RABIA ALTHANI 4, 1441 AH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2019

28 Pages Max 26º Min 15º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 17998 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Exhibition documents late Months after abrupt halt, Trump Antarctica tourism: The quest Liverpool stretch lead as 2 Amir’s visit to UK in 1919 9 gives blessing for Taleban deal 22 for Earth’s vulnerable extremes 28 Man City, Chelsea stumble

Indian engineers worst affected by degree accreditation decision

Many have lost their job titles, suffered pay cuts

By Nawara Fattahova Engineers also face additional conditions. “Engineers have to pass a test if their work experience is less than KUWAIT: The manpower authority last year mandat- five years - those with longer experience only have to ed that all expat engineers should get a no-objection appear for a personal interview at KSE to obtain the certificate from the Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE) approval. But Indian engineers can’t go through any of to have the title of “engineer” in their work permits. these procedures if they don’t hold an NBA accredita- Indian engineers have been the most affected by this tion. This is discriminatory and should be corrected. decision, as their degrees should be approved by The new rules of the ministry should only be applied on India’s National Board of Accreditation (NBA) in order new engineers and not those who have worked here for to get an NOC from KSE. But most Indian engineers in many years,” Kouh asserted. “If KSE is demanding Kuwait hold degrees that are approved by the All India NBA accreditation, then it should be demanded from all Council for Technical Education and not NBA. engineers and not only Indians,” he added. Attorney Fraih Al-Kouh argued Indian engineers are But an official from KSE, who preferred to remain the most discriminated against, compared to other anonymous, told Kuwait Times the condition for NBA expat engineers. “I’m defending a few Indian engineers accreditation was set by the Indian government and not who unfairly lost their job titles after working as engi- the Kuwaiti ministry or KSE. “Today, only certificates neers for years. No verdict has been issued yet as the from Indian universities that are members of NBA are legal process is lengthy, but I’m sure the court will accredited. Universities in other countries have other scrap this abusive decision,” he told Kuwait Times. accrediting bodies such as ABET for the United States According to Kouh, the sponsoring companies earli- or other bodies in European and Arab countries. These er only sought the approval of the employment contract bodies are equivalent to the Indian NBA,” he explained. from the ministry of social affairs and labor, then Kouh however demanded an academic approach for included the “engineer” title in the work permit. “Now the approval of engineers. “The approval should only the ministry decided to team up with NGOs and be issued based on academic certifications from demanded approval from the KSE certifying the appli- accredited universities and work experience. If the cant is working in this field. KSE then demands the applicant submits a fake certificate, then he should be DOHA: Kuwaiti supporters pose for the camera during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Group B football match original degree and a work certificate to review if the punished, as this is a crime. Some engineers may be between Kuwait and Oman at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in the Qatari capital yesterday. Oman won the applicant meets all conditions, and based on this they graduates from a university that is not accredited, but match 2-1. —AFP (See Page 28) send or don’t send the NOC to the ministry,” he they are good, so why not let them pass a test? explained. Continued on Page 24

man, reportedly a Polish chef, wielding News in brief Johnson vows the tusk - believed to have been taken from a nearby historic hall - and sprayed with the extinguisher. He had been con- Cop’s body slam sparks outrage action after ditionally released from jail last December after serving less than half of WASHINGTON: A video of a Chicago policeman London attack a 16-year prison sentence for terrorism, slamming a man into the pavement has added new and was wearing a suspected fake tensions to the city’s strained police-public rela- LONDON: Prime Minister Boris explosive device. Moments later armed tions, with the mayor on Friday calling it “very dis- Johnson vowed yesterday to review police officers arrived on the scene and turbing”. Police said the incident took place Britain’s sentencing system after a con- shot him dead. Investigators have said Thursday in the Chatham neighborhood in victed terrorist released early from they are not actively seeking others in Chicago’s Southeast Side, when a man, who had prison was suspected of stabbing two relation to the incident, which recalled a allegedly been drinking in public, spat on a police people to death in an attack around three-man terrorist assault two years officer as he was being detained. The video shows London Bridge. Police shot and killed ago on London Bridge that killed eight. the policeman picking up the man as they both Usman Khan after his suspected assault HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah stood next to a police vehicle and hurling him to that seriously injured three other people Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent yes- the street, the man’s head apparently hitting the was broken up by bystanders - one terday a cable of condolences to Queen curb. The man lay motionless as a bystander filmed armed with a 1.5-m narwhal tusk and of Britain Elizabeth II and Prime Minister the incident. — AFP another a fire extinguisher. Johnson. In the cable, the Amir LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (center), British Home Secretary Priti Video footage of the confrontation expressed to the Queen and the prime Patel and Commissioner of the City of London Police Ian Dyson arrive at the scene showed Khan, 28, being challenged by a Continued on Page 24 of a stabbing on London Bridge yesterday. —AFP Bishop on trial for raping nun

KOTTAYAM, India: A Roman Catholic bishop quickly detained, the killing sparked new went on trial in southern India yesterday accused of outrage in a country that has been in the repeatedly raping a nun. Franco Mulakkal arrived in Fury in India international spotlight over its handling court in Kottayam, Kerala state, with a group of of sex assaults since the brutal gang- supporters after attending morning prayers. The over new rape, rape and murder of a student on a Delhi bishop is charged with raping the nun several times bus in 2012. between 2014 and 2016, while head of the “How anyone could subject another Missionaries of Jesus order. Mulakkal did not murder case human being to such terrible, unpro- immediately make a plea in court but he has denied voked violence is beyond imagination,” the accusations in the run-up to the trial. — AFP HYDERABAD: Hundreds of people yesterday laid siege to a police station said former opposition Congress party where four men are being held over the leader Rahul Gandhi on Twitter. Police latest gruesome rape-murder to shock had to bring in reinforcements to bolster Israeli troops kill Palestinian India. Baton-wielding police pushed security around the Hyderabad police back crowds from the building in the station. The suspects appeared before a GAZA CITY: Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian southern city of Hyderabad where they magistrate for what was expected to be teenager near the border with the Gaza Strip on said the 27-year-old veterinary doctor the start of “fast-track” proceedings lat- SILIGURI, West Bengal: Youth of NGO ‘Tarunya’ form a human chain as they partici- Friday, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave was gang-raped, killed and then her er yesterday. pate in a candlelight procession yesterday calling for justice following the recent said. Fahd Al-Astal, 16, died after being shot in the body burned. While the suspects were Continued on Page 24 rape and murder of a 27-year-old veterinarian. — AFP stomach east of Khan Yunis in the south of the enclave, and four other Palestinians were wounded, the ministry said. Weekly border protests along the Israeli frontier were officially cancelled on Friday. responded with violence to the decen- But residents said a small number of mostly Iraqis keep up tralized demonstrations, killing more than young Palestinians still approached the border 420 people and wounding 15,000, fence. At least 348 Palestinians have been killed demos as PM according to an AFP tally compiled from by Israeli fire in Gaza since weekly protests medics and an Iraqi rights commission. began in March 2018. — AFP The toll spiked dramatically this week, vows to quit when a crackdown by security forces left dozens dead in Baghdad, the Shiite NASIRIYAH, Iraq: Iraqis kept up anti- shrine city of Najaf and the southern Iran disputes protest death tolls government protests in Baghdad and the hotspot of Nasiriyah - the birthplace of south yesterday, dissatisfied with the Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi. TEHRAN: Iran yesterday disputed death tolls premier’s vow to quit and insisting on the Facing pressure from the street and issued abroad for bloodshed that erupted during overhaul of a system they say is corrupt the country’s top Shiite cleric Grand protests in the country over fuel prices, after a and under the sway of foreign powers. Ayatollah Ali Sistani, Abdel Mahdi rights group said over 160 demonstrators were Protesters have hit the streets since early announced on Friday that he would sub- killed. London-based human rights group Amnesty October in the largest grassroots move- mit his resignation to parliament, due to International said in a tweet on Friday that the ment Iraq has seen in decades, sparked meet today. But demonstrations have not crackdown claimed the lives of 161 demonstrators. by fury at poor public services, lack of subsided, with crowds in the capital and BAGHDAD: Iraqi anti-government protesters carry away an injured comrade amidst But Iran’s deputy interior minister, Jamal Orf, dis- jobs and widespread government graft. across the Shiite-majority south sticking clashes with security forces on the capital’s Rasheed Street near Al-Ahrar Bridge puted such figures. — AFP Security forces and armed groups Continued on Page 24 on Friday. — AFP 2 Local Sunday, December 1, 2019 Prince William arrives in Kuwait today as part of regional tour

KUWAIT: The Grandson of UK’s Queen late Princess Diana. The visit included offi- 2011 and 2015, Prince Charles visited Elizabeth II, Duke of Cambridge Prince cial rounds of talks with late Amir Sheikh Kuwait, holding meetings with several sen- William is set to visit Kuwait today as part Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. ior officials. Similar to Prince Charles, of a regional tour, which will also include On November 9, 1993, Prince Charles Prince Andrew - Duke of York - visited Oman. The visit to Kuwait comes to honor visited Kuwait where Sheikh Jaber honored Kuwait on several occasions. The first visit the 200 years of longstanding and historic him with the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer was on November 27, 1998, when the Duke relations between the two countries. In the in recognition of his stance with Kuwaiti of York spent three days in Kuwait, meeting last decades, Queen Elizabeth II and mem- during the Iraqi invasion of 1990 and sub- with senior officials including the late Amir bers of the British Royal Family visited sequent liberation in 1991. The Order was Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad. Kuwait on several occasions. also in recognition of Prince Charles efforts On November 7, 1999, Prince Andrew On February 12, 1979, the Queen and her in boosting ties between the friendly visited Kuwait, expressing his admiration spouse Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, nations. On February 21, 1997, Prince to the strong level of bilateral relations. arrived to Kuwait on a three-day visit upon Charles visited Kuwait for the third time, The Royal Family member opened a pho- an official invitation by then Amir Sheikh holding talks on bilateral relations and tographic gallery celebrating the centen- Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The issues of common grounds. On January 17, nial of the Kuwaiti-British friendship visit focused on ways to bolster ties. It also 2006, Prince Charles arrived to Kuwait to accord. Prince Andrew visited Kuwait in allowed the Queen to visit various land- pay his respects to late Amir Sheikh Jaber 2000, 2003, and 2007 in various capaci- marks in the country. The Queen’s daughter Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. ties and attending numerous functions. On Princess Anne visited Kuwait on three Prince Charles - accompanied spouse by March 31, 2008, Prince Andrew visited occasions on February 17, 1987, on Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall - visited Kuwait, holding talks with the leadership September 5, 1991 and on November 15, Kuwait where official rounds of talks were of the country and attending an exhibition. In this file photo, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- 1995. Charles, Prince of Wales, visited held with His Highness the Amir Sheikh The last visit for Prince Andrew was on Sabah attends a banquets held in his honor by UK’s Queen Elizabeth II. Kuwait on March 12, 1989 accompanied by Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In May 18, 2014. — KUNA

KUWAIT: In this file photo, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- In this file photo, the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah In this file photo, the Late Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Prince Charles of Wales during receives Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Kuwait on February Al-Sabah receives Prince Charles and Princess Diana during a vis- a visit to Kuwait in 2011. — KUNA photos 12, 1979. it to Kuwait.

Indian Embassy Exhibition documents celebrates late Amir’s visit to Britain ‘Constitution Day’

KUWAIT: The Embassy of India recently organized a function in its auditorium to cele- brate the Constitution Day of India and mark the 70th Anniversary of adoption of India’s Constitution. The Constitution of India for- mally came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day of India. The event was very well attended with the KUWAIT: Ambassador of India to Kuwait K Jeeva Sagar (center left), Kuwaiti consti- presence of a large number of distinguished tutional expert Dr Mohammad Al-Feeli (center right) and other dignitaries attend the guests comprising a Member of National ceremony. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Assembly of the friendly State of Kuwait, offi- cials from the Government of Kuwait, repre- institutions; and for creation of an ecosystem ples of state policy, and the principle of sepa- sentatives from Academia, leading Think which provides meaningful freedom for real- ration of powers. He spoke about the farsight- Tanks, Diplomats, representatives of the ization of true potential of an individual. edness shown by the drafting members of the KUWAIT: Essa Dashti gives an explanation during a tour at the Indian Community in Kuwait, and a significant Underlining that Kuwait itself is a rule-based constitution in providing an enduring frame- exhibition. — KUNA photos number of Kuwaiti and Indian students. Dr and constitution-based nation, the ambassa- work of the Rule of Law to fulfill the aspira- Mohammad Al-Feeli, an eminent Kuwaiti con- dor thanked the leadership, the government tions of over a billion people. KUWAIT: An exhibition about the cen- for the victory of the United Kingdom stitutional expert and Professor of Public Law and the people of Kuwait for their humanitar- Two short documentaries on India’s tennial visit of late Amir Sheikh Ahmad and its allies in World War I. The exhibi- at Kuwait University, was the Keynote speak- ian and friendly approach towards expatriates Constitution; ‘India -The Spirit of Freedom’ Jaber Al-Sabah to Britain was held in tion included photos of places Sheikh er at the event. in general and Indian community in particular. and ‘Mooknayak - Leader of the Silent’ were Kuwait recently, documenting the first Ahmad visited in Britain, and the gifts Addressing the gathering, K Jeeva Sagar, In his keynote address, Dr Feeli highlighted screened on the occasion. On the sidelines, a official visit by a Kuwaiti to the United exchanged between Sheikh Ahmad and Ambassador of India to Kuwait, credited the the salient features of the Indian constitution, collection of photographs on the theme Kingdom in 1919. The documents, which King George V. The exhibition is part of constitution for the progress of the country particularly the aspects of pluralism and sec- ‘Making of the Indian Constitution’ were belonged to Essa Dashti, put into dis- celebrations that mark the 120th governed by strong, independent democratic ularism, fundamental rights, directive princi- also displayed. play at Al-Hamra Mall showing late anniversary of the protectorate agree- Sheikh Ahmad congratulating King ment between Kuwait and Britain, which George V and the Britain Government was signed in 1899. —KUNA

A picture displayed at the exhibition and dated back to 1919 shows members of the Kuwaiti and Saudi delegations during their visit at Buckingham Palace. Souq Murouj Ooredoo supports entrepreneurs in Souq Murouj

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, The ‘street food’ section aimed at high- Communications Mijbil Al-Ayoub first to launch innovated digital lighting the culinary diversity of said: “We are happy to be support- services in Kuwait is proudly part- Kuwait’s local food community. The ing local businesses and entrepre- nering with Souq Murouj for the market also offers a section dedi- neurs through this engaging project. fourth consecutive year to bring to cated for children’s activities. It will This sponsorship comes in tandem you Murouj Market, a monthly be held once a month on weekends, with our social responsibility strate- weekend market for local entrepre- until March 2019. The second mar- gy, which in turn is based on our neurs and businesses. The market, ket will take place today Friday core values of caring, connecting which is held at Murouj Complex, November 29 from 3:30 pm to 11 and challenging. We look forward to includes an Ooredoo dedicated pm. Commenting on this sponsor- meeting those young enthusiastic A picture displayed at the exhibition shows the crew of the ship in a group booth, local farm produce, artisanal ship, Ooredoo Kuwait Senior small business owners as well as our photo with Sheikh Ahmad Jaber Al-Sabah and Prince Faisal Al-Saud. food products and crafts, with a Director of Corporate valued customers at the market.” Mijbil Al-Ayoub Established 1961 3 Local Sunday, December 1, 2019 Late US President George Bush, a leader engraved in Kuwaitis’ minds

WASHINGTON: Almost a year has passed since ed. Our military objectives are met. Kuwait is once the world woke up to the sad news of the passing more in the hands of Kuwaitis in control of their own away of the 41st President of the US George H W destiny. We share in their joy, a joy tempered only by Bush whose success in gathering international sup- our compassion for their ordeal,” is engraved in the port for the 1991 Gulf War was seen as a military and hearts of all Kuwaitis of different generations. A diplomatic “triumph.” At the time of his death on speech that is remembered and will be remembered November 30, 2018, Bush was the longest-lived US by many generations to come, addressing a joint president, whose public image was seen as a “prag- session of Congress announcing the end of the Gulf matic caretaker” president, where he won a single War, Bush said, “Aggression is defeated. The war is term presidential election that started from 1989 over. This is a victory for every country in the coali- until 1993. In August 1990, Bush strongly condemned tion, for the United Nations. A victory for unprece- the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and was able to immedi- dented international cooperation and diplomacy... It ately put together a 30-nation coalition that was is a victory for the rule of law and for what is right.” backed by a UN mandate during which he warned, He noted, “All of us grieve for the victims of war, for “This will not stand, this aggression against Kuwait.” the people of Kuwait and the suffering that scars the Bush addressed a joint session of the US Congress soul of that proud nation,” and that “for the sake of regarding the authorization of air and land attacks, our principles, for the sake of the Kuwaiti people, we laying out four immediate objectives, saying, “Iraq stood our ground. Because the world would not look must withdraw from Kuwait completely, immediately, the other way.” and without condition. Kuwait’s legitimate govern- On his first visit to Kuwait in April 1993, Bush, ment must be restored.” who was not president then, was presented with the After that, in early 1991, by a vote of 250 to 183, Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer “in gratitude and the House passed a resolution authorizing Bush to appreciation” for his efforts liberating Kuwait. He use force against the Iraqi military, a vote that was also received then an honorary doctorate from considered “an important victory” for him. On Kuwait University. In a January 2011 interview mark- January 17, 1991, the US and allied planes struck ing the 20th anniversary of the Gulf War, Bush Iraqi targets and Desert Shield became Desert recalled the mission, saying, “I think it was a signa- Storm. The ground war kicked-off in February 24 ture historical event,” and “I think it will always be. and Bush ordered a cease-fire 100 hours after the “In a cable of condolences on the passing away of WASHINGTON: In this file photo, Kuwait’s Amir representative Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah fighting began. In the wake of that 1991 victory, Bush last year, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah attends former US President George H W Bush’s funeral. — KUNA Bush’s approval at home approached 89 percent, the Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah recalled the stance highest rating ever recorded, where he also gained and support of Bush to Kuwait and his rejection of broad international support for the Gulf War and the the Iraqi occupation in its early hours. His Highness Highness the Amir to the US 43rd President and son flagrant Iraqi aggression and his leading role in war’s result were seen as both a diplomatic and mili- Sheikh Sabah also remembered the decisive decision of late Bush, George W Bush, His Highness the Amir forming the international coalition for the liberation tary triumph. taken by the American administration under the noted, “We have lost a dear friend... particularly dear of the State of Kuwait. On his death, Kuwaitis recol- A figure that will forever be remembered for his leadership of Bush and his pivotal role on forming an for the Kuwaiti people who will never forget him as a lected his great contributions in liberating their crucial role in Kuwait’s liberation, as well as his international coalition mandated by the UN to liber- supporter of justice.” His Highness the Amir also homeland from the Iraqi invasion, a man whose posi- speech from the Oval Office on February 27, 1991 ate the State of Kuwait. recalled the late ex-president’s brave stance in sup- tions will remain in the memory of all Kuwaitis and declaring “Kuwait is liberated. Iraq’s army is defeat- Furthermore, in a written message from His port of Kuwait, namely his emphatic rejection of the the entire world. — KUNA

the International Maritime Organization Mubarak Port (IMO). The port is designed to link the sea to the mainland through a network to play key role of highways and railways, thus serving as a critical juncture in the international Silk Road between the East and the in int’l trade West, Shehab noted. On Kuwait’s role in the IMO, she said her country joined the organization as LONDON: Undersecretary of Kuwait’s early as in 1960 only one year after the Ministry of Communication Kholoud Al- IMO held its maiden meeting. “Kuwait, Shehab said Friday Mubarak Al-Kabeer having one of the biggest fleets in the Port is one of the mega projects in the world, takes part actively in the various country’s national development plan that programs of this UN specialized agency will have a great impact on international out of keenness on ensuring the safety trade routes. “The port, with 24 harbors, of shipping and preventing marine pol- will serve as a major route for regional lution,” she added. Earlier Friday, the shipping and transit services,” she said IMO General Assembly elected Kuwait in a statement delivered on behalf of as one of the 20 category C members of Kuwait to the 31st General Assembly of the organization’s council. —KUNA

LONDON: Undersecretary of Kuwait’s Ministry of Communication Kholoud Al- Shehab. — KUNA

the care and attention paid by Kuwait to Kuwaiti inventors the youth category, especially the cre- ators and inventors, adding that Abu win first place Arjeeb and Mutairi were able to show the bright face of the Kuwaiti youth and raise the name of their country. Awadhi at Invention fair expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Patent Office of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation SEOUL: Kuwaiti inventors Sara Abu Council for organizing this active partic- Arjeeb and Dr Meshari Al-Mutairi were ipation of the inventors from the GCC awarded the Golden Award at Seoul countries at the Seoul International Fair. International Invention Fair (SIIF) 2019 Meanwhile, Mutairi said that this is yesterday. Engineer Abu Arjeeb received the first time that two Kuwaiti inventors the Golden Award for her invention have been awarded the gold prize in “detector of bone fractures,” while such invention fairs, adding that this Engineer Mutairi received the same confirmed the talent and creative quali- award for his invention “treatment of oil ties enjoyed by Kuwaiti youth. In the contaminated soil.” meantime, Abu Arjeeb presented the Kuwait’s Ambassador to the Republic gold prize to His Highness the Amir of Korea Bader Al-Awadhi expressed his Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- pride in the fact that two Kuwaiti inven- Sabah and expressed her pride for rais- tors were awarded the first places in the ing the name of Kuwait in the fair and in SIIF. Awadhi added that this win reflects the field of inventions. — KUNA

SEOUL: Kuwaiti inventors Sara Abu Arjeeb (right) and Dr Meshari Al-Mutairi (left) with Kuwait’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bader Al-Awadhi. — KUNA 4 Local Sunday, December 1, 2019 Zain participates in 3rd Smart City Forum in Kuwait Company showcased its role in empowering New Kuwait vision

Hamad Al-Marzouq and Ambassador Hong Youngki with Zain officials at the company’s booth. Hamad Al-Marzouq during the panel discussion.

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading digital service provider in industry is currently undergoing a huge revolution, and as Smart Meters project. In addition, we offer our Zain LIFE smarter portable lifestyle, as well as using advanced tech- Kuwait, participated in the 3rd Smart City Forum in Kuwait Zain is a leader in telecom and digital services, 5G tech- brand, which consists of a portfolio of flexible smart home nology to enable an easier and more flexible life. The com- entitled Beyond Technology: The Evolution of Smart Cities. nology is allowing us to be more relevant and transforma- digital services for consumers and businesses, further pany places itself as an active partner in creating the The event, held at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel, was tive in the market. 5G is not just about speed, it is an enriching Zain’s leadership in offering the latest digital future of smart life in Kuwait. The company’s continues organized by Korea Land and Housing Corporation in col- enabling technology for Internet of Things (IoT), and as transformation applications.” efforts prove its full potential in triggering the digital com- laboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to smart cities essentially rely on IoT to function, 5G and Zain’s strategy is centered around digital transformation munity, and will enrich its collaborations in Telecom and IT the State of Kuwait with the attendance of many public smart cities are inextricably linked.” leadership and empowering the community to enjoy a areas with its strategic partners on multiple levels. and private sector officials. Marzouq continued: “we at Zain are proudly committed The forum witnessed the presence of the Ambassador to be an active enabler for the New Kuwait vision 2035, of the Republic of Korea to the State of Kuwait Hong and so we were keen on being an early adopter of 5G cially for those who teach Youngki, Zain Kuwait’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer technology, not only in the region but worldwide. We were KIB sponsors students with learning Hamad Al-Marzouq, Deputy Director General for Planning keen on being the first to create that layer by investing in difficulties, as they and Design at the Public Authority for Housing Welfare 5G and deploying the technology commercially all over employ different styles Nasser Khraibut, as well as many representatives of the Kuwait at a very early stage.” KALD Distinguished that develop students’ Korean Embassy in Kuwait and officials from the country’s Marzouq added: “we relied on our acquisitions strategy abilities and nurture their private and public sectors. to fill in the knowledge gap that naturally forms as new Teacher award understanding. Zain took part in the event with its own dedicated technologies emerge. We achieved this by investing in our Meanwhile, Amal Al- booth, through which it showcased the latest “Zain smart cities arm NXN, who is a regional leader in smart Sayer, Chairperson of Business” innovative services and solutions it offers to city solutions with tremendous international capabilities.” KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) sponsored KALD said: “We would like serve the smart cities sector in the country. The company Marzouq further explained: “the fast-paced advance- the KALD Distinguished Teacher Award for the aca- to thank KIB for sponsor- affirmed its capabilities as an active partner in achieving ments in technology are creating huge opportunities to demic year 2018-2019. Organized by the Kuwaiti ing this huge awards cere- the goals of the Kuwait National Development Plan (New transform communities and nations, and that’s why we at Association for Learning Differences (KALD), the mony. With this support, Amal Al-Sayer Kuwait 2035) that stems from His Highness the Amir Zain are committed to investing in IoT areas to offer new awards ceremony took place on November 27, 2019 we are able to continue Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s conceptual- technologies and innovative solutions to the government at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre where rewarding remarkable ized vision of a new Kuwait by 2035. sector and business community in Kuwait.” the award winners were announced and recognized teachers. This award is the first-of-its-kind in the Arab Marzouq participated in a panel discussion entitled Marzouq added: “our digital transformation journey for their contribution in teaching students with learn- world, aiming at honoring outstanding teachers who Driving Smart Cities in Kuwait that came as part of the began nearly three years ago, marked by our partnership ing difficulties. deserve recognition from all of us.” Sayer also pointed out forum. During the discussion, Marzouq said: “the telecom with the Ministry of Electricity and Water through the With a growing number of nominees year after year, that the idea of this award stems from the important role the award has garnered the confidence of private teachers play in various aspects of a student’s academic schools across Kuwait. Schools have now begun to career, psychological well-being and social life. She also adopt the Charlotte Danielson self-assessment model to noted that by honoring teachers, schools are also recog- evaluate the performance of teachers; the same evalua- nized for providing the right learning conditions and tion model adopted by the award committee. On this opportunities, such as training and ongoing support; occasion, external communication Manager of the thereby allowing for teachers to demonstrate their skills Corporate Communications Unit at KIB, Fahad Al- and competencies. Sarhan, said: “Our sponsorship of this award comes as At the end, Sarhan noted that KIB always seeks to part of our ongoing commitment to developing various participate in events that cater to diverse segments in areas in the local community, including education. As the local community, in line with its slogan ‘Bank for such, we continue to dedicate financial and moral sup- Life.’ Accordingly, the bank supports teachers as they port to a number of educational institutions, which will educate youth, contribute to their upbringing, and ulti- in turn boost the country’s level of education and mately helping them better serve their community in the enrich generations to come.” Sarhan also added that future. He also shed light on the importance of spread- KIB’s sponsorship underscores its appreciation of ing awareness about the different needs of students efforts made by teachers who believe that their profes- with learning difficulties and providing them with the sion embodies a noble mission, carrying it out in a pro- best educational services, as well as supporting par- fessional, sincere and loving manner. This is true espe- ents, teachers and specialists in this area.

Amal Al-Sayer with Fahad Al-Sarhan

mitment to playing an active role in supporting Kuwait’s ABK sponsors youth during the early stages of their work life. Commenting on the bank’s involvement, Ali Akbar, Assistant General Manager - Human Resources at ABK PAAET career fair said, “ABK participates in these job fairs to support fresh graduates and to nurture their skills and abilities KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) announced its by increasing their knowledge on what the banking successful sponsorship of the Public Authority of Applied industry entails and the requirements needed to pursue Education and Trainee (PAAET) career fair, which was a career in banking through the ‘ABK Academy.’ Kuwait held between the 25th and 27th of November 2019 at the has a pool of young talent, and we look forward to inter- PAAET campus. ABK’s participation reinforces its com- acting with them. “

KUWAIT: ABK’s booth at the PAAET career fair. 5 Local Sunday, December 1, 2019 Weekend negotiations could lead to new Kuwaiti Cabinet this week

Several political blocs could possibly be included in new govt formation

local spotlight By A Saleh KUWAIT: Official government sources said meetings The new and consultations held by HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah during the weekend result- ed in shortening the waiting period for declaring his government Cabinet formation, which is expected to be announced during the week. Meanwhile, some members of parlia- ment said the formation will be delayed, which made the parliament suspend its sessions and not call for the regular Tuesday session. By Muna Al-Fuzai Sources said Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled met some members of the ruling family and that ministers of for- eign affairs, defense and interior were agreed upon. They said Sheikh Dr Ahmad Al-Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah is close to being named foreign minister, and [email protected] it is not true that the post was offered to Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah as rumored on social media. The sources said it is possible political blocs may be uwaitis are looking forward to the formation of the included in the new government, adding Sheikh Sabah new government in light of the recent tensions Al-Khaled offered ministerial posts to various political Kthat led to the end of the previous government. It factions that are influential, including the Islamic Al-Seif Palace. is natural that people consider the new government as a Constitutional Movement, the Salaf Gathering, National new phase of hope, starting with the selection of a new Democratic Alliance and National Islamic Alliance. prime minister, HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah. He They said the blocs will be present in the government, Bader said the new procedure gave the evaluation control authority. is a Kuwaiti diplomat and politician who served in various but were not given the choice to nominate any person - priority in three categories - innovative drugs made of ministerial posts from 2006 until his appointment as rather Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled selected them. new substances; unique medicine used for rare disease; Physiotherapy ‘intruders’ Prime Minister of Kuwait in 2019. and medicines that meet the shortage in medicinal Head of Kuwait Physiotherapy Society Hanaa Al- I think it is not surprising that people are hoping that New drugs needs. He said the new mechanism divides drugs cate- Khamees said there will be coordination with the social the new ministers will present a government consensus to Ministry of Health (MOH) Assistant Undersecretary gories into three levels, adding that the study period affairs ministry to find a mechanism to combat physio- work as a team, set a new action plan, support the issues will not be more than 30 days for the first level of new therapy profession ‘intruders,’ which will include banning of citizens and address mistakes without hesitation. This for Drug and Food Control Dr Abdullah Al-Bader said medicines that are approved by the US Food and Drug them from practicing and to take legal action against any- is a heavy burden and will not be an easy job. But the fact there will be a new procedure to register new drugs, is that the public needs solutions and is fed up from wait- allowing patients the opportunity to receive them as Administration (FDA) and European medical authori- one who falsely claims to be a physiotherapy specialist to ing. Therefore, anyone who sees that there is a delay in soon as they are released in global markets. Certain ties. Bader said the study of the second level will be a protect patients. Khamees said ministry undersecretary the formation of the government should see this as a standards and specifications aim to hasten the evalua- maximum of 60 days for drugs that are approved by Abdelaziz Shuaib welcomed the mechanism and said it is good start because the new prime minister seems keen to tion of technical papers of the new drugs to obtain FDA and Europe, while the study period will not be important to stop “impostors” in this profession, adding carefully choose his team in order to form a government marketing approval as quickly as possible. more than 90 days if it is approved by any international special committees will be formed for this purpose. that is capable of productivity and to work for outstand- ing issues for the benefit of citizens, especially in the absence of acceptance of some of the names that had been given the opportunity repeatedly without achieve- ment for the benefit of citizens. At the end, the voice of Women journalists symposium concludes the street determines the form of democracy. Municipality Whether or not the new government attends the par- RIYADH: The third symposium of Arab women general concept for this issue in the next fourth liamentary session scheduled for Dec 10, what concerns continues Jleeb raids journalists of the Arab news agencies concluded seminar. The recommendations pointed to consid- me today is to talk about the wishes of the people in gen- recently with a number of recommendations on ering the process of compatibility between Arab eral, especially citizens and expats who wish well, and I supporting their work. The recommendations female journalists’ social conditions and their pro- By Meshaal Al-Enezi will confine it to some of the issues that I see as fateful. stressed the necessity of opening further channels fessional duties in order to ensure continuity to First, the most important question is what form of gov- for serious coordination and cooperation between enhance their experience and practice. They called ernment the community needs? Do we want a technocrat KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality’s Farwaniya branch carried the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) on FANA to holding an annual meeting of Arab government that includes specialized ministers such as out a campaign at Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh recently, during which General Secretariat and the Arab League media female journalists at Arab news agencies and to ministers of justice and health, or ministers who have tak- municipality inspectors closed down a number of stores for department to offer training, scientific activities and offer training and special programs for them. The en their opportunity repeatedly as they have experience violating rules and regulations. Random markets and cafes symposiums for journalists working for Arab news meeting focused on several topics regarding Arab in government work or formation, which is based on the were also raided at the instructions of the municipality’s agencies. The proposals also urged the participat- female journalists like their role in forming societal distribution of quotas to satisfy the wishes of some? I Deputy Director General for Farwaniya and Mubarak Al- ing female journalists to form a committee tasked awareness, the image of Arab women in social think as the new prime minister enters the political scene, Kabeer Affairs Ammar Al-Ammar, and field follow up led by with discussing their problems and submitting a media and others. — KUNA it is important to change this stereotype because the for- Director of Farwaniya branch Mohammad Sarkhouh. mation approach must modify to keep pace with the Director of cleanliness and road occupancy Saad Al- changes in society. I hope to see a government that takes Khurainej said the campaign resulted in finding a yard that is into account the different trends and orientations in the state property used by a cafe without a license, in addition 127,000 subscribe to ‘Shamal Azzour’ country. To succeed, this government has to come with a to closing 28 other cafes. Four truckloads of fruits and veg- clear strategy and a program to resolve many issues, etables were confiscated, in addition to a truckload of used KUWAIT: Some 127,000 Kuwaitis have subscribed to engage them in the ownership of partnership enterprises, especially ones related to women, naturalization, health clothes. A total of 224 plastic chairs, 230 steel chairs, 64 50 percent of the capital of Shamal Azzour Al-Oula it said. Once the ownership of shares is transferred to and education. Moreover, implementation of this program plastic tables, 8 steel tables, and 50 shishas were confiscated Company, making up a 127 percent coverage of floated citizens, the company’s board of directors should have its must be speedy, so that people witness the seriousness of during the raids on the cafes. Meanwhile, five truckloads of shares, Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects shares listed on Boursa Kuwait, thus becoming the first the new government. used tires were also removed, he added. (KAPP) said yesterday. The period of subscription to the power and water company ever to be registered with the I believe that the requirements of the youth and the In other news, Municipal Council member Maha Al-Baghli company’s capital elapsed on Friday, KAPP said in a stock exchange, it added. Similar opportunities are to be services provided to them is an urgent issue, because we proposed improving the pedestrian bridge that links Jabriya statement, adding that it had subscribed to the firm on offered to Kuwaiti citizens in next partnership projects, are beginning to witness unemployment of young gradu- and Salmiya on Fahaheel road near Hadi Clinic, and expand- behalf of citizens when it was created. This process according to the statement. Shamal Azzour Al-Oula is reflects the Kuwaiti government’s determination to pro- the joint stock company founded for the development of ates, and should support fresh graduates to work in the ing it to cover the service road next to it. private sector. According to the latest statistics of the vide attractive investment openings to citizens, and to Az-Zour North One Power and Water Plant. — KUNA Public Authority for Manpower at the end of Dec 2018, the number of nationals working in the private sector is 63,963. This means that the government sector is still bloated by Kuwaiti manpower and that the process of Kuwaitization in the private sector is still far from reach- ing its goal. Another key issue here is that we have around three million expatriates in Kuwait. We have opened this coun- try for them and some are facing problems because of the sponsorship system. Some companies delay their salaries, and there are many other issues that fall on the next min- ister of economic affairs’ shoulders and the Kuwaiti gov- ernment in general, because these matters are related to the country’s reputation. I have one last wish - that the ministers must act as ministers who have the power to make decisions and changes to implement the action plan, and not merely be senior officials, especially since the next stage needs everyone’s efforts. I sincerely wish the new government all success.

Man dead, two injured in ATV, SUV crash

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti citizen died and two others were injured in an accident that happened when an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) collided with a sports utility vehicle (SUV) on Zour road. Zour firemen rushed to the scene, freed a trapped person and handed him to paramedics. An investigation was opened to reveal the circumstances behind the accident. InternationalEstablished 1961 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2019 Mexico City traffic chaos a matter of life or death Lahore looks for answers amid ‘air apocalypse’ Page 9 Page 9

BERLIN: Demonstrators gather with placards during a protest called by the Fridays for Future movement for climate protection on Friday, as part of global action day for climate. — AFP Thousands rally before UN climate summit

Some activists focus anger on ‘Black Friday’ sales bonanza

BERLIN: Tens of thousands of protesters, primarily in In France, climate activists focused their anger on the second-hand clothing. “We are trying to create an eco- Missed targets Europe and Asia, hit the streets on Friday to make a “Black Friday” sales bonanza with protesters blocking a responsible movement against mass consumption, so we In Delhi, about 50 school and college students fresh call for action against global warming, hoping to distribution center of online retail giant Amazon outside are giving away clothes for free to encourage people to marched to the environment ministry in the world’s raise pressure on world leaders days before a UN cli- Paris and others near Lyon and Lille. Protesters in Paris consume less,” protester Germain Desloges told AFP. most polluted capital, carrying placards and chanting mate summit. Carrying signs that read “One planet, one also formed a human chain at La Defense shopping mall slogans demanding that the government declare a cli- fight” and “The sea is rising, so must we”, thousands that prevented people from reaching stores, to highlight Toxic smoke mate emergency. “This is about doing something that flocked to Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate for the latest the climate costs of consumerism. The latest round of global climate demonstrations you believe in,” said 23-year-old Saumya Chowdhury. “Fridays for Future” protest inspired by 16-year-old The Dutch branch of “Fridays for Future” said demos kicked off in bushfire-ravaged Australia, where hun- “We want the government to acknowledge this and activist Greta Thunberg. were taking place in around 15 cities, culminating in an dreds rallied outside the Sydney offices of the Liberal have a conversation on this issue with people.” India is In total, about 630,000 people demonstrated across evening march in Amsterdam where protesters would party. The target of their ire was Prime Minister Scott one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases and has more than 500 cities in Germany, the Fridays for Future observe a moment’s silence for victims of the climate Morrison, who said earlier this month the suggestion 14 of the 15 most polluted cities in the world, according movement said. In Hamburg alone, some 30,000 mainly crisis. Several hundred young people also took to the that “individual actions of Australia” had an impact on to a UN study. young people gathered and another 17,000 congregat- streets of Lisbon, where Thunberg is expected to arrive the fires “doesn’t bear up to credible scientific evi- Some 200 nations are meeting in the Spanish capital ed in Munich to voice alarm at rising temperatures, shortly before making her way to Madrid. dence”. “Our government’s inaction on the climate crisis from Monday for talks on finalizing the “rulebook” for police said. Thunberg, meanwhile, was on a boat sailing Turnout was low in the United States and Canada, has supercharged bushfires,” said school strike leader the 2015 Paris climate treaty, which becomes opera- across the Atlantic, but tweeted a photo of herself hold- with the protest taking place during the American Shiann Broderick, as Sydney was once again enveloped tional in 2021. Scientists have warned that efforts to cap ing a sign that said “School strike for climate”. Thanksgiving holiday weekend. A demonstration in in toxic smoke from the fires. warming to 1.5 Celsius are failing and that carbon emis- Rallies took place across Europe, although on a Washington drew about 50 people, another in New Australia, with a population of almost 25 million, has sions - which are on the rise - would need to fall 7.6 smaller scale than during September’s wave of “climate York had 100. “It’s important to keep showing up, keep low carbon emissions compared with the planet’s percent a year to meet the target. strikes” when organizers said some four million people being out there and talking to people about how this is biggest polluters but is one of the world’s leading coal The United Nations has reported that greenhouse gas filled city streets around the world. Approximately 1,700 not a problem that can go away, unless we address it exporters. Protests also took place in Tokyo, where hun- levels in the atmosphere, the main driver of climate turned out in Madrid, the host city of next week’s 12- head-on,” said 24-year-old Frank Fritz in Washington. dreds marched through the teeming Shinjuku district. “I change, hit a record high last year. The UN has also day COP25 conference, which aims to encourage gov- New York police arrested 23 anti-consumerism pro- feel a sense of crisis because almost no one in Japan is warned that global temperatures are on track to rise ernments to increase their commitments to cut emis- testers who staged a sit-in outside Macy’s department interested,” said 19-year-old student Mio Ishida. “I was almost 4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, which sions and combat climate change. store. In Montreal, environmental groups distributed really inspired by Greta’s actions.” could make some places virtually uninhabitable. — AFP

started eating when he was called Trump visits away, and didn’t even get to taste his Over 160 nations agree to turkey. “I should’ve started with that, troops in instead of the mashed potatoes,” he said. “But I hope everyone enjoyed speed landmine clearing the fantastic meal, it certainly did Afghanistan look good and hopefully everyone OSLO: The 164 signatory countries to the Mine Ban Treaty can get some well-deserved rest this BAGRAM: President Donald Trump holiday.” (MBT) agreed Friday to accelerate the work to achieve the goal said Thursday the United States had of a “mine-free” world in 2025, Norway’s foreign ministry said. resumed talks with Taleban insur- “Countries have now agreed that it is necessary to speed up America’s longest war gents as he made a surprise trip to The United States earlier this year mine clearance over the next five years,” Norway’s Minister of Afghanistan to celebrate the Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Soreide said in a statement following reached a deal with Taleban insur- Thanksgiving holiday with troops. gents to pull US troops from a meeting in Oslo. On a brief visit to Bagram Airfield According to Landmine Monitor, an annual report by the Afghanistan and wind down outside the capital Kabul, Trump America’s longest war in return for Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, 6,897 people were served turkey dinner to soldiers, killed or injured by mines and other explosive remnants of war in security guarantees. But Trump posed for photographs and delivered made a shock move in September, 2018 and the report noted that it was the fourth year in a row a speech after meeting Afghan with “exceptionally high numbers of recorded casualties.” Of describing the year-long talks as President Ashraf Ghani. “The BAGRAM, Afghanistan: US President Donald Trump serves Thanksgiving dinner those, 3,789 were victims of so called improvised mines, the “dead” and withdrawing an invita- Taleban wants to make a deal and to US troops at Bagram Air Field during a surprise visit on Nov 28, 2019. — AFP highest recorded number to date. tion to the insurgents to meet in the we’re meeting with them and we’re Under the “Oslo Action Plan,” adopted on Friday, states United States due to the killing of an saying it has to be a ceasefire,” he undertake to “identify mined areas and put in place national American soldier. “We were getting keen to withdraw many troops from ranking insurgent prisoners, a move told reporters. plans for mine clearance”. They also commit to measuring their close and we pulled back. We didn’t Afghanistan ahead of the November seen as a boost to peace talks. About 13,000 US troops remain progress in the final stretch before 2025, the goal set by the want to do it because of what they 2020 election when he faces a tough Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention or Ottawa Treaty in 1997, in Afghanistan, 18 years after the did,” Trump later said during a meet- battle to win a second term. Friction with US military leaders the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. United States invaded following the ing with Ghani, referring to the death Afghanistan remains roiled by Back in Washington, Trump’s The meeting in Oslo this week was the last in a series of five- September 11, 2001 attacks. Trump of the soldier. “Since then, we’ve hit violence, and US presidents are still relations with the US military lead- year meetings to implement the treaty drafted in 1997, which said he planned to reduce the num- them so hard, they’ve never been hit only able to make fleeting, unan- ership have recently soured over helped to put an end to virtually all mine use by governments, ber to 8,600, and later added “we this hard.” nounced visits to Bagram - the his repeated interference in high- including those that did not sign it. Armed groups are however can go much further than that,” with- The Taleban refuse to negotiate biggest American base in the coun- profile discipline cases. Trump increasingly using improvised anti-personnel mines. According out giving details. “There’s nowhere formally with the Afghan government, try - due to the security threat. reversed the demotion of Navy to Landmine Monitor, non-state groups used this type of I’d rather celebrate this Thanksgiving though diplomatic efforts have con- Ghani, who was only given a few SEAL Edward Gallagher who was weapon last year in at least six countries: Afghanistan, India, than right here with the toughest, tinued to foster dialogue and an hours’ notice about the visit, accused of war crimes but only Burma, Nigeria, Pakistan and Yemen. strongest, best and bravest warriors eventual peace deal. Trump said thanked Trump for pushing for “the found guilty of a lesser offense. Since the treaty’s adoption nearly 58 million mines have been on the face of the earth,” the presi- Thursday the war in Afghanistan “will type of peace that will ensure the Gallagher’s cause had been cham- removed by clearing minefields and destroying stockpiles, dent, who was making his first trip to not be decided on the battlefield” gains of the past year and ensure pioned by Fox News and Trump’s according to the Norwegian ministry. Efforts to rid the world of the war-torn country, told the and that “ultimately there will need to your security and our security.” The conservative base. The case drew these weapons were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, troops. “I’ve just come from serving be a political solution” decided by Taleban last week handed over two sharp criticism from the top brass which was given to the International Campaign to Ban Thanksgiving dinner to some of people in the region. The US presi- hostages - an American and an concerned that the president was Landmines and US citizen Jody Williams. — AFP you... and we had a good time.” dent has often vowed to pull out of Australian - after three years in cap- undermining military judicial Trump joked that he had just the US’s “endless wars,” and he is tivity in exchange for three high- process. — AFP Established 1961 7 International Sunday, December 1, 2019 Bashir’s NCP condemns Sudan ‘illegal govt’ move to scrap party Hundreds march in Khartoum seeking justice for martyrs

KHARTOUM: Ousted president Omar Al-Bashir’s par- cratic civilian state”. But the NCP said the protest ty on Friday condemned Sudan’s new “illegal govern- movement was turning the country’s transition period ment” for ordering its closure and the dismantling of into one where “no rule of law or equality prevails”. his regime that ruled the country for 30 years. Sudan’s “The FFC (Forces of Freedom and Change) is trying to new authorities approved a law on Thursday ordering drag the country into war, chaos and instability ... the the Islamist leader’s National Congress Party be dis- law will only add to more tensions, extremism and solved, its assets seized and the regime dismantled as destruction of political life in our country.” demanded by the protest movement that led to Hardline Islamist cleric Mohamed Ali Jazuli warned Bashir’s fall in April. that the law had potential to trigger future conflict in On Friday, the NCP accused the authorities of taking Sudan. “This law is part of a regional project aimed at a “reckless decision” in trying to confiscate its assets to excluding Islam from all aspects of the state ... this tackle Sudan’s economic crisis, which it said the new would drag the country into a civil war,” Jazuli said in government had failed to address. Confiscating its his sermon as he led the weekly Muslim prayers at a assets “is nothing more than a moral scandal, an act of mosque in the capital. intellectual bankruptcy and a total failure on the part of On Thursday, the sovereign council and the cabinet the illegal government,” the NCP said on its Facebook also formally scrapped a controversial public order law page. “The party is not bothered by any law or decision that had severely curtailed women’s rights under Bashir. issued against it as the NCP is a strong party and its Thousands of women were flogged, fined and even ideas will prevail.” jailed under the law, which activists said primarily tar- The authorities have also banned personalities from geted women through harsh interpretations of Islamic the former regime from taking part in political activities sharia law. Activists say security forces have used the for 10 years. The new ruling sovereign council and cab- law to arrest women for attending private parties or inet led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok passed the wearing trousers. “This law is notorious for being used law on Thursday, ruling that the NCP be “dissolved” as a tool of exploitation, humiliation & violation of and its registration “cancelled from the list of political rights,” Hamdok wrote on Twitter earlier on Friday. parties in Sudan”. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters marched yester- KHARTOUM: A woman holds up a sign reading in Arabic “civilian now, the people demand retribution day through downtown Khartoum to demand justice for for the martyr” during a demonstration in the center of the capital near the prime minister’s offices ‘No rule of law’ those killed in demonstrations against Bashir. More yesterday. —AFP Bashir seized power on June 30, 1989 in an Islamist- than 250 people were killed and hundreds injured in the backed coup that toppled the elected government of months-long protests that erupted in Dec 2018, prime minister Sadiq Al-Mahdi. Hamdok said the law to according to umbrella protest movement Forces of many whistling, clapping and ululating, belted out revo- Bashir and several senior members of his regime are dissolve the party and dismantle the regime was “not Freedom and Change. lutionary slogans. “We want justice for martyrs. We are in prison, while the veteran leader himself is on trial for revenge” against the former rulers. “It aims to preserve Crowds marched from a central Khartoum square to afraid that the criminals might not be judged,” said pro- alleged graft. Since August, Sudan has been ruled by a the dignity of Sudanese people which was crushed by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s offices, demanding tester Nizar bin Sufian. He said protesters welcomed joint civilian-military sovereign council headed by dishonest people,” he wrote on Twitter. “This law aims authorities deliver justice for those killed and also find Thursday’s decision by the new authorities to dismantle General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan. A transitional cabinet to recover the plundered wealth of the people.” out about protesters who went missing. “Blood for Bashir’s regime and former ruling party. “But we have led by Hamdok has been tasked with the day-to-day The Sudanese Professionals Association, the group blood!” chanted protesters gathered in front of Hamdok’s not seen any moves by the government to find those running of the country. The sovereign council is tasked that initially led protests against Bashir, said in a state- offices in the capital, an AFP correspondent reported. missing or to begin trials of those responsible for the with overseeing an overall transition to civilian rule as ment that the decision would help “building a demo- Dozens of policemen stood guard as protesters, killing of protesters,” bin Sufian told AFP. demanded by the protest movement. —AFP

In early November, Russia denied media have motivated “a growing American US-Russia tensions reports of Russian mercenaries backing up interest” in the North African country. Haftar’s forces, who already have the sup- Previously, “the Americans had practically ‘complicate’ UN port of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), limited their interest to two fundamental Jordan and Egypt. The GNA, for its part, is questions: The fight against terrorism and peace bid for Libya propped up by Turkish military aid. Under the normal flow of oil production,” he said. Congo buries 27 an action plan adopted by the UN Security Senior US officials met with Haftar earlier TUNIS: For the UN’s Libya envoy, US- Council in July, Salame has been working to this month to discuss steps towards ending massacre victims Russia tensions top a list of “complications” organize an international conference in his offensive on Tripoli, and accused in efforts to heal international divisions on Berlin aimed primarily at ending foreign Russia of exploiting the conflict, the State the North African state’s conflict, he told interference in Libya, which is in theory Department said. as anger mounts AFP in an interview. Ghassan Salame said under a UN arms embargo. “Arms are com- Despite apparent initial support for “the road is (still) full of obstacles and com- ing in from everywhere,” the United Nations Haftar on the part of US President Donald Ghassan Salame OICHA, DR Congo: The Democratic Republic of plications” towards convening inter-Libyan envoy told AFP at his office in Tunis. Trump, Washington has called for a halt to Congo town of Oicha on Friday buried 27 victims peace talks that could be held in Geneva Four preparatory meetings have been the offensive in the wake of a visit to the of the latest massacre in the country’s volatile “probably in the first half of January”. held in the German capital and a final session US capital by a GNA delegation earlier east, with hundreds paying homage while lashing “We’ve recently had many complications, is scheduled to take place on Dec 10, he this year. Salame termed the renewed US Tripoli between pro-GNA and Haftar’s out at security forces for failing to stop attacks. primarily of course concerning this said. Apart from the Security Council’s five interest in Libya “a novelty” and said the forces had caused “a lot of destruction” Mourners gathered in silence around the tiny Russian-American tension on the possible permanent member states, Germany, Italy, United Nations, “like the Libyans, are on top of a civilian casualty toll of at least presence (in Libya) of Russian security morgue of Oicha, located near the Ugandan bor- Egypt, the UAE and Turkey have also taken waiting for clarity on what the Americans 200 killed and 300 injured. Among the der and east of the DRC town of Beni, the scene firms,” said Salame. combatants, the United Nations estimates part. “If all goes well, we’ll be able to set a think they can do” in the country. of repeated deadly strikes. Workers wore face Washington has repeatedly voiced con- more than 2,000 dead or wounded, he date... for the political meeting that should The UN envoy also said a military deal masks as they wrapped the decomposing corpses cern over alleged Russian meddling in the take place most probably in the first days of signed by Turkey and the GNA following a said. The United Nations Support in shrouds. They were barefoot in line with local conflict that is being exploited by several 2020,” in which other countries could also meeting with President Recep Tayyip Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), which outside powers for a proxy war. Russia is join, said the UN envoy, to be followed by Erdogan in Istanbul had added to interna- Salame heads, has registered more than tradition out of respect for the deceased. suspected of providing military support to the inter-Libyan talks. tional tensions. Their agreements on security 146,000 displaced by the fighting Wooden crosses marked the graves and many eastern Libya’s strongman Field Marshal and military cooperation, as well as maritime launched almost eight months ago. The wept as the bodies were lowered. During the Khalifa Haftar, whose forces on April 4 ‘Novelty’ of US interest in Libya jurisdictions, have raised heckles among envoy said the actual figure for the dis- mass funerals, gunfire broke out from the nearby launched a now stalled assault on the Tripoli On the Russian mercenaries, Salame Egypt, Greece and Cyprus, he pointed out. placed was much higher, with more than bush but it was unclear who was firing. “My base of the UN-recognised Government of said he was not in a position to confirm On the humanitarian front, Salame said 100,000 believed to have taken refuge neighbor, who was my son’s mother-in-law, had National Accord (GNA). their presence in Libya that appeared to that the deadlocked fighting south of across the border in Tunisia. —AFP her throat slit and was then cut up,” said Kahindo Kamabu, a woman in her fifties. “I am very sad but I’m not crying any more as I want to tell these the December poll all either supported the former leader or MEPs “strongly condemn the arbitrary and unlawful arrest murderers that we are strong and dignified took part in his government. “There will be no vote!” demon- and detainment of, attacks on and intimidations of journalists, Algerian protesters despite our pain.” strators chanted on Friday. “We swear we will not stop!” trade unionists, lawyers, students, human rights defenders They denounced an official crackdown on the so-called and civil society and all peaceful protesters”. The Algerian Janvier Kasahirio, the head of a local youth insist Dec election “Hirak” movement that has shaken the country with months authorities reacted by denouncing what it called “flagrant association, said: “We found the remains of our of unprecedented protests. Security forces, both uniformed interference in its internal affairs” and a “disregard” for the brothers in pieces,” adding that some of the vic- and plain-clothed, flooded Algiers for the 41st consecutive country’s institutions. tims had been burnt. He said they found the bod- must not go ahead Friday of demonstrations, deploying water cannon and anti- The protesters fear that a regime in power since the for- ies in the bush. The victims were hacked to death barricade vehicles. “This is intimidation! Why so many police mer French colony’s independence in 1962 seeks to pre- with machetes on Wednesday, taking to 107 the ALGIERS: Algerians thronged their capital Friday to insist vehicles? We’re protesting peacefully and are against vio- serve its grip on the country. As polling day approaches, number of people killed in and around Beni since that a presidential election set for December 12 must not go lence,” said Tassadit Ourabeh, 64. At least 25 people were positions on both sides are hardening, sparking fears of Nov 5. The vast majority of the killings have been ahead before a change of regime. Protesters fear the poll will arrested before Friday’s march, AFP journalists said. Police more radical measures. “There is still strong mobilization carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces cement in power politicians close to ex-president Abdelaziz also used tear gas against young protesters outside a police and an especially strong determination to reject the elec- (ADF), a militia that has plagued the Democratic Bouteflika, who quit in April under popular pressure after station, witnesses said. tion,” Said Salhi of the Algerian League for the Defence of Republic of Congo’s east since the 1990s. —AFP two decades as head of state. The five candidates standing in On Thursday, a European Parliament resolution said Human Rights told AFP. —AFP

es and multiple pieces of physical evidence impli- Pressure rises on cate Schembri in the assassination of our wife and mother.” They accused Muscat of playing “judge, jury, and executioner in an assassination investiga- Malta PM to resign tion that so far implicates three of his closest col- leagues.” over slain reporter The Times of Malta said Muscat told associates on Friday that he plans to resign imminently, though VALLETTA: Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat AFP was not able to immediately confirm the report. came under increasing pressure to resign on Friday Muscat, who has vowed to resign if links were found as protesters cried foul over the latest twist in the between himself and the murder, said Friday he case of slain investigative journalist Daphne Caruana would remain in power, telling reporters he wanted Galizia. The escalating murder investigation has “this case to be closed under my watch”. rocked the tiny Mediterranean island and reached the highest rungs of the country’s politics, with two ‘Disgraceful’ ministers and Muscat’s chief of staff Keith Schembri Muscat said Friday he had recused himself from stepping down from their posts this week. the decision on whether to grant immunity to Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets Fenech. The prime minister later said he had report- of the capital Valletta after Muscat refused to give ed Fenech to the police for attempted blackmail, immunity to the main suspect in the 2017 murder, saying the mogul had threatened to implicate him in tycoon Yorgen Fenech, to disclose what he knows the affair if he was not given a pardon. Protesters in about the case. Fenech has identified Schembri as Valletta on Friday night chanted “Mafia” and “mur- the mastermind behind Caruana Galizia’s 2017 car derers”. “The killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia was bomb killing, according to sources. Schembri was a terrorist mafia act carried out by our state,” said arrested on Tuesday, but his release on Thursday activist Manuel Delia. sparked accusations of a cover-up. He added that Schembri could have been kept in Caruana Galizia’s family accused the prime minis- custody over corruption, money laundering and ter of protecting his long-time chief of staff, obstruction of justice. Protester Marylou Gafa called demanding he hand power over to a deputy who Muscat’s refusal to give Fenech immunity “disgrace- didn’t have a conflict of interest. “We share Malta’s ful”. “He could have never decided in favor of a par- shock and anger at the release of Keith Schembri,” don that would have sent his closest collaborator to the family said in a statement. “At least two witness- jail,” she told AFP. —AFP 8 Sunday, December 1, 2019 International NATO birthday overshadowed by top-level feuds between leaders Macron, Erdogan go head-to-head in ‘brain death’ row

BRUSSELS: NATO marks its 70th birthday at a summit inexperienced”. “He doesn’t know what fighting against Canada needing to spend more, but not “to please drawn sharp public criticism, both from Germany and from this week but the celebration could well turn into an arena terror is. That is why yellow vests invaded France,” he President Trump”. “They should invest in defense because eastern European NATO countries that feel threatened by of political combat between the alliance’s feuding leaders. added, in a swipe over the protests that badly rattled we are facing new challenges, our security environment Russia. An official from Macron’s office told reporters that Heads of state and government will descend on London Macron’s government last year. Erdogan said Ankara had a has become more dangerous,” he told reporters. NATO lacks political direction and relies too much on the Tuesday bracing for a scrap over spending and how to right to intervene in Syria given the two countries’ shared Stoltenberg is attempting to mollify Trump ahead of the US. “We can’t sweep debates under the carpet because deal with Russia, in a huge test of unity within NATO - border. “What is your business in Syria?” he said, summit by talking up a billion-dollar contract with US we’re afraid the Americans will disengage further” he added. billed by its own officials as the “most successful alliance addressing Macron. “Jump up and down as much as you planemaker Boeing to upgrade the organization’s recon- A Trump administration official on Friday dismissed the in history”. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly like ... you will respect Turkey’s right to fighting against naissance planes. NATO members have also agreed to “brain death” comments, saying “President Macron is still accused European countries of failing to pay their way terrorism sooner or later. There is no other way.” lower the cap on US contributions to the alliance’s rela- kind of working out what he wants out of the group”. and will be looking for evidence they are stepping up This combustible line-up is dropping into a Britain tively small $2.5 billion operating budget, meaning The official, speaking to reporters on condition of defense spending. gripped by a frenetic national election campaign, with Germany and other European countries - but not France - anonymity, said Trump will tell the NATO summit that France’s Emmanuel Macron has despaired of the club’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s friendship with Trump will pay more. But such measures are a drop in the ocean China and Russia remain major challenges. “China above strategic direction, saying it is suffering “brain death” - ril- under attack from opposition parties. Personal duels aside, compared to the tens of billions of dollars Europeans all,” the official added. Tomas Valasek, a former Slovak ing other leaders and drawing a rare public rebuke from the NATO summit agenda is pretty thin. Secretary General would have to spend to meet their promise to spend two ambassador to NATO, said even if there was merit in German Chancellor Angela Merkel. And, on Friday, Jens Stoltenberg is hoping simply to get the leaders to sign percent of their national GDPs on defense. In 2014, the opening debate, Macron had overstepped the mark. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, furious at off on decisions already taken. Last year’s NATO summit allies promised to meet this goal within a decade. But this “NATO leaders have a responsibility that think tankers Western criticism of his operation in northern Syria in Brussels went off the rails when Trump launched a tirade week Merkel admitted that economic powerhouse don’t,” said Valasek, now a senior fellow at the Carnegie against the Kurds, hit back with a personal attack on at Merkel during a televised breakfast meeting. The week Germany would not hit this sum before “the early 2030s”. Europe thinktank. “If you run one of the nuclear powers Macron. “First of all, have your own brain death checked. before this summit has seen a stage-managed series of Stoltenberg insists Trump’s tone towards NATO has been and in some ways the most powerful military in Europe These statements are suitable only to people like you who spending announcements, all designed to send what one more positive of late, and a senior US administration offi- you don’t want to feed the perception of NATO disunity are in a state of brain death,” Erdogan declared Friday. diplomat called a “political signal” to appease Trump. cial said Friday Trump’s spending campaign had been and I’m afraid that’s what he’s done.” At the London sum- “You know how to show off but you cannot even properly “spectacularly successful.” mit, leaders will consider separate French and German pay for NATO. You are a novice,” Erdogan said. In a tele- ‘Trump is right’ proposals for expert committees to mull how NATO can vised speech, Erdogan said he would “say this at NATO”. Stoltenberg was at pains to point out on Friday that ‘Still working out what he wants’ improve its strategic thinking. Stoltenberg last week wel- French officials summoned the Turkish envoy in Paris to non-US defense spending has grown for four straight But Macron’s broadside to an Economist interview earli- comed the German plan to create a group of experts - complain while a US administration official said that many years and is on course to hit $130 billion next year. A er this month took many by surprise. The French leader chaired by Stoltenberg himself - but was cool on the members would tackle Turkey over its purchase of a Trump administration official expected 18 of the 29 mem- stood by his remarks after talks with Stoltenberg, saying French plan. No formal statement by all 29 leaders will be Russian S-400 air defense system. Turkey’s 64-year-old bers to meet the alliance’s two percent target by 2024. NATO was failing to address relations with Russia and what issued. Instead there will be a “short declaration on the president accused 41-year-old Macron of being “very Stoltenberg said Trump was right about Europe and do to about Turkey. Macron’s forthright comments have ‘success story of NATO’”, a diplomat said. — AFP

every time he visits Britain. It is expected to use Trump’s Trump flies into UK trip to repeat its claim that Johnson’s Brexit deal would open up Britain’s state-run National Health Service to US election campaign firms. The prime minister has denied this, and this week said if Washington tried to include the NHS in trade talks, Nigerian justice LONDON: US President Donald Trump flies into Britain “we’d walk away”. next week, just days before its general election - and if Trump meanwhile is also close to Nigel Farage, a key earlier visits are any guide, fireworks are expected. Trump figure in the 2016 EU referendum whose upstart Brexit struggles with is in town for a summit marking 70 years of the NATO mil- Party threatens to take Tory votes with a promise of a itary alliance, but his presence risks disrupting the cam- hard break with Brussels. During a phone-in on Farage’s sex abuse cases paign for the December 12 vote as it enters the final radio show last month, Trump suggested he and Johnson straight. The US leader has been outspoken in his support form an electoral pact -something the Tories have LAGOS: A dozen officers are squeezed into the dimly for Britain’s exit from the European Union, which Jeremy Corbyn Donald Trump Boris Johnson strongly rejected. lit Lagos State Police Gender Unit between worn desks Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised and witnesses writing statements, as the force struggles Special relationship strained to deliver at all costs. EU on Jan 31, but the country remains divided and to cope with an increasing number of reports of sex UK-US relations recently have been strained, notably But has been equally forthright about how it should be increasingly polarized about its future. Trump condemned abuse in Nigeria. Recent figures are scarce but accord- by different approaches to Iran’s nuclear programme, cli- done - and his views are not always the same as London’s. former prime minister Theresa May’s “foolish” attempts to ing to the United Nations, one in four women in the mate change and China. There have also been tensions Trump has also criticized opposition Labour leader Jeremy get a Brexit deal and suggested Britain leave without one- country experiences sexual abuse before they turn 18. Corbyn, but this risks backfiring in a country where Trump over the death in August of British teenager Harry Dunn in an outcome businesses warn could be disastrous. He has Lagos is the only one of the 36 states in Africa’s most himself is deeply unpopular. The NATO summit on Tuesday a car crash with a vehicle driven by the wife of a US hailed Johnson, who took over in July threatening to walk populous nation with a force dedicated to tackling gen- and Wednesday includes a reception for leaders and their diplomat. Anne Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immunity and away from talks with Brussels, as “exactly what the UK der-based violence. partners hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham subsequently returned home, but Dunn’s family want her has been looking for”. Conditions in the unit - one of 12 serving the chaotic Palace. Johnson, who is co-hosting the event, currently has to come back to Britain to face justice. But when Johnson struck his own exit deal, Trump megacity of 20 million - are basic. It has no interroga- no one-to-one meeting scheduled with Trump - and indi- Trump was also outraged by the leak of diplomatic questioned if it would allow a new trade agreement with tion room, no dedicated vehicle and no computers. cated he would not appreciate any interventions. “When cables written by British ambassador Kim Darroch earlier the US - something the prime minister has held up as one Wedged in a corner behind mounds of loose files, offi- you have close friends and allies like the US and the UK, this year which described the Republican White House as of the biggest prizes of Brexit. The president also warned cers point to a small plastic chair where alleged victims the best thing is for neither side to get involved in each oth- inept. Trump condemned the diplomat as a “pompous in a recent interview that left-wing Labour leader Corbyn - most frequently children, with many aged around just er’s election campaign,” he told LBC radio on Friday. fool”. When then premier May defended him, he con- would take Britain to “such bad places”. But Labour has 10 - are brought to give statements. “You can see, demned her “foolish” approach to Brexit. Darroch has yet we’re just managing,” Detective Inspector Alaba Labour attack lines relished the attacks from a man facing a threat of to be replaced, and the US president has previously Munisola, the head of the unit, told AFP. “The number After three missed deadlines, Britain is due to leave the impeachment back home, who is greeted by protests mooted Farage for the job. — AFP of reported cases has been rising and rising.” Greater numbers of women are speaking out against prevalent sexual violence in the country, with both NGOs and police saying the number of reported cases Albania quake toll hits 50 has increased rapidly in recent years. But this has exposed victims to the failings of an underfunded, poorly trained criminal justice system - often exacer- as search for survivors ends bating their trauma. NGOs and campaign groups say TIRANA: The death toll from a power- tained serious injuries and was evacuat- those who report crimes suffer prejudice, extortion and ful Albanian earthquake rose to 50 as ed to Italy with two other victims for a lack of social support at each stage between report- the search for survivors was called off, specialized care. ing crimes and court trials. Investigations into sexual Prime Minister Edi Rama said yesterday. Nearly 2,500 people from the assault rarely result in convictions. The launch of a new The 6.4 magnitude quake that hit the worst-hit areas have been moved into nationwide sex offenders register has been described Balkan country before dawn on Tuesday hotels or other buildings. Another 3,480 as an important step in helping to crack down on the was the most deadly and destructive in people in the capital Tirana, where worst abusers. But activists insist it is just the beginning decades, and left about 5,000 people there were no casualties, fled to shel- of the fight to reform the system. “How the police homeless. “The number of the earth- ters, with some now housed in recep- record cases, information sharing, it’s ridiculous. It’s all quake victims reached 50 and rescue tion centres and others staying in the in paper,” said Ayodeji Osowobi, director of the non- operations have ended,” Rama told a homes of relatives, Rama said. The profit organization Stand to End Rape. “The register cabinet meeting while struggling to hold prime minister yesterday expressed will help agencies identify repeat offenders, police will back tears. “deep gratitude” to rescue teams from JANSCHWALDE, Germany: Climate activists hold a placard reading “Love for have more information when they deal with suspects.” Entire families were crushed in their Albania and around Europe who had Lausitz, not for the coal” during a demonstration in front of the Jaenschwalde homes while they were sleeping, forcing pulled some 50 people from the ruins. power plant yesterday. — AFP ‘Buy justice’ relatives and neighbors to watch in Rama met a French team in Durres on Stand To End Rape, which has dealt with hundreds agony as rescue teams pulled bodies Friday, commenting that “two weeks of cases this year, represents those who come forward from the ruins this week. About 900 ago, football world champions were in and provides psychological support. “For victims, when people were injured, of whom 41 are Albania”, in reference to a Euro 2020 Campaigners occupy German it comes to interfacing with the police, it’s one of the still hospitalized, according to the qualifying match against France. Now it most dreaded experiences ever,” Osowobi said. “What defense ministry. The damage was the was “world champions in rescuing the coalmines in climate protest they do to survivors is not ask them questions but worst near the Adriatic coast in the port lives of others” who had showed up, he interrogate them.” Osowobi said victims are often city of Durres and the town of said on Twitter. Rana also attended the SPREMBERG, Germany: Thousands of Lost year questioned in public or open spaces, or even in front of Thumane, where scores of people were burials of nine people from two families activists sought yesterday to occupy sev- All three mines hit yesterday produce lig- suspects they’ve accused. trapped beneath the wreckage of who had died in Thumane. Towns in one eral opencast coal mines in eastern nite, a low-grade type of brown coal that is Deepening their ordeal, officers regularly extort vic- apartment buildings and hotels. of Europe’s poorest countries, which has Germany, to put pressure on the govern- also considered the most harmful to human tims for money and delay the case if they are not paid. ment to phase out the fossil fuel - a divisive health and the environment. Calling The funeral of eight members of the a population of 2.8 million people, “In most cases the police ask for a ‘mobilisation fee’, issue in the country’s rust belt. With paint- Saturday’s coordinated protest action a suc- Lala family, including four children, developed chaotically after the fall of saying, ‘we need fuel, we need something to ginger us’,” ed faces and dressed in white, hundreds of cess, a spokeswoman Ende Gelaende (Game killed in Durres was to be held later communism in the 1990s. Experts say a Osowobi said. Inspector Olakunle Orebe has worked in campaigners sought to force their way into Over) said around 3,000 turned up for the yesterday. Only one member of the lot of construction took place without the Lagos Gender Unit since it was founded in 2015. a mine by Welzow-Sued - in the Lausitz blockades. “Despite all the nice speeches family, Rame Lala, 19, survived when his respect for building codes and with “Oftentimes there is not provision for basic needs, such basin. Further north-east, another few hun- and promises, 2019 was another lost year for four-storey home collapsed. He sus- cheaper materials. — AFP as transportation, printing case files, visiting the scene dred also arrived at Jaenschwalde Ost mine the climate,” said Nike Malhaus. to investigate,” he admitted, criticizing police budgets. in the morning, seeking to run into the mine The occupation is being supported by He said suspects and victims have been transported while another 450 blocked a railway con- other environmental groups, including the by some police forces in the same vehicles and some- nected to the site. German branch of Fridays for Future which times even in public transport. “How will you now carry Meanwhile, MIBRAG which operates is also holding a protest at a power station the survivor and the accused or the perpetrator inside another mine - the Vereinigtes Schleenhain in the region. It will be the second time this one car?” he complains. “But it happens in places.” “In site - south of Leipzig also said about year that Ende Gelaende has occupied a this unit, we have so many challenges. We don’t want a 1,200 protesters blocked a coal-excavator, coal mine. In June, several hundred climate situation where victims have to buy justice, so often- forcing the group to halt operations. “We activists carrying sleeping bags blocked times, these costs come from our pocket.” have nothing against peaceful protests and the vast Garzweiler lignite mine near The judicial process for sexual assault cases takes the exercise of democratic rights, but we Cologne for several days. two years on average and many victims who pursue reject all forms of breach of laws and vio- Campaigners say the government’s plans prosecutions give up due to delays, Osowobi said. lence,” MIBRAG chairman Armin Eichholz to phase out coal by 2038 announced this “Archaic” data collection by police, with cases record- said in a statement. In these mining regions, year do not go far enough. They want that ed on paper, often result in key details being misplaced, thousands of jobs depend on coal. But date brought forward for Germany to meet Osowobi said. Uchenna Nwokedi, a consultant at the some residents are also threatened with its international commitments to slash car- British Council in Nigeria, said cases also collapse due the loss of their homes over a planned bon pollution. “The plan is totally empty. It’s to a statute of limitations of just six years, as well as expansion of mining. a scandal, a crime against future genera- poor evidence collection. For instance, many state doc- Separately, dozens of pro-coal militants tions,” Malhaus said this week. The mining tors are not trained to collect evidence after an assault also gathered close to the Welzow mine. industry in the Lausitz basin, which stretch- or to present it in a way that persuades judges. “Ende Gelaende wants to destroy our es all the way into Poland, is vital to the local One positive development has been an increase in infrastructures, it’s not the right way to do economy. Czech-controlled LEAG, which DURRES, Albania: Relatives and family attend the funeral yesterday of eight Lala fami- Sexual Assault Response Centres - run by the govern- it... we need coal in the region,” Thomas owns the Jaenschwalde and Welzow-Sued ly members who died during an earthquake. — AFP ment and supported by foreign donors - which act as a Hauke, 62, told AFP, referring to the anti- mines, is one of the region’s largest employ- first point of call for victims. — AFP coal group which is organizing the protest. ers with 8,000 workers. — AFP 9 International Sunday, December 1, 2019 Months after abrupt halt, Trump gives blessing for Taleban deal Taleban say ‘way too early’ to speak of resuming talks with US

WASHINGTON: Nearly three months after he abruptly the September 11, 2001 attacks which prompted the ended talks with the Taleban, President Donald Trump has Afghanistan intervention. In one of Trump’s most startling given his blessing to fresh diplomacy, but major obstacles remarks, he said on Thursday that the Taleban had come stand in the way of a deal to end the Afghanistan war. around and “want to do a ceasefire” and that “it will prob- Chief among the questions is how to address the soaring ably work out that way.” violence in Afghanistan -which the Taleban sees as lever- The Taleban on Friday sounded a note of caution. “It is age but which Trump has hinted that the insurgents were way too early to talk about the resumption of talks for willing to halt. now,” Taleban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP in Trump flew to Afghanistan on Thursday for a surprise a WhatsApp message, adding that the Islamist group trip to see US troops on the Thanksgiving holiday and would give an official reaction later. dropped the news that talks with the Taleban were back President Ashraf Ghani - who, taking a page from other on - a process the president declared dead in September. world leaders, profusely praised Trump during their joint “The Taleban wants to make a deal and we’re meeting with appearance - has long demanded a ceasefire as a precon- them,” Trump said. US officials offered little evidence that dition for Taleban talks with his internationally recognized full-fledged negotiations had resumed. government that would come after a US deal with the But observers said that Trump was at least signaling insurgents. But the Taleban have consistently refused and support for further negotiations after the success last kept up a campaign of bloody attacks, meaning a ceasefire week of a captive swap with the Taleban, who freed two would mark a major concession. A senior US official said Western professors held hostage for three years. “US that in renewed Taleban talks, “the focus will be on reduc- diplomats have been quietly exploring how to get the talks ing violence” and that negotiations could be expanded to restarted,” said Laurel Miller, who served as the US spe- seek a larger agreement. cial representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan under both Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama. Risks of expanding agenda “Until now it was unclear if those quiet efforts were Veteran US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad reached a enough to reverse his public claim that the talks were draft agreement with the Taleban in September after a dead. Now he’s publicly validated them,” said Miller, now year of talks. Under the agreement, the United States the Asia director at the International Crisis Group. She would withdraw troops in return for Taleban pledges not nonetheless questioned if fresh talks would be seamless to let Afghanistan be used to stage attacks by Al-Qaeda after Trump in September said he had invited and then dis- or other extremists. The deal is not believed to have invited a Taleban delegation after the death of one US sol- required a ceasefire - much to the disappointment of BAGRAM, Afghanistan: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani addresses US troops during a surprise Thanksgiving Day dier. “I think that would give any party that you’re negoti- Ghani’s government. visit of US President Donald Trump at Bagram Air Field on Thursday. — AFP ating with some pause about how reliable you’re going to Scott Worden, director of the Afghanistan and Central be in meaning what you say and sticking to it,” she said. Asia programs at the US Institute of Peace, said that a Hope for ceasefire? Taleban deal could take much longer if new elements were US troop numbers “much further” than the draft deal’s against Iran. Worden, however, said the political calendar Trump, who faces re-election in less than a year, has added. “After the talks were called off by President Trump decrease to 8,600 - the level before Trump took office and could also play out the opposite way, with advisers warn- been eager to end America’s longest war and wind down in September, the Taleban expressed, I think, a surprising ordered reinforcements. Trump has been eager for a sig- ing Trump of a repeat of Iraq where the Islamic State what he sees as a waste of blood and treasure. A willingness to sign a deal whenever the US was ready, nature foreign policy victory ahead of the November 2020 group surged after Obama pulled troops. “Those are both November study by Brown University found that the which shows that they were happy with it,” Worden said. US elections, with few signs of breakthroughs in his diplo- powerful political arguments and I think that they will have United States has spent $6.4 trillion on wars globally since Trump said in Afghanistan that he was ready to reduce macy with North Korea or from his pressure campaign to play out over the next many months,” he said. — AFP

towns. Yesterday, “the bodies and ashes of 23 remaining body back instead of ashes so that we could see him for Final remains of victims... arrived in Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi,” announced the last time,” Le Minh Tuan said. “Everyone is sad but News in brief the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sixteen bodies and the finally my son will be back home.” ashes of seven victims were flown from London, state-run Several of the victims’ relatives told AFP they borrowed UK truck victims Vietnam News Agency reported, and they were immedi- tens of thousands of dollars to pay for their relatives’ trips Bouterse sentenced to 20 years ately “delivered to their homeland by car”. The victims to Europe. The central provinces have well-entrenched arrive in Vietnam hailed mostly from the central provinces, some of the networks of brokers who facilitate the risky trips with the PARAMARIBO, Suriname: A military court in Suriname country’s poorest, while some were from the north. promise of well-paid jobs, though migrants typically end sentenced President Desi Bouterse to 20 years in prison HANOI: The final remains of the 39 people found dead in a Families were given two options for repatriation: $1,800 up working in nail bars or cannabis farms. The brokers Friday over the executions of political opponents when truck in Britain last month arrived in Vietnam yesterday, to bring back ashes, or $2,900 for the cost of a coffin car- promised the 39 victims the truck route was safe and he was the South American country’s dictator in the the foreign ministry said, returning them to bereft families rying the body. Many chose to receive the bodies because billed it as the “VIP route”, their families told AFP. 1980s. Bouterse, 74, is on a state visit to China and will after weeks of waiting. The victims were among the 31 men they wanted to carry out traditional burial rites, and had to The Northern Irish driver of the truck, 25-year-old appeal the judgement when he returns next week, his lawyer Irvin Kanhai said. A two-time coup leader, two- and eight women discovered in a refrigerated lorry in take out loans from the government to facilitate the return. Maurice Robinson, pleaded guilty on Monday to conspir- term president and convicted drugs-trafficker, Bouterse Essex, east of London, on October 23 — all Vietnamese The father of Le Van Ha - who left behind a wife and two ing to assist illegal immigration. Several other people have nationals who were illegal migrant workers. The first 16 has dominated Suriname’s politics since taking power in children for Europe in the hopes of a higher income to been arrested in the UK over the incident, while Vietnam a 1980 military coup. Friday’s judgement, delivered by a bodies were returned on Wednesday, with tearful relatives support them - told AFP yesterday that everything was has held at least 10 people - though none have been for- mobbing ambulances when they arrived in their home- three-member court martial led by Judge Cynthia prepared for his son’s return. “I decided to receive his mally charged. — AFP Valstein-Montor, relates to the executions of 15 regime opponents in Dec 1982. — AFP

longer-term ways to reduce pollution. N Korea blasts Abe, warns Mexico suspends judges Lahore looks for Mahbina Waheed, a Lahore entrepre- neur and another member of the com- of ‘real ballistic missile’ MEXICO CITY: Mexico suspended two judges Friday mittee, said the creation of the group after a man they freed - a former chief executive of answers amid was one sign the provincial government SEOUL: North Korea yesterday warned that doing so with a “political dwarf” Amazon’s Mexican unit accused of attacking his wife was taking the problem seriously. “With with a baseball bat - emerged as the chief suspect in her ‘air apocalypse’ the last government we felt we were Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that would bring “disgrace”. The criticism yes- he could soon see a “real ballistic missile” terday of the Japanese leader is the second subsequent murder. Outrage has erupted in Mexico over helpless and were spiraling into this the killing of Abril Perez, who was shot dead by two gun- LAHORE: When black smoke from while excoriating him as the “most stupid of its kind by Pyongyang this month. The abyss with all the focus on building new men Monday in Mexico City, the same day activists took burning rice stubble in nearby India roads. Now with this new government man ever known in history”. The colorful North had slammed him as an “idiot and condemnation comes two days after the villain” and warned he will never set foot in to the streets of the capital for a massive protest over swept into Lahore - one of Pakistan’s we can raise our voices and they are rampant violence against women. Perez was walking isolated state tested what it called a Pyongyang after he condemned the largest and wealthiest cities - earlier this heard,” she said. down a busy avenue with her two children when the “super-large multiple launch rocket sys- North’s weapons test days earlier. month, outraged residents declared an gunmen drove up on a motorcycle and killed her in “air apocalypse” and the provincial gov- More monitoring tem”, with South Korea reporting that two Pyongyang is under multiple sets of broad daylight. According to her family, her estranged ernment shut down schools. But even the One of the quick fixes the activists projectiles came down in the Sea of Japan, international sanctions over its nuclear husband, the former head of Amazon Mexico, is suspect- city’s own thick autumn smog - driven in are proposing is to require students to also known as the East Sea. weapon and ballistic missile programs, ed of hiring hitmen to carry out the killing. — AFP large part by emissions from polluting ride buses to school, rather than arriving In the wake of the launch, which was which it says it needs to defend against a vehicles - is becoming a significant in many more individual cars. Countries supervised by North Korean leader Kim possible US invasion. Nuclear negotiations threat to health and basic rights, resi- such as China and Iran have used school Jong Un, Abe termed the fired weapons between the US and the North have been Fujimori leaves prison in Peru dents and human rights groups warn. closures as a way of curbing smog “ballistic missiles” that violated UN resolu- at a standstill since the Hanoi summit “Air pollution ... claims tens of thou- emergencies, Noon noted. Malik Amin tions. “It can be said that Abe is the only between President Donald Trump and LIMA: Peru opposition leader Keiko Fujimori was sands of lives, devastates the health of Aslam, an advisor to the country’s prime one idiot in the world and the most stupid leader Kim Jong Un broke up in February, released from prison Friday after spending 13 months in millions, and denies other rights, like the minister on climate change, attended man ever known in history as he fails to and Pyongyang has since demanded pre-trial detention in a corruption case linked to Brazilian right to education, when children cannot early meetings of the Smog Committee distinguish a missile from multiple launch Washington change its approach by the construction giant Odebrecht. Her release comes days go to school,” said Omar Waraich, South and said Lahore needed “more high- rocket system while seeing the photo- end of the year. after the country’s Constitutional Court ordered her freed Asia campaigns director for Amnesty quality air monitoring stations and accompanied report,” a foreign ministry North Korea has issued a series of in a ruling related only to her detention and which other- International. “This is a human rights cri- actionable data.” official said in a statement carried by state increasingly assertive comments in recent wise has no bearing on the corruption case against her. sis,” he said. This autumn, Lahore’s New Delhi, he said, has 37 official air news agency KCNA. “Abe may see what a weeks as time runs down on its end-of- “For me, it was the most painful event of my life,” Fujimori worsening air quality has led it to over- monitoring stations, while Lahore has real ballistic missile is in the not distant year deadline. Trump hinted at the prospect said as she left prison and hugged her husband in front of taking New Delhi on some days as the just four. The World Bank plans to pro- future and under his nose... Abe is none of a fourth meeting with Kim in a tweet ear- a large group of supporters and journalists. The court, she said “has corrected damage that has been inflicted on most polluted city in the world, accord- vide 30 new monitors in Pakistan, other than a perfect imbecile,” it added. lier this month, only to be rebuffed by the ing to the community-led Pakistan Air It was best for the North to avoid deal- North, which said it had no interest in sum- us. I will continue to face the investigation, as I have including 10 in Lahore, with the aim of always done.” — AFP Quality Initiative. having them in place within six months, ing with Abe, the official went on, adding mits “that bring nothing to us”. — AFP “Both Lahore and Delhi now have a he said. The biggest driver of the city’s similar number of days of very unhealthy pollution, Aslam said, is vehicles, which or hazardous air pollution” said Abid contribute 43 percent of the smog. Omar, a founder of the non-profit initia- Burning of crop stubble, steel manufac- Mexico City traffic tive. Since October, the city of more than turing furnaces and brick kilns are other 10 million has been engulfed most days by a smoky, chemical haze that is major sources, he said. chaos a matter relieved only briefly when it rains. Omar, of the Pakistan Air Quality Warmer air layers above the cooler air at Initiative, said mandating the use of of life or death ground level act like a lid that keeps the cleaner fuels should be a top priority. pollutants close to the ground, accord- “While closing schools or low weekend MEXICO CITY: It’s a peculiar scene: in the middle of a busy Mexico City ing to Pakistan’s Meteorological traffic have a marginal impact, our trans- intersection, police officers earnestly blow their whistles, instructing Department. portation and industrial sectors never oncoming traffic to stop - as indifferent drivers speed past them by the Across the city, many residents now sleep,” he said. Aslam said he would take dozens. Undeterred, the cars waiting on the cross street enter the inter- wear disposable anti-pollution masks - up fuel standards with the country’s oil section, too. They zigzag to avoid the others, sending pedestrians running but they are a poor fit for the faces of ministry and urge them to import higher for their lives as they try to cross Chapultepec Avenue, one of Mexico vulnerable young children, residents say. quality diesel. He said he also planned to City’s vital but horribly clogged arteries. “You have to be on the look-out. Air quality is so bad that it exceeds even introduce vehicle inspection systems in Here, cars run red lights, they ignore pedestrian crossings,” says one, the worst ratings of the World Health Punjab province in coming months to Regina Serratos. “Nobody stops for anybody,” adds her friend Ruben Organization, said Attiya Noon, an air keep a check on polluting vehicles. Esposito. “It’s horrible.” quality activist in Lahore and the mother As well, Pakistan’s cabinet recently The police standing guard wave their arms and blow their whistles con- of three young children. Pollution “is now passed a new electric transport policy, stantly, but issue exactly zero traffic violations. To the outside observer, this MEXICO CITY: Aerial view of peak hour in Mexico City on Nov 20, 2019. — AFP beyond the index” - which means seri- which aims to shift 30 percent of vehicles chaotic scene, set to a soundtrack of blaring horns and screeching tires, ous consequences for the city’s health, on the country’s roads to electric power looks like something out of Dante. For residents of the Mexican capital, it is notably, not the priority - have good reason to be afraid. “Bikes and electric said Noon, a member of the Punjab gov- by 2030. Aslam said the World Bank also just another morning commute. “The police blow their whistles, but no one scooters are like motorcycles: A plague. Sometimes I try to watch out for ernment’s newly set up Smog plans to provide $55 million to help cares. Public authorities are perceived as corrupt bribe-grubbers here. No them, and sometimes I don’t,” said taxi driver Jose-Carlos Mendoza, 59, Committee. Punjab steel and brick plants shift to one trusts them or respects them,” a high-ranking official at city hall told from behind the wheel of his Chevy as he weaved through the traffic in a The committee was hurriedly estab- cleaner technologies, and to help farmers AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Not to mention the fact that driv- brutal staccato of stops and starts. The city’s road accident statistics make lished earlier this month when air quality find alternatives to burning crop residues ers usually have no idea why they’re being whistled at,” he said. for sobering reading. There were 365,167 of them last year, according to levels became so hazardous in Punjab’s by next year. Effectively cutting emis- There is a reason for that. Like several states across the country, the national statistics institute. They killed 4,227 people - an average of capital that schools had to be shut down sions, however, will also require better Mexico City - whose greater urban area is home to more than 20 million nearly 12 per day - and injured 89,191. When cars are not running red three times, and social media channels city planning, said Mome Saleem, execu- people - does not require an exam to obtain a driver’s license. An ID, proof lights at deadly speed, they are often idling in the sprawling city’s snarled erupted with outrage. The smog group tive director of the new Islamabad-based of residence and a fee of 754 pesos (about $40) are all it takes. There is traffic. Mexico City has some of the nastiest traffic jams on Earth - the now aims to find both immediate and Institute of Urbanism. — Reuters also the fact that the city government has defined the traffic police’s priori- worst in the world, according to a study by TV network Imagen, or ty as keeping traffic moving. Pedestrians and cyclists - whose protection is, fourth-worst, according to traffic data firm Inrix. — AFP 10 Analysis Sunday, December 1, 2019

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

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Washington Watch Trump dismantling international order

By Dr James J Zogby

he Trump Administration’s declaration that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian lands Tare not illegal was, in fact, a consequential act - though not for the reasons cited by Israelis or Palestinians. It was also “the nail in the coffin” - though not the “coffin of the peace process”- as some A representative of Code for Africa, John Eromosele, stands on a boat while teaching a volunteer, Hannah Shemede, how to use the designated computer application to fast- Palestinians have claimed. track digital mapping and referencing in the Makoko waterfront settlement in Lagos on Oct 23, 2019. — AFP The decision was not so consequential with regards to settlements because for the last three and one-half decades, successive American administrations’ policies toward Israeli settlements have moved from passive acquiescence to outright acceptance. It was Ronald Drone project aims to put Lagos slum on map Reagan who first said that he didn’t believe settlements were illegal. And it was George W Bush who tried to ohn Eromosele records the coordinates of a bustling ‘A new tool’ clinic and pawnbroker. “We have fun doing it, and we learn make the distinction between “existing realities” and canal on his smartphone from aboard a dug-out canoe The mapping project was launched in September with a lot of things,” she told AFP. Code for Africa, which advo- new settlements. The former, he claimed, had already Jnavigating the floating slum of Makoko in Nigerian funding from the US-based Pulitzer Center and a non- cates for open use of technology and data journalism, pur- been built and could remain, while the latter were to be megacity Lagos. The waterway is “like a boulevard, there’s profit organization called Humanitarian OpenStreetMap, posely selected women for the project to offer them a CV- discouraged. always traffic here,” the computer coding specialist which uses free, open-source software. The scheme enlists boosting experience. The Israelis took advantage of this loophole and laughed as other boats jostled for space between rows of young slum-dwellers to pilot drones and then use the wooden houses on stilts. Officially Makoko does not exist. information they collect to map what is a black hole at the Some locals suspicious continued to build, knowing that US presidents might Its estimated 300,000 inhabitants - no one knows for sure heart of Nigeria’s economic hub. “This is a new tool that Not all of Makoko’s inhabitants seem comfortable with complain but wouldn’t do anything to stop them. The how many - and their ramshackle homes do not appear on can allow international organizations or local authorities to the project. “People are sometimes suspicious. They won- net result has been that the settlement population in any city development plans or maps. intervene to improve access to basic services - health and der if what we are doing is not going to turn against them,” the occupied territories has grown from 50,000 dur- A South Africa-based NGO, Code for Africa, wants to water, for example,” said Jacopo Ottaviani, one of the Abigail said. “So we try to reassure them.” The concerns ing the Carter administration to 620,000 Israeli set- change that. It wants to help bring badly needed servic- project leaders. are understandable. In 2012 the Lagos state authorities tlers even before Trump took office. es to Makoko by literally putting the slum on the map. Like Lagos, with its 20 million inhabitants, the fishing sent in police to evict people on the grounds that Makoko Against this background, it’s fair to say that the “Most of the streets here don’t have names, and our village that sprang up on the site at the end of the 19th was an environmental hazard. “People woke up one morn- Trump announcement on Israeli settlements didn’t houses don’t have numbers. Sometimes, you can find up century has relentlessly grown, edging into the sea. In the ing with posters ordering them to leave,” Chief Jeje said. reflect any dramatic shift in US policy. It’s also fatuous to 50 people using the same number,” said Chief Albert first stage of the project, drones will take some 1,000 aeri- At least one person was killed as local residents resisted to suggest that will it have any effect on the “peace Jeje, one of Makoko’s five traditional rulers. “Who cares al images of the area, to be stitched together by coding the operation, during which homes were levelled. Eventually process.” It doesn’t end it, kill it, set it back, or slow it about poor people like us? ... Government officials never specialists like Eromosele to form one larger picture. Code the violence forced the authorities to back down. But down - precisely because there is no peace process, come to visit us.” for Africa selected six young women from the slum to fly Makoko still lives in fear: in recent years, other Lagos slums nor has there been one for several years. In reality, Makoko is dubbed “the Venice of Africa” by some, the drones and index the data to make an initial version of have been razed and replaced by housing projects. With the pretending that there is such a process has been an but its similarity with the romantic Italian city is minimal. the map. Other community members will also be able to city’s population booming, every square metre is fiercely illusion projected by the US to control Palestinian Waste floats on the surface of Makoko’s black waters, add content over time. disputed as developers vie for space. More often than not it behavior and to keep Europeans and Arabs at bay so and visitors choke on the fumes of diesel-fuelled genera- Clutching her smartphone, one of the volunteers noted is the poorest who find themselves squeezed out, pushed to as to maintain exclusive US control over the “process” tors and wood-smoked fish. With no administration, the the location of a cassava-processing plant on stilts using the outskirts of the sprawling metropolis. Chief Jeje hopes and to protect the Israelis from any international sanc- huge labyrinth of waterways has no mains electricity or Code for Africa’s specially developed mapping app. A little that the map of Makoko will help its inhabitants to claim tions or pressure. piped drinking water, no public schools, no hospital, no farther on, Abigail, 24, marked down a butcher specializing their rights over their homes. “We are fishermen,” he said. The real significance of the Trump Administration’s police station. in dog meat, and just beyond that a traditional medicine “If you drive us from here, we die.” — AFP announcement is something quite different - it demon- strates a flagrant disregard for international law and conventions, the role of the international community, and universal human rights. which contain tiny bubbles of trapped air and are drilled sible 7.6 percent cut in annual fossil fuel emissions We’ve already seen this attitude on display with Scientists scour out at depths of up to 3.2 kilometres by the European through to 2030 so as to limit global temperature rises to Trump’s withdrawal from several international agree- Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA). 1.5C. Continue as we are, and even taking into account ments negotiated by previous administrations (regard- past for future While the air bubbles reveal CO2 and other green- current Paris climate agreement pledges, the world is on ing trade, climate, and arms control), the threats the house gas levels, similar cores of sediment or tree ring track for an increase of 3.2C and possibly more. records help build up the picture of Earth’s climate. From The World Meteorological Organization said Monday administration has made to punish other nations who the gas bubbles “we can reconstitute the composition of that atmospheric greenhouse gas levels hit an all-time voted against the US at the UN, and the contempt it’s climate clues the atmosphere,” said Anais Orsi, researcher at France’s record in 2018. The Paris deal committed nations to limit demonstrated toward the International Criminal Court s the pace of global warming outstrips our ability Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). Particles of dust temperature rises above pre-industrial levels to “well and several UN agencies. to adapt to it, scientists are delving deep into the meanwhile “can tell us if there were lots of forest fires in below” 2C, and to a safer 1.5-C if at all possible. But a On Israel-Palestine issues, the current administra- Adistant past, hoping that eons-old Antarctic ice, Patagonia or if Australia was going through a very dry trio of studies released this year showed that Earth had tion has repeatedly demonstrated this disdain for sediments and trees chart a path to navigate our climate spell,” she said. never warmed as uniformly or as quickly as it had in the international law and consensus (e.g., attempting to future. “What interests us is to understand how the cli- As for trees, with their very clear record of growth last century. legitimize the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem and mate works,” says Didier Roche of France’s National rings, “they can tell us about temperature, sunlight, Against this backdrop, the search for more detailed the Golan Heights or defunding and refusing to Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). At the humidity levels,” said Valerie Daux, professor at the and more accurate climate change models becomes acknowledge the rights and even existence of Laboratory for Climate and Environment Sciences University Versailles-Saint Quentin, just outside Paris. essential. Roche noted that a global temperature Palestinian refugees). But, and here’s the nub of the (LSCE), just outside Paris, the aim is to establish a com- Levels of the carbon 14 isotope, which allow for a close increase of 6.0-8.0C would produce a “climate compa- matter, the legitimacy and applicability of international prehensive record of climate change dating back hun- dating of material, provide another line of investigation to rable to that of the dinosaurs,” although he cautioned law and conventions are not up to one bad actor or dreds of thousands of years, to chart the repeated warm- establish “at what speed an ecosystem can adapt to cli- that a different land mass configuration at that time one rogue nation. ing and cooling cycles the Earth has gone through and to mate change,” said the CEA’s Christine Hatte. would have to be taken into account. What is more cer- It is here that the behavior of the US has been try to understand what drives them. tain is that only 21,000 years ago, the Earth was 3.0- especially consequential and problematic. The US Get that far and it becomes possible to determine Climate models essential 4.0C colder than today. “At that time, New York was can’t make illegal settlements legal, grant occupied what part humans play in the current global warming All the data is collected and processed to be put into covered in ice one kilometre thick, with Norway under territories to the occupier, or deny refugee status to phase through the massive greenhouse gas emissions, climate models and then extrapolated into what appears three kilometres and sea levels 120 metres lower than refugees and their descendants on its own - these are principally CO2 and methane, that have come with indus- set to be a much warmer future. The United Nations now,” he said. “We have disturbed our climate very matters of international law, the Fourth Geneva trialization and population growth. A key research tool Environment Programme (UNEP) warned this week the sharply over a very short timeframe. The more we do Convention, the Universal Declaration of Human are the cores of ice, some dating back 800,000 years, world was headed for disaster without an all-but-impos- that, the more it will change.” — AFP Rights, and scores of UN resolutions passed by the overwhelming majority of the nations of the world. The status of these Palestinian rights remains employs five sheep shearers and as many “rouseys”- the unchanged, despite US actions. women who shake out the freshly shorn wool. It is grueling But what has been affected by decades of US disre- The Falklands ewe work. “There’s a learner on the end, he’ll shear 160. The spect for law and rights and international institutions two boys in the middle, they’ll shear 400 today; it depends has been the ability of these rules to be applied and turn: From sheep on your ability,” Goose Green farm manager Keith Alazia, these structures to effectively play their roles in gov- 47, told AFP. His five employees will work for around eight erning the relations among nations and their behaviors farming to tourism and a half days straight, shearing 13,500 sheep between toward one another. And this is what is most conse- them - around 1,500 a day. Then they’ll move on to anoth- quential about Trump’s declaration. ate in life, Tony Heathman has sought out pastures er farm. They can earn almost one pound sterling per It is true that the architecture of diplomacy, the rule new: The 70-year-old former sheep shearer now sheep. “People have sheared 25,000 in the Falklands in a of law, and respect for universal rights have long been Lspends his days driving tourists around the Falklands five month season, so that’s the best part of £25,000 in either ignored or honored only selectively. It’s also true Islands. If that sounds like an odd career switch, his story that time,” said Alazia. But on a remote island chain with that these structures and rules only work when power- is typical on the remote British archipelago, where tourism harsh weather where locals say you can experience all four ful nations adhere to and uphold them. So, when in the is an increasingly popular side hustle for workers in the seasons within an hour, such strenuous work is not for past the US has flaunted international law or cherry- grueling livestock industry. Heathman works for his 38- everyone. Neither is sheep farming. “You have the real picked human rights violators they would condemn, it year-old daughter Nyree’s Estancia Tours in the South Falkland Islanders who still live on farms and are 90 years In this photo taken on Oct 10, 2019, an employee shears a only served to undercut the rule of law and weaken the Atlantic territory, having long ago handed over his farm to old and go out every day and gather sheep,” said Joanne architecture of international relations and diplomacy. his other daughter. sheep at a ranch in Goose Green, Falkland Islands Baigorri, a credit officer at the islands’ only bank. “But you (Malvinas). — AFP What Trump has done is take this dismantling of diplo- “A lot of people will save up their leave and take days have some of us who like to be in town with our comfort macy and law one step farther, literally casting aside off to just drive down here for a day when the big ships and heating and internet and things like that.” international law and human rights conventions. This is come in,” Heathman told AFP on a gusty trip to Volunteer Life on the Falklands can be slow, to the extent that the Chileans while there are also burgeoning communities of the real danger posed by his behavior. Point, a peninsula famous for the islands’ signature species, recent opening of a movie theater in the capital Stanley Filipinos, Saint Helenians and even Zimbabwean deminers. the king penguin. Driving tourists around one of the caused a stir. There are no nightclubs and the internet is “I fell in love with the Falklands and fell in love with a NOTE: Dr James J Zogby is the President of the Falklands’ main attractions is Heathman’s main job these expensive and can be frustratingly slow. Restaurants open local person,” said Gabi McRae, a 31-year-old Chilean Arab American Institute days. “It’s very lucrative. Some people just rely on it for for business at around 6:00 pm and often stop taking who works in quality control at the Falkland Islands Meat extra cash,” he says. “It’s a day out to meet people and orders by 8:30 pm. Company. Life can sometimes be difficult, though, as the exchange views on various subjects, talk about life on the weather can cause havoc with air and boat travel. Many Falklands and worldwide - I enjoy it.” Sheep farming never- Safe place internal flights are called off due to gusting winds and theless remains a traditional way of life for some islanders - But that small town vibe has its plus side too: This is a occasionally the ship carrying food stocks runs into diffi- All articles appearing on this page are the enduring despite a rapidly modernizing society and an exo- place where people don’t lock their homes or cars. “I love culties, from the weather or Argentina, which continues to personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait dus of workers to the archipelago’s one town, Stanley. living here. I have three children, this is such a safe place claim sovereignty despite Britain asserting its authority Times takes no responsibility for views to raise your children,” said Baigorri, 27, as she shopped in since 1833. “Sometimes you can find it hard to find things Grueling work Stanley’s supermarket. It’s also a surprisingly cosmopolitan you actually need,” said McRae. “For example, I might expressed therein. There are 92 farms and some 500,000 sheep on the place. Falkland Islanders proudly boast about 60 nationali- want to bake a cake and you’ve got no sugar and there’s Falklands. Goose Green farm on East Falkland island ties among a population of just 3,400. Ten percent are —bsolutely no sugar on the entire island.” — AFP Established 1961

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2019

Lebanon crisis wreaks havoc ‘Black Friday’ becoming a OPEC oil output slips before 12on Syria’s war-torn economy 13 shadow of its former self 14 Aramco IPO, policy meeting

TOKYO: An employee stands by tables at the Ryugin restaurant in Tokyo. Two Japanese restaurants have shot to the top of the La Liste ranking of best places to eat in the world, with a third getting the second highest mark from the authoritative ‘guide of guides’. — AFP Japanese restaurants rocket to the top

Famously innovative Ryugin restaurant jumps 30 places

PARIS: Two Japanese restaurants have make most headlines. Last year Sugalabo did according to the ranking, which was set up shot to the top of the La Liste ranking of not even make La Liste’s top 1,000. His four years ago as a “more scientific and best places to eat in the world, with a third “secret” introduction-only dining room is reliable” rival to the British-based 50 Best one getting the second highest mark from hidden away behind a coffee house in the list. Japan leads the country table with 130 the authoritative “guide of guides”. Yosuke Azabudai neighborhood, and closes for a few restaurants in the top 1,000 but Chinese Suga’s tiny Tokyo restaurant Sugalabo, days every month so Suga can go off around cuisine is closing the gap with 126, up three which has only 20 tables, does not have a Japan looking for new ideas and ingredients. on last year if you include restaurants in Michelin star but shares the top spot on the Although he comes from a family of chefs Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. French-based list alongside the reigning schooled in the French tradition, the produce France-the historic home of haute cui- leaders, Guy Savoy in Paris and New York’s Suga uses is almost entirely Japanese. sine-comes in third with 116 and the United Le Bernardin. The chef however said he breaks his States just behind with 113. The Mirazur The famously innovative Ryugin restau- homegrown “rule” to add caviar, truffles restaurant at Menton on the French Riviera rant in the Japanese capital run by chef Seiji and foie gras to his dishes. The playful which topped the 50 Best list is joint fourth Yamamoto jumped 30 places to also reach Yamamoto, who invented edible inks to on the ranking. It’s Argentinean chef Mauro the shared number one spot. Kyoto’s Kitcho decorate his plates, got the maximum three Colagreco became the first foreign chef in Arashiyama was one of seven restaurants Michelin stars four years ago. He once France ever to win three Michelin stars ear- including Alain Ducasse’s Monaco base that served up what he called a “Chateau lier this year. He was tied on the same score split second place. The French celebrity Ryugin 1970 soup” of potatoes, seashells as Massimo Bottura of Italy’s Osteria NEW YORK: Eric Ripert, chef and co-owner of Le Bernardin in New York City works in chef’s Paris table at the Plaza Athenee hotel and beetroot served in a bottle of wine Francescana who he toppled from the top the kitchen of his restaurant in New York. — AFP was ranked fourth by the classification, corked with salsify. Although he also of the 50 Best and the acclaimed Catalan which aggregates reviews from guides, trained in France, he insisted that “before I restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona. newspapers and websites including send a plate to a client I always ask myself, British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay came local gastronomic guides. But Italian food is ingredients, plus the need to avoid food TripAdvisor. ‘Is this Japanese food?’ If the answer is no, joint fifth for his London base. still the most popular on the planet after waste” were playing an increasingly impor- I won’t serve it.” Japanese cooking, he said, judging from tant role in how people rate restaurants. The Meteoric rise Most popular food what was being cooked in the 20,000 estab- highest ranking Australian restaurant was But it is the rapid rise of Suga, 43, once a Japan, China lead pack La Liste’s co-founder Jorg Zipprick said lishments on La Liste’s database. Zipprick Melbourne’s Attica (joint eighth) while personal assistant to the legendary late Japan and China have more of the plan- China’s rise is partly because of the large said that environmental consciousness such Toronto’s Alo was the pick of the bunch in French superchef Joel Robuchon, that will et’s best restaurants than anywhere else number of restaurants there and the boom in as “local producers, sustainable fish, organic Canada in seventh place. — AFP

Riyadh hits its target of raising 96 billion Dhabi and Kuwait, both OPEC oil producers Doing so violated US Treasury Aramco IPO riyals ($25.6 billion) or more it would still be a like Saudi Arabia and close political allies, Cryptocurrency bans on “exporting any goods, servic- world record IPO, valuing the company at planned to invest. es, or technology” to North Korea, about $1.7 trillion. The retail tranche, which closed to sub- promoter put in place in response to the coun- oversubscribed But this is lower than the $2 trillion valua- scribers on Thursday, attracted bids worth try’s nuclear weapons program. tion originally touted by Saudi Crown Prince 47.4 billion riyals ($12.64 billion), around 1.5 “Despite that the US Department of so far, but not Mohammed bin Salman, who has put the sale times the amount of shares offered to them. charged over State had denied Griffith permission at the heart of his program to raise cash for The level of interest is relatively modest to travel to the DPRK (Democratic by big margin ambitious plans to diversify the kingdom’s oil- when compared to the listing of Saudi North Korea People’s Republic of Korea), Griffith reliant economy. Riyadh scaled back its origi- Arabia’s National Commercial Bank in 2014 presented at the DPRK nal IPO plans, scrapping an international when the retail portion was 23 times over- Cryptocurrency Conference, knowing RIYADH: Saudi Aramco’s initial public offer- roadshow to focus instead on pushing the subscribed. Alibaba’s listing in Hong Kong WASHINGTON: A prominent that doing so violated sanctions ing (IPO) was on course to be oversubscribed offering among wealthy Gulf Arab allies. It has this month had bids for 40 times as many American cryptocurrency promoter against the DPRK,” the Justice but not by a huge margin, according to fig- stayed quiet on when or where it might list the shares to those on offer. and former hacker was charged with Department said in a statement. ures released so far by the lead manager stock abroad, which had been central to the Saudi banks have been offering citizens sanctions violations Friday after he The department said North Korean before a Dec 4 close for institutional investors plans that were first announced in 2016. easy loans to bid for shares in Aramco, the allegedly advised North Korea on officials at the conference appeared to to submit offers. Bids received by Friday from Bankers said roadshows in New York and crown jewel of the Saudi economy and the using virtual money to avoid interna- show particular interest in Griffith’s institutional and retail investors totaled $44.3 London were cancelled after international world’s most profitable company. Some finan- tional controls. Virgil Griffith, 36, who presentation. After the conference, it billion, lead manager Samba Capital said, investors baulked at the proposed valuation. cial institutions offered loans four times their lives in Singapore and works for the said, Griffith “began formulating plans about 1.7 times the value Saudi Arabia aims to usual limits and others set no ceiling on the blockchain and cryptocurrency devel- to facilitate the exchange of cryp- raise from selling a 1.5% stake in the state- Attracting allies amount clients deemed creditworthy could oper Ethereum, was arrested at Los tocurrency between the DPRK and owned oil giant. In the first update on institutional interest, borrow, two financial sources told Reuters. Angeles International Airport on South Korea, despite knowing that Although the IPO has received more than Samba said the value of bids had reached The government had been encouraging rich Thursday, the Justice Department said. assisting with such an exchange would enough bids, the level of interest is relatively 118.86 billion riyals ($31.7 billion), with the Saudis to invest, promoting such investment He attended a conference on violate sanctions.” The Justice muted compared to other emerging market bulk coming from Saudi companies and funds, as a patriotic duty, particularly after Aramco’s blockchain and virtual currencies in Department said he also announced IPOs and subdued even when compared to while foreign investors accounted for just oil facilities were attacked in September. Pyongyang in April, where he spoke plans to renounce his US citizenship, the listing of a top Saudi bank in 2014 that 10.5% of offers. Sources told Reuters this Riyadh and Washington blamed Iran, although about how to use both technologies “to aiming to “purchase” citizenship in was oversubscribed many times over. If week the sovereign wealth funds of Abu Tehran denied the charge.— Reuters evade sanctions,” the department said. another country. — AFP 12 Established 1961 Sunday, December 1, 2019 Business Lebanon crisis wreaks havoc on Syria’s war-torn economy Lebanon bank curbs choking off dollar flow to Syria

AMMAN: A financial crisis in Lebanon has hit the system as a conduit to send funds to their relatives esti- economy of neighboring Syria hard, choking off a vital mated at hundreds of millions per year. This flow has source of dollars and dragging the Syrian pound to also been hit. Syrian laborers in Lebanon are also feel- record lows. Shut out of the global financial system by ing the effects of a sharp contraction in an economy Western sanctions, Syria’s economy has depended on that is shedding jobs fast. “The Syrians may be even banking ties to Lebanon to keep business and com- more affected by the restrictions than others,” said merce running during the country’s more than eight- Kamal Hamdan, who heads the Beirut-based year-old war. Consultation and Research Institute think tank. But as Lebanese banks impose tight controls on hard currency withdrawals and transfers abroad, Dollars in short supply wealthy Syrians have found their funds inaccessible. Many middle-class Syrians lived off interest from The flow of dollars to Syria from Lebanon has all but their savings in Lebanon. “Syrians who relied on inter- stopped, according to three businessmen and five est on their deposits spent some of these inside Syria. bankers in Damascus and abroad. “These deposits are There are thousands who have now stopped bringing in now trapped. You can imagine the aftershocks from this their dollars from Lebanon, reducing the supply of dol- which is beginning to surface in the Syrian economy,” lars,” Damascus-based Syrian businessman Khalil said a senior Lebanese banker who handles accounts of Touma said. wealthy Syrians, speaking on condition of anonymity The Syrian pound was under pressure even before due to the sensitivity of the matter. the Lebanese crisis set in, reflecting Syria’s deep eco- Lebanon’s long-brewing economic crisis is the worst nomic problems compounded during a war that shat- since its 1975-90 civil war.The banks are seeking to tered swathes of the country. With critical Russian and prevent capital flight as dollars have become scarce Iranian support, Assad has recovered control of the and the value of the Lebanese pound has slumped on a bulk of Syria. But much of the country is in ruins and black market. The Syrian pound has nosedived by 30% Western states will not support reconstruction without in the weeks since Lebanon’s economic crisis escalated a negotiated political transition. on Oct. 17 after a wave of anti-government protests In an effort to support the Syrian pound, the author- swept the country to Syria’s west. ities enlisted the support of wealthy pro-Assad busi- BEIRUT: Photo shows a view outside a branch of ‘Bankmed’ bank in the Lebanese capital Beirut. —AFP The Syrian pound hit an all-time low of around 765 nessmen in October, asking them to deposit funds with to the dollar this week, compared to 47 before the the central bank, said two businessmen. But this was uprising against President Bashar Al-Assad began in too little to have an impact. Restrictions were also Most people kept it in cash for fear they cannot with- “Traders are no longer putting their pounds in 2011 and escalated into full-blown war with rebels and tightened on Syrian pound withdrawals in a bid to curb draw it when they want. This further pushed the dollar banks. They are turning them into dollars and this militants. Wealthy Syrians are believed to have deposits dollarisation. Syria’s central bank instructed banks to higher,” Touma said. But these efforts have been in vain. has created even more demand for the dollar,” Karim of billions of dollars in Lebanese banks, businessmen cap withdrawals at 5 million Syrian pounds per day The two Damascus-based bankers said the central Halawani, a trader, said by phone from Damascus. and bankers said. Interest paid on Syrians’ deposits in which was later relaxed to 10 million pounds after bank had abandoned moves to defend the pound Many Syrians now hoard the foreign currency they Lebanon and remitted home has been an important objections, two Damascus-based bankers and one through direct intervention, preferring to preserve have. “People got scared even more, saying if these source of dollars for the economy. businessman said. remaining foreign currency reserves. “We fear that this powerful businessmen were not able to do anything Unable to transfer dollars directly to Syria, Syrians “These restrictions, especially after the panic over time the fall is irreversible,” another prominent busi- then the situation is deteriorating,” the food outside the Middle East have used Lebanon’s financial the pound, made people no longer put money in banks. nessmen told Reuters. importer said. —Reuters

at investment bank Nomura, says “the China factory blip” of a rise in the official manufactur- ing PMI doesn’t signify a recovery in the economy. Italy softens budget activity expands “The jump of manufacturing PMI from 49.2 in Feb to 50.5 in March this plastic tax, cuts tax in November year made the whole market very excit- ed about a strong recovery, but it turned BEIJING: China’s November factory out to be an illusion,” said Lu. “This time on green tampons activity rebounded for the first time in is no different.” The reading comes as Beijing and Washington edge towards a ROME: Italy’s government has decided to back- seven months, data showed yesterday, partial deal to a trade war that has track on a contested tax on plastic in its 2020 despite the looming threat of fresh US tariffs within weeks if Beijing and dragged on for nearly 20 months. Top budget in the face of protests from producers in a Washington fail to sign a partial trade US and Chinese negotiators held phone region where the ruling parties face a key local deal. The closely watched Purchasing talks on Tuesday and agreed to keep in election in January. However, seeking to maintain Managers’ Index (PMI), a key gauge of touch over “remaining issues” for a a focus on the environment, it announced a steep activity in the country’s factories, rose “phase one” trade deal between the two cut in sales tax on biodegradable tampons. Both to 50.2 in November, up from 49.3 last countries, Chinese state media said. changes will be introduced in amendments to the month, the National Bureau of The two sides have slapped tariffs budget which must be approved in parliament by Statistics said. on nearly half a trillion dollars worth the end of the year. The reading is slightly above the 50- of goods in two way trade, and US WUHAN: A worker checks cigarettes at a factory in Wuhan in China’s central The levy on production of single-use plastic point mark that separates growth and President Donald Trump is threaten- Hubei province. —AFP was presented as an environmentally-friendly contraction every month. A sub-index of ing fresh tariffs in mid-December if measure and originally aimed to raise 1.1 billion new export orders climbed to a 7-month there was no mini-deal. Beijing has euros ($1.21 billion) next year. The plan got a hos- high at 48.8, but was still in contraction also implemented a number of meas- three decades in the third quarter. commercial lenders last week, to tile reception in the northern Emilia Romagna as demand wanes for China’s exports ures to stimulate the economy, which People’s Bank of China trimmed the boost lending to credit-starved parts region which holds an election on Jan 26, where abroad. Ting Lu, chief China economist expanded at its slowest pace in nearly interest rate it charges on funding to of the economy. —AFP the incumbent governor from the ruling Democratic Party (PD) faces a tough challenge from the right-wing League. unemployment surges to a four-decade high. Patchy record A defeat in the traditionally left-leaning Emilia India growth falls to Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has Economist and author Vivek Kaul told AFP that the Romagna would risk destabilizing Italy’s ruling announced several reforms, easing restrictions on for- reforms were a case of too little, too late. “The Modi coalition of the PD and the anti-establishment 5- eign investment in key sectors, slashing corporate government waited for growth to collapse” before Star Movement, already split on issues such as worst level in years taxes, and launching a privatization drive aimed at taking any action, Kaul said. “The steps are essentially euro zone reform, immigration and the justice reviving moribund state firms. The central bank, the very marginal and not going to help the economy in system. Plastic packaging is a major source of MUMBAI: India’s economy grew at its slowest pace in Reserve Bank of India, has cut interest rates five con- the long run,” he said, adding that more far-reaching income and employment in Emilia Romagna, one more than six years in the July-September period, secutive times this year in a bid to boost lending. But reforms were needed but were unlikely to happen. of Italy’s most industrialized regions. down to 4.5 percent from 7.0 percent a year ago, none of the measures have raised consumer confi- Modi’s right-wing government won a landslide re- The government will drastically scale down the according to government figures released Friday that dence. Demand for everything from cars to cookies election victory in May but its economic record has plastic tax, with a new revenue target of just 330 piled more pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. has plummeted. been patchy. million euros, PD senator Dario Stefano said on The expansion in Asia’s third-largest economy fell from The slump has already seen India lose its position Experts say the economy has never recovered from Friday. “The levy will not be applied to syringes, 5.0 percent in April-June and marked the sixth consec- as the fastest-growing major economy to China this a 2016 shock cancellation of bank notes that forced medical devices and packaging of medicinal utive quarterly contraction. year. China said last month that its economy grew 6.0 many small-scale businesses to shut down or the roll- products, it’s really a good result,” Stefano told The GDP growth, now well below the level needed percent in July-September, down from 6.2 percent in out of a nationwide goods and services tax in 2017. The Reuters. The government says it can make up for for India to provide the millions of jobs required each the second quarter. Economists expect India’s central opposition Congress Party slammed what it called the shortfall because an early-retirement scheme year for new entrants to the labor market, poses a bank to announce yet another rate cut on Thursday to “failed Modi-nomics” in its comment on the new data. introduced this year is proving less costly than major headache for Modi. His government is struggling combat a liquidity crunch caused by the collapse of Mumbai-based economist Ashutosh Datar told AFP the anticipated. —Reuters to kickstart what was once the world’s fastest growing India’s shadow banking sector. Rates are currently at latest figures were “a reaffirmation of how serious and major economy as consumer demand shrinks and a nine-year low. damaging the slowdown is”. —AFP

EXCHANGE RATES

Egyptian Pound - Transfer 18.938 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 43.720 Chinese Yuan 0.041883 0.045383 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.223 Thai Bhat 11.055 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036962 0.039712 Tunisian Dinar 111.170 Turkish Lira 53.070 Indian Rupee 0.003624 0.004396 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Jordanian Dinar 429.650 Singapore dollars 223.412 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 US Dollar Transfer 304.600 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 0.203 Japanese Yen 0.002698 0.002878 Euro 338.870 Syrian Lira 0.000 Korean Won 0.000248 0.000263 Sterling Pound 397.350 Morocco Dirham 32.199 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Malaysian Ringgit 0.069229 0.075229 Canadian dollar 231.460 Nepalese Rupee 0.002627 0.002967 Turkish lira 54.200 Pakistan Rupee 0.001295 0.002066 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 0.005962 0.006262 Swiss Franc 308.460 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Europe US Dollar Buying 297.150 British Pound 0.387354 0.401254 Singapore Dollar 0.217637 0.227637 Czech Korune 0.005130 0.014430 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001320 0.001900 ASIAN COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Taiwan 0.010030 0.010210 US Dollar 304.240 Danish Krone 0.040864 0.045864 Japanese Yen 2.782 Euro 0.328658 0.342358 Thai Baht 0.009743 0.010293 Indian Rupees 4.250 Canadian Dollar 229.325 Vietnamese Dong 0.000013 0.000013 Sterling Pound 394.835 Georgian Lari 0.121560 0.121560 Pakistani Rupees 1.969 Hungarian 0.001148 0.001338 Srilankan Rupees 1.678 Euro 337.170 Arab Swiss Frank 306.530 Norwegian Krone 0.029170 0.034370 Nepali Rupees 2.659 Romanian Leu 0.065285 0.082135 Bahraini Dinar 0.801807 0.809865 Bahrain Dinar 809.085 Singapore Dollar 224.800 Russian ruble 0.004775 0.004775 Egyptian Pound 0.018953 0.021694 UAE Dirhams 83.235 Hongkong Dollar 38.909 Slovakia 0.009109 0.019109 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 Qatari Riyals 84.475 Bangladesh Taka 3.553 Swedish Krona 0.027867 0.032867 Iraqi Dinar 0.000211 0.000271 Saudi Riyals 82.025 Philippine Peso 5.999 Swiss Franc 0.298662 0.309662 Jordanian Dinar 0.423633 0.432633 Jordanian Dinar 430.395 Thai Baht 10.098 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Malaysian ringgit 77.903 Egyptian Pound 18.916 Australasia Sri Lankan Rupees 1.685 Lebanese Pound 0.000153 0.000253 Australian Dollar 0.198196 0.210196 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021213 0.045213 GCC COUNTRIES Indian Rupees 4.260 New Zealand Dollar 0.189864 0.199364 Pakistani Rupees 1.959 Omani Riyal 0.786039 0.793938 Saudi Riyal 81.281 Qatar Riyal 0.083010 0.083844 Bangladesh Taka 3.537 America Qatari Riyal 83.716 Saudi Riyal 0.080140 0.081440 Omani Riyal 791.683 Philippines Pesso 5.984 Canadian Dollar 0.224272 0.233272 Cyprus pound 18.100 US Dollars 0.300500 0.305800 Syrian Pound 0.001291 0.001511 Bahraini Dinar 809.350 Tunisian Dinar 0.102671 0.110671 UAE Dirham 82.986 Japanese Yen 3.780 US Dollars Mint 0.301000 0.305800 Syrian Pound 1.590 Turkish Lira 0.046316 0.056161 Nepalese Rupees 2.663 Asia UAE Dirhams 0.082298 0.083126 ARAB COUNTRIES Yemeni Riyal 0.000990 0.001070 Egyptian Pound - Cash 21.350 Malaysian Ringgit 73.865 Bangladesh Taka 0.003002 0.003803 Established 1961 13 Business Sunday, December 1, 2019 ‘Black Friday’ becoming a shadow of its former self Crowds of the past have thinned out with the rise of e-commerce

NEW YORK: The US holiday shopping season offi- Higher sales expected cially opened with a deluge of “Black Friday” promo- Economists and retail industry insiders are broadly tions but the frenzied crowds of the past have thinned confident about the outlook for the 2019 season, owing out with the rise of e-commerce. Companies in the to a strong labor market. Consumer spending retail, entertainment and tourism industries once again accounts for about 70 percent of US economic growth tried to entice shoppers after Thanksgiving with a bevy and has stayed strong throughout 2019 even as manu- of offers on a day synonymous with American con- facturing has stagnated and business investment has sumer culture and notorious “doorbuster” sales that been lackluster. start at the crack of dawn. But US consumers aren’t “Consumers are in good financial shape and willing buying Black Friday the way they once did. to spend a little more on gifts for the special people in Only 36 percent of US consumers plan to shop this their lives this holiday season,” said Matthew Shay, year on Black Friday, down one percent from last year Chief Executive of the National Retail Federation. The and a decline of 23 percent from 2015, according to a NRF has projected that US consumers will spend an PricewaterhouseCoopers survey. “Just a few years ago, average of $1,048 this year, up about four percent they Black Friday had the aura of a FOMO (fear of missing said they would spend last year. out) event,” PWC said. “Now it seems more symbolic But increasingly more of those sales are migrating than significant in the pantheon of retail holidays.” online. This trend includes Amazon of course, but also Black Friday will be followed in three days by “Cyber traditional brick-and-mortar chains like Walmart and Monday,” a second highpoint of spending early in the Macy’s that have evolved into “multichannel” retailers, season. Friday’s sales have prompted copycat versions as well as companies and organizations hawking throughout Europe, an effort that has generated no everything from pet food to hotel stays to political small amount of friction. merchandise. President Donald Trump’s “Make This year’s events prompted protest in parts of America Great Again” merchandise was being once France, Germany and the Netherlands that included again discounted on the US president’s political web- LOS ANGELES: Shoppers carry televisions purchased from a store during Black Friday sales in Los Angeles. — AFP environmentalist rallies outside Amazon distribution site at 35 percent off. centers and human chains blocking malls. There has Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren been little sign of that sort of subversiveness in the of Massachusetts was offering 25 percent off merchan- spending on Thanksgiving day came in this year at $4.2 with promotions for sporting goods and appliances United States. Rather, the bigger emerging challenge dise orders of $75 or more. Due to the lateness of billion, up 14.5 percent from a year ago and the first especially popular. The data suggested the Thanksgiving for Black Friday has been shifting consumer patterns. Thanksgiving, this year’s holiday shopping season is time above $4 billion, according to Adobe Analytics. day shopping spree hasn’t “stolen any traffic from Black The PWC survey said that for the first time in 2019 about six days shorter than last year, prompting more Jason Woosley, a vice president with Adobe, said pre- Friday,” he said, adding that about 20 percent of the more consumers (54 percent) said they’ll do more of retailers to push up promotions even earlier in the sea- liminary data showed Black Friday was also on track to overall online sales for the season are expected between their shopping online than in stores. son than usual, according to analysts. Online consumer top its performance from last year by almost 19 percent, Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. — AFP

President Cyril Ramaphosa has stayed Demos and deals South African out of the tussle so far but the longer Mboweni refuses to sign off on guaran- tees, the more likely it is that SAA will shut as Black Friday Airways down - an outcome an SAA board mem- ber said last week was a possibility. sweeps Europe shunned by Santam’s Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC) said this week it had stopped its travel supplier insolvency benefit for SAA PARIS: Climate activists staged protests insurers flights then Australian agency Flight across Europe on Friday to denounce the Centre Travel Group said it would stop environmental toll of mass consumption, while JOHANNESBURG: Two big travel selling SAA tickets. shoppers hit the streets and the internet as insurance companies in South Africa have The company that administers Hollard retailers of all stripes touted pre-holiday bar- stopped covering tickets issued by South Travel Insurance told Reuters on Friday it gains. The American “Black Friday” tradition of African Airways (SAA) against insolvency had also excluded SAA from its travel a post-Thanksgiving day of deals has taken as doubts grow about whether the strug- supplier insolvency coverage, citing the hold in Europe as a long weekend of sales, AJACCIO: People walk past a ‘Black Friday’ logo on a banner in Ajaccio, on the French gling state-owned airline can survive. airline’s finances. Bryte Insurance’s head of alarming critics who say it encourages unbri- Mediterranean island of Corsica. — AFP While the move is unlikely to push SAA travel Anrieth Symon said on Friday it had dled and wasteful spending. into liquidation by itself, it will hurt ticket reversed its position on SAA and would This year, activists have targeted the cli- sales and exacerbate a cash crunch that cover its flights against insolvency. SAA mate costs of frenzied shopping, in particular trying to fight.” But many retailers across ‘Buy Nowt’ left the airline unable to pay salaries on spokesman Tlali Tlali declined to comment from delivering the millions of items ordered France nonetheless reported brisk Black Others urged people to halt purchases alto- time this month, analysts said. SAA has when called by Reuters on Friday and did from Amazon and other online retailers. French Friday business. A salesman at the Holland gether to protest the US-inspired event, such not made a profit since 2011 and has been not respond to emailed questions. Neither NGOs had pledged a “Black Day for Amazon,” Bikes store in the Villiers neighborhood said as the “Buy Nowt Friday” in Bradford, north- struggling with an unprofitable network, Mboweni’s spokeswoman nor Gordhan’s with protesters blocking a distribution centre an early rush of clients snapped up several ern England, organized by artists and anti- inefficient planes and a bloated work- spokesman answered their phones when outside Paris on Thursday, and others near bikes at 20 percent off. poverty advocates. But many British retailers force, despite bailouts of more than 20 called by Reuters. Lyon and Lille on Friday. hoped deep discounts would bolster sales that billion rand ($1.4 billion) over the past The Extinction Rebellion campaign group German strike have suffered from the uncertainties linked to three years. ‘All options’ posted on Twitter images of protesters being In Germany, around 2,200 Amazon workers Brexit. In Madrid, where stores across the city Its financial position worsened dramat- SAA said in a memo to staff on Friday forcibly removed by police from the Lyon site. walked off the job to escalate their long-run- are offering Black Friday deals, Greenpeace ically after Nov. 15, when two of its largest seen by Reuters that its board and execu- “Amazon today emits as much greenhouse ning fight for better pay and working condi- held a rally just days ahead of the opening of unions began an eight-day strike over pay tives were in intense discussions with the gases as a country,” Jean-Francois Julliard, tions. The strike called by the powerful Verdi the COP25 conference on fighting climate that forced SAA to cancel hundreds of government and that the airline’s leaders head of Greenpeace France, said at a sit-in at union is set to last until Tuesday morning and change. Activists unfurled a banner on the flights. Banks want additional guarantees were exploring “all options regarding Amazon’s headquarters just north of Paris on will also cover “Cyber Monday”, another facade of a building on the Gran Via, a major from the state before they lend SAA more SAA’s future”. Guy Leitch, an aviation ana- Friday. Activists formed human chains to pre- extravaganza of online discounts in what is a shopping artery in the Spanish capital, which money but Finance Minister Tito lyst who edits the SA Flyer magazine, said vent shoppers from entering stores at La crucial sales period for Amazon. read “Consumerism = Climate Crisis.” Mboweni has refused, leaving the airline’s the decisions by the insurers and Flight Defense business district west of Paris as well “Their work cannot be had at rock-bottom Faced with the backlash, Amazon France’s finances on a knife edge. Public Centre to drop the airline were hugely sig- as in the central city of Saint-Etienne and the prices,” Verdi said in a statement, demanding managing director Frederic Duval defended Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan still nificant. “No one managing SAA, from town of Roanne. a collective labor agreement to ensure “a liv- the company’s record on the environment. wants to save SAA, which says it needs to Minister Gordhan downwards, anticipated In Strasbourg, activists plastered store- ing wage and good, healthy jobs”. And in “Ecology is quite important to us, it’s at the more than 2 billion rand ($136 million) the flight of confidence that the strike fronts with anti-consumerist messages such Austria, 15 activists from the anti-capitalist heart of our strategy,” he told RTL radio, not- quickly to stay afloat. would have,” Leitch said. —Reuters as “Black Friday: A bad deal for the environ- group Attac managed to halt vehicles from ing that Amazon has ordered 100,000 electric ment” and poured glue into door locks, leaving Amazon’s distribution centre in the delivery vehicles. He also said that Amazon delaying the opening of dozens of stores. state of Lower Austria, accusing it of threat- France would step up efforts to ensure that said the job cuts would be achieved Sylvain Truc, a member of Youth for Climate ening local trade and jobs. In the Netherlands, unsold goods were given to charity, following More pain for through natural turnover, early retire- protesting in Marseille, southern France, Students for Climate called for a human chain reports that many unsold items are destroyed ment schemes and severance packages. called Black Friday “the symbol of what we’re in Maastricht. by the company. — AFP German car Fewer parts needed Daimler’s announcement comes as the industry mighty German car industry is buffeted Academics urge by trade tensions, weaker Chinese FRANKFURT AM MAIN: Luxury demand and a darkening economic out- automaker Daimler said Friday it would look. Other major car companies have in Lagarde to scrap at least 10,000 jobs worldwide, the recent months already unveiled plans to latest in a wave of layoffs to hit the stut- cut some 30,000 jobs in the sector over take climate tering German car industry as it battles the next years. Germany’s Audi said it with a costly switch to electric. The wants to axe 9,500 jobs, followed by Mercedes-Benz maker said it wanted to more than 5,000 at Volkswagen, some action at ECB save 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in staff 5,500 at car parts supplier Continental, costs by the end of 2022 as it joins rivals while Bosch aims to cut more than 2,000 FRANKFURT AM MAIN: The European in investing huge sums in the greener, roles. US car giant Ford plans to scrap Central Bank should take “concrete action” to smarter cars of the future. “The total num- some 5,000 jobs in Germany alone. help tackle the climate crisis, more than 160 ber worldwide will be in the five-digits,” Electric engines require fewer parts academics and civil society groups said in a Daimler personnel chief Wilfried Porth and are less complicated to assemble letter to new ECB chief Christine Lagarde. said in a conference call about the job cull. than internal combustion engines, need- “The most powerful financial institution in He declined to give a more detailed ing fewer hands. But auto bosses have Europe cannot just sit passively as we witness breakdown. The group said in an earlier said thousands of new, hi-tech jobs will a growing environmental crisis,” the letter said, statement that “thousands” of jobs also be created in the electric era to would be axed by the end of 2022, after make cars more autonomous and con- urging Lagarde to ditch fossil fuel-linked FRANKFURT AM MAIN: Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), clinching a deal with labor representa- nected. German automotive expert investments. addresses journalists during a press conference in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany. — AFP “Without any further delay, the ECB should tives. The cull includes slashing manage- Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer has said he commit to gradually eliminating carbon-inten- ment jobs “by 10 percent”, Daimler said, believes the German car sector - which sive assets from its portfolios, starting with was critical about “calls for a green monetary tution should show “ingenuity” and redesign reportedly amounting to some 1,100 currently employs 800,000 people - will immediate divestment from coal-related policy”. Preferentially targeting “green” the scheme to support investments that con- positions around the world. “The auto- shed 250,000 jobs over the next decade. assets.” Among the 164 signatories were cam- bonds for asset purchases by the ECB would tribute to the green transition, the letter said. motive industry is in the middle of the A total of 125,000 new ones will be cre- paign groups Greenpeace and 350.org, the violate the ECB’s principle of “market neu- The public appeal comes ahead of a UN biggest transformation in its history,” ated, he predicted. charity Caritas France, former Dutch environ- trality”, he argued. summit on the climate crisis in Madrid next Daimler said. Daimler returned to profit in the third ment minister Jacqueline Cramer and Britain’s But writers of the letter urged Lagarde, the week, amid growing alarm about global “The development towards CO2-neu- quarter and said it was expecting 2019 ex-Financial Services Authority chairman bank’s first female president, to push back warming. In a symbolic move on Thursday, tral mobility requires large investments,” revenues to be “slightly above” last Adair Turner. against “resistance from those who think cen- the European Parliament declared “a climate it added. Along with other manufactur- year’s, while operating profit would be Lagarde took the reins at the ECB at the tral banks should leave climate policies to oth- and environment emergency”. The European ers, Daimler is scrambling to get ready “significantly below” the 11.1 billion start of November pledging a stronger focus ers”. They said it was “shocking” that the ECB Investment Bank, the lending arm of the for tough new EU emission rules taking euros in 2018. Adding to Daimler’s woes on climate change risks and environmental was still buying assets from companies in car- European Union, announced earlier this effect next year, forcing it to accelerate this year were expensive recalls linked to protection. But she immediately ran into oppo- bon-intensive and fossil fuel-related industries month it would end all fossil fuel financing the costly shift to zero-emissions electric faulty Takata airbags and to diesel cars sition from Germany’s powerful Bundesbank as part of its huge bond-purchasing program from 2022 and prioritize lending to clean cars and plug-in hybrids. The group, allegedly fitted with software to dupe central bank chief Jens Weidmann who said he to boost economic growth. The Frankfurt insti- energy projects. — AFP which employs 304,000 people globally, emissions tests. — AFP 14 Established 1961 Business Sunday, December 1, 2019 OPEC oil output slips before Aramco IPO, policy meeting Nigeria still exceeds quota by largest margin

LONDON: OPEC oil output has fallen in November as extend their supply pact at meetings on Dec 5-6. Angolan drop largest producer Iraq has pumped slightly less, but con- Angolan production has slipped due to maintenance OPEC delegates have said the producers could dis- OPEC’s largest production drop of 140,000 bpd was tinues to overshoot its target. and Saudi Arabia has kept a lid on supply to support cuss deeper supply cuts amid forecasts of excess sup- in Angola, which exported less crude in November due Nigeria, which has consistently pumped more than the market before the initial public offering (IPO) of ply in 2020. “The minimum is to extend,” said an to maintenance affecting the Girassol crude stream, its OPEC target, continued to do so in November, the state-owned Saudi Aramco, a Reuters survey found. OPEC delegate. traders said. The African producer was already pump- survey found, although output has edged lower this On average, the 14-member Organization of the Oil has slipped to $63 a ing far below its OPEC quota month. Among countries pumping more, the largest Petroleum Exporting Countries has pumped 29.57 barrel after spiking to $72 due to a natural decline in increase was in Kuwait, which increased output by million barrels per day (bpd) this month, according to following the Sept. 14 attacks production and a lack of new 70,000 bpd to 2.72 million bpd, reaching its exact quo- the survey. on Saudi oil plants. The cur- Saudi oil fields coming online, rather ta level. Ecuador also pumped more after a decline in That is down 110,000 bpd from October’s revised rent price is below the levels than due to voluntary October, when protests against government austerity figure. The survey suggests Saudi Arabia, after resum- many OPEC countries need output edges restraint. measures led to several fields being shut down. ing normal supply after attacks on facilities in to balance their budgets and lower after Saudi Arabia has pumped Venezuela, which is contending with US sanctions September, is still pumping far less than an OPEC-led below the levels officials say 9.85 million bpd, down 50,000 imposed on state oil firm PDVSA and a long-term supply deal allows. OPEC meets to review the pact on they favor. The 11 OPEC Oct recovery bpd from October, the survey decline in output, managed a small boost to supply with Dec. 5, the same day Aramco is due to announce the members bound by the found. Riyadh’s output had exports increasing in November. Production from the final offer price. agreement, which for now jumped by 850,000 bpd in two other exempt producers, Libya and Iran, was little OPEC, Russia and other allies, known as OPEC+, runs until March 2020, have October after the September changed. The Reuters survey aims to track supply to agreed to reduce supply by 1.2 million bpd from Jan 1. easily exceeded the pledged attacks, but remained below the market and is based on shipping data provided by OPEC’s share of the cut is about 800,000 bpd, to be cuts. Compliance has risen to 152% in November, the Saudi Arabia’s OPEC quota. In November, the country external sources, Refinitiv Eikon flows data and infor- delivered by 11 members, with exemptions for Iran, survey found, from 135% in October, although Iraq has been pumping more than 400,000 bpd less than the mation provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC Libya and Venezuela. The producers are expected to and Nigeria remain laggards among larger producers. agreement allows, the survey found. OPEC’s second- and consultants.—Reuters

in the users head from the back- Huawei launches ground noise, improving phone quali- ty. The patented aerodynamic design a new noise also ensures that strong wind noises NBK Capital acted as are cancelled out, further enhancing the noise cancellation. This technolo- cancelling gy comes in great use when in Global Coordinator, crowded areas like malls, metros, earphones cafÈs and many more. By allowing the Joint Lead Manager user to zone out from the surrounding KUWAIT: Huawei recently launched noise, they are able to enjoy their the HUAWEI FreeBuds 3, the brand’s music and phone calls in noisy envi- flagship Bluetooth earphones. Boasting ronments. Additionally, the earphones the title of the world’s first Open-fit are also perfect while running or dur- active noise cancelling Bluetooth ear- ing a windy day, something most oth- phones, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 was er earphones struggle with. launched in line with Huawei’s commit- ment towards providing a more con- Open-fit design HUAWEI FreeBuds 3. Not only does total of 20 hours* when used alongside nected and seamless world. Packing in The HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 boasts a it enhance the audio quality by the charging case. Additionally, users premium features, solid build quality stylish open-fit design that not only reducing lag and latency during can also charge the HUAWEI FreeBuds and capable of delivering stunning looks trendy while in-ear but also videos or gaming, it also ensures 3 with Wireless Reverse Charging fea- sound, these earphones are designed serves functional purposes. Being the quick and seamless connections. The ture found on Huawei smartphones. for a variety of users ranging from the world’s first earphone to have an chipset also ensures that the ear- Data about battery life and Faisal Al-Hamad Rani Selwanis gamers to music or movie lovers and open-fit design with active noise phones are optimized for power con- charging time are based on the test even the everyday user. Here are four cancellation, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 sumption, thus saving battery for results of HUAWEI lab. By default reasons why we love them. hold an advantage by being comfort- longer use. (Active Noise Reduction is not KUWAIT: Watani Investment Co KSCC (NBK able to wear for long and extended enabled), 50% volume, AAC mode, Capital) acted as Global Coordinator and Joint Intelligent noise cancellation periods of use, without having to face All-day Battery actual battery life is affected by Lead Manager for the National Bank of Kuwait The HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 is capa- the risk of falling out. The earphones Speaking of power consumption volume, source, environmental SAKP’s (NBK or the Bank) $750 million ble of cancelling out any and all ambi- are also the result of Huawei’s engi- and battery, the HUAWEI FreeBuds interference, product features and Regulation S/144A Perpetual Non-Call 6-year ent noise in the background with its neering prowess, as the innovative 3 comes with a 2W HUAWEI Super usage habits. These are the top Tier 1 Capital Securities (the Capital Securities) active noise cancelling technology. custom parts balance treble, bass and Charge feature along with support for four features that we loved on the issuance. The Capital Securities offer semi-annual With the help of innovative features middle for a more refined audio both wired USB Type-C and wireless HUAWEI FreeBuds 3. Designed for coupon payments set at 4.50% per annum and and advanced technologies, the experience. charging. In just 30 minutes of wired all users, this Bluetooth is the per- have a first reset date on 27 November 2025, before which the securities can be called at any HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 can easily can- charging, users can enjoy up to 14 hours fect companion for both entertain- cel out external noise for a more Powered by the Kirin A1 chip of playback or 6 hours if they opt for ment as well as a daily driver, point 3 months prior or on any interest payment The Kirin A1, Huawei’s first dedi- date thereafter. immersive audio experience. This also wireless charging. On a full charge, the especially due to its comfortable cated chip for wearables and hear- The issuance represents the first of its kind to extends to phone calls, where the ear- HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 by itself are able to open-fit design and active noise be offered in both Regulation S and 144A formats phones are able to identify vibrations ables, adds the extra power to the provide four hours of playback, and a cancellation features. from the GCC, which allowed for the marketing of the issuance globally including on-shore in the United States. A diversity of global investors par- Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS). The seminar underlines ticipated in the issuance, with the order book NBK sponsors The seminar will cover a number of themes; includ- NBK’s social responsibilities peaking at US$ 2.3 billion (3.1x oversubscription) ing the impact of the social media on attaining client and initiatives aimed at from more than 160 investors and a final book of loyalty, the institutional adaptation to the new digital enhancing awareness $1.9 billion (2.5x oversubsrciption). the Kuwait Institute era, and the institutions’ transition to the new digital towards a better tomorrow. The robust demand for the issuance allowed world. Qualman will provide the audience with informa- Erik Qualman is one of the NBK to price the lowest coupon ever for a GCC of Banking Studies’ tion about the meaning of retooling businesses for a top motivational experts in Tier 1 capital security at 4.50% (6 Year US new digital era; management by objectives; client loyal- the world, he is the #1 best- Treasury rate + 283.2bps). The transaction ty; in addition to prioritizing objectives and making the selling author of five books achieved a globally diverse order book lead by seminar full use of a digital landscape. on digital leadership and US investors at 33%, followed by UK investors at was voted the 2nd Most KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is the Qualman’ s approach of educating, entertaining, and 27%, Asian-Pacific investors accounted for 20%, empowering audiences helps drive immediate and long Likeable Author in the main sponsor for the upcoming seminar “Digital World behind Harry Potter’s while European and MENA investors each made term changes to the way businesses are approached in up 10% of the final order book. Leader” by the international speaker, Erik Qualman. JK Rowling. Erik has been a digital age. Qualman will also give a breakdown of the Fund managers dominated the placement The seminar focuses on Digital Leadership and how named as a Top 100 Digital Erik Qualman making up 76% of the final order book, followed to focus in a Digitally Unfocused World. The semi- five simple keys to success and influence in addition to Influencer by Forbes and by Insurance companies and Banks/Private nar, will be held in JW Marriott Kuwait on other tools on how to manage daily tasks errors and Fortune and his business publications are used in over Banks at 12% and 10% respectively. Faisal Al December 3rd, 2019 and is organized by Kuwait provide a distinguished client experience. 200 universities. Hamad, NBK Capital’s Chief Executive Officer stated: “We are honored to once again guide NBK towards achieving yet another landmark customers will receive the eid prizes of KD transaction that has shattered the bounds of the Ahli United Bank 100,000 each. May the Eid always bring prosperi- Investors expect GCC’s evolving debt capital markets. NBK’s ty and blessings to the Islamic nation. Al-Hassad ability to shore up capital from around the world Islamic Account presents also21 weekly prizes international stocks is a testament to the Bank’s global reach and announces winner comprised of a grand prize of KD 10,000, 20 leading regional position” prizes of KD 1,000 each. Rani Selwanes, NBK Capital’s Managing of Al Hassad Draw In addition to the highly attractive package of to outperform US Director and Head of Investment Banking added: the prizes, there will be the annual expected profits “NBK has continuously looked to challenge the KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank announced on the on, which makes the Al Hassad account a useful NEW YORK: Even though the US stock market continues market and with this transaction the Bank has ele- 27th of November 2019 the KD 100,000 winner a record-breaking rally that has sent the benchmark S&P tool for family and other savings, both for the short 500 index up nearly 25% for the year, investors appear to vated yet again to a global level and surpassed of its Monthly draw of Al Hassad Islamic account term and for the longer term - a fact which well expectations, by achieving the most diverse glob- as Azhar Mohammad Talaat. The draw was live on be looking elsewhere for better values in the year ahead. appreciated by a large multitude of new and old World stock funds brought in $8.2 billion in investor al order book ever for an Emerging Market Tier 1 FM 88.8 Kuwait Pulse. Al Hassad Islamic account customers. It is worth mentioning that there is pos- inflows over the last two weeks, breaking a losing streak issuance and setting a record-breaking pricing which has over 850 prizes, over a 12 month period sibility to open the account online for non-cus- that dated back to early September, according to level out of the GCC.” The issuance constitutes and is the very first draw account in Islamic tomers and there is possibility to transfer the Investment Company Institute data. US equity funds, direct, unsecured, unconditional, and subordinat- banking in Kuwait that has reshaped the lives of salary to Al Hassad account. In addition Al Hassad meanwhile, lost more than $10 billion in outflows over the ed payment obligations of the Issuer and NBK, thousands lucky winners. Al Hassad has have over customers can issue an ATM immediately and have last two weeks, extending a retreat that has spanned sev- The issuance obtained a “Baa3” rating by 850 prizes, over a 12 month period. en of the last eight weeks. Moody’s, one of three other issuances to obtain the freedom to deposit and withdraw any time. On the occasion Ahli United Bank congratulate To be eligible to participate in the draw, the The move into overseas stocks comes as economic an investment grade rating from the GCC. fundamentals appear to be improving in parts of Europe its winning customer, and commented that there customer should have a minimum balance of KD The proceeds from the issue of Capital are many chances to win waiting for our cus- and Asia while US growth looks to be slowing, drawing Securities will be used by NBK to further 100, whereby the customer has two chances to tomers. Draws are held every Wednesday at AUB money away from a market that had been an outperfomer. enhance its Basel III Compliant Tier 1 Capital participate, with a maximum of 30,000 chances Even with the MSCI All World Country Index, which while also supporting its general corporate pur- Kuwait or AUB Bahrain depending on the draw per draw, in addition to annual profits for all par- tracks global equities, nearing record highs set in January, poses. NBK is one of the leading banks in Kuwait plan. On public holidays, the draw is postponed to ticipants. Every KD 50 invested for at least 15 2018, fund managers and analysts say global stock mar- and the largest by total assets, customer deposits the next business day. Al-Hassad Islamic Account days entitles the customer to one chance in the kets still offer a better chance to outperform US stocks in and customer loans and advances. The Bank con- presents 4 quarterly mega prizes of KD 250,000 each draw. The longer the customer keeps his the year ahead. The cite significantly lower valuations tinues to maintain a rating of Aa3 by Moody’s, A+ that will help the lucky winners achieve their balance the bigger the changes of participation after failing to keep pace with the US equity market for by S&P and AA- by Fitch (all stable). NBK dreams and aspirations. in the draw. much of the last decade. Capital, Citi, JP Morgan and Standard Chartered In addition, Al-Hassad Islamic Account presents For more information on Ahli United Bank’s “We’re starting to see a period where valuation is going to be the driver for future returns,” said David Marcus, chief acted as Global Coordinators and Joint Lead a monthly draw to win a prize of KD 100,000. products and services, customers are invited to Managers, while HSBC and UBS acted as Joint One powerful new aspect of the Al-Hassad Islamic investment officer at Evermore Global Advisors. He has been visit any of the Bank’s branches or dial the cus- shifting more of his portfolio into European stocks such as Lead Managers on the transaction. Account is the prize draws on the holy occasion of tomer service “Hayakom”, or log on the Bank’s Belgium-based medical lab equipment maker Fagron NV both Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, when the winning website www.ahliunited.com.kw and French media giant Bollore SA. —Reuters Established 1961 15

Sunday, December 1, 2019 What’s On ACK launches IEEE student branch

he Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) held a Young Professionals Chairman. Chapter gave their speeches by thanking the Mohamad Zaki, Electrical Engineering Senior ceremony to officially announce the establish- Established in 1963, IEEE is the world’s largest College and congratulating the students for form- Instructor at ACK and IEEE Student Branch Tment of a student branch of the Institute of technical professional organization for the advance- ing a student branch. The speeches also highlight- Counselor, praised the commitment and hard work Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) at the ment of technology. IEEE is serving the world ed the benefits of IEEE and what opportunities it of the student members who put together the cere- College. The ceremony was attended by representa- through 420,000 members and more than 3000 provides for students. mony and is looking forward to their future plans tives from IEEE Kuwait Chapter, members of ACK student branches distributed over 100 countries. The ACK IEEE Student Branch has various offer- with the Branch. Zaki also added that the Student IEEE student branch and ACK faculty members. The ceremony began with an opening speech ings that help students and its members by offering Branch will be a valuable resource for all ACK stu- Among the attendees representing the IEEE by ACK student Othman Al Matrouk, Chairman of opportunities for youth development, empowering dents, as its membership is open to all majors, not Kuwait Chapter were Dr. Mansour Jaragh - the ACK IEEE Student Branch. Afterwards, ACK students to build critical skills, offering social activ- only engineering. Chairman, Eng. Fadhel Abulhasan - Secretary & student Alaa Bouomar, Vice Chairman, gave a ities to enhance students’ networking, teaching col- ACK would like to thank IEEE for providing our Treasurer, Dr. Feda Al-Shahwan - Membership speech introducing IEEE, its goals and offerings. lege and career skills to enrich CVs and holding tai- students with such a valuable opportunity to help Development Officer and Dr Ali Al-Fayly - IEEE Lastly, the visiting members of the IEEE Kuwait lored events that target students’ needs. them with their future careers.

Ooredoo Kuwait sponsors third PAAET career fair Future Eye Theatre’s megadrama Shur Shomrat uture Eye Theatre Kuwait, well known drama theatre house in FKuwait is launching their mega dra- ma - SHUR SHOMRAT on 24th January 2020 at Hawally Boy’s Scout auditorium. The drama encapsulates the biogra- phy of late M.S Baburaj, the legendary Malayalam musician. To render this saga with all its spirit, breeze, emotions and colours, we are proud to have Dr oredoo Kuwait, The first of our country. He said, “Our ing queries about job opportuni- Samkutty Pattomkary’s unchallengeable to launch innovated digital support for youth is deep-rooted ties, job descriptions, and career expertise with his script and direction. Oservices in Kuwait spon- within our strategy across the paths, in addition to introducing Dr Samkutty Pattomkary, the erudite sored the third annual career fair organization in Ooredoo. Our aim them to the different training and scholar, took his Master’s degree in of the Public Authority for is to help them discover their internship opportunities Ooredoo Theatrical Arts from Thrissur School of Applied Education and Training potential, open new horizons for provides annually in collaboration Drama followed by Ph.D. from JNU, and as a Platinum sponsor held last the ambitious youth by providing with different entities. Future Eye Theatre is blessed with his week under the patronage and them with opportunities to apply For more information, please consent to stage his phenomenal work attendance of PAAET Director, their educational knowledge to contact 121, our team will answer in Kuwait for the first time. Dr. Ali Al-Mudhaf. Ooredoo the professional world.” Al- all inquiries around the clock 7 Future Eye Theatre, who is well- Kuwait, represented by Eisa Al- Beshaier added, “We are continu- days a week. Or visit our website known for the versatility in the subjects Beshaier, Senior Director of ously seeking opportunities to www.ooredoo.com.kw or the they present in their various plays, con- Human Resources and recruit talent and welcome them nearest shop to you, or simply siders this as a feather in the cap. The Administration Services was hon- into the Ooredoo family”. use our App ‘MyOoredoo’ for Omar Al-Bassam Eisa Al-Beshaier Theatre has established a remarkable ored by Dr. Al-Mudhaf for the Omar Al-Bassam, Chief Human updates and more. image in the hearts of art lovers of company’s sponsorship of the Resources and Administration Kuwait with their unique presentation of career fair. Services Officer at Ooredoo various subjects on the stage supported Ooredoo’s ongoing support to Kuwait reiterated the company’s by a prodigious crew. As a recognition the various career fair held in belief in the major role that the to these efforts the Theatre has bagged public and private universities, youth play in the future of our award from Kerala Sangeetha Nataka colleges, and learning institutions country. “We are glad to partici- Academy twice, and it is worth to note nationwide is part of the compa- pate in the Public Authority for that Future Eye Theatre is the only ny’s keenness in offering students Applied Education and Training organization invited by the Government job opportunities to students, Career Fair, which attracts a num- of Kerala to present a drama in the especially in the telecommunica- ber of Kuwait’s most talented home country. tions sector which is considered students who received extensive Undoubtedly, this mega drama is one of the most vital and dynamic academic education in a variety going to be a major breakthrough for fields operating in Kuwait’s pri- of fields.” all the enthusiastic theatrical artists. vate sector. Ooredoo’s Human Resources The co-ordinators assure that this Eisa Al-Beshaier, Senior Department participated in the musical saga will caress the spectators Director of Human Resources career fair by providing visitors with cool breeze as the music of and Administration Services at to the booth with information Baburaj, leaving an ever memorable Ooredoo Kuwait reiterated the about job descriptions and roles experience. company’s belief in the major role in the company’s different that the youth play in the future departments and sectors, answer-

equipping generations whom in return will VIVA strategic sponsor of the contribute to the prosperity of the nation.” The participating teachers were judged by a committee of members who have a fourth annual KALD Distinguished lengthy track record in the field of educa- tion. The evaluation was based on interna- Teacher’s award 2018-19 ceremony tional standards used in the educational sector and in accordance with the teach- IVA, a world-class digital leader strives to support different initiatives in the ing methodology of “Charlotte Danielson”, providing innovative services and fields of health, education, sports, environ- which is an effective and successful model Vplatforms to customers and enabling ment and entrepreneurship. We believe that for evaluating the performance of the the digital transformation in Kuwait, and a this important award honors the teachers in teachers. subsidiary of STC Group, has sponsored recognition of their achievements through- A documentary film about KALD the fourth Kuwait Association for Learning out their educational journey, and is a moti- Distinguished Teacher Award was present- Differences (KALD)’s Distinguished vational token to continue encouraging ed during the ceremony, followed by an Teachers Award Ceremony, with the first them to excel in their fields in support of entertainment acts performed by the stu- and only award in the Arab World to be their students.” She added: “The teacher has dent Faisal Al-Nashmi. The event was granted to the teachers of students with an essential role in building, educating and attended by several VIP and social figures. learning difficulties in Kuwait. The Event was held at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre in presence of Eng. Maziad AlHarbi VIVA CEO and Ms. Amaal Al-Sayer KALD Chairperson. Both AlHarbi and Al-Sayer honored the Award Judging Committee and the three winners of KALD Distinguished Teacher’s Award announced during the event. Ms. Danah Faisal AlJasem, General Manager of Corporate Communications at VIVA commented: “Our strategic sponsor- ship extending until 2020 inclusive of this significant event is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility agenda at VIVA that 16 Health & Science Sunday, December 1, 2019 Mumbai slum-dwellers by the sea live at mercy of climate change MUMBAI: Already at risk from rains, flooding and open sewers, ly at risk of coastal flooding by 2050. The UN-backed slum-dwellers who live by the ocean in the Indian financial cap- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said in a report in ital Mumbai are vulnerable to rising seas caused by global September that sea levels could rise by one meter (3.3 feet) by New Zealand increases Samoa warming and say the government should help them move to 2100 - 10 times the rate in the 20th century - if carbon emis- safer locations. Thousands of people, mostly migrants from oth- sions that are responsible for climate change keep climbing. er parts of the country, live in temporary shelters, built on rocks “Mumbai is going to be under water, we need to plan for measles aid as epidemic worsens at the edge of the sea and are likely to be the first hit from that eventuality and what is required is to plan a new city to WELLINGTON: New Zealand announced extra Australia has also sent medics to the island coastal flooding caused by climate change. replace Mumbai as and when it gets submerged. And ideally, to aid for Samoa Friday as the Pacific nation’s measles nation, and a 13-strong team of doctors and “Even hearing about (the rising sea levels) we feel afraid. my mind, it should be somewhere inland - at a pretty substantial epidemic raced past 3,000 cases and experts nurses from Britain is due to arrive today. Infants What do we do? We have been living here for so many years. It elevation,” Debi Goenka, an environmental activist, told would be good if the government could do something to help Reuters. As well as changing sea levels, scientists say climate warned the number could double before the crisis aged four or under account for 38 of the deaths us,” said Kamakshi Tangesh Devender, who lives in a slum in change is causing an increase in extreme weather events was over. Samoa’s government said the death toll since the outbreak began in mid-October and the Worli neighborhood. Climate change poses a greater threat to around the world such as drought and floods. Mumbai has been from the outbreak had reached 42, up three in 24 government said another 20 children were criti- poor communities in developing nations like India, Indonesia hit this year by incessant rains and flooding, causing loss of life hours, while the overall number of cases rose by cally ill in hospital. and the Philippines, with people living on the margins less able and property and halting essential services like local transport. 213 to 3,149 over the same period. University of Auckland vaccinologist Helen to protect themselves from the impact. The city received 66 percent more rainfall than average during “The Samoan health system is under serious Petousis-Harris said the climbing infection rates A research paper last month by Climate Central, a US-based the June to September monsoon season, breaking a record set strain, with growing numbers of people, many of showed the outbreak was yet to peak and there non-profit climate science and news organization, found that in 1954. Governments are meeting at a UN summit on climate whom are very young, needing complex care as a could be 4,500 to 6,500 before they started climate change will put an estimated 300 million people global- change in Madrid on Dec 2-13. — Reuters result of the measles outbreak,” New Zealand trending downwards. “Unfortunately, it looks that Foreign Minister Winston Peters said. He said the cases (will) double by the time it’s over, with a Wellington was sending 100,000 doses of measles certain degree of confidence,” she told TVNZ. would be better not to drink blood at all, the doctor warns vaccine to Samoa, enough to immunize half the Due to low immunization rates the outbreak has ‘Vampires’ to boost unvaccinated blood could be “very dangerous,” then lays out 200,000 population. UNICEF has already dis- hit harder in Samoa than Pacific neighbors Tonga the benefits of vaccinations. “So is this why some parents are patched 110,000 doses. and Fiji, where there have been fewer measles rejecting vaccinations?” the vampire father asks. “To stop us Peters said more medical specialists were on cases and no deaths. The World Health vaccination rates? from biting their children?” The video ends with a message urging parents to have their their way from Wellington to help with Samoa’s Organization has blamed anti-vaccine campaigners MOSCOW: Struggling with growing skepticism of vaccina- children vaccinated. It was released as city authorities look for compulsory vaccination program, as well as a for worsening the epidemic and Petousis-Harris tions, health authorities in Moscow have turned to a surprising ways to boost vaccination rates. On Thursday, local deputies much-needed oxygen-producing machine. “New condemned the spread of misinformation around ally for help: blood-thirsty vampires. A video posted by the including the head of the city’s public health committee recom- Zealand is also looking to provide psychological the outbreak. “In a sense, it’s a pro-death move- Moscow health department this week features a black-clad, mended making vaccinations mandatory. The World Health support for health workers in Samoa, who have ment. In the case of Samoa, I think it is particularly long-haired vampire and his fang-baring young daughter. Organization (WHO) and UNICEF warned in July that vaccina- been confronted with some distressing cases in distressing because we have such a terrible crisis During a visit to the doctor, they ask if it is safe for the girl to tion rates around the world have “dangerously” stalled — in very demanding conditions,” he added. happening,” she said. — AFP drink blood from the unvaccinated. After suggesting that it many cases due to increasing suspicion of vaccines. — AFP 17

Sunday, December 1, 2019

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

Stars Sunday, December 1, 2019

CROSSWORD 2373 STAR TRACK

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

Today may find you more impulsive than you usually are. You Today is a day of high energy and quick thinking. Your mind is seem to be direct and outspoken when dealing with others today. You desire sharp but your tongue is sharper. Be sure and wash your feet this morning as a fresh start. Your mind is on new beginnings and developing new habit pat- you may find yourself with one in your mouth. Stop and take a breath before terns. Out with the old and in with the new. The consequences of the choices responding to any negativity you encounter. Ask yourself if you had rather be and decisions you make today will be long lasting. Take your time and put right or if you had rather be happy. You may find biting your tongue is worth much thought into the changes you are making. Remember, acting on impulse keeping the peace. Don’t get carried away under pressure and make any hasty is not always the best way to handle decisions and problems. Change can be decisions. Take some time to think things through today before making any good as long as you take the time to think things through and realize every major decisions. action has a consequence.

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

Today may find solutions to old problems seem to fall in your lap. Powerful and forceful feelings seem to be your driving force Ideas and dreams may easily turn into realities. You have a strong sense of today. A mixture of being outspoken and impulsive could be a dangerous independence today. You are a one of a kind. Others may see you as quite recipe. You may want to practice biting your tongue. You could end up with eccentric. You are special and full of life. Communication with others comes your foot in your mouth if you aren’t careful. A fresh start is what you crave. natural. Clear thoughts of the past may be flowing today and you are able to This is a great time to start new habit patterns. Make sure these are good really get in touch with your inner self. You know what you want and you are ones, because your actions have consequences and these will be long lasting. determined to achieve your goals.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Gemini (May 21-June 20) Your artistic temperament is in conflict with your practical self You may be entering a phase of directness and impulsiveness. You today. What you are doing may be fun and aesthetically satisfying, ACROSS DOWN could find yourself experiencing powerful and forceful feelings. Your emotions but is it producing the income you need? Look for a project that is creative are at an all time high. You seem to be craving a new start, some sort of new and financially profitable. You have many talents. You don’t have to settle for 1. Cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal 1. Large burrowing rodent of South and either/or. You can have it all. Central America. beginning is what you feel you need. New habits will start to be developed. vessel. These are habits that will have lasting effects on your life. Make sure these are 4. Health care for the aged. 2. Beside one another in a row or rank. positive things for you because they will have a long-term effect on your life. 12. An alliance made up of states that had 3. Kamarupan languages spoken in north- You may find that your mind is in overdrive. Slow down and think things been Soviet Socialist Republics in the eastern India and western Burma. through before making any big decisions. Do not act in haste. Soviet Union prior to its dissolution in 4. A master's degree in business. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Dec 1991. 5. (used of count nouns) Every one consid- 15. A constellation in the southern hemi- ered individually. You may find yourself having emotional differences with someone. sphere near Telescopium and Norma. 6. The district occupied entirely by the city Cancer (June 21-July 22) This could cause you to become frustrated. There may be someone or some- 16. A card game played in casinos in which of Washington. thing that just doesn’t feel right to you and your are unable to put your finger on it. Trust your gut on this one. You are usually a great judge of character two or more punters gamble against the 7. The United Nations agency concerned Will find you entering a phase of directness. You may be very with civil aviation. and able to know who and who not to keep in your circle. This is one of those banker. impulsive. You may want to bite your tongue to prevent putting your foot in 8. An esoteric or occult matter that is tradi- your mouth. Others could find this quite offensive. Try and remember to take a people that you do not need to allow to become a part of your life. You can 17. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike tionally secret. moment to think before you speak. You should have no problem getting your save yourself some heartache by walking away. part of an organism. 9. (music) A short recitative that is melodic point across to others, whether it be positive or negative. Try and remember to 18. High quality grape brandy distilled in the but is not an aria. keep things positive today and put on a happy face to avoid conflict. This is a Cognac district of France. 10. A rapid series of short loud sounds (as great day for new beginnings. Out with the old and in with the new. 20. A promontory in northern Morocco might be heard with a stethoscope in opposite the Rock of Gibraltar. some types of respiratory disorders). Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 21. Used in combination to denote the mid- 11. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet. dle. 12. The shape of a bell. Communicating with others comes naturally to you today. You Leo (July 23-August 22) 22. Distant in either space or time. 13. (anatomy) Of or relating to the ilium. seem to have a gift when it comes to getting your point across with 23. A slender double-reed instrument. 14. The 18th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. ease. It seems as if clear thoughts about the past flow freely through your You are not lacking charm today. It seems as if everyone is drawn mind today. You seem to have great understanding of the feelings of those 25. The blood group whose red cells carry 19. City in Sudan. to you. Today is the date to make the date or apply for the job you have been both the A and B antigens. 24. An organization of countries formed in around you. This is a great time to have a really special moment with someone thinking about. Others will be drawn to you today. You crave a fresh start. Out you love. You may find that bonds are strengthened, and you will feel closer 28. A very poisonous metallic element that 1961 to agree on a common policy for with the old and in with the new. Reach out to mend fences and ask for new than usual to this person. A great foundation for the future may be built this has three allotropic forms. the sale of petroleum. beginnings. This is a time in your life where new habit patterns will be devel- evening with the one you love. 30. Scale-like structure between the base of 26. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali oped. Make sure they are good ones. Actions have consequences and these the wing and the halter of a two-winged earth group. new habits will have lasting effects on your life. Make yourself known, Leo. fly. 27. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity. This is a time for you to shine. 33. Become louder. 29. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian 35. A Spanish unit of length (about a yard) mythology. Pisces (February 19-March 20) having different values in different locali- 31. A lake in northwestern Russia north of St. Virgo (August 23-September 22) ties. Petersburg. This is a great day for your career wise. You may be just the one 38. Void of thought or knowledge. 32. Either of a pair of thick-walled tubes that for the job that is coming available. It is an awesome day of harmony with not carry urine from the kidney to the uri- Today finds you direct and impulsive. What a combination! 41. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit Powerful emotions are the driving force behind your mood. You may want to only your friends but with your co- workers. Your ideas and input are greatly juice. nary bladder. count to ten before you speak today. You are driven to make a fresh start. appreciated today. Stick to your routine and stay true to yourself and you will 34. The part of the eye that contains the iris experience a great since of admiration from others. Even though today may 42. A communist state in the Caribbean on New beginnings are what you desire. This is a great time to make decisions and ciliary body and choroid. find you in a very impulsive mood, resist temptation and think long and hard the island of Cuba. and changes you will stick to. Make sure they are good ones. New habits will 36. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake set the tone for quite some time in your life. A good day to keep to yourself to about decisions you make today. You may be facing some life changing deci- 44. The square of a body of any size of type. Chad. avoid conflict with others. That mouth could get you in trouble. sions. This is not only a great day to organize your thoughts but also work on organizing your affairs and surroundings. 45. That is to say. 37. Polish filmmaker (born in 1929). 46. A training program to prepare college 39. The most northwestern Hawaiian island students to be commissioned officers. (beyond Kauai). 48. A mountain peak in the Andes in Bolivia 40. The time of life between the ages of 12 Wordsearch Puzzle Friday’s Solution (21,391 feet high). and 20. 53. American novelist (1909-1955). 43. South African term for `boss'. 54. A cushion on a throne for a prince in 47. Tropical American trees with palmately India. compound leaves and showy bell- 56. Any of several plants of the genus shaped flowers. Calochortus having tulip-shaped flowers 49. A public promotion of some product or with 3 sepals and 3 petals. service. 58. Any of the minor woodland deities who 50. Spend time badly or unwisely. were companions of Dionysus (similar to 51. Of or relating to or involving an area. the satyrs). 52. A syntactic string that forms a part of 60. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in some larger syntactic unit. the Dali region of Yunnan. 55. A person who tries to bluff other people. 61. Short and thick. 57. A city in Veneto. 62. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow 59. A measure of a person's intelligence as leaves and small flowers. indicated by an intelligence test. 68. Bottle that has a narrow neck. 63. Absent without permission. 71. Slender bristlelike appendage found on 64. In or of the present month. the bracts of grasses. 65. Endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys. 72. On or to the other side of a page. 66. A member of an Iroquoian people for- 75. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which merly living on the south shore of Lake the pilot is talked down by ground con- Erie in northern Ohio and northwest trol using precision approach radar. Pennsylvania and western New York. 76. Wild and domestic cattle. 67. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in 77. The qualities of a hero or heroine. favor of a person or cause). 78. A member of a Mayan people of south- 69. Someone who works (or provides work- western Guatemala. ers) during a strike. 79. In or of the month preceding the present 70. God of love and erotic desire. one. 73. A tax levied on the difference between a 80. Someone who listens attentively. commodity's price before taxes and its 81. A loose sleeveless outer garment made cost of production. from aba cloth. 74. (informal) Of the highest quality.

Friday’s Solution

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Established 1961 Lifestyle

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2019

Tourists eat dishes of mixed insects at the Bugs Cafe restaurant in Siem Reap province. Ant spring rolls, silkworm taro croquettes and a ‘bug mac’-Cambodia’s first insect tapas restaurant is mixing cocktail culture with creepy crawler fare. — AFP Photos

nt spring rolls, silkworm cake dessert. Insects are eaten by taro croquettes and a “bug two billion people worldwide, mac” - Cambodia’s first according to the UN’s Food and Ainsect tapas restaurant is Agriculture Organization. Besides mixing cocktail culture with creepy being a cheap source of protein, crawler fare. At the busy “Bugs insect cuisine is also a possible Cafe” in the tourist town of Siem answer to rising concern over the Reap, chef Seiha Soeun stands over environmental impact of livestock a sizzling wok in the kitchen tossing farming. in crickets, grasshoppers, tarantulas As dinner orders picked up, and scorpions. tourists from as far afield as Britain, Sold at street vendors or in Poland and Malaysia all happily - if Instagram-friendly tourist spots, a little squeamishly - crunched insects aren’t new to Cambodian away. Servers worked the room palates. But they are usually served wearing shirts emblazoned with the one way: fried, with dipping sauce, words “I HATE INSECTS”, with the and maybe a cold beer. “We have a “H” crossed out. British backpacker different kind of menu,” Seiha said, Joshua Bean, 23, said he knew he adding that he practiced making the had to visit the cafe after seeing an “bug mac” - a patty of pureed ant, ad for the unusual eatery at his hos- bee, silkworm and cricket topped tel. He didn’t flinch at the “juicy” with a slice of cheese and pickle - silkworms and an assortment of many times to get it just right. other insects piled up on his plate. On a recent evening at the “It’s not the kind of thing you get restaurant, French co-founder Davy back home,” he said. — AFP Blouzard greeted curious diners and explained the menu. “We want to show that it’s possible to make quality food with insects,” he said. There is sweet potato cream with bee larvae, silkworm and mango flambe, and even a cricket cheese- A cook prepares mixed insect dish at the Bugs Cafe restau- A cook fries mixed insects at the Bugs Cafe restaurant in Siem Reap province. rant in Siem Reap province.

French co-founder Davy Blouzard speaks during an interview with Agence France- A tourist (left) holds a skewered cricket and spiders at the Bugs Cafe restaurant in Chef Seiha Soeun (left) prepares a mixed insect dish at the Bugs Cafe restaurant in Presse at the Bugs Cafe restaurant in Siem Reap province. Siem Reap province. Siem Reap province. — AFP photos 20 Established 1961 Lifestyle Gossip Sunday, December 1, 2019

he 22-year-old model - who their future. He wrote: “Happy birthday T recently celebrated a year of babes! You make me want to be better marriage to Justin Bieber - everyday! The way you live you life is so took to Instagram to insist she attractive.. ps you turn me on in every is not expecting a baby, after fans saw way. next season BABIES (sic).” Justin with her hand over her stomach and previously opened up about how child- wrongly guessed she might be pregnant. hood fame had left him feeling suicidal Hailey wrote: “The internet is funny!! No, and using “pretty heavy drugs” but said I’m not pregnant I just really love food.” marriage to Hailey has changed his life for Meanwhile, Justin, 25, recently celebrated the better. Hailey’s 22nd birthday with a sweet social media post and insisted that babies are in

he 44-year-old actor couldn’t whom she has six-year-old daughter T help but boast about his har- Everly, and announced in September that monious relationship with the they are expecting their first child togeth- ‘Step Up’ actress on Instagram er. Earlier this month, Jenna, 38, revealed when the brunette beauty uploaded a she feels “very empowered” by mother- series of photographs of them on hood. She said: “I believe that I can do Thanksgiving on Instagram. She cap- and accomplish anything at any point with tioned the sweet shots: “The journey to any amount of sleep with any amount of get a good group picture though. Grateful stressors in life. [When you have a child], for so much today Happy thanksgiving you know that you love something and everyone!!! (sic).” To which Steve replied: you can commit and dedicate yourself to “The happiest.” Jenna and the Tony win- something so much, that you can do any- ner have been dating since she split from thing. [It] made me feel very empowered.” her ex-husband Channing Tatum, with

he 41-year-old star was made bankrupt during he ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ star has he 70-year-old former Olympian - who was T a hearing at the Insolvency and Companies T decided to put down her electronic devices in T known as Bruce Jenner before she had gender Court in London after failing to pay back an order to live in the “moment” with her 20- reassignment surgery back in 2015 - had the agreed £12,000 a month to her creditors and month-old daughter True, whom she has with blocked structure erected so that no one now she is reportedly turning to her exes, Peter Andre her ex-partner Tristan Thompson, and has encouraged would out her before she was ready to make the and Kieran Hayler, to pay her back money that she lav- her fans to do the same as time goes by “faster and announcement. Speaking on Britain’s ‘I’m A Celebrity... ished on them during their marriages. A source told The faster” these days. Taking to her Twitter account, the 35- Get Me Out of Here!’ on Friday night, she added: “This Sun Online: “Katie is broke - but her exes aren’t. “She’s year-old reality TV star said: “Hi loves!! I hope you all was before I came out, because I couldn’t go out the told both of them that she expects some cash from them are enjoying every moment with your loved ones!! Slow front door to my pool because I thought someone would as she bankrolled them for years when they were mar- down and take in every moment! I’ve been staying off my get a picture.” However, Caitlyn - who has daughters ried. “She was always the money-earner, while they phone and living in every minute with my baby. Time Kendall, 24, and Kylie, 22, with her ex-wife Kris Jenner as enjoyed her millions. “Now the shoe’s on the other foot, seems to be going by faster and faster. Happy holidays well as Brody, Brandon, Cassandra and Burt from two she doesn’t see why they wouldn’t help her out. “It’s pay- (sic)” Although her decision to put her phone down previous relationships - ripped down the wall as soon as back time. She says she spent a fortune falling in love means she probably won’t be documenting her life on she had shared her new identity and image on the front with the wrong men - now it’s time to get what she’s Instagram as much as before, but the blonde beauty page of Vanity Fair magazine. She explained: “The day owed.” recently teased that she and True could be set to get Vanity Fair came out, the wall came down.” Caitlyn their own reality TV show. recently admitted it was harder to transition than to train to win gold in the decathlon at the 1976 Olympics because she didn’t feel “accepted”.

he 28-year-old singer decided to ditch his T electronic devices and social networking sites back in 2015 when he took a year-long break from the spotlight to “travel the world” but, despite returning to Instagram 12 months later, the ‘Shape of You’ hitmaker can still only be contacted via email as he doesn’t have a phone. Roman Kemp - who is friends with Ed - said during Friday’s (29.11.19) episode of Britain’s ‘I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!’: “Ed doesn’t have a phone, you email him.” Back in 2017, Ed revealed his decision to get rid of his phone has helped lower his stress. He said at the time: “I bought an iPad, and then I just work off of email, and it’s so much less stress. I don’t wake up in the morning and have to answer 50 messages of people asking for stuff. It’s just like, I wake up and have a cup of tea.” The flame-haired hunk may be one of the world’s best-selling musicians, but he he 39-year-old star has been open in her life recently cut his friendship group to just four people as he T about her struggles with bipolar disorder and he 41-year-old reality television personality deals with his own social anxiety. he 30-year-old rapper - who already has five- drug abuse and admits she is interested in re- T has only been dating the ‘New Girl’ star since T year-old daughter Royalty with his former entering education to study the subjects in a September but couldn’t help but gush over her partner Nia Guzman - announced on bid to change careers. Speaking in New! magazine, she on Thanksgiving on Thursday as he put Instagram that him and his ex-girlfriend said: “What I wouldn’t give to be back in the classroom! together a slide show of his loved ones. He captioned the Ammika Harris have chosen the unusual moniker for him. “If I had my time over I’d study psychology, the brain and montage: “I am beyond thankful to be surrounded by Alongside a picture of him looking at his phone, Chris mental health, especially with everything I’ve been such incredibly fun loving people & puppies. You bring wrote: “RORO & AEKO (ECHO) (sic).” Up until now, the through.” Kerry even thought about enrolling on an adult joy to my life. I love you. #HappyThanksgiving former couple haven’t publicly spoken about their tot’s learning course this September but had to put her plans #ThankYouToOurFansToo (sic).” Last month, Zooey birth, but they did both take to social media to post cryp- on hold as she is starring in pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty’ joined Jonathan at his twin brother Drew and his wife tic messages, which fans of the ‘No Guidance’ hitmaker over December and January at the Kenneth More Annalee’s Halloween fancy dress wedding. The 39-year- thought was about their new arrival. Ammika posted on Theatre in Ilford, England. But the former Atomic Kitten old star - who dressed as Catwoman for the nuptials - her Instagram story: “I was in love, when I first saw you.” star - who will play wicked witch Carabosse - intends to shared a photo of their outfits the following day and And Chris shared an image of himself with the caption revisit the idea of going back into education in 2020 wrote: “It’s the first time I’ve ever been cat-woman “11-20-2019”, which fans thought was his son’s birth because she just loves learning. She added: “I’ve thought escorted to a fancy dress party wedding by Batman. Only date, as well as a second image of himself wearing a about doing an adult learning course, but with panto sea- for the nuptials of @mrjdscott and @annaleebelle could I hoodie emblazoned with the word “born”. The news son coming up I probably won’t have time to do anything be so inspired! Congrats to these gorgeous and gracious came after it was reported in August that the pair were in the next few months. It’s on my mind, though. What can love birds, I was overjoyed to celebrate such a happy due to welcome a baby boy, following their split earlier I say? I just love learning.” union! [heart emojis] (sic)” this year. Established 1961 21 Lifestyle Features Sunday, December 1, 2019

n a figure-hugging sparkly dress, Val proudly waving a Ukrainian flag, Monique tears around the stage, whip- Karasevych introduced his compatriots, Iping up the crowd as she channels her including a woman dressed like “Hatsune inner Tina Turner and belts out “Proud Miku”, a vocaloid character with long blue Mary.” Monique is Panama’s representative ponytails and a miniskirt. “Karaoke makes in the Karaoke World Championships, one us happy. He is an economist, I am an of 40 amateur warblers selected from accountant, and she is a teacher, and we 30,000 entrants for the competition, which today stand on the stage like professionals, is being held this year for the first time in like stars,” he said. its spiritual home of Japan. Among the karaoke classics featured on Thursday were Spandau Ballet’s “Gold” sung by the Finnish entrant and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, interpreted by the contestant from the Philippines. The crown went to Jenny Ball from Britain, who sang Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” in the semi-finals and Jennifer Hudson’s “And I Am Telling You” in the final. “Thank you so much. Arigato!” she exclaimed after her victorious performance on stage. “I don’t know what to say!” Her prize: a portable microphone and a medal. The show closed with a chorus of the 1985 sing-along hit “We Are The World” - an annual rendition.

‘Great legs’ The annual Karaoke World Championships were first held in Finland in 2003, the brainchild of a Finnish company. The final contestants were selected from some 30,000 applicants across the globe, the lucky Japanese contestants, Yuji Ogata, paid tribute to her inspiration Tina Turner, Ekaterina voiced delight at performing “at home” an “amazing, powerful woman.” Val Monique of Panama (left) Accountants, teachers and economists according to Daiichikosho, a Japanese Mandrichenko of after he belted out “ai no sanka”, the “She is, I don’t know even how many and Shai Othman of Singapore from as far afield as the Faroe Islands, karaoke company backing the event. The Russia sings during the Japanese version of the Edith Piaf classic years old, and she is still dancing, still prepare backstage before per- Guatemala and Brazil battled it out for the selection process differs from country to Karaoke World “L’hymne a l’amour” (“hymn to love”). singing. I wanted to have that same energy forming during the Karaoke prestigious title of the world’s best karaoke country, but in Japan the company asked Championships in “I myself thought the world champi- she has on stage and show off great legs World Championships in singer in the competition run since 2003. wannabe competitors to upload their Tokyo. onships was a far-fetched dream, but like she shows off, even if she’s 70-80 Tokyo. — AFP photos And like everyone around the world who singing performances at karaoke parlors, has ever grabbed the mic, for a brief time said Daiichikosho official Kikumi Onchi. here it is happening in Tokyo, Japan,” years old,” she said of Turner, who turned under the spotlight, the contestants found Around 2,200 people applied just for Ogata said. 80 on Tuesday. “I’m so excited. Being on their 15 minutes of fame. Japan, considered the home of karaoke — Vladimir Brilov, a contestant from stage was such a rush but adrenaline just “Karaoke can make everyone feel for a word that means “empty orchestra” in Russia, said he was making the most of his hits you as soon as you are there on the one moment like a professional. Only Japanese — and where the concept was time in Japan, experiencing the unique stage. It was amazing,” she said. “I just karaoke can give you those few minutes of born around 50 years ago. “We listened to Japanese karaoke culture. “I was all alone wanted to have fun and I think it was glory on the stage,” said Vladyslav each one of the songs, selected several because I wanted to feel comfortable,” worth it.” — AFP Karasevych, a contestant from Ukraine. singers for regional competitions, and Brilov said. “I was a superhero for myself Resplendent in a black and white picked the final four singers for the world and that made me so pleased.” After the “Harlequin” outfit and white hat, and championships,” Onchi told AFP. One of show, Panama’s karaoke queen Monique

express myself.” She never discussed the incident until the #MeToo campaign jolted her into speaking out last year. Since then, she has faced online trolling and a backlash. Love in the time “Some men are like, ‘if we hire her, then she might say something, better be careful.’ For some people, the moment a woman speaks, of Ebola: ‘Hell’s she is trouble,” she said. “Many well-wishers had warned me against saying anything but I have to stand my ground.” Anusha Khan, a consultant who Gate’ opens year after Bollywood followed conducts workshops against sexual harass- Hollywood by naming male predators ment in the entertainment industry, told AFP: Aaccused of sexual harassment, many “Bollywood is still grappling with the fact in Liberia women say they have suffered while alleged that this problem exists.” “The protection perpetrators are back in the limelight. In the system for predators is very strong.” As a US, #MeToo triggered the downfall of result, many accused men have resurrected powerbrokers including Harvey Weinstein, new Liberian film named “Hell’s Gate” their careers with relative ease, she said. “It’s Kevin Spacey, and Brett Ratner. Victims were premieres Friday in the capital Monrovia, rehab without remorse.” hailed as trailblazers for speaking out, and about two lovers whose wedding plans A millions of dollars were raised to support are upended when the deadly Ebola virus their cases. strikes. An outbreak of the disease raged in In Bollywood, women have faced a back- Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea in 2014-16, lash, campaigners say. When singer Sona killing more than 11,300 people across the Mohapatra accused composer Anu Malik of three countries. “There is a need to have a doc- sexual misconduct she was told to vacate her ument on what devastated our country during judge’s seat on TV talent show, “Sa Re Ga the Ebola outbreak,” the film’s executive pro- Ma Pa”. “I was marked as a troublemaker ducer Cosme Pulano said. Already decimated and asked to leave. Overnight,” Mohapatra by back-to-back civil wars from 1989 to 2003, said last month. Program producers Zee TV Liberia was the country the worst hit by the denied her claims, telling AFP her departure West African Ebola crisis. More than 4,800 had “no connection” with #MeToo. The people died. maelstrom forced Malik, who also had a Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta attends the Pulano said he hoped “Hell’s Gate” would molestation case filed against him in the ‘MTV IWM Buzz Digital Awards’ ceremony in serve an educational purpose since the disease 1990s, to stand down last year as a judge on Mumbai. A year after Bollywood followed “could return anytime.” West Africa is currently the Sony TV show “Indian Idol”. Hollywood by naming male predators accused free of Ebola but the Democratic Republic of He was later reinstated. But after cam- of sexual harassment, many women say they Congo has an ongoing outbreak. The much- paigners fought back, Malik, who has dis- have suffered while alleged perpetrators are feared virus has killed 2,199 there since August missed the allegations as “false and unveri- back in the limelight. — AFP 2018. Not everyone in Monrovia is keen on fied”, announced his departure for a second revisiting the painful episode. “I am not going time last week. It was a rare victory for ‘Not backing down’ there,” said Adams Zeogar, an Ebola survivor, #MeToo in Bollywood, where many high- Even the case credited with kickstarting referring to the film. Although he agreed that flyers accused of harassment and even rape India’s #MeToo movement has hit road- discussing Ebola was important, he said he have revived their careers after lying low for blocks. Actress Tanushree Dutta first wanted to avoid reminders of “this horrible a few months. Director Vikas Bahl, whose accused Bollywood star Nana Patekar of past”. name was initially removed from the credits touching her inappropriately while filming a Other people touched by the crisis were of the hit movie “Super 30” following a sexu- song in 2008, when she was 24 and he was more positive. “For me it’s a great experience,” al misconduct complaint, was reinstated after 57. At least two people - a journalist and an said Dahsaw Owusu, who plays the main char- being cleared by an internal committee, assistant director - have publicly corroborat- acter’s best friend in the film. The actor lost a Montaha Al-Ajeel which reportedly did not involve the victim. ed her version of events. The incident effec- brother and an aunt to Ebola. The executive Filmmaker Subhash Kapoor, on trial for tively ended her career, the former Miss producer, who is also an employee at Liberia’s molestation, was initially dropped from a India told AFP. presidential affairs ministry, barely escaped participates in movie produced by Aamir Khan, one of Police refused even to register her harass- Ebola himself. At one point during the outbreak Bollywood’s most-feted actors. But the ment complaint. “I lost friends, I lost work, I he suffered strong headaches, he told AFP, and superstar backtracked, saying only a court went through periods of depression. “When family members avoided him suspecting he had international show could establish whether or not he is guilty - a your work is taken away from you, you feel fallen sick. process likely to take years in India’s over- like you have no reason to wake up some- Pulano ignored advice to visit an Ebola clin- burdened legal system. Veteran actor Alok times,” she said. Dutta repeated the claims in ic after his sister argued that he would already ashion Designer Montaha Al-Ajeel Nath, under investigation for rape, has sued an interview a decade later, triggering an have died if he were infected. “Entering an participated in an international the complainant for defamation. His film outpouring by women across India. Ebola Treatment Unit was like entering hell,” he Fshow held in Bangkok, Thailand, as “Main Bhi” (“Me Too”), in which he plays a Police agreed to accept her 2008 com- said, explaining the title of the film. “Hell’s part of the 9th celebration of Silky judge overseeing sexual harassment cases, is plaint but closed the case in June, citing Gate”-which cost some $40,000 (36,300 Fashions that is held for one week with awaiting release. insufficient evidence. Dutta accused them of euros) to produce-is entirely Liberian made. All the support of the Queen Mother. The deliberately botching the investigation. of the 169 cast and crew members are Liberian, celebration, organized by Thailand ‘Rehab without remorse’ Patekar, who has repeatedly denied the alle- and Pulano wrote the script after interviewing Tourism Authority, was attended by “I imagine the advice many of the men gations, did not answer AFP interview local doctors and Ebola victims. “There is a Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan- got was ‘just go underground for a year and requests. For Dutta, who plans to appeal the need for us to tell our own story,” he said. O-Cha, several ministers, senior officials, people will forget’,” said singer Shweta police decision, #MeToo is only a beginning. Fifteen percent of the profits will go toward diplomats and members of the royal Pandit, who was 15 when composer Malik, “I never set out to be a revolutionary,” she Ebola orphans, according to Pulano. — AFP family. 43 designers from 71 countries then 40, allegedly asked her to kiss him in said. “But they already destroyed my career participated as they competed over exchange for work. A classically-trained so what have I got to lose? I am not backing designs using Thai royal silk. vocalist, Pandit told AFP the 2001 incident down.” — AFP made her “shut down” and become a recluse. “I stopped trusting people,” she said, tearing up. “Singing was the only way I could 22 Established 1961

Sunday, December 1, 2019 Lifestyle Feature

Tourists visit the Pehoe Lake at the Torres del Paine National Park Magallanes region, Chile. — AFP Photos

he swimsuit-clad tourists leap into the like a heart beating, while the mighty current sales director travelling with his wife Martina, There are some trips I just won’t take, because gradually declining over the years, but it’s not icy water, gasping at the shock, and star- which revolves around the continent is like a says. They said they had paid a supplement to they leave a big footprint and they’re not known if that is man’s fault or they have just Ttling a gaggle of penguins. They are circulatory system as it absorbs warm currents climate compensate for their flight from worth it. “Crisscrossing the planet to go to a moved away, according to Karin Strand, spectators at the end of the world, luxury visi- from other oceans and redistributes cold Germany. But some question whether tourists beach for example,” she says. Hurtigruten’s vice president for expeditions. tors experiencing a vulnerable ecosystem water. The Antarctic Treaty, signed 60 years should be going to the region at all. Invisible to the naked eye, traces of humankind close-up. And their very presence might ago by 12 countries - it now has 54 signatories “The continent probably would be better Don’t mention climate change are however to be found in the pristine land- accelerate its demise. Antarctica, a vast terri- - declared the area a continent dedicated to off being left to penguins and researchers, but Like other expedition cruises where acces- scape. Not a single piece of rubbish is in sight tory belonging to no one nation, is a continent peace and science, but tourism has gradually the reality is, that is probably never going to sible science is part of their trademark, the but microplastics are everywhere, swept in on of extremes: the coldest place on Earth, the increased, with a sharp rise in the past few happen,” said Michael Hall, professor and Roald Amundsen, owned by the Hurtigruten ocean currents. “We’ve detected them in the windiest, the driest, the most desolate and the years. expert on polar regions at the University of company, has no dance floor or casino. eggs of penguins for example,” Leppe told most inhospitable. Tourism is the only commercial activity Canterbury in New Zealand. “Vicarious Instead, there are microscopes, science events AFP. Now, it’s also a choice destination for allowed, apart from fishing - the subject of appreciation never seems to be enough for and lectures about whales and explorers like tourists. All around Half Moon Island, off the Charles Darwin. But they steer clear of climate Venice under water Antarctic Peninsula, blocks of ice of all sizes change, which is only mentioned indirectly. The Antarctic, which holds the world’s float by on a calm sea, their varying forms That’s a deliberate decision as the subject has largest reserve of freshwater, is a ticking time resembling weightless origami shapes. On this proven “quite controversial”, said Verena bomb, warn experts and studies. They say that strip of land, that juts out of the Antarctic Polar Meraldi, Hurtigruten’s science coordinator. the future of millions of people and species in and towards South America, visitors can see “We held several lectures dedicated specifi- coastal areas around the world depends on wildlife normally only viewed in zoos or nature cally to climate change but it leads to conflicts. what is happening here. As a result of global documentaries along with spectacular icy There are people who accept it as a fact, oth- warming, the melting ice sheet - especially in landscapes. The ethereal shades of white that ers who don’t,” she said. the western part of the continent - will play across the pillowy peaks change with the Onboard, “passengers” are referred to as increasingly contribute to rising sea levels, light, acquiring pastel hues at dawn and dusk. “guests” and “explorers” rather than “cruis- radically re-drawing the map of the world, “Purity, grandeur, a scale that’s out of this ers”. “Explorers” are typically older, well- says climate scientist Anders Levermann, of world,” says Helene Brunet, an awestruck 63- heeled, often highly travelled pensioners who the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact year-old French pensioner, enjoying the scene. are handed walking sticks as they step ashore. Research. This meltwater will contribute 50 “It’s unbelievable, totally unbelievable. It’s “My 107th country,” says a Dane, stepping centimeters to the global sea level rise by amazing just to be here, like a small speck of ashore onto Antarctica. The Roald Amundsen 2100, and much more after that, he said. “For dust.” AFP joined the 430 passengers on board “guests” choose between three restaurants, every degree of warming, we get 2.5 meters of the Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid from street food to fine dining - a far cry from sea level rise. Not in this century, but in the electric cruise ship, on its maiden voyage in the the conditions endured by the Norwegian long run,” he said. Southern Ocean. “It’s not your typical beach, adventurer for whom the ship is named, who Even if the international community meets but it’s awesome to do it,” says a numb Even had to eat his sled dogs to survive his quest to its obligations under the Paris Agreement to Carlsen, 58, from Norway, emerging from his Norwegian Daniel Skjeldam, chief executive officer of the Hurtigruten hybrid expedition cruise ship, reach the South Pole in 1911. limit global warming to under two degrees polar plunge in the three-degree C water. MS Roald Amundsen, poses for a photo after an interview with AFP at Orne Harbor in South Shetland They have paid at least 7,000 euros Celsius, sea levels will still rise by at least five When tourists go ashore, bundled up in Islands, Antarctica. ($7,700) each for an 18-day cruise in a stan- metres. “Which means that Venice is under neon-colored windbreakers and slathered in dard cabin, and up to 25,000 euros ($27,500) water, Hamburg is under water, New York, SPF50 sunscreen, they have to follow strict international disputes over marine sanctuaries humans. So with that being the case, it needs for a suite with a balcony and private jacuzzi. Shanghai, Calcutta,” he said. It’s impossible to rules: clean your personal effects so you don’t - and is concentrated mainly around the to be made as low risk to the Antarctic envi- Other cruises are banking on ultra-luxury, with predict when, but the scenario appears introduce invasive species, keep a respectful peninsula, which has a milder climate than the ronment and as low carbon as possible,” said James Bond-like ships equipped with helicop- unavoidable, says Levermann. In the same way distance from wildlife to avoid distressing rest of the continent and is easier to access. Hall. “However, when the average tourist trip to ters and submarines, suites of more than 200 that a cruise ship powering ahead at full speed them, don’t stray from the marked paths and Cruise ships have roamed the region for Antarctica is over five tons of CO2 emissions square meters and butler services. With a sea- can’t immediately stop, sea levels will continue don’t pick up anything. “We mucked up the around 50 years, but their numbers only start- per passenger (including flights), that is a seri- plane to boot, the mega-yacht SeaDream to rise even if all greenhouse gas emissions rest of the world. We don’t want to muck up ed to increase from 1990, as Soviet ice-break- ous ask.” Innovation will offer 88-day cruises “from Pole were to cease immediately, a study has said. Antarctica too,” says an English tourist, as she ers found new purposes in the post-Cold War Soot or black carbon in the exhaust gases to Pole” starting in 2021. The two most expen- vacuums cat hair off her clothes before going era. Some 78,500 people are expected to visit of the scientific and cruise ships going to the sive suites, with a price tag of 135,000 euros Changing the world? ashore. the region between November and March, region is also of concern, said Soenke per person, are already booked. The tourism industry says it hopes to make according to the International Association of Diesener, transport policy officer at German “ambassadors” out of Antarctica visitors. “It’s ‘Heart of the Earth’ Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). conservation NGO Nabu. “These particles will Worlds collide good for the animal life and for the protection The Antarctic peninsula is one of the That’s a 40-percent increase from last year, deposit on snow and ice surfaces and acceler- Outside, in the deafening silence, wildlife of Antarctica that people see how beautiful regions on Earth that is warming the fastest, due in part to short visits by a few new cruise ate the melting of the ice because the ice gets abounds. All around are penguins, as awkward this area is, because you cherish what you by almost three degrees Celsius in the past 50 ships carrying more than 500 passengers, too darker and will absorb the heat from the sun years, according to the World Meteorological many to disembark under IAATO regulations. and will melt much faster,” he told AFP. “So the Organization — three times faster than the “Some might say ‘Well, 80,000 people, that people who go there to observe or preserve global average. In March 2015, an Argentinian doesn’t even fill a national stadium’... (and that the landscape are bringing danger to the area, research station registered a balmy 17.5 it) is nothing like Galapagos which welcomes and leave it less pristine than it was,” he degrees Celsius, a record. “Every year you 275,000 a year,” says IAATO spokeswoman added. can observe and record the melting of glaciers, Amanda Lynnes. “But Antarctica is a special the disappearance of sea ice... (and) in areas place and you need to manage it accordingly.” Responsible tourism without ice, the recolonisation of plants and Antarctic tour operators insist they are pro- other organisms that were not present in ‘Leave Antarctica to penguins’ moting responsible tourism. The trend is for Antarctica before,” said Marcelo Leppe, It is Antarctica’s very vulnerability that is more intimate, so-called expedition cruises, in director of the Chilean Antarctic Institute. attracting more and more visitors. “We want to contrast to popular giant cruise liners else- Antarctica is “like the heart of the Earth,” see this fantastic nature in Antarctica before where which are criticized for being invasive he added, saying that it expands and contracts it’s gone,” Guido Hofken, a 52-year-old IT and polluting. With greener ships - heavy fuel, the most commonly used for marine vessels, has been banned in Antarctica since 2011 - cruise companies have sought to make envi- ronmental awareness a selling point, occasion- ally earning them accusations of greenwashing. Global warming, pollution and microplas- tics are the result of human activities on other, Video journalist Viken Kantarci works before boarding the Hurtigruten hybrid expedition cruise ship, faraway continents, say tour operators. Here, MS Roald Amundsen, in Valparaiso. their motto is “Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, keep nothing but memories”. But before they’ve even set foot on on land as they are agile in water. Massive and know and understand,” said Hurtigruten chief the cruise ships departing from South America majestic whales slip through the waves, and executive Daniel Skjeldam. Texan tourist Mark - the most common itinerary - visitors to sea lions and seals laze in the sun. On Half Halvorson, 72, says he is convinced. “Having Antarctica will already have flown across the Moon Island, chinstrap penguins — so called seen it, I am that much more committed to world, causing emissions that harm the very because of a black stripe on their chin - strut having a very high priority in my politics, in my nature they have come so far to admire. about in this spring breeding season, raising own inner core convictions to being as envi- Most visitors hail from the Northern their beaks and screeching from their rocky ronmentally friendly in my life as I can,” he Hemisphere, and almost half are from the nests. “This is to tell other males ‘This is my said. So, do Guido and Martina Hofken see United States and China, IAATO says. “I’m a space’ and also, maybe, ‘This is my female’,” themselves as future “ambassadors of tourist who feels a little guilty about taking a ornithologist Rebecca Hodgkiss, a member of Antarctica”? “Just a little bit, probably. But I flight to come here,” admits Francoise the Hurtigruten’s scientific team, explains, as a don’t think I will change the world,” Guido French tourists Jackey Tomas and Francoise Lapeyre pose for a photo after an interview with AFP at Lapeyre, a 58-year-old globetrotter from group of tourists stroll around ashore. Hofken concedes. “The best thing would be for sea. France. “But then again, there are priorities. The colony of 2,500 penguins has been nobody to travel to Antarctica.” — AFP Classifieds Sunday, December 1, 2019

CHANGE OF NAME

(Old name) Ramachandrolla Bramahaiah S/o R. Ramachandra Res. 16/44 Thimmasamudram T Sundupalli Kadapa Dt. AP. Change my name (new name) Ramachandram Brahmaiah S/o R.Ramachandra Old PP. No K4656763. (C 5691)

I Aravind Sethu Kurakunnel holder of Indian Passport No. S2395793 issued at Kuwait on 03/02/2018. Hereby declare that my given name is Aravind and Surname is Sethu Kurakunnel.

I Kurakunnel Chellappan Sethu holder of Indian Passport No. P7113495 issued at Kuwait on 19/12/2016. Hereby declare that my given name is Sethu and surname is Kurakunnel Chellappan. (C 5693)

I Isaac Jebaraj (F/o Master Joel Harrison Isaac PP No. M6714468) holding Indian Passport No. S2388598 residing in Kuwait at present in Block 2, Street 17, Building No. 22, new Riggae, hereby declare that henceforth my son’s name will be read as: given name: Joel Harrison and surname: Isaac Jebaraj. (C 5689) 29-11-2019

We, BUSIREDDY MALLESHVAR REDDY and BUSIREDDY VIJAYA KUMARI, parents of BUSIREDDY KARTHIKA, Passport No. M4250149 issued on 29-12- 2014, who are residents at # 67/95-3-1, SBI Colony, 112 Mariyapuram, Akkayapalli, Kadapa, Y.S.R. District, changed our daughter’s name as Automated enquiry BUSIREDDY KARTHIKA (new name) previously called KAN- about the CivilID card THIJA BUSIREDDY (old name). (C 5690) 28-11-2019 is 1889988

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

Arrival Flights on Sunday 1/12/2019 KAC 614 Bahrain 13:50 Departure Flights on Sunday 1/12/2019 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 Airlines Flt Route Time RBG 211 Luxor 14:10 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 213 Jeddah 12:00 IGO 1757 Kochi 00:10 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 JZR 221 Riyadh 12:00 AIC 989 Mumbai 00:10 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 JZR 215 Jeddah 00:05 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 QTR 7451 Doha 00:30 KAC 672 Dubai 14:40 FDB 072 Dubai 00:35 QTR 1075 Doha 13:00 FEG 241 Alexandria 00:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 14:40 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:45 SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 NIA 561 Asyut 00:45 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:45 AIC 990 Mumbai 01:10 MSR 611 Cairo 13:00 JZR 254 Amman 00:45 KAC 742 Dammam 14:45 IGO 1758 Kochi 01:10 JZR 115 Doha 13:00 JZR 734 Cairo 00:50 KAC 364 Colombo 14:50 FEG 342 Sohag 01:30 KAC 781 Jeddah 13:30 THY 772 Istanbul 00:50 KAC 118 New York 14:50 NIA 364 Alexandria 01:40 SAW 702 Damascus 13:30 PGT 858 Istanbul 00:55 KAC 692 Muscat 15:00 JZR 119 Dubai 01:55 JZR 123 Dubai 13:40 KAC 504 Beirut 00:55 KAC 618 Doha 15:00 JZR 111 Doha 01:55 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 102 London 00:55 KNE 529 Jeddah 15:10 KAC 363 Colombo 02:00 AXB 394 Kozhikode 14:15 JZR 002 LGW 01:25 KAC 792 Madinah 15:10 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:00 RBG 218 Asyut 14:50 DLH 625 Dammam 01:30 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 KAC 677 Dubai 02:10 QTR 1079 Doha 15:00 ETH 3424 Addis Ababa/Bahrain 01:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:25 THY 773 Istanbul 02:20 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 JZR 222 Riyadh 15:30 DLH 625 Frankfurt 02:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 PGT 840 Istanbul 01:50 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 KAC 417 Manila 02:30 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:45 IGO 1759 Delhi 01:55 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 PGT 841 Istanbul 02:50 KAC 673 Dubai 15:50 JZR 722 Alexandria 01:55 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 ETH 3425 Addis Ababa 02:55 KAC 563 Amman 16:00 UAE 853 Dubai 02:15 JZR 732 Cairo 15:50 IGO 1765 Delhi 02:55 SVA 501 Jeddah 16:00 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:15 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:55 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 KNE 530 Jeddah 16:00 RBG 551 Alexandria 02:25 JZR 152 Mashhad 16:00 RBG 552 Alexandria 03:05 KAC 743 Dammam 16:05 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:30 KAC 546 Cairo 16:05 UAE 854 Dubai 03:40 KAC 615 Bahrain 16:05 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 JZR 212 Jeddah 16:25 KAC 621 Doha 03:50 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 QTR 1086 Doha 02:40 QTR 1072 Doha 16:35 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 16:30 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 JZR 116 Doha 16:40 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:35 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 JZR 612 Tbilisi 16:40 QTR 1087 Doha 04:00 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 PGT 860 Istanbul 03:05 FDB 051 Dubai 16:45 OMA 644 Muscat 04:00 JZR 103 Bahrain 16:50 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 KAC 502 Beirut 16:45 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:00 KAC 283 Dhaka 17:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:25 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 KAC 503 Beirut 17:05 LMU 510 Cairo 04:00 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 PGT 861 Istanbul 04:25 KAC 357 Kochi 17:35 QTR 1076 Doha 04:00 JZR 214 Jeddah 17:45 JZR 713 Sohag 04:30 KAC 619 Doha 17:35 KAC 414 Bangkok 04:00 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 707 Luxor 04:40 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 IGO 1751 Chennai 04:10 FDB 063 Dubai 18:15 LMU 511 Cairo 05:00 FDB 052 Dubai 17:45 KAC 418 Manila 04:25 JZR 302 Istanbul 18:15 KAC 103 London 05:00 QTR 1073 Doha 18:00 OHY 352 Istanbul 04:30 JZR 124 Dubai 18:20 IGO 1752 Chennai 05:10 KAC 343 Chennai 18:00 KAC 302 Mumbai 04:40 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 QTR 1077 Doha 05:30 KAC 675 Dubai 18:10 JZR 406 Kochi 04:45 QTR 1080 Doha 18:30 OHY 351 Istanbul 05:30 JZR 733 Cairo 18:10 FDB 069 Dubai 05:00 JZR 101 Bahrain 05:50 JZR 715 Sohag 18:15 IRA 665 Shiraz 18:35 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 JZR 306 Istanbul 18:55 THY 771 Istanbul 06:25 JZR 404 Hyderabad 05:10 JZR 121 Dubai 06:35 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 RJA 640 Amman 19:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 18:35 KAC 358 Kochi 05:10 KAC 156 Istanbul 19:20 JZR 113 Doha 06:40 KAC 382 Delhi 05:20 JZR 001D LGW 06:45 JZR 127 Dubai 18:35 RBG 555 Alexandria 19:25 JZR 403 Hyderabad 18:40 KAC 784 Jeddah 05:20 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 RJA 649 Amman 06:55 THY 770 Istanbul 05:25 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 KAC 381 Delhi 18:45 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 JZR 721 Alexandria 18:55 JZR 112 Doha 05:35 QTR 1090 Doha 19:35 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 216 Jeddah 05:50 KAC 167 Paris 07:35 JZR 253 Amman 19:20 KAC 744 Dammam 19:45 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 KAC 284 Dhaka 05:55 KAC 782 Jeddah 19:50 QTR 8512 Doha 08:00 QTR 8511 Doha 06:00 KAC 171 Frankfurt 08:00 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 KAC 616 Bahrain 19:50 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 JZR 402 Mumbai 06:05 JZR 104 Bahrain 19:55 IGO 1767 Mumbai 08:10 KAC 344 Chennai 06:10 KAC 165 Rome 08:15 IRA 664 Shiraz 19:35 JZR 540 KTM 20:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:55 JZR 120 Dubai 06:50 FDB 057 Dubai 20:00 KAC 161 Geneva 08:20 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 KAC 544 Cairo 07:00 FDB 054 Dubai 08:35 KAC 776 Riyadh 20:05 RBG 556 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 678 Dubai 07:05 KAC 545 Cairo 08:50 JZR 653 OSS 20:05 IGO 1766 Mumbai 07:10 KAC 104 London 20:05 BAW 156 London 09:00 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 RJA 641 Amman 20:10 BAW 157 London 07:10 KAC 501 Beirut 09:00 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 204 Lahore 07:15 QTR 1088 Doha 20:30 KAC 163 MXP 09:00 KAC 166 Rome 20:40 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 20:25 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:00 JZR 501 Lahore 20:40 QTR 1084 Doha 08:00 KLM 445 Amsterdam 20:50 JZR 539 KTM 09:05 DLH 624 Frankfurt 20:55 FDB 058 Dubai 20:45 KAC 622 Doha 08:00 JZR 731 Cairo 09:10 KAC 353 Bengaluru 20:50 UAE 855 Dubai 08:35 KAC 674 Dubai 20:55 KAC 691 Muscat 09:20 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 333 Trivandrum 20:50 JZR 102 Bahrain 08:55 QTR 1085 Doha 09:30 JZR 401 Mumbai 20:55 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 KAC 671 Dubai 09:35 ALK 229 Colombo 21:20 QTR 1091 Doha 21:00 KAC 334 Trivandrum 09:00 KAC 101 London 09:45 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 UAE 859 Dubai 21:30 KAC 561 Amman 09:45 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:30 DLH 624 Dammam 21:45 KAC 384 Delhi 09:30 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 304 Mumbai 09:30 RBG 217 Asyut 21:35 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 09:55 KLM 445 Bahrain 21:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 162 Geneva 21:40 JZR 151 Mashhad 09:55 QTR 1089 Doha 21:55 IGO 1753 Ahmedabad 09:40 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 791 Madinah 10:00 KAC 203 Lahore 22:15 QTR 1070 Doha 09:45 KAC 164 MXP 21:55 UAE 856 Dubai 10:00 RBG 214 Sohag 22:15 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 JZR 002D LGW 21:55 KAC 117 New York 10:00 JZR 701 Asyut 22:15 JZR 114 Doha 10:20 KAC 168 Paris 22:00 KAC 613 Bahrain 10:05 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 564 Amman 22:00 JZR 301 Istanbul 10:05 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 JZR 714 Sohag 10:50 KAC 620 Doha 22:00 KAC 773 Riyadh 10:15 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:25 JZR 708 Luxor 10:55 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 KAC 155 Istanbul 10:20 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 122 Dubai 11:15 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 617 Doha 10:35 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 QTR 1074 Doha 11:35 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 KAC 786 Jeddah 22:50 IGO 1754 Ahmedabad 10:40 KAC 783 Jeddah 23:15 MSR 610 Cairo 12:00 GOW 061 CNN 23:00 JZR 211 Jeddah 10:40 KAC 383 Delhi 23:20 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 QTR 1092 Doha 23:10 JZR 611 Tbilisi 10:45 QTR 1083 Doha 23:25 SAW 701 Damascus 12:30 MSC 405 Sohag 23:15 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 411 Bangkok 23:25 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 128 Dubai 23:15 SVA 513 Riyadh 11:00 KAC 543 Cairo 23:30 AXB 393 Kozhikode 13:15 KAC 676 Dubai 23:20 KAC 741 Dammam 11:05 KAC 303 Mumbai 23:40 QTR 1078 Doha 13:35 FDB 071 Dubai 23:40 JZR 305 Istanbul 11:10 GOW 062 CNN 23:55 24 Established 1961 News Sunday, December 1, 2019 Iraqis shatter taboos in rage at Iran, but bloodshed may follow

BAGHDAD: By torching Tehran’s consulates and slapping an expert at Singapore University’s Middle East Institute. their muddy shoes against photographs of top Iranian “The epicenter of public anger is at the Iraqi political officials, Iraqi protesters have shattered a taboo on public system, but (anger at) Iran is a by-product of that. You criticism of their influential eastern neighbor. But even as it cannot disentangle them.” For decades, Iran has carefully faces red-hot rage in the streets, Tehran has consolidated crafted ties to a vast range of Iraqi political and military its influence within Iraq’s political class and among armed actors, from Shiite opponents of ex-dictator Saddam actors, analysts tell AFP. In the latest expression of fury, Hussein to Kurdish factions in the north and even Sunni protesters crowded around the Iranian consulate - tribes in the west. already emptied of diplomats - in Iraq’s shrine city of Tehran also backs many of the factions in Iraq’s Hashed Najaf late Wednesday. al-Shaabi paramilitary force, formed in 2014 to fight the Shouting “Iran out, Iran out”, they set fire to tyres and Islamic State group. On top of that, it sells crucial electric- other items before storming the consulate itself. “Iran’s ity and natural gas to supplement Iraq’s gutted power sec- interference in Iraqi affairs has angered many Iraqis,” a tor and is the second-largest source of imported goods, young protester in Najaf told AFP. “The consular fire is a from food to cars. So when demonstrators hit the streets clear message to Iran to reconsider its role in Iraq,” he in outrage at a lack of jobs, unreliable electricity and cor- warned. It was the second Iranian consulate attacked by ruption among the ruling class, Iran was on the brain. “Iran protesters since the grassroots movement erupted on Oct intervenes in the formation of the government and in the 1 in anger at a government deemed corrupt and inefficient. economy, and the parties it supports are the ones domi- With unprecedented bluntness, demonstrators in nating political life,” said demonstrator Hussein. Baghdad and across the restive south have charged Iran Young protesters like him had hoped the defeat of IS in with overreaching. They say Iran interferes too much in 2017 could usher in a phase of relative stability, financial Iraqi politics, holds undue sway among its armed actors recovery and even some new political parties, said Maria and has even hamstrung Iraqi industries by flooding mar- Fantappie, the International Crisis Group’s Iraq analyst. kets with its own goods. Protesters have slapped their But their hopes were “crushed”, Fantappie said, when they RBALA: Iraqi demonstrators clash with security forces in this holy shrine city on Friday. — AFP shoes against pictures of Qasem Soleimani to insult the saw the political class, Hashed factions and Iran maintain commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps’ foreign the same ruling system criticised as corrupt. “There was a operations arm and Tehran’s pointman on Iraq. Soleimani, simmering anti-Iran feeling and the uprising lifted the cov- Fantappie said. Iraq’s highest Shiite religious authority But swelling public criticism of Iran could also trigger sources told AFP, has played a key role in convincing Iraqi er on the pot that was already boiling,” she told AFP, say- Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani has backed the protesters and more bloodshed, observers fear. “The burning of the con- factions to keep backing embattled Prime Minister Adel ing the sentiment was “now on the surface”. urged outside powers not to intervene. Many have inter- sulate is obviously a blow to Iran, but it can also be used Abdel Mahdi, further fuelling protester outrage. The protests have uncovered the enormous rift preted his words as a veiled warning to Tehran, including as a pretense for strengthening the security response,” “Anti-Iran sentiment isn’t new, but how openly it’s between the public and the political elite, as well as Sistani’s Iranian counterpart - and rival - Supreme leader Haddad said. Indeed, a day after the fire, two protesters being expressed is unprecedented,” said Fanar Haddad, between rival Iranian and Iraqi religious authorities, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. were shot dead in Najaf. — AFP

security and restore order”. Over two days, 42 people Iraqis keep up were shot dead in Nasiriyah, 22 in Najaf and three in saying. Baghdad. The rising death toll sparked a dramatic inter- Smog in Iran An odd-even traffic scheme was imposed yester- vention from Sistani, the 89-year-old spiritual leader of day to restrict the number of private vehicles on demos as PM... many of Iraq’s Shiites. In his Friday sermon, Sistani roads in the capital and trucks were banned outright urged parliament to stop supporting the government, shuts schools, in Tehran province, IRNA reported. The scheme Continued from Page 1 and hours later, Abdel Mahdi announced he would sub- would be lifted today, but heavy vehicles would still mit his resignation. universities be barred from the city, said Taghizadeh. But activi- to their weeks-long demands for complete regime Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council yesterday said it had ties would be halted today for all sand mines and change. “We’ll keep up this movement,” said one pro- formed a committee to probe the unrest, pledging to TEHRAN: Air pollution forced the closure of industries in Tehran that contribute to air pollution, tester in the southern city of Diwaniyah, where thou- “punish those who attacked protesters”. Accountability schools and universities in parts of Iran yesterday, he added, without specifying which ones. sands turned out early yesterday. “Abdel Mahdi’s resig- for those killed has become a key demand of protesters including Tehran, which was cloaked by a cloud of Schools were also closed yesterday in the north- nation is only the first step, and now all corrupt figures in Iraq, where tribal traditions - including revenge for toxic smog, state media reported. The young and ern province of Alborz and in the central province of must be removed and judged.” murder - remain widespread. “Every victim has a moth- elderly and people with respiratory illnesses were Esfahan, IRNA reported, citing officials. Other areas Teenaged protesters threw rocks at security forces er, a father, a tribe who won’t stay quiet,” said a warned to stay indoors and sporting activities were where schools were shut included the northeastern in Baghdad, who were positioned behind concrete bar- Baghdad protester. “Otherwise there could be civil war.” suspended for the start of the working week in the city of Mashhad, Orumiyeh city in northwestern Iran riers to protect government buildings. The forces fired Even cities that have been relatively peaceful, Islamic republic. The decision to shut schools and and Qom city, south of Tehran. In Tehran, average rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at the demonstra- including Hilla, held mourning marches for those killed universities in the capital was announced late Friday concentrations of hazardous airborne particles tors, wounding 10, a medical source told AFP. “We in recent days. Within minutes of Abdel Mahdi’s Friday by deputy governor Mohammad Taghizadeh, after a reached 146 micrograms per cubic meter yesterday won’t leave our barricades until the regime falls, until announcement, leading factions called for a no-confi- meeting of an emergency committee for air pollution. morning, according to air.tehran.ir, a government- we get jobs, water, electricity,” one protester said. dence vote - including key government backer the “Due to increased air pollution, kindergartens, linked website. By mid-afternoon, the index had More than two dozen protesters were wounded in Saeroon parliamentary bloc, led by firebrand cleric preschools and schools, universities and higher edu- dropped to 107 after winds blew away some of the Nasiriyah when security forces fired live ammunition at Moqtada Sadr. Abdel Mahdi’s other main backer, the cation institutes of Tehran province will be closed,” pollution hanging over the capital. The World Health anti-government rallies, medics said. The units dis- Fatah bloc, called for “necessary changes in the inter- he said, quoted by state news agency IRNA. Organization’s advised maximum level is 50. persed a sit-in on one bridge in the city but protesters ests of Iraq” in a departure from its usual statements Schools in the capital would also be closed for a The pall of pollution has shrouded the sprawling held two more, according to AFP’s correspondent. supporting him. second day today, Taghizadeh said later. “Having city of eight million for days and is only expected to Iraq’s second holy city Karbala was rocked by Since promising to submit his resignation, Abdel examined the index of pollutants in Tehran... it was clear tomorrow when rain is forecast. Air pollution overnight clashes between young protesters and secu- Mahdi has continued to hold meetings, including with decided for all schools to be closed tomorrow in was the cause of nearly 30,000 deaths per year in rity forces exchanging fire bombs. Najaf was relatively cabinet and the United Nation’s top representative yes- Tehran province, except for the counties of Iranian cities, state media reported earlier this year, calm yesterday, according to AFP’s correspondent, but terday. Iraq’s constitution does not include a provision Firuzkuh, Damavand and Pardis,” he was quoted as citing a health ministry official. — AFP protests there usually swell later in the day. for the resignation of a premier, so submitting a letter This week’s surge in violence started when protest- to parliament would trigger a motion of no-confidence. If parliament meets today and passes such a motion, ers stormed and burned the Iranian consulate in Najaf has further effects, such as their indemnities. I expect the cabinet would stay on in a caretaker role until the late Wednesday, accusing Iraq’s neighbor of propping the verdict in the case filed in this matter will be president names a new premier. Chief justice Faeq Indian engineers up the Baghdad government. Tehran demanded Iraq announced by the middle of next year. They should be Zeidan is one of several names being circulated as a take decisive action against the protesters and hours compensated for the period when they were not ‘engi- possible replacement. — AFP later Abdel Mahdi ordered military chiefs to “impose worst affected... neers’,” he concluded, adding he has more details that Continued from Page 1 can’t be revealed at the moment. Meanwhile, KSE signed an agreement of coopera- nected to Khan. Police believe he began the attack at Unfortunately, there are no clear criteria. I think the tion with the Institution of Engineers (India) on Johnson vows Fishmonger’s Hall, a historic building said to contain government needs those engineers,” he said. Thursday to improve and strengthen relations in vari- many ancient artifacts on the north side of the bridge. Kouh also demanded that the affected engineers ous fields. The signing was held on the occasion of the Khan was attending an event organized by the should be compensated. “Those who lost their title of 57th anniversary of the establishment of KSE and the action after... University of Cambridge’s criminology institute on pris- ‘engineer’ or those whose salaries were cut due to 100th anniversary of the founding of IEI. Various work- oner rehabilitation, and reportedly arrived with two changing the profession should be compensated, as this shops and conferences will also be held. Continued from Page 1 knives and the fake suicide vest. The Metropolitan Police appealed for witnesses to minister his deepest sorrow on the incident. Sheikh come forward. As the attack moved to London Bridge, cannot be named, was abducted on Wednesday night Sabah strongly condemned the attack against innocent a throng of people could be seen in videos grappling after she left her scooter near an expressway toll civilians, displaying support to all British efforts to pro- Fury in India with Khan on a pedestrian walkway. They reportedly booth. The four men are alleged to have deflated a tyre tect citizens as well as maintaining stability and security included a convicted killer on day-release from prison whilst she was away and offered to help when she in the UK. and other ex-offenders also attending the criminology over new rape returned to collect it. The victim called her younger HH the Amir also expressed solidarity with the event. Tour guide Stevie Hurst told BBC radio that sister to say she was stranded and that a group of men British leadership and people against such heinous acts “everyone was just on top of him trying to bundle him Continued from Page 1 had offered to fix her scooter. The woman said she was and wished for the swift recovery of those wounded in to the ground”. “I saw that the knife was still in his “afraid”, according her sister’s testimony to police. The the incident. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- hand so I just put a foot in to try and kick him in the They were remanded in judicial custody for 14 days, sister called back later but the victim’s phone was Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister head,” he said. police said. switched off. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent simi- One man in a suit and tie - identified by media as a The victim’s mother demanded that the culprits be Police said the ashes of the woman’s body were lar cables to Queen Elizabeth and Johnson. police officer - was later seen carrying a large knife burnt alive, the Times of India newspaper quoted her as found on Thursday morning. The body had been Kuwait’s foreign ministry also strongly denounced away. “As we saw the worst of human kind, we saw the saying. The incident is reminiscent of the fatal gang wrapped in a blanket and doused with kerosene. The on Friday the deadly stabbing attack. As part of very best of human spirit and London,” Met rape of a young woman, labelled Nirbhaya (Fearless) by killing has set off a firestorm of social media comment, Kuwait’s principled stand against all forms of violence Commissioner Cressida Dick said yesterday as she vis- Indian media, on board a bus in 2012. The crime many calling for a tough reaction. “The culprits must be and terrorism, an official of the ministry stated support ited London Bridge. On Nov 4, Britain downgraded its sparked widespread protests and drew international given severest punishment,” commented Rajasthan to whatever measures the UK might take to protect its terrorism threat level from “severe”, the second-highest attention to violence against women in India. The cur- state’s chief minister Ashok Gehlot, one of tens of thou- security. The source expressed sincere condolences to of five levels, to “substantial” - the lowest rating in more rent case has also provoked outrage on social media sands to post Twitter comments. the families of the victims and wished the wounded than five years. with #HangRapists trending on Twitter in India. “It has Women’s groups turned against a minister in quick recovery. Attention has swiftly turned to how Khan could been 7 yrs to the gut-wrenching #Nirbhaya case & our Telegana state, which includes Hyderabad, who said The latest attack came less than two weeks before have been released from prison after serving less than moral fabric continues to be in pieces,” Bollywood the dead woman could have been saved if she had Britain’s general election, and politicians temporarily seven years of his sentence. Inmates are usually actor Akshay Kumar tweeted. “We need stricter laws. called police first instead of her sister. “Is there no suspended campaigning. “It does not make sense for us released half-way through the type of determinate This needs to STOP!” shame,” hit back Swati Maliwal, head of the Delhi as a society to be putting people who have been con- sentence he was given, and time spent in custody Yesterday, police were criticized as protests spread Women’s Commission. “Now the blame is being put on victed of terrorist offences... out on early release,” before trial may have been taken into account. The to other cities. A woman who tried to stage a one-per- the dead victim.” Johnson said as he visited the scene. “We argue that Parole Board said it had no involvement in his release son demonstration outside the Indian parliament in India’s National Commission for Women condemned people should serve the tariff, serve the term, of which and that it appeared to have happened automatically New Delhi said she was beaten by police after refusing the incident, with its head Rekha Sharma saying it they are sentenced,” the prime minister added, noting as required by law. During the attack, Khan wore an to go home. Anu Dubey had sat outside the assembly “won’t leave any stone unturned till these perpetrators the Conservatives’ manifesto calls for a tougher sen- electronic tag used to monitor criminal offenders, The carrying a sign questioning why she could not “feel get the punishment they deserve”. The commission tencing regime. Times newspaper reported. safe” in her own country. “The only purpose of this advises the government on policy regarding women’s Khan, a British national from Stoke in central Johnson, who took over as prime minister in July, protest is to ensure that I am not burned to death rights and aims to provide a voice for issues ranging England, was handed an indeterminate sentence for said the cases of other convicted terrorists released tomorrow,” she told reporters later, fighting back tears. from sexual exploitation to employment, but has no public protection in 2012, with at least eight years in early were under urgent review. “A great deal of work is “That woman died, other girls have also died. Every judicial powers. prison. He was part of an eight-man network inspired being done right now to make sure that the public is 20 minutes, there is a rape in India. I don’t want to die. Yesterday, around 30 protesters including college by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets protected,” he added. Queen Elizabeth II said she and And I can’t be a spectator to any more rape cases. I’m students rallied outside a police station in central Delhi, including the London Stock Exchange, and planned husband Prince Philip had been saddened to hear of the tired of seeing such cases over and over again,” she carrying placards demanding justice and an end to to take part in “terrorist training” in Pakistan. But his attack and expressed her “enduring thanks” to the said. According to government figures, more than crime against women. “If your blood doesn’t boil even sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April “brave individuals who put their own lives at risk to 32,000 rape cases were reported in 2017, however, now, it’s not blood but water,” they chanted. One of the 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising selflessly help and protect others”. The 2017 London experts say that the crime is vastly unreported. Other protesters, student Kanchan Pal, 19, said she wanted to a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on Bridge attack involved Islamist extremists wearing fake cases reported yesterday included a 16-year-old girl raise her voice in support of rape victims. “Women are conditional release. suicide devices ploughing a van into pedestrians, who died in a Delhi hospital 10 days after being being raped everywhere, whether it is Delhi or Police yesterday were reportedly searching a prop- before attacking people with knives in nearby Borough allegedly raped by a neighbor and then set ablaze. Hyderabad or any other state,” said Pal. “We don’t feel erty in Stafford, in central England, thought to be con- Market and being shot dead by police. — Agencies Police said the 27-year-old Hyderabad vet, who safe.” — Agencies Established 1961 25 Sports Sunday, December 1, 2019 Bruins nip Rangers in OT for sixth straight win Blue Jackets stay hot, stop Penguins

BOSTON: David Krejci scored 1:40 into overtime as the Donato and Zach Parise also scored second-period goals. Boston Bruins rallied from two goals down to beat the visiting Luke Kunin, Ryan Hartman and Jason Zucker added tallies in New York Rangers 3-2 on Friday. David Pastrnak tied the the final period, and Jonas Brodin had two assists. Eric Staal score in the third period, and Sean Kuraly also scored as the had a goal and an assist and played in his 1,200th NHL game, Bruins ran their winning streak to six games. Jaroslav Halak fifth among active players. stopped 26 shots. Pavel Buchnevich and Filip Chytil scored for the Rangers, who had their three-game winning streak end. SABRES 6, MAPLE LEAFS 4 Henrik Lundqvist made 24 saves. Krejci went top shelf for the Jack Eichel collected two goals and an assist as host game-winner in overtime after Pastrnak crashed the net to Buffalo scored four times in the second period en route to a draw in the defense. Halak also earned an assist on the goal. win over Toronto. Casey Mittelstadt scored to snap a 16- game goal drought, and rookie Victor Olofsson, Jimmy Vesey CAPITALS 4, LIGHTNING 3 (OT) and Jeff Skinner also tallied for Buffalo, which received 25 Dmitry Orlov scored the game-winner in overtime to cap a saves from Linus Ullmark. The Sabres, who snapped a five- two-point game as host Washington erased a third-period game winless skid against the Maple Leafs, will vie for a deficit to beat Tampa Bay. Orlov became the hero 3:03 into sweep of the home-and-home series when the Atlantic overtime when he ripped a high short-side shot home for his Division rivals reconvene in Toronto on Saturday. The Maple second goal of the season. Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby Leafs got two goals from John Tavares and one apiece from made 27 saves for the win, while T.J. Oshie collected three Dmytro Timashov and Kasperi Kapanen. assists. The Capitals got to OT by erasing a 3-1 deficit in the third. First, Jakub Vrana made it one-goal game when he AVALANCHE 5, BLACKHAWKS 2 slipped a sharp-angled shot into the net at 3:45 of the period. Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and three assists, J.T. Then, Alex Ovechkin’s power-play goal, a patented one-timer Compher scored a goal and added two assists, and Colorado from the top of the left circle, tied the game at 11:36. won at Chicago in the front end of a back-to-back set. Cale Makar, Valeri Nichushkin and Ryan Graves also had goals and JETS 3, DUCKS 0 Pavel Francouz stopped 34 shots for the Avalanche, who have Nikolaj Ehlers scored his team-leading 12th goal, Kyle won two in a row. Patrick Kane and Zack Smith scored, and Connor recorded his 10th, and Connor Hellebuyck needed to Corey Crawford had 18 saves for the Blackhawks. The BOSTON: Chris Wagner #14 of the Boston Bruins takes a shot against Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New make just 24 saves for his second shutout as surging Avalanche played without forward Andre Burakovsky, who York Rangers during the third period at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. —AFP Winnipeg prevailed at Anaheim to win its third straight game. sustained an upper-body injury in Wednesday’s win over Neal Pionk also scored, and Blake Wheeler and Patrik Laine Edmonton. He did not make the trip with the team and is con- each added two assists as the Jets improved to 10-2-1 in sidered day-to-day. The teams meet again Saturday night in shootout for the Golden Knights before Christian Dvorak tied after his team relinquished a lead gave St. Louis the lead for November. They’re also 7-1-0 on the road this month. Denver. it starting the third round — the first goal allowed in 19 career good in defeating host Dallas. Just 18 seconds after Roope Hellebuyck was pulled after allowing five goals on 19 shots shootout attempts by Vegas goaltender Malcolm Subban. Hintz tied the game 1-1 with 3:11 remaining for the Stars, during Winnipeg’s 7-4 loss at Anaheim on Oct. 29. However, FLYERS 6, RED WINGS 1 Subban, making his third consecutive start as Marc-Andre O’Reilly netted his sixth goal of the season. Ivan Barbashev’s he came up big often on Friday, even while not seeing many Sean Couturier and Scott Laughton each had a goal and Fleury left the team to deal with the illness and subsequent empty-net goal with 2.1 seconds left on the clock finished the shots en route to his 16th career shutout. an assist as host Philadelphia had little trouble with Detroit, death of his father, finished with 35 saves to win back-to-back scoring. Colton Parayko also scored for St. Louis, which got 31 the team with the fewest points in the NHL. Shayne games for the first time since March. He improved to 2-4-2 saves from goaltender Jake Allen. The Central Division-lead- SHARKS 4, KINGS 1 Gostisbehere, Kevin Hayes, Oskar Lindblom and James van this season. ing Blues have won two straight games, picked up a point in Noah Gregor scored his first career goal, and Logan Riemsdyk scored one goal apiece for the Flyers, who won their last nine road games (7-0-2), and are 11-2-3 in their last Couture added another score in the second period as host their third in a row. Jake Voracek recorded three assists while BLUE JACKETS 5, PENGUINS 2 16 games overall. Goalie Ben Bishop made 37 saves for the San Jose put away from Los Angeles for the second time in Matt Niskanen added two assists for the Flyers, who Gustav Nyquist had a hat trick and Nick Foligno scored Stars, who have lost two straight. four days. Patrick Marleau and Marc-Edouard Vlasic each improved to 8-1-4 at home. They also have recorded at least twice to pace host Columbus past Pittsburgh, which had a scored in the first period as the Sharks won for the fourth time one point in five consecutive games. Robby Fabbri scored the three-game winning streak snapped. The Blue Jackets, who PREDATORS 3, HURRICANES 0 in their past five games. Martin Jones made 33 saves for San lone goal for the reeling Red Wings, who fell to 0-6-2 in their are 5-2-1 in their past eight games, scored twice on the power Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne stopped 31 shots for a Jose. Kyle Clifford scored his third of the season with less than past eight games. Detroit goaltender Cal Pickard, who played play and built a 4-1 lead through two periods. They were 1-6- shutout of host Carolina in Raleigh, N.C., as Rocco Grimaldi, two minutes remaining to avoid the shutout as the Kings lost for the Flyers last season, stopped 29 shots. 3 in their previous 10 games against Pittsburgh. Joonas Calle Jarnkrok and Austin Watson scored for the Predators, for the third time in their past four games. Los Angeles lost its Korpisalo stopped 29 of 31 Penguins shots and Nyquist regis- who caught the Hurricanes off guard early and used that eighth consecutive road game, scoring 10 goals in those GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2, COYOTES 1 (SO) tered his second career hat trick. Jake Guentzel and Kris leverage for a solid performance. The Predators have a four- games. Alex Tuch scored a goal in regulation and the game-win- Letang scored and Evgeni Malkin had two assists for game points streak, as they rebounded from an overtime loss ner in the third round of the shootout to carry host Vegas past Pittsburgh, which had its three-game winning streak and six- Wednesday to the Vegas Golden Knights. Rinne, who hadn’t WILD 7, SENATORS 2 Arizona in Las Vegas. Tuch deked Arizona’s Darcy Kuemper game point streak snapped. Tristan Jarry made 25 saves. played in Nashville’s previous three games, notched his third Minnesota scored six unanswered goals as they put away with a backhand fake and then fired a forehand shot over the shutout of the season. He has a team-high nine victories. visiting Ottawa for the eighth consecutive time. Jared goaltender’s left pad to give Vegas its second straight victory. BLUES 3, STARS 1 Carolina was blanked for the first time this season, and lost its Spurgeon contributed a goal and two assists, and Ryan Jonathan Marchessault had scored in the first round of the Ryan O’Reilly’s late goal in virtually the blink of an eye second straight. —Reuters

KSRS organizes’Kuwait to Jerusalem’ marathon I’m the more skilled boxer: Andy Ruiz NEW YORK: World heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr said he was the more skilled fighter and Briton Anthony Joshua will have to rethink his strategy in their Dec. 7 title rematch. Mexican-American Ruiz produced one of boxing’s biggest upsets when he dethroned the previously undefeated world champion Joshua with a seventh-round stoppage at New York’s Madison Square Garden in June. Their second WBA, IBF and WBO title showdown — dubbed the ‘Clash on the Dunes’ — takes place in Saudi Arabia after former Olympic champion Joshua triggered a rematch clause and Ruiz said the fans can expect “fireworks” when they slug it out again. KUWAIT: Kuwait Social Reform Society from “Kuwait to Jerusalem”, on the occa- enthusiastic atmosphere. KSRS Secretary support of the Palestinian cause in all are- “He’s going to try to make adjustments. I don’t know (KSRS), in cooperation with the Youth for sion of the world solidarity day with the General Yaqoub Al-Ansari said many of nas, and thanked all those who worked for if he wants to exchange punches, but I’d love for him to Jerusalem Society, Jerusalem Forum in Palestinian people, and loyalty to Jerusalem the various age groups participated with a the success of the marathon including the do that because I’m the more skilled boxer,” Ruiz said addition to official and social establish- and Al-Aqsa Mosque, to confirm solidarity total of 1,500 participants, and this interior and health ministries in addition in an interview published on Saturday by The Telegraph ments organized the first six kilometers with Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa mosque. reflected the status of Palestine in all. to Kuwait Municipality and Roads https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2019/11/30/exclu Marathon on Jaber Bridge under the slogan The marathon started at 9 am in an He said Kuwait’s official and popular Authority. sive-andy-ruiz-jr-interview-still-chubby-little-fat-kid. “He’ll try to box me round and use his jab. But for how long? How long can he keep me away from hunt- awareness-raising activities. Titled “One step can ing him down? That’s what we’ve been working on NBK 2019 change your life”; the Walkathon will take place on most of all right now, heading into the fight. December 7, 2019. NBK will be giving away two new “Fight fans are... going to see a lot of fireworks. If Renault cars from Al Babtain Group during the he knocks me down, I’m going to get up and knock Walkathon Centre Walkathon along with many other valuable prizes. him down. I know he’ll try to do the same if I knock him down. The main thing is to stay focused and disci- Participants of the age 12 and above who registered plined.” Joshua was dropped to the canvas four times starts receiving online can now visit NBK walkathon center daily until in the June bout and Ruiz, who has never been December 5, 2019 to receive their assigned T-shirt and knocked out in his professional career, said that he number. Ten winners will be selected from each of the would look to control the fight and use his speed applicants 10 categories of participants. The walk for both the against his taller opponent. “I want to impose myself in female and male participants will start from the Green this fight, but I don’t want to overlook him,” Ruiz KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) opened a Island on the Gulf Road to the Shuwaikh Beach Park, added. “He’s still a dangerous fighter. I respect him specialized center in the Green Island to assist the reg- parallel to the Gulf Road, next to KPC building for a and all the fighters who risk their lives inside the ring. istered participants in its annual walkathon and distrib- distance of 11 Km. “He’s going to have some tricks up his sleeve and it’s ute the assigned T-shirts and numbers. The center will NBK strongly supports sporting events and encour- my job to not let that affect me. The main thing is be opened daily until December the 5th, 2019 from 1:00 ages various sporting activities as means to promote a several social awareness programs including pressure, throw combinations and use my speed. I pm to 09:00 pm. This year, NBK’s Walkathon is healthier and more active lifestyle for members of the Educational, Environmental, Health and many other can’t let him grow balls in there.” —Reuters marked by a variety of fun, entertaining and health community. Throughout the years, NBK also organizes active initiatives.

hit the north of the country early next week — looms large. winds of 150 kph (93 mph) — is presently heading right for Duterte, has denied the allegations. With only sailing, wind- Philippine President Duterte had pledged a probe into the troubled run-up to the Games venues in the north of the country and is expected to surfing and netball on the sporting schedule on Saturday, all Games’ opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena, around 25 make landfall on Tuesday. eyes will be on the opening ceremony, which starts at 7 pm kilometres (15 miles) north of the capital Manila, after a rush of (1100 GMT). Many of the details remain a secret, although the to attend opening logistical problems and last-minute construction. MANILA PROTESTS show’s director, Filipino writer Floy Quintos, shared a photo “I’m really apologising for the country... they (other In Manila, about 2,000 protesters — some dressed as ath- on Facebook of hundreds of performers in colourful costumes nations) should know while they are still here that the gov- letes — marched near the Philippine presidential palace yes- on stage. Sea Games ceremony ernment is not happy,” Duterte said in an interview that aired terday to demand that Duterte and Games organising commit- “Yes, the show is a spectacle,” wrote the award-winning Friday. “You cannot just cast away all those — the discom- tee chairman Alan Peter Cayetano be held to account over playwright, adding the image showed a people “united”. “And CLARK: President Rodrigo Duterte will attend the opening fort, the sufferings of the athletes, sleeping on the floors, get- alleged corruption in funding. the power of spectacle is one that has been used, worldwide ceremony of the Southeast Asian Games, the presidential ting hungry,” he added. “To the countries that sent them Some held a large banner that read “Support Our Athletes. by the powerful to further agendas. But it is in the hands of the palace said, a day after the Philippine leader apologised for here, it’s a big deal.” No to SEA Games Corruption”, “We are Proud of Our spectacle’s creators to patch together some meaning, some the chaotic build-up. The organisation of the 30th edition of He also instructed organisers to release complimentary Athletes” and “We Are Ashamed Of Our Government”. cohesion, some message that goes beyond the political.” the SEA Games has been mocked and marred by complaints tickets to many of the 56 sports at the SEA Games to locals. “There are widespread reports of anomalies. These should This year’s Games in Clark, Manila and Subic, which run about transport, accommodation and food as thousands of The Philippines was bracing for a typhoon which national be investigated,” hotel worker Gerry Bodol told AFP as he through to December 11, are particularly complex with a athletes have flooded into the Philippines for the biggest-ever forecasters warned was maintaining its strength. held up a hand-printed red poster that read: “Make Duterte record 56 sports across dozens of venues that are in some edition of the multi-sport event. PAGASA said Typhoon Kammuri — which is packing gusts and Cayetano Pay for #SEAGamefail”. cases are hours apart apart by car, even before Manila’s noto- And the threat of an approaching typhoon — forecasted to of 185 kilometres (115 miles) per hour and maximum sustained The organising committee, which has the support of rious gridlock traffic is factored in. —AFP 26 Sports Sunday, December 1, 2019 Warner hits 335, Smith shatters record as Pakistan suffer in second Test Pakistan in deep trouble at 96 for six

ADELAIDE: An irrepressible David Warner smashed an SCOREBOARD unbeaten 335 yesterday while Steve Smith became the fastest man to 7,000 Test runs as Australia took control Scoreboard at the end of day two of the pink-ball of the day-night second Test against Pakistan. second cricket Test between Australia and Pakistan at Skipper Tim Paine waved his players back into the Adelaide Oval yesterday: pavilion at 589 for three ahead of the second day’s din- ner break with Warner on the 10th highest Test score Pakistan 1st innings ever, also a personal best. The decision to declare S. Masood c Paine b Hazlewood 19 deprived him of a crack at Brian Lara’s all-time high 400 not out, but it proved to be the right one with the Imam-ul-Haq c Warner b Starc 2 Australian bowlers quickly tearing through Pakistan’s A. Ali c Smith b Cummins 9 hapless top order under the Adelaide Oval lights. A. Shafiq c Paine b Starc 9 They finished in deep trouble at 96 for six with B. Azam not out 43 Mitchell Starc grabbing four of them. Babar Azam was I. Ahmed c Paine b Starc 10 not out 43 and Yasir Shah was on four. “It’s just sunk in M. Rizwan c Paine b Starc 0 to me that it is very rare that you get these opportuni- Y. Shah not out 4 ties... I’ll cherish this moment for the rest of my life, def- Extras 0 initely,” said Warner on making such a big score. “More importantly, the partnerships we put on. It Total (six wickets; 35 overs) 96 just showed how much pride we have as a batting unit Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Iman-ul-Haq), 2-22 (Azhar), 3-38 running between the wickets. “If I’m doing my job well (Masood), 4-69 (Shafiq), 5-89 (Ahmed), 6-89 and putting the team in the best position, we’re going (Rizwan) to win a lot of games,” he added. Still to bat: Shaheen Afridi, Muhammad Musa, The visitors, who have lost 13 consecutive Tests in Mohammad Abbas Australia, enjoyed little success in a long day in the field Bowling: Starc 13-5-22-4, Hazlewood 8-2-29-1, as they look to avoid a 2-0 series defeat. But they did remove Marnus Labuschagne for 162 in the opening Cummins 14-1-45-1 ADELAIDE: Australian batsman David Warner (C) is congratulated by teammates Nathan Lyon (L) and Pat session and also bagged Smith, caught behind by Cummins (R) after scoring 335 not out against Pakistan on the second day of the second cricket Test match in Mohammad Rizwan off Shaheen Afridi for 36. Adelaide yesterday. — AFP Australia 1st innings (overnight 302-1) In making his runs, Smith shattered a record that had J. Burns c Rizwan b Afridi 4 stood since 1946. He took a single off Muhammad Musa D. Warner not out 335 to reach 7,000 runs in his 126th innings, taking posses- 162, his second century in a row. Their marathon 361- Taylor’s epic 334 against Pakistan in 1998 and Donald M. Labuschagne b Afridi 162 sion of a mark held for 73 years by English great Wally run partnership was a record second-wicket stand for Bradman’s 334 against England in 1930, before Paine S. Smith c Rizwan b Afridi 36 Hammond who reached the milestone in his 131st Australia against Pakistan and the highest ever in a decided to unleash his bowlers, conscious that rain is innings. Smith also moved past legendary countryman pink-ball Test. forecast for the next two days. M. Wade not out 38 Donald Bradman’s 6,996 Test runs to become Minutes later, Warner completed only the second Exhausted, Warner was given a hero’s send off by Extras (lb6, nb7, w1) 14 Australia’s 11th highest scorer. Test double century of his career. Playing in his 81st the crowd with his knock the second best ever by an Total (3 wickets dec; 127 overs) 589 The home team resumed the day at 302 for one with Test, he reached 200 with a single from Afridi, having Australian after Matthew Hayden’s 380 against Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Burns), 2-369 (Labuschagne), 3- Warner on 166 and Labuschagne 126, with the pair put- clattered 23 fours along the way. Zimbabwe in 2003. Matthew Wade remained unbeaten 490 (Smith) ting on another 67 runs before Pakistan finally got a Pakistan thought they finally had him out on 226 on 38. Did not bat: Travis Head, Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, breakthrough. Skipper Azhar Ali took the new ball and when he was caught in the gully off debutant Musa, Facing a tough last session under lights, Pakistan’s Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood Afridi clean-bowled Labuschagne as he attempted a only for their heads to drop when it was called a no- batsmen quickly caved in. Starc removed Imam-ul-Haq, ball. Warner made them pay, passing his previous high- who got a thick edge to Warner on two, before Pat Bowling: Abbas 29-7-100-0, Afridi 30-5-88-3, Musa drive, just as he and Warner appeared set for another long day at the crease. est Test score of 253, set in Perth in 2015, before reach- Cummins had Azhar caught for nine. Josh Hazlewood 20-1-114-0, Yasir 32-1-197-0, Ahmed 15-0-75-0, The 25-year-old, who has come of age during the ing a triple century off 389 balls to join an elite club. accounted for Shan Masood before Starc nabbed Asad Azhar 1-0-9-0. series, trudged off to a standing ovation after a classy He raced to 335, one more than former captain Mark Shafiq, Iftikhar Ahmed and Rizwan cheaply. — AFP

NZ take control of second SCOREBOARD

Scoreboard at stumps on day two of the second Test between New Zealand and England in England Test with early wickets Hamilton yesterday: India rout Pakistan New Zealand 1st innings (overnight 173-3) 8-357 (Southee), 9-375 (Santner), 10-375 WELLINGTON: Tim Southee and Matt in the mire at stumps with Burns dropped J. Raval c Root b Broad 5 (Wagner) 4-0 to seal Davis Henry removed both England openers as on 10 by Ross Taylor at first slip off Henry T. Latham b Broad 105 Bowling: Broad 28-7-73-4, Archer 28-8-75-1, New Zealand reduced the tourists to 39-2 and again, from a more difficult chance, K. Williamson c Root b Woakes 4 Woakes 31-6-83-3, Curran 23.1-7-63-2, Root and took control of the second Test by on 19 by Jeet Raval at midwicket off R. Taylor c Root b Woakes 53 3-0-14-0, Stokes 13-5-36-0, Denly 3-0-13-0 Cup qualifiers spot the close of play on the second day at Southee. H. Nicholls c Broad b Curran 16 Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. New England’s pace attack had earlier B. Watling c Burns b Broad 55 England 1st innings NUR-SULTAN: Veteran Leander Paes improved Zealand had been dismissed for 375 dragged their side back into the game D. Mitchell c Archer b Broad 73 R. Burns not out 24 his Davis Cup record to 44 doubles wins yestr- about an hour after tea and hold a 336- with a fiery spell of short-pitched bowling M. Santner c Woakes b Archer 23 D. Sibley lbw Southee 4 dayas India thrashed Pakistan 4-0 in the run lead heading into the third day of a at New Zealand’s tail after Stuart Broad T. Southee c Pope b Woakes 18 J. Denly c Watling b Henry 4 Asia/Oceania tie played at a neutral venue due to match that England need to win to level had broken a 124-run stand between M. Henry not out 5 J. Root not out 6 political tensions between the arch-rivals. the two-test series. debutant Daryl Mitchell (73) and Watling N. Wagner c Sibley b Curran 0 Extras: (lb1) 1 The 46-year-old Paes combined with Jeevan Extras: (b15, lb3) 18 Total: (two wickets; 18 overs) 39 Rory Burns was on 24 at the close of (55). “When I was sitting on zero I wasn’t Nedunchezhiyan to serve out Pakistan’s teenage Total: (all out; 129.1 overs) 375 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Sibley), 2-24 (Denly) play, having survived two dropped catch- that calm,” Mitchell said. “So it was nice Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Raval), 2-39 (Williamson), Bowling: Southee, 8-1-24-1, Henry 7-3-10-1, pair of Muhammad Shoaib and Huzaifa Abdul to get a run and get started and the more es, with captain Joe Root on six and look- 3-155 (Taylor), 4-182 (Latham), 5-191 Wagner 2-0-3-0,Mitchell 1-0-1-0 Rehman 6-1, 6-3 in the Kazakhstan capital of Nur- ing uncomfortable at the crease as he time you spend out there the easier it (Nicholls), 6-315 (Watling), 7-330 (Mitchell), Series: New Zealand lead 1-0. Sultan. battles with a precipitous drop in form does get. “But England bowled very well. Paes, who overtook Italy’s Nicola Pietrangeli as over the last year. Opening batsman Dom They were very patient at times and built Davis Cup’s most successful doubles player with Sibley was trapped in front by Southee pressure and asked good questions. his 43rd win last year, won the doubles match to for four to leave the tourists 11-1 before “We just had to grind it out for a peri- the break. England quickly wrapped up the innings seal India’s berth in the qualifiers. Joe Denly (four) was snapped up by od there and I was lucky enough to get a Broad then had Mitchell caught at as mistimed shots from New Zealand’s Sumit Nagal then turned out for the reverse wicketkeeper BJ Watling with a superb few runs.” New Zealand had been well set deep fine leg by Jofra Archer about 20 batsmen ended up in the hands of the single to outplay Yousaf Khalil 6-1, 6-0 in 32 min- low catch off Henry to reduce them fur- at 315-5 heading into tea before Broad minutes after play resumed in the final boundary fielders. The last five wickets utes and the fifth match was not played. India will ther to 24-2. removed first test man-of-the-match session. With the hosts’ bowlers prepared fell for just 60 runs and Broad finished the now travel to Croatia — two-time Davis Cup England could have been even further Watling with the penultimate ball before to take on the short-pitched deliveries, innings with 4-73.— AFP champions — next year for the world group quali- fiers to be played on March 6-7. The 12 winners of the qualifiers will join the six teams — Spain, Canada, Great Britain, Russia, France and Serbia — that have already booked Heads of Gulf their place in the Davis Cup finals. The International Tennis Federation moved the Basketball Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie away from Islamabad because of India’s security fears even though Pakistan opposed the decision. Federation meet Pakistan’s top players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan pulled out of the tie in protest. The match was also pushed back from September By Abdellatif Sharaa because of security fears, as the two countries were wrangling over the disputed territory of KUWAIT: Chairman of Kuwait Basketball Federation Kashmir. Rasheed Al-Enezi chaired the coordinatory meeting The nuclear-armed neighbours split angrily in of heads of Gulf Federations on the sidelines of 1947 after independence from Britain and have Kuwait’s hosting of the Gulf national teams. fought three wars since. Sport has also suffered The chairman agreed to renew the Gulf badly. India cut bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan Championships contract to put new rules that allow after attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that authorities host federations more freedom in raising the TV blamed on Pakistani militants. broadcast rates, besides having the constructor India last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in sponsor of the championship share in the financial 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost returns. 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006. — AFP The meeting agreed to demand the Asian KUWAIT: Group photo of the heads of Gulf Basketball Federation. Federation to support the host federation financially when hosting Asian championships. Al-Enezi said the meeting is very important because Kuwait federation want to make some com- Tennis Australia to honour Margaret Court ments about Gulf events. Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Asian MELBOURNE: Margaret Court’s calendar-year Grand ality and gay marriage, which has seen high-profile ed, Tennis Australia does not agree with Margaret’s per- Federation Hakoob said the Asian Federation Slam jubilee will be commemorated at next year’s players like Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova sonal views, which have demeaned and hurt many in our Australian Open, Tennis Australia announced yesterday call for the Margaret Court Arena to be stripped of her community over a number of years. approved the new date of the Gulf championship while hitting out at her “demeaning” personal views on name. “They do not align with our values of equality, diver- which will be towards the end of May. homosexuality and gay marriage. Tennis Australia yesterday said the historic occasion sity and inclusion.” Court used to attend the Australian He said the Gulf clubs championship will be of the The first Slam of 2020 will mark the 50th anniversary would be marked with a programme of events through- Open regularly but hasn’t shown up since 2017, when home-away system starting with the championship of Court winning all four majors in the same year — the out the tournament, with Court invited to attend. But it the controversy over her views first flared. after next under the patronage of the Asian holy grail of tennis. Earlier this month, Court — now a made clear that her personal views were not supported Despite the scathing comments from Tennis Australia, Federation, adding that the Asian federation will give church pastor — complained that she had yet to receive by the governing body. “Tennis Australia respects she said would be back for 2020. “I’m looking forward $90 thousand to anyone hosting its championships, a formal invitation to the tournament in January to mark Margaret’s unmatched tennis career and welcomes her to celebrating the 50th anniversary of winning the while each person in the teams will be $75 per day. her achievement. to the Australian Open, particularly in this milestone Grand Slam with my family and friends at the Australian It followed controversy over her views on homosexu- anniversary year,” it said in a statement. “As often stat- Open,” she said.—AFP 27 Sports Sunday, December 1, 2019 Bucharest set for Euro 2020 draw as tournament enters new territory

BUCHAREST: Bucharest hosts the draw for Euro 2020 complete their group. Belgium’s Manchester City star with the fates of World Cup holders France and reign- Kevin De Bruyne made headlines recently when he ing European champions Portugal providing the great- called that “a scandal”. Similarly, the Netherlands — est interest just over six months before the start of what who will play group games in Amsterdam — know they is a controversial tournament. will be in Group C with Ukraine. The coaches of all qualified nations will be in atten- “It was clear from the beginning and sometimes in dance for the draw ceremony beginning at 1700 GMT life you have to weigh pros and cons, the advantages (7pm local time) at the Romexpo exhibition centre in and disadvantages,” said UEFA deputy general secre- Romania’s capital, which will host four matches at the tary, Giorgio Marchetti, at a press conference on finals. Saturday, defending the tournament format. For the first, and surely only, time, this European “UEFA thought the prevailing reason to do it was to Championship — the second to feature 24 teams — is try to have a special celebration of what is essentially a being held in 12 cities in 12 different European nations greater European, and now a global, event. from June 12 to July 12, with the semi-finals and final “We had to accept these limitations, and by the way taking place at Wembley in London. no hosts were guaranteed to have a place at the Euros.” It was an idea championed by ex-UEFA president The Netherlands could also end up playing Romania in Michel Platini, before his four-year ban from the game, Bucharest, should the Romanians come through the as a way of marking the 60th anniversary of the first play-offs next March, a process which still involves 16 European Championship in 1960. teams including Northern Ireland, the Republic of However, the concept has come in for criticism, and Ireland and Scotland. part of that is down to the fact that much of the sus- Indeed, the draw will take place without all 24 final- pense has already been taken from the draw. The need ists being known, the last four spots going to the play- BUCHAREST: The stage is pictured prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 football competition final draw in Bucharest to ensure qualified host nations get to play at least two off winners. Matches will be played from Dublin and yesterday. — AFP home matches means some teams already know which Bilbao to Saint Petersburg and Baku. Italy will host the group they will be in. opening game in Rome, and they are one of the top For instance, four of the six top seeds are hosting seeds, as are England, Germany and Spain. of making the knockout phase given they will play at tonnes of carbon emissions will be produced by travel- games, with Ukraine and Belgium the only exceptions. France lurk in Pot Two alongside a revived Wembley. Then again, if they were to qualify in second ling fans and staff and in response have promised to However, the decision to keep Ukraine and Russia apart Netherlands, while 2016 winners Portugal sit in the or third place in their group, it is possible they could invest in “emission reduction projects”. for diplomatic and security reasons has had an impact third pot. It is therefore possible that France will find end up having to go to Saint Petersburg or to Baku, by President Aleksander Ceferin has defended the for- on the Belgians. themselves in the same group as Italy, Portugal and the Caspian Sea, for a quarter-final. mat, pointing out that there has been no need to build They therefore already know they will be in Group B Wales. England, meanwhile, could also find themselves The concept has left European football’s governing new venues or transport links, but he admitted “it also along with two hosts, Denmark and Russia. The only in the same group as France and Portugal. body open to criticism about the tournament’s impact has a cost, with increased travel for fans to watch their suspense is whether Wales or Finland from Pot Four However, Gareth Southgate’s side will be confident on climate change. UEFA have estimated 405,000 teams play”. — AFP

themselves well despite a 2-1 defeat. Right-back Ethan Solskjaer’s team came from two goals down to lead at Young United talent Laird, midfielder Dylan Levitt and centre-back Di’Shon one stage, having scored three times in seven minutes. Bernard, who was unfortunate to score an own goal, all Williams, 19, also scored during that spell while the made debuts and were singled out for praise by the third goalscorer — 22-year-old Marcus Rashford — gives Solskjaer manager. Solskjaer spoke of possibly allowing a num- meant the three United scorers had an average age of Guardiola wants ber of the youngsters to leave in the January transfer under 20. But that game also illustrated the concerns food for thought window to gain valuable first team experience on loan Solskjaer must overcome in introducing such young- to stay at Man elsewhere. “I think some of these might benefit from sters into his side. going out on loan,” he said. United were overwhelmed for 70 minutes by their MANCHESTER: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will continue the “Of course, they need men’s football and it was a opponents, and eventually failed to hold onto a 3-2 City beyond 2021 difficult balancing act of integrating Manchester first taste of it for some of them. “Some of them are also lead, thanks to some deeply average displays from United’s exciting young talent into a first team still knocking on the door for us. Some of these have done more senior players — notably England defender Phil MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola is interested in stay- struggling to find consistency when they take on Aston themselves a good favour.” Jones who was substituted at half-time by Solskjaer. ing as Manchester City manager beyond the length of Villa today. But, while the Norwegian’s selection continued his Harry Maguire, an £80 million ($103 million) summer his current contract with the Premier League cham- United faced a marathon trek to play Astana in admirable reliance on the club’s youth production line, it signing from Leicester, has also been criticised for pions, which is due to expire next summer. Kazakhstan on Thursday although, having already qual- did raise the broader issue of how easy it will be to ease some indifferent form and a failure to lead by example. The 48-year-old is already on course to make ified from their Europa League group, the United man- such precocious talent into United’s current first team. Injuries in midfield, notably to the French World Cup City the longest employer of his managerial career, ager was able to rest his entire first team squad. Striker Mason Greenwood and midfielders Tahith Chong, winner Paul Pogba and, more recently, young Scotsman having spent four years at Barcelona and three in Striker Jesse Lingard was the only regular first team James Garner and Angel Gomes have all made substitute Scott McTominay, have added to the impression an charge of Bayern Munich. But Guardiola has for the player to make the trip as Solskjaer kept one eye on the appearances in the Premier League this season while unhealthy emphasis and level of expectation is being first time indicated that he would be prepared to dis- Villa game and an increasingly frustrating domestic injuries have seen left-back Brandon Williams start two, placed on some of the United youngsters with a possi- cuss the prospect of staying beyond the summer of campaign. United are presently nine points off the and have a further couple of outings off the bench. bly long-term damaging impact on their development. 2021 and into a sixth season in charge at the Etihad. fourth and final Champions League place occupied by Greenwood, 18, has been a particular success coming on Solskjaer will be hoping the return of Pogba — pos- “I’m open (to staying) yes, I’m so comfortable Chelsea, where Frank Lampard has illustrated youth as a substitute in 10 Premier League games this season sibly against former manager Jose Mourinho’s working with this club,” said Guardiola. “It depends can flourish. and scoring five goals across all competitions. Tottenham next Wednesday — will bring some much- on results. When you are five years it depends on the Solskjaer fielded a team on Thursday with an aver- His latest, and the first in the league, came in the needed experience and stability to the heart of his results. We will see what happens this season and age age fractionally over 22 and the majority acquitted thrilling 3-3 draw at Sheffield United last Sunday when team, and help the young talent around him. — AFP next season.” This season has not gone according to plan for the City manager as he attempted to match the unprece- dented efforts of last year when he swept all three domestic titles with the club. Sacked Emery says Injuries have played a big role in City, who travel to Newcastle this weekend, falling nine points behind league leaders Liverpool although the manager has ‘honour’ to have long insisted that he will fulfil his current contract. The fact his wife Cristina Serra has returned to coached Arsenal live in Barcelona has cast doubts over Guardiola’s long-term plans in some quarters but the City man- ager insisted he feels like Manchester has become a LONDON: Unai Emery said it had been an “honour” to second home. coach Arsenal despite being sacked as manager of the “A little bit yeah,” he said. “But I also knew how Premier League club on Friday after just 18 months in tough this league is and I’m comfortable with the charge. The 48-year-old Spaniard was fired following players, they’re incredible people and it is a joy to the 2-1 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in Thursday’s train with them. “We know how well they react when Europa League match, which extended their winless they don’t win, they win and they don’t play good, run to seven games. want to improve and when you see it it’s a dream Assistant Freddie Ljungberg has taken over as inter- come true as a manager and that’s what we have to im manager with ex-Juventus coach Massimiliano continue. Allegri and Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo among “Any club, any situation, any country is different, the early favourites to be named the next full-time boss. I’m older, already I have have been in three incredible leagues, it’s different. “In that period (with Barcelona) Despite his sacking, Emery insisted it had been an I was younger and now I’m more experienced. “honour” to manage the London giants. “It has been a VITORIA: Real Madrid’s Brazilian defender Marcelo (R) vies with Alaves’ Spanish defender Martin Maybe with the experience I have now I would year and a half full of emotions, of great moments and Aguirregabiria during the Spanish league football match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid CF at the stayed in Barcelona or Bayern Munich. some other more bitter ones,” he said. “But not a single Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria yesterday. — AFP “Still, I have 18 months, that’s a lot of time in foot- day has gone by without me stopping to think about ball, that’s why the club and myself agree it is not how lucky I have been to work for this club with these time to talk just play tomorrow do our best, make a “A few weeks ago people were saying a lot about this players and their professional and personal qualities.” good season and after that we see how everything team,” said Zidane. “But we have to stay the same, stay Former Arsenal player Ljungberg said he would Madrid go top after goes. “That is the best way I trust a lot the club and calm and keep working because this is just the start.” work hard to improve the atmosphere at Arsenal. they trust me and that is the most important thing. Gareth Bale made his first Madrid start since October 5 “However long I oversee @Arsenal I will give every- The results and our passion and what we see and gutsy win at Alaves after recovering from a calf injury and his first too since his thing I have to put smiles on faces again,” he tweeted. decide.” controversial celebration with Wales earlier this month, “We have a busy few weeks ahead and the team needs While Guardiola has yet to actively open contract which sparked anger among his club’s supporters. talks, his words will be encouraging to a City hierar- your support. Let’s get to work!” MADRID: Sergio Ramos scored a goal and conceded a Bale hit the post in the first half but faded and was chy who saw their club boosted this week by a £388 Arsenal are on their worst run without a victory penalty as Real Madrid battled past Alaves yesterday to replaced by Rodrygo after Alaves’ equaliser. With Eden million investment from US private equity firm Silver since 1992, when they went eight games without a win go top of La Liga before today’s game between Barcelona Hazard out injured, Isco also kept his place while Alphonse Lake Management, a move that valued the Premier under George Graham. They are already eight points and Atletico Madrid. Barca and Atletico face off at the Areola was given a rare outing in goal ahead of the rested League champions’ parent company at nearly £4 bil- off the top four after failing to win a Premier League Wanda Metropolitano and Madrid did all they could to Thibaut Courtois. lion. Before opening serious talks with City manage- match since October 6. take advantage, with Dani Carvajal the unlikely matchwin- Madrid were lucky not to concede another penalty ear- ment, however, Guardiola also needs to satisfy him- Emery was appointed as successor to Arsene ner in a gritty 2-1 victory over Alaves. ly on as Aleix Vidal slalomed inside Ramos and then Eder self that the club’s staff and players remain on the Wenger in May 2018 after a trophy-laden career at “We know at these grounds that teams give everything Militao, whose dangling leg caught Vidal’s foot. Referee same page. — AFP Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain with a brief to make against Madrid,” said Marcelo. “It’s in these matches that Guillermo Cuadra felt the fall was exaggerated. Arsenal a Premier League force again. leagues are won.” “We fought until the end,” added At the other end, Bale hit the post with a header and The club, who have not won the Premier League Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane. Ramos had headed them in Karim Benzema latched onto a quick throw but instead of since 2004, had stagnated in the final years of Wenger’s front shortly after half-time only to concede a needless shooting, hooked the ball back for Isco whose effort was 22-year reign despite a series of cup triumphs. penalty for throwing his arm across Joselu, which Lucas saved. Alaves grew in confidence as the rain grew heavier But Arsenal could only finish fifth last season, miss- Perez converted before Carvajal poked in. yet Madrid regrouped at half-time and took the lead soon ing out on the riches of the Champions League for a Madrid pull three points clear of Barcelona and six after as Ramos was given a free header to glance in Toni Matches on TV third straight year. ahead of Atletico, who have played a game more than the Kroos’ crossed free-kick. (Local Timings) Emery spent more than £130 million ($168 million) in top two. Sevilla, in third, host Leganes on Sunday. Alaves But after scoring his sixth goal of the season, Ramos stay 13th. the close-season, bringing in a clutch of players includ- gifted Alaves an equaliser in the 66th minute by out- A 1-0 defeat at Mendizorrotza 13 months ago came ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE ing winger Nicolas Pepe, centre-back David Luiz and muscling Joselu in the penalty area, only to throw an arm three weeks before Julen Lopetegui was sacked as coach across the forward’s chest. Perez made no mistake. left-back Kieran Tierney. But despite the reinforce- but this time Madrid showed the kind of steel that was so Bale went off for Rodrygo and Alaves might have been Norwich City v Arsenal 17:00 ments they have collected just 18 points from 13 games painfully lacking last season. able to build on their momentum if they had consolidated. beIN Sports HD 2 so far this season. On a wet and windy afternoon in the Basque country, Instead, parity lasted three minutes as Isco met Luka Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sheffield United 17:00 Emery has had many off-field issues to contend with, Zidane’s side never showed the verve and creativity that Modric’s cross at the back post and while Pacheco did beIN Sports HD 7 losing Aaron Ramsey on a free transfer to Juventus at was so impressive in the draw against Paris Saint-Germain brilliantly to save, Carvajal reacted faster than Victor Leicester City v Everton 19:30 the end of last season. He then saw former captain on Wednesday. But this was a gutsy performance that Laguardia to the rebound. beIN Sports HD 7 Laurent Koscielny refuse to travel on a pre-season tour means they have now won six and drawn two of their last Perez almost drove in a late equaliser but Marcelo Manchester United v Aston Villa 19:30 to the United States as he pushed through a move away eight matches in all competitions, with the Clasico against made a diving block and Ximo Navarro’s header had to be beIN Sports HD 2 from north London.—AFP Barcelona next month fast approaching. clawed away by Areola as Madrid held on. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2019

Bruins nip Rangers in OT Warner hits 335, Smith shatters Madrid go top after 25for sixth straight win 26 record as Pakistan suffer 27 gutsy win at Alaves

Liverpool stretch lead with nervy win Manchester City and Chelsea stumble

LIVERPOOL: Brighton’s Dutch midfielder Davy Propper (C) vies with Liverpool’s English midfielder Jordan Henderson (L) and Liverpool’s Croatian defender Dejan Lovren during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England yesterday. — AFP

LONDON: Liverpool extended their lead at the top 14 minutes from time for handling outside his area “We do the same work we have done over the last saves, while Michail Antonio had a goal ruled out of the Premier League to 11 points with a nervy 2-1 and Brighton reduced the deficit from the resulting few seasons. We tried to score more goals but it did after a VAR review for handball. win over Brighton as Manchester City slipped up free-kick through captain Lewis Dunk. But the 10 not happen,” said Guardiola, whose side failed to Tottenham are up to fifth and within six points of once more in a draw at Newcastle yesterday. men held out for another vital three points to edge capitalise on nearly 80 percent of possession. Chelsea in the battle for a top-four finish as the in- Chelsea missed the chance to go level on points with closer to a first league title in 30 years. City’s slip-up gave Chelsea the chance to go level form Alli preserved Jose Mourinho’s perfect start. second-placed City as Frank Lampard’s men suf- While Liverpool have made a habit of winning on points with the champions and Leicester, who The scoreline should have been far more convincing fered a shock 1-0 home defeat by West Ham, while games when not at their best, not for the first time host Everton today. However, the Blues failed to for Mourinho’s men, who led 3-0 with 17 minutes left Tottenham’s winning run under Jose Mourinho con- this season, City let points slip away to further dent replicate their fine form over the past two months as as Alli’s fine form continued with a goal either side tinued as Dele Alli scored twice in a 3-2 win over their title chances after a 2-2 draw. West Ham won for the first time in nine games to of half-time before Moussa Sissoko scored for the Bournemouth. Twice Pep Guardiola’s men led at St James’ Park ease the pressure on Manuel Pellegrini. first time in over two years. But Tottenham have Virgil van Dijk is hoping to beat Lionel Messi to through Raheem Sterling and a brilliant Kevin De Aaron Cresswell scored the only goal three min- conceded twice in all three of Mourinho’s matches in the Ballon d’Or on Monday and showed he can score Bruyne strike eight minutes from time. But utes into the second half with a tidy finish as he cut charge and were left hanging on as Harry Wilson goals as well as stop them with two towering head- Newcastle responded quickly on both occasions as inside onto his weaker right foot. But it was the scored a double for the visitors. Crystal Palace ers from Trent Alexander-Arnold set-piece deliver- Jetro Willems cancelled out Sterling’s strike before Hammers who were the more likely to add to the secured their first win in six games to move into the ies to put Liverpool 2-0 up inside 25 minutes. Jonjo Shelvey swept home a well-worked free-kick scoring as the second period wore on with Kepa top half as Wilfried Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp were However, goalkeeper Alisson Becker was sent off two minutes from time. Arrizabalaga keeping them at bay with a string of on target in a 2-0 win at Burnley. —AFP

Oman beat Kuwait in Gulf Kuwait 2-1 in Basketball final Qatar’s Gulf Cup KUWAIT: Kuwait yesterday qualified to the DOHA: Kuwait football national team was defeated yester- Gulf Basketball Championship final after day by previous tournament’s champions Oman in Group B defeating the UAE 74-65 in the semi-final. matches within the 24th Gulf Cup held in Doha, Qatar. Kuwait will face in the final today the win- In the first 20 minutes of the first half, the Qatari refer- ner between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain who ee, Khamis Al-Merri used the Video Assistant Referee will play later today. President of the Kuwaiti (VAR) and awarded a penalty to the Omani team after a Basketball Federation Rasheed Al-Enezi told strong tackle by the Kuwaiti defender. Before the end of reporters after the game that the team’s the first half, at the 32-minute another penalty was given to qualification to the final is an important the Omani side, ending the first half 2-0 to the Omani side. achievement for Kuwaiti basketball. Omani player Abdulaziz Al-Maqbali scored twice from Al-Enezi stressed that the Kuwaiti the penalty area. The Kuwaiti side was able to control the ball and attack more in the second half, and scored their team’s ambition is to win the champi- only goal by Yusif Nasser in the 79th minute. In the second onship and gift it to the Kuwaiti fans who match of Group B, the Saudis will try to overcome their supported them from the start. For his loss from Kuwait during their match against Bahrain, the part, Kuwait’s Hussein Al-Khabbaz latter is also eager to win the match’s three points. Saudi expressed his happiness and fellow play- Arabia and Bahrain played 17 matches against each other ers to reach the final game, adding that at the Gulf Cup. The Saudis won on nine occasions, the DOHA: Kuwait’s goalkeeper Hameed Al-Qallaf (left) and defender Meshari Al-Enezi (right) vie for the ball with the team will do everything in its power Bahrainis won in four, while both teams ended four match- Oman’s forward Abdulaziz Al-Muqbali during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Group B football match between Kuwait to achieve the title. — KUNA es in a draw. — KUNA and Oman at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in the Qatari capital yesterday. — AFP