known. tive interactions” on the North Korean seats contested, the poll taken by the Media reports said pro-revision by US on latest issue by all parties had important mean- Kyodo news agency on Thursday and forces needed to win 85 of the seats woman reporting ing for the peace talks process, the min- Friday showed. They could win as many being contested to have a two-thirds Trump-Kim istry said. as 77 seats, it said. Other surveys, majority. A constitutional revision sexual harassment “China supports US-North Korea including those taken by the Asahi and requires approval by two thirds of both exchanges and dialogue and hopes that Sankei newspapers, also showed Abe’s chambers of parliament and a majority JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Supreme Court has jailed meeting the two sides will meet each other coalition parties with a good chance of in a public referendum. — Reuters a woman who tried to report her employer for halfway and follow the consensus of the alleged sexual harassment, in a ruling that rights BEIJING: China has received a briefing leaders of the two countries to resume groups said on Friday risked turning victims of from the United States on the latest consultations at the working level as sexual abuse into criminals. The Supreme Court meeting between US President Donald soon as possible,” it added. Trump’s found Baiq Nuril Maknun, who was a teacher on Trump and North Korean leader Kim meeting with Kim came around a week the island of Lombok, guilty of violating strict anti- Jong Un, China’s Foreign Ministry said after Chinese President Xi Jinping met pornography laws. It overturned her acquittal by a yesterday, in a call between two senior Kim himself during a state visit to lower court and jailed her for six months. diplomats. Pyongyang. She was also ordered to pay a 500 million rupi- Trump became the first sitting US While China has not officially ah ($35,383) fine. The Supreme Court’s Thursday president to set foot in North Korea on announced it, Luo is likely China’s new decision cannot be appealed. “We are concerned Sunday when he met Kim in the special envoy for the North Korea issue, about the impact of this decision because it opens Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at Panmunjom after predecessor Kong Xuanyou a door for perpetrators of sexual violence to crimi- between the two Koreas and agreed to became China’s new ambassador in nalize victims,” said Ade Wahyudin, executive resume stalled nuclear talks. Chinese Tokyo in late May. director of the Legal Aid Foundation for the Press. Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and Luo was also involved in a briefing to Maknun had complained of getting lewd phone US Special Representative for North Chinese reporters on Xi’s visit to North calls from the principal of a high school where she Korea Stephen Biegun discussed that Korea before Xi went, according to state worked from 2012, court documents showed. She meeting in a telephone call on Friday, media. Luo is an urbane career diplomat recorded some of the phone calls without the China’s Foreign Ministry said in a short who speaks good English, according to knowledge of the headmaster and gave a recording statement. diplomats who have met him. He previ- to a third person, and distributed it on an electron- “Biegun introduced the meeting ously served as China’s ambassador in TOKYO: Japan’s Prime Minister and ruling Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe ic device, which resulted in the principal losing his between the US and North Korean lead- Canada, Pakistan and India, and also (left) speaks beside Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yukio Edano (right) job, the documents showed. — Reuters ers at Panmunjom, and said the US side worked in the Chinese embassy in during seven party leaders’ debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo. — AFP is willing to strengthen communication Washington from 1996-2000. — Reuters 10 Established 1961

Sunday, July 7, 2019 Analysis

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. Email: [email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net (Left) A boy rides an electric scooter in front of the Pyramid of The Louvre Museum as the sun sets in Paris on July 3, 2019. (Right) A man rides an electric scooter in Medellin, Colombia, on July 2, 2019. —AFP

E-scooters: Not so E-scooter ‘tsunami’ flooding cities worldwide hey appeared in June last year as Paris was waking services and the quickest wave to spread across the world. until it’s in that area,” he said. Another innovation auto- eco-friendly after all? up from its annual all-night Festival of Music: hun- It’s basically gone global over the past two years.” matically throttles down the speed within a designated Tdreds of green-and-black electric scooters dotting For cities, the main headache is safety, but experts say zone, he said. -scooters touted as zero-carbon urban transport the pavements of the capital. The timing was perfect, with that can only be addressed with a rethink of urban plan- are flooding city streets worldwide, but just how the city struggling with a botched revamp of its main bike- ning. Elderly people knocked flying, pedestrians with Ban to plan green they are remains an open question. The sharing service that left countless frustrated users looking broken bones, riders killed in a crash - though the horror Not everyone has jumped on the bandwagon, with E for a new form of transport. Cheap, widely available and stories exist, there is “no reliable data on collisions”, a London the only major city in Europe where e-scooters companies - from multinationals to local startups - dis- easily unlocked with a smartphone app, e-scooters European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) says. Nippy are banned unless a rider has a driving license, insurance, tributing them insist the omnipresent two-wheel vehi- checked all the boxes, becoming wildly popular overnight. and speedy, scooters zip along at up to 25 km an hour, road tax, a helmet and a number plate. Although new regu- cles are a boon for the environment and a curb on “It’s happened very quickly and a bit of an anarchic making them too fast for the pavement but problematic lations are under consideration, for the moment the law is global warming. “Bird was founded to help create a way,” admitted French Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne on roads. strictly enforced. Last year, a 15-year-old boy got six cleaner and more hospitable world that prioritizes in May. “It’s effectively been the law of the jungle.” Over Most cities would like to allow e-scooters on bike lanes, points on his future driving license after being caught on a people over cars,” the American firm, one of the global the course of a year, a total of 13 operators piled into the but that space often doesn’t exist. “Cities are designed for scooter riding at high speed. leaders in e-scooters, says on its website. “Scooters Paris market, putting 20,000 scooters on the streets in a car usage and the new question we face is how do we split “The best policymakers in the world are banning e- cut the use of vehicles and reduce the volume of traffic chaotic free-for-all that left legislators at a loss in a coun- the space that we’ve been dedicating to cars to create scooters, not forever, just to launch it in an organized, con- on the road,” it said. “They also help reduce pollution try normally known for its rigorous rules and regulations. more space for pedestrians, for bikes and e-scooters,” trolled and efficient way that is synchronized with the rest and improve air quality.” The backlash wasn’t long coming - pedestrians terror- says BCG’s Hazan. “Security will only work if we can seg- of the transportation modes,” said BCG’s Hazan. Singapore Shared scooters that do not require docking ports ized by silent riders speeding down pavements, randomly- regate the space,” he said. is one such example, where new laws came into force on can be driven door-to-door, avoid stressful searches parked scooters cluttering curbs and the city’s historic July 1 following a pilot involving three local startups. Now for parking spaces, and have zero-emission motors. On squares, and a growing number of accidents. This practical ‘Geofenced’ parking only the 85,000 registered e-scooters with a license plate paper, they have the potential to radically reduce and fun form of transport, seen from Boston to Bangkok, Space is also a problem with issues like parking, said are allowed on the city’s bike paths, with offenders facing urban car traffic: 70 percent of car trips between has posed major regulatory problems, with city officials Philippe Crist, an advisor to the International Transport a fine of 1,500 US dollars or three months in jail. home and work in France, for example, are five kilome- worldwide taking different approaches, from laissez-faire Forum at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and There is a 10 km-per-hour speed limit, which is careful- tres or less, according to the French National Institute in Paris to a virtual blanket ban in London. Development (OECD). “A tremendous amount of the city is ly monitored by officers with speed guns, and members of for Statistics and Economic Research (INSEE). devoted to on-street parking, and if there is clutter on the the public are urged to report any speeding or reckless “Micromobility could theoretically encompass all Transportation tsunami pavement, it’s because there is very little space elsewhere,” riding. Using GPS tracking, riders are fined for parking passenger trips of less than eight kilometres, which Electric scooters were first launched in California in he said. Cities are now re-allocating on-street parking illegally and the city offers a Safe Riding program. “Cities account for as much as 50 to 60 percent of today’s Sept 2017 by a startup called Bird, followed eight months space to bikes and scooters, he said. are trying to impose much more rigorous standards on total passenger miles travelled in China, the European later by competitor Lime. By half-way through 2018, they “It doesn’t actually require much - some have just how they are deployed and what information is required Union, and the United States,” consulting firm had both hit Europe, moving swiftly on into the Middle started painting lines on pavements” as designated park- from them,” said Crist, pointing to the rapid turnaround in McKinsey said in a report. In the US, riders made East, Asia and Latin America. Today, Bird and Lime are the ing bays, he said, while others are experimenting with Paris. In recent months, the city banned riding and parking nearly 40 million trips on shared scooters last year, largest shared-scooter operators in the world. “Any city in GPS technology to keep parking to a designated area. on pavements, and has imposed a code of conduct under according to the National Association of City the world that has been working on its transportation poli- Known as “geofencing”, it can stop a user logging off and which operators will eventually have to geofence parking Transportation Officials. Lime, a major player financed cy, even 18 months ago, wasn’t anticipating this tsunami,” finishing a ride if left in the wrong place. “If not left in the spots and enforce automatic speed curbs. Five or six of the by Uber and Google-parent Alphabet, found that said Joel Hazan, a partner at the Boston Consulting Group. right place, the operator can charge an extra fee or not city’s 13 fleet operators have pulled out in the past week, roughly one in every three Lime rides in 26 cities “It has been the fastest rollout in the history of mobility allow the trip to finish, so it will keep (charging the user) Crist said. —AFP around the world replaces a trip by car. “From this shift, we estimate that our riders have avoided 15 mil- the United States, the scooters’ arrival has also sparked woman ended up with both arms broken when an electric lion miles (24 km) of car travel and prevented 6,220 E-scooters zip controversy - amplified, in the case of Latin America, by scooter ran her over on the sidewalk last April. And in Sao metric tons of carbon emissions” over a two-year peri- the sheer size of its cities and the anarchy on its roads. Paulo, Brazil, authorities have registered 125 accidents od, the company noted. Riding down sidewalks, up one-way streets and into involving electric scooters from January to May. into traffic chaos accidents - at speeds of up to 40 km per hour, typically No long-term data with no helmets and little experience - scooter users have ‘Attack vehicle neutralized’ But do e-scooters live up to all the hype? With exacerbated the very chaos the new technology was sup- With politicians slow to impose regulations, locals have regard to Lime’s claims, a survey by research group 6t in Latin America posed to alleviate, critics say. Protests have erupted over started taking matters into their own hands. In Mexico of 4,500 commuters in Paris, Lyon and Marseilles lectric scooters promised to revolutionize trans- the fact that riders tend to leave the vehicles in the middle City, angry residents scraped off the QR codes that enable revealed that only 19 percent used scooters to go to portation in Latin America’s traffic-clogged, smog- of the sidewalk or even the street when they are finished - users to unlock the scooters, and immobilized others with work or school - more than 40 percent of usage was choked cities, but critics say they have only added to sometimes blocking doors, driveways, ramps for the dis- strips of tape reading “attack vehicle neutralized”. Still, the E abled or the streets themselves. scooter companies see Latin America as a natural place to by out-of-town visitors. Without access to e-scooters, the free-wheeling chaos. Like metallic mushrooms sprout- 44 percent of respondents said they would have ing overnight, electric scooters from ride share companies “Part of the problem in this city is that nobody respects expand. The region is home to three of the five most grid- walked, 12 percent said they would have biked, and 30 appeared by the thousands last year on streets and side- anything,” said Oscar Barrio, 44, a scooter user in the locked cities in the world, according to consulting firm percent would have used public transport. walks from Bogota and Lima to Sao Paulo and Mexico trendy Roma neighborhood of Mexico City, a sprawling Inrix - Bogota, Mexico City and Sao Paulo - and the Cars barely entered into the picture. “But this does- City. For around half a dollar, plus a per-minute charge of capital of 20 million people. He himself makes an effort to resulting air pollution is an increasingly urgent concern. exercise good scooter safety and etiquette, he hastened to Meanwhile, an enlarged middle class has growing access n’t mean that we should get rid of e-scooters - about 10 US cents, anyone with a smartphone and a bank add. But the same cannot always be said of his fellow rid- to cell phones and debit cards. San Francisco-based startup absolutely not!” said Jeremie Almosni, head of mobility card can unlock these scooters and zip silently through the ers. A Google search for “monopatin accidentes” - using Lime is set to launch service in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, at the Ademe, the French government agency for ener- pandemonium of Latin America’s biggest cities - some of the world’s most congested. the Spanish - returns ample video evidence. Buenos Aires and Lima this month. Mexico City-based Grin gy efficiency. “The fact that half of usage is recreation- In March, a scooter user in Mexico City riding the is currently hiring nearly 70 people around the region, and al is striking,” he acknowledged. “But at least this They then leave the mini-vehicles at their destination. As an added bonus, “monopatines” - as they are known in wrong way up a one-way street was sent flying through has just teamed up with Brazilian company Yellow to expand favors a more mixed use of transport. It’s definitely a the air by a car making a left turn. A similar accident in their footprint. The companies tend to respond with a com- way to get people out-and-about more, and perhaps a Spanish - help cut down on the notorious pollution plagu- ing the region’s mega-cities by giving commuters an elec- February killed a 28-year-old rider in the Mexican capital’s mon strategy when they face accusations of exacerbating way of encouraging them to give up cars.” Zona Rosa neighborhood. In Lima, Peru, a 63-year-old traffic chaos: Blame the cars. —AFP There is also a lot of uncertainty as to the lifespan tric alternative, advocates say. But, as it did in Europe and of shared e-scooters, which varies with hardware and intensity of usage. It’s a key question, because how bicycles and electric bikes already on the long they last is a major part of what determines envi- Tel Aviv takes a streets. “Micromobility was already big (in Tel environmental footprint of the scooters. “We are ronmental impact. “As of today, it is impossible to say Aviv) and Bird has accelerated the process,” E-scooter capable of repairing an E-scooter in 25-30 min- whether e-scooters are good or bad for the environ- said Yaniv Rivlin, head of Bird in Israel, using the utes and we are going to throw almost nothing ment because we lack long-term statistics on life ride to scooter word to describe lightweight vehicles like elec- away,” say Jacquier. The Quartz website carried cycles,” said Denis Benita, a transportation engineer at tric scooters and bikes. With 60 percent of its market charges out an enquiry last year into the use of scooters Ademe. One study from Louisville, Kentucky put the residents under 40, Tel Aviv is “scooter para- in Louisville, Kentucky, which showed that they average life span at 28 days. Another said it was closer ‘paradise’ dise,” he said. But the trend has not only drawn ahead but faces last - on average - 28.8 days. Bird, whose scooters are used there, contests to three months. atan Ben Ari was among the many tak- in young people. Electric scooters have been a the figures. So far, the only clear winner from the ing to one of Tel Aviv’s main streets on life-changer in the congested city for Adi bumpy road explosion of scooter use looks to be Chinese ‘We learned a lot’ a recent day - not with a car or public Krispin, 43. He uses them at least an hour and a M half per day to bring his daughter to the play- manufacturer Ninebot, which notably is the main Across what has already become a multi-billion transport, but with an electric scooter. He uses he E-scooter market has exploded over the supplier in US rental markets. According to dollar industry, companies are trying to make the them all week, including on Saturdays, the ground, go to work and grocery shopping, he past two years but operators are by no Bloomberg, Ninebot estimated late last year that machines more robust, and thus more profitable. “An weekly Sabbath or Jewish day of rest, when no said. “It’s difficult to manoeuver a bike to bring means assured of finding a long-term niche it into the house or the office,” he said. “It’s sim- T four of every five scooters in circulation globally electric scooter lasts twice as long today as when we public transport is allowed. “There is no public in the urban transport sector. Participants, jumping came from its factories. first came to France in June 2018,” a Lime France transport and taxis are expensive,” said the 28- ple with a scooter.” on a bandwagon which saw US firm Bird first out spokesman told AFP. The company also recycles the year-old. “That leaves this solution. Also it’s fun City officials note positive benefits from of the blocks in 2017, must above all ensure their Consolidation ahead hardware - “every piece, down to the last screw, is to travel with it.” Israelis in the country’s eco- the trend. Meital Lehavi, deputy mayor in own survival as they confront the thorny issue of The spectacular growth in E-scooter use is reused,” according to the spokesman. The learning nomic capital Tel Aviv have embraced electric charge of transport, said scooters have longevity of gear mostly made in China. down to a swift evolution in modes of transport. curve has been equally sharp for Bird, said Kenneth scooters and their smart-phone rental systems, helped fill a void in public transport, which Among the best known companies having “does not meet the real needs” of residents in “There has been a real move towards the electri- Schlenker, head of Bird France. “We’ve only been using them to zip along Mediterranean beaches joined the two-wheel party are US firm Lime, a city that tends to be more progressive than cal and towards urban mobility which has been operating in cities for about a year and a half,” he told and avoid heavy traffic. They provide the added Mexico’s Grow Mobility and Germany’s Flash, the rest of the country. She notes the influ- overtaking leisure mobility,” Jean Ambert, direc- AFP. “We’ve learned a lot in that time.” benefit of serving as a transport option on the who have between them raised $1.5 billion in ence of ultra-Orthodox Jews on Israel’s right- tor general of Smart Mobility Lab, told AFP By consolidating parts from engines, for example, Sabbath as well. funding according to The Boston Consulting wing government and the Sabbath ban on recently. Yet uncertainty persists over the mar- the company plans to expand their life span two years, But, like in other cities, the growing popu- Group (BCG). Last year alone saw global growth public transport. The scooters also have a ket’s long-term prospects. “How many problems he noted. The company aims to make travel by Bird larity of electric scooters has not come without in the market of 76 percent according to a report positive environmental effect when they are are remaining, especially with regulators? Where carbon neutral by reducing emissions and through car- complaints from those who say they are a dan- by France’s Federation of Micro Mobility used in place of cars, she added. However, Tel do we park? How do we protect customers?” bon credits.” Batteries are another issue. The electric gerous nuisance. Wind at their backs and Professionals (FP2M) and the Smart Mobility Aviv is like other cities across the world in Lab. Bird and Lime have both muscled in on asks Barrack, as city and state authorities roll out scooter and motorcycle market - which could be phones in their hands, Ben Ari and others were struggling with the downsides. Lehavi says more than 120 cities worldwide and claim a com- legislation to cover existing legal loopholes sur- worth $14 billion by 2025, according to Markets & riding along Ibn Gavirol street, stretching separate lanes for bicycles and scooters are bined 10 million users to date. The BCG calcu- rounding use of such machines. Research - has mostly shifted to lithium-ion (li-ion) north-to-south across the city and where they compete for space with bicycles. “It’s conven- lacking as well as racks where they can be lates that by 2025, the global market will be There is also the issue of how many E- batteries, which are lighter and last longer than other ient, accessible,” said 20-year-old Inbal as she stored. Riders often ride freely on sidewalks worth $40 to $50 billion. scooter startups will manage to survive cut- kinds. But lithium is not problem-free either: It poses leaned on the handlebars of her scooter. An and leave scooters wherever they feel, creat- Self-service E-scooter providers do not throat competition which is a hallmark of the an environmental risk related to both sourcing and app on her phone tells her where the nearest ing obstacles that can pose a danger. “It’s a publish financial data but it is widely accepted market. “Consolidation is inevitable,” says waste. Lime has recently partnered with a French com- available scooter is located. “It’s easy,” she said. new trend that no one really knows what to that they are still a long way off turning a profit. Barrack. Even so, Patrick Studener, Bird vice- pany that claims it can recycle 70 percent of spent “I go to the beach, I stop there, I use the app make of,” she said. The BCG study calculates that four months of president observes: “We’ve seen many com- batteries. —AFP and that’s all.” Taking a cue from other cities worldwide, use covers the cost of making a scooter but rent- panies pivoting to get into the E-scooter Tel Aviv, with its reputation for modernity, Tel Aviv has decided to regulate their usage. ed ones tend to last for only three. “As of today, business. It proves the market’s right.” Bird openness and list of high-tech firms, seems It has given operators until mid-September to the economy of the E-scooter does not work,” recently bought out rival and compatriot especially likely to embrace the trend. Its sunny put in place dedicated racks and to share says Tyler Barrack, one of the authors of the Scoot for, the Wall Street Journal reported All articles appearing on this page are the weather, flat landscape and traffic jams also their data with city officials. Bird’s Rivlin said BCG report. “We are above the four months put citing people familiar with the matter, $25 mil- personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait make the scooters an appealing option. Bird, a those requirements were “reasonable”. forward by the BCG,” insists, however, Arthur- lion. There has furthermore been media spec- US-based firm, was the first to deploy in August “Thanks to the scooters, there are fewer cars Louis Jacquier, director general of Lime France. ulation of a Lime buyout by Uber, which has Times takes no responsibility for views last year with 2,500 electric scooters, followed and we will continue to cooperate with the He highlights efforts by Lime to extend the already invested in the firm to add E-scooters expressed therein. by Wind, Lime and Leo. There are now around city to further this revolution in the months life of their machines, a crucial issue given the to its car app. —AFP 7,500 available, in addition to the thousands of and years to come,” he said. —AFP Established 1961

SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2019 Business

NBK announces winner of KD 250,000 FIs need to embrace FinTech as NBK Capital acts as Joint Lead Manager 12in Al-Jawhara’s quarterly draw 13 an exciting opportunity: Al-Bahar 14 for Burgan Bank’s $500 million issuance

ALLAHABAD: An Indian shopkeeper selling grains and legums waits for customers at a market in Allahabad on Friday. India’s newly re-elected government promised an easing of foreign investment rules and more infrastructure spending in an effort to boost flagging growth rates. — AFP India raises import tariffs, taxes on superrich Fiscal deficit target for 2019/20 trimmed to 3.3% of GDP in budget

NEW DELHI: India raised import tariffs on nearly 75 The government raised income tax surcharge on people raised in the previous fiscal year. increasing the minimum public shareholding in listed items including gold and automobile parts in its budget with an annual income of more than 20 million rupees A plan to sell the national carrier Air India has failed companies to 35 percent from 25 percent, threatening a on Friday and increased taxes on the rich to help pay for who make up the top end of Indian society. for lack of buyers and in the last couple of years the wave of new issuance. recapitalizing banks and supporting small business in a Currently, India imposes a 10 percent surcharge government has reached its target by selling its shares But bonds and the rupee firmed after the government bid to revive sagging growth. Aiming to restart invest- where total income is between 5 million rupees and in one state-run firm to another in a sleight of hand. trimmed this year’s fiscal deficit target and said some of its ment that’s at its weakest level in years, the Prime 10 million, and 15 percent on income above 10 million Indian shares fell on Friday as Sitharaman proposed borrowing would be made offshore. — Reuters Minister Narendra Modi’s government also proposed rupees. The new rate will include 25 percent sur- giving foreign investors a bigger role in India’s giant charge on income between 20 million and 50 million insurance and aviation sectors, which have been tightly rupees, and 37 percent on income exceeding 50 mil- controlled for decades. lion rupees a years. turist path after losing the election,” he wrote on Twitter. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the “This budget is a mixed bag with a significant Erdogan sacks “The goal of removing the central bank governor is proposals while presenting to parliament the budget for increase in taxation for the wealthy. Also, the increase clear: print money and lower the interest (rate) but the the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, the first since the in excise duty for petrol and diesel will stoke inflation,” Turkey central governor cannot be sacked except for the reasons spec- Hindu nationalist-led government was re-elected in a said Abhimanyu Sofa, head of research at IIFL ified in its law. A presidential decree is not above law.” vote spanning April and May. Modi, boosted by his elec- Securities Ltd. Sitharaman cut corporate tax rates to The central bank’s next policy meeting is scheduled to tion victory, has set a target of growing India into a $5 25 percent from 30 percent for companies with an bank governor be held on July 25. trillion economy by 2024/2025 from $2.7 trillion. A gov- annual turnover of up to 4 billion rupees, from current The new governor Uysal said he would continue to ernment report on Thursday said this will be done on the ceiling of 2.5 billion rupees. amid rate tensions use monetary policy tools “independently” while back of higher investment, savings and exports in the But there was no move forward on the government’s remaining focused on ensuring price stability as his way China’s growth was propelled. long-time goal of across-the-board cutting of corpo- ANKARA: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sacked “main aim”, according to a central bank statement. “This budget is setting out a vision, a target, for every rate taxes - now about 35 percent - to make India the governor of Turkey’s central bank and replaced him Uysal, who had served as deputy governor since June sector of our society,” Sitharaman said to the thumping more competitive with other countries. In 2018, aver- with his deputy, a presidential decree said yesterday, 2016, will hold a press conference in the coming days, of desks in parliament. GDP growth slumped to 5.8 per- age corporate tax was 25 percent in China and after months of tension with the government over high the bank said. The change of central bank chief came cent in January-March, the lowest in 20 quarters. Growth Indonesia, 24 percent in Malaysia and 20 percent in interest rates. Murat Cetinkaya, who was appointed to after markets closed on Friday. for the last fiscal year, at 6.8 percent, was also a five- Thailand, according to KPMG. the role in April 2016, has been replaced by Murat Uysal, year low. All important indicators of economic activity, according to the decree published in the official gazette, Disputes with US like the dipping index of industrial production and plum- Foreign role in insurance, retail which gave no official reason for the change. Turkish inflation fell to 15.72 percent in June-the low- meting automobile sales, confirmed the slowdown. The government said 100 percent foreign ownership There had been recent speculation that Cetinkaya est rate in nearly a year-from 18.71 percent in May, offi- But the government did not announce a big jump in will be permitted for insurance intermediaries and local could be replaced amid disagreements with the govern- cial statistics showed on Wednesday. The opposition public spending, contrary to expectations. Sitharaman sourcing norms will be eased for FDI in retailers selling ment on cutting interest rates. Erdogan has repeatedly Republican People’s Party (CHP) spoke out against the said the fiscal deficit for this financial year would be a single brand. India currently allows foreign direct railed against high interest rates and called for them to removal of Cetinkaya, with spokesman Faik Oztrak trimmed to 3.3 percent of GDP - which analysts said investment in single-brand retail but mandates be lowered to stimulate growth. accusing the president of interfering in the independ- was likely based on ambitious expectations of higher investors to source locally 30 percent of the value of He once called high rates the “mother and father of all ence of the central bank. “Those who do this have lost tax collections. good purchased. At present, India allows 49 percent evil”. Turkey’s main interest rate is 24 percent after the the right to say ‘trust in our economy’. The Turkish cen- “Commitment to restrict fiscal deficit at 3.30 percent foreign ownership through the automatic route in the bank under Cetinkaya made an aggressive rate hike of tral bank is a hostage in the hands of the Palace. Full compared to 3.40 percent is a good intent, but we need insurance sector, which is worth billions of dollars and 625 basis points last September following a currency stop,” he wrote on Twitter.—AFP to look at the revenue assumptions more closely to draw has been tightly controlled for decades for fear of a crisis in August. Last month, Erdogan said the current more comfort,” said Joseph Thomas, head of research, backlash from the unions. rate was “unacceptable”, promising to find a solution as Embay Wealth Management in Mumbai. Capital “It is high time India gets fully integrated into the soon as possible. Economics is skeptical about the deficit target. “The fis- global value chain of production of goods and services “I agree on the independence of the central bank but cal maths don’t add up,” it said. but also becomes part of the global financial system to let me put it very clearly that I am against interest (rate) mobilize global savings mostly institutional in insurance, policies and above all, high interest rates,” he said. Taxes on super-rich pension, and sovereign wealth funds,” Sitharaman said. Sitharaman raised import duties on gold and other But economists say scaling up Asia’s third largest ‘Adventurist path’ precious metals to 12.5 percent from 10 percent, and economy in rapid fashion will need bold reforms includ- Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party levied an import tax of one rupee per ton on crude oil to ing freeing up land and labor markets, which Modi shied (AKP) has built its success on Turkey’s strong growth, boost federal revenue just as global oil prices have soft- away from in his first term for fear of political backlash. with supporters boasting of progress in living standards ened from their highs. The government also increased Capital Economics said in a note that reaching that tar- during the Turkish leader’s 16 years in office - first as local levies on a liter of petrol and diesel by two rupees get “is dependent in large part on achieving real GDP prime minister and then president. But the weakening each, stoking fears of inflation. growth of 8 percent a year, which we think is unlikely.” economy contributed to the AKP losing Ankara and The finance minister said the government would pro- Land and labor reforms are difficult in a democracy Istanbul in recent local elections, in what was a stinging vide state-owned banks 700 billion Indian rupees like India and it seems unlikely Modi will risk drawing the rebuke to the ruling party in power since 2002. ($10.23 billion) of additional capital that are laden with ire of his Bharatiya Janata Party voters that gave him a Economic columnist Ugur Gurses said that the cen- ANKARA: In this file photo, Turkey Central Bank Governor Murat bad debt which has affected their ability to lend and also huge re-election mandate. Sitharaman set an ambitious tral bank chief was sacked with the goal of lowering Cetinkaya looks on during a hand over ceremony. — AFP spur economic growth. Indian banks and financial insti- target of sale of stakes in state-run companies to 1.05 rates. “As I predicted, Ankara is swiftly taking an adven- tutions, in all, hold bad debt of over 10 trillion rupees. trillion rupees ($15.33 billion) from 850 billion rupees 12 Established 1961 Sunday, July 7, 2019 Business NBK announces winner of KD 250,000 in Al-Jawhara’s quarterly draw Peshimam: I have held an Al-Jawhara account for almost 12 years

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait revealed the winner monthly and the grand prize of KD 250,000 quarterly in its Al-Jawhara account’s quarterly draw. Musaddik for every KD 50 deposited in their Al-Jawhara Account. Shafee Peshimam received the KD 250,000 prize in the Customers’ chances of entering the draws double for draw held live on FM 88.8 Kuwait Pulse on Tuesday (25 every KD 50 if no withdrawal or transfers occur on the June 2019) in the presence of a representative from the account during the required period. To open an Al- Ministry of Commerce and Industry as well as repre- Jawhara Account, the minimum opening amount is KD sentatives from NBK. Al-Jawhara’s monthly and quar- 400 while the maximum amount that can be held is KD terly draws are supervised and audited by Deloitte. 500,000. Speaking to NBK, Peshimam expressed his happi- NBK also recently announced the winners in Al- ness on winning the grand prize and said: “I have held Jawhara’s weekly draw of KD 5,000 for the month of an Al-Jawhara Account for almost 12 years. My wife June: Khaleel Ibrahim Khaleel Gharbeyah, Saleh Yousef and two children each have their own account. I Saleh AlOthman and Abdullaziz Yaqoub Hasan received the news of my win from a friend who told me Abdullah. to check the Instagram account where my name was Customers can open an Al-Jawhara Account by sim- announced.” ply visiting their nearest branch or through the NBK Peshimam added: “I would like to open a rehabilita- Mobile Banking and NBK Online Banking. NBK has tion center in Kuwait and India that focuses on the self- rewarded customers with total prizes of KD 2,200,000 development of people who have suffered from difficult annually since 2012 through its weekly, monthly and experiences in life. I would like to thank NBK for this quarterly draws. opportunity. The bank is a source of credibility and I The Bank is also committed to offering customers wish them continued success.” discounts, offers and prizes all year long as part of its Customers of Al-Jawhara Account enter automati- focus to cater to the needs of customers, which also cally in the weekly, monthly and quarterly draws, giving ensures customers receive the best banking experience, them the chance to win KD 5,000 weekly, KD 125,000 the safest and most advanced.

African free trade Ethiopia to sell zone expected to minority stake begin in 2020 NIANEY, Niger: A landmark African free trade zone in telecom, due to be ceremonially launched at a summit in Niger this weekend is expected to take effect from July 2020, issue licenses the African Union (AU) trade commissioner said Friday. “We have recommended to the summit that the actual ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia said Friday it would grant date of trading should be the 1st of July 2020,” Albert two telecom licenses to private firms and sell a Muchanga, in charge of trade and industry at the 55- minority stake in Ethio Telecom, the sole operator, as nation bloc, told AFP. “It is not yet definitive, the summit the government opens sectors long closed to out- has to consider that recommendation,” he said. siders. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced last However, “the ministers of trade have accepted, so year plans to privatize a swathe of industries and naturally you would expect that the head of states will.” allow foreign and private investors into key state- “I am very optimistic, the passion is spreading and owned companies in an effort to attract new players everyone is ready to work hard for the better,” he to the economy. State Minister of Finance Eyob added. The launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), 17 years in the making, will be Tekalign Tolina unveiled plans “to sell up to 49 per- NIAMEY: The launch of an African Continental Free Trade Area will be the focus of the two-day summit of the cent stake in Ethio-Telecom to private firms and give the major focus at the AU summit. Executive Committee of the Meeting of the African Union at the Palais des Congres in Niamey, Friday. July 5, 2019. telecom licenses to two private telecom operators”. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and the most “Ethiopia plans to make Ethio-Telecom a first- notable absentee to the deal alongside Benin and class service provider,” he told reporters in Addis Eritrea, announced earlier this week that it would sign percent by 2022. Some however have feared that The pact notionally came into being in late May after Ababa. “The government plans to open the sector to up to the AfCFTA in Niamey. cheaper imports will hit small manufacturers and crossing the threshold of ratification by at least 22 competition in addition to partial privatisation, to farming families. Some countries would face a short- countries. AU members, after formally launching it improve Ethiopia’s digital footprint”. ‘Removing fragmentation’ term hit to revenues but competition would drive inno- Niamey, will then have to hammer out key details to It is estimated Ethio Telecom, the country’s only Muchanga said the accord, which will progressively vation, Muchanga said. A billion US dollars (890 mil- make it operational. Some of these are notorious pitfalls mobile and internet provider, has north of 40 million phase out duties on 97 percent of goods traded lion euros) in credit has been earmarked by the African in trade liberalization talks, say analysts. They include a customers. Eyob declined to detail which firms had between African countries, would be a spur for growth. Import and Export Bank for countries requiring sup- timetable for lowering customs duties, rules for certify- expressed interest in the telecom offer, but stiff com- “The biggest benefit is you are removing the fragmen- port, he announced. ing “Made in Africa” products and arbitration mecha- petition is expected from foreign multinationals keen tation of Africa,” Muchanga said, predicting an influx of nisms to settle disputes. on entry into one of Africa’s largest markets. foreign capital that would create jobs and prosperity. Devil in details Observers also caution that import duties are not Ethiopia is Africa’s fastest-growing economy but According to the AU, the zone, bringing together “Countries which will have adjustment costs then the only obstacles to freer business-corruption, faces soaring debt, poor-performing industries and a Africa’s 1.2 billion people into the world’s largest can have recourse to that facility which will assist decrepit infrastructure and lengthy waiting times at foreign exchange shortage. The government owns trade bloc, could increase intra-African trade by 60 them,” he said. borders are also major deterrents to trade. —Reuters most of Ethiopia’s major industries, and foreign busi- nesses are kept out of banking, retail and other key sectors, unlike other rapid-growing African and agreed to restart their stalled Representative’s office confirmed to Japan, Trump agreed to soften the hard- economies. In another reversal of long-standing poli- US-China trade negotiations AFP that efforts are underway to line stance on Chinese telecommunica- cy, Ethiopia will also open parts of its agricultural But Beijing this week showed no sign schedule a call between top negotiators tions giant Huawei, a company US offi- sector to outsiders. of softening its position, with the for next week. cials claim poses a national security Eyob said several state-owned sugar projects officials aim Commerce Ministry announcing Meanwhile, The South China Morning threat. The decision triggered a backlash would be sold, with foreign firms given the option of Thursday that any resolution would Post also reported Friday that talks were among lawmakers on Capitol Hill but direct sale or entering joint ventures of public-private to talk next require Washington to lift the steep due to resume in Beijing next week. US White House officials said the changes partnerships. tariffs it imposed on Chinese imports stocks appeared to react positively to should not create any additional risk to “Ethiopia has sought investment form foreign buy- last year. “I know they’re working on word talks will resume, erasing some of US national security. ers located in Europe, Asian and even African coun- week: Officials coming up with a date for so-called the losses from earlier in the day when a The White House also said this week tries. The Ethiopia Ministry of Finance and Economic face-to-face meetings. That will hap- strong jobs report called into doubt a it had no intention of easing a ban on WASHINGTON: US and Chinese offi- Cooperation expects the privatization of at least five pen,” top White House economic advi- hoped-for cut in interest rates by the Huawei’s participation in the develop- cials are working to schedule a top-level to six sugar factories within six to twelve months” he sor Larry Kudlow told Fox Business Federal Reserve. ment of 5G wireless networks in the trade talks by telephone next week but a said. Ethiopia has in recent years invested billions in Network on Friday. Trade talks with Beijing have been United States. face-to-face encounter has not been the sugar sector to meet fast-rising local demand and “I don’t know if that’s this coming stalled since May, when Trump accused Beijing and Washington have hit each scheduled yet, US officials said Friday. to bolster export revenue. week. I think the phone calls are this Chinese negotiators of reneging on core other with tariffs on $360 billion in two- Efforts to pencil in a new round of But the sector has been dogged by allegations of week. The face-to-face may not be for commitments made over prior months of way trade since last year, rattling mar- negotiations come a week after mismanagement and corruption and many state-run another week, but I don’t want to get negotiating. kets and weighing on the manufacturing President Donald Trump and Chinese mills have suffered major losses. —AFP ahead of that curve,” he said. But at their meeting last week on the sector while fueling concerns about a counterpart Xi Jinping met in Japan An official with the US Trade sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in weakening global economy. —AFP

EXCHANGE RATES

Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.222 Turkish Lira 52.785 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037030 0.039780 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Tunisian Dinar 109.050 Singapore dollars 222.971 Indian Rupee 0.003856 0.004628 Jordanian Dinar 429.880 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Lebanese Lira/for 1000 0.203 Japanese Yen 0.002738 0.002918 US Dollar Transfer 304.250 Syrian Lira 0.000 Korean Won 0.000250 0.000265 Euro 345.320 Morocco Dirham 32.367 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Sterling Pound 384.570 Malaysian Ringgit 0.070151 0.076151 Nepalese Rupee 0.002677 0.003017 Canadian dollar 234.490 CURRENCY BUY SELL Pakistan Rupee 0.001370 0.002140 Turkish lira 55.830 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Europe Philippine Peso 0.005865 0.006165 Swiss Franc 310.140 British Pound 0.375492 0.389392 US Dollar Buying 296.900 Singapore Dollar 0.219112 0.229112 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Czech Korune 0.005473 0.014773 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001352 0.001932 US Dollar 303.640 Danish Krone 0.041932 0.046932 ASIAN COUNTRIES Taiwan 0.009921 0.010101 Canadian Dollar 231.025 Euro 0. 335456 0.349158 Japanese Yen 2.805 Thai Baht 0.009575 0.010125 Sterling Pound 386.455 Georgian Lari 0.132022 0.132022 Indian Rupees 4.445 Vietnamese Dong 0.00013 0.00013 Pakistani Rupees 1.965 Euro 346.375 Hungarian 0.001147 0.001337 Srilankan Rupees 1.723 Swiss Frank 298.070 Norwegian Krone 0.031619 0.036819 Arab Nepali Rupees 2.766 Bahrain Dinar 807.490 Romanian Leu 0.065218 0.082068 Bahraini Dinar 0.801147 0.809197 Singapore Dollar 225.540 UAE Dirhams 83.070 Russian ruble 0.004801 0.004801 Hongkong Dollar 39.079 Qatari Riyals 84.310 Slovakia 0.009097 0.019097 Egyptian Pound 0.018633 0.021993 Bangladesh Taka 3.587 Saudi Riyals 81.865 Swedish Krona 0.028600 0.033600 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 Philippine Peso 5.953 Jordanian Dinar 429.550 Swiss Franc 0.301183 0.312183 Iraqi Dinar 0.000210 0.000270 Thai Baht 9.970 Egyptian Pound 18.210 Jordanian Dinar 0.424361 0.433361 Malaysian ringgit 77.813 Sri Lankan Rupees 1.719 Australasia Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Indian Rupees 4.379 Australian Dollar 0.204859 0.216859 Lebanese Pound 0.000157 0.000257 GCC COUNTRIES Pakistani Rupees 1.933 New Zealand Dollar 0.196231 0.205731 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021368 0.045366 Saudi Riyal 81.187 Bangladesh Taka 3.596 America Omani Riyal 0.785392 0.793283 Qatari Riyal 83.620 Philippines Pesso 5.904 Omani Riyal 790.773 Canadian Dollar 0.227771 0.236771 Qatar Riyal 0.082941 0.083775 Cyprus pound 18.065 Bahraini Dinar 808.420 US Dollars 0.300250 0.305550 Saudi Riyal 0.080073 0.081373 Japanese Yen 3.825 UAE Dirham 82.891 US Dollars Mint 0.300750 0.305550 Syrian Pound 0.001290 0.001510 Syrian Pound 1.590 Tunisian Dinar 0.102108 0.110108 Nepalese Rupees 2.739 ARAB COUNTRIES Asia Turkish Lira 0.047810 0.057655 Egyptian Pound - Cash 21.750 Malaysian Ringgit 74.225 Bangladesh Taka 0.003007 0.003808 UAE Dirhams 0.082230 0.083056 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 18.289 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 44.515 Thai Bhat 10.825 Chinese Yuan 0.042764 0.046264 Yemeni Riyal 0.000989 0.001069 Established 1961 13 Business Sunday, July 7, 2019

The Arab British Economic Summit, London FIs need to embrace FinTech as an exciting opportunity: Al-Bahar Shaikha Al-Bahar’s speech at Arab British Economic Summit, London

KUWAIT: Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy aging new technologies can create a building a sandbox regulatory environment Group Chief Executive Officer, National remarkable customer experience built on for new concepts and ideas to be tested. Bank of Kuwait said that financial technol- reliability and convenience. Banks should participate in this process to ogy is now a cornerstone of modern bank- incubate and nurture programs, including ing infrastructure and vital in remaining Adapting to the impact of Fintech is a the likes of Fintech Hive in Dubai, FinTech competitive and customer centric, ensuring process Saudi in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and retention and engagement in the current Al-Bahar explained that making a bank FinTech Bay in Bahrain. Similarly in Kuwait, disruptive environment. competitive in the current environment the central bank has recently issued a reg- In her speech delivered at the Arab- requires informed decision-making on ulatory sandbox framework for FinTechs. British Economic Summit held recently in technology and a deep understanding of We have no doubt that the appetite for London, attended by governmental, busi- the forces at work. partnerships among the larger banks will ness and economic figures as well as Arab She further detailed NBK’s strategy propel operations and service offerings and British business leaders, Al-Bahar that identified three main areas of focus: into the digital age. emphasized the importance of adopting to 1) the threat and disruption of technologi- She pointed out that regulatory infra- a rapidly changing world, and to embrace cal innovation, 2) the faster pace of structure must welcome both home-grown FinTech as an opportunity to thrive, rather change in product and services enabled and overseas FinTech players to stimulate than tools to compete and survive. through FinTech, and 3) facilitating cus- growth drivers across markets. Innovation Al-Bahar added that the future success tomer engagement through digital bank- is a key growth driver catering to a young of banking lies in the hands of technology. ing services. and tech-savvy population. Younger cus- Banks must commit significant investment Al-Bahar also emphasized the impor- tomers will become early adopters of nas- into building state of the art infrastructure tance of demographic considerations as a cent technologies, such as AI and robotics, if they wish to keep pace with the sector’s vital element in providing relevant tech- and will be adequately rewarded for doing accelerating trajectory, highlighting that nologies and solutions in the GCC region. so. It is in banks best interests to foster some analysts go as far to predict that IT In Kuwait for instance, 63% of the popula- such relationships with key stakeholders. investments should be as much as 10% of tion is under the age of 30. This population Shaikha Al-Bahar speaks at the Arab British Economic Summit, London annual revenues as is the case of some also enjoys one of the highest internet and Wealth of opportunities leading global institutions. mobile penetration rates in the world. In Al-Bahar confirmed that there exists a such economies, advanced online and wealth of opportunity for investment in the of which are UAE-based businesses, are The summit highlighted the subjects Exciting opportunities to build mobile banking is not a luxury, it is an inte- Arab FinTech industry. It is remarkable to testament to that fact. most relevant to UK and Arab business, and thrive gral part of the online financial ecosystem. witness the progress that has been made And similarly, NBK also had its own showcasing the broad range of projects “For a while there has been a growing and its implications for the industry. experience, investing in Smart Wealth, emerging and under development within consensus, especially in MENA, that banks Creating an infrastructure for enabling Powerful and relevant players are emerg- through our investment banking arm, NBK the Arab world with the purpose of pro- must adapt, or else they will not survive. Fintech ing, especially when it comes to payments Capital. Smart Wealth is a digital end-to- moting and strengthening cooperation Our philosophy is the opposite. We do not Al-Bahar indicated that while re-invest- and transactions. The recent London IPOs end financial services advisor platform that among its members. It also offered invalu- view technology as a threat to traditional ing revenue, regional markets are also of Network International and Finablr, both we expect will be the future of investing. able opportunities for investors, exporters, banking services, but as a fluid enabler of “That is not to say that large banks experts, consultants and providers of serv- solutions to better service our customers.” should be competing in an arms race for ices to engage in dialogue with project Al-Bahar said. • Competition creates innovation and our strat- FinTech partners. Investment in third-party leaders and decision makers. She added that FinTech and Blockchain ventures must remain measured and strate- The summit included valuable discus- comes with the exciting opportunity to egy is built on delivering initiatives that empha- gically sound. NBK’s adoption of sions about a number of key topics includ- build and thrive. We must remain vigilant size our leadership RippleNet supports our e-remittance busi- ing: Challenges facing investment in the and proactive as we enter unchartered ness, which holds great revenue potential renewable energy sector, job creation, technological territory, rather than defend- • FinTech is an opportunity to thrive, rather than and will undoubtedly improve service to business climate, difficulties facing the ing outdated mechanisms. tools to compete and survive. customers”, Al-Bahar noted. investments in the infrastructure sector, as Acknowledging the importance of part- Moreover, she stressed on the fact that well as ways to attract inward investment in nerships with non-bank FinTech players, • The future success of banking lies in the hands banks need to demonstrate serious com- this sector by discussing the vital role Al-Bahar described it as an emerging trend of technology & banks must commit significant mitment to customers, shareholders, regu- played by infrastructure in promoting sus- that strengthen banking architecture while lators and partners by investing in FinTech. tainable economic development in the Arab true internal integration can occur, con- investment into digital solutions. NBK itself has received few accolades for world. firming that this takes many forms, such as excellence in banking innovation and pay- Another topic of discussion was focused core IT upgrades to improve bandwidth • There exists a wealth of opportunity for invest- ment services which is a testament to our on the MENA region as an important and ranges to cyber-security resilience to ment in the Arab FinTech industry own commitment. Our investment efforts strategic hub for facilitating trade between combat rising online threats. do not end there - they are extensive and the UK, Europe and the new global mar- • NBK recently launched “Smart Wealth” digital diverse in scope. kets such as Asia, in addition to the factors Competition drives innovation platform to be the future of investing Al-Bahar concluded her speech at the that make it most attractive to investors. Al-Bahar said that competition brings Arab British Economic Summit by saying Existing investment opportunities were with it the need for innovation, therefore • Receiving accolades for excellence in that: “Shifting customer needs and demo- pinpointed as the region expands as a hub our aim at NBK is for our new initiatives to banking innovation is a testament to our own graphic changes remind us that we must for inter-regional trade. give us an edge against our peers. “We continue to do the best we can, finding new Participants also discussed the chal- have invested in our consumer platforms to commitment ways to deepen our business landscape lenges facing the agriculture sector and provide better service experiences for cus- • Kuwait enjoys one of the highest internet and and grow the sector together as partners, water security in light of the high popula- tomers, with new options such as selfie pay, not adversaries.” tion growth, considering to what extent the biometric cards and smart phone finger- mobile penetration rates in the world, and Arab world relies on imports to meet local print identification,” Al-Bahar said. mobile banking is an integral part of the online NBK sponsors the Arab British demand for food produce and highlighted She added that NBK has recently imple- Economic Summit the investment and partnership opportuni- mented a new mobile banking platform for financial ecosystem, hence the necessity to pro- National Bank of Kuwait sponsored the ties as the region acts to develop sustain- Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Jordan and the UAE, vide innovative online services Arab British Economic Summit 2019 able agriculture. which ensures seamless banking transac- organized by the Union of Arab Chambers, The Arab British Economic Summit is an tions. On top of this, our joining of swift • Banks commitment to customers and share- Arab British Chamber of Commerce and exceptional opportunity to network with GPI and Ripple networks to ensure real- holders drive the need to invest in FinTech and the League of Arab States and with the key players from all sectors and expand time international remittances across participation of British and Arab business trade exchange between Britain and the geographies, bolstering our global transac- digital innovations leaders, corporate affairs and public policy Arab world throughout all major economic tion offering, also demonstrates how lever- professionals. sectors. 14 Established 1961 Business Sunday, July 7, 2019 NBK Capital acts as Joint Lead Manager for Burgan Bank’s $500 million issuance Perpetual Tier Capital Securities callable in July 2024

KUWAIT: Watani Investment Co. K.S.C.C. (“NBK plc and Standard Chartered Bank acted as Joint the importance of the Capital”) acted as Joint Lead Manager for the Lead Managers. Kuwaiti market in sup- issuance of Burgan Bank K.P.S.C’s (“Burgan” or the The issuance was well received by both regional porting both regional and “Bank”) $500 million Regulation S Perpetual Tier 1 and international investors, with the global order global issuances and Capital Securities (the “Capital Securities”). The book peaking at $2.2 billion. The global order book reflects on NBK Capital’s Capital Securities will offer semi-annual coupon closed at $1.8 billion after price revisions translating ability to execute global payments set at 5.75 percent per annum and have a to an oversubscription of around 4.4x. MENA-based transactions at the highest first call date set for 9 July, 2024. investors dominated the deal with a 51 percent share quality.” The Capital The issuance constitutes direct, unconditional, of the issuance, followed by Asian investors at 22 Securities were priced at unsecured and subordinated obligations by Burgan, percent, European investors at 14 percent and par (100.00 percent) with the second largest conventional bank in Kuwait, with investors form the United Kingdom at 12 percent. a competitive reoffer yield credit ratings of A3/Stable from Moody’s, The issuance was undertaken to manage the as well as global investors is a reflection of Burgan’s of 5.75 percent repre- BBB+/Stable from S&P and A+/Stable from Fitch. Bank’s capital and long-term liquidity in accordance solid track record in the international debt capital senting a spread of 400.7 HSBC Bank plc and J.P. Morgan Securities plc with Basel III and the Central Bank of Kuwait regula- markets and the consistent global demand for bps over the 5-year US acted as Global Coordinators, while NBK Capital, tory requirements. Faisal Al-Hamad, NBK Capital’s Kuwaiti paper. Treasury. This came after Faisal Al-Hamad Bank ABC, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Chief Executive Officer stated: “We are incredibly Rani Selwanes, NBK Capital’s Managing Director a 50 basis point tighten- Emirates NBD Capital Limited, First Abu Dhabi honored to have advised Burgan Bank on this inter- and Head of Investment Banking added: “The over- ing from the initial price thoughts at the opening of Bank P.J.S.C., HSBC Bank plc, J.P. Morgan Securities national issuance. The significant demand from local whelming demand from Kuwaiti investors reflects on the transaction.

times their salary. Gulf Bank’s sixth Commenting on the draw, Ahmad Al-Amir, monthly salary Assistant General URC signs pact Manager for External draw to be Communications at Gulf with IKARUS Bank said: “This is one of the most exciting days of KUWAIT: United Real held tomorrow the month at Gulf Bank. Estate Company K.S.C.P Every month, our Salary KUWAIT: Tomorrow, Gulf Bank will be holding its Account offers all (URC), one of the leading sixth monthly Salary Account draw at its Shaab account holders multiple real estate developers in Branch. The draw will be approved by, and held in the benefits and gives one opportunity to receive either a KD 100 cash gift upon the MENA region, presence of, a representative from the Ministry of lucky winner a chance to Ahmad Al-Amir transferring their salaries to Gulf Bank or an interest- announced signing an Commerce. The 2019 Kuwaiti Salary Offer automati- claim a cash prize of up free loan of up to KD 10,000. Customers must have a cally enrolls both existing and new customers who agreement with IKARUS to 12 times their salary. Salary Account holders are minimum salary of KD 500 and will be eligible for the transfer their salaries to Gulf Bank in the monthly and United Marine Services automatically enrolled in the monthly draws, so all offer following their first salary transfer to Gulf Bank. annual draws. The monthly draws allow customers the Customers can also enjoy additional benefits like a K.S.C, one of KIPCO’s those enrolled can have a chance to win. We can’t chance to win cash prizes of up to 12 times their wait to announce who is going to be our sixth win- Visa or MasterCard credit card free of charge for a Group of Companies. salary, while the yearly draw gives them the opportu- ner of the year!” year, as well as a chance to apply for a loan of up to IKARUS will cover a 2- nity to win Kuwait’s largest salary prize of up to 100 The Salary Account also gives new customers the KD 70,000 or a consumer loan of up to KD 25,000. year contract period effective from July 1st Ahmad H Kasem 2019 to include man- HSBC survey agement and operation of the Marina Berth and Yacht Club. Situated along Kuwait’s coastline, Marina Yacht Club is an exclusive service harbor People to match with space for 144 berths at the Marina World located on the Arabian Gulf in Salmiya. technology as Ahmad Kasem, Acting Chief Executive Officer, commented, “This management and operation top business agreement is part of the Company’s strategy to optimize its operational activities and business investments growth for Marina Yacht Club, in line with latest industry standards by sourcing it to one of the KUWAIT: About a third of businesses leading marine service providers in order to expect to change radically in the next deliver a world-class quality service to our val- two years, from what they sell to where they work, as they seek growth opportu- ued clientele of yacht owners.” nities in a fast-changing world. But while URC’s operations extend to construction technologies like robotics top their and contracting, facility management, and proj- spending plans, firms are now prioritiz- ect management through its several sub- ing investment in the well-being and Roger Winfield sidiaries. The company’s portfolio of assets and future skills of their people, according to businesses are geographically spread across a a new HSBC survey. ly, thousands of business leaders around number of countries through several assets ‘Navigator: Made for the Future’, a the world shining a bright light on the survey of over 2,500 companies in 14 such as Marina World, Marina Hotel, and KIP- importance of investing in technology countries and territories, shows that and people in the face of significant CO Tower in Kuwait, Salalah Gardens Mall & 34 percent of decision-makers think change to come. In Kuwait, many of Residences in Oman, Abdali Mall in Jordan, their technological focus will ‘totally’ these priorities are aligned with the Raouche View 1090 in Lebanon, Hilton Cairo change over the coming 24 months, ambitions set out in the 2035 vision.’ Heliopolis & Waldorf Astoria Hotels in Egypt, with a further 45 percent expecting By upskilling employees and adopting Aswar Residences in Egypt, and Assoufid in ‘slight’ change. As they seek to innovative technologies, the end goal for Morocco. become more customer-centric and to businesses is to become more efficient, boost productivity, over half (55 per- more customer-centric and greener. cent) plan to invest more in research Over half the companies surveyed plan and development. to increase their investment in customer Internet of Things (40 percent), wear- the future. Three in five (60 percent) Nearly as many though (52 percent) experience (52 percent) and 45 percent ables (37 percent) and facial/image intend to introduce or increase flexible Import duty on gold will boost spending on skills training and will raise spending to become more recognition (38 percent). The biggest working practices to enhance well-being 43 percent on employee well-being; environmentally sustainable over the benefits of employing these four tech- and adapt to a rebalancing between could hurt Indian ahead of logistics (42 percent), plants or next two years. Almost a quarter (24 nologies are improvements in produc- human and automated output. equipment (34 percent), and ‘bricks and percent) want to become greener to tivity, customer experience and product Interviews for the ‘Navigator: Made mortar’ premises (29 percent). attract and retain talented staff, and 30 or service quality. for the Future’ survey were conducted jewelry business: Roger Winfield, Chief Executive percent are feeling pressure from cus- While 76 percent of companies think in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Officer of HSBC Kuwait, said : “There tomers to improve in this area. technologies will make their staff more France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, can be few more important priorities for A number of new technologies have productive and 72 percent think they will Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, MGD official any business or country than preparing already been embraced by businesses enhance well-being, 59 percent also said Singapore, the UAE, the UK and the for the future. This research is, essential- and include A.I. (41 percent), the they think they’ll need fewer workers in USA in May 2019.

The facility in Birmingham, Britain’s the UK,” added Speth. The invest- ideal in terms of reaching those key Jaguar Land second biggest city, will produce the ment, praised as “trailblazing” by European markets.” electric vehicles as part of a “huge” Britain’s biggest trade union Unite, fol- Britain’s auto sector warned last Rover set to electrification investment that was “in lows an agreement for employees to week that a no-deal Brexit could cost KUWAIT: Commenting the billions”, Speth said. work a four-day week as part of UK-based carmakers up to £70 mil- on the Union Budget The news is a welcome fillip for the restructuring plans. lion ($89 million, 78 million euros) dai- 2019-2020, the Managing build electric nation’s largely foreign-owned car “This is a proud day for our mem- ly through delays to production. JLR, sector, which has long warned over the bers and Jaguar Land Rover,” said which launched its first electric vehicle Director of International cars in UK impact of Britain’s looming departure Steve Turner, Unite assistant general I-PACE last year, is meanwhile late to Operations at Malabar from the European Union at the end of secretary for manufacturing. Cardiff develop its strategy for the segment. Gold & Diamonds, LONDON: Car manufacturer Jaguar October. University professor Peter Wells cau- “It is not alone in being late ... but Shamlal Ahamed, said that Land Rover has decided to produce a tioned that Brexit was probably not a certainly, given that the Nissan Leaf while the budget was range of electric vehicles at its central ‘Future is electric’ major factor in JLR’s decision, given its has been out for many years now, and pro-poor and would defi- England factory, it announced Friday, Batteries will be made in neighbor- existing UK manufacturing operations Tesla has been making waves for some nitely help in the progress securing thousands of jobs in a major ing Hams Hall, Warwickshire, while and declining consumer demand for time in the kind of segments that of the rural India, it will boost to post-Brexit Britain. “Jaguar electric motors will be manufactured high-polluting diesel cars. Jaguar and Land Rover operate in, then hurt the domestic gold Land Rover today revealed plans to at JLR’s engine plant close to the clearly there is concern,” Wells said. nearby city of Wolverhampton. ‘Not really Brexit related’ “It’s not so easy to ramp up the and jewelry market. Shamlal Ahamed manufacture a range of new electrified He pointed out that the vehicles at its manufacturing plant in “Today’s announcement, which safe- “The company is constrained by production of electric vehicles at this guards several thousand jobs in the what they’ve got... it’s not really a point because of concerns over sup- additional import duty for gold will hurt India’s gold Castle Bromwich, UK,” the Indian- UK, is the next stage in execution of Brexit-related decision,” Wells told ply-the battery technology and the and jewelry businesses and promote illegal gold owned group said in a statement. The first car to roll off the produc- Jaguar Land Rover’s electrification AFP. “It’s more an issue that has been materials needed. “They have an elec- smuggling, which is detrimental to the economy. On tion line at Castle Bromwich, which cur- strategy,” JLR added. forced upon the company, perhaps tric model but I don’t see that they will the other hand, the increased tariff in India will lead rently employs 2,500 workers, will be The group aims to offer electrified faster than they had wanted. be able to produce a high proportion to a significant price advantage in neighboring mar- the next-generation all-electric Jaguar options for all new Jaguar and Land “The market is changing across of electric vehicles across the range kets such as the GCC, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri XJ luxury saloon model. “It’s a huge Rover models by 2020. the world quicker than many car for quite some time,” added Wells, not- Lanka. The price advantage of 10-12.5 percent along step for (the) very prestigious, special “The future of mobility is electric companies have anticipated, so in ing particularly strong competition with VAT refunds for tourists will definitely lead to premium-luxury XJ production in and as a visionary British company, we that respect the company was from German carmakers like Audi, GCC, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka benefiting Castle Bromwich,” JLR Chief Executive are committed to making our next essentially forced to invest in the BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and from jewelry tourism, he said. Ralf Speth told AFP in an interview. generation of zero-emission vehicles in UK-even though it’s not perhaps Volkswagen. —AFP Established 1961 15

Sunday, July 7, 2019 What’s On ACK awards Junior Engineers Camp participants

he Center of Continuous Education (CCE) at the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) held a cere- Tmony to honor the students who participated in the first ever Junior Engineers Camp. The Junior Engineers Camp was organized by the CCE in collabo- ration with the School of Engineering as a part of its efforts to help the youth of Kuwait to reach their full potentials. The camp gave high school students, aged 14 and up, an opportunity to learn more about engineering at ACK in the period of ten days. At the camp, students were taught how to conduct experiments and were also taught about important safety aspects of lab work. The focus of the experi- ments was on the four engineering majors offered by ACK; Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and Petroleum. The students who took part in the camp described the experience as valuable, fun, and a great way to learn during summer break. “The camp was very beneficial, it gave us an excel- lent opportunity to learn more things and to explore our options.” said Noor Basel Al Obaid, one of the students at the camp. “You can rarely find something academic for teens in Kuwait, and I think it was a great initiative from ACK to provide us with this opportunity. I appre- ciate that they recognize the youth and their needs.” The students worked well with the instructors which ensured the success of the camp. Dr Michel Nahas, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at They were very enthusiastic and attentive to our they explored the four engineering majors.” ACK Junior Engineers who challenged themselves in this ACK commented: “I personally enjoyed teaching them. instructions. The students worked well together as would like to thank all the parents along with the camp and proved their abilities. UPAC organizes blood donation drive Burgan Bank customers enjoy discounts at Salmiya Clinic resenting its clients with specialties and sub specialties. unique benefits and privileges, Keeping in line with the latest PBurgan Bank customers can demands and expectations of the now enjoy valuable deals at one of community, Burgan Bank customers the growing health centers in can receive a 20 percent discount at Kuwait, Salmiya Clinic. Ensuring its the medical laboratory, 15 percent customers with the highest quality of for diagnostics radiology and sonar, medical services, all Burgan Bank and 10 percent at the endocrinology cardholders can avail of the dis- clinic, nutrition clinic, and for laser counts that come under different and dental and oral facilities.

or the fifth consecutive year, and in continuation of the A total of 24 liters of blood were donated which will be utilized “Donate Blood to Save Lives” campaign, United Projects for to supplement emergency blood requirements at various govern- FAviation Services Company (UPAC), a leading commercial ment hospitals in Kuwait. Donating blood contributes to helping real estate and facilities management company, organized blood those in need of immediate transfusions following an accident, as donation drives in partnership with Kuwait Central Blood Bank. well as in restoring the health of patients recovering from illnesses. The two blood donation drives were held between July 1 - 2, UPAC’s blood donation drive showcases the company’s commit- 2019, at Discovery Mall and at UPAC’s head office respectively. ment towards the local community and to helping those in need. 48 UPAC employees as well as various walk in visitors at Discovery Mall is one of UPAC’s managed properties that offer a Discovery Mall donated blood in support of Kuwait Central Blood host of educational, cultural, and entertainment activities that are Bank’s campaign. geared towards children and the youth segment in Kuwait. Double Tomato Pesto Arugula & Watermelon Salad elicious watermelon salad recipe with fresh arugula, feta, olives and Dsherry vinaigrette. This surprising, Spaghetti with sweet and savory salad is perfect for summer! Zucchini Noodles INGREDIENTS Salad: his fresh summer recipe features burst cherry 5 ounces arugula (about 5 cups, tomatoes, cherry tomato and sun-dried tomato packed) pesto, zucchini noodles and spaghetti! It’s light and 2 cups cubed pieces of seedless T watermelon delicious. 1 cup crumbled feta cheese INGREDIENTS 1 cup halved and pitted Kalamata Pasta and zucchini noodles: olives 8 ounces whole grain spaghetti 1 large zucchini Vinaigrette: cook the walnuts, stirring occasionally, until they smell 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Pesto: nice and fragrant, about 7 minutes. Set aside to cool. 1 small shallot, chopped (about 2 table- 1 cup walnuts Cook the cherry tomatoes: In a large saucepan over spoons) 2 pints (4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes medium-high heat, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling and a pinch of salt. Cover the pot and cook, stirring occa- wine vinegar 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed and sionally, until the tomatoes have burst open and they are Hefty pinch of salt drained cooking in their own juices, about 7 to 8 minutes. Set aside. Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped In a food processor, combine the walnuts, half of the 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest cooked tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, lemon zest, INSTRUCTIONS 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice, red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon To assemble the salad: In a medium 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes salt and several twists of freshly ground black pepper. serving bowl, combine the arugula, cubed 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste Blend until the mixture is pretty smooth, then season to watermelon, feta and olives. Freshly ground black pepper, to taste taste with additional lemon juice, salt and/or pepper until To prepare the vinaigrette: In a small the flavors really sing (if that doesn’t do the trick, add liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine all Garnishes: some more sun-dried tomatoes). Blend again. of the vinaigrette ingredients and whisk 1/2 cup lightly packed basil leaves, larger leaves torn Pour the pesto over the spaghetti and toss to combine. until blended. Taste, and add more salt and into small pieces If you’ll be consuming this dish in one sitting, go ahead pepper if necessary, keeping in mind that Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss in all of the zucchini noodles now, too. (If you the salad contains some salty ingredients. Olive oil, for drizzling plan on having leftovers, store the zucchini noodles sepa- Wait until you’re ready to serve to rately from the rest, as they leach water when they’re dress the salad, since the arugula will INSTRUCTIONS exposed to salt-I just pile the noodles on top of my indi- start wilting once it comes into contact Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the vidual bowls and wait to stir them in when I’m ready to with the vinaigrette. Whisk the vinai- spaghetti. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to eat. Hope that makes sense.) grette one more time, then drizzle about package directions. Drain and transfer to a large serving Pour the rest of the cherry tomatoes on top of the dish, half of the vinaigrette over the salad. bowl. Spiralize the zucchini with a spiralizer (here’s how), and sprinkle the basil over them. Toss gently, and divide Gently toss to combine. Add more vinai- or turn the zucchini into noodles with a julienne peeler, or the mixture into bowls. Top individual bowls with grette if necessary to lightly coat the grate the zucchini the long way on a large box grater. Parmesan or nutritional yeast, if you’d like, and a light arugula (I only needed about half of Toast the walnuts: In a medium skillet over medium heat, drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately. mine and saved the rest for a future sal- ad). Serve immediately. 16 Science Sunday, July 7, 2019 Sheep shearers flock to world championship in France

BORDEAUX: Sheep shearing experts flocked to a small Endurance, speed, flexibility town in the French countryside on Thursday for the Sheep are typically shorn at least once a year to opening of the annual world championship, a four-day avoid sickness caused by ticks, flies and other insects event held for the first time on French soil. More than in their wool. Endurance, speed and flexibility-particu- 320 competitors from 34 countries as far apart as larly in the back-are considered key skills for this Norway, Japan and the Cook Islands, are battling it out iconic rural activity, with professional shearers typi- to win titles in woolhandling, machine shearing and cally paid per animal. Competitors in Sunday’s “blade” shearing, a traditional method using scissors. machine-shearing final will be tasked with shaving 20 And the 5,000 sheep on site will no doubt appreci- lambs in under 16 minutes. ate a haircut, with temperatures expected to peak at 34 Quality is the most important aspect, making up degrees Celsius over the coming days in Le Dorat, a around 60 percent of the final grade. Judges “check for town in central France. It is the first time the interna- marks, uncut fleece and uneven levels of shearing,” the tional competition sets foot-and hoof-on French soil, AMTM said on its website. New Zealand is the favorite although the town, which is home to 1,800 people, has to win the world title, after celebrating home-turf victo- previously hosted the French sheep shearing champi- ries in the machine shearing and woolhandling cate- onships in 2013 as well as the Six Nations tournament gories in 2017. South Africa picked up first prize for the same year. Last year, it also welcomed a 24-hour blade shearing. Apart from cherrypicking the best of the sheep shearing marathon, with six shearers clipping best, the event aims to educate the public about how around 2,500 sheep, producing six tonnes of fleece. wool goes from sheep to jumper. “The world championship, it’s so fantastic, so spec- “Ninety percent of French wool gets sent to China tacular, we want to share it with the French people,” to be washed and processed,” Riffaud said. “There’s said Christophe Riffaud, president of the Association for not much demand for French wool because of its struc- the World Sheep Shearing Championship (AMTM) who ture, but we want to promote it as a quality natural has competed in Northern Ireland and the product”. The seven-hectare site is also displaying Netherlands.” “I like the physical aspect of the job,” around 100 exhibits made from wool, including a wed- said Canadian Pauline Bolay, one of only two women ding dress and jeans, in a bid to promote the fruits of LE DORAT: New Zealand’s Cam Ferguson takes part in the machine chearing event at the 18th edition of the among the 323 participants. the French countryside. —AFP World Sheep Shearing and Wool handling championships in Le Dorat, central-western France. — AFP 17

Sunday, July 7, 2019

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Call: 24833199 ext:101,102 or Direct line: 24835616 / 24835617 or email: [email protected] 18 Established 1961 Stars Sunday, July 7, 2019

CROSSWORD 2250 STAR TRACK

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

You seem to work best today when exchanging ideas with others. You You may have never put much thought into how you love. It has always just may find yourself in a group who is able to throw ideas back and forth until problems been an emotion or feeling that came natural to you. You may have an experience that are conquered and much progress is made. This is an ideal situation for you today. You leads you to see things in a different light. You may experience a sense of awakening may find this to be an extremely productive day in the workplace. Later this even you that opens your eyes not only to the way you express love but to the way others close may find you have a deep desire to connect with friends, neighbors, and love ones. to you need to be loved. This may develop stronger bonds and relationships in your Great connections can be made, and fences can be mended with little effort. You exude life and bring much harmony and passion into your world. To love and to be loved has a sincerity to those you love and are met with open arms, Aries. This is a time of grace always been a strong desire for you and you are entering a time and learning a lesson and happiness in your world. that will bring you to new levels in your close relationships. Libra, enjoy the peace and harmony this brings into your world.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You may feel as if someone is cutting you off today. They may be making it difficult for you to express yourself. This may put you in a mood to shut down and Make sure to spend some time outdoors today. This is a day the beauty keep to yourself. Know any obstacle you face today will be short-lived and temporary. of creation will be filled with special meaning for you. It seems everything may take on Frustration may come over you. Time will eliminate these obstacles. You will be back to a more special meaning in your life now. A positive attitude and an open mind seem to your old self shortly. Keep a positive attitude today. take you far in this world. You have both. When you choose to be happy, you will be happy. You have an attitude that no one nor anything can steal your joy. This is the answer. This is the way to face your day and conquer the world.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Just because it is easy doesn’t make it right. You may be very tempted today to take a shortcut. If you can not tell yourself this is the right thing to do, you You may feel as if you are on the outside looking in today. Difficulty get- ACROSS 4. Tree bearing large brown nuts containing should steer clear of making the wrong decision. Doing the right thing never goes ting your point across to others could find you frustrated. Group situa- 1. Annual grass of Europe and North Africa. e.g. caffeine. unnoticed. In the long run, you will be rewarded for going the extra mile and doing tions may be the thing to avoid for you today. This day would be best spent taking 4. A Dravidian language spoken in southern 5. Black tropical American cuckoo. the right thing. You may find this gives you a grasp for all that is spiritual. Your ideas some time to yourself. Step outside and take a breath of fresh air. Find a way to have a India. 6. A long projecting or anterior elongation of are more of a spiritual sense and you will be able to really get your point across when little escape and clear your mind. You will be back to your old self in no time. 11. (old-fashioned) At or from or to a great an animal's head. you share your ideas and life lessons with others today. distance. 7. Horny projecting mouth of a bird. 15. 100 pyas equal 1 kyat. 8. A particular geographical region of indefi- 16. Of or relating to or suggestive of dreams. nite boundary (usually serving some 17. (Irish) Mother of the Tuatha De Danann. special purpose or distinguished by its Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 18. The sense organ for hearing and equilibri- people or culture or geography). Cancer (June 21-July 22) um. 9. A full skirt with a gathered waistband. 19. A supporter of feminism. 10. A radioactive element of the actinide You have an appreciation for your responsibilities. What is right is right, You may feel torn between two worlds. You may find conflict when dele- 21. Largest crested screamer. series. and what is wrong is wrong. This is a motto for you. This way of thinking has brought gating your time between family life and home. You will have to get your priorities straight and try to find a balance between the two. You may find that you feel led to 23. A historian who writes annals. 11. Type genus of the Adelgidae. you a long way on your path towards success. You are focused and driven and most of all...honest. By not cutting corners nor taking the easy way out, you have devel- pass up a career opportunity because of the effect it will have on your personal life. 28. Relatively nontoxic South African herb 12. A sheet or band of fibrous connective tis- Remember, family is forever. The tie that binds. Not everything in life revolves around smoked like tobacco. oped a good reputation for having an excellent work ethic. You have a lot to proud of sue separating or binding together mus- and you may find many opportunities beginning to come your way. money. This is a time you may come to realize, money can not buy happiness. 29. Any of a number of fishes of the family cles and organs etc. Carangidae. 13. Type genus of the Anatidae. 32. Sedative-hypnotic drug (trade name 14. A flat float (usually made of logs or Quaalude) that is a drug of abuse. planks) that can be used for transport or 36. Soviet physicist who worked on low tem- as a platform for swimmers. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) perature physics (1908-1968). 20. (Irish) Chief god of the Tuatha De 38. A metallic element having four allotropic Danann. forms. 22. Port city in western Saudi Arabia on the Make time for your loved ones. Don’t wait for a holiday or special event. You can really get your thoughts and ideas across. Your communication 39. Any of various trees or shrubs of the Red Sea. What is a little thing to you can make a big difference in the life of someone you care skills are on point today. You may find yourself being especially kind to a friend and about. You are creative enough to turn a small act into a big memory. Take the time. feeling a desire to share the love in your heart with all who surround you. You may find genus Cassia having pinnately com- 24. An intricate traditional dance in India per- pound leaves and usually yellow flowers Make the effort. You will find it rewarding. others admire the kindness you show to others and are drawn to you. You could enjoy formed by professional dancing girls. being the recipient of many compliments today. Others seem to notice your belong- followed by long seedpods. 25. A shade of blue tinged with green. ings, your good taste, and the way you treat those around you. Your goodness and 40. Remote city of Kazakhstan that (ostensi- 26. A dialect of Chinese spoken in the emotions seem to be accented today and you should expect much support from your bly for security reasons) was made the Yangtze delta. friends and family. capital in 1998. 27. A computerized data system to provide Virgo (August 23-September 22) 41. Distinctive and stylish elegance. brokers with price quotations for securi- 43. (astronomy) A measure of time defined ties traded over the counter. by Earth's orbital motion. 30. Melon having yellowish rind and whitish You have the ability to find beauty in everything and everyone surround- 44. The syllable naming the sixth (submedi- flesh. ing you. In a way you may find this as a weakness because this can cause you to over Pisces (February 19-March 20) ant) note of a major or minor scale in 31. A song of praise (to God or to a saint or indulge. This may include material things or involve your investing too much of your- solmization. to a nation). self into others. Resist that urge at this time. You may find a child or someone younger You are hungry for knowledge. Eager to see what all this world has to 46. A long backless sofa (usually with pillows 33. A tablet placed horizontally on top of the who is close to you as a disappointment and find yourself at odds with them. This is against a wall). temporary, and you should resist the urge to make permanent decisions that affect offer you. You are at your best when visiting with siblings or neighbors today. A great capital of a column as an aid in support- your living situation or theirs at this time. You may feel as if your level of authority is time to sit and express your views and feelings about some situations that have both- 49. Excessively fat. ing the architrave. 51. Short and fat. being challenged today and find it difficult to react. Virgo, see this as a positive and ering you. Getting things off of your chest will help you regain focus. You are getting 34. A Spanish male Gypsy. know that now is just not the time. back on track. 53. (Babylonian) A goddess of the watery 35. A short sleep (usually not in bed). deep and daughter of Ea. 37. Anneal or toughen by a process of grad- 54. Any warm-blooded vertebrate having the ually heating and cooling. skin more or less covered with hair. 42. A medieval oboe. Wordsearch Puzzle Friday’s Solution 56. Tropical American tree bearing sweet 45. A bachelor's degree in science. pulpy fruit with thick scaly rind and 47. The innermost membrane of an organ shiny black seeds. (especially the inner lining of an artery or 58. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot vein or lymphatic vessel). palm used in India for writing paper. 48. Gregarious burrowing rodent larger than 60. Affected with or marked by frenzy or the chinchillas. mania uncontrolled by reason. 50. Air pollution by a mixture of smoke and 61. (informal) Exceptionally good. fog. 64. South African term for `boss'. 52. A small ball with a hole through the mid- 67. Having a woven pattern. dle. 70. A river in north central Switzerland that 55. 1 species. runs northeast into the Rhine. 73. An indehiscent fruit derived from a single 57. Render capable or able for some task. ovary having one or many seeds within a 59. Large inoffensive chiefly nocturnal ungu- fleshy wall or pericarp. late of tropical America and southeast 74. A benevolent aspect of Devi. Asia having a heavy body and fleshy 75. (anatomy) Of or relating to or associated snout. with the parietal bones in the cranium. 62. Avatar of Vishnu. 77. Thigh of a hog (usually smoked). 63. An Arabic speaking person who lives in 78. A light touch or stroke. Arabia or North Africa. 79. A mining town in southern Wales. 65. A river in north central Switzerland that 80. A loose sleeveless outer garment made runs northeast into the Rhine. from aba cloth. 66. (biology) Shed at an early stage of devel- opment. DOWN 68. Someone who works (or provides work- 1. An organization of countries formed in ers) during a strike. 1961 to agree on a common policy for 69. God of love and erotic desire. the sale of petroleum. 71. A federal agency established to coordi- 2. An Indian nursemaid who looks after chil- nate programs aimed at reducing pollu- dren. tion and protecting the environment. 3. A village in eastern Ireland (northwest of 72. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet. Dublin). 76. A colorless and odorless inert gas.

Friday’s Solution

Daily Sudoku Friday’s Solution Established 1961 Lifestyle

SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2019

Fireworks explode over the Lincoln Memorial during the Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, DC. — AFP

young man who accused Kevin Nantucket, the posh island community Spacey of a sexual assault in a where the alleged aggression took place in fter Melania cake, Melania honey, and AMassachusetts bar has dropped his July 2016. Little has said he took a smart- even Melania slippers, the Slovenian lawsuit against the award-winning actor. A phone video of the incident, which he says Ahometown of the US first lady will now motion for “voluntary dismissal” of the civil took place when he was an 18-year-old boast a statue of its most famous daughter- complaint against the former “House of busboy in a Nantucket bar/restaurant. albeit one that has faced decidedly mixed Cards” star was filed in Superior Court in The smartphone images, which Little reviews. The life-size statue on the outskirts of Nantucket, Massachusetts, with no reason has said he shared with a then-girlfriend, Sevnica was inaugurated on Friday and is the allegedly show Spacey shoving his hand brainchild of 39-year-old American conceptual into the teen’s pants and fondling him. But artist Brad Downey, who says it’s the first mon- the plaintiff’s lawyers say they have been ument anywhere dedicated to the wife of US unable to find the smartphone, which President Donald Trump. Spacey’s defense team has demanded to The sculpture was carved into a tree using a see. Little has said he has not seen the chainsaw and depicts Melania in a blue dress phone since handing it over to police inves- raising her left hand in a waving gesture, emu- tigators in December 2017. Police say they lating a pose she struck at her husband’s 2017 turned it over to the young man’s father, but inauguration. Its somewhat naive style has led he says he has “no memory” of it. some critics on social media to brand it a If the phone is not located by Monday, “scarecrow”. “I can understand why people the District Court judge has said he will call might think that this falls short as a description on Little to testify about it. Spacey, who is of her physical appearance,” Downey told AFP, 59, was charged in January with indecent but insisted that he found the end result assault and battery. The actor has insisted “absolutely beautiful”. on his innocence. The charges carry a Since Donald Trump took office in 2017, penalty of up to five years in prison. The sleepy Sevnica has become a magnet for allegation of sexual misconduct against the tourists and journalists searching for insights In this file photo US actor Kevin Spacey arrives into the American first lady’s past. at a fashion show in Milan, Italy. — AFP two-time Oscar winner was one of more than a dozen to emerge since 2017 — in Entrepreneurial locals have been cashing in on both the United States and Britain-with the influx, offering a bewildering array of A picture shows what conceptual artist Ales ‘Maxi’ Zupevc claims is the first ever monument of Melania given. Possible motives for the dismissal this devastating effect on his acting career. Melania-branded food and merchandise as well Trump, set in the fields near town of Sevnica, US First Lady’s hometown. — AFP week include a private settlement or the He was dropped from the cast of the as a tour of the area taking in the key sites of her early years. Downey came up with the stat- Melania’s ancestral region through local eyes. their (the Trumps’) catastrophic reputation,” accuser’s desire not to risk damaging his popular “House of Cards” series and from a “You see this river that she would have seen as she added. Katarina, a 66-year-old resident of odds in a separate criminal case with the leading role in director Ridley Scott’s “All ue as part of a project aimed at exploring the first lady’s Slovenian roots and commissioned a child, you see the mountains,” he said. nearby Rozno, said that she thought the monu- civil suit, which was filed just six days ago. the Money in the World”; Christopher However, not everyone has been moved to wax ment was a “good idea”. “Melania is a William Little’s lawyer, Mitchell Plummer was brought in as a last-second local artisan Ales Zupevc-also known as “Maxi”-to actually carve the sculpture. lyrical about the artwork. Slovenian hero, she made it to the top in the Garabedian, who made a name for himself replacement.—AFP Nika, a local 24-year-old architecture stu- US,” she said.—AFP defending victims of sexual abuse by Downey told AFP he was struck by the fact that Maxi was born in the same year and in the dent, told AFP: “If the monument was meant to Catholic priests, gave no comment. A hear- be a parody, then the artist has been success- ing on the criminal charges against Spacey same hospital as Melania herself. He said con- versations with Maxi had enabled him to see ful. “We in Sevnica can only laugh and, at the is set for Monday in the District Court in same time, hold our heads in our hands over

aren Mok may be currently performing on “It doesn’t mean that I’m retiring or anything...I New York theatre district or London’s West End. have our own original musicals.” The singer’s what she says will be her final concert tour but could never quit the stage but I just feel that it’s a “There’s a lot of theatre going on in China but like the “Ultimate Karen Mok Show” kicked off in Shanghai in Kthe Hong Kong-born actress and singer has no good time to call it a day where pop concerts are West End as an industry (it’s) not really there yet but June 2018 and has included shows in Singapore, plans to retire just yet, setting her sights on bringing concerned,” Mok told Reuters in London while on a at some point it will happen so I feel that I should Taipei and Beijing. In Europe, she will play the Folies Broadway-style musicals to China. The 49-year-old visit to promote her tour. “Going forward I want to go contribute towards that,” she said. Bergere in Paris on Sept. 12 and the London Palladium has released 20 solo albums and starred in more than into doing musicals and musical theatre because that’s “My next big mission in my career is to create, on Sept 15 - a show Mok, who studied at the 40 films during her 25-year career including Keanu my one true love in performing.” from scratch, a musical for the Chinese audience...I University of London, described as “a little bit of a Reeves’ “Man of Tai Chi” and Wong Kar Wai’s “Fallen Mok, who in 2005 and 2006 starred in the hit really love musicals because they allow you to simul- homecoming”.—Reuters Angels”. She also worked alongside fellow Hong Kong Broadway musical “Rent” on its 10th anniversary tour, taneously act, dance, sing and play music and getting star Jackie Chan in “Around the World in 80 Days”. said she wants China to have its own version of the to do it live every evening is just amazing...We should 20 Established 1961 Lifestyle Feature Sunday, July 7, 2019

ulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of GBahrain, recently arranged a familiarization trip for Kuwaiti travel agents to Salalah, Sultanate of Oman. Taking place from June 15 to 18, 2019, and in part- nership with NTT Tours in Salalah, the trip coincided with Gulf Air’s inaugural flight to the new summer destination. Guests had the opportunity to experience the comfort of flying Gulf Air and using the airline’s Falcon Gold lounge in Bahrain International Airport during transit. At the destination, the guests participated in a celebra- tory event at Salalah International Airport welcoming the first Gulf Air flight which included airport airline and air- port officials. Participants also visited most notable touris- tic sights and landmarks and enjoyed staying in Salalah Rotana Resort, a key five star resort in the Omani city. National Travel and Tourism (NTT), a leading Destination Management Company in the Sultanate of Oman having over 3 decades of experience in the tourism industry. NTT has a qualified team of professionals with rich experience in tourism business and is known for its aggressive cus- tomer orientation and top caliber customer service levels. NTT Tours has an extensive experience of innovative product development, separate divisions handling Leisure, Adventure and Special Interest Tours, MICE and Cruise segments. NTT are one of the top producers for most of the leading hotels in Oman, owning the largest fleet of vehicles in Oman under the Hertz franchisee, and have Airport transfers at Muscat, Salalah and Khasab Effie De Souza, Area Director branches in Muscat and Salalah. The team comprises of Hotel Reservations well qualified and experienced tour consultants handling of Sales-Global Sales Office Tailor-made Itineraries (Guided and Self-Driven) Kuwait and Qatar Rotana various markets and a very strong operational team well Individual & Group Tours supported by logistic teammates and linguistic guides. hotel, poses with Sandra Trekking & Adventure Tours Smith, Gulf air Sales Desert Safaris Manager for a picture. Below are some of the main services NTT offers as a Turtle Watching Tours DMC: Sea Tours Cruise Ship Shore excursions Tourist/Business Visa Services Meetings & Events Personal Meet & Greet Services at Muscat International Incentives Groups Airport Conferences Established 1961 21 Lifestyle Fashion Sunday, July 7, 2019

talian label Fendi on Thursday paid tribute to its late French luxury powerhouse LVMH, Fendi’s parent com- Idesigner Karl Lagerfeld, who died in February after a pany, has pledged 2.5 million euros to clean and restore half-century helming the company, with a haute cou- the remains of the temple, which was built by the Emperor ture show at the ruins of the ancient Temple of Venus and Hadrian in the second century BC and is thought to have Roma. The “Dawn of Romanity” collection showcased 54 been the largest in the Roman Empire. The events allowed outfits, one for each year of Lagerfeld’s work with the Fendi to look back at its origins while opening the way for Fendi label. its post-Karl life. “The heart beats hard because the emotion is great to The collection, featuring lightly patterned silk trousers, be here today without him (Lagerfeld)” Fendi president geometric interlacing of furs, a coat with marble-like Serge Brunswick told the 600 guests invited to the special details and lace skirts on models sporting pageboy cuts, show in the hills of the Italian capital, with the famous was created by Silvia Venturini Fendi, one of the inheritors Colosseum as the backdrop. German designer Lagerfeld of the furrier and leather goods company founded by her launched Fendi’s ready-to-wear line in 1977 and remained grandparents Edoardo and Adele in 1925.—AFP its artistic director until his death at the age of 85.

Guests attend the outdoors presentation of Italian fashion house Fendi’s Couture Fall/Winter 2019-2020 show.

Italian fashion designer Silvia Venturini Fendi acknowledges applause following the presenta- tion of Italian fashion house Fendi’s Couture Fall/Winter 2019-2020 show. 22 Established 1961 Sunday, July 7, 2019 Lifestyle Features

Members of the public look at completed sections of a tapestry.

n a Belfast museum, seamstresses are at work depicting Igory battles and warring kings in shimmering threads of red and gold-an epic homage to the TV phenomenon “Game of Thrones”. The team of volunteers at the Ulster Museum are putting the final touches to a 90-metre tap- estry depicting all eight seasons of the fantasy saga, which reached its dramatic conclusion in May. “Game of Thrones”, which first hit screens in 2011, was produced and chiefly filmed in studios in Belfast and in the Northern Irish countryside. The Northern Irish public have taken the series to their hearts. “A tapestry is, more than anything else, a great sto- rytelling device,” explained Valerie Wilson, costume and textiles curator at National Museums Northern Ireland. “The length of the tapestry allows the story to unfold, so in many ways it’s the perfect medium for telling the story of the ‘Game of Thrones’ project.” Styled in the manner of the treasured Bayeux Tapestry- which depicts the 11th-century Norman conquest of England-the completed piece will be transported to France to hang near its predecessor in September. “This tapestry references the Bayeux Tapestry in that it has a working on stitching depicting the eighth and final series. Embroiderers work on the series of repeated icons through it,” explained Wilson. The Participants-like actors in the show-were also sworn to final section of a tapestry panels of the piece are woven by machine before the fin- silence, forced to sign non-disclosure agreements to main- depicting the hit television ishing touches are put on by hand. tain the shroud of secrecy. “It was very crucial when the series Game of Thrones at project launched that it had that new, fresh, almost sur- the Ulster Museum in Emerald green wildfire prise element,” Wilson told AFP. After the embellishments Belfast. — AFP photos For two years, a team of 30 has been at work on and off are put on, the final panels are being added to the snaking stitching embellishments on the icons-”blood red wed- display of series one to seven already on show to museum dings”, “emerald green wildfire” and “cold-blue White visitors. Walkers” which prove pivotal in the blood-and-guts HBO “I think it’s really beautiful,” said Abbie Merrick-a drama. Such is the graphic nature of their handiwork, the diehard fan of “Game of Thrones”, who spent a morning museum display comes with a warning: “Due to the depic- walking her mother through the plot woven across the tion of graphic scenes, viewing of the tapestry is not suit- fabric. “I think tapestry’s a really beautiful art form and a able for anyone under the age of 18.” The team has been really nice way of storytelling.” —AFP

Embroidered scenes on the tapestry depicting the hit television series Game of Thrones are on show at the Ulster Museum in Belfast.

talian designer Pierpaolo Piccioli went for an Iexplosion of bold colors at Valentino’s Haute eet Chenta Tsai Tseng, better known festivals like Sonar and Primavera Sound. on the 50-year fight for rights since the his- Couture collection, switching from mustard in Spain by his stage name “putochi- Slight and softly-spoken, Chenta weighs up toric Stonewall riots in New York. It will be the yellow to fuchsia to azure with supermodel Gigi Mnomaricon.” In English, that translates every word he says, inclusive language pep- first such festival since local elections in May Hadid walking in purple. Clashing textures with as “f*****g Chinese fag.” pering his interview, in sharp contrast with his saw Madrid’s city hall swing to the right with silks, woolen fringes and pom poms also gave the The 28-year-old gay, Asian-Spanish singer, eccentric performances and irreverent elec- the support of emerging far-right party Vox, outfits a subtle complexity. Some models wore DJ and writer is making a name for himself in tropop songs. which is strongly critical of the LGBTQ collec- ornate beaded hats in the style of traditional tribal Spain for his acerbic criticism of issues like “That you went to Majorca and stayed in tive. “I feel that in the current political environ- headpieces. racism in the LGBTQ community and beyond, the Ritz, that you feel alpha male and show off ment, we have to group together rather than American actress Gwyneth Paltrow and models the selfie generation and pride festivals like the in the gym, that your father bought you a segregate,” Chenta says. Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell figured among Ferrari so you can brag... We don’t really care the stars on the front row at the Paris runway show about your f*****g life,” he sings in one song. Aqua, Wieniawski late on Wednesday. Hadid sported a kimono- For Joan Luna, news editor at Spain’s inspired lilac gown, complete with gemstone- ‘You have yellow skin’ Mondo Sonoro music magazine, the attraction encrusted white, jade and orange embroidery and a Born in Taiwan in December 1990, Chenta of “putochinomaricon”-aside from his quirky colossal bow resting askew on her shoulders. emigrated to Spain with his parents when he performances and “very effective electropop”- Piccioli has been Valentino’s sole creative director was just 11 months old. He says his first experi- is his discourse. “The lyrics connect with peo- since 2016 but has been with the label since 1999. ence of not feeling quite like others happened ple,” he says. And then there is the novel fact His bouffant dresses and vibrant use of color have when he was around four or five, playing with he is an Asian electropop artist in Spain. “As garnered the brand fresh acclaim after founder a friend. “He gave me the yellow power ranger, Asians, we’re seen as being good at jobs that Valentino Garavani retired in 2007. and obviously I wanted the pink power aren’t tied to entertainment, like mathematics One surprise on the runway came in a green ranger,” he remembers, laughing. “I didn’t and science,” says Chenta. The stereotypes are dress and glittering trench coat, as 75-year-old understand why he associated me with the so ingrained his father believed them too. model Lauren Hutton wowed the crowd in four- colour yellow... and he told me, you have yel- “My father always had this absurd notion inch mustard heels and sparkling fuchsia gloves. low skin, you’re different.” that if you were an Asian (migrant), you could The fashion house said in a note that the collection And so it has continued, including in the only do three things, open a restaurant, open aimed to celebrate individuality, diversity and dating scene. “Either they reject you simply for a pound shop or play a classical music instru- inclusivity. After the finale, Piccioli walked the run- seeing your photo and seeing you’re Asian, or ment,” he says. At the time, Chinese-US cel- way hand-in-hand with the team of women and they fetishise you and want to go out with you list Yo-Yo Ma was a reference. So it was that seamstresses who crafted the intricate pieces. just because you’re Asian,” he says. Chenta ended up graduating as a violinist The label’s Qatari owners, investment vehicle All very food-oriented, Chenta notes, which from Madrid’s Royal Conservatory of Music. Mayhoola, had examined plans to list Valentino on Asian-Spanish singer, DJ one taking place in Madrid. A qualified violin- inspired the title of his first album-”Steamed The only problem? He hates violin. For a key Milan’s stock market, sources told Reuters in late and writer Chenta Tsai ist and architect, Chenta created “putochino- Pork Heart with Ginseng.” Chenta denounces exam he chose to sing a piece by the Danish- 2017, although the company has been evasive Tseng, better known in maricon” two years ago in an angry nod to the discrimination generally within the LGBTQ Norwegian pop band Aqua, but also played about such plans since. The show wrapped up this Spain by his stage name insults he received in the street. community, which he says often favors white, Polish violinist Henryk Wieniawski’s signature season’s Couture Fashion Week, where an elite club ‘putochinomaricon’ per- “I said, ‘that’s it’, I’m going to start accept- muscular men who are not effeminate. As for piece “Legende”. “I passed with top of top-end designers show off elaborate, hand- forms in Madrid. — AFP ing my body, accepting my identity,” Chenta pride celebrations, he feels there is too little marks.”—AFP made creations. The event ends on Thursday as tells AFP before a DJ set in Madrid. He com- focus on “women, trans women, the disabled” with jewelry brands presenting their high-end col- posed a short song and posted it on Instagram. or those from different ethnic groups. But he’s lections. — Reuters Two years later, he has two albums and an starting to come around. autobiography out and has performed in major This year, Madrid Pride has chosen to focus Classifieds Sunday, July 7, 2019

Nova Palmar, Cortalim, CHANGE OF NAME Cortalim Mormugao, South Goa, Goa 403710. (C 5655) I, Sakina Habib Jigar holder of 4-7-2019 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Indian Passport No. J3507105, issued in Kuwait, I need to I, Lancy Thomas D Cunha, Amiri Hospital 22450005 change my name on my pass- holder of Indian Passport No. port as Sakina Zakir Husain J7413137, having permanent Maternity Hospital 24843100 Rantawala. (C 5656) address in India at Bethel 5-7-2019 House, Derebail Konchady Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Cross Road, Near Vishwa Geeth I, CABRAL CAETANO S/o JOSE Complex, Mangaluru - 575006, Chest Hospital 24849400 FRANCISCO CABRAL, holder of Indian Passport No. J0369680 Karnataka, India, residing in Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 issued in Kuwait, I need to Kuwait at present, hereby change my name on my declare that henceforth my Adan Hospital 23940620 Passport as CAETANO CABRAL name will be read as under: S/o JOSE FRANCISCO CABRAL Given Names: Lancy Thomas Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 SEBASTIANA COSTA, Passport and Surname: D Cunha No. J0369680, H.No. 996/1 (C 5654) 3-7-2019 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9

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Arrival Flights on Sunday 7/7/2019 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 Departure Flights on Sunday 7/7/2019 JZR 221 Riyadh 11:20 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 610 Cairo 12:45 Airlines Flt Route Time GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 FEG 441 Asyut 00:05 KAC 742 Dammam 12:55 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 IGO 1757 Kochi 00:10 AXB 393 Kozhikode 13:10 MSC 502 Alexandria 00:10 JZR 213 Jeddah 12:05 KAC 540 Sharm el-Sheikh 00:10 KAC 774 Riyadh 13:35 JZR 707 Luxor 00:20 QTR 1075 Doha 12:10 THY 772 Istanbul 00:20 JZR 212 Jeddah 13:45 MSR 615 Cairo 00:30 JZR 123 Dubai 13:10 JZR 254 Amman 00:20 FDB 8191 Dubai 13:50 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 JZR 115 Doha 13:25 DLH 625 Dammam 00:50 UAE 877 Dubai 14:00 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:40 KAC 541 Cairo 13:30 KAC 102 London 00:50 KAC 672 Dubai 14:00 JZR 723 Alexandria 01:05 SAW 702 Damascus 13:30 AHY 119 Baku 00:55 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:15 FEG 342 Alexandria 01:05 ETH 3621 Addis Ababa 13:30 JZR 734 Cairo 01:00 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 IGO 1758 Kochi 01:10 MSR 611 Cairo 13:45 JZR 722 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Bahrain 18:20 KAC 552 Cairo 05:50 FDB 063 Dubai 19:05 RBG 550 Alexandria 07:30 JZR 127 Dubai 18:20 QTR 8511 Doha 06:05 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 JZR 113 Doha 07:30 JZR 403 Hyderabad 18:25 BAW 157 London 06:10 RJA 640 Amman 19:05 KAC 165 Rome 08:00 IRA 664 Shiraz 18:35 JZR 708 Luxor 06:15 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 KAC 171 Frankfurt 08:00 JZR 501 Lahore 18:35 KAC 284 Dhaka 06:15 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 BAW 156 London 08:00 JZR 733 Cairo 18:35 JZR 714 Sohag 06:20 KAC 156 Istanbul 19:25 JZR 211 Jeddah 08:00 JZR 253 Amman 19:10 KAC 678 Dubai 06:40 KAC 616 Bahrain 19:40 QTR 8512 Doha 08:05 JZR 261 Beirut 19:10 KAC 204 Lahore 06:45 RBG 555 Alexandria 19:40 IGO 1756 CNN 08:10 QTR 1081 Doha 19:20 RBG 559 Alexandria 06:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 FDB 054 Dubai 08:35 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 19:20 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:05 KAC 178 Vienna 19:50 KAC 177 Vienna 08:45 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 IGO 1755 CNN 07:10 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 KAC 501 Beirut 08:50 FDB 064 Dubai 19:45 KAC 358 Kochi 07:25 KAC 158 Istanbul 19:55 KAC 545 Cairo 08:50 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 KNE 381 Taif 20:00 KAC 561 Amman 08:55 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 JZR 724 Alexandria 07:50 KAC 166 Rome 20:00 KAC 117 New York 09:05 RJA 641 Amman 20:05 QTR 1084 Doha 08:00 KAC 104 London 20:00 KAC 791 Madinah 09:10 RBG 556 Alexandria 20:20 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:05 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 QTR 1085 Doha 09:10 FDB 058 Dubai 20:30 KAC 384 Delhi 08:10 DLH 624 Frankfurt 20:10 KAC 161 Geneva 09:15 JZR 401 Mumbai 20:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:15 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 JZR 706 Asyut 08:25 KAC 542 Cairo 20:15 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 KAC 351 Kochi 20:45 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:50 KAC 620 Doha 20:30 KAC 691 Muscat 09:20 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:50 IRC 528 Ahwaz 09:00 QTR 1088 Doha 20:40 JZR 601 Baku 09:20 DLH 624 Dammam 20:55 OMA 641 Muscat 09:00 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:00 KAC 773 Riyadh 09:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:00 KAC 741 Dammam 09:40 KAC 333 Trivandrum 21:05 GFA 209 Bahrain 09:05 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:10 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 QTR 1070 Doha 09:20 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 JZR 731 Cairo 09:45 KAC 301 Mumbai 21:25 IGO 1753 Ahmedabad 09:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 QTR 1089 Doha 21:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 THY 764 Istanbul 21:30 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 09:55 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 JZR 410 Delhi 09:50 KAC 676 Dubai 21:45 JZR 301 Istanbul 09:55 KAC 203 Lahore 22:00 SAW 703 Damascus 10:00 KAC 622 Doha 21:50 OMA 642 Muscat 10:00 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:10 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 IRC 529 Ahwaz 10:00 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 OMS 223 Muscat 10:35 KAC 564 Amman 21:55 KAC 101 London 10:05 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 GFA 210 Bahrain 10:05 THY 1403 AYT 22:25 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 KAC 162 Geneva 22:15 QTR 1071 Doha 10:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:35 QTR 1074 Doha 11:00 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 155 Istanbul 10:40 KAC 383 Delhi 22:35 JZR 114 Doha 11:10 KAC 786 Jeddah 22:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:40 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:50 JZR 122 Dubai 11:45 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 IGO 1754 Ahmedabad 10:40 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:55 JZR 252 Amman 12:20 JZR 128 Dubai 22:50 KAC 617 Doha 10:40 KAC 551 Cairo 23:00 JZR 738 Cairo 12:20 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:00 SVA 513 Riyadh 10:55 KAC 411 Bangkok 23:00 ETH 3620 Addis Ababa 12:30 MSC 405 Sohag 23:15 SAW 704 Damascus 11:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 SAW 701 Damascus 12:30 MSR 614 Cairo 23:30 KAC 157 Istanbul 11:15 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 THY 766 Istanbul 12:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 OMS 224 Muscat 11:15 JZR 701 Asyut 23:45 24 Established 1961 News Sunday, July 7, 2019

son to believe that the Grace 1 was carrying its shipment UK ship ‘safe of crude oil to the Banyas refinery in Syria,” Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said. In a statement, Britain’s Foreign Office said it welcomed Gibraltarian and well’... authorities “acting to enforce the EU Syria sanctions regime”. Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told Continued from Page 1 reporters the vessel was detained at the request of the United States. US President Donald Trump and British Prime But Gibraltar insisted it acted of its own accord. Minister Theresa May discussed ways to maintain pres- “There has been no political request at any time from sure on Iran during a phone call on Friday, the White any government,” Gibraltar’s government said in a state- House said in a statement yesterday. The statement, ment. “The decisions of Her Majesty’s Government of which did not mention the tanker incident, said: “They Gibraltar were taken totally independently, based on discussed cooperation ... to advance shared national breaches of existing law and not at all based on extrane- security interests, including efforts to enforce sanctions ous political considerations.” on Syria, to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear European Union sanctions against war-torn Syria weapon, and to achieve the final, fully verified denu- have been in force since late 2011. The 28-member bloc clearization of North Korea.” has imposed sanctions on Syrian officials including gov- Authorities in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory on ernment ministers over their role in the “violent repres- Spain’s southern tip at the western entrance to the sion” of civilians. Russia said the tanker’s detention was a Mediterranean, said they suspected the tanker was carry- “targeted action aimed at further complicating the situa- ing crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. The deten- tion around Iran and Syria”. The “enthusiastic remarks” tion of the 330-m Grace 1 comes at a sensitive time in Iran- by British and American officials following the seizure EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran “show that this action was planned for a long time”, the announcing it is poised to breach the uranium enrichment foreign ministry said in a statement. limit it agreed to in a troubled 2015 nuclear deal. The move by Gibraltarian authorities comes just days The Grace 1 was halted in the early hours of Thursday after Iran announced it would exceed the uranium by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, aided by a enrichment limit set under the 2015 nuclear deal. Tehran detachment of British Royal Marines. Gibraltar’s took the action in response to Washington abandoning Supreme Court ruled Friday that the vessel can be held the deal last year and hitting Iran’s crucial oil exports for 14 more days, the territory’s attorney general said. and financial transactions with biting sanctions. The The ship was detained four kilometres south of Gibraltar International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN’s nuclear in what it considers British waters, although Spain, which watchdog, said Friday it would hold a July 10 emergency lays claim to the territory, says they are Spanish. meeting on Iran. Iran insists the vessel was intercepted in international The announcement followed a request by the US, The ‘Pamplonesa’ municipal music band performs during the ‘Chupinazo’ (start rocket) to mark the kickoff at noon waters and the foreign ministry official accused Britain’s which under Trump has forged ahead with a policy of sharp of the San Fermin Festival in front of the Town Hall of Pamplona in northern Spain on Friday. — AFP Royal Navy of taking action “tantamount to maritime “maximum pressure” against Iran in coordination with banditry”. A senior foreign ministry official “described the its allies Israel and Saudi Arabia. White House National UK move as unacceptable” in a meeting with British Security Advisor John Bolton, a champion of the hawk- India has been trying to bring transparency in bul- ambassador Rob Macaire, who had been summoned to ish policy towards Tehran, tweeted the interception of lion trading by curbing cash transactions but the hike hear a formal protest, the ministry said in a statement. He the supertanker was “excellent news”. According to India hikes duty “will dilute efforts to reduce cash transactions”, said “called for the immediate release of the oil tanker, given specialized shipping trade publication Lloyd’s List, Somasundaram PR, the managing director of the World that it has been seized at the request of the US, based on which analyses vessel-tracking data, the 1997-built on gold... Gold Council’s Indian operations. Gold futures jumped the information currently available”, the statement added. ship is laden with Iranian oil. It reported that the ship over 2 percent after the announcement to a record high The secretary of Iran’s Expediency Council, a key loaded oil off Iran in April and sailed around the Cape Continued from Page 1 of 35,100 rupees ($512.82) per 10 gm. The high local advisory and arbitration body, warned that if Britain of Good Hope in South Africa. Tensions are high in the prices may also further weaken demand, said Snehal failed to release the tanker Iran would be forced to take Gulf following last month’s attacks on vessels near the We were expecting reduction in the custom duty,” Choksey, director at Shobha Shringar Jewellers. tit-for-tat action against a British vessel. “If Britain does Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, and Iran’s Anantha Padmanabhan, chairman of All India Gem and Shares of jewelry makers such as Titan, P C Jeweller, not release the Iranian oil tanker, the relevant authorities downing of a US drone. Washington and Saudi Arabia Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) told Reuters, adding Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Ltd and Thanga Mayil will be duty-bound to take reciprocal action and seize a have directly blamed Iran for the attacks on tankers, the hike has effectively raised smugglers’ margins. Jewellery Ltd fell as much as 7.8 percent. Up to 95 tons British oil tanker,” said council secretary Mohsen Rezai. something Tehran denies. The attacks have raised fears Gold smuggling surged in India after the govern- of gold was smuggled into India in 2018, according to The Gibraltar authorities say the tanker was boarded of a broader confrontation in the region where the ment raised the import duty to 10 percent in Aug 2013. the WGC. “Legal imports would fall and smuggling when it slowed down in a designated area used by ship- United States has boosted its military presence over Grey market operators - businesses that smuggle gold could rise above 200 tons this year,” said a Mumbai- ping agencies to ferry goods to vessels. “We have rea- perceived Iranian threats. — Agencies from overseas and sell it in cash to avoid the duties - based dealer with a gold importing private bank. got a further boost in 2017 when India imposed a 3 Industry officials fear the higher duties could prompt percent sales tax on bullion. The south Asian country customers to buy jewelry from some informal jewelers Sudanese who fled abroad will return to the country. also raised import duty on gold dore or non-refined who use smuggled gold to make ornaments. “The And this country will then be a beautiful country,” the Sudan protesters mined gold, to 11.85 percent from 9.35 percent and to increase in custom duty makes gold sold by organized 19-year-old said. The deal was hailed by the United 11 percent from 8.5 percent on silver dore, Finance retailers more expensive and encourages customers to hail landmark... Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which have been Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her first federal buy from unorganized jewelers,” said Vaibhav Saraf sympathetic to the ruling generals. “We hope that the budget speech on Friday. director of Aisshpra Gems & Jewels. — Reuters next phase will be the establishment of a strong consti- Continued from Page 1 tutional system that strengthens the role of institu- tions,” UAE minister of state for foreign affairs Anwar but prominent protest leader Ahmed Al-Rabie told Gargash wrote on Twitter. The Saudi foreign ministry sports fraternity in Kuwait on the occasion of the AFP it would comprise six civilians, five of them protest called the agreement an “important step” which could Kuwait cleared to announcement by IOC to lift the immediate and total movement nominees, and five military representatives. pave the way for “a new phase of security and stabili- suspension of Kuwaiti sport. Sheikh Fahd thanked all The SPA said the transition would last three years and ty” for Sudan. those who worked and contributed to lifting the sus- three months, with the first 21 months presided over by Rights group Amnesty International said it hoped compete in... pension of Kuwaiti sports, praising the efforts of the a military nominee, and the last 18 months by a civilian. the deal ends the “horrific crimes” committed against Cabinet, National Assembly, Public Authority for Sport, UN chief Antonio Guterres called on “all stakeholders Sudanese people for decades. “This agreement must be Continued from Page 1 sports associations and the media. to ensure the timely, inclusive, and transparent imple- judged by how those in power now live up to their IOC President Thomas Bach informed KOC about mentation of the agreement and resolve any outstanding responsibilities to respect people’s fundamental rights,” Minister of Information and Minister of State for the news in a letter to newly-elected Sheikh Fahd. In his issues through dialogue”, his spokesman said. Leaders Amnesty’s Kumi Naidoo said in a statement. Lebatt said Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri said the move to lift letter, Bach extended his sincerest congratulations to from the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for the two sides had postponed the establishment of a the ban came after years during which “damage was Sheikh Fahd on his election as KOC president. The IOC Freedom and Change, said later on Friday that the final transitional parliament. inflicted in all factors of Kuwaiti sports”. Speaker of the president also assured the new leadership of KOC that agreement could be signed next week in the presence of Before talks collapsed in May, the generals and National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanem tweeted: IOC will be fully at their disposal to support and assist regional heads of states. They said the alliance would protest leaders had agreed on a 300-member legisla- “Congratulations to every Kuwaiti, and to the athletes KOC in performing its mission and daily activities, also be ready to name its candidates for the sovereign ture, with two-thirds of lawmakers hailing from the in particular... and a thousand thanks to all those who including the preparation of a successful participation council and the prime minister by next week. protest movement. Lebatt said the two sides have also worked to achieve this goal.” in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. People celebrated on the streets of Khartoum well agreed to “a detailed, transparent, national, independ- Last August, the IOC acknowledged the progress Reacting to the letter received from Bach, Sheikh into Friday, chanting “the martyrs’ blood has not been ent investigation into all the regrettable violent inci- made and provisionally lifted the suspension, a decision Fahd said “on behalf of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, shed in vain” and “civilian rule, civilian rule”. In dents that the country faced in recent weeks”, including which enabled athletes to compete in the Asian Games I would like to thank the IOC for their support in help- Khartoum’s eastern district of Burri, a hotbed of the June 3 raid. and the Youth Olympics. Football’s world governing ing us to make the necessary changes to rejoin the demonstrations, 51-year-old Hannan said the residents At least 136 people have been killed nationwide body FIFA suspended the Kuwait Football Association Olympic family and best serve the Olympic Movement had faced “difficult hardships” since the protest move- since June 3, including more than 100 on the day of the for the same reason in October 2015, lifting the ban in in Kuwait”. “I, as president, and my board of directors, ment began. “A lot of our young people were chased raid, according to doctors close the protesters. The Dec 2017. have made it clear that we have a new vision for our and beaten by the security forces,” he said, alongside health ministry says 78 people have been killed nation- KOC President Sheikh Fahd called on Kuwait’s future and we are committed to acting in the best inter- family and neighbours at a gathering celebrating the wide over the same period. The military council insists sportspeople to work hard and sincerely to put Kuwaiti ests of Kuwaiti sport and our athletes,” he added. The agreement. it did not order the violent dispersal of the sit-in, sport on the world map. In a press statement on Friday, Kuwait Olympic Committee will now initiate the devel- Mohamed, with the Sudanese flag painted on his although witnesses have said the raid was carried out Sheikh Fahd congratulated HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah, opment of an overall strategy for the organization cheeks, was hopeful about the future. “One day, all the by men in military fatigues. — AFP HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf, HH the Prime including high-performance and sports participation Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and the planning. —Agencies

hanging gardens, the Tower of Babel, and the Ishtar UNESCO adds Bahrain Gate. Excavation began there in the early 1800s and week, she added. Abdullatif, the shop owner, said he is artefacts were sent abroad, including parts of the Crews assessing holding off on cleaning up from the quake because of Ishtar Gate which remain in museums across Europe. the warnings there could be yet more seismic activity. burial mounds... The site was substantially impacted by new structures “The anxiety is definitely very high,” he said. “It’s defi- built under dictator Saddam Hussein and further dam- damage as... nitely a scary time.” Continued from Page 1 aged by soldiers during the US-led invasion that top- Terri Brantley, who lives in a mobile home in pled him in 2003. Continued from Page 1 Ridgecrest, said the quake’s fury was stunning. He and enabled the inhabitants to develop an elaborate burial UNESCO on Friday said the site’s “extremely vulner- his wife were in bed when it hit but they managed to tradition applicable to the entire population”. able condition” sparked “serious concerns, with many pointed to huge piles of smashed wine bottles and get out. “It literally picked up the house in the air, and They are the third site in Bahrain to be designated as structures in urgent need of conservation and several other merchandise thrown to the floor by the quake as threw it to the west about three feet,” he told AFP. “I’ve a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Head of the Bahrain on the verge of collapse”. But it opted not to designate he walked through his store. “We’ve never seen any- experienced other quakes before, many times, but Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Shaikha Mai bint Babylon as a World Heritage Site in Danger after thing like this, this is the biggest and most impactful nothing like this. This was absolutely terrifying,” Mohammed Al-Khalifa, said the tombs were “living objections from Iraq, and instead said it would work quake that I’ve ever experienced,” he told AFP. Brantley said. proof of Bahrain’s distinguished cultural heritage”, with local authorities to set a plan of action for conser- Two news presenters on local TV station KCBS Numerous gas leaks were reported near the epicen- according to the kingdom’s official BNA news agency. vation. “Babylon is the largest populated city in ancient looked distraught as the quake hit while they were on ter, including in the towns of Trona and Argus. Bahrain’s other two UNESCO sites are the Bahrain history,” said Qahtan Al-Abeed, who heads the Basra the air, gazing up repeatedly to see if anything was “Firefighters have secured leaks where possible and Citadel, listed in 2005, and a major pearling site in the Antiquities Department and led efforts to get the site falling. “We are experiencing very strong shaking. I evacuated residents from homes with leaks that cannot city of Muharraq included in 2012. listed. “The Babylonians were the civilization of writing, think we need to get under the desk,” one presenter be secured,” the San Bernardino fire department tweet- On Friday, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee administration and science,” he told AFP. The UNESCO said, then did just that as the station cut to a commer- ed. In Los Angeles, the fire department deployed vehi- voted to list the sprawling Mesopotamian metropolis of designation “will encourage research and development cial. Around 3,000 people in Ridgecrest and the sur- cles and helicopters, and reported fallen power lines Babylon as a World Heritage Site after three decades of of the site,” and would “be free publicity for tourists,” rounding area are without power, the local utility com- and localized electricity outages. lobbying efforts by Iraq. Iraq had been trying since he added excitedly. pany said. In the town of Trona some buildings col- But Mayor Eric Garcetti said there were no reports 1983 to have the site - a massive 10-sq-km complex of Babylon is one of 7,000 archeological sites across lapsed, gas pipelines ruptured and power was knocked of serious damage in the city. Numerous visitors to which just 18 percent has been excavated thus far - Iraq, many of which were destroyed by the Islamic out. Officials would know more as the day progresses, Disneyland in Anaheim reported on Twitter that rides recognized by UNESCO. Straddling Iraq’s Euphrates State group or ravaged by lucrative artefact smuggling. said Mark Ghilarducci, director of the California gover- were shut for safety inspections after the quake. River about 100 km south of Baghdad, the city was the Five have been listed by UNESCO, including the Arbil nor’s Office of Emergency Services. There were “signif- Patrons at movie theaters in the Los Angeles area evac- center of the ancient Babylonian empire more than citadel in northern Iraq and the southern icant reports” of fires caused by gas leaks, as well as uated due to the quake. “Everyone remained calm as 4,000 years ago. Mesopotamian marshes. The three others are also on breaks to power, water and communications lines in the the theater began to shake and then the shaking got “What is the world heritage list without Babylon? the agency’s “World Heritage in Danger” list and region, he told a press conference. The latest quake was stronger. We all headed to exits and down the stairs. How to tell the history of humanity without the earliest include Hatra, an ancient city in northern Nineweh 11 times stronger than the 6.4-magnitude quake “fore- No panic but one woman sobbing. This one was scary,” of old chapters, Babylon?” said Iraq’s representative to province damaged by IS in 2014. Samarra, along the shock” the previous day, according to the United States wrote NBC journalist Lester Holt on Twitter. No dam- UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee ahead of the Tigris River, was added in 2007 and Ashur, the capital Geological Survey. age was reported at Los Angeles International Airport vote. “It fills a gap that was evident on the list and of the Assyrian empire, in 2003. Iraq has another 11 The two major quakes, along with multiple after- following inspections. indeed, this is a type of site that we can say this con- “tentative” sites hoping to be listed by UNESCO. shocks, have revived fears of the “Big One” - a power- In Las Vegas, 150 miles east of the quake, an NBA vention was actually designed to protect,” said Tunisia’s After decades of back-to-back conflict, the ful tremor along the San Andreas Fault that could dev- summer league game was postponed when the tremor delegate. After the successful vote, Iraq’s delegation country declared victory against IS in 2017 and is astate major cities in Southern California. “This is an hit, causing the scoreboard and several overhead clasped hands and invited all delegates “to visit now basking in a period of relative calm. It has earthquake sequence. These earthquakes are related,” speakers to sway. The earthquake was the largest in Babylon, the cradle of civilization”. sought to attract both international investors and said Caltech seismologist Lucy Jones. There was a 10 Southern California since 1999, when a 7.1-magnitude Babylon developed as a walled city of mudbrick tourists, and hopes its prominence on UNESCO’s percent chance of Friday’s quake being followed by quake struck the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base, temples and towers, known internationally for its lists can do both. — Agencies another magnitude 7.0 or higher quake in the next according to The Los Angeles Times. — AFP 25 Sports Sunday, July 7, 2019 Padres top Dodgers as quake rattles stadium; Cardinals overpower Giants Red Sox pull away to defeat Tigers

LOS ANGELES: Hunter Renfroe hit a go-ahead home the ninth inning to jumpstart a five-run rally that lifted run in the eighth inning and Eric Lauer pitched six Philadelphia over New York in the opener of a three- strong innings as the visiting San Diego Padres ended game series. Bruce got the go-ahead hit off Edwin Diaz their five-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over a little more than seven months after he was dealt to the the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game that was played Seattle Mariners in a blockbuster trade that brought through a strong earthquake. With the Dodgers’ Diaz and Robinson Cano to the Mets. Bruce was traded Enrique Hernandez at the plate in the fourth inning, an by the Mariners to the Phillies on June 2. The Phillies earthquake centered just over 100 miles northeast of are just 9-14 since June 10, but they’ve won all five of Los Angeles began shaking Dodger Stadium. their meetings against the Mets in that span. The Mets Hernandez’s at-bat continued uninterrupted, although are a National League-worst 7-16 since June 10. both foul poles swayed and the live broadcast shook through the center field camera shot. Lauer gave up Yankees 8, Rays 4 (11 innings) two runs (one earned) on four hits with one walk and Aaron Judge hit his second homer of the game lead- six strikeouts, and continues to have success against ing off the 11th inning, and Brett Gardner hit a three-run the Dodgers. He not only took a no-hitter into the fifth homer as New York beat Tampa Bay in St Petersburg, inning when he faced Los Angeles on May 3, he is now Fla. Aaron Hicks tied the game at 4-4 two pitches into 4-0 with a 1.47 ERA against the Dodgers in five career the eighth when he connected off Emilio Pagan. Judge starts. Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw gave up two gave the Yankees the lead again when he drove a first- runs (one earned) on five hits over seven innings with pitch fastball from Ryne Stanek (0-2) over the center one walk and nine strikeouts as the Dodgers saw their field fence. Five batters later, Gardner added a three- nine-game home winning streak come to an end. run homer over the center field fence, helping New Kershaw ended up with a no-decision, but it was the York beat Tampa Bay for the sixth straight time. first time the Dodgers lost a home game started by LOS ANGELES: Francisco Mejia #27 of the San Diego Padres looks back for the ball as Alex Verdugo #27 of the Kershaw since August 13 of last season-ending a streak Brewers 7, Pirates 6 (10 innings) Los Angeles Dodgers slides past to score, to tie the game 2-2, during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on of 11 straight starts. After blowing a five-run lead in the ninth inning, vis- July 05, 2019. — AFP iting Milwaukee got an RBI single from Lorenzo Cain in Twins 15, Rangers 6 the 10th to beat Pittsburgh. Against Pirates closer (3-12) allowed two runs, three hits and four walks while four runs, and visiting Boston topped Detroit. The game Luis Arraez, Jorge Polanco, Jonathan Schoop and Felipe Vazquez (2-1), Milwaukee’s Orlando Arcia, striking out five in five innings. He has not won since was delayed 2 hours, 4 minutes by rain prior to the sixth Mitch Garver each homered as Minnesota broke the Manny Pina and Cain singled in succession to produce April 27, a span of 13 starts. inning. Mookie Betts supplied three hits, scored three major league record for most long balls before the All- the winning run. Jesus Aguilar and Pina each hit a two- runs and knocked in another for the Red Sox. Rafael Angels 5, Astros 4 Devers hit a two-run homer and reached base three Shohei Ohtani celebrated his 25th birthday with a times. Boston’s Eduardo Rodriguez (9-4) allowed one home run, one of four clubbed by Los Angeles in a vic- run on four hits in five innings to collect the victory. tory at Houston. Ohtani blasted a 423-foot solo shot to Jeimer Candelario had two hits and drove in two runs straightaway center field in the Angels’ three-run third for Detroit, while Brandon Dixon contributed two hits inning. It was his 13th home run of the season, and it and scored twice. John Hicks also knocked in two runs, came two plate appearances after Kole Calhoun hit a including hitting a solo homer in the ninth. two-run dinger. Mike Trout homered for the fourth time in the Angels’ past three games, and he matched the A’s 5, Mariners 2 club record for home runs prior to the break. Garret Brett Anderson (9-5) pitched 6 1/3 strong innings as Anderson set the mark in 2000, and Trout and Albert Oakland won at Seattle. The left-hander allowed two Pujols both matched it in 2015. runs on five hits with no walks and four strikeouts as the A’s won for the eighth time in their past 10 games. Royals 7, Nationals 4 (11 innings) Liam Hendriks, announced earlier in the day as a sub- Adalberto Mondesi’s RBI single broke an 11th-inning stitute for the All-Star Game, pitched the ninth for his tie, and two more runs scored on a throwing error by fourth save. Anderson outdueled Mariners rookie left- Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman as Kansas hander Yusei Kikuchi (4-6), who allowed three runs City won at Washington. The Royals loaded the bases (two earned) on four hits in seven innings. He walked against lefty Jonny Venters (0-1) in the 11th, and one and struck out five. Seattle lost for the seventh time Mondesi, who had three hits and scored twice, came in eight games. through with the tiebreaking hit with one out. Alex Gordon then hit a hard grounder to Zimmerman, whose Braves 1, Marlins 0 throw home got past the catcher. The Nationals, who Brian McCann lined a bases-loaded single into left had won four straight and eight of nine, stranded 19 field to drive in Freddie Freeman with the winning run in runners and could not take advantage of 11 walks. the ninth inning, giving host Atlanta the win over Miami. Zimmerman (three doubles) and Brian Dozier had RBI Freeman led off the ninth with a double off the wall hits in the bottom of the ninth as Washington tied the against Jose Quijada (0-3), and Josh Donaldson was game at 4-4 against Royals closer Ian Kennedy. intentionally walked. The runners advanced to second and third on a Nick Markakis infield grounder, and the SAN FRANCISCO: Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants hits a single in the first inning at Oracle Park in Diamondbacks 8, Rockies 0 Marlins intentionally walked Austin Riley to load the San Francisco. — AFP Christian Walker slugged two home runs, Zack bases. McCann then hit Quijada’s first-pitch fastball for Greinke pitched seven scoreless innings, and Arizona the game-winner as Atlanta improved to 9-1 against the snapped an eight-game losing streak to Colorado with Marlins this year. The Braves have won the teams’ past Star break while cruising past Texas in Minneapolis. run homer in the eighth, Aguilar added an RBI single a victory in Phoenix. Walker gave Arizona a 2-0 lead in eight meetings. The four home runs give Minnesota a total of 165 with and Arcia hit a solo homer for Milwaukee, which broke the fourth inning on a two-run, opposite-field shot to two games remaining before the break, shattering the a three-game losing streak. Pittsburgh scored five runs right. He smacked a three-run homer in a six-run fifth Cardinals 9, Giants 4 record of 161 set by the New York Yankees in 2018. in the ninth for a 6-6 tie, on Starling Marte’s sacrifice inning for an 8-0 lead. That was Walker’s 17th home run Jose Martinez hit the sixth pitch of the game an esti- Schoop, who also had two doubles, went 3-for-5 with fly, Josh Bell’s three-run homer and Jung Ho Kang’s solo of the season and marked his first career game with mated 433 feet for a home run, and Paul Goldschmidt four RBIs, and Marwin Gonzalez finished 3-for-4 with shot, his ninth of the season. multiple home runs. Greinke (10-3) gave up four hits, went ever farther with a Drew Pomeranz offering five two RBIs and two runs for the Twins, who finished with struck out nine and walked none, relying more than pitches later for a two-run shot, sending St. Louis to 20 hits-a team-record-tying 13 for extra bases. Byron Orioles 4, Blue Jays 1 usual on his slow curveball, often inducing swings-and- a win at San Francisco. Dexter Fowler added a single, Buxton had a pair of doubles while Polanco, Max Chris Davis homered and drove in three runs, Dylan misses by locating the pitch off the plate at speeds a triple and a home run for the Cardinals, who have Kepler, Garver, C.J. Cron and Arraez each finished with Bundy struck out six in 6 2/3 innings, and Baltimore below 70 mph. He heads into his sixth All-Star Game won three in a row after opening a nine-game two hits. won at Toronto. Bundy (4-10) allowed one run, three having thrown 14 consecutive scoreless innings to low- Western swing with three losses in four games. hits and two walks to end a personal four-game losing er his ERA to 2.73. Dakota Hudson (7-4) pitched five innings of three- Phillies 7, Mets 2 streak. Left-hander Paul Fry pitched a perfect ninth run ball for the win. The loss ended San Francisco’s Jay Bruce exacted some revenge on his former team inning to earn his second save. Brandon Drury homered Red Sox 9, Tigers 6 bid for its first five-game winning streak since May Friday night, when he laced a tiebreaking RBI single in for the Blue Jays. Toronto right-hander Aaron Sanchez Xander Bogaerts hit a three-run homer and drove in 30-June 4, 2018.—Reuters

World No 1 Park surges into lead at Thornberry Classic

LOS ANGELES: Park Sung-hyun stormed through her second round at the Thornberry Creek Classic on Friday, with a sizzling 62 for a one-shot lead over tour rookie Yealimi Noh. The world number one Park, who moved into the coveted top LPGA Tour ranking spot on Monday, rolled in four straight birdies begin- ning at the par-four sixth and then repeated the feat on the other side with four straight, beginning at the par-five 13th. She shot a bogey free round to reach a 17-under 127 total at the halfway stage of the LPGA Tour event in Oneida, Wisconsin. “I made four birdies in a row twice today. I honestly didn’t know,” Park said. “When I Kuwait participate in was eight under today, I thought I was seven under.” Park, 25, is fresh off a win at the NW karate championship Arkansas Championship that vaulted her back into the top spot. It was her second win WISCONSIN: Sung Hyun Park of the Republic of Korea hits her tee shot on the second hole of the season. Noh, who is making her pro during the second round of the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic on July 05, 2019. — AFP KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuwaiti kg), Abdulah Al-Abdullah (under 75 debut at this tournament, capped her second Kyokushin Karate team is participat- kg) and Salem Al-Harbi (under 65 kg) round on Friday with a six-foot birdie on the ing in the fourth edition of Malaysia will compete in the scheduled encoun- par-five ninth. missed the cut by 60 shots. Cornelius, who weekend. “Actually, I feel like it’s really tough championship that kicked off yester- ters, he said. This tournament is Noh shot a 63 in her opening round on got in on a sponsor’s exemption, shot a 96 on for me because I felt like every hole, every- day with participation of teams from preparatory for the world champi- Thursday. She turned down a scholarship Thursday and finished at 55-over par, a body have the chance to make birdie,” she 10 countries. The head of the Kuwaiti onship due in Uzbekistan in offer from a US college and instead turned whopping 72 strokes back of leader Park, said. American’s Mina Harigae and Tiffany Joh expedition, Hassan Al-Kanderi, said in November. Other competing teams pro. This is her third LPGA event after com- who will be Noh’s playing partner on are tied for fourth at 14 under after shooting a statement to KUNA that the national represent the host country Malaysia, peting in the other two as an amateur. Noh Saturday. 63 and 66 respectively. First round leader Liu team has been fully prepared to par- South Korea, China, Hong Kong, played in the last group Friday with 20-year- Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn had a 64 and Yu (69) and her Chinese compatriot Feng take in the competitions. The Kuwaiti Indonesia, New Zealand, India, old amateur Presley Cornelius, who stumbled was two shots behind Park. Jutanugarn said Shanshan (67) are one stroke back in a tie for champions, Dhari Al-Enezi (under 85 Pakistan and Nepal.— KUNA to a 31-over-par 103 in the second round and she expects to see a lot of birdies on the sixth at 13 under.— AFP 26 Sports Sunday, July 7, 2019 Crusaders thrash Jaguares for 10th Super Rugby title Jaguares left in tears in Christchurch

CHRISTCHURCH: Richie Mo’unga kicked the Canterbury It was a tactic that also made Crusaders flanker Matt Crusaders to a record 10th Super Rugby title, and their Todd and the Jaguares’ Pablo Matera the two central fig- third in a row, with a 19-3 victory that left the Jaguares in ures in the game as they fought for possession. The tears in Christchurch yesterday. In a match complicated by Jaguares have been the surprise of the season, winning a slippery ball, the Crusaders scored the only try through their last seven games to make the grand final in only their Codie Taylor and Mo’unga landed four penalties for the fourth year in the competition. They believed they could defending champions as they beat the Argentines. To go all the way, and were unhappy even though they lost to chants of “three-peat” from the capacity home crowd of the most successful side in the history of the competition. 18,000, they extended their run to three back-to-back “No one likes losing so of course there’s a but of frustra- titles, remain unbeaten in their last 31 games on home soil tion,” coach Gonzalo Quesada said. and have won all 24 of their home play-off games since the competition’s inception in 1996. ‘In tears’ “Thank god for that,” coach Scott Robertson said after “Everyone must imagine that the guys should be the final whistle. “It was a massive relief, and it was a party proud and just happy to be here but the dressing room is tonight even though the rugby was pretty uneventful in a very sad and terrible. They guys are in tears.” The rugby sense in terms of points, on defence it was tough, it Jaguares produced a rock-solid defensive effort to with- was a grind but everyone climbed into it and knew that a stand a powerful opening attack by the Crusaders over bit of history was going to be made.” In a clash of Test- the first 10 minutes. match proportions, with most of the players either All A subtle break by Matais Moroni then put the Jaguares Blacks or Pumas, the Jaguares put up a gallant showing on attack where Joaquin Diaz Bonilla opened the scoring but could not break the Crusaders defence and their for- with a 40-metre penalty. With the game marred by multi- wards melted as the game wore on. ple handling errors — the result of a ball made slippery But their stubborn early resistance and the playing con- from the combined effects of heavy rain during the day ditions, meant the Crusaders could not make any headway and dew in the evening — the only try came in the 25th until they abandoned their free-flowing game plan. “It was minutes when Todd stole the ball and lock Whitelock CHRISTCHURCH: Crusaders players and team members celebrate their win in the Super Rugby final match between actually quite slippery out there so we actually found we stormed 20 metres before passing inside for Taylor to New Zealand’s Crusaders and Argentina’s Jaguares in Christchurch yesterday. — AFP were better without the ball than with it,” captain Sam score. Mo’unga landed the conversion and a penalty on Whitelock said. “So we kicked those contestable kicks a half-time for the defending champions to turn around with ond half from a kick-and-chase effort that was shut down another try Mo’unga landed three more penalties, two of bit more and tried to put their skills under pressure and at a seven point advantage. Moroni, the standout right wing by Jack Goodhue on the line. From there the Crusaders them from the destructive efforts of the Crusaders pack at times it worked for us.” for the Jaguares, was denied a try at the start of the sec- went up several gears and while they could not score scrum time. — AFP

test. New NBA free agent contracts cannot be signed until Kawhi joins Clippers, later Saturday, when teams will begin confirming deals as they are completed. In all, there have been more than 80 major free agency deals worth more than $3 billion. as George follows in “This has been the craziest NBA summer ever!!!” tweeted free agent swingman Jamal Crawford. With NHL notebook: the NBA blockbuster Leonard and George and guard Patrick Beverly, all among the top defensive players in the NBA as well as formidable Sullivan gets a point producers, the Clippers should instantly become title LOS ANGELES: Kawhi Leonard, who led the Toronto contenders in the Western Conference. Raptors to last month’s NBA title, agreed to a four-year George comes to from Oklahoma City in a trade deal. 4-year extension deal worth $142 million with the Los Angeles Clippers, The Clippers sent Italian Danilo Gallinari, 20-year-old who also landed playmaker Paul George, according to Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and several draft NEW YORK: Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike multiple reports. The blockbuster deal announced by picks sent to the Thunder. George, 29 and also from the Sullivan agreed to a contract extension through ESPN, USA Today and several other media outlets is part Los Angeles area, averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 the 2023-24 season on Friday. Sullivan’s extension of a reshaping of the NBA that leaves next season wide assists and an NBA-best 2.2 steals a game. The departure Kawhi Leonard will begin after the 2019-20 campaign. He has open without a heavy favorite from either the Eastern or of George also puts Oklahoma City in a rebuilding posi- won two Stanley Cup titles since becoming Western Conference. tion that might push them to trade superstar Russell year deal worth $8.2 million deal to remain the Lakers’ Penguins coach in December 2015. “Mike has The Clippers’ moves added superstar skills to an Westbrook. center. “That LAL vs. LAC rivalry is going to be (fire emo- done a great job delivering four 100-plus-point already solid team that went 48-34 last season, losing to gi),” tweeted Kevin Love, a former Cleveland Cavaliers seasons with our team,” Pittsburgh general man- Golden State in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers scramble quickly teammate of James. The Clippers and Lakers will be trying ager Jim Rutherford said in a statement. “To win club, founded in 1970, has never reached a conference Former Lakers legend Jerry West, now an executive to overtake Golden State, who have lost injured Kevin back-to-back Cups in this era speaks volumes of final. Leonard was named NBA Finals Most Valuable with the Clippers, has frustrated his former club. Foiled in Durant to Brooklyn. him as a coach. Player in leading the Raptors to the crown. Toronto and their bid to have Leonard join James and Antonio Davis in Add to that a revamped Utah team powered by French the LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers tried in vain to His instincts in managing the inter-workings of a ‘Big Three’, the Lakers instead switched to spending their big man Rudy Gobert and a Houston squad featuring scor- our team both on and off the ice has been sign him for next season. It was the second NBA Finals remaining salary cap funds to surrounding James and ing champion James Harden and star guard Chris Paul and MVP award for Leonard, the 28-year-old forward who impressive.” The 51-year-old Sullivan is 174-92- Davis with enough supporting talent to make them a solid the Western Conference looks up for grabs. In the Eastern 34 as coach of the Penguins with the club reach- also won the honor with San Antonio in 2014. contender in a wild western conference. Conference, the Raptors will be weakened by the loss of ing the playoffs in all four seasons. Pittsburgh Leonard, who returns to his hometown, averaged a They signed Danny Green, an ex-Clipper who played Leonard and Green. The Milwaukee Bucks, who won an career-best 26.6 points this past season along with 7.3 for Toronto last season, to a two-year deal worth $30 mil- NBA-best 60 games last season, and the Philadelphia won the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017, making rebounds and 3.3 assists a game. In the playoffs, Leonard lion, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a two-year deal 76ers, who revamped the lineup around Joel Embiid and Sullivan the first American-born coach to win lifted his averages to 30.5 points and 9.1 rebounds a con- worth $16 million. JaVale McGee also agreed to a two- Ben Simmons, look the top contenders. — AFP multiple Stanley Cups. Scott Harrington Defenseman Scott Harrington has re-signed Teunissen ‘dream’ with the Columbus Blue Jackets on a three-year deal that runs through the 2021-22 season. winner of dramatic Harrington, who was a restricted free agent, played in 73 games with the Blue Jackets last sea- son and had two goals and a career-best 15 Tour opening stage assists. “Scott Harrington is a very smart, reliable defenseman who made great strides to become a BRUSSELS: Dutch rider Mike Teunissen won a chaotic opening regular contributor on our blueline last season,” stage of the Tour de France yesterday after a collision in the final said Jarmo Kekalainen, the team’s general manag- kilometre blew the bunch sprint wide open in Brussels. The 26- er. “He works very hard and has continued to year-old Jumbo-Visma rider becomes the first yellow-jersey improve steadily over the past three seasons. holder on the 2019 Tour and the first Dutchman to lead the race Scott has shown himself to be an excellent leader since Erik Breukink 30 years ago. Teunissen edged Peter Sagan who has earned the respect of his coaches and in a photo finish at the winning line, with the Slovak taking the teammates and we look forward to his continued green sprint points jersey after he won the early intermediate contributions to our club.” sprint. “I never thought I could beat the sprinters, but in the end I Arizona Coyotes got it,” said Teunissen. “I started cycling with these kind of The Arizona Coyotes signed forwards Michael dreams. It’s a dream come true. I’ll remember this day for a long, Bunting and Hudson Fasching to two-year, two- long time.” Australian rookie Caleb Ewan took the young rider’s way contracts, the team announced. Terms of the white jersey after staying clear of the crash. The race was deals were not announced. Bunting, a fourth- LAUSANNE: Noah Lyles of the US poses next to a screen reading his time for the Men’s 200m as he cele- marked by two falls as young Dutch sprinter Dylan round draft pick by the Coyotes in 2014, made his brates after breaking the meeting record in the discipline and winning the race during the IAAF Diamond Groenewegen, who many tipped for the stage win, caused a NHL debut with the Coyotes last season, scoring League competition in Lausanne. — AFP mass fall as the tension mounted a kilometre from home. one goal in five games. He also played 52 games One of the Tour de France overall favourites, Denmark’s with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL, tallying Jakob Fuglsang also crashed 18km from the finish but struggled surprise second place from lane 8, ahead of De Grasse back to the peloton looking shocked and bleeding from the 19 goals and 22 assists. Fasching, taken in the Lyles becomes the (19.92sec), running 19.87sec. head. Greg Van Avermaet claimed the first King of the fourth round by the Los Angeles Kings in 2013, Mountains polka dot jersey after winning an intense struggle on appeared in 22 games over three seasons with the fourth-fastest 200m Wins for Fraser-Pryce, Gatlin the 7.8 percent gradient Mur de Grammont climb at 45km, Sabres, notching a goal and two assists. He fin- Two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser- which often features in the Flanders one-day classics. ished with 16 goals and 17 assists in 64 games Pryce powered to a dominant victory in the 100 metres The 34-year-old Van Avermaet, on his golden Olympic cham- with the Roadrunners last season. runner of all-time to confirm her return to the upper echelons of sprint- pion bike, was in yesterday’s early breakaway, from which he ing, while reigning world champion Justin Gatlin won also came second on the day’s other, lesser, Bosberg climb Cedric Paquette the men’s race. The 32-year-old Jamaican, on the come- securing the polka dot jersey after just 50km. Half a million fans The Tampa Bay Lightning re-signed forward LAUSANNE: American Noah Lyles became the back trail after taking time away from the sport to give and well-wishers turned out as the race embarked in balmy sun- Cedric Paquette to a two-year, $3.3 million con- fourth-fastest man in history over 200 metres with a birth to her son Zyon, clocked 10.74 seconds to beat shine from Brussels city centre, passing the Grand Place, the stunning Diamond League victory in 19.50 seconds at tract. Paquette scored a career-high 13 goals while European champion Dina Asher-Smith into second. Royal Palace and the European Commission building before a posting 17 points last season. The 25-year-old has Lausanne on Friday. The 21-year-old was expected to Fraser-Pryce had already impressed when finishing 194.5km loop through the lush Belgian plains. — AFP 67 points (40 goals, 27 assists) in 316 games with face a close challenge from Andre De Grasse, but the second at the Jamaican trials last month, managing the Canadian was left trailing in third as Lyles laid down a same time (10.73sec) as winner Elaine Thompson. the Lightning over the past five-plus seasons. serious marker ahead of September’s World She won the 100m gold medals at both the 2008 Tampa Bay also re-signed forward Carter Championships in Doha. and 2012 Olympics, before having to settle for bronze Verhaeghe to a one-year, two-way contract. The “Oh my God, would it be crazy if I said yes?,” said behind compatriot Thompson in Rio de Janeiro three 23-year-old had 82 points (34 goals, 48 assists) in Lyles when asked if he expected to run so fast. “The years ago. Fraser-Pryce will be a contender for a medal 76 games for Syracuse of the American Hockey worlds-I’ve been waiting for this since 2017, for so at the worlds if she can maintain this kind of form. Her League last season. long, but I have no pressure as I have never participat- time was only 0.02secs slower than Marion Jones’ 21- ed in a big championship.” Only world-record holder year-old meeting record. Britain’s Asher-Smith, 23, ran Philip Broberg Usain Bolt (19.19sec), his fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake a season’s best time of 10.91sec to beat world silver The Edmonton Oilers signed their top 2019 (19.26sec) and four-time Olympic gold-medal winner medallist Marie-Josee Ta Lou (10.93sec) into third. draft pick-defenseman Philip Broberg-to a three- Michael Johnson (19.32sec) have run quicker. American veteran Gatlin proved his is still capable of year, entry-level deal on Thursday. Financial terms Lyles will now have the US Track and Field defending his world 100m title later this year with a sec- were not announced. Broberg, 18, was the No. 8 Championships, which run from July 25-28 in Iowa, in ond consecutive Diamond League win. The controversial overall pick in the draft and the third defenseman his sights. “I was even disappointed that the trials are 37-year-old, who has twice served doping bans in his taken. With AIK of the Swedish Allsvenskan postponed until July (from June),” he added. “It makes career, claimed victory in 9.92sec, having run 9.87sec to League, Broberg had two goals and seven assists triumph in Stanford last weekend. The 2004 Olympic BRUSSELS: Dutch rider Mike Teunissen celebrates his best sprint- we wait even more, and I want to show that I’m the in 41 games during the 2018-19 season. He added best.” Running in lane 7, Lyles seized a clear lead com- champion beat fellow countryman Michael Rodgers er’s green jersey on the podium of the first stage of the 106th eight points (two goals, six assists) for AIK J-20 in ing out of the bend and was never going to be caught (10.01sec) and Canada’s Michael Rodgers (10.07sec). “I edition of the Tour de France cycling race between Brussels and in the final 100m. Ecuador’s Alex Quinonez snatched a feel good, I feel strong,” said Gatlin. — AFP Brussels yesterday. — AFP the Swedish SuperElit League. — Reuters 27 Sports Sunday, July 7, 2019 Morocco crash out to Benin on penalties in Nations Cup last 16 Mane scores and misses penalty as Senegal end Uganda’s run

CAIRO: Hakim Ziyech’s missed stoppage-time spot-kick who kept his place in the Benin goal after replacing Fabien proved extremely costly as 10-man Benin stunned Africa Farnolle for the final group game. Cup of Nations title contenders Morocco in a penalty shootout Friday to reach the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw Adilehou strikes first in Cairo. Moise Adilehou forced home at a corner early in Younes Belhanda skewed wide for Morocco shortly the second half to put Benin on course for a shock win but after the restart but it was Benin who grabbed a surprise Youssef En-Nesyri equalised for Morocco before Ajax lead when Adilehou broke clear of his marker to turn in a star Ziyech blew the chance to snatch victory by striking corner on 54 minutes, the Squirrels’ first goal since their the post from the spot in the 96th minute. opening game in Egypt. Substitute Boufal nearly levelled Benin were forced to play most of extra time a man with his first touch after coming off the bench on the hour, down after Khaled Adenon received a second yellow meeting Nordin Amrabat’s cross with a downward header card for dissent, but they prevailed 4-1 in the shootout that skipped off the grass and flashed just over the top. A following misses by Sofiane Boufal and En-Nesyri to set mistake from Jordan Adeoti presented Morocco with the up a clash with Senegal on July 10 for a spot in the semi- equaliser on 75 minutes, as he was caught in possession on finals. “It’s not the right time to talk about anything,” said the edge of his area by Mbark Boussoufa who squared for Morocco boss Herve Renard, after possibly his final En-Nesyri to stroke beyond Allagbe. game in charge. “The only thing I would like to say is Ziyech stung the palms of Allagbe with a free-kick thank you very much to all the fans who came to Egypt while Boussoufa, who scored a last-gasp winner in the 1-0 to support us. victory over South Africa, also saw his set-piece superbly “I’m a bit ashamed in front of them, and especially clawed away by the Benin ‘keeper. After a quiet start to the about all the people who were supporting us since more tournament Ziyech looked destined to finally deliver when than three years. “You know in life of course, some people Benin captain Stephane Sessegnon upended Achraf Hakimi are against you, but this is life. You just have to look for- deep into stoppage time, but the winger smacked his spot- ward and only remember the positive things.” Morocco kick against the base of the post. suffered a troubled build-up to the tie at Al Salam Stadium Adenon’s bizarre dismissal, ostensibly for brushing the with captain and key defender Medhi Benatia lost to injury referee away as he attempted to tend to a cramping team- while Benin were without forward Steve Mounie due to mate, gave Morocco the numerical advantage but Ziyech CAIRO: Morocco’s forward Youssef En-Nesyri misses a penalty during the penalty shoot-out of the 2019 Africa suspension. again squandered an opportunity to send his side through Cup of Nations (CAN) Round of 16 football match between Morocco and Benin at the Al-Salam Stadium on The Atlas Lions had been clinical, determined and effi- as he blazed over a cutback from Boussoufa. Morocco July 5, 2019. — AFP cient so far in Egypt, mirroring the beliefs of Renard, the were left to count the cost of those misses as Boufal only coach to win the Cup of Nations with two countries. blazed over Morocco’s second attempt in the shootout hit-and-miss tournament when he scored his third goal of However, he squandered the chance to give Senegal Benin, winless in 12 previous matches in the competition, before Allagbe tipped En-Nesyri’s effort onto the bar, the Africa Cup of Nations but also missed a penalty for the some breathing space when his spot kick was saved by only scraped through to the knockout rounds on the back leaving Mama Seibou to fire Benin into the last eight. second game running as his side beat Uganda 1-0 to reach goalkeeper Denis Onyango in the 61st minute of a game of three draws after holding both Ghana and reigning the quarter-finals on Friday. Mane broke the deadlock in which featured 45 fouls. Outsiders Uganda, whose players champions Cameroon. En-Nesyri and Ziyech both pro- Senegal end Uganda’s run the 15th minute of a physical game after Senegal pounced were involved in a pay dispute with their federation in the duced saves in a dreary first half from Saturnin Allagbe, Meanwhile, Senegal forward Sadio Mane continued his on a mistake by Uganda, who were in the knockout stages run-up to the game, gave Senegal a stern test at a near- for the first time in 41 years. deserted Cairo International stadium. —Agencies Infantino eyes further WCup expansion Atletico accuses after ‘best ever’ Barcelona, tournament Griezmann of

LYON: FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Friday he is ‘disrespect’ determined to push ahead with plans to expand the women’s World Cup to 32 teams in time for the next tour- BARCELONA: Atletico Madrid have accused nament after hailing France 2019 as “the best ever”. Barcelona and Antoine Griezmann of a “lack of Speaking at a press conference in Lyon, where the World respect” after the Catalan giants’ president Josep Cup concludes today as holders the United States and the Maria Bartomeu revealed on Friday that the two Netherlands contest the final, Infantino claimed the tour- clubs had held talks about the signing of the France nament had been “phenomenal” as he promised huge international. In a statement, the La Liga club con- increases in investment in the women’s game and to the firmed Bartomeu’s earlier announcement that there prize fund for future competitions. had been a meeting, at Barca’s behest, on Thursday “There was a before and there will be an after the World to discuss a deal to sign World Cup winner Cup but it is up to us to seize the opportunity and do Griezmann, who has a release clause of 120 million something about it,” added Infantino, who last month was euros ($134.6 million) in his contract. Atletico also re-elected for a second four-year term in charge of world said they refused a proposal from Barca that they ZURICH: Argentinian President Mauricio Macri (center), FIFA President Gianni Infantino (right) and the presi- football’s governing body. Rolling out a series of proposals sign the 28-year-old but delay the payment of the dent of the South American football’s governing body Conmebol, Paraguayan Alejandro Dominguez pose with for the development of the women’s game, Infantino said he buy-out clause. a ball in Zurich. — AFP would try to expand the competition from 24 teams to 32 in “Obviously our response was negative, under- time for the next tournament in four years. standing that both Barcelona and the player have “I think we should increase the number of participants,” process and allow everyone to have a chance to organise she said after her team’s 13-0 demolition of Thailand. disrespected Atletico Madrid and all its fans,” the said Infantino, who has succeeded in expanding the men’s or maybe co-host” but claimed that “nothing is impossi- Infantino also promised to double the prize fund for the club said. The statement also claims that tournament from 32 teams to 48 in time for the 2026 finals. ble”. A decision on who hosts the 2023 finals will be made next tournament having initially raised overall contribu- Griezmann had told the club that he had struck a “The tricky thing is that we have a World Cup coming in next year, with Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, tions from $15 million to $50 million in time for this year’s deal with Barcelona in March, just days before the 2023 for which we started just a couple of months ago a Colombia, Japan, South Africa, and New Zealand among competition. second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie bidding process based on 24 teams, so there we will need the contenders, while the possibility of South Korea co- When that increase was announced by FIFA late last with Juventus, which saw them dumped out by a to act more quickly if we want to have more teams already hosting with North Korea has also been raised. year, it was criticised by players union FIFPro, who said it Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick after winning the first in 2023.” Earlier in the tournament, USA star Alex Morgan stated actually marked a “regressive trend” compared to the leg 2-0 in Madrid. This is only the second women’s World Cup since it was her wish to see the competition expanded to give develop- men’s tournament. The prize money for the 2018 men’s It added: “Atletico Madrid wants to express is expanded from 16 teams to 24 in Canada four years ago. ing countries more reason to invest in the women’s game. World Cup in Russia was $400 million, a $48 million strongest condemnation of the behaviour of both The competition started out with 12 teams in 1991. “It’s great to see quality games and quality teams, and my increase from 2014. “I am very confident we can achieve parties, in particular Barcelona, for having induced Infantino suggested FIFA may need to “reopen the bidding hope is eventually we cap it at 32 teams moving forward,” the necessary figures,” Infantino said on Friday. — AFP the player to break his contractual relationship with us during the moment in which the club was not only playing the Champions League tie with Juventus, but also challenging Barcelona for the La ‘The star is the team’: Staying on feet pays Liga title.” Griezmann - who announced in May that he would be leaving Atletico but could not reveal his destination until his release clause Madagascar punching off for persistent dropped from 200 million euros on July 1 - signed for the capital club from Real Sociedad in 2014 and above weight at AFCON Gabriel Jesus has since scored 133 goals in 257 appearances for Diego Simeone’s men. He has also netted 29 times in 70 international ALEXANDRIA: Theirs is a squad comprised largely of TERESOPOLIS: At just 22 years of age, a back-to-back games for France, winning the 2018 World Cup and players from the lower tiers of French football, but Premier League title winner with Manchester City and claiming the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 as Les Madagascar have emerged as the surprise team at this having scored 17 goals in 34 matches for five-time world Bleus lost in the final on home soil to Portugal. year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Ranked as lowly as champions Brazil, it might seem absurd to say it, but Barcelona won their second straight La Liga title 190th little over five years ago, the arrival of French coach Gabriel Jesus was under pressure coming into the Copa last season but are looking to reinforce their squad Nicolas Dupuis has transformed the perennial also-rans America. The former Palmeiras forward - who won the ALEXANDRIA: Madagascar’s midfielder Lalaina after failing again in their bid for a first Champions into a cohesive unit that is making waves in a first appear- Brazilian title there too before moving to City - seems to Nomenjanahary celebrates after scoring a goal during the League triumph since 2015 - suffering a humiliat- ance at the continental showpiece. have the world at his feet and enviable statistics for a play- 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match ing loss to Liverpool in the semi-finals having won The Indian Ocean islanders held Guinea to a 2-2 draw er of his age. between Madagascar and Nigeria. — AFP the first leg 3-0. in their debut match and have gone from strength to Yet when he arrived at the Copa America on home soil, strength in Mediterranean city Alexandria, with a 1-0 vic- Jesus was the subject of severe criticism. The reason ‘Neymar wants to leave PSG’ tory over Burundi followed by “the most beautiful win in Saudi-based attacker was quick to deflect praise back being: his lack of goals for Brazil. That’s a strange accusa- Barca have also been linked with a possible Madagascar’s history”, a famous 2-0 defeat of three-time towards the group. “We did what we needed, and at a tion to put at a guy scoring an average of one in every two move to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou. But African champions Nigeria. Their reward for finishing top point a player stands out individually when the team needs matches and who, with six international goals in 2019, is Bartomeu admitted there was little prospect of the of the group is a last-16 encounter today with the him. That’s our strength,” he said. having his most prolific calendar year in the Selecao’s yel- Brazilian rejoining the club he left in a world- Democratic Republic of Congo, a team that thrashed However, the longer-term concern for Dupuis and foot- low shirt. But the problem was that until he netted in the 2- record 222-million-euro transfer to Paris Saint- Madagascar 6-1 when the sides last met in 2016. ball in Madagascar is the lack of succession planning for a 0 Copa semi-final victory over arch rivals Argentina, Germain in 2017. “We know that Neymar wants to “All teams are better on paper than us,” Dupuis told team heavily reliant on aging players, such as 35-year-old Jesus’s last nine goals had come in friendlies. Crucially, he leave PSG, we know it, but we also know that PSG AFP, pointing out that none of the players involved that captain Faneva Andriatsima and Lalaina Nomenjanahary, didn’t score at the World Cup last year and also missed an don’t want Neymar to leave,” he added. “There is day are part of the current squad. “Everything has 33. “I’ve sounded the alarm in Madagascar. There is noth- injury-time penalty in the 5-0 win over Peru earlier in the no ‘Neymar’ file.” Griezmann would not be guaran- changed, the team is no longer the same. The players have ing being done from a technical standpoint at the national Copa. Scoring against Argentina lifted a huge weight off teed to walk into Barca’s starting line-up, though, changed and the set-up has changed. It’s much more pro- level, there’s no work in terms of youth and it’s serious,” his shoulders. with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and either Philippe fessional, the staff as well, with proper physical trainers, said Dupuis. “I’m delighted about the goal because it’s something I’d Coutinho or Ousmane Dembele usually making up physiotherapists and doctors. Everything is done better “I’m raising the alarm because the national team is the been searching for since the first match at the Copa,” said their front three last term. and in a professional manner. It’s normal that we’ve had a tree that hides the forest. “If we don’t question everything, Jesus. “In life, sometimes things don’t go as you’d like. You If Barca can get the Griezmann deal over the few more results.” if we don’t get back to work, in two years there will be no have to be persistent, things aren’t easy.” His last goal in a line despite the friction it has caused with Atletico, While Dupuis, who juggles the job with his role at a more team and in four even less so. It would be a shame competitive match dated back to October 2017 and a it could also put the futures of former Liverpool French fourth-division club, has scoured the lower reaches because there’s a real breeding ground and it’s quite an old World Cup qualifier against Chile. forward Coutinho and teenager Dembele in doubt. of the game in his homeland for prospective players, team. My role is to sound the alarm and tell officials there Not only did he take his chance against Argentina, pop- Griezmann scored 21 goals in all competitions as Madagascar remain decidedly short on star power. “We are lots of things in need of change in Madagascar.” ping up in the right place at the right time to tap home a Atletico finished second behind Barcelona in La don’t have any stars in our team. The star is the team. We For Dupuis and his players the significance of their suc- cross from Roberto Firmino after great work from captain Liga last term, while Dembele and Coutinho man- have a real team of friends but also with talented players, cess in Egypt has yet to properly sink in, but they will get Dani Alves, but he also laid the second on a plate for his aged 11 and 14 respectively. Bartomeu was speak- who are very good but perhaps not stars. Players who put a taste of the fervour back home with President Andry strike partner. Jesus won a 50-50 challenge with Argentina ing ahead of the presentation of rising Dutch star with one another, if we start playing well and with tactical Rajoelina chartering a 480-seater plane to take fans to midfielder German Pezzella, shrugged off a full-blooded Frenkie de Jong, who has joined the club from Ajax discipline, can make a very good team.” today’s match. “We’re not too aware of what we’re doing, attempted foul from his City team-mate Nicolas Otamendi for 75 million euros. — AFP Charles Andriamahitsinoro was the standout performer except when we get sent photos from Madagascar where as he entered the area, cut inside a sliding Juan Foyth and in the group phase with two goals and an assist, but the it’s madness right now,” says Dupuis. — AFP slipped the ball to Firmino to score. — AFP Sport

SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2019

Padres top Dodgers as Crusaders thrash Jaguares, Infantino eyes further 25quake rattles stadium 26 grab 10th Super Rugby title 27 World Cup expansion

LEEDS: India’s Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Sri Lanka and India at Headingley in Leeds, northern England yesterday. — AFP Sharma shines as India humble Sri Lanka Plane flies over Headingley with ‘Justice for Kashmir’ banner

LEEDS: Rohit Sharma became the first player to hit five Skipper Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 34 and “India stop genocide & free Kashmir” were flown over during the semi-finals in Manchester and Birmingham. centuries in a single World Cup as India cantered to a Hardik Pandya hit the winning runs to give India a Headingley during India’s World Cup clash with Sri Lanka Last week’s group game between Pakistan and comfortable seven-wicket win in their final World Cup chance of finishing above group leaders Australia, play- yesterday. It followed last week’s incident when a banner Afghanistan was marred by clashes between fans, group match against Sri Lanka yesterday. Sharma smashed ing South Africa in the later match at Old Trafford. was flown over the same ground in Leeds during the match prompting a police probe. 103 off 94 deliveries as semi-finalists India chased down Rahul registered his first century of the tournament but between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The ugly scenes were sparked by the flying of a banner their target of 265 in 43.3 overs to end the league stage was caught behind shortly before the end of the game Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan over the ground reading: “Justice for Balochistan.” with seven wins, one defeat and one washout. off veteran paceman Lasith Malinga-playing his final since they gained independence from British colonial rule Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and poorest province, which Sharma’s opening partner KL Rahul top-scored with World Cup match-after hitting 11 fours and one six in in 1947 but both claim the Himalayan territory in full. An borders Afghanistan and Iran, is rife with Islamist, sepa- 111 as the pair put on 189 runs for the first wicket to put his 118-ball knock. insurgency on the Indian side over the past three decades ratist and sectarian insurgencies. The Pakistani military has India well on top. Sharma reached his milestone with a Earlier, Mathews hit his third one-day international has left more than 70,000 dead, mainly civilians. “We are been waging war on militants there since 2004, and secu- boundary off Kasun Rajitha to pass the mark set by Sri century and put on 124 runs for the fifth wicket with Lahiru incredibly disappointed this has happened again,” the rity forces are frequently targeted. Later yesterday, anoth- Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, who scored four hundreds at Thirimanne (53) to give Sri Lanka a respectable total after International Cricket Council said in a statement. “We do er banner was flown over the stadium reading “Help end the 2015 tournament. they were reeling at 55-4. Jasprit Bumrah returned impres- not condone any sort of political messages at the ICC mob lynching in India” He reached his century off 92 balls with 14 fours and sive figures of 3-37 in his 10 overs as India, who had Men’s Cricket World Cup. Dozens of people have been killed by Hindu groups two sixes but was dismissed shortly afterwards, caught by already qualified for the semi-finals, restricted Sri Lanka “Throughout the tournament we have worked with over the past five years over allegations that they had Angelo Mathews off the bowling of Rajitha. Sharma, with some quality bowling. The 1996 champions finished local police forces around the country to prevent this slaughtered cows or eaten beef. Critics have accused the known as the “hitman”, now leads the tournament’s run- their World Cup campaign with three wins, four defeats type of protest occurring. After the previous incident we government of right-wing Hindu Prime Minister Narendra scoring charts with 647 runs in eight matches after hitting and two games ending in no result. were assured by West Yorkshire Police there would not Modi of turning a blind eye to vigilante attacks on minority his third successive century. He is only the fourth batsman be a repeat of this issue, so we are very dissatisfied it has Muslims in the name of cow protection. Modi has called after Sachin Tendulkar, Matthew Hayden and Shakib Al ‘Justice for Kashmir’ happened again.” The ICC said it had been assured by the deaths “unacceptable” and called the mobs “anti- Hasan to score more than 600 runs at a single World Cup. Meanwhile, banners reading “#Justice for Kashmir” and police that there would not be a repeat of the incidents social” in his rare comments on the cases. — Agencies

Nadal’s one-time fellow member of the big four Andy Nadal, Barty and Murray’s hopes of men’s doubles glory ended early as he and French partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert went out in the second round. Serena cruise into On the women’s side Barty and Williams could meet in a blockbuster quarter-final if they win their last 16 matches Wimbledon last 16 on ‘Manic Monday’. Two of the top 10 seeds did bow out, Dutch fourth seed Kiki Bertens and American ninth seed Sloane Stephens losing to Czech Republic’s Barbora LONDON: Two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal Strycova and Britain’s French Open semi-finalist Johanna had a much more enjoyable experience yesterday than his Konta respectively. While Barty will be in new territory previous match as he eased into the last 16 with a 6-2, 6-3, playng singles at Wimbledon in the second week for the 6-2 romp over French veteran Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The first time, for Williams it is the 16th time. ease with which Nadal made the fourth round for the ninth time was replicated on the women’s side by Ashleigh ‘Such a buzz going around’ LONDON: US player Serena Williams returns against LONDON: Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves against France’s Jo- Barty-who will be breaking new ground in appearing in Barty overwhelmed British wild card Harriet Dart 6-1, Germany’s Julia Goerges during their women’s singles third Wilfried Tsonga during their men’s singles third round the last 16 for the first time-and Serena Williams. 6-1 while 37-year-old, seven-time champion Williams pro- round match on the sixth day of the 2019 Wimbledon match on the sixth day of the 2019 Wimbledon Nadal, who embraced Tsonga fondly at the end in duced her most convincing display in dispensing with Championships. — AFP Championships. — AFP stark contrast to the chilly handshake he had with fiery German Julia Goerges 6-3, 6-4. Barty, bidding to become Australian Nick Kyrgios in the previous round, said he the first Australian Wimbledon women’s champion since was delighted with the manner of his victory describing Evonne Goolagong Cawley won her second title in 1980, for a place in the quarter-finals. Eleventh seed Williams, Mixed doubles rarely gets centre stage but British fans every match as a battle. “I was very happy,” said Nadal. will play unseeded American Alison Riske for a place in the who defeated Goerges in last year’s semi-finals, is bidding will wait till the bitter end as former world number one “I played a great match from the beginning to the end. last eight. She is also the first Australian woman to make to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Murray will partner Williams against Andreas Mies of “Jo is one of those players you don’t want to face early the second week since 2010. “That was really good,” said Slam titles. “It’s been an arduous year for me, so every Germany and Chile’s Alexa Guarachi. “I wanted to play but today was my day.” Barty. “I served really well and getting out of the love 40 match I’m hoping to improve tons,” said Williams, who had mixed because I’ve only played just about 15 matches so His great rival eight-time champion Roger Federer fol- game was massive. “Incredible it is a first for me (to be in a knee problem which affected her season. “Every time I far this year,” said Serena. “It’s such a buzz going around lowed him onto Centre Court to play another Frenchman, the last 16), new territory for me.” get out there, I try. I’m getting a really late start but all that about me and Andy now, that I’ve got nervous. “I’m ready Australian Open semi-finalist Lucas Pouille. Federer and Williams goes on to face Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro matters is that I’m still here.” and excited but I’m definitely nervous.” — AFP