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MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 RABI ALAWWAL 10, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net KFAED Democrats Bale scores Messi, Suarez contributes hit Trump, four as Real fire Barca to $1bn for clash over stick 10 past third Club Sinai projects2 jihadist9 fight nine-man20 Rayo World20 Cup Anti-graft body scrapped, Min 07º Max 18º MPs rush to fill vacuum High Tide 07:52 & 19:53 Panel cuts additional defense budget to KD 3.2bn Low Tide 01:42 & 13:40 40 PAGES NO: 16734 150 FILS By B Izzak

Top Hezb militant killed in Israeli raid KUWAIT: The constitutional court yesterday ruled that an Amiri decree establishing the Anti-Corruption Authority BEIRUT: Samir Kantar, a Lebanese who was convicted is not in line with the constitution, which means the exis- of carrying out one of the most notorious attacks in tence of the authority is illegal. The court said that the Israeli history and spent nearly three decades in an decree was issued in 2012 as an emergency decree in the Israeli prison, has been killed by an Israeli airstrike near absence of the National Assembly, adding that there was the Syrian capital, the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah no urgency in issuing the decree and the government group said yesterday. Hezbollah said Kantar, known in should have waited for the Assembly to meet. Lebanon as “The Dean of Lebanese Prisoners” for The establishment of the authority, hailed as a land- being the longest-held prisoner in Israel, was killed mark achievement for Kuwait, started operations about a along with eight others in the strike in the Damascus year ago after completing the appointment of its staff. It suburb of Jaramana Saturday night. launched its operations by demanding that all ministers, Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV said two Israeli warplanes MPs and top bureaucrats submit their wealth disclosures that violated Syrian airspace fired four long-range mis- in accordance with the law. Those who submitted their siles at the residential building in Jaramana. It aired wealth disclosures include the prime minister and footage of what it said was the building, which Assembly speaker and many ministers and MPs. The appeared to be destroyed. Kantar’s brother, Bassam, authority had also begun investigations into a number of confirmed his “martyrdom” in a Facebook post yester- alleged corruption cases. day. Syrian state news agency SANA said Kantar was The government and Assembly were supposed to killed in a “terrorist and hostile missile attack on a resi- issue a new law for the authority last week but decided to dential building.” SANA did not mention Israel in its delay any action until after the ruling. A number of MPs report on the strike, which it said killed several people. demanded after the ruling that the government must Late yesterday, at least two rockets were fired into issue a new law immediately in order to fill the legislative Israel from the Hezbollah heartland of south Lebanon, vacuum, which effectively means that the authority has security sources on both sides of the border said. no legal status. The government is scheduled to submit a There were no immediate reports of casualties. “Two new draft law on corruption today which will be Katyusha rockets were fired from a Lebanese village A bulldozer clears debris from the site of a reported Israeli air raid that killed a reviewed and approved by the legal and legislative com- five kilometers from the border with Israel,” the senior figure in the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Samir Kantar, in mittee and then sent for debate to the Assembly tomor- Lebanese source told AFP. A statement from Israel’s Jaramana, southeast of the Syrian capital Damascus. (Inset) In this July 16, 2008 row. The approval of the law means that the anti-corrup- military suggested that three rockets were fired. file photo, Kantar salutes people during celebrations in the coastal border town of tion authority can continue operations. Continued on Page 13 Naqoura in Lebanon after his release from Israel. — AFP Continued on Page 13 Fury as Delhi gang-rapist freed

NEW DELHI: The youngest convict in an meaning he is a free man. infamous fatal gang-rape in New Delhi has The prospect of the attacker walking Malaysian ‘halal’ been released from a youth correctional free has revived public anger over the facility, police said yesterday, sparking furi- attack, with fresh protests being held yes- airline takes off ous condemnation from the victim’s par- terday near the iconic India Gate monu- KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s first Islamic-compliant airline ents. Only days after the third anniversary ment in the center of the capital. “The con- Rayani Air began operations yesterday with its maiden of the attack on a moving bus, Indian vict was handed over to an NGO. He is no flight taking off from the capital to the resort island of police confirmed that the rapist - who is longer under the jurisdiction of the police,” Langkawi, local media reported. In-flight meals served on now aged 20 - had completed his spell Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat told board its flights are completely halal, with alcohol con- behind bars even though a court ruling on AFP. “He has been given a new identity sumption strictly prohibited. Muslim flight crew must don an appeal against his release is due to be and his criminal record has been the hijab while non-Muslim crew are to be decently heard today. He is now being supervised expunged,” a police source added. dressed, managing director Jaafar Zamhari told reporters. by a non-governmental agency, effectively Continued on Page 13 There will also be prayer recitals before takeoff. MOMBASA: An Air France flight from Mauritius to Paris is grounded at Moi “We are the first Malaysian airline to be sharia-compliant Internaitonal Airport yesterday after a suspected bomb was found on board. — AFP based on guidelines by relevant authorities. We are proud of this,” Jaffar was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper. “The sharia-compliant aspects will be refined as time goes Fake bomb scare on by,” he added, using the Arabic word for Islamic law. There are already other sharia-friendly carriers operating around the world, and UK-based Firnas Airways is planning Air France flight to offer similar flights next year, according to a Bloomberg news agency report. Under the concept of halal - meaning PARIS: A suspicious object made of card- ble of causing an explosion that would “permissible” in Arabic - pork and its by-products, alcohol board and a kitchen timer sparked a damage the plane but was rather a mix- and animals not slaughtered according to Islamic proce- bomb scare on an Air France flight yester- ture of cardboard, pieces of paper as well dures are all “haram” or forbidden. Halal standards also day, forcing it to make an emergency as a timer,” he said. He said the “deduction” apply to products such as cosmetics, which may contain landing in Kenya. A passenger alerted was that the item had been placed in a animal-derived ingredients, and the conditions under crew members to the item found inside a toilet cupboard by one of the passengers. which they are prepared and stored. toilet cubicle on board the Boeing 777, France is on high alert after jihadist Muslim-majority Malaysia has long practiced a moderate which was carrying 459 passengers and attacks in Paris in November left 130 peo- form of Islam but conservative attitudes are rising. A compa- 14 crew members from Mauritius to Paris. ple dead, and is one of many countries ny recently introduced halal bottled mineral water in “After analysis it has been indicated that taking extra security precautions. Airlines Malaysia, and Islamic speed dating sessions - where single (the bomb scare) was a false alarm,” Air are especially jittery after Islamic State women are chaperoned - have been embraced. A halal con- France chief executive Frederic Gagey told jihadists who claimed the Paris attacks vention in Kuala Lumpur earlier this year, which drew thousands of delegates and hundreds of exhibitors, showcased a press conference in Paris. also said they were responsible for down- products ranging from food and cosmetics to collagen pro- “All the information we have at this ing a Russian jet in Egypt in October after duced from yaks in Tibet. — AFP NEW DELHI: Indian demonstrators shout slogans during a rally held yesterday to stage shows that the object was not capa- Continued on Page 13 protest the release of a juvenile rapist. — AFP 2015, the year that IS terror went global

PARIS: From the blood spilled in the streets of Paris is not solving the problem, it’s even making it a little to the San Bernardino shootings, the world in 2015 bit worse.” showed its vulnerability to the brand of terror perpe- Perhaps the key difference between IS and the trated by Islamic State jihadists. Over the past 12 extremist groups that have gone before it, is that it months, the group that took root in Iraq and in the can call on agents that it dispatches from its self- chaos of the Syrian war has turned its focus from ter- declared “caliphate” as well as sympathizers in the ritorial gains to hitting at “distant enemies”. “The countries it is attacking. As the year closed, even Islamic State... has gone global,” said Richard Barrett, California appeared to have become a target, when a former head of Britain’s global counter-terrorism the married couple Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik operations who is now vice-president of the New killed 14 people in San Bernardino. Although the York-based think-tank Soufan Group. investigation is still ongoing, the couple appears to Barrett told AFP that politicians find the issue of have become radicalized alone before carrying out the IS group “really difficult to deal with”. “The public their rampage without having direct contact with IS. is frightened, and that’s the point of terrorism - to The added threat comes from hardened jihadists make the public frightened. And it’s very difficult for such as the Kouachi brothers who in January carried the politicians to deal with a constituency which is out the attack on the Paris offices of the satirical frightened. But at the moment, running around in newspaper Charlie Hebdo that left 12 people dead. circles and sending more bombers (to Syria and Iraq) Continued on Page 13 ABU DHABI: A man walks his camel yesterday across the Liwa Oasis, southwest of the Emirati capital. — AFP LOCAL MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015

KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is seen in a group photo with National Assembly His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah meets UN Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, as well as Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace Wilfried Shukurjon Zuhurov and his accompanying delegation. — KUNA Lemke. Crown Prince receives Tajik Speaker, UN Special Advisor

KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy by the law and the constitution and Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf will “rise above all.” Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received He expressed hope that all sports at Seif palace yesterday Speaker of the sectors in Kuwait will cooperate to National Assembly Marzouq Ali Al- resolve this situation, and wishing that Ghanem and the visiting Chairman of Kuwait sports will shine again at the House of Representatives of the regional and international venues. Supreme Council of the Republic of “This is my wish, and the wish of every Tajikistan Shukurjon Zuhurov and his Kuwaiti who loves his or her country,” accompanying delegation. His Highness the Deputy Amir said. The meeting was also attended by The meeting with Lemke’s was attend- Protocol Chief at His Highness the ed by chief of protocol at His Highness Crown Prince Diwan, Sheikh Mubarak the Crown Prince’s Diwan Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Mubarak Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud and head of the Mission of Honor Al-Sabah. accompanying the Tajik official, MP Saud Al-Hariji. PM receives officials Meanwhile, His Highness the In the meantime, His Highness the Deputy Amir received Minister of Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- Information and Minister of State for Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al- at Seif Palace President of the Kuwaiti- Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah and UN Tajik Parliamentary Friendship Special Adviser on Sport for Committee Saudi Nashmi Al-Huraiji, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah meets Development and Peace Wilfried accompanied by Speaker of the Tajik Al-Sabah meets UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Sport for Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Sahar Nasr. Lemke. His Highness the Deputy Amir Parliament and his delegation. Development and Peace Wilfried Lemke. lauded Lemke’s regional and interna- His Highness the Prime Minister Jaber Al-Sabah. Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, First Deputy tional efforts in sports, especially also received Minister Sheikh Salman Sabah also met Lemke, in presence of Jaber Al-Mubarak received the visiting Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also met Dr Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign towards suspension of sports in Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, who was Director-General of the Public Egyptian Minister of International Nasr, and reiterated during the meet- Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Kuwait. His Highness the Deputy Amir accompanied by Lemke. Director Authority for Sports (PAS) Sheikh Cooperation Sahar Nasr. The meeting ing Kuwait’s supporting stance to the Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime pointed out that Kuwait is a “country General of the Public Authority for Ahmad Mansour Al-Sabah, the deputy was attended by Director General of security and stability of Egypt, stress- Minister and Minister of Interior of constitution” that respects all inter- Sports Sheikh Ahmad Mansour Al- premier and foreign minister’s office the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic ing the importance of promoting its Sheikh Mohammed Khaled Al-Hamad national laws and regulations of sports Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah attended ambassador Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Development (KFAED) Abdulwahab economy to resume its leading role in Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and and does not accept any “infringe- the meeting. First Deputy Prime Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah and other Al-Bader and Undersecretary at His the region. Minister of Defense Sheikh Khaled Al- ment” of these laws from anyone, reit- Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs officials. Highness the Prime Minister’s Diwan Earlier yesterday, His Highness the Jarrah Al-Sabah and Sheikh Salman Al- erating that Kuwait will always abide Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Also yesterday, His Highness Sheikh Sheikha Etemad Khaled Al-Ahmad Al- Crown Prince received His Highness Humoud Al-Sabah. — KUNA KFAED contributes $1 bn for Egypt’s development AFESD, Egypt sign KD 45 million loan agreement

By Nawara Fattahova Sinai Peninsula to the level of other Egyptian ture development. “These projects are of a total provinces in all aspects. KFAED’s financing portfo- value of $1.5 billion. These projects focus on serv- KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic lio for Egyptian projects has until now reached ices in all areas, investing manpower in these Development (KFAED) held a meeting yesterday $21 billion,” added Bader. KFAED organized the promising areas,” she pointed out. to review development projects in the Sinai meeting after receiving a demand to review the “The purpose of my visit is to bring together Peninsula in Egypt and present them to other development of Sinai Peninsula by the Egyptian the efforts of the Arab funds and provide solu- Arab funds. “KFAED has earmarked $1 billion for government in October. “The Egyptian institutions for arranging the necessary financing. The KUWAIT: Dr Hanan Hamdan, Head of the UNHCR office in Kuwait (right) and Shadi Egypt for three years divided to approximately tions in charge presented numerous studies for Egyptian government is keen to have projects Ghrawi, Private Sector Partnership Officer attend the press conference. $300 million every year,” KFAED General Director the development programs that they intend to and investment opportunities focusing on eco- — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Abdulwahab Al-Bader noted. “I hope this amount carry out,” he added. nomic and social purposes. Also, the government will increase in the future. Setting the percentage is interested in executing these projects quickly of this amount for Sinai depends on the Egyptian Various sections and conducting feasibility studies along with the UNHCR launches ‘Warm Their government.” Dr Sahar Nasr, Egypt’s Minister of International documents and licenses to avoid any obstacles The projects will be in various fields. “This will Cooperation, said that the projects in the Sinai that may delay the time of delivery,” added Nasr. Hearts’ campaign for refugees provide the best economic and social develop- Peninsula include complete projects in various ment. Through these projects, we aim to bring sectors such as housing, education and agricul- Loan agreement By Faten Omar difference in refugees’ lives,” Hamdan said. A loan agreement was signed between the She pointed out that last winter, Kuwait Egyptian government and the Arab Fund for KUWAIT: The United Nations High donated $31 million to support Syrian Economic and Social Development (AFESD) for Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in refugees in Lebanon and 46,000 refugee fam- KD 45 million to participate in financing a sewage Kuwait launched a campaign yesterday called ilies received the necessary winter support. project in the neighboring areas of the Al-Rahawi ‘Warm Their Hearts’ that aims to provide for Hamdan noted 195,000 families will suffer in drainage facility. This project aims to limit the pol- the needs of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and winter this year, mostly poor households. lution of Nile’s river water that directly affects other countries. She added that UNHCR has doubled the drinking water. During a press conference, the Head of the number of people who will receive winter The annual interest of this loan was set at 3 UNHCR office in Kuwait Dr Hanan Hamdan support in Lebanon this year because of the percent. The fund will allow Egypt a five-year peri- said more than half of the one million Syrian increased level of vulnerability among the od to start paying the debt. With this loan, the refugees in Lebanon live in bleak and sub- refugee population, pointing out that the participation of the fund in the development standard shelters (tents, unfinished buildings, campaign aims to help 20,000 families or projects in Egypt will reach approximately KD 1.3 garages and shops), and last winter, they approximately 100,000 people. Shadi Ghrawi, billion. After signing the agreement, Nasr stated faced low temperatures that set in as early as Private Sector Partnership Officer, said, “The that the loan interest was decreased from 3 to just November and persisted until late March, commission has so far supported 3,670 out of 1 percent due to the current situation in Egypt. with several villages witnessing repeated 20,000 families that are the target of this cam- But the repayment period remains the same (five snowfall, strong winds and heavy rain. So this paign,” adding that the estimated amount years). “The Kuwaiti fund will provide various campaign aims to provide winter needs such needed to help the Syrians families is up to KUWAIT: Dr Sahar Nasr, Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation (right) speaks during a loans of a total value of $1 billion over three years as stoves, heavy blankets, fuel for schools and $150 per month per family. He said UNHCR is press conference with KFAED General Director Abdulwahab Al-Bader yesterday. with different interest rates depending on the winter clothing. It also aims to provide four also running a “Lifeline” campaign in Jordan, —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat nature of each project,” she explained. months of cash grants to more than 161,000 and this campaign has helped 6,000 refugee families, which will allow refugees to make families who are struggling to pay for basic purchases like fuel for heating. life essentials including rent, food and health- “Through the Warm Their Hearts online care. He explained that the percentage of donation program, UNHCR aims to cooperate grants and donations from Kuwait is the high- with individuals in the region who are able to est at the individual level according to recent contribute to this winter program and make a statistics conducted by UNHCR.

KUWAIT: Head of Amiri Protocol Sheikh Khaled Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah Al-Nasser Al- KUWAIT: The Kuwait National Guard celebrated the graduation of officers from three different courses on crises management, humanesources’ r Sabah received UK Ambassador to the State of Kuwait Matthew James Lodge in his management and English language. office at Seif Palace yesterday. — KUNA MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 LOCAL

Legalese Kuwait Ports Authority’s Termination Indemnity syndicate suspends sit-in By Fajer Ahmed

By Meshaal Al-Enezi the most important elements of production and Full support here are different terms used in law and by the general public to refer to that workers’ demands had to be met in order to In a statement carried by Kuwait News Termination Indemnity, some of our readers use “End of service bene- KUWAIT: Upon promises by Director Sheikh develop production and reward them. He also Agency (KUNA) yesterday, the Kuwait Ports fits” and “termination indemnity” interchangeably, and because I want Yousif Al-Abdullah to take their demands into slammed any legal measures or threats made Authority (KPA) declared full support of the legit- T full consideration, the employees’ syndicate at against laborers demanding their due rights, imate rights of its employees, as it stressed com- to make this as simple as possible I will not get into the specifics of each term the Kuwait Ports Authority suspended a sit-in according to ILO laws since 1948. mitment to the smooth workflow of ports and and instead just use “Termination indemnity”. that had been scheduled for yesterday. Meanwhile, Sheikh Yousif Al-Abdullah that it would hold accountable those who would I decided today to write about termination indemnity as I have received Syndicate Chairman Captain Abdullah Al- stressed that port approach guides were assured undermine the country’s interests. The state- multiple questions on the matter. I put together the most frequently asked Serhaid announced suspending the sit-in until that their demands were being taken into full ment was made in response to reports alleging questions, in hopes that my readers could benefit from reading the answers. further notice in a press conference held at the consideration, but stressed that a decision on that the KPA did not respond to employee 1) My company refuses to pay my termination indemnity, claiming that ter- Ports Authority headquarters, where he stressed some of the demands depended on other bod- demands. mination indemnity is only for foreigners, is this true? that the authority’s board of directors had ies like the finance ministry and CSC. He also The KPA carries out its responsibilities in the Everyone working in the private sector should be considered for termina- authorized Sheikh Yousif to meet the demands noted that any rebellion was worthless and most able manner according to legal proce- tion indemnity, regardless of their nationality. Unfortunately, from experience of port approach guides who had been on par- would not achieve any demands. He also con- dures, it underlined. This stems from its responsi- tial strike since last Thursday. Serhaid explained demned threats to suspend work at various I can tell you that some companies are very sneaky when it comes to paying that the demands made included allowances ports and stressed that the authority will not be bilities as a government body that is run accord- termination indemnity for both Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis. that had been suspended since 2010 in addition intimidated. He also noted that an emergency ing to an organized set of rules that seek to offer I know of big multi-million companies that unlawfully claim to their to danger, sailing, achievement and job nature team was immediately formed to facilitate work an appropriate working environment to its Kuwaiti employees that they are not entitled to termination indemnity allowances. at various ports. employees, the statement went on to explain. because the company is paying their social security. That is not true. Social Sheikh Yousif added that the authority The KPA “will not hesitate to carry out the security is a monthly payment that companies and employees each pay a per- Not affected received various calls from GCC ports directors necessary on endorsing any employee-related centage of every month. Companies are legally required to pay a certain per- Further, Serhaid said that the partial strike expressing criticism of the strike and offering demands, including incentives and the shift centage of the full social security amount. If the company decides to pay the had not affected marine traffic and that ships at help in providing Kuwait with 170 port approach from the grade system to contracts.” In recent full amount that is their choice, so unless there is an agreement that the com- Shuaiba and Shuwaikh ports were not delayed. guides from various GCC and Arab countries, years the authority has keenly worked to pany will pay on behalf of the Kuwaiti employee and therefore deduct those He also expressed willingness to cooperate with although Kuwaiti ports only need 30. He added respond to employee demands in relation to foreign port approach guides the ports authority that KOC also offered providing the authority merits for incentives, through reporting these payments from the termination indemnity, those companies need to pay up. hired to support their Kuwaiti colleagues. with 25 guides within 24 hours. “We have demands to relevant bodies - namely the 2) If I terminated my contract, do I still deserve termination indemnity for On his part, the chairman of Kuwait already received seven guides from Abu Dhabi,” Finance Ministry and the Civil Service the years that I have worked? Municipality employees’ syndicate and the Arab he underlined, thanking the syndicate for sus- Commission - in the belief of its commitment to The answer to this question depends on the type of contract as well as Union for Municipality Employees Syndicates pending its strike and realizing that demands the legitimacy of these demands, said the state- how many years of service you have with the company. If you end a fixed term Mohammed Al-Arada stressed that people were could not be achieved by strikes. ment. contract you could possibly owe the company money and therefore that will be deducted from your final termination indemnity. With that said, after three years of service your contract shall be considered legally as an open term contract, even if your contract is fixed term. If you have less than three years of service, you don’t deserve termination indemnity regardless if your contract has a fixed term or not. As for employees that have more than three years of service, please read the answer to question 3. 3) How do I calculate my termination indemnity? Although usually lawyers don’t do the calculations and allow accountants the honor of crunching in the numbers, I think the formula to calculate your termination indemnity can be mastered by anyone. I will try my best to explain it in the simplest of forms in a table that is easy to read. This is for employees that get paid on a monthly basis, which from experience is the most common method of payment in Kuwait.

A gasoline transport truck engulfed in flames following at Sixth Ring Captagon tablets found with a passenger who tried to smuggle them Road yesterday. through the airport. Man killed in fight over traffic dispute

By Meshaal Al-Enezi and Hanan Al-Saadoun over. The accident took place at dawn yesterday smuggle 100,000 Captagon tablets. Airport cus- between the truck and a Kuwait municipality toms supervisor Suleiman Al-Fahd said the offi- KUWAIT: A non-Kuwaiti man was killed and vehicle on the Sixth Ring Road. Firemen who cers caught a Syrian man who attempted to another was injured during a fight with two oth- arrived three minutes after the accident fought smuggle the tablets hidden in sweets’ boxes. He ers along the Seventh Ring Road yesterday, said the fire resulting from the collision. was sent to concerned authorities. Meanwhile, security sources, noting that the two suspects Nuwaiseeb customs found 120 electronic ciga- were still at large. The sources added that the Warehouse blaze rettes, that are banned in Kuwait. fight started with an argument over traffic rights Firemen controlled a fire in a rice warehouse and soon developed into a fight, in which one of in industrial Shuwaikh yesterday. Industrial Blogger released You can calculate your daily salary if you get paid monthly by dividing your the assailants used a knife to attack his foes. A Shuwaikh and Capital fire centers responded. The court of appeal yesterday decided to monthly salary by 26 days and not 30 days because according to the law there case was filed and search is on for the suspects. Two persons suffered smoke inhalation and suspend an earlier verdict to imprison blogger are 26 working days within a month, even if you work less. were treated by paramedics. Hamed Buyabes over charges of slandering Truck catches fire Saudi Arabia, and released him pending its final 4) What legal options do I have if the company is not paying my termina- Three persons escaped death during an acci- Smuggling foiled decision. tion indemnity? How can I legally force them to pay and how long does it dent that saw a gasoline transport truck flip Airport customs officers foiled an attempt to take? Well my advice is always to get a lawyer at this stage, from experience companies and/ or responsible governmental entities are more likely to respond when the employee has a legal representative. Human rights observed at Unfortunately, companies know that the legal process can cost time and money to the employee and therefore are extremely reluctant about paying what is due to their previous employees. From experience I have seen all prisons: Interior Ministry types of companies try to get out of paying termination indemnity and unfortunately a lot of companies get away with it. I hope that responsible institutions have more strict laws/bylaws regarding the payment of termination indemnity by companies, causing awareness and enforcement. GCC Inmates Week underway Once you get a lawyer, you should ask the lawyer to always start with a negotiation. On average a case will take eight months to one year at court, By Meshaal Al-Enezi that is a lot of time to wait, especially for those leaving the country or for those employees that are not from Kuwait. Therefore it is always best to start KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for Correctional Facilities Affairs Major General Khaled Al- with a negotiation, that is what I always do for my client, saving both parties Deyyeen stressed that human rights are being fully time and legal fees. If the company refuses to pay, then the case is taken to observed in various correctional facilities and prisons. the Ministry of Social Affairs where an official legal process starts. I put Speaking on the sidelines of the ‘Gulf Cooperation Council together a flow chart to explain the process. (GCC) Inmates Week’ activities which kicked off yesterday, Deyyeen said that Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Process of Labour Dispute Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and his Undersecretary Lieutenant General Suleiman Al-Fahd have always been keen on observing humane values in all correctional facilities programs. Meanwhile, the correctional facilities’ director Major General Ibrahim Al-Essa announced that a special program would be launched soon to provide inmates with job opportunities in order to practically, scientifically and psy- chologically rehabilitate them and prepare them to inte- grate into societies after doing their time. Also speaking on the occasion, Deputy Director of the Public Authority for Youth and Sports (PAYS) Dr Humoud Faliteh stressed the importance of sports in fighting drugs amongst youth.

a settlement NGOs slam proposed law

KUWAIT: Representatives of none-governmental organizations (NGOs) held a meeting at the Women’s Cultural Society last Thursday to discuss the proposed NGOs law, which the Ministry of Social Affairs plans to pass through the National Assembly. Attendees at in the meeting criticized the new items in the law, and the possible unconstitutionality of the proposal, saying that it may compromise the social and voluntary work and limit the actions of NGOs in the civil society. Furthermore, they said it was strange to introduce such proposal which contra- dicts the which Kuwait constitution that calls for more freedoms. They also said that the proposal should be withdrawn due to its negative effects on the popular social and voluntary work. MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 LOCAL

Gulf Bank and Alghanim Industries employees participate in the first workshop session. Gulf Bank, Alghanim Industries hold workshops on ‘3-D Negotiations’

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank and Alghanim Very important nomenclature, conceptual framework for cal issues and important behavioral Industries recently held two joint interac- Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager for negotiations, and a tool kit for practical dynamics. This 3-D approach to negotiat- tive workshops on negotiating for select Human Resources at Gulf Bank, said: applications. ing removes common barriers to deals and employees conducted by Harvard Business “Workshops such as these are very impor- Team members from Alghanim Industries offers useful approaches to adapting styles School Professor Andrew Wasynczuk. The tant to the ongoing development of staff and Gulf Bank learned about value claiming, to the bargaining process, framing your ‘3-D Negotiations’ workshop was aimed at from Gulf Bank and Alghanim Industries. value creation, and negotiation set-up. com- case persuasively, managing counteroffers, creating a deep understanding of the Negotiating is an essential part of being an bination of teacher instruction, case studies, and avoiding common pitfalls. negotiation process and to sharpen critical effective manager and this approach to simulations and interactive negotiation ses- The first dimension focuses on tactics skills needed for effective and successful negotiating and can be used by employees sions provided valuable lessons in a class- with the focus on people and processes, negotiations. in various job functions and in everyday room setting. We confident that the partici- the approach is how to improve interper- Alghanim Industries and Gulf Bank both life. Skilled 3-D negotiators can uncover pants are now more aware of the multi- sonal processes and tactics. The second believe that a key to success in their respec- hidden sources of value and then create dimensional aspects of negotiations and will dimension focuses on deal design with the tive businesses relies upon attracting and agreements that might otherwise be out of be more effective in their jobs using the skills focus on value and substance, the retaining the best human capital and talent. reach. This Harvard Business School course learned.” approach is to unlock creative deals which As part of their ongoing commitment to content and expert instruction by Professor create value. The third dimension focuses invest in their staff and provide opportuni- Andrew Wasynczuk has helped to equip our Behavioral dynamics on the setup, emphasizing the scope and ties to further their personal development respective staff with the skills they need to The workshop began with an explana- sequence of the negotiation to create a and professional skills, the Human excel professionally and personally.” tion of the ideas behind ‘3-D Negotiations’ more favorable scope and thus outcome. Resources departments of both companies Hashim Gillani, Alghanim Industries’ Vice and which were then put into practice To learn more about Gulf Bank, please organized the workshop to hone partici- President of Corporate Strategy, Business through individual and group negotiating visit one of its 56 branches, call the cus- pants’ strategic perspectives and interper- Development, and Mergers and Acquisitions, sessions. The three dimensions of negotia- tomer care center at 1805 805, visit its Professor Andrew Wasynczuk of sonal skills. The workshop was attended by who participated in the workshop said: “The tion were explored through a combination website at www.e-gulfbank.com.kw or its Harvard Business School speaks at the approximately 120 executives from both workshop by Professor Wasynczuk was of structured negotiation simulations and social media channels on Instagram, workshop. Alghanim Industries and Gulf Bank. extremely helpful in building a negotiation cases studies that highlighted key analyti- YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Ooredoo Wins Two Trophies at Kuwait’s exports Regional Communication Award down 45.1% in Q3 DUBAI: Ooredoo Kuwait’s Corporate are deeply honored to have been recognized by Communications team has recently relaunched Communications Department has been recog- our peers at the Middle East PR Association. the intranet website in addition to an employ- KUWAIT: In July-September 2015, third quarter of 2015, coverage rate nized for excellence multiple times at the These awards celebrate the hard work of the ee-exclusive Instagram account, to keep Kuwait’s exports were KD 4.1 billion with (excluding oil) was 18.1 percent while it Middle East Public Relations Awards which took entire team, following the rebranding of employees engaged in all campaigns and activi- a 45.1 percent decrease and imports were was 19.9 percent in the third quarter of place in Dubai last week. Ooredoo Kuwait. We have been inspired by the ties internally. KD 2.3 million with a 3.9 percent increase 2014, they said. In July-September 2015, The Kuwait arm of the international Ooredoo vision of our CEO, and by the Ooredoo Group Ooredoo Social Media executive Yasser compared with July-September 2014, the main partner country for non-oil Group received awards for its Internal and our motivation to continue to push the Mohammad was recognized as an Outstanding according to foreign trade statistics. exports was Saudi Arabia with KD 60.6 Young Communicator and was presented an In July-September 2015, balance of million. For exports, Saudi Arabia was fol- award by David Tully, a Senior Professor from trade was KD 1.8 billion while it was KD lowed by China (KD 58.7 million) and Middlesex University in Dubai which sponsored 5.3 billion in July-September 2014 with a India (KD 57.8 million). the category. 65.7 percent decrease. In the same peri- The top country for Kuwait’s imports Eve Stubbs, Program Coordinator of od, volume of trade decreased 33.9 per- was China (KD 358.1 million), records for Middlesex University Dubai’s School of Media cent compared with the third quarter of imports range from UAE (229.4 million), and Performing Arts said: “We are proud to 2014. Trade of volume was KD 6.5 billion United States of America (KD 212.5 mil- sponsor the Middle East PR Awards and espe- in July-September 2015 while it was KD lion) and Japan (KD 162.2 million), cially the Outstanding Young Communicator 9.8 billion in July-September 2014, the according to the statistics. As compared category. Each year the quality of candidates statistics showed. with the same quarter of the previous continues to surpass expectations. They provide Coverage rate was 178.6 percent in year, exports to the GCC countries were exciting prospects for the future of the industry July-September 2015, while it was 338.2 KD 137.3 million, increased by 12.5 per- and great role-models for the generations to percent in July-September 2014. In the cent. —KUNA follow.” The Middle East PR Awards are organized by the Middle East PR Association (MEPRA) and are in their fifth year. This year’s awards were judged Kuwait to host by a panel of experts including representatives from Rolls Royce, Falcon and Associates, The Ritz Petroleum Economist Carlton hotel chain and Motivate Publishing. Carine Duvignaud, General Manager of the Middle East PR Association said: “The Middle Energy Strategy Forum East PR Awards ceremony is the event of the year for professional communicators. This year KUWAIT: Petroleum Economist, the global Corporation and National Bank of Kuwait. has been our largest and most successful gala energy magazine, and Kuwait Petroleum We have a line-up of excellent speakers from event, doubling the previous year’s attendance. Corporation will officially co-host the sec- the region and further afield who will join We congratulate all the winners and the short- ond annual Energy Strategy Forum at The our editorial team to shed light on how the Fajer Al-Matrouk and Yasser Mohammad at the Middle East Public Relations Awards. listed entries for helping to raise the bar to glob- Sheraton Hotel, Kuwait City on Tuesday 26 markets are changing and how the GCC al standards and beyond.” January. National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) have countries must adapt to the new global Communications department, and one of its boundaries has been reinforced.” Ooredoo Kuwait has recently received awards confirmed as a Gold Sponsor of the confer- energy landscape”. young communicators was honored for out- Ooredoo Kuwait received the Bronze Award for Corporate Social Responsibility at the ence. This VIP, invitation-only forum brings Anas al-Saleh, Kuwait’s minister of standing performance. in the Employee Engagement category and was Telecom Review Excellence Awards and for together a 300-strong audience of regional finance and acting minister of oil will open Mijbil Alayoub, Director of Corporate collected by Fajer Al-Matrouk, PR and Internal Social Media at the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali policy makers, national oil companies, inter- proceedings and will be joined by Nizar M Communications at Ooredoo Kuwait said: “We Communications Executive. The Internal Informatics Awards. national oil companies, financiers, investors Al-Adsani, deputy chairman and chief exec- and other key market players. utive officer of Kuwait Petroleum The second in this series of energy strate- Corporation and Bakheet Al-Rashidi, presi- gy forums will explore the contention that dent and chief executive officer of Kuwait Food Choice joins Horeca the hydrocarbons industry is facing a combi- Petroleum International (KPI). Pradeep nation of disruptive forces, which have the Handa, general manager of the foreign cor- potential to radically change the way the porate, oil, trade and project finance group Kuwait 2016 as golden sponsor industry works. at National Bank of Kuwait will also speak at Commenting on the forum announce- the event. High level speakers from National ment, Victoria Behn, director of Petroleum Bank of Kuwait, Guinness Asset KUWAIT: Marwan Fares, Food various unique creative ideas, HACCP standards. that the company soon gained a Economist Events said: “We are looking for- Management, Manaar Energy Consulting, Choice Company’s CEO, highly while at the same time being Food Choice was established good reputation for its keenness ward to returning to Kuwait to work with Petronas and APICORP, among others, are praised the Horeca Kuwait exhibi- keen on supporting new cre- in 2005 to supply Kuwaiti market on finding innovative solutions our key partners - Kuwait Petroleum also confirmed. tion and its ability to attract compa- ations and observing healthy with international standard food and providing various services for nies specializing in hospitality, food quality standards according to products, Fares noted, adding hotels, restaurants and depart- industries and hotel requirements ment stores that went side by Mobile dental clinic in addition to travel, transport, oil side with introducing internation- and construction companies. al high quality meat, pastry, With that in mind, Food Choice cheese, seafood and beverage launched in Rawda decided to repeat its golden brands such as Monin, Valrhona KUWAIT: A mobile dental clinic has been the country, comes as part of efforts to sponsorship to Horeca Kuwait and Bonn Maman to local mar- launched to serve residents of Al-Rawdha enhance medical services in the Capital 2016 exhibition, Fares added. “It kets. area, a senior Ministry of Health (MoH) offi- Governorate. is of great significance to take Horeca Kuwait 2016 is set to cial announced on Saturday. The mobile The clinic is comprised of a moving vehi- part in this exhibition in order to be organized by Leaders Group in clinic, which caters to cle that transports a dental specialist from improve the company’s expan- collaboration with Hospitality the elderly, is a prod- Al-Rawdha clinic, who would attend to the sion after it has already expanded Services Comoany at Badriya uct of donations bed-ridden, as the service is expected to be in the Middle East and Canada,” Ballroom, Jumeirah Messilah received by Al- introduced to other areas of the he underlined. Beach Hotel and Spa in the peri- Rawdha Cooperative Governorate, Sarraf said. Moreover, Further, Fares stressed that od of January 18-19, 2016 under Society, Director of Chairwoman of the clinic Dr Mariam Al- following the success it has auspices of the Minister of Capital Health Zone Asousi revealed that the elderly make up 3 been achieving ever since estab- Information and Minister of State Dr Afrah Al-Sarraf percent of the 36,276 population of Al- lishment, Food Choice intends for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman said in a press state- Rawdha. The clinic had provided 4,558 dif- to continue growing and Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al- ment. The service, ferent home services to the elderly in the expanding internationally using Marwan Fares Sabah. Dr Afrah Al-Sarraf the first of its kind in area this year, she added. —KUNA MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 LOCAL

KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa and senior education ministry officials tour a school for people with special needs. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh Kuwait to overhaul special education

KUWAIT: Kuwait is exerting efforts to develop the teaching The ministry is working on developing educational facil- Acting assistant undersecretary for special education administration Abdullah Al-Ajmi noted that the ministry system for special needs’ students and enhance teachers’ ities of disabled students, while also holding specialized Fahad Al-Ghais said in the meantime that special chal- has 18 schools with 1,700 students of all types of disabili- skills to deal with this category of society in the best way training courses for teachers in these schools, Minister Essa lenges’ students started their final exams last Thursday, ties. He said that the ministry is setting a plan to provide possible, said Minister of Education and Higher Education told reporters after a tour on exams’ committees at schools simultaneously with the tests at ministry’s public schools. each school with a specialized supervisor depending on Dr Bader Al-Essa. for people with special needs yesterday. Meanwhile, chairman of the special education schools the type of disability cases the school deals with. — KUNA MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 From the Arabic press

Al-Anbaa Al-Rai Al-Jarida Oil prices.... When an expat The solution sneezed in my face

By Mohammed Al-Atwan By Dr Nermin Al-Houti esterday I went to Hawally, aka ‘the capital of was reading the newspapers on Saturday morn- fog’, or you may call it ‘Kuwait’s New York’, ing as I usually do every morning, and when I where I met an expatriate friend working at went through the pages of Al-Anbaa newspaper, I Y I a simple cafe with a very long menu of beverages found a column on the business page with the title you can order. But you only end up having tea or “Diversifying sources of income in Kuwait... possible coffee with some other types of beverages from or not?” by Dr Abdullah Fahd Al-Abdeljader. The col- time to time that are served according to what my umn began with a comprehensive and summarized panorama of Gulf countries and what they have in friend believes best suits the customer’s mood. other income sources than oil that may replace oil in Sitting in the cafe yesterday, we both the future provided that the countries’ officials shed exchanged silent looks without any salutation or the light on and use those resources through their talking. He served me my coffee and then we went development and work on them to be a source of back to be as silent as if birds had landed on our wealth for the state. heads. “It is difficult to be a stranger!” he suddenly I will not make a summarization of what Dr said. “But you can pass your time serving cus- Abdeljader has written, rather I am going to rewrite tomers and observing the way they look,” I told his lines about Kuwait, because what he wrote are him. He gave me a strange long look as if he was only lines that cover a future strategic plan that going to sneeze in my face and said: “You have to revealed what Kuwait has in diversified sources of name things as they really are. I am not passing my income. These words in my opinion as a Kuwaiti citi- time - I am wasting my life. I have been standing zen today, I send as a message through my column, still for six years now!” that it should be under the consideration of state His answer really shocked me and I felt like a officials - rather our institutions must use the help of hurricane was tearing my mind and soul. It felt as if Kuwaitis to get their future with their own hands and he actually sneezed in my soul and not in my face. I not resort to foreign agendas. Dr Abdeljader said in then wondered in a most philosophic manner that his column: matches the cap I always wear (check my miser- “But Kuwait, what does it have? And it can be said able photo). Is it possible that we play with words here that Kuwait has the ability to have an industry and not use real names of things?! There is a huge and tourism, direct foreign investment and econom- difference between ‘pass my time’ and ‘waste my ic reform, but it needs a quick and serious decision life’, you know! that must be implemented, and must stop the gov- Well, it does seem that we do deceive ourselves ernment’s squandering and financial corruption, with unreal names. The hair removal female expert while implementing the comments and recommen- (locally known as haffafah) is now known as a dation of the Civil Service Commission. Al-Anbaa “It also must support the private sector by provid- ‘makeup artist’, a promotion saleslady is now ing job opportunities for citizens and provide them known as a ‘fashionista’ and he who trades in sim- with job stability and security, through getting the Chickenpox-stricken lands ple expat laborers’ sweat and years-long work is private sector involved in its projects, and implement known as a ‘visa trafficker’. If we, instead, use their privatization that is in the interest of both sides and real names, this last one would be best known as a ‘human dreams trader’ because he shares every review the government employment policy which By Salah Al-Sayer led to the inflation of the state budget. minute of work and every hour of sleeping with “But it is important that we all know that diversify- almost choke to death with this feeling whenever, armies and troops arrived with their heavy weaponry laborers. He would even tax and charge them to ing sources of income is not solved by increasing out of daily life routine or out of the wish to conduct and machinery and tanks to destroy wildlife, dismantle achieve their dreams! prices of gasoline, kerosene and diesel, and not bur- Isome historic studies, I go into Kuwait’s deserts. the soil, remove floral canopies, raise dust storms and What absurdity! We claim to dignify human dening citizens with the increase of electricity and Going to the desert, one can easily see the major ordeal cause considerable damage to ecological balance, and beings and protect them and this is why we fight water consumption and government transaction fungal life has been through there. Grass, bushes, sand eventually left the desert land only watered by our rain- drug traffickers because they ruin people’s lives fees, as they are all procedures that increase the bur- dunes and stones are no longer safe from manipulation like teardrops.— Translated by Kuwait Times and future, while we do not fight visa traffickers as dens of their living, especially those of limited and this tiny sad desert really deserves the Nobel Prize severely while they are ruining people’s present! It income among them.” for Peace for tolerating such agony and devastation. takes KD 1,200-1,500 to ruin those people’s lives. It A last word: We hope that the message was deliv- Ever since Kuwait’s modern breakthrough, Kuwait’s also costs them KD 300 to renew this misery every ered to our officials, from us to them. environment has been paying the price of development. Ever since Kuwait’s year. A very fruitful trade for sponsors, especially — Translated by Kuwait Times Violating Kuwaiti wildlife started with the early days when they are dealing with people who are afraid when ‘hassaya’ (people who used to collect gravel from of everything because they willingly left their kids the desert for unknown commercial reasons at that modern breakthrough, and loved ones to avoid seeing them in tears of time) started collecting gravel that was of significant agony; people who had promised their moms and Crime importance to hold the soil together. In addition, sand Kuwait’s environment wives lots of good to bring from the land of good. and gravel quarries were later dug for construction rea- Although this ‘good’ would be cut out of his Report sons with the result of turning the desert’s terrain to has been paying the own flesh and blood just the way a block of look like a chickenpox-stricken face! shawarma would look more delicious and tender Wife slashes man’s Vicious environmental violations continued with price of development the more we cut from it. He still cannot utter a sin- campers and sheep and camel herders who have been gle word of dissatisfaction lest he might be deport- ‘sensitive parts’ overgrazing their animals for years before Saddam’s ed. We are a generous people ruled by a generous KUWAIT: A citizen was placed in the intensive care unit by family on a generous land. There is no use in beau- urologists at a hospital after he was attacked. He was seen tifying our image abroad while it is domestically bloodied outside his house with an injury in his lower Twelve recommendations to disfigured by the practices of visa traffickers. Do abdomen, and told police his Filipina wife caused it. The get rid of this trade before it ruins our nation’s rep- medical report said there was a cut in a very sensitive part of his body. The man underwent surgery, then was placed adjust demographic structure utation. I do hope minister Hind Al-Subaih would under intense observation. His wife was arrested and is stay longer in office because she is working hard to being questioned about her actions. eliminate this phenomenon despite her enemies Linking expats’ residency to educational level and we urge her to exert more efforts. Sorry for speaking long about visa trafficking, KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and the planning and development secre- measures agreed in practice and but as soon as I finished my coffee and wrote my Fugitive caught Labor and Planning Hind Al-Subaih tariat general, the Census Central determine bodies responsible for car- article, I gathered my papers on my way out. “Since Asima (Capital) detectives arrested a citizen in stressed that a draft will be ready by Department, Manpower and rying them out during 2016. Sulaibkhat wanted over an armed robbery. He was the beginning of the new year on a Subaih added that possible effects we agreed to disguise our real life, from now on, sent to criminal detectives. The suspect is also an ex- schedule needed to implement the of each of the measures agreed upon you are not a restaurant handyman, you are buffet convict. Cabinet’s instructions concerning on the labor market would be studied in-charge,” I told him, wishing him sweet dreams adjusting Kuwait’s demographic and an indicator would be set to on my way out. He suspiciously looked at me with structure. Subaih added that a com- weigh cons and pros so that immedi- his narrow eyes and said: “Why does it always have Employer robbed mittee formed by the Cabinet had set ate, short term and long term actions to be dreams? Why don’t you wish me a happy real Detectives arrested an Egyptian woman in Maidan 12 recommendations including link- could be made within a maximum of life?!” That statement seemed like the second Hawally for stealing money and documents from his coming expatriates’ residency to their edu- four years. shocking sneeze in my face, and how painful those pany following a dispute with his sponsor. The citizen told cational level and qualification, limit- Subaih added that the recommen- two ‘sneezes’ were to me! police the woman took the money and disappeared, and ing the number of domestic laborers dations included automating the pro- — Translated by Kuwait Times gave them her details. The woman confessed to the and increasing related fees once the cedures followed on bringing workers charges. limit is exceeded, with an exception to from abroad with the aim of fighting families that have disabled members, visa manipulations, imposing strict granting absconders a three-month measures on workers working in jobs Guarantee complicates Drug possession grace period to legalize their statuses, other than those they had been hired Policemen arrested a citizen in Adan with a combi- increasing absconding fines, issuing Minister Hind Al-Subaih and brought to Kuwait to do, mandat- bedoons’ umrah nation of drugs, including 13 pieces of hashish and strict laws against those who hire ing contractors to repatriate workers joints ready for use. He was sent to the Drugs Control absconders and activating fingerprint Government Restructuring Program after concluding projects, encourag- KUWAIT: The Hajj Affairs Sector at the Awqaf Ministry will General Department. scanners at various border exits to (MGRP), Manpower Public Authority, ing citizens to take part in production write to accredited umrah agents in Saudi Arabia in order make sure deportees do not return to Public Authority for Civil Information and vocational businesses, encourag- to ease hajj conditions on offices that take bedoons for Kuwait after changing their passports. (PACI) and the ministries of coming youth to start small and medium umrah, most importantly the bank guarantee of KD 20,000 Under the influence Speaking at press conference on merce, health, interior and foreign projects, automating the process of on each office that accepts bedoons. Informed sources said A police source said Mubarak Al-Kabeer police suspect- the sidelines of presiding the supreme affairs, Subaih said that some bodies assessing companies’ need of labor this condition caused many offices to reject registration of ed a man in a parking lot, and when he attempted to demographic structure committee had made their own suggestions and and setting restrictions on dependent bedoons who want to perform umrah because of the large escape, he was stopped. He was found to be under the meeting with representatives from agreed to set a timetable to put the and family visit visas. — Al-Rai amount which may not be refunded if the bedoons do not influence of drugs. return. They said that officials at the Awqaf Ministry held a meeting to negotiate with umrah agents to ease this condition, in addition to coordinating with the commerce min- US single moms sue Kuwaiti, GCC istry to create a mechanism to make it easier until the law Neighbors’ row of hajj and umrah is passed. — Al-Qabas A dispute between three female neighbors led to exchanging blows, injuring one of them in the process, alleged fathers of their kids who went to the police station and lodged a com- Fake psychiatric patients, plaint. The Egyptian woman told Salmiya police her KUWAIT: In view of the growing number of sin- neighbors ganged up on her and beat and insulted her gle mothers in the US, a number of American doctors won’t escape due to disputes between them. The two neighbors women with children recently decided to sue prison and fines were called in and questioned. Arab students who they claim are the real fathers of their kids and the result of extramari- KUWAIT: Well-informed sources at the public prosecu- tal relationships. tion’s office warned that severe penalties are currently Traffic dispute The women seized the opportunity of the being prepared for those pretending to suffer from psy- A citizen was insulted by an indecent gesture by a man creation of a new website named ‘Children Left chiatric diseases or disorders as well as doctors who as they differed over the right of way in Fintas, so he Behind’ to upload dozens of stories about give them such certificates. “Penalties will vary between lodged a complaint at Fintas police station. Ahmadi detec- American single mothers reporting that their prison and fines,” said the sources. tives are working on the case. kids were the result of affairs with Saudi, The sources added that a government bill in this Kuwaiti, Qatari and Emirati students, saying regard was meant to protect psychiatric patients’ rights that the fathers abandoned them and disap- and at the same time put an end to using such disor- Shop robbed peared. Creators of the website, which has ders as excuses to escape legal accountability after sus- English and Arabic interfaces, stressed that it Criminal evidence men went to a sweetshop in pects commit crimes or felonies, do not report to work mainly aims at highlighting those mothers’ Jabriya as part of an investigation of a theft that took punctually or even get financial privileges or incentives. ordeals and help them reunite with their kids’ place there. The store manager, Jordanian, told police The sources added that the bill due to be referred legitimate fathers. that workers found the door was broken, and the cash to the parliament soon would state the necessity to One of the website’s administrators said register was taken with KD 650 in it. He did not accuse that the number of American single mothers form more than one medical and psychiatric commit- anyone in the theft. contacting the website to share their experi- tee by MoH and the forensic medicine department ences was steadily growing. The website, including three forensic medicine psychiatrists to independently report on each case’s mental state. On Motorcycle stolen which has so far been visited by over 1.5 million people, said that the phenomena started his part, the parliamentary health affairs committee Jahra detectives are searching for a black and orange- back in the 1980s, dropped a little in the rapporteur MP Saadoun Hammad said that the com- colored motorcycle that was reported stolen by its owner, 1990s, then gradually increased later on after This photo published by Al-Rai yesterday shows what the news- mittee was ready to discuss the bill. He added that who works as a teacher. The motorcycle was stolen from so many GCC university students abandoned paper says a collage taken from the website showing some of the MoH had set its priorities, including the psychiatric his house. — Al-Rai their companions. — Al-Rai single mothers with their children. diseases issue, last week. — Al-Rai

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 Democratic debate hits Trump, jihadist Spain votes in landmark polls to end two-party grip extremists Page 10 Page 9

BERN: UN special envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed speaks during a press conference at the end of peace talks yesterday. — AFP Clashes shake Yemen as peace talks end Delegates admit ‘the negotiations have basically failed’

ADEN: Fighting raged yesterday between committee to oversee the delivery of humani- dent’s brother, several sources said. The casualties and equipment damage in a rocket Despite the proximity, the roughly 40 kilo- Yemen’s warring factions on the final day of tarian aid, sources from both sides said. Houthis advanced from their northern strong- attack on a coalition military base in Marib meters separating Nihm from Sanaa is mostly UN-backed peace talks that have made no But delegates said substantial progress had holds to occupy the capital in September province east of Sanaa, their sabanews.net rugged mountainous terrain. A ceasefire major breakthrough in the face of repeated proved elusive. “The negotiations have basi- 2014. The conflict has escalated dramatically website reported. The coalition did not imme- which began with the peace talks on Tuesday ceasefire violations. UN special envoy Ismail cally failed,” said a source with the delegation since Saudi-led air strikes against the rebels diately confirm this. Military sources said that and was set to continue for at least seven days Ould Cheikh Ahmed was expected to representing both the Iran-backed Houthi began in March, with more than 5,800 people pro-government forces attacked rebel posi- has failed to hold. At least 68 people were announce a new round of meetings, likely Shiite rebels and renegade troops still loyal to killed and more than 27,000 wounded since tions in southern Shabwa province, most of killed on Thursday near the northern town of starting in mid-January, to try to end the con- wealthy ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh. He then, according to UN figures. which is under loyalist control. They reported Haradh, which loyalists seized the same day, flict, according to a source close to the rebel told AFP that the ceasefire, which was meant casualties as the troops sought to retake the military and tribal sources said. The UN envoy delegation. to facilitate the delivery of desperately needed No end to violence oil-rich Usaylan region from the Houthis. to Yemen was “deeply concerned at the A halt to the violence is sorely needed in humanitarian aid, was “still-born”. “We have Loyalists yesterday attacked rebel positions Saudi Arabia meanwhile said a missile fired numerous reports of violations of the cessa- the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest nation, where not achieved any results,” agreed a source in in the northern Jawf province after seizing the from Yemen on Saturday struck the border city tion of hostilities”, his office said late Friday. the UN says fighting since March has killed President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi’s govern- provincial capital two days earlier from the of Najran, killing three civilians-a Saudi and two Ould Cheikh Ahmed “urges all parties to thousands of people and left around 80 per- ment delegation. Houthi rebels, pro-government militia sources Indian workers. Pro-government forces kept up respect this agreement and allow unhindered cent of the population needing humanitarian The talks have among other things stum- said. Coalition air strikes hit a rebel rocket pressure in Sanaa province’s Nihm district this access for the delivery of humanitarian assis- aid. The sides, who have been meeting since bled on the question of prisoners, with the launch pad in Jawf, rebel positions in the weekend after significant gains in Marib tance to the most affected districts of Yemen,” Tuesday behind closed doors, agreed Saturday rebels demanding swaps, while the govern- north of the western Hodeida province and an province east of the capital. Forces loyal to Hadi, the statement said. The special envoy has to create “a neutral military committee” to ment wants the Houthis to first liberate a army camp in the rebel-held capital Sanaa. and allied tribes in the area, laid siege to Nihm’s held several sessions with participants during monitor the collapsing ceasefire and another number of its captives, including the presi- Rebels meanwhile claimed to have caused Fardha military base northeast of the capital. the talks, the statement added. — AFP Toll ‘tops 100’ as Turkey push Strikes kill scores major offensive against PKK in rebel-held Idlib BEIRUT: Air strikes believed to have a series of setbacks including the been carried out by Russian war- loss of Idlib province and areas DIYARBAKIR: The number of Kurdish the army and the PKK since a two-and- planes killed scores of people in near the coasts which are of crucial rebels killed in a massive Turkish mili- a-half year truce collapsed in July. the centre of the rebel-held city of strategic importance. tary offensive in the restive southeast Although analysts have called for peace Idlib in northwest Syria yesterday, Moscow says its targets Islamic has jumped to 102, a security source talks, the authorities led by President rescue workers and residents said. State militants but rebels and resi- said yesterday, as the operation entered Recep Tayyip Erdogan, buoyed by the They said at least six strikes had hit dents say they are causing hun- its fifth day. At least two soldiers and victory of his Justice and Development a busy market place in the heart of dreds of civilian casualties through five civilians have also been killed in the Party (AKP) in the November 1 election, the city, several government build- indiscriminate bombing of areas fighting, the source said. have said Ankara must eradicate the ings and residential areas. Rescue well away from the frontlines. An earlier toll released on Saturday PKK. workers said they had confirmed Residents say they distinguish put the figure at 70 dead in the Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu 43 dead but that at least 30 more Russian planes that fly at high alti- unprecedented police and army opera- yesterday condemned what he said bodies had been retrieved that had tudes in sorties from Syrian heli- tion, with the military saying all were was “an attempt to unleash a civil war”. still to be identified. copters that mainly drop indiscrim- suspected members of the rebel He warned that the military operations, “There are a lot of corpses under inate barrel bombs at much lower Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Some criticized by some members of the the rubble,” Yasser Hammo, a civil heights. 10,000 troops backed by tanks have political opposition and rights groups, defense worker, said via an Internet A coalition of Islamist rebels been deployed in the southeast to try will last until the towns targeted are messaging system, adding that vol- took Idlib city, the capital of a to rout young PKK supporters from completely “cleansed”. “We are faced unteers and civil defense workers northwestern province of the same urban areas, according to local media. with a barbaric organization which is were still pulling bodies out. name, earlier this year. It had previ- The operation, which has targeted trying to exploit young people to affect Footage on social media and the ously been largely spared by the the towns of Cizre and Silopi in the ANKARA: Members of Turkey’s leftist unions and politicians stage a their lives by installing these barri- pro-opposition Orient TV station Russian warplanes. Idlib was part of province of Sirnak as well as a neighbor- protest outside the parliament in Ankara, calling for the end of mil- cades,” he told a gathering in Ankara of showed makeshift ambulances a United Nations-brokered cease- hood in Diyarbakir, the largest city in the itary operations against Kurdish militants in southeastern Turkey, young people from the ruling AKP. rushing with injured civilians fire deal reached in September by region, began on Wednesday, according He also promised financial help to through an area where people warring parties. This allowed for the to the army. On Friday, the military also on December 19, 2015. The banner reads: “No to war, we will residents forced to flee the conflict were searching for survivors eventual withdrawal of rebel fight- carried out air strikes on alleged PKK defend the peace”. — AFP zone as well as businesses that have among the debris of collapsed ers holed up in a border village hideouts and weapons sites across the been hard hit. But Turkey’s Human buildings. near Lebanon in return for the border in northern Iraq, where the out- tants who were effectively taking over ‘Attempt to unleash civil war’ Rights Association protested that the One local resident, Sameh Al- evacuation of civilians from two lawed group has its rear bases. the towns by building barricades and The army said that two schools that operations and “the systematic Muazin, said he had seen mangled Shiite villages under rebel siege in Images published by the Anatolia digging trenches. But Kurdish activists had been used by the PKK as hideouts recourse to curfews, represent an bodies in the main Jalaa Street of Idlib province. Under the deal there news agency show heavily armed sol- and politicians have accused the army had been rendered inoperable while a unacceptable collective punishment”. the city, adding that people feared was a tacit understanding it fell diers backed by tanks going house-to- of acting with impunity and pounding stash of arms had been seized in Silopi. The PKK launched an insurgency a further round of intensive bomb- under the ceasefire arrangements. house in the towns and firing from large parts of the towns to rubble. In The education ministry recalled teach- against the Turkish state in 1984, ini- ing. “Everyone is afraid that this is Idlib has attracted thousands of street corners. Army forces chief General the eastern city of Van yesterday, police ers from the area and schools were tially fighting for Kurdish independ- just the beginning,” he said. Russia ordinary Syrians displaced by the Hulusi Akar visited Sirnak province on fired rubber bullets and teargas to disclosed, as were health services due to a ence although it is now pressing more began a major aerial campaign on fighting in areas in northern Syria Saturday for a briefing by the local mili- perse around 1,000 demonstrators who lack of doctors who have fled the con- for greater autonomy and rights for the Sept. 30 in support of Syrian and has also become the centre for tary command. gathered to condemn the military oper- flict zone. country’s largest ethnic minority. The President Bashar Al-Assad, its ally, a local administration run by The Turkish government says the ations, the Dogan news agency report- The operations mark a new escala- conflict has left tens of thousands of who earlier in the year had suffered Islamist insurgents. — Reuters operation is needed to eliminate mili- ed. tion in five months of fighting between people dead. — AFP MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Democratic debate hits Trump, clash over jihadist extremists ‘Trump is becoming ISIS’s best recruiter’

MANCHESTER: Hillary Clinton and wielded by Trump and other Assad and ISIS,” he said. “ISIS now is one Sanders staffer took advantage other Democratic presidential “unscrupulous leaders (who) try to the major priority. Let’s get rid of of a computer glitch to peek at hopefuls used Donald Trump as a turn us upon each other.” The Assad later.” Clinton voter information. But on political bogeyman Saturday to country will rise to the challenge O’Malley pointedly looked back stage Saturday Sanders apologized highlight their own calls to defeat of the IS extremists, but only if at how several US-backed regime to Clinton, saying “this is not the jihadist extremists without using Americans never surrender their changes fomented chaos. He sin- type of campaign that we run,” and the bigotry and bluster employed values “to the fascist pleas of bil- gled out Libya in 2011, when the issue quickly deflated. by their top Republican rival. lionaires with big mouths. We are a Clinton was the top US diplomat Data and IT are uncomfortable Former secretary of state better country than this.” Trump’s and supported ousting Moamer topics for Clinton, who was the cen- Clinton, Senator Bernie Sanders apparent popularity has only Kadhafi, only to see the country ter of an uproar after it was and Maryland ex-governor Martin grown in recent weeks since his descend into chaos, with large revealed she used a personal email O’Malley each hit on the need to most contentious remarks. The swaths now susceptible to becom- account and server while secretary boost national security, raise the political neophyte tops most ing jihadist safe havens. “We proba- of state. Republican National SAN BERNARDINO: President Barack Obama delivers a statement at Indian minimum wage and protect rights Republican national polls and is bly let our lust for regime toppling Committee chairman Reince of women, minorities and the dis- putting establishment candidates get ahead of the practical consid- Priebus lashed out at Clinton’s per- Springs High School after meeting with families affected by the shootings. —AP advantaged as they faced off in like Jeb Bush in knots. erations for stability in that region,” formance in the debate, saying she New Hampshire. But they had heated exchanges on the econo- Victim families share tears, my, guns, tackling the terrorist threat, and the role of the United stories in Obama meeting States abroad. With just over six weeks before SAN BERNARDINO: At a table inside the gunfight with police. Consoling the vic- the first votes are cast in the nomi- Indian Springs High School library, Mandy tims of gun violence has become a grim nation race, on February 1 in Iowa, Pifer sat alone, the last name of her ritual throughout Obama’s presidency. Sanders and O’Malley are running boyfriend killed in the San Bernardino ter- “My brother will never get his daughter out of time to blunt the momen- rorist attack printed on a label in front of back,” said George Velasco, whose niece, tum of the former secretary of her. Nearby, relatives of the 13 other peo- Yvette Velasco, 27, was killed. “But at least state, who is 25 points ahead of ple killed sat and waited anxiously. Some we know they are taking it very seriously.” rival Sanders in national polling clutched memorial service programs with When Obama approached the Velasco compiled by RealClearPolitics.com. the photos and biographies of their family’s table, he told them he knew noth- deceased. One held the invitation to ing he could say would ever truly comfort Trump punching bag President Barack Obama’s 2009 inaugura- them, but that he was sincerely sorry for O’Malley trails them both badly. tion his brother-in-law had gleefully their loss, Velasco said. The victim’s father It was their party’s third debate of obtained. Pifer wrote out a sign with the told Obama how proud he had been of the primary election season-the words, “I got you.” her work as an inspector with the county last of 2015 and their first since the When Obama and first lady Michelle Department of Environmental Health. attacks in San Bernardino, Obama entered the room and made their Obama told them he and his wife were California, where a radicalized mar- way from one table to the next, spending parents too and that, “they cannot imag- ried couple killed 14 people. But about 10 minutes with each family Friday ine a loss like ours.” “I couldn’t believe that the candidates also took turns hit- evening, the grief, sadness and frustration he was spending that much time with us,” ting the Trump punching bag, as of the last 17 days were firmly on display. Velasco said. “It was heartfelt. I could feel they hurled outrage about the Some shed tears. Others asked questions. it. It was something he really felt and Republican’s fear-mongering and MANCHESTER: US Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton (right) and Bernie Sanders Everyone got a hug. believed.” recent controversial comments participate in the Democratic Presidential Debate hosted by ABC News at Saint Anselm “It just felt like they were really present about immigrants-in particular, his College. — AFP in their conversation with me,” Pifer said. Rhetoric and bigotry call for a ban on Muslims entering “They are sick and tired of doing these The mood in the room was somber, the United States. ‘Lust for regime toppling’ O’Malley said. “once again proved inconsistent on things, meeting our families.” For nearly though each family seemed to perk up Americans, Clinton said, “need While the Democrats united Sanders piled on, reminding the issues and out-of-touch with three hours, the Obamas met with rela- when Obama arrived at their table. For to make sure that the really dis- against Trump, Sanders clashed at viewers of Clinton’s 2002 Senate the American people.” tives of the nine men and five women some, it was the first time they got to criminatory messages that Trump length with Clinton over how to vote authorizing president George The debate occurred, perhaps killed Dec 2 when a married couple meet many of the other families with a rel- is sending around the world don’t tackle extremism, opposing her W Bush’s use of military force in not uncoincidentally, on a Saturday opened fire on the husband’s colleagues ative killed in the attack. The meetings fall on receptive ears.” “He is call for a no-fly zone over Syria and Iraq. Clinton insisted she was not night at the height of the Christmas at a work holiday gathering in San with Obama largely focused on grief, but a becoming ISIS’s best recruiter,” for focusing on ousting that coun- ready to send US boots into Syria shopping rush, and on the first Bernardino, about 60 miles (100 kilome- few also touched on gun violence and Clinton said of the self-declared try’s President Bashar Al-Assad. and Iraq, saying she had a strategy weekend of the release of the latest ters) east of Los Angeles. efforts to ban military-style assault Islamic State extremist group, Sanders, who is more comfort- to “combat and defeat ISIS without highly-anticipated Star Wars movie, The couple, American-born Syed weapons. Farook and Malik were armed claiming that jihadists are “showing able talking about economic getting us involved in another likely ensuring a downsized viewer- Rizwan Farook, 28, and his wife, Tashfeen with two assault rifles and two pistols, videos of Donald Trump insulting inequality and financial abuse, top- ground war.” ship compared to previous debates. Malik, 29, of Pakistan, pledged allegiance investigators have said. Karen Fagan, Islam and Muslims in order to ics that are the cornerstones of his The debate unfolded amid a Clinton wrapped up the event with to a leader of the Islamic State group on whose ex-husband Harry Bowman, 46, recruit more radical jihadists.” campaign, was deeply skeptical. minor scandal between the Clinton a nod to the flick: “Thank you, good Facebook, moments before the shooting, was killed, said they also spoke about end- O’Malley also offered a harsh “The United States at the same and Sanders campaigns over an night, and may the Force be with authorities said. Both were later killed in a ing hateful rhetoric and bigotry. —AP rebuke to the “political danger” time cannot successfully fight apparent data breach when at least you.” —AFP MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Burundi rejects AU’s peacekeeping force

NAIROBI: Burundi’s government said yester- ment would reserve the right to act according unrest in Burundi where at least 87 peo- In a strongly-worded statement issued on strength”. The 10-nation EASF includes day it would not agree to the deployment of ingly.” ple were killed on December 11 in a crack- Saturday, the AU said it would “take additional Burundi itself, and is one of five AU regional African Union (AU) peacekeepers, warning Burundi has so far dismissed proposals for down by security forces after an attack on measures” to ensure the new force’s deploy- bodies with a mandate to boost “peace and that they would be seen as “an invasion force”. any peacekeeping force on its territory and three military bases. Many of the dead were ment. It underlined its determination “to take security”. It has never deployed and is current- The announcement came a day after the 54- Karerwa said any such move by the AU would youths who were shot dead by the security all appropriate measures against any party or ly a force in principle only. AU rights investiga- member bloc said it would send a 5,000- have to be approved by the UN Security forces. actor... who would impede the implementa- tors last week returned from a fact-finding strong force to halt spiraling violence in the Council. “The Burundi government believes tion of the present decision”. mission to Burundi expressing “great concern” tiny central African country as fears grow that the AU resolution cannot be automatically ‘Arbitrary killings’ The announcement came two days after after witnessing some of the heaviest fighting it is rapidly sliding towards civil war. applied and must first be endorsed by the UN Burundi has been in crisis since April, the bloc’s Peace and Security Council met in the troubled country for months. It gave the government in Bujumbura a Security Council,” he said. when President Pierre Nkurunziza began over the crisis and agreed it would not allow The AU team said it had reports of four-day deadline to agree to the offer, but The Security Council late Saturday urged seeking a third term in a move that even “another genocide” on African soil. No details “arbitrary killings and targeted assassina- warned it would send troops anyway. all Burundian stakeholders to cooperate with some in his own camp judged unconstitu- have been given about which countries tions” as well as arrests, detentions and “Burundi is clear on the matter: it is not ready the proposed African Union peacekeeping tional. The situation deteriorated when might send troops-or when they would be torture. Karerwa said both chambers of to accept an AU force on its territory,” deputy mission. It condemned violence on all sides Nkurunziza was re-elected in July in a poll deployed. The AU has urged talks with its the national parliament would hold an presidential spokesman Jean-Claude Karerwa and the “persistence of impunity, as well as of that was boycotted by the opposition. The members including regional countries in the extraordinary meeting on Monday to said. “If AU troops came without the govern- the inflammatory statements made by country has since spiraled into violence and AU’s East African Standby Force (EASF) “to debate the African Union move, adding ment’s approval, it would be an invasion and Burundian political leaders”. The standoff there are fears in the international communi- generate the troops and police elements that “Burundi always reaches out to the occupation force, and the Burundi govern- comes as international alarm grows over soar- ty this could deteriorate into genocide. needed to quickly reach the authorized international community”. — AFP

Across Europe, refugees cling to hope in temporary homes

LEEUWARDEN: Seven-month-old Adam’s street, they used to welcome us. Now they don’t nights are restless. The din and chatter of 600 any more,” he says. His family’s situation mirrors other asylum seekers sharing a “camp” in the that of hundreds of thousands of others, north of the Netherlands keeps this youngest uncomfortably accommodated by over- resident awake, and his parents anxious. whelmed European authorities who have com- “Home”-their fifth in three months-is a flimsy mandeered sports halls and other civic build- plywood cubicle they occupy with two other ings. Iraqi families in a cavernous exhibition centre- Nearly a million people fleeing war and mis- turned-shelter. But there is no door, no ceiling- ery reached Europe’s shores this year. When and no chance for more sleep when the huge Ahmad and Alia survived a bomb attack in white lights go on each day at 7:00 am. Baghdad in 2014, they too decided to risk all “This isn’t life. How can I explain it?” says and crossed the Aegean Sea this summer. Adam’s 27-year-old father Ahmad. “It’s like a bird Through seven countries in as many days at the in a cage. It eats and drinks but it’s not happy.” peak of the migrant crisis, they slept rough in All is a far cry from the vision that kept Ahmad the Balkans, dodged arrest and handed smug- and his hazel-eyed wife Alia, 26, going as they glers their life savings — 9,000 euros ($10,000) trod, baby in sling, the migrant route to Europe — to have a chance at life in Europe. last September, with a team of AFP journalists Their goal was the Netherlands, where they in tow. Three months on, they feel trapped in a have family in Utrecht, a city whose picturesque labyrinth of sluggish, soulless administrative setting is far from the makeshift shelters they’ve steps-though the joy of watching Adam grow passed through before they were assigned to out of harm’s way encourages their patience. Leeuwarden, a town of some 100,000 residents “Our journey is not over,” says Ahmad, sitting on where they arrived on October 16. It took the edge of his unmade bed. The boy can authorities five weeks to register the couple’s almost stand, and he can now say “Mama, Baba”. asylum request. “I felt that the Netherlands MADRID: Pablo Iglesias, (center right) leader of Podemos party, waits his turn to cast his vote for the national elections. — AP His playfulness is a welcome break both for his didn’t want us, like it was telling us to leave,” said parents and some fellow asylum seekers, who Ahmad. With 54,000 requests registered in 2015 like Ahmad and Alia left all behind. by mid-November, the authorities concede they Spain votes in landmark polls, are overwhelmed. “We have a backlog, and that Feeling unwanted sometimes causes friction,” says Alet The young Iraqi owned an upscale garment Bowmeester, spokeswoman for the Central that may end two-party grip shop in Baghdad. Now, like the others in the Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers. shelter, he has to wear a blue plastic bracelet when he goes out to identify him as a “camp” Breaking the routine Most closely-fought contests in modern history resident. “We still don’t know what fate has in With little to do but wait, the couple look for store for us ... whether or not we will have a resi- ways to lift their spirits. “Every morning, my MADRID: Spanish voters went to the polls yesterday give these new parties unprecedented influence on ment predicts the economy will grow 3.3 percent this dence permit,” he says. friends and I get together in a room that we in what is expected to be one of the most closely- the political scene. year-to the envy of many of its European neighbors. Ahmad understands the Netherlands is have assigned as the make-up room. We go fought contests in modern history as two dynamic But unemployment remains stubbornly high at more “crowded” with a record number of asylum there to get dressed, put on make up and do new parties take on the country’s long-established ‘Tectonic shift’ than 21 percent, and Rajoy’s rivals point to glaring requests, but he can’t shake the fear that Dutch our hair,” says Alia, who still bears scars on her political giants. “The fact that a tectonic shift is about to shake up inequalities brought on by his drastic spending cuts, authorities may one day send them back to face from the 2014 bombing. Once a week the The general election caps off a year of electoral the Spanish political system is testified by the expect- tax rises and health reforms. Iraq. He also worries that attitudes towards family goes to Mouni, a kebab restaurant in the change in southern Europe after far-left party Syriza ed 80 percent turnout... compared to 69 percent in refugees have changed since the deadly Paris heart of Leeuwarden that is popular among was swept to power in Greece in January and a coali- the 2011 election,” said analysts at UniCredit, calling ‘Reasonable change’ attacks. “People used to say hello to us on the refugees. — AFP tion of leftists parties in Portugal pooled their votes in yesterday’s polls “historic.” Socialist (PSOE) chief Pedro Sanchez, the 43-year- parliament to unseat the conservative government in Sky-high unemployment, inequality, corruption old economist who only last year took over a party October after an inconclusive election. Spain has and an ever-rising separatist drive in the northeastern still reeling from its 2011 defeat, has promised to rein- been dominated for more than three decades by the region of Catalonia are just some of the issues at state the rights of workers and immigrants he says conservative Popular Party and the main opposition stake in a country deeply scarred by a financial crisis. have been trampled on. Socialists, who have alternated running the govern- “The Popular Party and the Socialists became com- Ciudadanos chief Rivera, who at 36 is the ment. But this time around many voters are expected placent and they have forgotten about us. We have to youngest of the four main party leaders, wants “rea- to cast their ballots for two upstart parties vying for give the new parties a chance,” said truck driver sonable change” and pledges to do away with pre- change-the centrist Ciudadanos and the anti-austeri- Francisco Perez, 53, after voting for Podemos in cocity in the workplace. But the question mark of the ty Podemos, a close ally of Greece’s Syriza. L’Hospitalet de Lllobregat. elections remains Podemos, whose pony-tailed, 37- “We are on the threshold of a new democratic Ana Salazar, head of research and strategy at con- year-old leader Pablo Iglesias is now a household transition, a new era,” said Ciudadanos leader Albert sultants Red Lines, says the shake-up in Spanish poli- name. Rivera after he cast his ballot in L’Hospitalet de tics started when Podemos emerged in 2014 on the Seen as running out of steam just months ago, the Llobregat in the northeastern region of Catalonia. back of an “Indignados” movement fed up with aus- party appears to be gaining ground again thanks to Polls predict Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s Popular terity-triggered inequality and corruption. Then came Iglesias‘s down-to-earth appeal and his move away Party will win the largest share of the vote but not Ciudadanos, which was formed in 2006 in Catalonia from the more radical, far-left ideals Podemos once enough to retain its absolute majority in parliament. but only truly emerged nationwide last year. espoused. So much so that polls suggest Podemos Such a result would force it to form an uneasy “Now we have... the old versus the new,” said may even replace the long-standing Socialists as the alliance with another political grouping or attempt to Salazar. Rajoy, austere, grey-bearded 60-year-old pre- country’s main left-wing party. “These years were hor- rule as a minority government. And all bets are off mier, has positioned himself as a safe pair of hands rible but they had one good outcome: that lots of regarding who will come second in the legislative who dragged the country away from economic col- people became interested in politics,” said Jonathan LEEUWARDEN: Iraqi refugees Ahmad, his wife Alia and their baby Adam elections, as the Socialists could end up neck-and- lapse when he took power in 2011 and put it on the Pozo, 27, after voting for Podemos in L’Hospitalet de get ready in their bedroom, shared with other refugees, at a temporary neck with Ciudadanos and Podemos, which would path of recovery. After years of recession, the govern- Llobregat. — AFP refugee center. — AFP Slovenians vote in gay Christie says ‘show time’ marriage referendum over in New Hampshire KOPER: Slovenians were yesterday voting in a ref- ples should be given equality as far as marriage erendum on whether to allow the largely-Catholic was concerned, that should not include the right EU member state to become Europe’s first ex- to adopt children. “They are people like us, they EXETER: Republican presidential can- several well-regarded debate show- Christie asked in Exeter. Christie also mocked his “buddy” communist country to allow same-sex marriage. should be given all rights, but not (the right to didate Chris Christie says it’s time for ings. “He didn’t go to work!” Christie con- Cruz for talking a tough game by Polling stations opened promptly at 7:00am (0600 adopt) children,” said a 76-year-old woman called voters to start getting serious about tinued at an evening town hall in threatening to carpet-bomb Syria GMT), although hardly anyone could be seen Ema. “It has to end with a ‘no’.” the election as they head into the new Tested leader Bedford. Christie has faced criticism in while backing the USA Freedom Act, coming to vote in the first hour, an AFP corre- Ahead of the vote debate has been heated, year. The New Jersey governor Christie painted himself Saturday New Jersey for the time he’s spent out which ended the NSA’s bulk collection spondent in the southwestern port city of Koper and even Pope Francis has waded in, urging returned to New Hampshire Saturday as a tested leader with executive expe- of state. Rubio’s spokesman said in a of phone records. “That’s really tough said. More than 1.7 million people are registered Slovenians to stand up for traditional family val- to kick off a four-day bus tour across rience many of his rivals lack. He sin- statement Friday that the senator was talk,” Christie said. “Except this year, to cast their ballots on the issue which has stoked ues. Speaking to a group of pilgrims, he said he the early-voting state, where he’s been gled out two senators in the race - campaigning in Iowa. “Marco has con- when it came time to decide whether heated debate in this former Yugoslav republic. In encouraged “everyone, especially those with drawing new interest and gaining in Rubio and Texas Sen Ted Cruz - criticiz- sistently voted against those sorts of we were going to give our intelligence March, Slovenia’s parliament approved legislation public responsibility, to support the family, a polls. ing Rubio for missing Friday’s year-end bills, but the truth is that it’s not going community all the tools they needed redefining marriage as a “union of two” instead of structural reference point for the life of society.” “It’s game time,” Christie told a budget vote. “I mean, Senator Rubio, to change until we elect a new presi- to protect us against terrorism, Sen being a “union of a man and a woman”, granting A final poll released by state television on crowd of supporters gathered in an listen, if you’re going to say you’re dent,” spokesman Alex Conant said. Cruz voted to weaken America, to homosexual couples the same rights as their het- Friday gave the “No” vote 55.5 percent support, Exeter automotive garage, where he opposed to something, how about “That’s why Marco is meeting voters in make America more vulnerable. He erosexual counterparts, including the right to with a projected turnout of 46 percent. In order made a dramatic entrance in a new sil- showing up to work and voting no?” Iowa today.” decided that it was more important to adopt children. But opponents immediately for the result to be valid, the winning side must ver bus, emblazoned with his name score political points than it was to launched a campaign to reverse the changes, include at least 20 percent of eligible voters. and tagline, as the theme song from protect the American people.” meaning the legislation never came into force Other surveys have indicated a tighter result, Star Wars played. “I’ve had a fun sum- Cruz argued during the last GOP and no same-sex couples were able to tie the however. If the “No” vote prevails, then the civil mer and fall. It’s been incredibly enter- debate that the current system is bet- knot. code will be changed back, although existing taining,” said Christie, running through ter than the one under the old Patriot A group called “Children Are At Stake” man- legislation, which allows registered civil partner- a list of rivals that includes senators, Act because it includes cellphone aged to gather the 40,000 signatures necessary to ships but not the adoption of children, will current and former governors, and “a records. Christie, who was marking his force a referendum on the matter. “I voted yes. remain in force. This is not the first such referen- real character” - a shot at billionaire 53rd day in the state, went on to com- Love is love, regardless of everything,” said a 24- dum on the subject, with Slovenian voters reject- businessman and reality TV personali- pare his rivals to shiny new cars, saying year-old woman called Ida. Another voter said he ing gay marriage in an earlier plebiscite in 2012, ty Donald Trump. But now, Christie they that haven’t proven themselves was also in favor of the changes, but argued that although turnout was low. Polls close at 9:00 pm, said, “Show time is over. It’s time to as he has as a prosecutor who took putting the matter to a referendum was a waste with preliminary results are expected shortly pick a president. We’re not picking a office not long after the 9/11 attacks of public money. “It should be experts or the gov- afterwards. legislator-in-chief. We’re not picking an and as New Jersey’s governor during ernment deciding about this. They should not entertainer-in-chief. We’re not casting Superstorm Sandy. leave it to us,” said Vojko, a pensioner. “This is Genderless marriage ? a TV show. This is real.” “I’m the old truck in the race, every- throwing money away. Of course I’m for it, but if it Slovenia has long been ahead of its peers, Christie, once seen as a top GOP body,” said Christie, who argued he turns out to be a ‘no’, the world will laugh at us.” joining the EU back in 2004 — nine years before contender, had struggled early on to would be most prepared to take on But the issue has divided this country with a pop- neighbour Croatia-and the Euro-zone in 2007 as stand out in a crowded field that Democratic front-runner Hillary ulation of around two million. On the wall of a its first ex-communist member, but its society includes former Gov. Jeb Bush and Clinton if she wins. “You want that old church centre near the polling, someone had retains a strong traditionalist streak. President Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida as well as truck on stage, you want the truck that scrawled a question. “Would you take a homosex- Borut Pahor and Prime Minister Miro Cerar’s rul- Trump, who has been sucking up can go forward and go in reverse no ual donor’s blood to save your child?” it read. ing Modern Centre Party (SMC) support the “Yes” most of the oxygen in the race. But matter how much mud she throws, camp, saying gay marriage would eliminate dis- Christie has earned new attention EXETER: Republican presidential candidate New Jersey Gov because she’s going to be throwing ‘Marriage yes, adoption no’ crimination and grant equal rights to all citizens from voters following the attacks in Chris Christie shakes hands with potential supporters as his the mud, you know it, that’s the Another pensioner said that while gay cou- in the two-million-strong country. — AFP Paris and San Bernardino and after wife Mary Pat watches during a campaign stop. — AP Clinton playbook,” he said. — AP

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 INTERNATIONAL First phase complete in landmark Habre trial

DAKAR: The first phase of former Chad dictator was powerful testimony about torture, rape, sexual and paralysis. Torture of suspects under his regime DDS, suggesting he may have been unaware of Hissene Habre’s history-making trial for atrocities slavery, mass executions, prisoners forced to live included electric shocks, gas sprayed into prisoners’ abuses on the ground. But Brody, the HRW lawyer, during the 1980s concluded in Senegal this week, with rotting corpses and entire villages destroyed.” eyes, spice rubbed into their private parts and said the trial’s Internet streaming and television with the regime’s victims giving at times traumatic Habre is being tried by the Extraordinary African waterboarding, the tribunal heard. One-by-one, broadcast in Chad, as well as widespread press cov- and horrifying evidence. Habre, who held power Chambers, a special court established in Dakar by witnesses recounted the horror of life in Chad’s pris- erage, has allowed the public to evaluate for them- between 1982 and 1990, is charged with crimes the African Union under an agreement with ons, with the climax of a dramatic opening few selves testimony suggesting otherwise. against humanity, war crimes and torture-the first Senegal, led by a judge from Burkina Faso. weeks the evidence of Bandjim Bandoum, a “The prosecution and the victims’ lawyers pre- time a despot from one African country has been remorseful top official in the DDS. sented evidence to show that Habre wasn’t a dis- called to account by another. ‘E for execute’ “Records of the questioning of detainees came tant ruler who was unaware of the crimes that were The 73-year-old-once backed by France and the Delayed for years by Senegal, where Habre has back from the presidency with annotations: E for being committed in his name,” Brody told AFP. United States as a bulwark against Libya’s Moamer lived since being ousted in 1990, the hearings set a ‘execute’; L for ‘set free’ or V for ‘seen’,” he told the tri- Jacob Blaise, a member of an association of victims Kadhafi-has been in custody in his adoptive home historic precedent as, until now, African leaders bunal. “Once a statement was prepared by the DDS in Chad, praised the process for allowing former of Senegal since his arrest in June 2013. An investi- accused of atrocities have been tried in internation- on a prisoner, only the president could request a detainees some catharsis and providing Chadians gating commission found that well in excess of al courts. More than 4,000 “direct or indirect” victims release,” he said, adding that Habre was “aware of at home with an insight into the working’s of 40,000 people were killed during an eight-year have been registered as civil parties to the case and everything that was happening” in the depart- Habre’s regime. reign marked by fierce repression of his opponents the court has heard from more than 90 witnesses. ment’s detention centers. “The victims at least had the opportunity to tes- and the targeting of rival ethnic groups. The trial opened amid dramatic scenes on July tify in front of their alleged torturer, but the silence At stake is whether or not it can be proved that 20, with Habre brought by force into the dock, ‘Unfinished business’ of Habre leaves a sense of unfinished business in Habre personally knew about the abusive and often refusing to speak in a court whose authority he The trial heard from Clement Abaifouta, a pris- this trial,” added Issa Mahamat, who teaches at the deadly punishments meted out to prisoners by doesn’t recognize, forcing a 45-day adjournment. oner for four years in N’Djamena dubbed “The University of N’Djamena. If Habre is convicted, he Chad’s feared secret police, the Documentation and The hearings resumed on September 7 with Habre Gravedigger”, who described how he was forced can expect a sentence ranging from 30 years to life Security Directorate (DDS). appointed a defence team by the court and the daily to bury fellow inmates, sometimes in their with hard labor, to be served in Senegal or another “The trial has been fair and vivid, with moments prosecution spelling out some of the abuses suf- dozens. African Union country. The trial resumes with the of real courtroom drama,” said Reed Brody, a lawyer fered by detainees. These included the infamous Habre’s defence team has with every new testi- prosecution’s and defense’s final statements on for Human Rights Watch (HRW) who has worked “Arbatachar”, a grim method of tying all four limbs mony attempted to cast doubt on the idea of their February 8, with a verdict expected in late May with victims of Habre’s regime for 16 years. “There behind the victim’s back to cause agonising pain client as an all-knowing, all-powerful head of the 2016. — AFP

Afghan official warns Helmand US: Bombers didn’t intend province may fall to Taleban fly over China-held island KABUL: Afghanistan’s Helmand province scene of battles between insurgents and could fall to the Taleban after months of security forces that have complained of heavy fighting, with 90 members of the being abandoned by the US-backed gov- Beijing accuses US of ‘serious military provocation’ security forces killed over the past two ernment. days, the deputy governor of the volatile southern province warned yesterday. Foreign forces BEIJING: The United States said its two B-52 bombers Mohammad Jan Rasulyar said unless “We don’t provide food and ammuni- had no intention of flying over a Chinese-controlled President Ashraf Ghani took urgent action, tion to our forces on time, do not evacuate man-made island in the South China Sea, after Beijing the province, a centre of opium production our wounded and martyred soldiers from accused Washington of “a serious military provoca- and a Taleban heartland that British and the battle field, and foreign forces only tion” in the strategic waters with overlapping claims. American troops struggled to control for watch the situation from their bases and China’s Defense Ministry on Saturday accused the years, would be lost. “Your Excellency, don’t provide support,” Rasulyar wrote. US of deliberately raising tensions in the region, where China has been aggressively asserting its Helmand is standing on the brink and Since Thursday, there had been 90 casu- claims to virtually all islands, reefs and their surround- there is a serious need for you to come,” he alties near Gereshk, a junction on Highway ing seas. It reiterated that it would do whatever is wrote on Facebook. 1 near the provincial capital Lashkar Gah, necessary to protect China’s sovereignty. The highly unusual public plea from a and in Sangin district to the north, a level Pentagon spokesman Mark Wright said that the serving official painted a picture strikingly of losses which was “an everyday issue”, Dec 10 mission was not a “freedom of navigation” similar to the situation that led up to the Rasulyar added. He said Sangin was “on the operation and that there was “no intention of flying fall of the northern city of Kunduz in late verge of collapse” with 44 casualties within 12 nautical miles of any feature,” indicating the September, when Taleban fighters seized overnight. The Taleban, which has not let a mission may have strayed off course. The US uses pre- and held on to for several days before gov- bloody internal leadership battle interrupt planned freedom of navigation operations to assert ernment troops regained control. its campaign in Helmand, posted state- its rights to “innocent passage” in other country’s terri- If Helmand were to fall, it would deliver ments on its website detailing attacks on torial waters. “The United States routinely conducts B- a blow to government claims that Afghan checkpoints as well as other operations 52 training missions throughout the region, including security forces, fighting largely alone since including a suicide attack against the over the South China Sea,” Wright said in an email to international troops ended combat opera- Gereshk police chief. The Associated Press. “These missions are designed to BERLIN: The Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi attends a news conference with German tions last year, are controlling the insur- With army and police units badly weak- maintain readiness and demonstrate our commit- Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier during a meeting. — AP gency, in spite of setbacks such as the fall ened by desertions and lack of supplies, ment to fly, sail and operate anywhere allowed under of Kunduz. the Taleban has seized the districts of Musa international law.” constitute a serious military provocation and are ren- overall,” he said. Wang also said that while China Army spokesman Mohammad Rasool Qalah and Now Zad in the north of the Wright said the US was “looking into the matter.” dering more complex and even militarizing condi- understands the concerns of nations from outside the Zazai said he had no comment on the post, province and has threatened Lashkar Gah. The US takes no official stance on sovereignty claims tions in the South China Sea,” the ministry said in a region a clear reference to the US - they should “do but said Helmand would never collapse, Government forces said they had recap- in the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in statement. The statement said that Chinese military more to benefit peace and stability and support while police chief Abul Rahman Sarjang tured the district of Khanishin on Friday, international trade passes each year. However, personnel on the island went on high alert during the efforts to find a resolution through talks, and not said: “We have strong forces in Helmand. In but yesterday, the Taleban said it had won Washington insists on freedom of navigation and overflights by the B-52 strategic bombers and that manufacture tensions or even fan the flames.” “We some places, we leave areas for tactical rea- back the centre. maintains that China’s seven newly created islands do they issued warnings demanding the aircraft leave don’t think this is a constructive approach and will sons, but all forces are working together Underlining the gravity of the situation, not enjoy traditional rights, including a 12-nautical- the area. As is China’s usual practice, the Foreign not receive the support and welcome of relevant well and very soon we will have major US Special Forces have been reported to mile territorial limit. Ministry took a more diplomatic tone, saying the situ- nations,” Wang said. The Foreign Ministry said it had achievements to report.” have taken part in fighting in Helmand in ation was stable. “lodged solemn representation with the United Ghani’s government, backed by billions recent weeks. NATO headquarters in Kabul ‘Military provocation’ Speaking to reporters on a visit to Berlin, Chinese States” over the incident. China’s latest protest comes of dollars in international aid and training has not confirmed the reports. A Pentagon China’s Defense Ministry demanded that Foreign Minister Wang Yi drew a contrast between amid a simmering dispute over Washington’s assistance from thousands of NATO troops report to Congress last week highlighted Washington immediately take measures to prevent the situation in the South China Sea region and the approval this past week of the first arms package in still stationed in Afghanistan, is pushing to major shortcomings with Afghan security such incidents and damage to relations between the chaos and turmoil in other parts of the world. “The sit- four years offered to Taiwan, Beijing’s self-governing re-open talks with the Taleban Over the forces, despite billions of dollars of foreign two nations’ militaries. “The actions by the US side uation in the South China Sea is essentially stable rival. — AP past six months, Helmand has been the aid and training. — Reuters Week-long assault captures extremist camp in Philippines Indonesian police foil ZAMBOANGA: A week-long assault by and not getting up,” he said. The rest of the string of ‘jihad’ plots Philippine troops ended with the capture Abu Sayyaf members fled in different direc- of a Muslim extremist camp and the deaths tions before dawn on Sunday, he said. of 26 militants and three soldiers, a military Sixteen Abu Sayyaf fighters were also JAKARTA: Indonesian counter-ter- there were “interlinked” arrests in killed 202 people, most of them brations, the country’s military spokesman said yesterday. Soldiers cap- wounded along with 14 soldiers before the rorism police said yesterday they five cities across Java. The Globe tourists. Police have been largely chief said on Friday. tured the Abu Sayyaf camp in a forested IED blast on Sunday, Tan added. Pursuit had arrested suspected Islamist said that in one raid, police had successful in destroying domestic Security and surveillance had area on the southern island of Basilan but operations were continuing against the militants in locations across the seized bomb-making material, militant cells since then, but offi- already been stepped up in some an improvised explosive device left behind remnants of the Abu Sayyaf group and its island of Java, foiling separate plots including detonators, lengths of cials now worry about a resurgence areas following the attacks in Paris by the rebels, injured 12 soldiers on leaders in Basilan, he said. to bomb minority Shia communi- piping, nails and buckshot, and var- in militancy inspired by groups last month that killed 130 people Sunday, said Major Filemon Tan. The captured camp, measuring 30,000 ties and target Christmas and New ious chemicals. They also found a such as Islamic State and and for which Islamic State has “After we captured the camp, they were square meters could accommodate about Year celebrations. book on waging jihad and a map of Indonesians who return after fight- claimed responsibility. Indonesia is clearing the bunkers when the IED explod- 250 people with 28 structures including for- Bomb-making materials and the Greater Jakarta area. ing with the group. home to an estimated 25 million ed,” he said. About 300 soldiers, backed by tified bunkers, the military said. Basilan, an ‘jihad manuals’ were seized after Authorities plan to deploy more Christian people, roughly 10 per- artillery and attack helicopters, launched impoverished island of about 400,000 peo- the arrest of six men in central and Militant resurgence than 150,000 security personnel cent of the total population. They the attack on the Abu Sayyaf group on ple, has long been a stronghold of the Abu west Java who were either mem- Indonesia saw a spate of militant and several religious organizations live mostly not on smaller, more strife-torn Basilan about 885 kilometers Sayyaf, a group formed in the 1990s with bers or supporters of the Sunni mil- attacks in the 2000s, the deadliest to safeguard churches and public remote islands, not on the two from Manila today, starting days of intense the help of Al-Qaeda founder Osama Bin itant group Islamic State, the of which was a nightclub bombing places around the country during most populated islands of Java and combat. The battle involved as many as 150 Laden. The Abu Sayyaf is infamous for kid- Jakarta Globe daily said on its web- on the holiday island of Bali that Christmas and New Year’s Eve cele- Sumatra. — Reuters members of the Abu Sayyaf group, accord- napping people, including foreigners and site. Chemicals and weapons were ing to the military, which also reported mil- demanding huge ransoms for their release. found buried under a tree at one itant deaths that could not be verified. A The group has also been blamed for the raid site in the city of Solo. total of 26 Abu Sayyaf fighters were slain, worst terror attacks in the country, includ- National Police Chief General Tan said but the military was unable to ing the firebombing of a ferry off Manila Badrodin Haiti told the Globe that recover their bodies. “The populace of the Bay in 2004 that killed over 100 people. Last the raids to round up the men, area, they confirmed it. They were buried at year, Abu Sayyaf leaders pledged allegiance which began on Friday, were once according to Muslim tradition. Others to the Islamic State group, which controls prompted by intelligence from the were seen by our troops, being shot, falling vast swathes of Syria and Iraq. — AFP U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Australian Federal Police. The Globe said their plan was to launch attacks in Java and neigh- Piggy bank donors kick boring Sumatra on communities of Shia, who represent a tiny minority start Taiwan election in Indonesia. Indonesia has the world’s largest TAIPEI: Tsai Ing-wen, widely tipped to year, with its China-friendly policy under cur- Muslim population, the vast majori- become Taiwan’s next president, kicked off a rent president Ma Ying-jeou a major factor. ty of whom practice a moderate one-month election campaign yesterday, There are fears that Beijing’s influence on form of the religion. Separately, with supporters bringing donations in piggy the island is growing, with opponents riled by police said four men suspected of banks to a rally held by her opposition party. Ma’s recent high-profile meeting with being weapons specialists and About a thousand people gathered out- Chinese President Xi Jinping. The DPP first strategists of the Al Qaeda-affiliated side the headquarters of the Democratic started using piggy banks during campaign- Jamaah Islamiah group had been Progressive Party (DPP) in the capital Taipei to ing for the 2012 election, describing itself as a arrested in east Java. hear a speech made by Tsai-who would party funded by the people, contrasting its “They had made plans for become Taiwan’s first female president if grassroots appeal with the wealthy KMT. actions in the near term, in relation elected — with many holding green plastic “I believe people are donating their pigs to Christmas and New Year,” Budhi piggy banks stuffed with coins and bank because they hope it can usher in a new Herdi Susianto, chief of police in notes. political era,” Tsai said, addressing the rally. the east Java regency of Mojokerto The ruling Kuomintang (KMT) is expected “The DPP is a party held up by the people... told Metro TV. He gave no details of to be unseated from power in the upcoming We don’t run any private businesses or rely their plans. News agency AFP January elections as the public becomes on big corporate donations,” she added. Tsai reported that, according to arrest increasingly fearful of warming ties with is currently ahead by a wide margin with over documents, they were planning a China-which sees Taiwan as a renegade 46 percent support in a poll this month con- suicide bombing in Jakarta, the province to be brought back into its fold. The ducted by Taiwan Indicators Survey Research, country’s capital, during New Year SHENZEN: Rescuers search for survivors amongst collapsed buildings after a landslide in south KMT is struggling to regain public support while KMT’s candidate Eric Chu lags at about celebrations. China’s Guangdong province yesterday. The landslide collapsed and buried buildings at and around after its worst-ever local election defeat last 16 percent. — AFP A police source said that, in all, an industrial park in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen on Sunday authorities reported. — AP NEWS MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 2015, the year that IS terror went global Continued from Page 1 international strategy to combat the threat the group poses still seems some way off, said Jean-Pierre Filiu, a professor at the Said and Cherif Kouachi had both been placed under sur- Sciences Po university in Paris. “The attacks in Paris and in San veillance at some point but had slipped off the radar and Bernardino have shown Western countries that Daesh (another appeared to be no longer a threat before they suddenly name for IS) can hit at any time,” he said. “And you can see that launched an attack. France, despite support from Britain and Germany, is far from The last 12 months have shown that security forces in the having the active support of other European countries.” The countries targeted, despite beefed-up resources, are struggling. United States, meanwhile, is pursuing a long-term approach to “Every European security service that I have talked to in the last attacking IS “which is allowing the group to develop its transna- year is petrified of the issue of foreign fighters, and there is tional networks”, Filiu said. almost no solution to it,” said Bruce Riedel, of the Brookings Russian President Vladimir Putin has deployed substantial Institution in Washington. Hundreds of European citizens are weaponry in Syria, insisting its military campaign there is aimed joining IS in Syria and Iraq - often through the relatively easy at destroying IS and other jihadist groups. But members of a route of Turkey - every month and some are then returning US-led coalition complain that Russia is mainly hitting groups home radicalized and hardened after spending time on the fighting President Bashar Al-Assad, and NGOs have reported battlefield. Keeping tabs on all of them, Riedel argues, is impos- high civilian casualties. For the time being, the attacks by IS sible. “It’s a serious problem. It’s what I call task saturation,” he gunmen and bombers have failed to have the one effect that said. the group is seeking perhaps more than anything else - the In December, Saudi Arabia announced the creation of a 34- stigmatization of Muslim communities who would then swing country coalition dedicated to fighting IS, but a coordinated their support behind the group.

Fake bomb scare on Air France flight

Continued from Page 1 the plane stopped, he told us to run away to take the slide, to run away from the plane,” Stephen told reporters. smuggling a bomb onto the plane, killing all 224 peo- “We don’t know anything more about this bomb or not, ple on board. Gagey said there had been three bomb but something that looked like a bomb was in the toilet.” scares on Air France planes in the United States since the Navy and police bomb experts were called in to deter- attacks. mine if there were any explosives aboard the plane. Air Flight AF 463 left the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius France’s chief executive Gagey said the object was found at 9:00 pm (1700 GMT) on Saturday and had been due to “in a small cupboard behind the mirror” in the toilet. He arrive in Paris Charles de Gaulle at 5:50 am (0450 GMT) said the bits of cardboard and paper and what “appeared yesterday. But it made an emergency landing at Moi to be a kitchen timer” were not items normally found on An Afghan vendor throws water over harvested carrots in Jalalabad yesterday. — AFP International Airport in Kenya’s southern port city of board. Gagey said crew members had also indicated that Mombasa at 12:37 am (2137 GMT) “after a device sus- in their routine check of the plane before the flight the pected to be a bomb was discovered in the lavatory,” cupboard had been empty. He said Air France was wait- Top Hezb militant killed in Israeli raid police spokesman Charles Owino said. “An emergency ing to hear from Kenyan authorities but that “we will was prepared and it landed safely and all passengers request an investigation to clarify” what had happened. Continued from Page 1 Kantar and four Hezbollah guerrillas were freed in evacuated.” Kenyan Interior Minister Joseph Nkaissery, who 2008 in exchange for the bodies of two Israeli soldiers When the plane landed, passenger John Stephen said arrived in Mombasa, said police were questioning a num- “Sirens sounded in northern Israel. Initial report sug- captured by Hezbollah in 2006, whose capture sparked a crew members helped safely evacuate people using ber of passengers but did not say how many. “They are gests three rockets hit northern Israel. Forces are search- 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah. His release was emergency slides. “We felt the crew member was pretty speaking to the passengers... who were near where the ing the area,” it said. The Israeli military later said it shelled highly controversial in Israel, where he is believed to be tense, something was probably wrong at that time. When device was,” Nkaissery said. — AFP unspecified targets in south Lebanon. “The Israel Defense the perpetrator of one of the most grisly attacks in Israeli Forces have responded with targeted artillery fire follow- history. As a teenager, Kantar joined a Palestinian militant ing the rockets that hit Israel earlier today from southern group known as the “Palestine Liberation Front” at the Lebanon,” an English-language army statement said. height of Palestinian-Israeli violence in the Middle East Fury as Delhi gang-rapist freed Israeli Cabinet minister Yuval Steinitz said he was not and at a time when most Palestinian groups were based actually taken place some days ago. The name of the NGO sorry about Kantar’s death but could not comment on the in Lebanon. Continued from Page 1 has not been released over fears that their offices could be accusations that Israel was behind the killing. “If some- Kantar was imprisoned in 1979 in Israel and sentenced News of the release was immediately condemned by attacked. News of the release came only hours before a thing happened to him I think that no civilized person can to three life terms after he and three other Lebanese infil- the parents of the victim, a medical student who died of hearing today at India’s Supreme Court where a women’s be sorry. But again I learned it from the reports in the trated the Jewish State in 1979 and staged an attack in her injuries in a Singapore hospital nearly two weeks after rights group will file a petition against the release. international media and I can make no concrete reference the northern coastal town of Nahariya, killing a police- the attack on Dec 16, 2012. “Our fight was all about this The parents and women’s rights groups have been to it,” he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu man and then kidnapping a man, Danny Haran, and his convict not being allowed to walk free. If he has come out, opposing the release of the youngest attacker, mainly on did not comment about the strike in his weekly Cabinet 4-year-old daughter and killing them outside their home. what is the point of the hearing at the Supreme Court?” the grounds that it was unclear if he had been rehabilitat- meeting. The Israeli news website Ynet ran a headline yes- Israel says Kantar, who was 16 at the time, beat the girl to her mother told reporters. “We want justice for our daugh- ed and was ready to be reintegrated into society. The terday saying: “The account is now closed.” death by bashing her head with a rifle butt. He denies ter. I have come out on the streets because I am very dis- attacker was the youngest of a group of men who brutally Although Al-Manar said Israeli warplanes violated this, saying the girl was killed in the crossfire. As the appointed today. We don’t know if we will ever get justice assaulted the 23-year-old student on a bus, triggering Syrian airspace, the Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV sta- attack unfolded, the girl’s mother, Smadar Haran, hid now. Our justice system has left us disillusioned.” global outrage and protests in India over the country’s tion, which is close to Hezbollah and the Syrian govern- inside a crawl space inside their home and accidentally Speaking at the India Gate protest yesterday evening, high levels of violence against women. He was sent to a ment, said two Israeli warplanes fired the four missiles smothered their crying 2-year-old daughter, fearing the victim’s father said the release is “really upsetting”. “The correctional home for three years under India’s juvenile while flying over northern Israel. Al-Mayadeen said that Kantar would find them. The widow, Smadar Haran, told fact that he has been released shows there is no justice in laws while four others were convicted and given the death Farhan Al-Shaalan, a senior commander with the anti- Israel’s Army Radio yesterday that Kantar’s killing was a this country,” he said. Scores of students attended the penalty in 2014. Their appeals against hanging are pend- Israeli “resistance” movement in the Golan Heights, was “historic justice”. protest holding placards and banners defying prohibitory ing in the Supreme Court. also killed in the air raid together with an aide to Kantar. Israel held on to Kantar for decades, hoping to use him orders put in place by police. One placard read “When will The student, who succumbed to her injuries two weeks Israel possesses long-range air to surface missiles that as a bargaining chip to win new information about an Nirbhaya get justice” referring to the nickname given to after the attack, was publicly named by her mother on the conceivably could have been fired from Israeli-controlled Israeli airman whose plane crashed in Lebanon in 1986. It the victim by the media. third anniversary of her death last week, in an effort to end airspace. The Golan Heights are only about 40 km from ultimately traded him in 2008 along with four other India media said the rapist, who cannot be named for the stigma facing sex attack victims in India. Under Indian Damascus. Israeli warplanes have struck targets inside Lebanese prisoners in exchange for the bodies of two of legal reasons, had been handed over to a charitable organ- law, the victim of a sex attack cannot be named even after Syria several times during the country’s nearly five-year its soldiers. Nasrallah insisted at the time that Kantar be ization yesterday, but police sources said the move had their death. — AFP conflict although it has rarely confirmed its involvement. included in any swap. Kantar, 53, received a hero’s wel- Kantar’s killing, however, would mark the first Israeli come upon his return to Lebanon. Assad awarded him assassination of a senior figure inside Syria since Russia the country’s highest medal during a trip he made to launched its military operations in Syria on Sept 30 in Damascus that year. Anti-graft body scrapped, MPs rush to fill... support of President Bashar Assad. Israel’s defense minis- Soon afterward, Kantar, a Druze, joined Hezbollah, his ter has said that Russia and Israel have worked out an role growing quietly within the group’s ranks particularly Continued from Page 1 approved KD 200 million more to be added to the cur- open communication system “to prevent misunderstand- following the group’s involvement in the civil war in Syria rent fiscal year’s accounts. The meeting also decided to ings.” That raises the question of whether the Russians in support of Assad’s forces. In September, the US State In another major development, a joint meeting by debate the bill in the Assembly tomorrow, to which would have been informed by Israel about the operation Department added Kantar to its Specially Designated four Assembly committees yesterday approved a request Abdulsamad objected and walked out of the meeting. to assassinate Kantar. The Russian Defense Ministry Global Terrorist over his work with Hezbollah. Kantar is by the government for special additional funds for the Kuwait has been discussing several arms purchases, declined comment on the airstrike. the most high profile Hezbollah fighter to be killed since military, but cut the allocations to just KD 3.2 billion, MP including warplanes, helicopters and others, to strength- Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said Israeli last year. Adnan Abdulsamad said. The government had requested en the armed forces. It was not immediately known forces were on high alert near the border with Lebanon In January, the Lebanese group accused Israel of carry- in a special draft law KD 6.2 billion to be spent over the whether there was a verbal agreement on requiring the and moved patrols far from the border fence. NNA added ing out an airstrike on the Syrian side of the Golan next 10 years to strengthen defense purchases in the government to request any additional funds it may need that UN peacekeepers have intensified their patrols in the Heights, which killed several Hezbollah members and a light of regional turmoil and armed conflicts. in the future on top of the approved allocations. border areas. Hezbollah legislator Ali Ammar vowed that prominent Iranian general. Among the Hezbollah mem- The committees which met included those of budg- The Assembly is also expected to debate the grilling Kantar’s death will not go unpunished adding that mili- bers was Jihad Mughniya, the son of Imad Mughniya, a ets, financial and economic affairs, interior and defense against Health Minister Ali Al-Obaidi over alleged viola- tary commanders will decide how to avenge the killing. top Hezbollah operative assassinated in 2008 in and foreign relations. Abdulsamad said that the meeting, tions. MP Hamdan Al-Azemi one of the two lawmakers Al-Manar TV said Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Damascus. Al-Mayadeen TV said Kantar had been living which was attended by the defense minister, agreed to who filed the grilling, said he will organize a public rally Nasrallah will make a televised statement today evening. in the targeted building for a year. — Agencies the KD 3 billion in a special budget allocation and today to explain the reasons for the grilling.

A couple poses under an illuminated tunnel yesterday to celebrate the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays at the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong, South Korea. — AP MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Focus Sherpas face ruin after quake, blockade hit Everest industry

By Andrew MacAskill

hurba Tashi Sherpa, the most accomplished high-altitude climber in history, holds a bucket and crowbar as Phe claws through the rubble of his home seven months after Nepal’s earthquake shattered the country. Despite years of guiding wealthy foreign clients up Mount Everest, something he has done 21 times - a joint record - the 44-year-old has been left penniless. Phurba Tashi’s predicament is shared by many Sherpas, whose homes, lodges and restaurants were destroyed in the April disaster and who complain of a slow response from the government despite billions of dollars of Western aid. Some retired guides must return to the peaks to earn money. Others are pulling their children out of schools in Kathmandu and hotel owners are firing staff. To make matters Gulf war began Japan’s retreat from pacifism worse, bookings so far point to a sharp drop in foreign mountaineers heading for Nepal in 2016, deterred by ruined infrastructure and an economic blockade along its border with By Tim Kelly and Nobuhiro Kubo counterbalance China’s growing naval might. Former general Nishimoto was one of many its of the pacifist constitution, parliament India that threatens supplies of fuel and equipment. “The roots of Abe’s changes lie in the Gulf War, who felt embarrassed by Japan’s chequebook passed a law allowing logistics support in areas “Everything I worked for was destroyed in a minute,” said s the first Gulf War raged in February but the driver of change is the serious challenge diplomacy in 1991. In January 1991, when close to Japan. Phurba Tashi, standing in his village of Khumjung, a cluster of 1991, Japanese army major Nozomu posed by China,” said Yoshitomi, now a profes- Operation Desert Storm kicked off, Nishimoto 80 stone houses perched on a plateau surrounded by breath- AYoshitomi was supposed to be playing sor at Nihon University in Tokyo. was at home watching television. As the first A Burden Lifted taking 7,000-m mountains. war games with US officers at a military facility cruise missiles slammed into Baghdad, he After the Sept. 11 attacks, Japan passed The earthquake that killed almost 9,000 people destroyed in Tokyo. But the Americans appeared distract- China Rising jumped on a bicycle and rode to defence min- another one-off law allowing its tankers to refu- his eight-bedroom trekking lodge, badly damaged his house ed, watching the conflict live on CNN. On While Japanese officers and policymakers istry headquarters in Tokyo. “I kept thinking this el US and other allies’ warships supporting the and caused a deadly avalanche nine miles away on the world’s another TV, local news showed Japanese troops felt humiliated by the Gulf War, China was is going to end before Japan is able to do any- invasion of Afghanistan. Japan’s air force also tallest peak. The remote villages under Everest, which pros- sculpting ice figures at a snow festival. “They shocked at the scale and precision of US fire- thing,” said Nishimoto. As a direct consequence flew supplies into Iraq from a base in Kuwait in pered in recent decades thanks to the booming climbing busi- asked how Japan could be a true US ally if it power. Soon after, Beijing embarked on a bold of that perceived humiliation, Japan in 1992 2003 following the ouster of Saddam Hussein. ness, suffered some of the heaviest destruction in Nepal’s hadn’t sent troops,” said Yoshitomi, recalling the program to modernize its military. Chinese bit- enacted a contentious law allowing its military Under US pressure to put “boots on the ground”, deadliest disaster. shame he felt watching Japanese personnel terness over Japan’s World War Two aggression to take part in UN peacekeeping operations. Tokyo also enacted a law permitting the dis- build snowmen as US-led coalition soldiers has grown since Abe - seen by critics as a revi- Nishimoto, then Japan’s army chief, oversaw patch in 2004 of military engineers on a recon- ‘Terrible Years’ fought to evict the Iraqi army from the Kuwaiti sionist who wants to play down the dark side of the dispatch of 600 army engineers to struction mission in Iraq. Tight curbs on The Everest industry is in a state of upheaval following ava- desert. his country’s wartime past - and his Liberal Cambodia to rebuild bridges and roads, and weapons use meant the 550 troops stayed lanches in 2014 and 2015 that killed 35 people, in the two most Unable to send troops because of its war- Democratic Party (LDP) returned to power in two small contingents to help monitor a peace behind the perimeter fence of their base in deadly incidents since climbers began ascending. In 2013, renouncing constitution, Japan, which at the late 2012. accord in a country still traumatised by Khmer southern Iraq much of the time. there was an unprecedented mass brawl between Sherpas and time bought 90 percent of its oil from the Sino-Japanese ties have also been frayed by Rouge rule from 1975-1979. “That was the start- That same year China overtook Japan to climbers that exposed deep-rooted frustrations over a lack of Middle East, instead contributed $13 billion to a dispute that flared up shortly before Abe took ing line,” he said. A year later Nishimoto became become Asia’s biggest military spender, and by recognition of the risks local guides take to get foreigners up help fund the military operation. For a genera- power, over tiny isles in the East China Sea. chairman of the Joint Staff Office, Japan’s most last year Beijing was second only to the United and down the fabled summit. They want a bigger slice of tion of Japanese military planners and policy- Japan’s shift to counter China, however, was senior military officer. States globally, spending more than triple Nepal’s $360 million-a-year adventure travel industry, of which makers including Yoshitomi, who went on to well under way before Abe returned to power By 1994 a regional crisis was brewing, with Japan’s defence budget. “The biggest impetus Everest is the cornerstone. Bookings to scale the world’s tallest advise the cabinet from 2005 to 2007 before for a second term in 2012. In late 2009 the the United States on the brink of war with North under which the Japanese people are now liv- mountain in 2016 have been a third to half lower than previous retiring as a major general in April this year, that defence, foreign and finance ministers in a gov- Korea after Pyongyang began harvesting ing is this obvious surge of Chinese power,” said years, according to interviews with 18 of the largest climbing humiliation was a pivotal moment. ernment led by the Democratic Party of Japan weapons-grade plutonium from its Yongbyon Tomohiko Taniguchi, an adviser to Abe on for- firms. This would be the biggest drop since commercial climb- While many assume today’s more muscular responded to years of double-digit growth in nuclear plant. In preparation for conflict, the eign policy. ing began on Everest in the early 1990s, and could leave hun- security policy has been driven solely by conser- China’s defence spending with a strategy to commander of US forces in Japan, General Laws enacted in September allow Japanese dreds of struggling Sherpas without work. “It has been two ter- vative Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, interviews make the defence of Japanese islands in the Richard Myers, gave Nishimoto requests rang- forces to aid friendly countries under attack, rible years for Everest: we have had no summits and lots of with dozens of current and former Japanese East China Sea a priority. ing from shelter for civilians evacuated from the relying on the Abe government’s reinterpreta- fatalities,” said Garrett Madison, who runs Seattle-based military officers and government officials show Korean peninsula to security for US bases in tion of Japan’s constitution. Such collective self- Madison Mountaineering. The team doctor died this year on it has much deeper roots, and is therefore likely Legal Steps Japan that would be used in any attack on the defence was banned by previous governments the mountain and three Sherpas working for him were killed in to remain robust after he leaves office. The 1991 Calls for the shift had emerged under previ- plant. “We thought it would be doable because as a violation of the post-war charter. “For the 2014. “It will take time to restore confidence.” experience firmed Japan’s resolve to move away ous LDP administrations, but opposition from it was a basic question of how many blankets, first time, we are just about to be able to exer- In the past, deadly accidents have done little to dent from the state pacifism that had defined the military sectors that feared cuts had blocked the how many tents,” Nishimoto said. cise collective defence with the US and others, Everest’s popularity, with risk being part of the allure. But next country since its defeat in World War Two, the change, said Akihisa Nagashima, who was sen- But without a legal framework allowing rear- so the feeling is we have finally been able to get year could be different, as threats to the industry take on a officials involved told Reuters. ior vice minister for defence in that DPJ govern- guard logistic support even close to home, the (Gulf War) burden off our shoulders,” said political dimension. An economic blockade of Nepal’s border “We learnt from the Gulf War that just send- ment. The DPJ also proposed creating a Nishimoto had to turn down most of what Taniguchi. with India could disrupt expeditions and deter would-be ing money and not people would not earn us National Security Council, now a key compo- Myers wanted. “The Americans were pounding In 2012, Kenneth Pyle, then a professor at climbers, who typically pay a non-refundable fee of $35,000 to international respect,” said Tetsuya Nishimoto, nent of Abe’s security architecture, and eased a tables. All we could do was apologise,” the University of Washington, described Japan’s $100,000 for a chance to scale the peak. Nepal has been facing then a senior Japanese Ground Self Defense ban on overseas arms sales that Abe fully lifted Nishimoto said. Diplomacy averted war, but for post-1945 security policy as the “eight noes”: no an acute fuel crisis for three months since protesters in the low- Force general and now retired. Abe in in April 2014. “The changes in defence posture Nishimoto and other senior officers, the experi- overseas deployments, no exercise of collective land south, angered that a new constitution fails to reflect their September pushed through legislation allowing weren’t made because Abe is prime minister, it ence was a re-run of the first Gulf War and self-defence, no power projection capability, no interests, prevented supply trucks from entering from India. Japanese troops to fight abroad for the first was something we had to do. It just happened firmed their resolve to stretch the limits of the nuclear arms, no arms exports, no sharing This is crippling the landlocked Himalayan nation as it tries to time since World War Two. But rather than in dis- to be when Abe is prime minister,” said LDP law- constitution. In 1997, Japan and the United defence technology, no military spending recover from the earthquake that displaced millions in the cen- tant lands, it’s in nearby waters that Japan’s mili- maker Ryota Takeda, who served as Japan’s Vice States revised defence cooperation guidelines above 1 percent of GDP and no military use of tral and eastern regions. tary is flexing its muscles under an evolving Minister of Defence for a year until September to expand the scope for Japan’s rear support. space. Now, says Pyle: “The ‘eight noes’ are all strategy backed by Washington that could 2014. Two years later, in a further stretching of the lim- gone, except the nuclear option.” —Reuters Catastrophe Mountaineering firms say the blockade threatens the climbing season because there may be a shortage of fuel to air- No sign of peace for Kurds after Erdogan win lift equipment, operate emergency rescue flights or provide enough cooking gas cylinders to survive for two months on the mountain. “It is a crisis at the moment. It is going to be a By Ayla Jean Yackley Facades of apartment blocks are riddled with bullet holes, and ground of the US-led bombing campaign against Islamic catastrophe if this embargo continues,” said Phil Crampton, the interiors are charred black from fire. Graffiti legible beneath State. NATO member Turkey is a member of the coalition owner of the New York-based Altitude Junkies. he shepherd’s widow no longer asks God for peace. Like whitewash reads: “The wolf’s teeth have tasted blood. Be afraid.” against Islamic State, but hostile to the Syrian Kurds, believing Near the warren of royal palaces and temples in central many Kurds in Turkey’s southeast, Sevgi Gezici, 22, believed The governorate described Engin Gezici, 24, as a PKK member, as they could inspire separatism at home. Kathmandu’s bustling old town, Gobinda Bahadur Karki, the TPresident Tayyip Erdogan might relent in a clampdown it has with others that rights group said were civilians. His family The spasm of violence wrecked peace talks once touted by director of Nepal’s tourism department, is more upbeat. He against Kurdish militants after his party won back its majority in denies he was in the PKK, saying he was the breadwinner for the AKP as the best chance yet to end one of Europe’s longest- predicts the blockade will be over before the spring and says an election in November. Three days after the vote, her husband eight people. running insurgencies. Some 40,000 people have died since he is “expecting a good number of climbers” next year, because Engin, just back from seven months tending sheep, was shot More than 130 civilians have been killed in the southeast the PKK took up arms against the state in 1984. This time, the mountaineers used to assessing risks will not be discouraged dead in the street, caught in the crossfire as he ventured out of since the PKK abandoned a two-year ceasefire in July, according PKK has largely abandoned its traditional rural battleground by a rare natural disaster. Back in Khumjung, the resentment is their house to find help for their children during a curfew, she to the Human Rights Association (IHD). The government has not to take the fight to the city, recruiting a new generation of mil- not just about the blockade tripling the cost of building materi- said. His aunt was fatally shot minutes later after rushing to him. given a civilian death toll, but says 3,000 rebels have been “neu- itants who dig trenches and use heavy weapons in populated als that need to be carried from an airport three days’ walk “I used to pray for peace, for God to help Turks and Kurds,” said tralised” in Turkey and rebel camps in northern Iraq. Dozens of areas to keep police at bay. away. In a rural community where nine of 10 homes were dam- Gezici cradling their two-year-old daughter beneath her hus- soldiers and police have perished in the strife. Raci Bilici, head of If the PKK’s shift to urban warfare sought to force a return aged or destroyed by the earthquake, anger is rising over the band’s portrait, which was covered in a thin scarf. “After this, I the IHD in Diyarbakir, the southeast’s largest city, said that rather to talks, it has so far failed. Authorities have imposed curfews government’s failure to spend $4.1 billion of reconstruction have no hope. God can do what he wants. We are forsaken,” she than use the power gained from its election victory to restart the and cut power, water and phone coverage to root out mili- money donated by foreign governments six months ago. “We said. Before the Nov 1 vote, the view among some of Turkey’s peace process, the government took it as a mandate to crack tants. On his way to Brussels this week, Prime Minister Ahmet hear the politicians in Kathmandu are eating the money,” Kurds was that Erdogan had engineered a new conflict with the down harder. Davutoglu vowed to pursue the PKK until the area is Phurba Tashi said.—Reuters Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to win over Turkish nationalist vot- “Voters said: ‘Fight.’ The election showed the government has “cleansed”. Turkey aspires to join the European Union. “Gross ers and help the AK Party he founded, but no longer formally support for its crackdown, so why relent?” he said. “But with vio- human rights violations are happening on both sides,” said leads, return to the single party rule it had lost in an earlier vote in lence spreading to cities, the fear is we may cross the threshold of Kati Piri, European Parliament rapporteur on Turkey after a vis- June. Erdogan rejects such a plot. civil war.” As he spoke, gunfire could be heard ringing out from it last week. She called the building of barricades by the PKK All articles appearing on these Sur, a district of the city that has been under curfew for two “unacceptable” and the response “excessive”. “It seems like ‘Wolf’s Teeth Have Tasted Blood’ weeks. While the lockdown made it impossible to enter Sur, the mass punishment. The danger is it will only radicalise more pages are the personal opinion of Nearly two months after the second election achieved a view from a police barrier on the edge showed garbage piled up people,” she said. the writers. Kuwait Times takes no stronger-than-expected single party majority for the AKP, in the street and businesses shuttered. Some 1.3 million people in 17 towns and cities have been responsibility for views expressed swathes of Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast are still under lock- Police in fatigues and masks carried assault rifles, prowling affected by 52 curfews so far, according to official figures. Up therein. Kuwait Times invites read- down. Battles once fought in the countryside are now waged in past Diyarbakir’s massive 4th century Roman walled fortress, to 200,000 people are displaced by the fighting, the People’s densely populated urban areas. Erdogan vowed this week securi- part of a UNESCO World Heritage site whose monuments are Democratic Party, which has Kurdish roots, says. In Silvan, ers to voice their opinions. Please ty forces would “annihilate” militants in their “houses”. The opera- now badly damaged. Last month, lawyer Tahir Elci was 11,000 people fled, said Mayor Kerem Canpolaten. He took send submissions via email to: opin- tions are aimed at “protecting residents from terrorism and gunned down at a historic mosque in the district. office after his predecessor became one of two dozen mayors [email protected] or via snail restoring public order”, authorities have said. Turkey, along with jailed for “undermining state unity” for backing calls for the United States and the European Union, list the autonomy- ‘They’re Coming through the Walls’ Kurdish autonomy. The new mayor himself spent a decade in mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. seeking PKK as a terrorist organisation. It is reviled throughout The conflict in Turkey has complicated the international jail, beginning in 1992 at age 16, on terrorism charges during The editor reserves the right to edit much of the country for its use of violence. campaign against Islamic State fighters in neighbouring Syria. an earlier phase of the insurgency. “Prison taught me the solu- any submission as necessary. Armoured police vehicles guard the entrance to Tekel, the Turkey’s 15 million Kurds identify closely with their Syrian tion to the Kurdish matter has to be political. This war will only Gezicis’ working-class neighbourhood in the town of Silvan. Kurdish kin, who have proven the most capable allies on the end in peace,” he said. —Reuters MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 SPORTS

Hockey great Dickie Bangladesh girls win Zoff released after Moore dead at 84 AFC U-14 championship lengthy hospital stay MONTREAL: Hockey Hall of Fame member Dickie Moore, a six-time Stanley Cup winner and of the greatest National Hockey League players of all-time, KATHMANDU: Bangladesh yesterday clinched the AFC U-14 MILAN: Italian goalkeeping legend Dino Zoff returned home yesterday passed away on Saturday, 18 days before his 85th birthday. Inducted into the Girls’ Regional Championship title for the south and central following a lengthy spell in hospital, reports said yesterday. Zoff, who Hockey Hall of Fame in 1974, the Montreal Canadiens left wing twice won Art zone, defeating holders and home favourites Nepal 1-0. won six Serie A titles with Juventus before coaching the club to the 1990 Ross Trophy as NHL leading scorer and won six Stanley Cups with Marzia, who uses just one name, scored the winning goal in UEFA Cup, was admitted to hospital in early November after being “struck by an unspecified neurological problem which has left him with Montreal, including five in a row from 1956. “Dickie Moore was the 16th minute to help Bangladesh win the title for the first a player of great skill and even-greater heart, someone difficulty walking”. The 73-year-old was released on time. “We are very, very happy and proud to bring the title Sunday and told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I’m feeling better admired on the ice for his will to win and adored in the com- home,” Bangladesh’s skipper Krishna Rani Sarkar told AFP after munity for his commitment to good deeds,” NHL commis- and want to thank everyone for their support. receiving the winner’s medal from Nepal’s Prime Minister KP sioner Gary Bettman said in statement. Moore, a native of Fortunately, the worst is over.” Zoff was considered Montreal, won scoring titles in 1957-58 and 1958-59, when he Sharma Oli. among the best goalkeepers of his generation and, as set a league record with 96 points in 70 games.Injuries forced “We worked so hard for this,” Sarkar said. On the way to the captain of Italy, led the Azzurri to World Cup success in Moore to retire after the 1962-63 season, but he returned to title clash, Bangladesh defeated Iran while Nepal got the bet- 1982 — becoming the oldest winner of the trophy at 40 play 38 games for the 1964-65 Toronto Maple Leafs and 27 ter of India in the semi-finals held in April. The final was earlier years, 4 months and 13 days. Zoff played the bulk of his club career at Juventus from 1972-1983, where he games for the 1967-68 St. Louis Blues. He helped the scheduled to be held on April 25, the day a powerful 7.8-mag- won six Serie A titles, two Italian Cups, a UEFA Cup and Blues advance to the Stanley Cup final against his nitude quake shook Nepal killing almost 8,900 people. Seven old team, the Canadiens. In 14 NHL seasons, reached two European Cup finals in 1973 and 1983, in teams, including India, Bhutan, Maldives, Iran and Sri Lanka, the process becoming the oldest player, at 41 years Moore had 261 goals and 608 points in 719 participated in the championship. —AFP games.—Reuters and 86 days, to play in a European Cup final. —AFP

GulfRun Honoring 2015 Zain main sponsor of GulfRun for second year running Company awards winning teams of Karting Endurance race

KUWAIR: Zain, the leading telecommunica- guidance based on worldwide safety proce- gratulate ‘Zain Racing’ team for winning the race, which was held at Kuwait’s SIRBB able to gain valuable insights with the help tions company in Kuwait, announced its dures. second place title, and we wish them all the Circuit over a straight period of 24 hours. of qualified trainers and professional main sponsorship of the 11th edition of On this occasion, Waleed Al Khashti, Zain best of luck during next February’s 12 hour The activity witnessed tremendous success instructors who have a long-track of motor- GulfRun, the region’s most anticipated Kuwait’s Corporate Communications and karting endurance race”. gathering many enthusiasts of this sport sport experience. motorsport activity. The event kick-started Relations Director said: “Zain’s support to Al Khashti added: “We were keen on tak- alongside the public. The event will also It is worth mentioning that GulfRun is an last weekend, and will continue until March this much anticipated event for the second ing part in this exciting event yet again after include an exciting car show, where partici- annual motorsport event which was estab- 2016, involving several thrilling activities year running stems from its utmost respon- the passion we found from the youth during pants will be showcasing their exquisite lished in 2005 by a group of Kuwaiti youth taking place in Kuwait and Bahrain. sibility of youth’s talent development and last year’s event. Zain is also highlighting its high-speed cars to thrill seeking individuals. who are simply passionate about automo- GulfRun is considered a safe alternative the sports sector, which comes in line with dedication to applying safety measures Following the car show event, participants bile racing. The race extinguishes itself from to street racing which threatens youth’s our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, while driving as GulfRun is considered an will be flying over to the Kingdom of Bahrain any other motorsport race by promoting a lives. Motorsport enthusiasts can now show- especially that this exciting race was estab- ideal and safe alternative to street racing to take part in several training procedures in safe and secure environment to race and case their talents within professional and lished by a group of Kuwaiti youth”. which threatens youth’s lives.” preparation for the final race at the Bahrain train, as well as spreading awareness to limit certified circuits while gaining professional Al Khashti added: “we are proud to con- GulfRun involved a Karting Endurance International Circuit. Participants will be street accidents.

Officials seen at the closing ceremony with the winners. Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-Sabah Shooting tournament concludes By Abdellatif Sharaa said KSSC Board of Directors has always been keen third. on organizing Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-Jaber 50 meter Rifle -Men: KUWAIT: The Annual Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdallah Al- Al-Sabah Cup each year in appreciation of his gen- First place went to Bader Nasser, as Torky Al- Jaber Al-Sabah Shooting tournament concluded erous contributions to the development of the Shimmari was second and Khalis Al-Subaie third. on Saturday with a closing ceremony held at sport of shooting since its beginnings adding that 50 meter Pistol-Men: Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting his continued support have a great effect on Mideth Al-Sahaly first, Abdallah Al-Mulla sec- Complex in the presence of Sheikh Abdallah Jaber shooters making the achievements they made so ond and Hassan Al-Mulla third. Al-Mubarak Al-Abdallah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, far. The tournament attracted a large number of Air Pistol - Women: President of Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations Kuwait shooters who competed cleanly while Israa Bahman snatched first place as Israa Engineer Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi, Kuwait Shooting exerting all efforts to be among the winners who Dashty was a close second and Mriam Shihab Sport Board Members Engineers Mohammad will be able to represent Kuwait abroad. third. Misfer Al-Ghurba and Hussam Al-Roumi. Engineer Meanwhile Sheikh Abdallah Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Air Rifle - Women: Al-Otaibi said in his closing speech the shooting Sabah said he is honored to represent Sheikh Jaber Heba Irzouqi was first followed by Mariam community is pleased and the success of the open- Al-Abdallah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in the closing cere- Irzouqi and Zahraa Al-Saffar was third. ing of Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, with mony and wished Kuwait Shooters all success. Air Rifle-Women- Junior: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad in atten- Results of the tournament are as follows: Heba Irzouqi first, Duaa Al-Duwaikhi second dance along with HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Air Pistol- Men: and Shurooq Al-Duwaisan third. Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He congratu- Hamad Abdallah Al-Namshan was able to win Archery-men - Compound: lated the organizing committee and all those who first place and the gold medal followed by Saad Musallam Faisal first, Ahmad Al-Shatti second, participated in the success of this major sports Al-Ajmi, as place went to Ali Al-Mutairi. Salem Al-Saeed third. event. He also congratulated Sheikh Ahmad Al- Air Rifle -Men: Archery-Men- Olympic: Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Abdallah Al-Harby won first place, Mohammad Abdallah Taha first, Abdallah Al-Harby second Sports Authority for their good efforts. Al-Otaibi Abdelrahman was second and Sultan Al-Osaimi and Bader Al-Mutairi third. MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 SPORTS

HAMILTON: Brendon McCullum of New Zealand plays a shot (R) as Dinesh Chandimal of Sri Lanka (L) looks on, on day three of the second Test cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. — AFP Williamson has NZ on brink of victory

HAMILTON: Kane Williamson had New “It was a pretty bizarre day, wasn’t it? A lot Jeffrey Vandersay. When the substitute field- Zealand on the brink of victory after a spec- of wickets fell and to start the day off Sri er took the ball he threw it high as his tacular Sri Lanka collapse on the third day of Lanka were in a strong position,” he said. The momentum took him over the rope and he SCOREBOARD the second Test in Hamilton yesterday. ultimately successful short-pitched strategy then returned to the field to complete the On a day when 16 wickets fell, New was a gamble because “if you don’t get it catch. Sri Lanka had made a good start to HAMILTON, New Zealand: Scoreboard at stumps on day three of the second Test between New Zealand and Zealand were 142 for five at the close of play, right you’re going to get hurt, like a couple I building on their first innings advantage Sri Lanka in Hamilton yesterday: requiring a further 47 runs to claim the Test bowled didn’t get up high enough and end- with Kusal Mendis and Dimuth Karunaratne Sri Lanka 1st innings 292 (A. Mathews 77, M. M. Siriwardana c Boult b Wagner 26 and sweep the series. Shortly before lunch ed up going over the bank for six”. putting on 71 in the highest opening part- Siriwardana 62; Southee 3-63) K. Vithanage c Bracewell b Wagner 9 New Zealand 1st innings (overnight 232-9) R. Herath b Southee 0 on the third day their hopes of a win seemed The one bright spot for Sri Lanka was the nership for Sri Lanka in 12 months. M. Guptill c Mathews b Herath 50 D. Chameera run out (Boult/Wagner) 2 remote with Sri Lanka 126 runs ahead and emergence of Dushmantha Chameera as a But when Doug Bracewell claimed T. Latham c Karunaratne b Chameera 28 S. Lakmal not out 1 with all second innings wickets in hand. genuine wicket-taker. The right-arm pace- Karunaratne for 27 it ignited the Sri Lanka K. Williamson c Lakmal b Chameera 1 N. Pradeep c Watling b Southee 0 But the tourists’ fortunes swung from man took four for 45 in New Zealand’s sec- collapse. Bracewell had Udara Jayasundera R. Taylor c Chandimal b Chameera 0 Extras:(b4, lb2, w7, nb3) 16 commanding to catastrophic when 10 wick- ond innings to give him nine wickets in the two balls later and Wagner dismissed Dinesh B. McCullum c Mendis b Herath 18 Total (all out, 36.3 overs) 133 ets fell for 62. New Zealand went from being match. Openers Tom Latham and Martin Chandimal for one as Sri Lanka tumbled to M. Santner c Chandimal b Pradeep 38 Fall of wickets: 1-71 (Karunaratne), 2-71 (Jayasundera), 3- B. Watling c Vithanage b Lakmal 28 77 (Chandimal), 4-87 (Mendis), 5-110 (Mathews), 6-123 55 behind on the first innings to chasing a Guptill fell cheaply as Chameera had New 77 for three. D. Bracewell not out 35 (Siriwardana), 7-123 (Herath), 8-131 (Vithanage), 9-133 target of 189 to win. Williamson was not out Zealand 11 for 2 before Williamson and Ross Mendis and Angelo Mathews held the T. Southee c Jayasundera b Chameera 4 (Chameera), 10-133 (Pradeep) on 78 at stumps, in sight of his 13th Test cen- Taylor (35) revived the innings with 67 for innings together to reach 85-3 at lunch N. Wagner c Vithanage b Chameera 17 Bowling: Boult 7-1-30-0 (w1), Southee 12.3-2-26-4 (nb1), tury with BJ Watling yet to score. the third wicket. before it completely unravelled after the T. Boult c Herath b Pradeep 0 Bracewell 8-1-31-2 (w2, nb1), Wagner 9-2-40-3 (nb1) New Zealand left-arm seamer Neil Wagner Brendon McCullum (18) followed Taylor to interval. Mendis had equalled his Test best Extras: (lb3, nb7, w8) 18 New Zealand 2nd innings called the day “bizarre” while Sri Lanka bowl- the crease for a fourth-wicket stand of 52. On 46 when he top-edged Tim Southee and was Total (all out, 79.4 overs) 237 T. Latham c Pradeep b Chameera 4 Fall of wickets: 1-81 (Latham), 2-83 (Williamson), 3-86 M. Guptill c Karunaratne b Chameera 1 ing coach Champaka Ramanayake was not a firm pitch offering good bounce, Trent caught on the boundary by Mitchell Santner. (Guptill), 4-89 (Taylor), 5-128 (McCullum), 6-168 K. Williamson not out 78 happy his side did not bat safely as instruct- Boult was the first of the 16 wickets and last It was the start of a remarkable burst for (Santner), 7-196 (Watling), 8-201 (Southee), R. Taylor c sub (Vandersay) b Chameera 35 ed. “Right throughout the short ball was key in New Zealand first innings on the sixth ball Southee in which he took four for 10 in 27 9-232 (Wagner), 10-237 (Boult) B. McCullum c Mathews b Chameera 18 to get wickets and for us what happened of the morning. balls. In a day built around the short-ball Bowling: Lakmal 16-4-48-1 (w1, nb1), Mathews 11-7-25- M. Santner c Chandimal b Lakmal 4 was we hooked,” he said. strategy, Rangana Herath was the only player 0, Pradeep 17.4-4-39-2 (w1, nb5), Herath 22-1-75-2, B. Watling not out 0 “Somehow they went to the middle and SOUTHEE BURST to be bowled. Chameera 13-3-47-5 (w2, nb1) Extras (nb2) 2 Sri Lanka 2nd innings Total (for 5 wickets, 42 overs) 142 didn’t do the right thing. We were trying to The inability to control short, accurate Milinda Siriwardana tried to belt the side D. Karunaratne c Southee b Bracewell 27 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Latham), 2-11 (Guptill), 3-78 (Taylor), go for big ones and it didn’t work and we’re deliveries on a firm wicket featured in six of out of trouble racing to 26 before he slogged K. Mendis c Santner b Southee 46 4-130 (McCullum), 5-142 (Santner) very disappointed.” Wagner said the short Sri Lankan dismissals-and all six New at a rare full delivery from Wagner and was U. Jayasundera c Watling b Bracewell 0 Bowling: Chameera 13-1-45-4 (nb1), Lakmal 10-3- ball strategy came as they felt Sri Lanka were Zealand wickets yesterday. Taylor was caught caught by Boult at deep mid-wicket. Southee D. Chandimal c Guptill b Wagner 4 19-1, Herath 9-0-39-0, Pradeep 9-1-35-0 (nb1), getting away. in a clever piece of fielding at long leg by finished with four for 26. — AFP A. Mathews c Watling b Southee 2 Mathews 1-0-4-0. Smith a steady hand at start of Australia rebuild

MELBOURNE: A year on from taking the on a two-test tour of Bangladesh was dashed reins from an injured Michael Clarke, Australia by security concerns in the South Asian coun- captain Steve Smith has passed most of the try, leaving the more challenging task of a tests presented in leading a team in the confident and tenacious New Zealand side. throes of transition. Although Smith has faced a steep learning While Smith’s formal coronation followed curve, the new faces in the dressing room Australia’s stinging Ashes defeat in England, have also offered him a chance to imprint his his first taste of the captaincy came during authority, and the man that has emerged last year’s home series against India, a bap- from under the wing of Clarke is quite differ- tism of fire for the nation’s youngest skipper ent to his predecessor. Smith has carried on in 35 years. With Australia still rocked by the Clarke’s dedication to attacking cricket but death of batsman Phillip Hughes, the then- weeks after his permanent appointment in 25-year-old Smith smashed 133 in the second August, pointedly declared he would seek test at the Gabba to drive the hosts to a four- former skipper Ricky Ponting’s tips on how to wicket victory. He struck centuries in both manage a team. the final tests to lead the team to a dominant Rumours of dressing room discord were a 2-0 series win over Virat Kohli’s side. Since hallmark of Clarke’s four years in charge after taking over from Clarke permanently in taking over from Ponting, who was seen as a August, Smith has known little but success on less inventive tactician but a more capable the field, leading Australia to a one-day inter- man manager. national series win in England and sealing a “It probably is the toughest part,” Smith 2-0 victory in the recent test series against told the ESPNcricinfo website of managing New Zealand. his players. “All the on-field stuff is probably He will be hopeful of wrapping up another easier. Not everyone’s going to get on. There’s series against lowly West Indies with a win in going to be times when there’ll be argu- the traditional Boxing Day test at the ments. We’re together for pretty much 300 Melbourne Cricket Ground which starts on days of the year, so it’s going to happen.” Saturday. Smith’s honeymoon period is unlikely to The solid run of results has masked the be ended on home pitches by a shambolic challenges Smith has faced in building cohe- West Indies team, who were beaten in three sion in a team bereft of confidence from the days in the series-opener in Hobart. His cap- SINGAPORE: Singapore Slammers team members celebrate with the trophy after winning the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in morale-sapping Ashes loss and drained of taincy will face its biggest challenge on tour, Singapore yesterday. — AFP experience by the string of retirements that starting with a New Zealand side itching for followed. revenge in February, with a testing trip to Sri A chance to bed down a squad of rookies Lanka in July and August to follow. — Reuters Stan Wawrinka inspires Fielding howler adds to Singapore to IPTL victory Windies woes in draw SINGAPORE: Stan Wawrinka showed his class gles, 6-5. Tomic before teaming up with Marcelo Melo to GEELONG: An embarrassing fielding blun- ball but it bounced past for a dispiriting in both singles and doubles to lead the The pair put on an absorbing display seal the contest. der added to the woes of the beleaguered boundary. Hancock could not believe his Singapore Slammers to victory in the despite never looking comfortable on serve, Australia’s Tomic matched the world num- West Indies in their final hit-out yesterday luck. “It was pretty good that. I definitely International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) final with three breaks apiece in the opening 10 ber four shot-for-shot until the double grand before the second Test against Australia on got away with one there,” Hancock said. in front of a delighted home crowd at the games sending the contest into a “shootout” slam champion called on his trademark one- Boxing Day. The Caribbean tourists, who “I couldn’t really see what happened. He Indoor Stadium yesterday. (identical to a tiebreak), which Bencic claimed handed backhand to forge a break of serve in were hammered by an innings in the first wasn’t even on the field, was he? “They (the Matches in the Asia-based mixed team ten- 7-3 to put Singapore 12-9 ahead. the sixth game and open a 4-2 lead. Test in Hobart, declared overnight at 303 West Indies) had a little chuckle. “They sort nis league are decided by games won in five “I was lucky that Charlie (Moya) won and did He consolidated the break to love and then for eight in their two-day game with a of just brushed it off really and kept going. one-set shootouts over various formats and a great job and I could also make a lead,” served out the set two games later to put the Victoria XI in Geelong. They didn’t seem too fazed by it.” Switzerland’s Wawrinka played brilliantly to Bencic said in a courtside interview. “It’s not Slammers 20-18 ahead going into the deciding The inexperienced locals were 169 for ensure the Slammers overcame the Indian much but we will try to keep winning the men’s doubles. Aces 26-21 in a gripping finale. matches.” Wawrinka had warmed to the task and three in reply when play was abandoned Victoria XI v W Indies scores Carlos Moya got the home side off to a per- The Aces, however, struck back in the mixed looked as accomplished as his doubles world on the final day by rain, with an unprofes- Scores after the final day of the two-day fect start with a 6-4 victory over French shot- doubles with their strong Indian pairing of number one partner from Brazil, the pair domi- sional piece of fielding from Jerome Taylor tour match between a Victoria XI and the maker Fabrice Santoro in the ‘Legends Singles’, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna storming to a nating Bopanna and Ivan Dodig 6-3 to set off helping their cause. West Indies in Geelong yesterday: the Spanish veteran coming out on top of five 6-2 victory over a shell-shocked Dustin Brown wild celebrations in the middle of the court. Jake Hancock finished 80 not out but straight breaks of serve after he had opened a and Karolina Pliskova to put the defending “I just came along at the end and helped should have been dismissed on 22. Skipper West Indies 303-8 declared (K. 3-2 lead. champions 15-14 ahead. the team,” Wawrinka said. “The team had done Jason Holder was bowling in the 14th over Brathwaite 78, J. Blackwood 69; J. Hart 4- Swiss starlet Belinda Bencic stretched the Wawrinka, the highest-ranked player in the an amazing job in the two weeks leading to when Hancock hooked the ball to fine leg 93). advantage by a game after the 18-year-old final, was then called on to turn the tie around the final and I was just really happy to finish it where Taylor was fielding. Victoria XI 169-3 (J. Hancock 80 not out; fought off a gritty challenge from Russia’s and he duly obliged, helping the Slammers off playing with a great player and friend He awkwardly attempted to stop the D. Bishoo 2-60). Match drawn. — AFP Svetlana Kuznetsova to claim the women’s sin- reclaim the lead with a 6-3 win over Bernard Marcelo.” —Reuters MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 SPORTS Kerala Super League to commence in 2016 Omani footballers to participate in KSL MUSCAT: Passions in soccer mad Kerala throughout the State and telecast “live”. are likely to get re-ignited with the set- Each Franchise squad will comprise a ting up of the Kerala Super League (KSL), maximum of 30 players comprising max- during the first quarter of 2016. imum 4 overseas players and a minimum A brainchild of the Kerala Football of 5 Catchment and U-20 players each. Association (KFA) and the Celebrity KSL will involve teams owned and Management Group (CMG), KSL is a con- controlled by professional companies, cept that will take the game’s popularity business entities and entrepreneurs with to soaring levels in Kerala as well as in a deep and abiding love of the great India. KSL will be the biggest domestic game of soccer. soccer venture ever undertaken in India One such entrepreneur is based here at the State level. in Muscat and who a few days ago had Some of the striking features of KSL pledged his full support to this fledgling will include the roping in of extremely enterprise with the franchise purchase skillful overseas players, the chance for of the club representing KOZHIKODE budding home grown talent to make (also known as CALICUT), the Mecca of even before the creation of this tiny taken the first step in making that dream coaches and trainers. Nabeel sought full their mark on the big stage and of Kerala football. Nabeel Najeeb, General state and especially during the glorious a reality. For the moment, he is in close cooperation from local media in Kerala course, the opportunity to provide top Manager of Ships Agency and days of Indian football, particularly the discussions with famous Indian Football and abroad to popularize the project class entertainment to audiences International Logistics Co LLC, Oman 50’s and 60’s when the country was a Clubs to join hands along with sponsor- seeking support from sponsors and starved of quality football in their own (SHIPCO OMAN) has just arrived back in force to reckon with in Asia. The city had ship negotiations with potential corpo- associates. backyard. Muscat after attending the recently in the 60’s and 70’s hosted the wildly rates and major companies. “The Eight In keeping with the close diplomatic The KSL will consist of 8 Franchised organized Franchise purchase ceremony popular Sait Nagjee tournament at the Year Franchise would bring about excit- links that Oman and India have shared City teams during the inaugural season held in Cochin. famous Corporation Stadium, a tourney ing footballing opportunities for the for over six decades, Nabeel is keen on which will run for about 10 weeks. Each Kozhikode, the premier city of the that had witnessed a galaxy of Indian youth in my home district”, Nabeel went associating with the Oman Football Franchise will play against each other at Malabar region of Kerala has always stars dazzling their way into thousands on to state. While nurturing the local tal- Association. It is envisaged that the OFA home and away, the top 4 Franchises of been famous for its non-partisan and of hearts with their sorcery and skills. ents, KSL would provide opportunities to could consider the idea of permitting the league will contest the semifinals vociferous crowds. Soccer is almost a Nabeel Najeeb fondly hankers for a play with celebrated national players Omani footballers to participate in this and a total of 63 matches will be held religion in this part of the world. In fact, revival of those golden years and has and getting exposure to experienced League.

Hirscher becomes first to win Alta Badia GS 3 straight years

LA VILLA: Marcel Hirscher became the first Austrian’s wins came in slalom in 2011. “It’s skier to win the challenging Alta Badia better to think about that when I retire,” giant slalom in three consecutive years yes- Hirscher said. “Every victory, every podium terday, reclaiming the overall World Cup is nice.” lead from Aksel Lund Svindal in the process. UNBELIEVABLE SKIING Erasing a slim first-run disadvantage, Hirscher has finished on the podium in Hirscher finished 0.19 seconds ahead of every race he’s entered this season, includ- Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway on the ing his first career super-G victory in Beaver steep and twisty Gran Risa Course. Creek, Colorado, two weeks ago. “I skied totally my 100 percent,” Hirscher “Marcel is skiing unbelievable,” said. “I think Kristoffersen was a little bit Kristoffersen said. “For sure he’s the best smoother but I pushed harder.” technical skier right now and also one of Kristoffersen beat Hirscher in a slalom in Val the greatest of all time. d’Isere, France, last weekend and feels he Tomba’s wins on the Gran Risa came in can do the same in GS. 1987, ‘90, ‘91 and ‘94. Kalle Palander of “I’m getting closer and closer to Marcel,” Finland and Massimiliano Blardone of Italy Kristoffersen said. “Soon somebody has to also each have three GS wins in Badia. The beat him, so why not me?” Opening-leg 36-year-old Blardone finished 22nd Sunday leader Victor Muffat-Jeandet of France end- - which was an accomplishment with the ed up third, 0.86 behind. “It’s a new experi- No. 56 bib - then told the crowd it was his ence starting the second run in the lead,” last time racing the Gran Risa. He plans to Muffat-Jeandet said. “It was a really strong retire at the end of this season. emotion. If I want to fight with them I need In the overall standings, Hirscher moved two really crazy runs. But that will come.” 20 points ahead of Norwegian rival Svindal, Olympic and three-time world champion who finished 28th. Kjetil Jansrud, who is Ted Ligety moved up from 10th after the third overall, didn’t qualify for the second morning run to finish fourth, missing the run in 37th. It was Hirscher’s 35th World podium by nearly half a second. Cup win and puts him back on track to “It was a nice step in the right direction,” become the first man to win five consecu- said Ligety, who has been struggling since tive overall titles. missing a month of training due to back Ligety led a strong day for the U.S. Ski and hip injuries after the season opener in Team, with Tim Jitloff finishing seventh and Soelden, Austria. “I’m just trying to get Tommy Ford placing 12th after posting the healthy again and get the feeling back.” fastest second run by a large margin. BUFFALO: Matt Moulson #26 of the Buffalo Sabres skates after the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks at the First Niagara Center on Saturday Ligety has won twice on the Gran Risa and Alta Badia is celebrating its 30th in Buffalo, New York. —AFP been on the podium six times. Italian great anniversary of World Cup racing, with Alberto Tomba holds the course record Swedish great Ingemark Stenmark having with four GS wins. Hirscher also has four won the first race on the Gran Risa in Kane leads Blackhawks to 3-2 victories in Badia, although one of the 1985. — AP shootout win over Sabres

BUFFALO: Patrick Kane made his Buffalo home- game skid that followed a 10-game winning since hiring Mike Sullivan as coach to replace the coming a winning one by scoring the tying goal streak. Jaroslav Halak stopped 28 shots for the fired Mike Johnston. Cam Ward made 37 saves in in the final minute and then adding the lone Islanders. his second start in as many nights. Evgeni Malkin shootout goal in leading the Chicago Blackhawks ended Pittsburgh’s 0-for-19 power-play drought to a 3-2 victory over the Sabres on Saturday. Kane STARS 6, CANADIENS 2 with his 15th goal of the season in the second tied it with 34 seconds left while the Blackhawks Jamie Benn had two goals and an assist and period. Matt Murray stopped 24 shots in his first enjoyed a 6-on-3 advantage. Dennis Rasmussen the Stars beat the Canadiens in a matchup of NHL start for Pittsburgh. also scored for Chicago, which improved to 6-2 in first-place teams. Benn regained the NHL lead its past eight. Ryan O’Reilly and Cody Franson with 22 goals, passing the Blues’ Vladimir BLUE JACKETS 3, FLYERS 2, SO scored for Buffalo, which is 0-7-1 in its past eight Tarasenko. Jason Spezza had a goal and two Brandon Dubinsky scored in the sixth games against Chicago. assists, and Tyler Seguin and Patrick Sharp each shootout round, rookie Joonas Korpisalo got his had a goal and an assist. Patrick Eaves added a first NHL win and the Columbus Blue Jackets AVALANCHE 5, OILERS 1 power-play goal. Stars goalie Antti Niemi made beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Saturday Semyon Varlamov made 39 saves, Jarome 21 saves. Daniel Carr scored on the power play night. Cam Atkinson also scored in the shootout Iginla scored his 598th career goal and the for Montreal, and Paul Byron added a short- for Columbus. Brandon Saad and Ryan Murray Avalanche beat the Oilers for their fifth consecu- handed goal. scored to give Columbus a 2-0 lead. Korpisalo ALTA BADIA: Marcel Hirscher of Austria competes in the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup tive win. Varlamov tied his career high with his had 30 saves before the shootout, where he Men’s Giant Slalom yesterday in Alta Badia, northern Italy. — AFP sixth victory in a row and improved to 7-1 in DUCKS 2, DEVILS 1 stopped 5 of 6 shots. Scott Laughton and Jakub December. Tyson Barrie had a goal and an assist, Chris Stewart and Ryan Kesler each scored Voracek scored for Philadelphia in the third peri- and Blake Comeau and Nick Holden also scored first-period goals and Frederik Andersen stopped od. Former Blue Jacket Steve Mason stopped 35 for the Avalanche. Colorado (17-16-1) is above 21 shots as the Ducks beat the Devils.Mike shots. Brem beats Gut to win .500 for the first time this season. Andrej Sekera Cammalleri scored late in the third period to scored for the Oilers, who have lost three in a row spoil Andersen’s shutout bid. Keith Kinkaid made PREDATORS 3, WILD 2 women’s World Cup GS following a six-game winning streak. 16 saves for the Devils, who dropped a second Mike Ribeiro had a goal and an assist to lead straight game, both at home. the Predators to a victory over the Wild. Filip COURCHEVEL: Austrian skier Eva-Maria career-best result. Gut had won Saturday’s BLUES 3, FLAMES 2 Forsberg and James Neal also scored for Brem safely protected her lead from the downhill and Friday’s super-combined in Vladimir Tarasenko had a goal and two assists, HURRICANES 2, PENGUINS 1 Nashville, which snapped a three-game losing first leg to win a World Cup giant slalom the French Alpine resort of Val d’Isere. Brem lifting the Blues to a win over the Flames. Colton Jordan Staal and John-Michael Liles scored streak. Shea Weber had two assists, and Pekka race yesterday, denying Swiss racer Lara collapsed to the ground celebrating her Parayko and Jori Lehtera also scored and Brian first-period power-play goals to lead the Rinne stopped an early penalty shot. Zach Parise Gut a third straight race victory. second career win and 10th podium. The Elliott made 36 saves for the Blues (20-10-4), who Hurricanes over the struggling Penguins. The and Jason Zucker had goals for the Wild, who Gut, who has now overtaken American other was also a GS in Aspen, Colorado last have won three straight. Sean Monahan and Penguins have lost five straight, including four had won three in a row.— AP Lindsey Vonn for the overall World Cup year. Vonn was 10th in the morning first run Mark Giordano scored for Calgary and Karri lead, finished tied for second place with but finished 13th with sunny conditions Ramo made 19 saves. Norway’s Nina Loeseth, who secured a fading on the Emile-Allais course. — AP NHL Results/Standings MAPLE LEAFS 5, KINGS 0 Chicago 3, Buffalo 2 (SO); St. Louis 3, Calgary 2; Toronto 5, Los Angeles 0; Anaheim 2, New Jersey 1; Carolina 2, Jonathan Bernier stopped 26 shots in his first Pittsburgh 1; Columbus 3, Philadelphia 2 (SO); Dallas 6, Montreal 2; Nashville 3, Minnesota 2; Arizona 1, NY Islanders win of the season as the Maple Leafs beat the 0; Colorado 5, Edmonton 1. Kings. Bernier, who was 0-8-3 in his first 11 appearances, was helped out by a strong defen- Western Conference Eastern Conference Atlantic Division sive game but also made some memorable Central Division W L OTL GF GA PTS Montreal 20 11 3 103 82 43 saves. Michael Grabner and Leo Komarov each Boston 18 9 4 102 82 40 Dallas 24 7 2 114 85 50 scored twice in a dominant performance with Detroit 16 9 7 82 83 39 linemate Nazem Kadri. Byron Froese had his first St. Louis 20 10 4 87 81 44 Ottawa 17 11 5 102 97 39 NHL goal for the Maple Leafs (11-13-7), who Chicago 19 11 4 92 80 42 Florida 17 12 4 88 76 38 extended their point streak to five games - tying Minnesota 17 8 6 86 73 40 Tampa Bay 16 14 3 81 78 35 a season high. Nashville 16 11 6 85 85 38 Buffalo 14 16 4 79 89 32 Toronto 11 13 7 77 86 29 Colorado 17 16 1 95 90 35 Metropolitan Division COYOTES 1, ISLANDERS 0 Winnipeg 15 15 2 90 97 32 Washington 23 6 2 96 67 48 Louis Domingue stopped 25 shots for his first Pacific Division NY Rangers 19 11 4 98 84 42 NHL shutout, Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored and Los Angeles 20 10 2 81 71 42 NY Islanders 18 11 5 91 80 41 the Coyotes bounced back from their worst San Jose 16 15 1 85 87 33 New Jersey 16 13 4 78 82 36 defensive performance of the season to beat the Arizona 15 15 2 87 102 32 Philadelphia 14 12 7 70 89 35 slumping Islanders. Two nights after a 7-5 loss to Calgary 15 15 2 85 108 32 Pittsburgh 15 14 3 71 82 33 Columbus, the Coyotes stymied the Islanders Carolina 13 15 5 79 99 31 Vancouver 12 14 8 85 97 32 despite entering the night allowing a league- Columbus 13 19 3 86 107 29 COURCHEVEL: From left, Lara Gut and Nina Loeseth, who tied for the second place, Edmonton 14 18 2 88 105 30 celebrate on the podium with winner Eva-Maria Brem, after an alpine ski, women’s worst 4.6 goals per game in December. The Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the Anaheim 12 14 5 58 77 29 standings and are not included in the loss column (L). World Cup giant slalom in Courchevel, France, yesterday. —AP Islanders have managed two goals in a three- MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 SPORTS Douglas double fires Hiroshima to bronze

YOKOHAMA: Brazilian substitute because it would have given them Hiroshima deserved to win,” said former Douglas scored a late double as Japan’s another chance to win it. We should Brazil coach Scolari. “We looked a tired Sanfrecce Hiroshima stunned Asian have beaten River Plate in our last team. Our thoughts go to poor Zou, champions Guangzhou Evergrande 2-1 game but this makes up for it a little.” who had surgery in Japan on his leg to finish third at the Club World Cup Hiroshima coach Hajime Moriyasu, and we hope to have him back with us yesterday. whose side were narrowly beaten 1-0 in as soon as possible.” Former Spurs midfielder Paulinho their midweek semi-final, praised his Sanfrecce became the third headed the Chinese in front after just players for their staying power after a Japanese team to win the third-place four minutes in Yokohama, celebrating punishing month. playoff after Urawa Reds in 2007 and by racing to the bench to hold up the “We have played six matches in the Gamba Osaka in 2008. Pint-sized striker shirt of teammate Zou Zheng, who past few weeks but when the going got Hisato Sato was Hiroshima’s most broke his leg in the 3-0 semi-final tough this team is very resilient,” said potent attacker in the first half but defeat by Barcelona. Moriyasu, whose side captured a third Evergrande’s towering goalkeeper Li But Douglas stooped to nod home a J-League crown earlier this month. Shuai brilliantly thwarted the J-League’s deserved equaliser for the Japanese “To go toe-to-toe with the Asian joint record goal scorer on three occa- champions in the 70th minute after champions and win will be a big confi- sions. Evergrande defender Zhang some poor defending. He then headed dence boost for us as we continue to Linpeng saw a shot deflected on to the in the winner seven minutes from time build for the future.” Luiz Felipe Scolari’s post, while Mei Feng cleared superbly to complete a dramatic turnaround. Evergrande had been overwhelming off the line from Takuya Marutani at the “It was very important to finish favourites to win the bronze medal but other end in a see-saw game which TOKYO: Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s Douglas of Brazil, center, cheers after scoring third,” said Hiroshima’s supersub. “We they wilted badly after a strong start. really caught fire when Douglas came against Guangzhou Evergrande during their match for the third place at the didn’t want the game to go to penalties “Physically and technically off the bench. — AFP FIFA Club World Cup soccer tournament in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. — AP Knicks beat weary Bulls for fourth straight win

NEW YORK: Carmelo Anthony scored 27 when he drove into the lane, evaded Blake points and the New York Knicks beat the Griffin and finished with a layup. Houston weary Chicago Bulls 107-91 on Saturday pushed the lead to 95-76 with about 7 1/2 night for their fourth straight victory. A minutes left when Howard blocked a shot night after losing a four-overtime game in by Austin Rivers, and Trevor Ariza grabbed Chicago, the Bulls started well and had a the ball and dished it to Howard, who fin- strong third quarter, but the rest of the ished with a dunk on the other end. The night mostly belonged to the Knicks.Arron starters for both teams sat down a few min- Afflalo added 18 points for New York, which utes after that. got back to .500 at 14-14 after winning just 17 games last season. Lance Thomas scored GRIZZLIES 96, PACERS 84 13 off the bench. Joakim Noah had a sea- Marc Gasol had 19 points and 12 son-high 21 points for the Bulls in his first rebounds, Matt Barnes finished with 15 start of the season. Rookie forward Bobby points and 10 rebounds and Memphis beat Portis had the best night of his brief career Indiana. Mike Conley added 20 points and with 20 points and 11 rebounds. eight assists as the Grizzlies snapped a two- game skid. Mario Chalmers had 12 points THUNDER 118, LAKERS 78 for Memphis and Jeff Green added 11. Paul Kevin Durant had 22 points and eight George led the Pacers with 29 points, rebounds, Enes Kanter had 19 points and 14 despite going 8 of 22 from the field. Monta rebounds and Oklahoma City beat Los Ellis scored 13 points and Rodney Stuckey Angeles for its eighth straight home victory. had 11 points. Jordan Hill finished with 10 Russell Westbrook added 13 points and 11 points and 13 rebounds. The loss snapped assists for his 18th double-double of the Indiana’s three-game winning streak. season for Oklahoma City. The Thunder won for the fifth straight time against the Lakers. WIZARDS 109, HORNETS 101 Kobe Bryant sat for Los Angeles with a sore John Wall had 27 points and 12 assists, right shoulder, and the Lakers started sel- Garrett Temple scored a career-high 21 dom-used rookie Anthony Brown in his points and Washington beat Charlotte. Wall place. Lou Williams scored 20 points and scored 20 points in the first half and then Jordan Clarkson added 15, but the Lakers drilled a key jumper with just over 2 min- lost for the 15th time in 17 games. utes left in the game after the Hornets nearly erased a 15-point deficit. Cody ROCKETS 107, CLIPPERS 97 Zeller’s layup cut the lead to 99-98 with Dwight Howard had 22 points and 14 2:24 to play. Jared Dudley matched a sea- rebounds and Houston built a huge lead son high with 19 points and Marcin Gortat ARLINGTON: New York Jets free safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) watches as strong safety Calvin Pryor (25) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas early and rolled to a 107-97 win over Los had 18 points for Washington. Kemba Cowboys’ Dez Bryant, left rear, in the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, in Arlington, Texas. — AP Angeles. Houston led by as many as 26 Walker led Charlotte with 18 points, and points in the first half and was up by 12 Jeremy Lin had 15. In the teams’ first meet- after three quarters. The Rockets opened ing of the season, the Wizards scored just the fourth with an 8-2 run to make it 91-73. six points in the fourth quarter in a 101-87 Jets top Cowboys 19-16, keep Marcus Thornton highlighted that spurt loss on Nov. 25. —AP pressure on in AFC wild card NBA Results/Standings

Oklahoma City 118, LA Lakers 78; Washington 109, Charlotte 101; NY Knicks 107, Chicago 91; ARLINGTON: Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Eric Decker caught a 3-yard scoring pass to with 1:55 remaining. Moore got the tying drive Memphis 96, Indiana 84. Jets are keeping the pressure on Pittsburgh and set a franchise record with Brandon Marshall by sneaking a pass behind Buster Skrine for a 23- Kansas City in the race for two wild-card spots in with 21 combined touchdowns receiving as the yard gain to Cole Beasley. Eastern Conference Western Conference the AFC. Randy Bullock kicked a 40-yard field Jets won their fourth straight for the first time The first play after a near-fumble by Atlantic Division Northwest Division goal with 36 seconds left and the Jets moved a since 2010. Fitzpatrick on a sneak for a first down was held W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 18 9 .667 - half-game ahead of the Steelers and Chiefs with Fitzpatrick threw his first interception since up on review, Thompkins got behind rookie cor- Toronto 17 11 .607 - Utah 11 14 .440 6 Boston 14 13 .519 2.5 a 19-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 22 to give the Cowboys a field goal and a nerback Byron Jones along the sideline before Denver 11 15 .423 6.5 Saturday night. Fitzpatrick’s 43-yard pass to 139 lead in the third quarter, but came back to stepping out of bounds at the Dallas 26. NY Knicks 14 14 .500 3 Portland 11 17 .393 7.5 Kenbrell Thompkins put the Jets (9-5) in position direct a 70-yard drive to Decker’s score. Decker The last chance for the Cowboys ended on Brooklyn 7 19 .269 9 for a win. Kellen Moore replaced an ineffective and Marshall broke the franchise mark of 20 Moore’s third interception when his desperation Philadelphia 1 27 .036 16 Minnesota 10 16 .385 7.5 Matt Cassel at quarterback and gave the combined TDs that they shared with Art Powell- heave for Dez Bryant went over the outstretched Central Division Pacific Division Cowboys (4-10) a spark, but it wasn’t enough to Don Maynard (1960) and Al Toon-Wesley Walker arm of the All-Pro receiver and was caught by Cleveland 17 7 .708 - Golden State 26 1 .963 - keep the defending NFC East champions from (1986). Dan Bailey tied it at 16 on a 50-yard field Marcus Williams. The Cowboys had four inter- Indiana 16 10 .615 2 LA Clippers 16 12 .571 10.5 being eliminated with two games remaining. goal that caromed through off the right upright ceptions overall. Chicago 15 10 .600 2.5 Phoenix 12 16 .429 14.5 Cassel was replaced after two bumbling plays Detroit 16 12 .571 3 Sacramento 10 16 .385 15.5 Milwaukee 10 18 .357 9 in the first half. On the first, he stumbled trying LA Lakers 4 23 .148 22 NFL Results/Standings to change directions after faking a throw and Southeast Division Southwest Division threw to blindly to a spot where Darrelle Revis Miami 15 10 .600 - NY Jets 19 DALLAS 16 was by himself for the easy interception. Cassel Orlando 15 11 .577 0.5 San Antonio 23 5 .821 - came out the series after taking a 19-yard sack, Charlotte 15 11 .577 0.5 Dallas 15 12 .556 7.5 American Football Conference National Football Conference which wasn’t long after he left the field to loud Atlanta 16 12 .571 0.5 Memphis 15 14 .517 8.5 AFC East NFC East boos following a three-and-out. Washington 11 14 .440 4 Houston 14 14 .500 9 W L T OTL PF PA PCT Washington 6 7 0 1 281 307 .462 Moore’s second pass was intercepted Marcus New England 11 2 0 1 402 253 .846 Philadelphia 6 7 0 0 301 322 .462 Gilchrist before he beat a New York blitz by sling- NY Jets 9 5 0 0 344 272 .643 NY Giants 6 7 0 1 338 320 .462 ing the ball in the flat to Bryant, who got around Buffalo 6 7 0 0 316 301 .462 Dallas 4 10 0 2 246 324 .286 Revis for the touchdown and a 10-9 lead. Miami 5 8 0 0 264 331 .385 NFC North Moore had a chance to add to that lead but AFC North threw his second interception to Calvin Pryor in Green Bay 9 4 0 0 317 245 .692 Cincinnati 10 3 0 0 354 229 .769 the end zone in the third quarter, shortly before Minnesota 8 5 0 0 258 255 .615 Pittsburgh 8 5 0 1 344 260 .615 Fitzpatrick threw it directly to Terrance Mitchell. Chicago 5 8 0 2 272 314 .385 It was the first interception by a Dallas corner- Baltimore 4 9 0 1 278 326 .308 Detroit 4 9 0 0 267 336 .308 back this season, and came from a seventh- Cleveland 3 10 0 1 240 357 .231 NFC South round pick from last year who was signed to the AFC South Carolina 13 0 0 0 411 2431.000 practice squad and activated this week after a Indianapolis 6 7 0 1 275 356 .462 hamstring injury sidelined Morris Claiborne. Houston 6 7 0 0 259 291 .462 Atlanta 6 7 0 1 279 295 .462 New York’s first touchdown came after a near- Jacksonville 5 8 0 1 326 357 .385 Tampa Bay 6 8 0 0 311 353 .429 fumble by Decker when the receiver’s left leg Tennessee 3 10 0 0 253 326 .231 New Orleans 5 8 0 1 323 397 .385 turned awkwardly and he dropped the ball just AFC West NFC West as he knee was hitting the turf. He left the game Denver 10 3 0 0 281 225 .769 Arizona 11 2 0 0 405 252 .846 briefly with a knee injury. Kansas City 8 5 0 0 331 243 .615 Seattle 8 5 0 2 340 235 .615 The Cowboys challenged the ruling that he was down, but it was upheld on review. Two Oakland 6 7 0 0 299 326 .462 St. Louis 6 8 0 1 241 294 .429 plays later, Bilal Powell scored easily on a 12-yard San Diego 3 10 0 0 250 334 .231 San Francisco 4 9 0 0 188 315 .308 run. —AP

Bundesliga results/standings

Hertha Berlin 2, Mainz 0; Cologne 2, Borussia Dortmund 1; Eintracht Frankfurt 2, Werder Bremen 1; FC Ingolstadt 04 0, Bayer Leverkusen 1; Hamburg SV 0, FC Augsburg 1; Hanover 96 0, Bayern Munich 1; VfB Stuttgart 3, VfL Wolfsburg 1. P W D L F A Pts Hamburg SV 17 6 4 7 19 23 22 Bayern Munich 17 15 1 1 46 8 46 FC Ingolstadt 04 17 5 5 7 11 18 20 Borussia Dortmund 17 12 2 3 47 23 38 FC Augsburg 17 5 4 8 21 26 19 Hertha Berlin 17 10 2 5 26 18 32 SV Darmstadt 98 16 4 6 6 15 23 18 Bayer Leverkusen 17 8 3 6 25 20 27 Eintracht Frankfurt 17 4 5 8 21 28 17 Schalke 04 17 8 3 6 23 23 27 VfB Stuttgart 17 4 3 10 22 37 15 VfL Wolfsburg 17 7 5 5 26 21 26 Werder Bremen 17 4 3 10 17 32 15 Moenchengladbach 16 8 2 6 31 28 26 Mainz 17 7 3 7 23 23 24 Hanover 96 17 4 2 11 18 29 14 NEW YORK: Chicago Bulls’ Joakim Noah, center, dunks between New York Knicks’ Cologne 17 6 6 5 18 21 24 Hoffenheim 17 2 7 8 17 25 13 Kristaps Porzingis (6) and Robin Lopez (8) during the third quarter of an NBA basket- ball game Saturday, in New York. New York defeated Chicago 107-91. — AP MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 SPORTS Kalou strikes as high-flying Hertha stay third

BERLIN: Hertha Berlin finish 2015 third in put Kalou into space and the Ivory Coast league games. the table with a 1-0 win at Ingolstadt as and Stefan Aigner scored in their 2-1 win the Bundesliga after Ivory Coast striker striker held off his marker to fire home off The defeat left Hanover second from Mexico striker Javier Hernandez kept up at home to fellow strugglers Werder Salomon Kalou netted in yesterday’s 2-0 his right on 54 minutes for his ninth goal bottom with 11 defeats in their 17 games. his stunning scoring run. Bremen. home win over Mainz to continue their of the season. Second-placed Borussia Dortmund “Chicharito” claimed his 17th goal in Vfb Stuggart also climbed out of the impressive run of results. Earlier in the day, Bayern confirmed dropped further behind after crashing to Leverkusen’s last 14 games in all competi- drop zone on goal difference after a 3-1 The three points gives capital club Pep Guardiola will leave them at the end a 2-1 defeat at Cologne as the hosts tions when he stabbed home his 11th home win over Vfl Wolfsburg in Saturday’s Hertha their 10th win from 17 league of the season, to be replaced by Carlo scored twice in the final 10 minutes. league goal of the season since joining late game which led to caretaker coach games this season and leaves them Ancelotti, as they finished the year with Greece centre-back Sokratis from Manchester United. Jurgen Kramny getting the job perma- behind only runaway leaders Bayern an eight-point lead in the table after their Papastathopoulos headed Dortmund into Europa League side Augsburg picked nently yesterday. Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the 1-0 win at Hanover on Saturday. an 18th minute lead which Thomas up their third straight win to move away Schalke are up to fifth in the table Bundesliga table. Thomas Mueller converted a 40th Tuchel’s side threw away in the closing from the relegation places into mid-table thanks to Friday’s 1-0 win against bottom- Hertha took the lead at Berlin’s minute penalty for his 14th league goal of stages. Cologne took the three points with a 1-0 victory at Hamburg thanks to side Hoffenheim when Cameroon for- Olympic Stadium when Vladimir Darida the season after a handball from Hanover when Simon Zoller fired home from close Jan Moravek’s headed equaliser. ward Eric Choupo-Moting was credited fired home off his left boot on 34 minutes. captain Christian Schulz as Bayern pro- range on 83 minutes before Anthony Eintracht Frankfurt picked up their first with a goal which deflected off The hosts doubled their tally when a duced another jaded display, but still Modeste hit the 90th-minute winner. win in eight matches to move out of the Hoffenheim’s Czech defender Pavel superb diagonal pass from Vedad Ibisevic managed to claim their 15th win in 17 Bayer Leverkusen climbed to fourth in relegation zone when captain Alex Meier Kaderabek. — AFP Liverpool beaten by buoyant Watford

“I was fighting for the ball but I know he’s going to make a run. He makes it easy Watford 3 for me because he’s so quick and strong.” “I know when he gets the ball, he will play it behind the defence,” added Ighalo, which was just what happened. The predictability of the move did not Liverpool 0 please Klopp, who criticised his team’s “bad reaction” to conceding twice in the opening quarter of an hour. LONDON: Odion Ighalo scored twice as a He insisted the first goal should not buoyant Watford won 3-0 at home to have been allowed, however, claiming that Liverpool yesterday to consolidate seventh Bogdan had both hands on the ball after position in the Premier League, only one initially dropping it from Ben Watson’s cor- point behind the top four. ner. “I think it’s a foul, it was a wrong deci- It was a bad blow for Juergen Klopp’s sion, but our reaction was really bad,” he side, who would have overtaken them with said. “We lost our mind and lost a very easy a win but remained ninth, having taken second goal, when we can defend better. only one point from three games. Nathan Ake’s goal, stabbed over the line from bare- Ake, the Dutch Under-21 international on ly a metre, was the left-back’s first in loan from Chelsea, scored in only the third English football, confirming the good minute after a howler from Hungarian impression he has made at Watford. goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, who was Watford’s second did not reflect well on deputising for the injured Simon Mignolet. Martin Skrtel, who seemed to have forced Bogdan was soon beaten again on an Ighalo wide from Deeney’s pass but unhappy league debut when Watford cap- allowed him shoot from a wide angle. tain Troy Deeney sent leading scorer Ighalo Skrtel limped off before half-time and away to net for the fourth game in succes- Divock Origi came on hoping to make an sion. The Nigerian made it 12 for the season impression as dramatic as last weekend’s five minutes from time. when his goal in the sixth minute of added MODENA BRAGLIA: Juventus’ Mario Mandukic, center, scores past Carpi’s Simone Romagnoli, right, and Carpi’s Luca Marrone, during their Serie It was the first time since April 1987 that time earned Liverpool a draw against West A soccer match at Modena’s Braglia stadium, Italy, yesterday. — AP Watford, promoted to the top flight again Bromwich Albion. The Belgian’s presence this season, have won four successive contributed to an improvement in the sec- games at this level of English football. ond half as the visitors finally made some “It was an amazing victory against an chances. Napoli, Fiorentina, Juve and amazing team,” Quique Sanchez Flores, Alberto Moreno hit the side-netting Watford’s manager, told the BBC. Yet the while Heurelho Gomes saved from Origi, Spaniard was keen not to get too carried Jordan Henderson and Emre Can but Roma keep pressure on Inter away with his side’s progress. “We should Watford remained dangerous in counter- be humble, we have a lot of matches to attacks. play,” he added. Ighalo’s second in the 85th minute MILAN: Gonzalo Higuain took his Serie A goals hard for Napoli in Bergamo and for a time the down Dries Mertens as he was about to pull the “Four wins back-to-back is massive and rounded off a fine move that had flowed tally to 16 from 17 games as 10-man Napoli visitors toiled. trigger in front of goal. starts our so-called tough run that every- through Deeney and then Swiss midfielder moved to within a point of leaders Inter Milan But seven minutes after the restart Napoli Edin Dzeko was sent off for dissent in the sec- one’s talking about,” a jubilant Deeney Valon Behrami. So Watford continue to con- with a 3-1 away win at Atalanta yesterday. With captain Marek Hamsik fired in off the crossbar to ond half at the Stadio Olimpico, where added on Sky Sports. “We’re just doing our found critics who forecast a grim struggle a four-point cushion on Fiorentina and Napoli beat Davide Bassi from the penalty spot after Alessandro Florenzi’s close-range volley gave the stuff and people have got to be worried to against relegation following a return to the before the final Serie A games of 2015, Inter Dutch defender Marten De Roon handled a cross embattled hosts a 42nd minute lead against come here now. Premier League in May after an eight-year Milan will start the New Year top of the pile irre- floated in for Higuain. Atalanta pulled level two Genoa. absence. spective of their result against Lazio in Sunday’s minutes later thanks to Alejandro Gomez’s low But 18-year-old Umar Sadiq, who replaced WRONG DECISION In 2007 they lasted one season, winning later clash. But Roberto Mancini’s men were giv- strike, only for Higuain to restore the visitors’ Mohamed Salah eight minutes from the end, Deeney and Ighalo have now scored 17 only five games and finishing bottom. This en a reminder of what lies ahead in the second lead with a flicked-on header that beat Bassi at eased any late nerves when he ghosted in at the of the team’s 21 goals between them this eighth victory from 17 games leaves them half of the season after Napoli, Fiorentina, Roma the keeper’s near post. back post to head past Mattia Perin to score his season. The captain, who plays just behind handsomely placed although a tricky pro- and Juventus all won their respective final maiden Serie A goal and spark wild Roma cele- his team-mate, offered an insight into their gramme awaits over the festive period with games before the league takes a two-week LATE CHANCE brations. The 2-0 win ended a four-game win- understanding when describing the first games against Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur break. Juventus had moved up to second earlier The Argentinian celebrated stretching his less streak for Rudi Garcia’s men, who remain in goal. and Manchester City. —Reuters with a patchy 3-2 win at Carpi that gave the league-leading tally to 15 goals by running half fifth spot at four points behind Inter and one champions their seventh consecutive victory as the length of the pitch to hug coach Maurizio behind Juventus. Florenzi followed his goal by they continue to make amends for a disastrous Sarri, who has been credited with Napoli’s title hugging under-fire Garcia, who said afterwards: EPL Standings start to the campaign. push this season. Higuain later told Sky: “Few “Of course we’re emotional, but it shows how Swansea City 0, West Ham United 0; Watford 3, Liverpool 0. Massimiliano Allegri’s men are now fourth, at teams have come here and played well, but we important it was for us to give it everything three points behind Inter and two behind did-you can see from the result. tonight to try and win this game. “We went P W D L F A Pts Stoke City 17 6 5 6 14 16 23 Fiorentina and Napoli, following respective wins “I’m happy for the goals, I’m working hard down to 10 men for the last 15-20 minutes, so Leicester City 17 11 5 1 37 24 38 Southampton 17 5 6 6 21 21 21 for the pair. In Florence, Nikola Kalinic broke the and if I’m feeling good then it’s all down to the the lads deserve all the credit for holding on and Arsenal 16 10 3 3 29 13 33 West Bromwich 17 5 5 7 17 23 20 deadlock in the 20th minute with an angled shot coach, to the club and to my teammates.” coming up with the second goal. Sadiq is learn- Manchester City 16 10 2 4 32 17 32 Bournemouth 17 5 4 8 22 32 19 that squirmed under Albano Bizzarri’s legs. Napoli’s Brazilian midfielder Jorginho saw red for ing his trade from some of the top players in the Tottenham 17 7 8 2 28 14 29 Chelsea 17 5 3 9 21 27 18 Strike partner Josip Ilicic doubled Fiorentina’s a studs-up challenge, but Higuain put the result league.” Inter will restore their four-point advan- Manchester 17 8 5 4 22 14 29 Norwich City 17 4 5 8 20 29 17 lead with a fine dipping strike from outside the beyond doubt when he powered down the right tage later Sunday if they overcome a struggling Crystal Palace 17 9 2 6 23 16 29 Newcastle 17 4 5 8 19 32 17 area that beat Bizzarri at the ‘keeper’s far post to and held off his marker to beat Bassi with an Lazio side at the San Siro. Watford 17 8 4 5 21 16 28 Swansea City 17 3 6 8 15 24 15 wrap up the points for Paulo Sousa’s hosts. angled strike. Hamsik spurned a late chance to Lazio are on a seven-game winless run that West Ham 17 6 7 4 25 21 25 Sunderland 17 3 3 11 18 33 12 Atalanta, who stunned Roma 2-0 in the Italian make it four, firing a second penalty over after has dropped them to 12th place at 16 points Liverpool 17 6 6 5 20 22 24 Aston Villa 17 1 4 12 14 31 7 capital a fortnight ago, had pledged to make life Gabriel Paletta had been sent off for pulling behind Inter. — AFP Everton 17 5 8 4 31 24 23 Hammers hold Swansea

gles with a courageous display at the Etihad and save. Stadium and they attacked this game in the same Moments later the hosts felt they should have Swansea 0 vein. Gomis and Ayew both threatened inside the had a spot-kick when Ki’s shot struck James Collins first 10 minutes, while West Ham goalkeeper on the arm, but referee Lee Mason pointed to the Adrian had to save with his legs from Ki Sung- corner flag rather than the penalty spot. Yueng, who was teed up by Gomis, and Ayew Swansea’s failure to take their chances left them West Ham 0 placed a right-foot shot narrowly wide. Jack Cork vulnerable to a sucker-punch. Enner Valencia went close to putting Swansea ahead in spectacu- almost landed one with a vicious shot from the left lar fashion with a stunning 20-yard volley on the that Lukasz Fabianski had to tip over the bar, while hour, only for Adrian to fling himself across his goal Collins headed wide from a corner. —AFP SWANSEA: Swansea City and West Ham United found no solution to their recent travails in a lack- lustre 0-0 Premier League draw at a sodden Liberty Stadium yesterday. Swansea, still without a manager following the dismissal of Garry Monk, created the better chances, but Ki Sung-Yueng and Jack Cork were both thwarted by visiting goalkeeper Adrian. The Welsh club have now gone seven league games without a win and remain in the relegation WATFORD: Watford’s goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes celebrates their third goal during zone, two points from safety ahead of the Boxing the English Premier League soccer match between Watford and Liverpool at Vicarage Day visit of West Bromwich Albion. Road stadium in Watford, yesterday. — AP West Ham’s form is equally bleak as Slaven Bilic’s injury-ravaged side have also gone seven league games without winning, drawing their last three matches 0-0. Chennaiyin win ISL Andy Carroll has joined a casualty list that already featured Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, FATORDA: Chennaiyin were crowned Stadium. The home side had appeared Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid, but they are Indian Super League (ISL) champions set for victory when a freekick from nonetheless only four points below the Champions after two late goals gave them a 3-2 midfielder Joffre gave them a 2-1 lead League berths. Swansea caretaker manager Alan comeback victory over FC Goa in the with only three minutes of normal time Curtis made only one change to the team cruelly tournament’s final. left. But Goa goalkeeper Laxmikant beaten 2-1 at Manchester City last weekend, when Colombian striker Stiven Mendoza Kattimani, who had earlier saved two Swansea went down to a stoppage-time strike by scored the winning goal in the third penalties, then punched a cross into his Yaya Toure that looped in off team-mate Kelechi minute of injury time to complete a own net in the 90th minute before Iheanacho. stunning turnaround and break the Mendoza completed the scoring by Bafetimbi Gomis replaced Wayne Routledge SOUTH WALES: West Ham United’s English midfielder Mark Noble (R) vies with Swansea City’s hearts of the home supporters who had waltzing through a shell-shocked Goa and lined up alongside Andre Ayew up front ahead Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson during the English Premier League football match packed Goa’s Jawaharlal Nehru defence. —AFP of a diamond midfield, with Gylfi Sigurdsson at between Swansea City and West Ham United at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales number 10. Swansea had belied their recent strug- yesterday. — AFP Stan Wawrinka Liverpool beaten inspires Singapore by buoyant to IPTL victory Watford

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 201516 19 Jets top Cowboys 19-16, keep pressure on in AFC wild card Page 18

YOKOHAMA: Barcelona players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Club World Cup football final against River Plate in Yokohama yesterday. — AFP Messi, Suarez fire Barca to third Club World Cup

YOKOHAMA: Lionel Messi marked his return from ill- this season, including 17 in his last 11. “We try to keep improving, not just on the pitch but for much of the game on a cold night but made an acro- ness with a brilliant goal as Barcelona beat Argentina’s Neymar, himself returning to the side after a groin as people,” he added. “That is also something that’s batic save from River substitute Gonzalo Martinez seven River Plate 3-0 to capture a record third Club World Cup strain, was instrumental in Barcelona’s opener, climbing expected of players at Barcelona. minutes from time to deny the South Americans a con- yesterday. The Spanish giants welcomed back Messi to knock down a Dani Alves cross for Messi to steer past “Two days ago, Messi was a doubt for the final but he solation goal. after a bout of kidney stones and the mercurial River goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero with a deft flick of demanded to play. Neymar was also desperate to play. Messi, who forced a smart save from Barovero in the Argentine scored with a clinical finish on 36 minutes, his left boot. That kind of determination rubs off on all the players.” early skirmishes and could himself have finished with a before a lethal Luis Suarez double destroyed River’s Suarez, who scored a hat-trick in Barca’s 3-0 semi- River Plate’s starting eleven cost a total of some six hat-trick, became the first player to score in three finals hopes in a spiky Yokohama final. final win over Guangzhou Evergrande, scored a second million dollars while Barcelona paid $85 million for after leading Barca to victory in 2009 and 2011. “We came here to win the title and it was important with a fierce low drive four minutes into the second half. Suarez alone, and the gulf in class showed. River manager Marcelo Gallardo apologised to the to get the job done,” said the prolific Suarez, who picked The former Liverpool striker grabbed his second of The Catalans, who had already bagged the European estimated 15,000 fans who made the long journey from up the player of the tournament and golden boot the night when he dispatched a thumping header past Champions League, La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Buenos Aires to Japan. award after finishing with five goals. Barovero after a pinpoint cross from Neymar. “Our aim is European Super Cup this year, tore River to shreds in the “We had a plan but when Messi scored, it went out of “Leo’s goal opened up the game and in the second to win titles but what is also important is the style we second half. Neymar also came close to scoring with a the window,” he said. “We let the fans down but we can half we controlled things and had more chances,” added do it in,” said Barca coach Luis Enrique. “The process curling effort that shaved the bar. be proud that we did our best. Barcelona were simply the Uruguayan, who has struck 24 goals in 24 games behind it is important to me. Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was a spectator too good.” — AFP ( See Page 18) Ancelotti to replace Bale scores four as Real Guardiola at Bayern stick 10 past 9-man Rayo BERLIN: Pep Guardiola will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the sea- MADRID: Gareth Bale scored four times as from the sack after losing 1-0 at Villarreal last son after the Spaniard decided not to extend his contract at the Real Madrid came from behind to beat nine- weekend. German champions, who announced yesterday that multiple man Rayo Vallecano 10-2 in a wild game at Real had won their previous 14 meetings Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti had signed a three-year the Santiago Bernabeu to close the gap on La against their humble rivals from across deal to replace him. Liga leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to Madrid and looked well set for another rou- Bayern Chief Executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the two points. It is the first time in 55 years that a tine afternoon when Bale teed up Danilo for much-anticipated change in manager, thanking Guardiola for his work team has scored 10 goals in a La Liga game. the opener after just three minutes. Yet, and confirming that a deal for Italian Ancelotti, who has been out of a However, the Madrid fans still voiced their Madrid’s defensive deficiencies in recent job since leaving Real Madrid in the close season, had been complet- disapproval towards under fire coach Rafael weeks were exposed again when Antonio ed. “We are thankful to Guardiola for all he gave our club and hope to Benitez after Real found themselves 2-1 Amaya rose highest to head home Roberto celebrate more success in the current season,” Rummenigge said in a down inside 12 minutes. Red cards inside Trashorras’s corner. And the defending was statement. half an hour for Tito and Raul Baena opened even worse from Danilo as he allowed “I am convinced that Pep and the team will work harder to reach the the floodgates, though, as a double from Jozabed to head home from close range two big sporting aims of the club, especially now that it is clear that Pep Cristiano Ronaldo and a hat-trick for Karim minutes later. will leave.” Bayern had repeatedly said they wanted Guardiola to stay at Benzema added to Bale’s most prolific day in With the Madrid fans on the verge of full the club, but his departure had been widely predicted, with media three years as a Madrid player. revolt, the hosts were handed a huge break reports saying a move to the Premier League was on the cards. Atletico have the chance to extend their when Tito needlessly lunged in on Toni Kroos A number of top English clubs are likely to be eyeing up the 44- lead at the top back to five points later on and was rightly shown a straight red card. year-old, who has consolidated his standing as one of Europe’s top Sunday when they visit Malaga. Barcelona Danilo then made amends for his poor coaches since joining Bayern in 2013 after winning a remarkable 14 aren’t in La Liga action this weekend as defending with a sensational cross for Bale to titles in four years at Barcelona. they sealed the Club World Cup with a 3-0 head home the fourth goal of the game after The Spaniard, who has yet to comment on his decision to quit the win over River Plate earlier in the day. “We just 25 minutes. More controversy was to fol- This combination of pictures created yesterday shows Bayern club and has already left Munich for a winter holiday, took over after conceded the goals early, but then the low when Baena was penalised for a pull on Munich’s Spanish head coach Pep Guardiola (L) and Real Madrid’s Bayern’s treble-winning season under Jupp Heynckes in 2012-13. team reacted,” said Benitez. “I am not going Sergio Ramos and was harshly shown his sec- Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti (R) gesturing during the UEFA He has maintained their domestic dominance with back-to-back to judge the decisions of the referee, but ond yellow card to leave Rayo with nine men. Champions League. — AFP league titles and a German Cup in his first two seasons in charge, while from the sending-off the team did what it Ronaldo made no mistake from the spot Europe’s elite club competition in his final season at Bayern. Guardiola also overhauling the playing squad. had to do, try to play well and score goals.” and Bale then exploited a huge gape in the will have one last shot at clinching the Champions League with Bayern Homegrown talents like club icon Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni However, Rayo boss Paco Jemez said the Rayo defence to gallop clear and slot home this season after his side comfortably reached the knockout stage, Kroos have left on Guardiola’s watch while Spaniards Thiago Alcantara referee’s decisions made a mockery of the his second. The one way traffic continued while they remain on course to win another domestic title and top the and Xabi Alonso have been among the arrivals. league as whole. after the break as James Rodriguez teed up table by eight points heading into the winter break. Bayern, however, have maintained their stranglehold on the “La Liga has lost credibility. We feel tram- Benzema for his sixth goal in his last four Guardiola is revered among Bayern fans for his knowledge of the Bundesliga, winning titles and breaking records in the process. pled upon and humiliated,” he said. “It is a games. Benzema did well to duck out of the game and his team’s ruthless efficiency that has seen them break sev- long time since I have something so way of Rodriguez’s next cross to allow eral records en route to their last two league titles. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE grotesque and shameful that doesn’t benefit Ronaldo to register his 23rd goal of the sea- He has, however, also faced criticism for his run-in with a former One blot on Guardiola’s copybook has been his failure to win the us or Madrid. All of us lose credibility.” Madrid son with a thumping header. Ronaldo then long-time Bayern doctor, who once accused the Spaniard of blaming Champions League with Bayern losing in the semi-finals on their previ- president Florentino Perez had restated his turned provider as his low cross was swept the medical staff for a defeat, and for allowing club great ous two attempts. His arrival was intended to herald the start of an support for Benitez in midweek after home by Bale for just his second ever hat- Schweinsteiger to leave last season. — Reuters extended period of European domination after Heynckes clinched rumours suggested he was one defeat away trick for Madrid. — AFP Early closures of 2015 to boost trade value at KSE Page 22 China to devalue its currency further Business Page 23 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 KIB Chairman receives Fed rate hike to have minimal impact on Gulf economies ‘GCC Chairman of the Year’ Award for 2015 Page 25 Page 26

LUQUE: Economy and Foreign Ministers of Mercosur members take part of a preparatory meeting for the Mercosur Summit in Luque, Paraguay, yesterday. Presidents of Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Venezuela and Surinam are scheduled to meet today. —AP Prospects slim for major global economic pickup US growth and inflation outlook bleaker than forecast

LONDON/BRASILIA/BENGALURU: The world Along with an abrupt downturn in the volume casts are not far above 2 percent. levels of a year ago, confounding predictions of a has begun to fall. Inflation remains well below economy may be set for another year like 2015, of global trade and a continuing fall in commodity The polls point to global growth averaging only solid rise in 2015, with strategists still expecting target, however, and so ECB stimulus, including with modest growth in developed economies off- prices, the dollar’s rise this year has brought US 3.4 percent next year with scant prospect of touch- them to climb despite downward pressure on the negative deposit rate, will remain in place for setting persistent weakness elsewhere but generat- industrial growth to a near-standstill, keeping a lid ing 4 percent given the slowdown in China and the earnings. all of next year. That puts the world’s largest trading very little inflation and keeping interest rates on inflation pressures from abroad. gloom surrounding emerging markets. Over the past year, global fund managers have ing bloc-and most other central banks-on an low. The other extreme, according to HSBC, is that Nor is it easy to find analysts expecting broad cut their recommendations for equity holdings to opposite policy path to the Fed. Some emerging The US Federal Reserve’s long-awaited rise in the United States, “via a strong US dollar, will simply weakness in the dollar, with the most aggressive near their lowest since the financial crisis, even as market economies are performing better, too. rates from zero showed confidence in the world’s become the latest victim of the deflationary pass- views suggesting the euro could even fall below they ramped up bond holdings. India is forecast to grow at a decent clip, under- largest economy, but rival China is still struggling the-parcel which has plagued the global economy parity. US Treasury yields are not far from where they pinned by rate cuts earlier this year during a win- for a foothold with rate cuts. Although some coun- for a decade, and find itself following all of the oth- China’s renminbi, now a reserve currency, has were this time last year either, but they too are dow of low inflation. And optimism about tries, such as Brazil, have mainly home-grown infla- er developed market central banks which raised fallen each day for most of the past two weeks, expected to climb, as has been the forecast for Mexico has grown as it slowly starts to take tion troubles, the Fed’s first post-crisis rate hike is an rates but soon found they had to reverse course.” with many bracing for further devaluation by many years now, although by less this year than advantage of a recent historic reform in the ener- unlikely cure for what ails the rest of the world. “The outcome, we believe, is likely to be some- Chinese authorities still looking for ways to stimu- one might expect. gy sector. With exchange rates dominating the policy where in between.” A Reuters poll of 120 econo- late the debt-laden economy. Since crude oil prices began falling sharply 18 But much can still go wrong. Food prices have debate in many countries, what happens to the mists on Friday forecast the Fed would hike rates months ago from above $100 a barrel to below already pushed Brazil’s inflation above 10 percent dollar will matter a lot. “The key question is whether again in March, but probably won’t move as quickly SOME HOPE EMERGING $40 now, the number of analysts predicting a during a deep recession and could rise further. “As the US economy is finally robust enough not only next year as policymakers have suggested. Other The US growth and inflation outlook is bleaker rebound has dwindled. Some are now saying $20 if predicting exchange rates and interest rates to sustain its own recovery but also to lift world recent Reuters surveys of hundreds of analysts than forecast this time last year, even after a is more likely than a sizeable move higher. wasn’t hard enough, a strong El NiÒo may be trade and global growth enough to allow the exter- worldwide do not offer hope for a pickup in infla- sharp fall in unemployment. Wage inflation has But there are some bright spots. Underpinned arriving,” warned BofA-ML head of global emerg- nal deflationary pressures weighing on US inflation tion, even in the United States where the central picked up, but by less than many had thought it by the European Central Bank’s 60 billion euros a ing markets fixed income strategy, Alberto Ades. to wane,” outlined HSBC economists Janet Henry bank says it is reasonably confident this will hap- would. month of bond purchases, the euro zone is finally “So economists and investors will need to keep and James Pomeroy. pen. Even the most optimistic core inflation fore- Wall Street stock indexes are trading near their generating modest growth and unemployment an eye on the weather, too.” —Reuters Mozambique’s economy Saudi oil exports rise to drifts on to the rocks 7.364m bpd in October KHOBAR: Saudi Arabia’s crude oil exports in and diving holiday destination. The minister October rose by 253,000 barrels per day from did not elaborate on what stage these talks September to 7.364 million bpd, official data were at. MAPUTO: “There’ll be no festive season,” ton and aluminium, but the prices for such ment approved cuts in the 2016 budget. showed yesterday. The oil exporting heavy- Egypt’s vital tourism industry has suffered grumbles a greengrocer in Maputo, the capi- raw materials have fallen over several months. However, observers are most concerned by weight maintained high output and jumped from the political instability that followed the tal of Mozambique, where the economy has Economic prospects depend largely on a lack of foreign currency reserves. On 10.276 million bpd in October, slightly higher uprising against Hosni Mubarak in 2011. It taken a nosedive and the local currency has exploiting vast reserves of gas, which were November 30, the central bank announced a than September’s 10.226 million. Monthly took a further hit after a Russian airliner fly- hit a historic low against the dollar. discovered in the north since 2010 by the ceiling on cash withdrawals abroad in a meas- export figures are provided by Riyadh and ing out of Sharm el-Sheikh crashed on Oct. Lourdes Mutembene hopes to sell a kilo- Italian oil and gas corporation ENI and the US ure to avoid currency flight. Critics blame for- other members of the Organization of the 31, killing all 224 people on board. Russia’s gram of tomatoes for 60 meticals (1.1 euros / firm Anadarko. mer president Armando Guebuza, in charge Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to the FSB security service has said it is certain a $1.2), compared with 35 meticals a few But both corporations have pushed back from 2005 to 2015, for wasting money on Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI), bomb brought down the Airbus jet, a conclu- months back, but her stall has become too their investment plans for 2016 because of questionable investments. They include a which publishes them on its website. sion shared by Britain and the United States. costly for most customers. Hard times have the steep fall in the price of the fossil fuel. giant bridge in the capital and an unfinished Domestic refineries processed 2.028 mil- Egypt said earlier this month it has found no fallen on the southern African country “Since the rate of these projects is slower, the ring road around the city, both more costly lion bpd of crude, lower than the September evidence so far of terrorism or other illegal because of a fall in world prices of raw materi- economic dynamics of Mozambique are not than planned. Equally controversial is the level of 2.501 million bpd, the JODI data action linked to the crash. als coupled with some much-criticized public up to our expectations,” says Rogerio Nkomo, acquisition of a tuna fishing fleet by state- showed. Exports of refined oil products Since the crash, some airlines have suspended flights to Sharm el-Sheikh for securi- spending. a spokesman for the economy and finance owned firm Ematum. Financed by a state- dropped to 1.093 million bpd from 1.190 million bpd in September. Rabigh refinery and ty reasons. “At Zimpeto (a Maputo suburb) where we ministry questioned by AFP. Meantime, prices guaranteed bond of $850 million, the deal petrochemical complex was shut down for Saudi Arabia, along with Kuwait and the fetch our supplies, they say that everything has rocket. “We should work to compensate for caused uproar once it emerged that much of maintenance for 50 days from October to United Arab Emirates, has invested billions of gone up because of the dollar and the rand” in imports. After all, we’re an agricultural coun- the money was actually being spent on sur- December. dollars to support Egypt’s economy and neighboring South Africa, Mutembene explains, try, but also a trading route for several land- veillance vessels and military equipment In October, crude oil directly burnt to maintain stability since 2011. Zaazou has said leaning on her counter. At the next stand, Abou locked nations that need our ports, rail links ordered from France. generate power fell from the month before he plans to make up for the loss of interna- Sangare, a tailor from Ivory Coast, points to his and roads,” central bank governor Ernesto Under pressure from international donors, to 667,000 bpd, the JODI data showed, tional business by encouraging local tourism, reels of fabric with equal bitterness. “All the stuff Gove said. the government finally shifted $500 million of reflecting a decline in electricity consump- largely from wealthy Gulf Arab visitors. we buy here comes from South Africa and all the loan into the official defence budget. The tion from the hot summer months when air Zaazou said around 450,000 Saudi the prices have gone up,” he says. ‘Money spent uselessly’ sum was therefore counted as part of the conditioning use is high. tourists visited Egypt until Nov. 30. of this The Mozambican metical has dropped by Though the average annual growth rate country’s public debt, which is expected to year, according to statistics he cited, com- more than 40 percent against the US dollar has been seven percent for 20 years, the soar to 62 percent of gross domestic product Tourism project pared to 400,000 last year. Saudi Arabian since the beginning of the year, marking the poverty level is stagnating at 54 percent of at the end the year, compared with 38 percent A Saudi businessman is in talks with Airlines (Saudia) said in November it planned worst ever decline by an African currency the population, former prime minister Luisa in 2011, according to financial services firm Egyptian authorities over a $4 billion tourism to increase the frequency of its flights from except for the Zambian kwacha, according to Diogo pointed out. “The structure of our Fitch. resort in Egypt’s Red Sea region of Sharm el- the kingdom to the Egyptian Red Sea resort Bloomberg’s financial information service. The economy remains fragile.” “The boats have still not been used and Sheikh, Egyptian tourism minister Hisham of Sharm el-Sheikh from Feb. 2016. Kuwait outcome has been a hike in domestic prices, Indeed, for the first time in a decade, are rusting in the harbour,” protests Ivone Zaazou told Saudi newspaper Okaz. Airways was also due to launch direct flights particularly inevitable in a country like Mozambique turned to the International Soares, the head of the parliamentary oppo- Zaazou declined to name the prospective to Sharm el-Sheikh starting on Dec 1 to sup- Mozambique, which has to import an enor- Monetary Fund (IMF) at the end of October sition group. “The money has been spent investor, the newspaper reported yesterday, port Egypt’s tourism sector, the minister of mous proportion of consumer goods. for a loan of $286 million to improve the uselessly and nobody is able to say what it but said the project would be the largest information was quoted as saying in Mozambique exports natural gas, coal, cot- financial situation. Then last Monday, parlia- was for.” —AFP resort in the Red Sea town, a popular beach November. —Reuters MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 BUSINESS

News Brazil firms cut investments, in brief

US dollar firms vis-a-vis stash cash for an ugly 2016 Kuwaiti dinar at 0.303 KUWAIT: The US dollar stabilized vis-a-vis the Kuwaiti dinar in yesterday’s trading at KD 0.303 and Loss of credit rating seals Brazil’s fall from grace the euro at KD 0.329, as compared to Thursday’s rates, the Central Bank of Kuwait said. Sterling SAO PAULO/BRASILIA: Brazil’s economy is reeling from its investment news in recent months, down from a peak ore prices plunged about 70 percent in two years. pound dropped to reach KD 0.452, while the Swiss worst year in a quarter century, and judging by major com- above 80 percent in 2010. The few bright spots are concentrated among select franc stood at KD 0.305 while the Japanese yen panies’ investment plans for next year, things are about to Crumbling consumer confidence has forced home- exporters, such as wood pulp producers Fibria SA and firmed at KD 0.002. get worse. The biggest names in Brazilian retail, construc- builders and carmakers to stockpile inventory, leading to a Klabin SA, who gained competitiveness from a stronger tion, steel, autos and oil are slashing capital spending glut of unused capacity. Nearly a quarter of industrial dollar without suffering a collapse in the prices of their budgets as they abandon hopes of a swift recovery in Latin capacity is currently idle, according to the National commodities. Gold price stays America’s largest economy and in global commodity mar- Confederation of Industry. at $1,060 per ounce kets. The pullback is affecting foreign as well as domestic SNARED BY SCANDAL Mining giant Vale SA plans to cut investments by a players. Honda Motor Co put off opening a new Brazilian Plunging oil prices and a devastating bribery scandal KUWAIT: Gold price reached $1,060 per ounce in glob- quarter and oil company Petrobras by a fifth in 2016. factory early next year. Production of heavy trucks, a key have also upended investment plans at state-run oil com- al markets despite US central bank’s decision to raise Brazil’s biggest retailer, GPA SA, is cutting investment as capital good, has also fallen by half this year. Demand for pany Petroleo Brasileiro SA, or Petrobras. Chief Executive interest rate by a quarter points, said an economic much as 40 percent in 2016 to the lowest level in seven agricultural machinery is down by a third. Aldemir Bendine already slashed the capital spending report yesterday. The price performance is different years. from analysts’ predictions, where they have forecast Although Brazil’s other corporate titans, such as power that it will be below USD 1,000 per ounce, Sabyik Al- utility Eletrobras SA and debt-laden telecoms provider Oi Kuwait Company said in the report. It reached $1,079 SA haven’t yet given forecasts, there are growing signs that per ounce when the interest cut was declared, after it they will also be making steep cuts. Interest rates at 14 per- fell to $1,048 before the announcement, the report cent and rising have made private financing difficult for added. The prices will remain close to current levels or many projects. Brazil’s interventionist policies and generous public financing - once the backbone of corporate will be moving in a narrow range next year, due to investment plans - are also in sharp retreat. forecast effects of raising the interest rate, where the The loss of Brazil’s prized investment grade credit rating yellow metal higher resistance will be at $1,150 per on Wednesday sealed its fall from grace after a high-flying ounce and the lowest support point at $1,050 per commodities boom in recent years, and will push up bor- ounce. Silver price was up by 36 cents to reach $14 per rowing costs as more investors back away from the coun- ounce. Other precious metals also rose at the end of try. last week. Yet the biggest obstacle to new investment may be Brazilians’ own confidence in a recovery, which dissipated this year as policymaking stalled amid efforts to impeach Oman Jan-Oct budget President Dilma Rousseff. deficit widens to $8.5bn “The outlook for 2016 is awful,” said Mario Bernardini, a director at national heavy machinery trade association MUSCAT: Oman posted a budget deficit of 3.26 Abimaq. “In a recession like this, companies are protecting billion rials ($8.5 billion) in the first 10 months of their cash.” this year, against a 189.6 million rial surplus a year Capital investment in Brazil has fallen for nine straight earlier, because of lower oil export prices, provi- quarters and economists widely expect that streak to con- sional Finance Ministry data showed yesterday. tinue through next year, with an accumulated drop BRASILIA: Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff, left, talks with former President Jose Sarney during a cere- Oman’s 2015 budget plan envisaged government between 6 and 12 percent from an already weak 2015. mony where she signed a presidential decree giving tax breaks to companies that join the “Green Free expenditure of 14.1 billion rials and a deficit of 2.5 That would represent a decline on the scale of 60 billion Trade Zone” at Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia on Friday. For companies to be part of the Green billion rials, assuming an average oil price of $75 to 130 billion reais ($17-34 billion) in fixed investments, or Free Trade Zone, they must use local raw materials. —AP around 1-2 percent of gross domestic product, according per barrel. to Reuters calculations. As Brazilian blue chips further cut budgets in recent Both drops accelerated in recent months, according to budget to $19 billion in 2016, down from $23 billion this weeks, more economists slashed their 2016 outlook. Many data from national automakers’ association Anfavea. The year and more than $40 billion in 2014. He said in recent Egyptian pound now expect another year of economic contraction on par group’s president, Luiz Moan, said sales should continue days there is a good chance of another cut early next year. steady at forex sale with the more than 3 percent drop forecast for 2015. falling in 2016, putting off hope of a recovery to the end of For much of the past decade, Petrobras was investing CAIRO: The Egyptian pound held steady at an official “The economy is bad and next year looks worse,” said next year. more than any company on earth and its spending on foreign currency auction yesterday and on the black GPA’s Chief Executive Ronaldo Iabrudi, in blunt comments Cement and steel groups also forecast shrinking refineries and offshore oil fields was the cornerstone of last week. The owner of supermarket chains Pao de Acucar demand in 2016. Steelmaker Cia Sider˙rgica Nacional SA, or President Rousseff’s signature “Accelerated Growth market. Egypt, which depends on imported food and and Extra has already cut capital spending 10 percent this CSN, plans capital spending of 1.5 billion reais ($385 mil- Program”. energy, is facing a dollar shortage and mounting pres- year from 2014. lion) or less next year, compared to 1.7 billion reais in the But the oil giant and its contractors were snared this sure to devalue the pound. The central bank surprised first nine months of 2015. year in Brazil’s biggest corruption investigation ever, with markets when it strengthened the pound on Nov. 11 ‘WAR ECONOMY DECISIONS’ Benjamin Steinbruch, CSN’s chief executive, said sacrific- senior executives convicted of contract fixing and political by 20 piasters against the dollar. It sold 39.4 million Economists at Banco Bradesco tracking news of capital ing investments was one of many “war economy decisions” kickbacks. The graft probe has paralyzed projects at dollars at a cut-off price of 7.7301 pounds to the dollar, spending saw about half as many corporate investments he faced. Vale, the world’s largest iron ore miner, is also cut- Petrobras and Brazil’s biggest engineering groups, which unchanged from Thursday. The official rate is still far announced this year compared with three years ago. ting 2016 investments to about three-quarters of what it also account for the lion’s share of civil construction in the from the black market, which was around 8.58 pounds Among the sectors monitored, less than 50 percent had spent in 2015 and half what it invested in 2014, after iron country. —Reuters to the dollar yesterday, unchanged from Thursday. Early closures of 2015 to Italy lower house okays boost trade value at KSE tax-cutting budget

KUWAIT: Two Kuwaiti economists have agreed that early other markets such as real state. ROME: Italy’s lower house of parlia- risked breaking its rules and reserved industrial equipment. closures of several portfolios and investment funds of the For his part, financial analyst, Ali Al-Namash said that the ment has approved a tax-cutting a final judgement on whether to The Bank of Italy’s deputy gover- year at the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) is likely to boost liq- closures of the year will see huge pressures, adding that budget, the government said yester- approve it until spring of 2016. The nor said on Saturday that the vast uidity if market makers join the trading. “beautification of shares” will be on a tight scale since the day, clearing the way for voting in the budget document will move to the majority of the country’s banks are in In separate interviews with KUNA, they shared the view market has not moved toward a positive direction through upper house Senate which must upper house today, for reading and a better state than the small lenders that it is usual for the market at that time of the year to expe- the year. approve it by the end of the year. approval by senators. whose failure and subsequent rescue rience exceptional trading, unless pressing factors exist, such For Al-Namash, the current level of liquidity, KD 10-12 Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has pro- After jihadists killed 130 people in this year wiped out the savings of as arbitrary selling or focusing on cheap stocks below 50 fils. million, is a good one for reasons related to other countries’ posed cutting a tax on primary resi- Paris in November, Renzi said he thousands of retail investors. The gov- Portfolios and investment funds will be in an unenviable economies, besides the falling of oil prices. However, the tar- dences, reducing some corporate planned to direct state funds towards ernment salvaged Banca Marche, situation over this week and the next, with approaching end geted level is KD 20-25 million daily. levies and raising spending on cul- bursaries for study, developing poor Banca Etruria , CariChieti and CariFe at of the year, Murabahat Investment Deputy CEO Mohannad Meanwhile, Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended yester- ture and on security to combat the urban areas, and giving 18 year-olds the end of November, using 3.6 bil- Al-Mesbah told KUNA. Prices of many shares have plummet- day’s session in the red zone as the price index lost 51.76 militant threat to Europe. money to spend on theatre and con- lion euros from a crisis fund financed ed and efforts are expected to “beautify them.” According to points reaching 5,571.93 points, the weighted index inched Renzi’s government raised its cert tickets. Italy is lobbying the EU to by healthy banks. In the process, peo- Al-Mesbah, market trading through the year has been weak down by 0.94 points reaching 380.46 points and the KSX 15 budget deficit target last week to 2.4 let it exclude spending on the migra- ple who had bought shares and jun- for the continuity of the same reasons and findings, either lost 0.14 points to stand at 902.02 points. Number of trades percent of gross domestic product, tion crisis, which looks set to bring 1 ior debt took heavy losses, drawing on the technical level or the general investment climate. stood at 2,008, value of traded stocks at KD 7,586,302.5. above the 2.2 percent target it has million people to Europe by land and criticism of Prime Minister Matteo The market still lacks obvious orientation and investment Meanwhile, share turnover amounted to 54,132,366. Top pledged to the European sea this year, from deficit calculations. Renzi’s government, the Bank of Italy vision, he said. Though companies and banks have made gainers were (FOOD), (BPCC), (IFAHR), (CABLE) and (ALRAI), Commission. Before the deficit hike, Initial plans also included propos- (BOI) and the financial market regula- good profits during the past three quarters, investment while the top volume shares were (ALMADINA), the European Union said Italy’s plans als to scrap levies on agricultural and tor. —Reuters reactions were not satisfactory and many investors turned to (INVESTORS), (SECH), (ADNC) and (NBK). — KUNA

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Saudi Riyals 81.945 US Dollars Mint 0.300900 0.304900 20 Gram 217.860 Jordanian Dinar 429.300 10 Gram 111.620 Asia COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Egyptian Pound 38.808 5 Gram 56.500 ASIAN COUNTRIES Sri Lankan Rupees 2.126 Bangladesh Taka 0.003465 0.004065 Japanese Yen 2.512 Indian Rupees 4.582 Chinese Yuan 0.045310 0.048810 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037187 0.039937 Indian Rupees 4.590 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Pakistani Rupees 2.908 Pakistani Rupees 2.906 Bangladesh Taka 3.862 Indian Rupee 0.004325 0.004715 Srilankan Rupees 2.124 Philippines Pesso 6.420 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 Nepali Rupees 2.871 Australian Dollar 210.98 Cyprus pound 580.455 Japanese Yen 0.002430 0.002610 Singapore Dollar 216.570 Canadian Dollar 225.20 Japanese Yen 3.510 Kenyan Shilling 0.003165 0.003165 Hongkong Dollar 39.280 Swiss Franc 313.71 Syrian Pound 2.610 Korean Won 0.000248 0.000263 Bangladesh Taka 3.867 Euro 338.08 Nepalese Rupees 3.860 Malaysian Ringgit 0.066981 0.072981 Philippine Peso 6.424 US Dollar 304.10 Malaysian Ringgit 71.805 Nepalese Rupee 0.002887 0.003057 Thai Baht 8.440 Sterling Pound 463.73 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.375 Pakistan Rupee 0.002702 0.002982 Japanese Yen 2.55 Thai Bhat 9.405 Philippine Peso 0.006408 0.006688 GCC COUNTRIES Bangladesh Taka 3.852 Turkish Lira 104.170 Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073 Saudi Riyal 81.243 Indian Rupee 4.545 Singapore Dollar 0.212476 0.218476 Qatari Riyal 83.688 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.123 South African Rand 0.014273 0.022773 Omani Riyal 791.320 Nepali Rupee 2.837 Bahrain Exchange Company Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001767 0.002347 Bahraini Dinar 809.090 Pakistani Rupee 2.920 Taiwan 0.009148 0.009328 UAE Dirham 82.947 UAE Dirhams 0.08275 Thai Baht 0.008122 0.008672 Bahraini Dinar 0.8082 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound 0.03874 Europe Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 37.700 Jordanian Dinar 0.4325 British Pound 0.448333 0.457333 Bahraini Dinar 0.800802 0.808802 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.955 Omani Riyal 0.7897 Czech Korune 0.004233 0.016233 Egyptian Pound 0.034721 0.037847 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.422 Qatari Riyal 0.08385 Danish Krone 0.040281 0.045281 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 Tunisian Dinar 150.520 Saudi Riyal 0.08106 Euro 0.326142 0.334142 Iraqi Dinar 0.000201 0.000261 Jordanian Dinar 428.960 Norwegian Krone 0.030859 0.036059 Jordanian Dinar 0.425485 0.432985 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.030 Romanian Leu 0.087349 0.087349 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.171 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Slovakia 0.009104 0.019104 Lebanese Pound 0.000153 0.000253 Morocco Dirham 31.231 Swedish Krona 0.031670 0.036670 Moroccan Dirhams 0.022135 0.046135 GCC COUNTRIES EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Franc 0.300869 0.311069 Nigerian Naira 0.001259 0.001894 US Dollar Transfer 304.500 US Dollar 304.750 Turkish Lira 0.099686 0.109986 Omani Riyal 0.784488 0.790168 Euro 333.430 Canadian Dollar 220.235 Qatar Riyal 0.082927 0.084140 Sterling Pound 457.510 Sterling Pound 454.700 Australasia Saudi Riyal 0.080313 0.081263 Canadian dollar 220.170 Euro 332.330 Australian Dollar 0.210250 0.221750 Syrian Pound 0.001291 0.001511 Turkish lira 103.920 Swiss Frank 303.340 New Zealand Dollar 0.199217 0.208717 Tunisian Dinar 0.146220 0.154220 Swiss Franc 309.140 Bahrain Dinar 806.235 America Turkish Lira 0.099686 0.109986 Australian Dollar 220.460 UAE Dirhams 83.215 Canadian Dollar 0.213247 0.221747 UAE Dirhams 0.081923 0.083072 US Dollar Buying 303.300 Qatari Riyals 84.430 US Dollars 0.300400 0.304900 Yemeni Riyal 0.001376 0.001456 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 BUSINESS China to devalue its currency further

By Camille Accad based on a basket of 13 currencies, with tive. Moreover, in order to maintain the Asiya Capital Investments Co Analysis the US dollar given a weight of 26.4%, soft peg, the central bank has been using the yen 21.4% and the euro 14.7%. The foreign exchange reserves to buy yuan n the last twelve months, most emerg- CFETS RMB index will be used as an addi- from banks, draining liquidity from the ing markets’ currencies depreciated tional reference point for the central financial system and leading to a 10 per- Iagainst the US dollar, helping improve bank to determine the value of the yuan cent decline in foreign reserves com- their competitiveness. However, and to manage market expectations. pared to last year. economies with a US dollar peg appreci- The release of the CFETS RMB index is A more flexible exchange rate is also ated against other currencies. These a signal to the market that the central in line with China’s long-term objective to include the export-intensive GCC coun- bank still considers the yuan as overval- liberalize its currency and remove capital tries, Hong Kong and China, which may ued. In the last twelve months, the index controls. Having already joined the IMF’s face additional appreciation pressure appreciated 2.9 percent, compared with SDR basket, China’s willingness to reduce after the Federal Reserve raised interest a depreciation of 4.4 percent for the yuan its currency link to the US dollar is a step rates. against the US dollar. The index was also forward in the yuan’s internationalization China has already acted to reverse the introduced one week before the Federal process. Monetary policy would also appreciation trend. In August, the central Reserve decided to raise interest rates, a become less dependent on the Federal bank devalued the yuan following a move that is expected to appreciate the Reserve. By letting the yuan devalue, the change in the way it determines the US dollar further - and hence the Chinese central bank would have to intervene less country’s foreign exchange rate, which yuan against its trade partners’ curren- in the foreign exchange market allowing includes taking into consideration other cies. China’s move can be read as a cen- for the more complete transmission of major currency movements rather than tral bank signal to the market that it Chinese monetary loosening. Given the just the US dollar. Since then, the yuan plans to devalue its currency further. policy divergence between China and strengthen its large export sector with- to go before it can free-float its currency depreciated around 4% against the US China needs the stimulus boost from a the US, the effect on the economy would out causing market stress. By not having as destabilizing capital outflows as a dollar, the largest five-month drop in currency devaluation. Exports have been be evident. to intervene in forex, monetary policy result of removed capital controls remain over twenty years. Ten days ago, the cen- contracting in nine out of the eleven first The announcement of the CFETS easing could have a greater effect on the a significant risk. For now, China is focus- tral bank unveiled a new currency index: months of this year, forcing some compa- index is an implicit warning to markets economy and China’s goal to internation- ing on stimulating the economy before it the China foreign exchange trade system nies to cut prices and subsequently lower that the central bank is planning to alize the yuan will remain on track. resumes its gradual implementation of (CFETS) RMB index. The index will be wages in order to become more competi- devalue the yuan as China needs to However, the country still has a long way reforms. From ghost city to boomtown, Phnom Penh soars high

PHNOM PENH: From glitzy malls and kingdom’s building market are develop- Pol Pot’s brutal Khmer Rouge army the urban poor are increasingly relegat- high-rise flats to five-star hotels, a luxury ers from Japan, China, South Korea and seized control of the capital and ordered ed to the edges of the capital where building boom in Phnom Penh is trans- Singapore. The 39-storey Vattanac its two million people to evacuate. many were evicted to make way for com- forming a capital once reduced to a Capital Tower, Cambodia’s first sky- The city has been coming back to life mercial developments. ghost town into one of Asia’s fastest scraper which was finished in 2014, is since the radical communist regime was Critics of strongman premier Hun growing cities. designed in the shape of a dragon and toppled in 1979 but the surge of activity Sen, who has ruled with an iron fist for Inside the recently opened Aeon Mall incorporates Chinese traditional feng and change to its landscape has intensi- the last 30 years, say he has turned in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s shui principles. fied in recent years. Cambodia into a notoriously corrupt fief- first mega shopping centre, shoppers and A few kilometres (miles) away, the dom where those loyal to him are hand- curious residents flock to see the latest local Overseas Cambodia Investment Poor pushed to city fringes somely enriched. But he remains Levi’s and Giordano handbags, snapping Corporation is drawing from the coun- Silas Everett of The Asia Foundation unapologetic about the capital’s rapid selfies in front of a giant Christmas tree. try’s past, building Parisian-style apart- in Cambodia fears the city’s original transformation. It is a common scene across much of ments framed by a replica of the Arc de charm is fast disappearing with villas and Phnom Penh, he said during a speech Southeast Asia but was previously Triomphe on a riverside complex in stately buildings from the colonial era in November, would have been a unimaginable for many in Cambodia downtown Phnom Penh. being torn down to make room for lucra- “coconut plantation” had the Khmer where around 20 percent of people still But some are worried where the con- tive new construction projects. “Phnom Rouge remained. Instead, he added, “an PHNOM PENH: Cambodians walking around the Aeon Mall in Phnom Penh. —AFP live on less than $1.25 per day. struction frenzy will leave a city once Penh’s architectural heritage is world already dead city survived through the But while poverty remains famed as the “Pearl of Asia”. renowned... Yet the rate of destruction of bare hands of our people”. Not everyone entrenched, a fast-growing middle class In its French colonial heyday Phnom these buildings of significant cultural has benefited, however. and elite are increasingly looking for Penh was regarded as one of the loveli- heritage is alarming,” said Everett, Strolling through Aeon Mall, Seng Own a 2016 Cruze at KD 3,995 local ways to spend their cash. “I am glad est cities in Southeast Asia thanks to its mourning in particular the loss of build- Seat, 60, says most of the products we have such a modern mall in Phnom wide European-style avenues, carefully ings designed by famed Cambodian remain outside her budget. “The price of or Captiva at KD 5,555 Penh. It shows the city is growing,” says manicured gardens and picturesque architect Vann Molyvann. some clothes and shoes at the retail 20-year-old Bopha, a well-heeled univer- stately homes. And while wealthy Cambodians are brand shops is too expensive,” Seat said. Experience the utmost elegance sity student who said her family made Just a few decades later, the buzzing lining up for a chance to live in some of “I just had a look at the price and left more than $1 million in a recent land city was reduced to a ghost town when the city’s most coveted new addresses, immediately.” —AFP KUWAIT: From powerful rides to elegant tough on the inside and suave on the outside sale. Bopha said she used to have to trav- drives, Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim & Sons both designed to make your drive smoother el to Thailand and Singapore for her Automotive, the exclusive distributor of and steadier than any other SUV. The Chevrolet shopping trips but that was now chang- Chevrolet vehicles in Kuwait, provides its cus- Captiva has a 2.2L four cylinder engine with ing. “Their cities are crowded with high- tomers with a wide array of cars that suit every high-pressure common rail and integrated tur- rise towers. I think we are heading in the style and taste at amazingly affordable prices. If bo charging technology which delivers 188.5 same direction to be like them,” she you are looking to own a stylish, sleek and ele- PS power and 424 Nm torque and is powered beamed. gant drive, look no further than the 2016 Cruze by a four-cylinder VCDi Engine. This fireball of a The $200 million Japanese-built mall that is starting at only KD 3,995 or the Captiva car not just owns the road, it flies on but is also is just one of dozens of new shopping that starts at a mere KD 5,555. strong and sturdy. With its well-refined engine complexes, condominium projects and The sleek and advanced 2016 Chevrolet that keeps the noise intrusion in the cabin to a hotels springing up in Phnom Penh as Cruze is more than 100 kilograms lighter than minimum and advanced technology ensuring Cambodia rides a wave of high econom- the old model, despite also being longer and maximum fuel economy and low emissions, ic growth rates in recent years. having more passenger and luggage room for this is one SUV to reckon with. The Chevrolet The capital is second only to Laos in any compact. That is a stunning amount of Captiva is a complete package with Stylish East Asia for the fastest rate of urban spa- weight to remove from a car this size, especially Alloy Wheels that command attention, LED Tail tial expansion, according to the World in a new model that adds features, space and Lamps that is not just a safety feature but also a Bank, and its economy is expected to safety. Lighter weight should translate to high- style statement, ABS (Anti-Lock Braking) with grow at 6.9 percent this year. er fuel economy and lower costs, better han- EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) keeps dling and snappy performance. The Cruze’s the car in control when braking on low friction Rise of the high-rise longer wheelbase and roomier interior should surfaces (like wet or gravel surfaces). All across the city luxury high-rise make it a leader in the compact car category. Amongst its other features the Chevrolet condos are popping up with names like An extra two inches of rear legroom builds on Captiva also offers Traction Control, Hill “The Peak” and “Diamond Island”, com- what was already a Cruze strength, as will a Descent Control, Rear Parking Assist, Rain plete with billboards promising aspira- larger trunk. The Cruze pulls out all the safety Sensing Wipers, Heated mirrors outside and tional taglines such as “Sophisticated stops, with available safety systems and driver Steering mounted Cruise Control that automat- Urban Living”. aids including blind spot and cross-traffic alerts, ically controls the speed of the car while you According to the government, lane-keeping to prevent the driver from wan- cruise effortlessly on the highway. The Cambodia drew construction investment dering out of their lane and driver alerts to Chevrolet Capitva designed for the perceptive worth $1.75 billion in the first nine avoid frontal collisions. A backup camera will eye, is a real head turner on the road. It’s adap- months of 2015, a 13.7 percent rise from be standard equipment. Chevy promises high- tive all-wheel drive and level ride control help PHNOM PENH: An overhead view of Phnom Penh. From glitzy malls and high-rise flats to five- a year earlier. way fuel economy with its all-new 1.4L tur- you maneuver through city traffic as well as star hotels, a luxury building boom in Phnom Penh is transforming a capital once reduced to a Many of the new entrants into the bocharged engine’s output of 150 hp and 177 winding hilly trails and open highways with the ghost town into one of Asia’s fastest growing cities. —AFP pound-feet of torque that delivers strong per- same comfort. Road trips take on a whole new formance. The outgoing first-generation Cruze meaning when you are cruising through in the has attractive but conservative looks. The 2016 Chevrolet Captiva. One look at the luxurious As US oil booms, Congress lifts 40-year oil export ban breaks the mold with a sleek look. It is 2.7 inch- and spacious interiors and it’ll leave you craving es longer and an inch less tall than the 2015 for more. NEW YORK: The United States lifted a 40-year ban Petroleum Exporting Countries had banned oil available for export. model, sporty proportions that give the car a All customers who purchase a Chevrolet on oil exports on Friday, marking a historic shift for exports to the United States in retaliation for The president can still limit exports in case of a totally new feel. from Alghanim will receive the benefits of the the booming US oil industry. The measure was Washington’s support of Israel during the Arab- “national emergency,” for national security reasons, Designed for those who seek safe, family- Chevrolet Care, which entails new levels of included in a massive $1.1 trillion spending bill that Israeli war. or if exports cause domestic oil shortages or drive friendly drives, the royally designed Captiva has post-sale support and trust. The Chevrolet Care easily passed Congress and now heads to the desk Seeking greater energy independence, the US prices sharply higher than world market levels. the strength and space of a sports utility vehi- is an exceptional customer service that is based of President Barack Obama for his signature. United States created an emergency stockpile of But those conditions have receded in recent cle and the style and practicality of a family car. on four main pillars: competitive and transpar- While many Democrats opposed it, some joined crude oil, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, in 1975 years as US oil production has boomed. The Captiva was designed entirely in-house at ent service costs (especially for four-wheel drive Republican lawmakers and major oil companies and banned most crude oil exports. According to the Department of Energy, the GM Korea’s Design Center in Incheon. Since vehicles), scheduled service appointment who lobbied hard for lifting the ban, arguing it The export ban had a few exceptions. Some United States could become a net exporter of crude then, however, the car’s styling has been booking with same day delivery, quality service would create US jobs and boost the security of 491,000 barrels per day of crude were allowed to be oil in the next decade or so. refined at various GM studios around the world, by certified technicians and 3yr/100,000km Washington’s European allies. “The facts are clear: exported from Alaska and California to Canada for At nearly 282 million barrels per day in including the Opel HQ at Russelsheim in warranty with 24x7 roadside assistance. lifting the ban is good for consumers, our economy, domestic use, and imported crude could be re- September, output is approaching its 1970 record Germany. Captiva is available in two outstand- Customers are welcome to visit any of national security and energy security,” said Senator exported. With the end of the ban, all 9.2 million of 310.40 million bpd and is almost double US pro- ing variants - the LT (Manual Transmission) for Chevrolet Alghanim’s showrooms today in Heidi Heitkamp of oil-rich Nork Dakota. barrels produced in the United States a day and the duction levels during the 2008 financial crisis which those who always like to be in control and order to take a full advantage of this exclusive “By opening up US crude oil to the rest of the 490.7 million barrels stockpiled commercially are sank to about 147 million bpd. enjoy the stick-shift action and LTZ (Automatic offer that grants you the 2016 Cruze starting at world, we would not only provide our allies with a Transmission) for the laid-back offering you the only KD 3,995 and Captiva that starts at a mere more stable energy trading partner, but we would ultimate driving comfort. This soft-roader is KD 5,555. also reduce the power of countries like Russia, Venezuela, and volatile regions of the Middle East that use their energy dominance to exert influence Turkmenistan to begin issuing over our nation and our allies,” she said. Environmentalists are concerned the move will bonds amid economic strains encourage continued reliance on oil over clean energy, despite US pledges at the Paris climate ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan bonds. An opposition-run media outlet summit to cut its carbon footprint. is set to begin issuing government bonds speculated the bonds will be used to pay “Dirty, dangerous fossil fuels need to be kept in for the first time, state television reported the salaries of state workers including the ground and liberalizing our export policy is Saturday, as the hydrocarbon-rich central teachers, as the government struggles to exactly the wrong direction to take,” said Friends of Asian country grapples with the impact of cope with the loss of revenue due to low the Earth. plunging commodities prices. prices for its oil and gas exports. The nongovernmental organization also con- Turkmen President Gurbanguly The former Soviet republic of tended that the ban’s repeal would “increase the Berdymukhamedov on Friday signed off Turkmenistan is home to the fourth largest frequency of exploding trains and oil spills across on a resolution “on the issue, sale and known reserves of natural gas but has lim- the country and in international waters.” redemption of government bonds” and ited infrastructure to export its energy ordered the government to make the resources. Born of oil shock appropriate changes to legislation, state It currently supplies around half of The ban was first imposed in 1975 as the United BOSTON: A container is loaded onto a ship from China at Massport’s Conley Terminal television reported. China’s total natural gas consumption States was reeling from the 1973-1974 Arab oil in the port of Boston. A drop in exports of petroleum and other US goods increased The report did not specify when the through a pipeline built by the China embargo, which dealt a heavy shock to the US the deficit in the broadest measure of US trade in the July-September quarter. The government of the reclusive country National Petroleum Company that began economy and sent global prices shooting up. US lifted a 40-year ban on oil exports on Friday, marking a historic shift for the expects to begin issuing these five-year operation in 2010. —AFP Arab members of the Organization of the booming US oil industry. —AP MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 BUSINESS Sliding oil prices could smudge year-end stocks rally WALL STREET WEEKAHEAD NEW YORK: With Wall Street heading strength to close out what has been a last five trading days of the year, plus the “For whatever reason, this has market strategist at Prudential into its usually buoyant year-end period, sluggish 2015, having moved past the first two of January, have resulted in an been the theme pretty much ever Financial in Newark, New Jersey. “As continued weakness in oil prices pres- Federal Reserve’s historic decision to average 1.4 percent rally. since oil got under $50: that lower (US crude) continued to push down- ents a major wildcard that could spoil raise interest rates. But the recent and persistent slide in oil prices are bad for the market,” ward, it is affecting the market.” any holiday cheer for stock investors. While the S&P 500 index is down 3 oil prices raises some doubts. The price said Eric Kuby, chief investment offi- While low oil prices have been With seven full trading days left in the percent this month, December ranks as of crude has closely correlated with the cer at North Star Investment thought to be a potential stimulant year, plus a shortened Christmas Eve ses- the best-performing month on average S&P 500 over the past 20 sessions as the Management Corp. in Chicago. for the economy by lowering gas sion, some investors say the market for the index since 1950, according to the commodity has slid toward multi-year For the year, the S&P is down prices and putting more money in remains poised for its traditional Stock Trader’s Almanac. Since 1969, the lows. about 2 percent. At 2,016 as of mid- consumers’ pockets, the recent drop day Friday trading, the benchmark has apparently sent a negative signal US index would need to rally more to the market. “I think people inter- than 4 percent to reach the median pret lower oil prices as a weakness to year-end forecast of 2,100 (a 2 per- the overall world economy and cent gain for the year) from 46 therefore if there’s not a real strong strategists polled earlier this month demand for energy, the economy is by Reuters. getting weaker,” said Gary Bradshaw, As US crude prices have dropped a portfolio manager with Hodges about 20 percent since late Capital Management in Dallas. November, deepening their 1-1/2 Although stocks have slid after an year freefall, the S&P 500 has pulled initial rise, the Fed’s decision on back more than 3 percent. The ener- Wednesday to raise rates was largely gy sector, the worst-performing S&P expected by investors and signaled group, slumped more than 12 per- faith in the U.S. economy. cent over that time. “That the market absorbed the first rate hike in nearly a decade sug- Oil price risk gests that we can finish the year on Goldman Sachs said on Thursday a positive note,” said Alan Gayle, it sees a high risk of oil prices declin- director of asset allocation at ing further. “The oil story is not RidgeWorth Investments in Atlanta. going away,” said Quincy Krosby, — Reuters MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 BUSINESS Life after the first interest rate hike

KUWAIT: In the wake of the holiday’s sea- one real-estate investment trust. The initial ronment which has become the most per- Markets initially reacted positively to the son, investors have been unwinding posi- reaction was a knee jerk reaction spike to NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT sistent theme in Switzerland. more surprising news that the BoJ is to tions, closing their books as year-end 123.50, which was quickly corrected as the Swiss economic growth is expected to make additional purchases of exchange approaches and liquidity diminishes. As the market realized that such decision does not revised down for this year and next to 1.3 all of Europe, especially Germany. remain low, with consensus at 1.2 percent traded funds on top of the current •3 trillion Fed missed all other interest rates hike convey direct additional stimulus. The cross percent and 1.6 percent, it was left After dropping in the first two months with the country caught between this slow- of purchases that the BoJ currently makes opportunities during the year, they have ended the week at the 121.16 level. unchanged for 2017 and 2018, the latter of the fourth quarter, the euro stabilized in er trade and a recovery in European domes- each year. The accompanying statement chosen December, the most illiquid month On the commodities side, gold dropped being the year when the Fed expects to hit December after the ECB meeting disap- tic demand. showed that the Bank’s new additional proof the year to start the lift off. victim of the Fed rate rise. Although gold its 2 percent target. pointment. As the market expected a fur- gram will have an annual budget of •300 In a historical meeting, the Fed ended held steady the day of the FOMC According to the dot plot projections, ther drop in interest rate and an increase in Difficult beginning of 2016 for the UK billion and will be initially tied to the major the era of zero interest rates by tightening announcement, commodities as a whole although there had been some suggestions the size and composition of the monthly In the last quarter of 2015, UK economic stock index. The BoJ also announced it will monetary policy by 25 bps, increasing the fell out of favor as investors continued to that the 2016 median interest rates path purchases, the ECB didn’t see the necessity data disappointed on multiple fronts. While increase the maximum amount of each Fed funds target range to 0.25 percent to assess the rate increase. could decline, it was kept however to act and deliver on all expectations. the UK kept printing negative data, Bank of issue of Japanese real estate investment 0.50 percent and the discount rate to 1.0 Indeed, oversupply still hangs over the unchanged at 1.375 percent or the equiva- In addition, having become the funding England policymakers expressed their con- trust it can buy. Finally, the BoJ announced percent, with a unanimous vote. oil market with the stronger dollar pres- that it is extending the average remaining Although the event didn’t generate sured commodities to fresh multi year lows. maturing of Japan government Bonds pur- large volatility for the major five currencies, Oil dominated the weakness as West Texas chases to about 7-12 years from the begin- it happened to be a major episode for Intermediate crude fell below the $35 and ning of next year, from 7-10 years currently. emerging market and commodity curren- Brent below the $38 for the first time since The BoJ has started to realize the little cies as we continue to witness lately. For February 2009. Moves in precious metals extra benefit of increasing purchases from now, commodities and emerging markets also caught investors’ attention with gold the current level at least in terms of political continue to hemorrhage as their future will closing down 1.98 percent, the biggest dai- risks associated. Moreover, a weaker yen be determined by how the disagreement ly loss since July at $1066; holding the five- from these levels is not likely to significantly between the market and the Fed about the year lows reached briefly earlier this month. improve exports volumes at the expenses pace and extent of hikes gets resolved. As a direct result, investors continue to of being called a currency manipulator. According to the Fed, labor market slack shun commodity currencies with the The Australian government announced had diminished ‘appreciably’ and the Fed is Canadian, Australian Dollar and the the budget deficit will be reduced by an ‘reasonably confident’ inflation will rise to 2 Norwegian Krona falling sharply. The extra $2.3bn in the 2015-2016 fiscal year, as percent in the medium term. The FOMC Canadian dollar extended its decline to it trimmed forecasts for the economic out- maintained that future adjustments will be new cycle low just shy of 1.4000 against the look. According to its Mid-Year Economic ‘gradual’ although notably the dot-plot was Dollar. and fiscal outlook, the budget deficit is little changed, suggesting four quarter expected to worsen to $37.4bn, versus the point hikes next year, while the median FOMC Meeting $35.1bn forecast provided in May. long run funds rate is still seen at 3.5 per- During the press conference, Fed Chair In different news, the RBA minutes sug- cent. The announcement was perceived to Yellen said that the decision reflected their gested lower interest rates were supporting be less dovish than the markets anticipated confidence in the US economy and that household spending and that a weaker sending the US dollar up across the board. they saw an economy that is on the path of exchange rate is aiding firms, they also Equity markets also rallied on the news, sustainable improvement. She highlighted added that a subdued inflation outlook in part as Yellen made it clear the Fed would that while developments abroad still pose a gives further scope to ease policy further proceed slowly with further tightening. risk, these appeared to have lessened since The latest retail sales out of china show However, the reaction on the foreign last summer. Yellen also argued once again that the number rose by 11.2 percent on a exchange side was different. that the softness in inflation was transitory lent of four 25bps hikes. The 2017 median currency of choice in 2015, the continued cerns over falling commodity prices, stating yearly basis setting a ten-month high. After largely outperforming its peers on and that a delay in policy normalization dot was nudged down 25bps to 2.375 per- deterioration in emerging and commodi- that low oil prices and subdued wage Industrial production was up 6.2 percent Wednesday and Thursday, the USD has would have meant policy would need to be cent while the 2018 median dot was down ties markets helped the euro remain stable growth are keeping a lid on inflation. also while fixed asset investment was reversed part of its gains by the end of the tightened abruptly later 12.5bps to 3.25 percent. The longer-term in December. As we come close to the holi- In the beginning of 2016, external and unchanged at 10.2 percent on a yearly week with the Euro rebounding from the According to the Fed statement, the neutral rate was left unchanged at 3.5 per- day’s season, traders’ reaction to the Fed political drivers will be the major catalysts basis. These indicators suggest positive 1.08 level. Thursday’s few macro releases outlook for the US economic activity and cent. December meeting is to reduce risk expo- for the Sterling Pound. With inflation momentum ahead for the Chinese econo- didn’t do much to move the currency. The the labor market are now being ‘balanced’, sure, take positions off and remain on the prospects looking subdued and with my. German IFO survey was as uninspiring as compared to the previous statement of Strong retail sales sideline into year-end. Europe continually stealing growth from its In other news, the PBoC published last the latest ZEW or Eurozone PMI. The curren- ‘nearly balanced’. The focus was also on Initial jobless claims fell 11k last week to As their policy has proven to be success- major partners, the benefits from UK posi- week a new trade weighted exchange rate cy ended the week near the low at 1.0870. how the Fed was to determine the timing 271k against expectation of 275k. in paral- ful, the ECB is likely to continue to play the tive employment and cheaper commodity index for the Renminbi. The statement In the UK, the Sterling Pound is ending and size of future adjustments. Although lel, disappointment came from the same game and not tolerate any Euro prices have run out leaving the BoE worried released said that the intention of this was the year on the back foot, as the currency is the statement continued to emphasize that December Philly Fed, measure of manufac- movement to the upside, whether by inter- about deflation and postponing any inter- to ‘shift how the public and the market at risk of slipping to its lowest level since “the committee expects that economic turing activity, which fell 7.8 pts this month vening verbally or through their policy est rates hike further into 2016, possibly observe the RMB exchange rate move- April. Sterling hardly received any relief conditions will evolve in a manner that will to -5.9 against expectations of increase of decisions. beginning of 2017. ments. The statement goes on to say that it from the release of relatively strong UK warrant only gradual increases in the feder- +1.0. This marks the third time in the last Switzerland in a deflationary environ- On a more positive note, this week’s would be more appropriate to measure the retail sales data on Thursday. UK consumers al funds rate” the committee emphasized four months that this index has been in ment retail sales volumes were up 1.7 percent performance of the RMB against both the have been the pillar of the strong UK recov- the dependence on the upcoming eco- negative territory. While markets expected further interest from the month before, beating forecasts US Dollar and also the basket of trade ery. But for the pound to reverse recent nomic data. Moreover, the six-month forward index rates cut during the December meeting, for growth of 0.5 percent. On the year, sales weighted currencies. weakness, the data would need to be On a different point, the Fed expects to of general business conditions plunged the SNB left the policy rate on hold at -0.75 volumes were up 5 percent, better than the The PBoC expects the new basket of accompanied by more visible inflation pres- maintain the current size of its balance more than 20 points to 23.0 in December percent, versus market for around a 25 per- 3 percent growth forecast. The amount currencies to be a more explicit reference in sures through 2016, for the moment non- sheet “until normalization of the level of the from 43.4 in November, and is currently at cent probability of a 25bp cut. The accom- spent was also up on the year, by 1.4 per- setting the value of the RMB in the future. existent. federal funds rate is well under way.” The the lowest level since November 2012. panying statement and press conference cent. Most importantly, they see this as a signal The Yen had its own part of drama this Fed’s median forecasts for real GDP growth, Diminished expectations may be a func- were dovish, reiterating willingness to For now, investors are likely to shy away that China does not intend to engage in week. In a usual 8 to one vote, the bank unemployment and inflation were tion of several influences in the manufac- actively intervene in FX markets and cut from the UK as concerns over Brexit risk, a competitive devaluation. kept the size of its QE programme unchanged relative to the previous meet- turing sector, including a stronger U.S. dol- rates further. tighter local fiscal policy in 2016, and a con- Given the strength of the US dollar, mar- unchanged aiming at an annual expansion ings. 2016 GDP growth was revised up to lar, weaker global demand and lackluster For the SNB, the stability of the tinuation of weakness in emerging markets kets have started to assume that the PBoC of JPY 80 trillion at the meeting that ended 2.4 percent, while the 2017 and 2018 fore- domestic business investment. exchange rate and avoiding renewed are keeping a pessimistic view on interest is trying to use the basket as a justification Friday. According to the BoJ, it will extend casts were left unchanged at 2.2 percent upside pressure on the franc remains key to rates path. to further weaken the renminbi and prop the average maturity of its government and 2.0 percent. The unemployment rate is Europe & UK the monetary policy. up the Chinese economy bond holdings to seven-to-12 years, expected to decline to 4.7 percent in the The Eurozone economic data surprise As the Swiss Franc remains the G10’s Bank of Japan Kuwait announced a new program for exchange- next three years, down from the previous index remained resilient throughout Q4 lowest yielder, yearly Swiss growth remains This Friday, Bank of Japan surprised Kuwaiti dinar at 0.30365 traded fund purchases and said it will boost 4.8 percent forecast. and outperformed the US counterpart. The below the 1 percent and the country is markets by keeping policy unchanged at its The USDKD opened at 0.30365 yesterday the maximum amount it can buy of any Meanwhile the core inflation rate was continuous low currency gave a boost for comfortably sitting in a deflationary envi- current level of •80 trillion expansion. morning. Al-Tijari announces Fed rate hike to have minimal winners of Al-Najma Account draw

impact on Gulf economies KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the Al-Najma Account draw yesterday. The draw was held under the supervi- KUWAIT: In a much anticipated move, the lag effect and the markets can react positively. sion of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry represented by Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first KAMCO INVESTMENT RESEARCH REPORT Also taking in a positive view the borrowers Saquer Al-Manaie. time in almost eight years to a new target range who might be sitting without action thinking The winners of the Al-Najma daily draw are: of 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent, up from zero to impact on the latter is not immediate. Inflation levels in control that rates will remain low will now start to raise Jawad Abdullah Al-Harz-KD 7000, Layla Mohammed 0.25 percent since 2008. According to the official Kuwait has maintained inflation levels in a debt so that they can raise at lower rates rather Ashkanani-KD 7000, Sabry Abdulsattar Abdulmaoujood-KD statement, the rate hike would be followed by a Brace for further impact very tight range of 1-3.5 percent over the past than later so we might see more debt issuances 7000, Digna Lacuata Boniog-KD 7000, Fatma Jassim gradual tightening based on higher inflation lev- Although gradually, interest rates in the US few years. This is an ideal range as also targeted and the corporates might hasten their capital Mohammad Mothfar- KD 7000. els in the forecast period. According to the offi- are expected to rise significantly in the near term. by the US Fed and other central banks globally. expenditure using the lower yielding debt. This The Commercial Bank of Kuwait announces the biggest cial forecast, a rate of 1.375 percent is expected According to the official expectations, the medi- A higher rate would result in lower inflationary can prove to be good for capital expenditure daily draw in Kuwait with the launch of the new Najma at the end of 2016, implying four 25 bps increase um term rates are expected to reach above 3 pressure that would in turn result in lower real- and corporate actions such as M&A which use account. Customers of the bank can now enjoy a KD 7,000 dai- in the target range next year. The move by the percent by as early as 2018, whereas the longer ization for producers. The Kuwaiti government debt. ly prize which is the highest in the country and another 4 Fed was seen as one of the loosest fiscal tighten- term rates are expected to remain slightly higher has announced an ambitious capital spending Despite the fall in oil prices, Kuwait and most mega prizes during the year worth KD 100,000 each on differ- ing measures sending a dovish signal to the mar- but within the 3-4 percent range. According to plan for the next five years. Governments’ bor- of the other GCC economies have adequate fis- ent occasions: The National Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and on ket. The marginal increase also sent a positive the Fed’s December Summary of Economic rowing costs are also likely to increase that cal and monetary tools to deal with monetary the 19th of June which is the date of the bank’s establishment. signal, especially for the equity markets, as it Projections, the median monetary policymaker would affect infrastructure spending plans in policy changes in the US as well as within the With a minimum balance of KD 500, customers will be eligi- gave depositors a marginally higher interest believes that it would be appropriate for the fed- the long run adding to the headwinds facing region. Measures such as reducing subsidies ble for the daily draw provided that the money is in the earnings, stemmed investor confidence in the eral funds rate to end 2016 at close to 1.4 per- economic growth. But we feel Kuwait has and introducing taxes have already been imple- account one week prior to the daily draw or 2 months prior to economy and expectations of a little bit higher cent. Markets would be in for a surprise if, as per enough financial cushion to overcome this mented or are being seriously planned. the mega draw. In addition, for each KD 25 a customer can get prices in the near term. the indications of the dot plot, the Fed increases issue. Kuwait inflation was recorded at 3.2 per- Moreover, in addition to past fiscal surpluses one chance for winning instead of KD 50. Following the US Fed rate hike announce- the rate four times during 2016. Nevertheless, cent as of last quarter and KAMCO Research that are now being drawn to finance capital Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this opportunity to con- ment, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain raised the average expectations of policymakers have expects it to trend at the 4 percent mark espe- projects, the valuation of sovereign wealth gratulate all lucky winners and also extends appreciation to their benchmark rates. Saudi Arabia raised its declined as compared to the September-15 cially when the government starts budget funds of most of the bigger economies in the the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their effective overnight reverse repo rate by 25 bps to 50 bps meeting. The average expectation by the end of rationalization and gradually introduce taxes. GCC (Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) have got supervision of the draws which were conducted in an orderly but left its benchmark repo rate unchanged at 2017 is at 2.4 percent as compared to previous a boost as the USD is strengthening. This should and organized manner. 2.0 percent. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of expectation of 2.6 percent. Similarly, the average The benefits help in maintaining the creditworthiness of the Kuwait (CBK) raised its benchmark discount rate rate projection for 2018 is 3.2 percent, down Higher cost of financing by the end of 2016 economies in the region thereby enabling them by 25 bps to 2.25 percent, whereas Bahrain, from 3.3 percent previously. Moreover, according would force corporates to look at other modes to maintain/support their credit ratings and to Lew: Congress missed while keeping the repo rate unchanged at 2.25 to Bloomberg, markets are expecting a much of funding. With the current rate hike, cost of raise additional funds. What is required from percent, raised its overnight interest rate by 25 slower pace of increase to reach just about 1 per- bank borrowing will increase for businesses and policymakers in the GCC and Kuwait is more ‘crucial’ chance to bps to 0.5 percent and its rate for one week also cent by the end of 2016. consumers by at least 12.5 percent. This would efforts on fiscal prudence along with monetary help Puerto Rico by 25 bps to 0.75 percent. provide a push to equity and fixed income policies so that we can create a more broad- The move by the three Gulf countries was Immediate impact financings. On the other hand, higher bench- based growth economies. expected since the GCC countries have pegged The marginal increase in rates would is mark rate would increase the yield on bonds The government has already initiated the WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama’s administration their respective currencies against the USD (with expected to have minimal impact on gulf and therefore bonds will be selling at a dis- implementation of infrastructure projects to slammed Congress for passing a fiscal 2016 spending bill the exception of Kuwaiti Dinar which is pegged economies in the near term. Its effect on the count, which will be more attractive to investors energize the private sector to share the burden Friday that lacked assistance to Puerto Rico, as the US territo- against a basket of currency dominated by the Kuwaiti economy would be insignificant in the particularly since equity markets have been of creating sustainable jobs. This will be cou- ry battles a debt crisis. USD). The rate hike, as also highlighted by Fitch short term as it is already priced across asset extremely volatile over the past one year and pled with an increase in public debt (currently “Congress missed a crucial opportunity to provide Puerto Ratings, is primarily to maintain the currency peg classes such as equities, bonds and real estate. are expected to remain so in the next year. In zero) and new tax regimes in order to fund Rico with meaningful tools to address its fiscal crisis,” Treasury and does not represent any urgency or However, subsequent rate hikes, as indicated by terms of sector performance, the hike would these strategic projects. We shall see more stock Secretary Jacob Lew said in a statement. “The administration fiscal/monetary pressure. On the other hand, the Fed Reserve, would result in higher financing decrease discretionary consumer spending put- market delistings, mergers to rationalize operat- has been clear that the situation in Puerto Rico is urgent.” The absence of a rate increase would have put pres- costs for corporates and therefore would in turn ting pressure on businesses in these sectors. It’s ing costs and over performance of defensive Caribbean island is saddled with unpayable debts of over sure on the local currencies and in the longer run affect corporate profitability and performance in likely that businesses in defensive sectors such sectors. In light of possible further devaluation $70 billion. Earlier in December the governor of Puerto Rico, lured investors to sell their local assets in the gulf the long-run. It would also keep oil and com- as education and healthcare to do better as of Kuwaiti Dinar (expected KWD/USD of 310 Alejandro Garcia Padilla, asked the US Congress to pass a law region and invest in higher-yielding dollar-based modity prices under pressure. Moreover, the they will be able to pass these increases to the fils), investments denominated in major foreign that will allow Puerto Rico to declare bankruptcy. The Obama investments. apparent flow of higher interest earnings (higher consumer. Businesses with excess cash are likely currencies shall witness an increase across the administration has repeatedly said it will not bail out Puerto The rate hikes comes at a time when gulf NIM) to banks would fade as demand for financ- seek acquisitions in order to continue growing main asset classes such as equities, fixed Rico, but it has strongly supported bankruptcy legislation to economies are suffering from a severe economic ing declines amid higher borrowing costs (it will which will spur M&A activities. As for consumers income and real estate. allow an orderly debt restructuring under court supervision. slowdown due to the excessive dependence on affect their loan portfolio growth). Consequently, who might be facing decline in their disposable It is all about relative value or spreads above “Providing restructuring authority to the people of Puerto oil revenues. Also, banks in the gulf region have the spread between the yield on investment and income, savings and capital protected invest- the discount rate. As discount rate increase, Rico will require Congress to confront difficult interests and been hit with tightening liquidity conditions in the benchmark rate will narrow. Higher rates ments shall be increasing gradually to create asset prices decrease assuming spreads remain tough issues, but it is essential to protect the 3.5 million the recent months owing to the decline in oil would affect capital expenditure and will slow positive inflation-adjusted returns. the same. Nevertheless, these spreads repre- Americans who live in the commonwealth. The administra- prices. The decline in oil revenues has affected down the pace of growth which in turn will spill sent the premium investors seek to compensate tion remains committed to working with Congress to address the flow of oil money flowing in the form of bank over to the economy and stock market causing Positive indications them for taking the risk. During times of expan- this crisis,” Lew said. Puerto Rico was able to accumulate a deposits. Moreover, higher interest rates on bank less attractive prices. Lack of growth in the busi- If we look at the opposite view, raising of US sion like the current environment, spreads usu- massive amount of debt due to US laws that made the debt loans would act as a deterrent for borrowers in ness along with higher financing cost will affect rates shows strengthening of US economy ally contract as excess capital needs to be tax-free for investors who were promised that the island the region. Clearly, changes in the benchmark corporates topline and bottom-line results which which being the biggest economy will have invested in profitable venues. We shall witness could never default. Despite the inflow of funds in the 2000s, rate affect the behavior of consumers and busi- will lead to sell-offs and therefore drive stock positive bearing on the global economy and more rational decision making leading to find- the Puerto Rican economy sank into recession and has not nesses, as well as the stock market, although the prices down. trade. On the energy markets too it will have a ing bargains in equities and real estate. recovered for a decade. — AFP BUSINESS MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 KIB Chairman Sheikh Jarrah Al-Sabah receives ‘GCC Chairman of the Year’ Award for 2015

KUWAIT: The London-based premier acclaimed as a reliable and independ- banking solutions and products, as global banking and finance journal, ent global business publication spe- well as expand its network of branch- World Finance named Kuwait cialized in the banking and finance es to cater to the growing needs of International Bank’s Chairman, industries regionally and internation- the customers and take their Islamic Sheikh Mohamed Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah ally. The business journal conducts a banking experience to the next level. “GCC Chairman of the Year” for 2015. comprehensive analysis of the very Sheikh Al-Jarrah pointed out that This success is yet another in the best in the banking and financial sec- the World Finance Award and any bank’s roster of accolades and accen- tor, as well as distinguished individu- other awards that were granted to the tuates Al-Jarrah’s significant record of als and groups who have spearhead- bank or any of its pioneers act as a accomplishments achieved through- ed several important advances and solid proof of the bank’s excellence in out the years at various renowned made history around the world. It terms of operations, adequate per- financial institutions, be it conven- plays a key role in elevating the bank- formance and successful strategies. tional or Islamic. Bringing an exten- ing industry at all levels, especially He added, “I would like to take this sive experience in the financial sec- when it comes to the financial servic- opportunity to convey my gratitude tor, Al-Jarrah secured senior positions es and solutions. He added that the and congratulations to both the and accomplished one success after awards judging panel is accurately bank’s staff and customers, for their the other, which helped raise the per- evaluating and selecting distin- Sheikh Mohamed continuous loyalty and unparalleled formance bar in the banking indus- guished winners, which makes it one Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah dedication that led to this outstand- try. His leadership and strong vision of the most remarkable economic 2015 is another achievement that will ing recognition and made us a key proved to be vital for the KIB’s con- and financial events among the urge us to reach new heights and player in the robust Islamic banking stant growth and success, position- regional and global business. He stat- achieve our goals, especially the 5- industry locally and regionally”. He ing the bank at the forefront of the ed that recipients of the annual World year strategy that is set to be imple- referred to the “GCC Chairman of the Islamic banking world and setting a Finance Awards are the most praise- mented from 2015 to 2020 and the Year” Award for 2015 as the fruit of good example for others inside and worthy in their field, which embodies new promising transformation strate- the joint effort of KIB’s departments outside Kuwait. their eminent achievements, innova- gy that will be completed by the end and the healthy working atmosphere, Al-Jarrah expressed his deep grati- tion and brilliance. of 2017. He affirmed that Al-Dawli which also nominated us to win the tude for this honor and recognition Al-Jarrah said, “The receipt of the would spare no effort to innovate and “Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait” Award from World Finance that is highly “GCC Chairman of the Year” Award for develop forward-thinking Islamic for two consecutive years 2014-2015. Nissan Juke awarded as ‘Best Compact Utility Vehicle’

DUBAI: Nissan has received a prestigious award for its popular crossover the Nissan Juke, in the yearly ceremony hosted by Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) awards. The well-established annual MECOTY Awards is the biggest and most coveted of its kind in the region and employs a judging jury comprised of no fewer than 12 experts from all over the Middle East. For 2015 the jury awarded Best Compact Utility Vehicle to the Nissan Juke, at the MECOTY Awards ceremony, which took place in Dubai recently after a rigorous three-stage voting process. “To win at MECOTY is a big deal, and the Juke’s victory is incredibly well deserved,” says Managing Director of Nissan Middle East, Samir Cherfan. “This region loves the Juke for AUB announces its its many virtues - its compact dimensions, its ease of operation, its intelligent use of space sponsorship of elite real estate and, most of all, its huge personality. That the MECOTY experts agreed is testament to conference and exhibition Nissan’s ability to give customers cars that excite as well as perform.” KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank has announced property, to fulfill their dreams and ambi- Nissan Juke has proved to be extremely pop- its sponsorship of the Elite Real Estate con- tions, either for residential use or for invest- ular in the Middle East since its launch, and its ference and exhibition held between 14-19 ment purposes. growing sales figures show no sign of slowing Over the past year, the Nissan Juke has forged 2015, it was the best-selling car in its segment in December . The event was organized by The Bank issued a press release on the down. The Nissan Juke’s success has been ahead with highly impressive sales results. The the entire country. It’s a success story repeated Eskan Global Exhibitions Group and held occasion which clarified that the Bank’s unprecedented and its rugged, unique looks vehicle now has a six per cent share of the SUV-S throughout the region and, as Nissan Middle at the International Fairgrounds in Mishref. participation in such distinguished events and compact footprint have made it the ideal market segment - jumping from five per cent a East looks forward to 2016, it does so from a Through its pavilion at the exhibition, stems from its belief in supporting eco- compact crossover for young urban motorists year ago. In the UAE, the Juke’s share has position of enormous strength through the Bank provided a full explanation of its nomic activities, including real estate, due with a sense of fun and adventure. jumped from eight to 11 per cent and, in March ‘Innovation that Excites’. services and products which are based on to its vital role in helping drive the econo- the provisions of Islamic Sharia. The Bank my in Kuwaiti. The Bank added: “We are highlighted its services in real estate proud of the excellent turnout of visitors at financing which it provides for its clients our pavilion who expressed great interest Xcite.com’s 4th birthday through a package of facilities and privi- in the financing products provided by Ahli leges to enable nationals to own their United Bank”. comes with amazing offers Get up to 70% off on www.xcite.com

KUWAIT: X-cite by Alghanim Electronics website plans to celebrate its birthday in the best way possible. On December 20, 2015, Xcite.com will officially turn four years old. In celebration of its big day, Xcite.com will have a mega-sale for one week on its website, www.xcite.com, where customers can enjoy up to 70 percent off on almost everything offered. Whether you are interested in the latest gadgets and gizmos in the market or are looking to upgrade your electronics at home, on December 20th till 26th is the time to do that as you will get the best electronics offers in Kuwait. All you need to do is visit www.xcite.com or simply download X-cite’s app to enjoy up to 70 percent off on the most popular smartphones, World’s favourite jeweller, Joyalukkas tablets, computers, appliances and much more. page on Facebook.com/XciteAlghanim for a store and online at www.xcite.com or even What more is that X-cite app users will receive chance to win amazing prizes. through its app. With its engaging and easy-to- opens showroom in Shabiya, UAE exclusive alerts reminding them about limited- X-cite has the largest network of retail elec- use product display that encourages customers time hourly deals. Whether you buy something tronic stores in Kuwait and the Middle East. It to get hands-on with the product of their choice, ABU DHABI: The globally renowned jew- the superior expectation of the residents online or through the app, X-cite will deliver offers a convenient, dynamic and modern shop- X-cite’s shopping experience is further enhanced ellery retail chain, Joyalukkas has opened of here. ‘JOYALUKKAS’ is the only jew- everything you purchased right to your ping experience that aims to add joyous, enter- with its Easy Credit program, a highly skilled and their much awaited, jewellery showroom ellery brand that is spread across 10 doorstep for absolutely free. Make the most out taining moments to shoppers’ time spent in multi-lingual team of sales professionals and the in Shabiya, ME 11 Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. countries around the world with 110 of X-cite’s big day by visiting X-cite’s Facebook The showroom was inaugurated by T P showrooms and has a following of over Seetharam, Ambassador of India to UAE 10 million loyal customers world-wide. in the presence of John Paul Alukkas, “We are delighted to open our jew- Chinese think tank Saudi retreats after oil Executive Director, Joyalukkas Group, ellery showroom in Shabiya and are Sonia John Paul, Director, Joyalukkas extremely grateful to the country and it’s says govt should ease drops, Egypt resilient Group, Mary Antony, Director, lovely residents for the warm welcome Joyalukkas Group, Antony Jos, Director, they have given us. Our team is eager to money policy in 2016 Joyalukkas Group, many local dignitaries serve jewellery shoppers here with the and VIP’s. best and widest range in jewellery”, said BEIJING: China’s economy in 2016 2016, state media reported on MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS “Firstly a big thank you to Seetharam, John Paul Alukkas, Executive Director, still faces relatively large down- Friday. The central bank has also Ambassador of India to UAE for taking Joyalukkas Group. ward pressure and the speed of been notable for its lack of a DUBAI: Saudi Arabian stocks retreat- budget is announced.” time of his precious schedule to attend The Joyalukkas jewellery showroom economic growth may fall further, response to the US Federal ed yesterday after oil prices fell fur- Concern that the kingdom’s our opening ceremony. Would also like has been designed in the signature said a top planning body’s think Reserve’s interest rate hike on ther and as investors sold ahead of budget will include major spending to thank the residents of Shabiya for a Joyalukkas format with stylish and con- tank, recommending more mone- Wednesday. the expected publication this week cuts, as the government tries to nar- very warm welcome. The jewellery show- venient interiors to offer the widest tary policy easing, the Economic The NDRC think tank predicted of the 2016 state budget, while row a deficit caused by low oil room in Shabiya offers the best experi- choice of jewellery under one roof. Daily reported yesterday. that investment growth could fall Egypt’s bourse headed for a fourth prices, has been weighing on the ence in jewellery shopping to residents Joyalukkas is the only ISO 14001-2006 The National Development to about 9 percent in 2016. From straight day of gains. market for months. and Reform Commission’s (NDRC) here. Our promise is the best in choice, & ISO 9001-2008 certified jewellery retail January to November this year, The Saudi index fell 1.9 percent in Egypt’s economy could benefit think tank recommended that fixed-asset investment growth has designs, value, service and convenience chain and has been recognised with early trade to 6,911 points, as the from cheap oil and its stock index China’s government continues to been 10.2 percent year-on-year. for jewellery lovers here at all times,” said many awards and accolades for its excep- bank sector declined 2.8 percent climbed 0.3 percent in early trade cut interest rates and banks’ Real estate investment may be Joy Alukkas, Chairman & MD, Joyalukkas tional standards in jewellery retailing. It’s after enjoying a strong rally on yesterday. Commercial International reserve requirement ratio to bol- flat, the report said. Consumption Group. popular Chennai showroom has been Thursday. Bank rose 1.8 percent, adding to a ster flagging growth in the world’s growth could face a year of single National Commercial Bank and Al 5.6 percent jump on Thursday after Conveniently located in Shabiya, ME recognised by the Limca Book of records second largest economy. China digit growth in 2016, while 11 Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, the showroom for being the largest jewellery showroom Rajhi Bank dropped 2.9 and 3.3 per- it agreed to sell investment banking should also give way to pressure exports may grow slightly, said cent respectively, wiping off most of subsidiary CI Capital to Orascom features the wide range and most exqui- in the world. Joyalukkas has been recog- on yuan depreciation, the think the think tank. The think tank rec- site collection of jewellery in all precious nized with the ‘Superbrand’ status 6 years Thursday’s gains, which were due to Telecom for 1 billion Egyptian tank said, in order to boost ommended expanding China’s fis- hopes that higher interest rates pounds ($128 million). Orascom rose form i.e. Gold, Diamond, Precious Stone, in a row in Dubai and in-addition to this exports. Beijing has been strug- cal deficit to support major proj- Pearls and Platinum. Joyalukkas show- has also been recognized by the Dubai would improve lending margins. a further 1.7 percent after surging gling to reach its economic ects and possibly issuing more “The so-called market euphoria 11.1 percent on Thursday. room offers a choice of over One Million govt. under its Dubai Quality Awards growth target of around 7 percent central and local government designs from around the world to meet Program for their strict adherences to following the US interest rate hike Orascom Telecom plans to this year, despite a raft of policy bonds. The stock market should on Wednesday was short-lived,” said merge CI Capital with Beltone all the dreams and expectations of jew- quality and procedures in all aspects of easing steps in recent months. be stabilized and efforts made to ellery lovers in Shabiya. The Joyalukkas jewellery retailing. The brand has also a Jeddah-based trader. “Some Financial, which it bought last China’s top leaders have start- fend off the risk of large-scale cap- traders turned a quick profit and month for almost 650 million sales team have also been extensively won the ‘Middle-east retailer of the year’ ed an annual meeting to map out ital outflows, the think tank also trained by retail specialists to manage award from Retail ME. sold positions, and they are not will- pounds. Beltone rose 8.9 percent economic and reform plans for proposed. — Reuters ing to re-enter the market until the yesterday morning. — Reuters technology MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015

Kuwait’s mobile handset market set to shrink in 2016

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti mobile handset mar- for goods and services within the wider also has one of the highest ratios of smart- brands are also launching models in this seg- Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and the ket is tipped to shrink 6 percent year on year economy.” phones per person in the world, with about ment of the market or lowering their prices. Middle East and Africa. This tracker service in 2016, according to the latest forecasts 1.6 smartphones shipped annually per per- Samsung, for example, has responded by quantifies for clients the trends impacting from International Data Corporation (IDC). Fastest growth rate son. It is these trends that are helping to offering a number of models priced below the mobile phone market, and provides, on a The global technology research and consult- Over the past few years, Kuwait has wit- drive smartphone penetration in the coun- $150, including the Samsung JI and the quarterly basis, vendor shares, technology ing services firm expects the market to fol- nessed high growth in the penetration of try.” Samsung JI Ace among others. trends, and a host of technical breakouts that low up respective year-on-year declines of 19 mobile phones, registering one of the fastest Another key trend driving smartphone Kuwait has a 4G network covering the help vendors and industry players define percent and 22 percent in the second and growth rates in the world in terms of handset penetration is the price of such devices. whole country, and this superb infrastructure strategies for tracking the future wireless third quarters of this year with a downturn of shipments. Indeed, historical IDC data shows According IDC, devices below the $150 price presents a significant opportunity for smart- device market. 17 percent for 2015 as a whole. that mobile phone shipments to Kuwait point are seeing higher growth rates than phone manufacturers. According to GSMA, International Data Corporation (IDC) is “In line with global trends, the market has increased 159 percent between 2012 and those priced above that level. Shipments of Kuwait’s mobile broadband penetration rate the premier global provider of market intelli- seen a consolidation of brands, with the likes 2014. This was mainly driven by the strong smartphones priced below $150 grew 275 sits at a high 77 percent, which presents a gence, advisory services, and events for the of BlackBerry dropping off the radar com- uptake of smartphones, which saw growth of percent year on year in 2014, while those clear opportunity for heavy data usage, such information technology, telecommunica- pletely,” says Isaac T. Ngatia, a mobile hand- 272 percent over the same two-year period, priced above $150 grew just 17 percent over as video streaming. It is little surprise then tions, and consumer technology markets. sets analyst at IDC Middle East, Africa, and primarily courtesy of Samsung and Apple. the same period. This trend has continued that IDC’s data shows that LTE devices con- IDC helps IT professionals, business execu- Turkey. “It is also clear that Kuwait is a brand- Despite the decrease in overall shipments into 2015, albeit at a much slower rate, with tributed to 63 percent of all smartphone tives, and the investment community make centric market where consumers tend to in 2015, two trends that have prevented the shipments of <$150 devices up 37 percent shipments to Kuwait in Q3 2015. As such, IDC fact-based decisions on technology purchas- stick with their preferred brands. Various market from suffering a faster pace of year on year over the first three quarters of believes that devices that are equipped with es and business strategy. More than 1,000 macro factors are also hampering growth, decline are worth noting. “The trend of own- the year, while shipments of >$150 devices the necessary processing capabilities and IDC analysts provide global, regional, and including the expected flattening of the mar- ing multiple phones in Kuwait and a shorten- declined 25 percent over the same nine- carry the optimal price point will continue to local expertise on technology and industry ket in general due to declining consumer ing of smartphone replacement cycles are month period. thrive in this challenging marketplace. opportunities and trends in over 110 coun- demand and slowing population growth the key factors driving shipments to the tries worldwide. For more than 50 years, IDC (mainly of expats). The oil and gas sector in country,” says Nabila Popal, research manag- The growth in cheaper devices is being The Research has provided strategic insights to help our Kuwait accounts for about 95 percent of er for mobile phones at IDC Middle East, spurred by a combination of factors such as IDC’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa clients achieve their key business objectives. export revenues and about 60 percent of the Africa, and Turkey. “A shorter replacement new brands launching low-end phones in Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker provides a IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world’s leading country’s GDP, meaning falling oil prices are cycle implies people are buying more this price segment. These include VSun, unique insight into the forces shaping the technology media, research, and events having a negative ripple effect on demand phones within a short period of time. Kuwait Xtouch, and Obi, among others. Established handset and smartphone markets in Western company.

Kuwait’s PAAET launches New dawn or Wild West? ‘Sharing economy’ goes global

WASHINGTON: It’s a new dawn for transport, at least 67 countries, and Airbnb which oper- Microsoft Office 365 lodging-and pretty much every service under ates in 190 countries including Cuba, peer-to- the sun-and it’s all about “sharing.” The so- peer platforms have the potential “to radically called sharing economy gained traction across upend both how we consume goods and how The largest deployment of Office 365 in Kuwait the globe in 2015 as Uber upended the taxi we work to afford them,” said the PwC report. business, Airbnb disrupted the hotel sector Notable platforms include Task Rabbit (run- KUWAIT: In line with the belief in the importance and a host of online and mobile startups let ning errands), Hourly Nerds (computer con- of leveraging technology to develop employable people moonlight as chefs or handymen. sultants), Thumbtack (home repairs), Bon skills to prepare youth for a stronger future, Many see great promise in the collabora- Appetour (home-cooked meals) and Washio Microsoft Kuwait has announced that its tive economy, starting with the people flock- (laundry). Services such as Instacart, Postmates Microsoft Office 365 product will be deployed by ing to it as way to turn their car or apartment, and Grubhub deliver meals or groceries. the Public Authority for Applied Education and spare time or hobby, into a source of revenue- “I see this as one stage in a progression rep- Training (PAAET), to be used by the establish- with far great flexibility than a conventional resenting how digital technologies are chang- ment’s students, faculty, and staff. job. ing how we organize work, which has been The new Microsoft office 365 which was A PriceWaterhouse study estimates that going on for 30 years,” said New York University installed at the Public Authority for Applied the “sharing” or “peer-to-peer” economy will professor Arun Sundararajan, who specializes Education is considered to be the largest deploy- explode from roughly $15 billion in worldwide in the subject. In the United States alone, some ment of Office 365 in Kuwait. Over 60 thousand revenues at the end of 2014 to $325 billion by 18 million workers now earn a significant por- users between students, faculty, and staff will be 2025. But critics worry the rising sector is an tion of their income outside of traditional able to make full use of the great benefits this unregulated Wild West with few safeguards for employment, according to MBO Partners. And program offers. either workers or consumers, and the trend a study by financial software group Intuit Office 365 provides a variety of services, has raised hackles from incumbents fearing for found that 80 percent of large corporations including business class e-mail, cloud storage and their survival-cue the taxi driver protests plan to increase their use of a “flexible work- file sharing, in addition to the Microsoft Office against Uber seen around the world. force” in coming years. suite. Students, faculty and staff at PAAET cam- Posting on the Uber forum under the han- Sundararajan says his research suggests puses will now be able to work from anywhere, as dle DaveM, one driver describes a summer gig people in digital labor markets often earn Microsoft’s cutting-edge technology makes it on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, as idyllic. more than in traditional jobs. “The evidence I possible to centrally manage connections more “I’m making good money. If I put in the hours I have seen is that wages tend to go up when easily and efficiently. Facilities now available to can get 18 rides a day,” he writes. “Beach all day the work is related to physical presence,” as is all PAAET students and educators include an drive at night=happiness.” the case with transportation, delivery or home email account for their college or institute, 1 TB of Dr Ahmed Al-Athari, the Director General of PAAET. But user tales of woe collected on a web- services, he told AFP. With services that can be cloud storage, 15 copies of free Office applica- site called AirbnbHell, tell another side of the outsourced to distant locations, such as web tions, and some education-focused applications. Charles Nahas, Microsoft Kuwait’s General ments of public organizations, and how technol- story. One lodging guest recounts: “When I got design or translation, wages often fell. Office 365 pushes for collaboration between edu- Manager, said: “Microsoft is committed to sup- ogy can help create efficiencies. We believe that to the house and met the folks they seemed The people who stand to benefit most, said cators and students in and out of the classroom, porting the education sector, and Office 365 is this solution set can be effectively translated into cool. When I went out for dinner, they stole all the NYU professor, are those struggling to and drives for collaboration between students. proving to be very beneficial for both students other usage scenarios with other organizations my stuff and locked me out. To make it worse, make ends meet, and who are at or below Dr Ahmed Al-Athari, the Director General of and faculty. As a technology enabler, Microsoft and authorities, directly contributing to the tech- they sent me an email saying God bless, Jesus median income. PAAET, said: “Technology is a critical component works with educational institutions to provide nological advancement of the public sector in loves you.” “These are people who can afford to take a in ensuring that we deliver the highest quality the technology tools that can transform the Kuwait.” Nahas added. Microsoft takes a holistic vacation because they can rent their place on educational experience to our students, while experience. With the mix of applications and tools and long-term approach to supporting education Who stands to benefit? Airbnb, who can afford their car payments enabling them, and their teachers, to connect at in Office 365, PAAET students and faculty will find and is working closely with governments, educa- Facilitated by smartphones and geoloca- because they drive for a ridesharing service.” their convenience. Microsoft offers the best solu- solutions that will help them be more efficient tors, parents, students and NGOs in Kuwait to tion technology, the sharing model offers con- Backers say the sharing platforms are large- tion for our needs with Office 365, which will and effective in their roles”. open up access to technology that can improve sumers vastly expanded choices and often ly self-regulating: users review providers for empower our faculty, students and staff with “Our engagement with the Authority has giv- the quality of teaching as well as the learning lower prices. quality, providing incentives for good service greater access to essential functions.” en us improved insights into the specific require- experience for students of all ages. Spearheaded by giants like Uber, present in while weeding out the bad ones. — AFP Canon holds annual conference for Mideast, Central and N Africa

DUBAI: Canon, a world leader in imag- will continue to expand our business in ing solutions, held its annual Partner 2016. We see strong growth opportuni- Conference for the Middle East and ties in the region and we will continue Central and North Africa regions. A key to add value to all our stakeholders dur- highlight of the conference this year ing 2016.” was Canon Europe’s announcement of Among the highlights of 2015 is the the founding of new “Canon Central commencement of direct operations in and North Africa (CCNA)” business divi- Qatar and strengthening its facilities in sion, which will enhance Canon’s busi- Abu Dhabi. Building on the conference ness within the Africa region. theme of ‘One’, the event also focused The three-day event, held at The on ‘listening forums’ that encourage Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dubai, brought sharing feedback with partners together over 150 partners from across through open communications. Canon CARSON CITY: Gov Brian Sandoval joins state lawmakers and officials from electric 56 markets covering the Middle East has also announced the continuation of car maker Faraday Future to approve a $335-million incentive package for the com- and the newly formed CCNA region. its ‘Executive Forums’ enabling it and pany in a signing ceremony in Carson City, Nevada on Saturday. The deal required a The Conference evaluated the growth partners to work collectively and more four-day special session of the legislature. — AP and performance in 2015 before detail- efficiently, towards new possibilities ing the moving forward strategy for and wider horizons. Nevada governor signs $335m 2016. Anurag Agrawal, Managing Canon presents its ‘President Award’ to its partner Genetco from Oman. Director, Canon Middle East, said: Launch of CCNA deal to lure electric carmaker “Canon Middle East marked a success- With the launch of CCNA, all African Roman Troedthandl, the new our customers.” Canon also held a ful year in 2015 where we expanded partners originally under Canon Middle Managing Director of Canon Central forum for the participants to discuss CARSON CITY, Nevada: Nevada Gov Brian governor said before signing the bills. “But the into new markets and strengthened East and Canon South Africa will now and North Africa, said: “The formation industry trends and B2B and B2C social Sandoval approved a $335 million incentive world’s changing. And I know that you agree our offering to meet the evolving transfer to the new entity by January of Canon Central and North Africa will media marketing strategies. package to attract upstart electric carmaker with me that we’re not going to let it pass us by.” requirements of customers. 2016, after which CCNA will be respon- energise our operations across Africa as A gala dinner was held at Music Hall Faraday Future’s billion-dollar factory to a hard- Nevada triumphed over California, Louisiana He added: “Canon’s Annual Partner sible for all aspects of the Africa busi- we roll out our strategy of growing our at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, where 18 hit Las Vegas suburb, even though the company and Georgia in the bid to land the factory. The Conference is a strategic opportunity ness. CCNA will meet customers’ reach and engaging our customers. We Canon partners were recognised. has yet to unveil a concept car or bring a prod- state will offer $215 million in tax credits and for us to further engage with our part- demands in the rapidly evolving and welcome our partners to this new enti- Canon presented its ‘President Award’ uct to market. abatements, and publicly finance $120 million in ners and strengthen our relationships challenging African market with ty and hope to continue building a to its partner (Genetco) from Oman*. The move came shortly after the Legislature infrastructure improvements at an underdevel- with them. As the first-point for market increased on-ground support from mutually beneficial partnership in the As a symbolic gesture of the forma- voted overwhelmingly to support the deal oped industrial park in North Las Vegas. feedback, our partners provide us valu- Canon, and a focus on developing the days ahead. Our clear strategy and fixed tion of CCNA and the transition of busi- Saturday, after a four-day special session in While Nevada is known for its libertarian able insights on customers. By listening market across all B2B and B2C product targets will enable us to grow in our tar- ness, a trophy was presented to Roman Carson City. Lawmakers learned last week that leanings and lack of a state income tax, people to them and working with them, we categories. get markets and meet the aspirations of Troedthandl. Chinese billionaire Jia Yueting was backing the who hammered out the deal say other factors secretive California-based company, which ultimately won the company over. employs some former Tesla Motors executives, “It’s not just about the tax environment. It’s and that Faraday plans to bring 4,500 direct jobs about the education, the workforce develop- to Nevada. “This is a watershed moment,” said ment, the willingness that we have to turn on a Democratic state Sen. Pat Spearman, whose dis- dime in some senses and say, ‘Please come to trict encompasses part of recession-battered our state,’” said Republican Assembly Majority North Las Vegas, where the plant will be built. “I Leader Paul Anderson. “We are known now will be happy to go back to my constituents and internationally as a place to come and do busi- say the darkness that has overshadowed us has ness. We need to keep the momentum going.” lifted.” The deal comes a little more than a year Skeptics included Republican Assemblyman after state lawmakers approved a $1.3 billion Ira Hansen, who questioned the company’s incentive package to land a massive Tesla bat- Chinese backing and said he wouldn’t trust such tery factory outside of Reno. Nevada officials an untested firm with his personal investments said the deals are reshaping and diversifying the or with the state’s. Nevada officials who negoti- state’s economy after decades of tying its fate to ated the deal testified that they built protections casinos. into the bills that acknowledge the company’s “We’re proud of our mining, we’re proud of short history. Faraday won’t be able to tap into our gaming, we’re proud of all those anchor ten- all of its abatements until it meets a $1 billion ants that we’ve had in our state,” the Republican investment threshold. — AP MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

FDA warns India’s Sun Pharma over standards at Halol plant

MUMBAI: India’s largest drugmaker Sun Pharma itself and has yet to appear on the letter are the same as those in the report issues we need to assess and understand plants in India. Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd has been FDA website, means the US agency could sent in September, Sun Pharma’s and probably consult with additional sub- Sun Pharma itself is already grappling warned by US health regulators for violat- ban imports from the plant if the prob- Managing Director and Indian billionaire ject matter experts,” he said. He said the with US import bans on five of its other ing manufacturing standards at its Halol lems are not resolved. The Halol plant Dilip Shanghvi, said in a conference call company was also putting together an manufacturing facilities in India. The plant in India, even as it has been working makes up about 15 percent of Sun late on Saturday.The company does not internal task force to assess how to company said it was cooperating with on fixing issues at the plant for over a year. Pharma’s sales in its largest market, the expect any change in the timeline to finish respond to the issues raised. The warning the FDA and willing to undertake any The US Food and Drug Administration’s United States. It is critical to the company its remediation work and invite the FDA to Sun Pharma is the latest in a series of additional steps necessary. Since last “warning letter” to Sun Pharma indicates as it has the capabilities to manufacture for a re-inspection, he said. The company FDA actions over the past year against September, Sun Pharma has not received the agency is dissatisfied with the remedi- injectable products, which are difficult to has not disclosed the timeline. drug manufacturing plants in India, which any US approvals to launch new drugs al measures the company has implement- make and hence a niche and lucrative supply about 40 percent of the medicines made at Halol. The situation will contin- ed since last September, when the FDA market for drugmakers. Approvals on hold sold in the United States. Facilities of ue until the problems are fixed, Shanghvi first notified the company of its concerns Sun Pharma said in a statement on Shanghvi said the warning letter may multinational firms manufacturing in said. “Getting the site back in compliance after an inspection. That inspection report Saturday that it had made “significant have been issued because Sun Pharma India have also faced similar US action. is a major priority and focus,” he said. The highlighted nearly two dozen issues the investments” in automation and training had not “effectively” communicated to the Just last month, India’s second-largest company did not say when exactly the FDA staff found, including problems with to improve quality systems at the plant, FDA the extent of remediation work it had drugmaker Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd warning letter was issued. The letters are aseptic practices and water leaks in the hired consultants, and was updating the already done. “Whether the remediation received an FDA warning letter citing usually posted on the agency’s website a ceiling of the manufacturing area. FDA on all the corrective measures it was commitments we made are adequate, quality control issues, including data week after they are sent to the manufac- The letter, which was publicized by Sun taking. Most of the issues in the warning whether we need to do more ... these are integrity, at three of its manufacturing turer. — Ruters

New rules bringing kidneys to Aging bear at center hardest-to-transplant patients of court fight is

WASHINGTON: A shake-up of the nation’s kidney transplant system means more organs are euthanized in Ohio getting to patients once thought nearly impossible to match, according to early tracking of the new rules. It’s been a year since the United MEDINA, Ohio: A toothless, 41- application was submitted long after Network for Organ Sharing changed rules for the year-old bear in the middle of a per- the deadline. transplant waiting list, aiming to decrease dispar- mit dispute between his owners and The Gilliums said they had cared ities and squeeze the most benefit from a scarce the state was euthanized after fin- for the bear since 1981 and had resource: kidneys from deceased donors. Now ishing a last meal that included a proper permits and licenses until the data from UNOS shows that the changes are cream-filled doughnut. The black law changed and their last permit helping certain patients, including giving those bear named Archie had been in fail- expired in 2013. They argued that expected to live the longest a better shot at the ing health for months and wasn’t they weren’t adequately notified fittest kidneys. The hope is to “really level the expected to live through hiberna- about the changes when the playing field,” said Dr Mark Aeder, a transplant tion, said owners Jeffrey and Debra Department of Agriculture took over surgeon at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland who is chairman of the Gillium. enforcement on such matters and UNOS’ kidney committee. He was euthanized by a veterinar- they believed they were grandfa- In Abingdon, Virginia, 8-year-old Marshall ian Friday after the Gilliums gave thered into the new permit system. Jones was one of the lucky first recipients. A birth him a big breakfast of dog food Debra Gillium said she took steps defect severely damaged his kidneys and a failed mixed with tapioca pudding and a to meet the new requirements, transplant when he was younger left his immune doughnut. “He usually doesn’t get including applying for a permit and system abnormally primed to reject kidneys from stuff like that, but today was a spe- trying to have Archie tagged by 99 percent of donors. Then last January, after cial day and he loves his sweets,” microchip. The department said the four years of searching, organ officials found a Debra Gillium told the Medina Gilliums simply hadn’t complied possible match, hours away by plane but avail- Gazette . “He licked the tapioca off with current law. The restrictions on able under the new policy - and it worked. “We CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia: In this photo provided by the University of my fingers.” The Gilliums had fought ownership of dangerous and exotic don’t use the word lightly, but this was really a to keep Archie despite failing to get animals were enacted after a miracle kidney for him,” said Dr Victoria Norwood, Virginia Health System, taken Dec 9, 2015, Marshall Jones, right, laughs with a permit when Ohio tightened rules Zanesville-area man released dozens Marshall’s doctor and the pediatric nephrology Dr John Barcia in the Battle Building at the University of Virginia Children’s chief at the University of Virginia. There’s a huge Hospital in Charlottesville, Va. — AP photos for keeping dangerous animals. They of exotic animals, including African gap between who needs a new kidney and who argued that the bear was old and lions and Bengal tigers, at his prop- gets one. More than 101,000 people are on the 1- fewer transplants are occurring in which ing list, and boosted transplants among long- unlikely to escape his fenced enclo- erty before killing himself in 2011. national waiting list, while only about 17,000 kid- the kidney is predicted to outlive the recipient. time dialysis users, UNOS found. In turn, trans- sure near Lodi, roughly 40 miles A judge last May dismissed a civil ney transplants are performed each year. Now, the kidneys expected to last the longest - plants inched up among African-Americans, southwest of Cleveland. They said case by the couple. “It’s been hard Roughly 11,000 of them are with kidneys donat- as calculated by donor age and medical history - who spend disproportionately more time on that moving or tranquilizing him on us physically,” Debra Gillium told ed from someone who just died; the rest occur are offered first to the patients expected to sur- dialysis. could threaten his life and that The Gazette. “We got too attached to when a patient is able to find a living donor. vive the longest. That’s called longevity match- 3- then there are those hardest-to-match denying their permit wouldn’t serve Archie. I can say that I never regret- The wait for a deceased-donor kidney varies ing. Before the change, 14 percent of the patients such as Marshall, about 8,000 of them the public interest. But the Ohio ted one day of taking care of him widely around the country, and in 2014, more longest-lasting kidneys went to recipients age 65 now on the waiting list. The new policy gives Department of Agriculture said it ‘cause he was just so sweet and lov- them special priority for organs that can be couldn’t grant a permit because the ing.” — AP shipped to a wider area of the country than other kidneys, broadening the search for a super- rare match. As a result, the percentage of transplants among those patients has risen nearly fivefold, said UNOS senior research scientist Darren Stewart. UNOS is tracking the changes closely to look for unintended problems because more transplants for one group can mean fewer for another. For example, adults younger than age 50 are getting more kidneys since the rule change, but older patients still account for about half of transplants. Another question is how the new policy will work long term as a backlog of the special-case patients starts to clear. “All of a sudden you got a floodgate that opens because you gave these people a big advantage and you’re shipping kidneys across the country to them,” said Dr John Roberts, transplant chief at the University of California, San Francisco, one of the largest kidney programs. He praised the rule change but said it may need some fine-tuning. For example, the new policy also offers wider access to the kidneys expected to last the shortest amount of time, because the oldest or sickest CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia: Marshall Jones poses for a photo in the Battle patients might choose one for a quicker trans- Building at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital. plant rather than gambling that a fitter one will become available. But, “we don’t have a great way than 4,500 people died before their turn. The or older. That dropped to 5 percent as the new to predict what’s coming for a patient” to help new kidney allocation system can’t alleviate the policy kicked in, according to UNOS monitoring. them decide, Roberts said. Discards of those less- overall organ shortage. “The only thing to short- 2- the less time spent on dialysis, the better fit kidneys temporarily increased a bit as the new en total wait time for everybody is more organ patients fare after a transplant. Yet where you policy began. Stay tuned. Transplant centers are donors,” Aeder said. Instead, the policy altered live still plays a big role in how quickly you’re put learning to handle the logistical hurdles of ship- how deceased-donor kidneys are distributed, on the transplant list, with minorities and those ping more kidneys around the country, potentially LODI, Ohio. This March 13, 2015 photo shows Archie the bear in shifting priorities so that how long you’ve been in rural and poorer areas spending more time on opening additional avenues to alleviate geo- Lodi. — AP on the waiting list isn’t the main factor. Among dialysis first. The new policy gives people credit graphic disparities, Aeder said. “There’s much the changes: for that dialysis time, moving them up the wait- more to come.” — AP US lobster exports to Europe are down for Christmas season

PORTLAND, Maine: There will be fewer claws cultural totem for generations in Europe. Exporters started shipping large amounts nent for centuries. Lobster is popular in stew in caught 60 million to 90 million pounds of lob- for Christmas in Europe this year. Less of the Eugene Delacroix’s nearly 200-year-old paint- of lobster to Europe in the early 1980s when Spain, stuffed in the shell with gruyere as lobster per year in the 1990s and 2000s but have record lobster catches that have been a boon ing, “Still Life With Lobsters,” hangs in the airspace became available, Tourkistas said, but ster Thermidor in France, and with risotto in topped 140 million pounds for three straight for the American fishing industry are making it Louvre in Paris. it has been a popular food item on the conti- Italy. Some in the American lobster industry years. onto European tables, where they have long suspect European business will be off more Longtime lobsterman William Adler said been a holiday tradition, from lobster than 25 percent this year. The recent trend he’s not that concerned about the European Thermidor in France to Italy’s La Vigilia, known reflects the deepening of a longer slide in the market’s slip because consumers farther east in America as the Feast of the Seven Fishes. amount of lobster the U.S. is sending to are making up for it. American lobster exports But a strong US dollar and a less-than-fes- Europe, where supermarkets rely on the crus- to China climbed from $2.1 million in 2009 to tive economy overseas mean a weak year for taceans to draw shoppers around the holidays. more than $90 million in last year, federal sta- American shippers like Mike Tourkistas. Shipments of live and frozen lobster from tistics show. “There’s growth in Asia,” Adler said. Tourkistas said lobster’s status as a luxury item, the US to Spain valued more than $63 million “Whatever happens in Europe happens.” — AP coupled with a rising price because of compe- in 2007 and fell to less than $40 million last tition from Chinese importers and a weak year. In Italy, where lobster is sometimes part euro, is motivating some consumers to stay of the traditional Christmas Eve seafood feast, away - even if they can afford it. For middle- American lobster imports fell nearly a fifth to aged, white Washingtonians, a troubling less than 8.2 million pounds last year. John death-rate trend A big hole opens up, and Sackton, publisher of market analytics website Russell Wilson takes it in for a touchdown - a Seafood.com, said he expects lobster to even- play that is called back on a hold against the tually come back strong in Europe. But this Seahawks. “Nobody wants to be seen with a year, the value of live lobster shipments to lobster claw hanging out of their mouth when Europe through October has dipped com- the economy is really suffering,” said pared to last, he said. Tourkistas, who is based out of Topsfield, “I would say the expectation is this will be Massachusetts. Canada and the US export the one of the weaker lobster export Christmases same species of lobster to Europe - the to Europe,” Sackton said. The drop in sales to American lobster, known for its big, meaty Europe is happening as New England fisher- YORK, Maine: A rubber band used to keep claws and popularity with summer New men are catching more lobsters than ever, handlers safe marks a lobster caught in England tourists. European waters have their YORK, Maine: In this Thursday, Dec 10, 2015, photo, Jamie Lane packs live lobsters for especially in Maine, the country’s biggest lob- American waters at the Maine Lobster own species of lobster, which has evolved as a overseas shipment at the Maine Lobster Outlet in York, Maine. — AP ster producer. American fishermen typically Outlet in York. MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE In budget deal, health law foes took a different path

WASHINGTON: Republican foes of President controversial definition of a full-time worker these particular things,” said economist Paul Barack Obama’s health care law may be able as someone who averages 30 hours a week. Van de Water of the Center on Budget and to get more by chipping away at it than try- Critics say it discourages companies from hir- Policy Priorities, referring to the deal. “They ing to take the whole thing down at once. ing full-time employees. “Maybe Republicans don’t actually have any effect on the ACA’s That’s one lesson of the budget deal passed have come to grips with the idea that the coverage expansion. In that sense, it’s not a by Congress and signed by the president last basic structure of the ACA has been in place blow against the ACA at all.” The center advo- week. It delayed a widely criticized tax on long enough that simple repeal is not possi- cates on behalf of low-income people. high-cost employer health insurance plans ble,” said economist Joe Antos of the Yet not too long ago a top White House that hasn’t taken effect yet. And it temporari- American Enterprise Institute, a business-ori- adviser was vigorously defending the ly suspended two taxes on industry already ented think tank. Perhaps the budget deal “is health law’s tax on high-cost coverage, being collected, which are also part of the practice” for more changes, he added. known as the Cadillac tax. The tax is 40 per- health law. In contrast to frontal attacks on cent of the value of employer-sponsored “Obamacare” that have repeatedly failed, this Particular things plans that exceeds certain thresholds: tactic could well succeed. Delays and sus- Supporters of the health care law are try- $10,200 for individual coverage and pensions have a way of becoming perma- ing to downplay the consequences of the $27,500 for family coverage. In its first year, nent. budget deal as superficial dings. It did not 2018, it would have affected 26 percent of Polls show that the public remains deeply touch coverage provisions that have reduced all employers and nearly half of larger com- divided over the Affordable Care Act, or ACA. the nation’s uninsured rate to a historic low panies, according to the nonpartisan Kaiser Opponents are already looking for other proof 9 percent. Indeed, Obama himself Family Foundation. Since the tax is indexed WASHINGTON: In this June 25, 2015, file photo, students cheer as they hold up visions that could be separated from the law. announced that 6 million people have to general inflation, which rises more slowly signs, outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, supporting the Affordable Next could be the “employer mandate,” a already signed up for 2016 coverage, with than health insurance premiums, it would Care Act after the Supreme Court decided that the ACA may provide nationwide requirement that larger companies offer cov- more than a month left in open-enrollment have affected a growing share of health tax subsidies. — AP erage or risk fines. Part of the mandate is a season. “I think you can make too much of plans over time. — AP ‘Concussion’ film stirs NFL brain injury debate

WASHINGTON: The film “Concussion,” trac- reduce the number of concussions in regu- ing a forensic pathologist’s quest to expose lar season games by 34 percent over the the truth about brain injuries in the NFL, past three years. “While that number does casts a spotlight on an issue that has roiled not represent success in our minds, it cer- America’s most popular sports league. The tainly is a trend in the right direction,” Miller movie also may give parents pause, accord- said. ing to the filmmakers and some former Miller said when the NFL changes rules players, about allowing their sons to play or makes it a “point of emphasis” to limit the violent sport of football. “I love football. the amount of head contact in a game, col- It’s graceful. We have a lot of beautiful foot- leges, high schools and even youth leagues ball in this film, purposefully,” said Peter take note. The league’s concussion policies Landesman, the director and writer of the came under renewed scrutiny last month movie, due in US theaters on Dec 25. when St Louis Rams quarterback Case “We’re not trying to wag our finger and say, Keenum was allowed to continue playing ‘Don’t do it.’” after suffering a concussion in a game. The Landesman added, “Sometimes the NFL said it would review why Keenum was things that we love in life are the things not taken off the field for evaluation by a that kill us. We just have to make difficult team doctor or an independent neuro- decisions about what we do with that.” Rick trauma physician as required by its concus- Walker, who played nine seasons in the sion protocols. National Football League including on the Some 5,000 former players sued the NFL Washington Redskins team that won Super over brain injuries, claiming the multibil- Bowl XVII in January 1983, said he hopes lion-dollar league concealed the dangers of women, particularly mothers, see repeated head trauma. The players agreed NEW DELHI: In this photograph taken on December 18, 2015, Indian commuters travel on a polluted road near a bus terminus in the Anand “Concussion” because they have the ability to a settlement that could cost the league Vihar District of New Delhi. — AFP at the grassroots level to make the sport $1 billion, but the settlement remains tied safer. up in the courts. Smith, nominated for a “Dads have already been aware of the Golden Globe award for his performance in Anger, fear at Delhi’s situation, and most men will play no matter “Concussion,” said that as a football dad, he what,” said Walker, now a sports commen- was conflicted about starring in the movie tator in Washington. “When you’re young, because he had been unaware before moms are taking you to Pee Wee and Pop meeting Omalu of the scientific research. pollution ground zero Warner (youth leagues).” “Mothers can be “I had watched my son play football for such a big influence. If they combine their four years, and I didn’t know. And just as a forces, they have the power to bring about parent I felt like I had to be a part of this,” ‘I don’t send my children to the park to play’ change. They will protect their babies. But Smith said. Smith said Omalu’s quest for with dads, it’s always a macho issue,” Walker the truth “become our quest also to deliver NEW DELHI: For 12 hours a day, Raju Misra said, struggling to be heard over rest of us. And studies show the dam- are partly blamed for the pollution. added. the truth. People have to know,” Smith said. Misra stands at his snack stall in the the buses. “We want the number of cars age to their lungs can be irreversible,” “Why should a rich man be travelling in The movie tells the story of Dr Bennet In 2011, lawyer Jason Luckasevic filed world’s ultimate pollution blackspot, on the road to be cut. Common people, Roychowdhury, from the Delhi-based a diesel car and pollute the environ- Omalu, played by Will Smith, who fought the first two lawsuits against the NFL on inhaling toxic fumes and railing against politicians have to come together to Centre for Science and Environment ment?” Chief Justice T.S. Thakur told the the NFL’s campaign to conceal his research behalf of more than 120 retired players India’s politicians for failing to clean up reduce Delhi’s pollution,” the 60-year- (CSE) think-tank, told AFP. In the narrow, court, which also banned the burning on the brain damage suffered by football over their brain injuries. “This is not the sto- the filthy air. Anger and alarm are rapid- old said from behind his counter. dark alleys near the bus station where of garbage. players who sustain blows to the head dur- ry of the guy who is crying the blues about ly rising throughout sprawling New Delhi has been shrouded in a toxic simple homes are clustered, Janki Devi’s The court also barred the thousands ing games and practice. Several dozen of his one concussion,” Luckasevic said. “This Delhi over the air quality that the World soup in recent weeks as winter sets in, three children stay indoors after school of diesel trucks that storm through the game’s top players, including Hall of is the story of guys like Mike Webster who Health Organization (WHO) has ranked cutting visibility and pushing PM 2.5 rather than run around outside. “I don’t Delhi every night to avoid tolls on roads Famers Mike Webster and Junior Seau, suffered repeated trauma, practice after the most hazardous on the planet. But levels more than 10 times over the send my children to the park to play. I around the city en route to the rest of have been diagnosed after they died with practice, day after day, game after game.” life is measurably more dangerous for WHO’s recommended safe limit. These don’t want them to fall ill and get fever the country.Politicians are belatedly chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a Luckasevic said in light of the movie “peo- Misra and the myriad of other street fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers or cough because of the dust,” said the jumping on board, with the Delhi gov- progressive degenerative brain disease ple will now have to make their informed vendors and rickshaw drivers who in diameter are linked to higher rates of 28-year-old, who has lived in Anand ernment announcing this month cars associated with repetitive blows to the choices knowing that football is not really scratch a living at ground zero-a bus chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and Vihar for 15 years. will only be allowed on its congested head. CTE currently is diagnosed only different from boxing, that you can get terminus in the city’s bustling Anand heart disease as they settle into the Devi, whose husband earns 8,000 roads on alternate days in January. through brain examinations after death. (brain injuries) from hitting your head Vihar suburb. lungs and can pass into the blood- rupees ($120) a month toiling in a fac- There are already more than 8.5 million thousands of times during the course of a Surrounded by major roads clogged stream. Expert Anumita Roychowdhury tory, said she works hard to keep her vehicles on Delhi’s roads with 1,400 ‘Trend in the right direction’ season.” with old trucks, along with the inter- said the elderly and children are most small home dust-free, but feels power- new cars being added every day as Jeff Miller, the NFL’s senior vice presi- Walker, who retired from the NFL after state bus station, dust-generating con- vulnerable, particularly those from poor less once they step outside the front incomes rise. Experts remain sceptical dent of health and safety policy, said he the 1985 season, said the league “is filthy struction and not far from a coal-fired families who live in areas of Delhi highly door in the poor neighborhood. India’s about how the plan will be enforced would be happy if the film spurs conversa- rich and needs to focus on the survival of power station, the area’s air routinely exposed to the particles. courts are pushing governments to act given that the police answer to the tion on how to prevent brain injuries. Miller its players.” All three of his boys played foot- tests far worse than the rest of Delhi. “In over the mounting crisis, last week national government, which shares an said recent rules changes, such as penaliz- ball. “I know I’m happier that they’re no the morning, you can see the smog and Irreversible lung damage ordering a moratorium in the city on acrid relationship with its Delhi coun- ing helmet-to-helmet hits, have helped longer playing,” Walker said. — Reuters smoke in the air from the pollution,” “Children take in more air than the large diesel luxury cars whose fumes terpart. — AFP WHAT’S ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015

YOKOHAMA ‘Save & Be Safe’ Promotion

ohamed Naser Al Sayer & Sons Co Consumer protection affairs along with heat and cold makes Yokohama a trustworthy till 4 January 2015. During the offer period for unwanted surprises on road, just great grip, (MNSS), one of the Al Sayer Group of Inderpal Singh Senior Manager, Tire Sales from brand. We thank all our customers for choosing every KD 20 spent on purchasing Yokohama stability and tread life. Al Sayer Group con- MCompanies held the second draw to Al Sayer Yokohama and Mohammad Amin Yokohama and through this promotion we aim tires customers will get a coupon entitling gratulates all winners from the second draw. select the winners of “Save & Be Safe” promo- Nasimi,Senior Manager After-Sales Marketing. to offer them great value featuring fabulous them to enter one of the three monthly draws Customers can take advantage and benefit tion at the Yokohama Center in Canada Dry, on “Globally leading Yokohama tires is a top cash prizes along with purchase of new to win fabulous cash prizes. from final draw of this promotion which will 9 December 2015. choice for customers in Kuwait backed by tech- Yokohama tires” said Krishna Kumar, General Yokohama tires are the finest offering be held on 7 January 2016. Last date to enter The draw was organized with the presence nologically advanced tire pattern as well as Manager Al Sayer Tires Oil and Paint division. responsiveness, dependability and durability. the draw will be 3rd January 2016. All of Abdul Aziz Ashkanani, Representative from promising range of product line. Moreover the Yokohama “Save & Be Safe” promotion com- The leading Japanese technology that goes Yokohama models are included in the pro- the Ministry of Commerce & Industry for durability and capability to withstand adverse menced on 4 October 2015 and will be valid in to the design and build means you get no motion.

ASSE Kuwait Chapter organizes Professional Development Conference 2015

merican Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), Kuwait function. Chairman ASSE Kuwait, Vasudevan, Director Professional The conference was sponsored by Equate, KOC, KNPC Chapter is a premier voluntary, non-profit making Major General Yousef Al Ansari Director, Kuwait Fire Development Conference (PDC) also participated in the and RIMSCO as platinum sponsors. The conference was AHealth, Safety and Environmental organization, Service Directorate Michael Belcher, President ASSE USA, discussions with question and answers. Bala Siva Srikanth endorsed by International Association of Drilling which strives to provide professional guidance, training, Fadhel Al Ali, Chairman ASSE Kuwait, Ashok Garlapati Deputy Director of the Professional Development Contractors (IADC), National Examination Board occupa- consultancy and resources to the industrial and social sec- Global Region, Vice President ASSE USA, also participated Conference (PDC) moderated the discussion. tional Safety& Health (NEBOSH) and supported by Board of tors in the region. in the inaugural ceremony. At the end of Executive Panel discussion, Riaz certified Safety professionals(BCSP), Institute of As a part of continuous efforts in its professional jour- G Sampath Reddy, President of the ASSE Kuwait Mohammed Shareef, past president of ASSE Kuwait Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH),Centre for chemical ney, ASSE Kuwait Chapter organized the 8th Chapter in his welcome address highlighted the activities Chapter and Advisory Committee member was awarded as Process Safety (CCPS). International HSSE & Loss Prevention Professional of the Chapter and welcomed everyone to this prestigious the chapter safety professional of the Year- 2015. During More than 350 delegates including Managers, Team Development Conference (PDC) and Exhibition on 9th - event. Engr Fadhel Ali, Chairman ASSE Kuwait Chapter in the two day conference, symposiums on Process Safety Leaders, Consultants, Specialists, Engineers, Physicians, 10th December 2015 at Radisson Blu Hotel, under the his opening address stated the importance of the confer- Management, Sustainable Energy and plenary session Coordinators and Inspectors and Supervisors of various patronage of Minister of oil, State of Kuwait. The two day ence. Vasudevan, Director of the ASSE Kuwait Chapter’s where 68 technical papers on topic related to the disciplines from oil sector and other companies attended conference with the Theme “Sharing Experience to 8thInternational HSSE & Loss Prevention Professional Occupational Health & Industrial Hygiene, Process Safety, the conference. AUM students who attended the confer- Enhance the HSSE Culture” was inaugurated by His Development Conference (PDC) and Exhibition, briefed the Personal Safety, Fire Safety, Environmental Engineering & ence and were given free registration for their participa- Excellency Sheikh Talal Al Sabah, Acting Undersecretary, highlights of the conference, which was organized by the Management, Loss Prevention, Industrial Security, Behavior tion. Minister of oil, State of Kuwait. volunteer efforts of the Chapters members. Based Safety (BBS), Ergonomics etc were presented. E- The closing ceremony of the conference was held on The inaugural session was attended by Mohammad After the inaugural ceremony an executive panel discus- poster exhibition on various topics were presented. the afternoon on 10th December. Feedback from the inter- Husain, President & CEO, EQUATE, Mohammad Ghazi Al sion was held with the participation of Mohammad Husain An exposition by major industrial suppliers and service nal and external participant and dignitaries were taken Mutairi CEO, Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Ismail President& CEO, EQUATE, Mohammad Ghazi Al Mutairi providers were organized during this two day conference during the closing ceremony. Bala Siva Srikanth, Deputy Abdullah Deputy CEO, Support Services Kuwait Oil CEO, Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Ismail Abdullah which was a major event where the conference delegates Director for the 8thInternational HSSE & Loss Prevention Company and several other dignitaries from oil sector Deputy CEO, Support Services Kuwait Oil Company and had an opportunity to get accustomed to the latest safety Professional Development Conference (PDC) and companies and other distinguished guests attended the Michael Belcher, President ASSE USA. Fadhel Al Ali, and fire equipments in the market. Exhibition gave the vote of thanks. KIA Motors impresses car fans at test drive event

he second KIA Road Show (test tunity to interact with the public and large SUV (V6 & V8 variants), Sorento drive event) of 2015 was showcase our award-winning models midsize SUV, Sportage small Tdeclared a “great success” by in an exciting way,” explained KIA crossover SUV, Cadenza large sedan, National Agencies Group, a subsidiary Kuwait Brand Manager, Omar Gabr. Carens multipurpose utility vehicle of Abdulaziz Al Mutawa Group of “Friday’s event was nothing short of a (MPV), SOUL crossover sedan, and companies & the Authorized great success in this respect. I would Riohatchback compact sedan. Distributor for KIA Motors in Kuwait, like to thank the visitors, National While having fun and test driving where visitors test drove their favorite Agencies Group Team and Marina amazing KIA cars, road show visitors KIA model, won valuable prizes and Mall Management for making it so.” also received KIA branded give-away enjoyed exciting family fun at Marina Gabr added that NAG received a great gifts, free shopping vouchers for con- Crescent on Friday, November 27, deal of sales inquiries at the event test winners and got coupons enti- 2015. reflecting the heavy demand for KIA tling them the enter a draw on valu- Live music, engaging activities and models year-round. able gifts: iPhone 6s, Samsung Galaxy friendly staff created the special A total of nine KIA models were on S6 Edge and Samsung Galaxy Note 5. atmosphere that KIA Roadshows have display and available for on-location The draw took place at KIA show- become famous for. “The KIA test drives, including the Grand room, on Monday, December 7 - Roadshow is an extraordinary oppor- Carnival family minivan, Mohave 11:00 am. WHAT’S ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015

Batelco win GulfRun 24HR Karting Endurance 5

ulfRun 24 hour Karting Endurance 5, powered by Zain, took place over the Gweekend at Sirbb Circuit in Shuwaikh - starting on Friday at 4:30pm ending on Saturday 4:30pm. 20 teams consisting of 180 drivers took part in the practice sessions and the highly competitive and challenging 24- hour endurance race. After 24 hours of racing in the Elite class, Batelco finished in first place with a total of 1982 laps completed, followed by Zain Racing and Q8 Racing 2. In the Silver class Shamiya Racing team finished in first place with a total of 1967 laps completed, followed by Aston Marting and Ace Racing. Ahmed Al-Mudhaf of GulfRun said, “We are very proud of the drivers’ performance and the atmosphere at the circuit was exceptionally energetic.” Ahmed Almajed of Pro-Vision Sports Management added, “We have witnessed an exciting race in which all 20 teams completed the race. The skills of the participating teams regulations and certified marshals flew in from non- stop racing. The GulfRun Karting pillars of motorsports. GulfRun’s and Pro-Vision wide range of sponsors: Title sponsorship by have been increasing year on year - and they are the UK to regulate the race in accordance to FIA Endurance Race was first launched in 2011 to Sport Management team extend their gratitude Zain; GR Karting Pace Car: Audi; Platinum capable of competing on an international level.” regulations. The 20 teams comprise of 4 to 12 create an exciting competition in Kuwait that to the continuous support by Kuwait’s private Sponsors Algida and American Tax Bureau; Gold The GulfRun 24HR Endurance Karting 5 is drivers per team who drive a maximum stint aligns with GulfRun’s objective to promote sector, which acknowledges the important role sponsorship by Slider Station, The organized by GulfRun and Pro-Vision Sports time of roughly 2.5 hours, after which they automobile racing and training in a safe and sport plays amongst Kuwait’s youth. GulfRun Correspondent, Al-Sawan and Moonlight Management. The race follows international switch drivers, and keep going for 24 hours of secure environment and karting is one of the 24HR Karting Endurance Race is supported by a Studios, Kidsville. Lulu plans $300m investment in Egypt, opens 1st hypermarket in New Cairo

AE based Lulu Group has set its foot in ous sectors including infrastructure, energy doors for GCC investment in his country. Egypt UAE has provided Egypt with an unprecedent- in Cairo and we intent to employ 10,000 Egypt by opening its first hypermarket and retail following the investment confer- is viewed as a market for the UAE companies ed economic support whether on grant based more Egyptians in next 2 years. We already Uin Cairo, capital of Egypt. The 119th ence held at Sharm Al Sheikh in March where with around 600 companies now operating investments or bringing private sector to the have more than 3,000 working in our opera- hypermarket of the group was inaugurated by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi opened the there. In a hope to stabilize the country, the Egyptian market. tions in GCC countries and continuously train Khalid Hanafy, Egyptian Minister for Trade in Commenting on LULU Group’s Egypt them in our various operations”, said the presence of Galal El Saeed, Governor of plans, Yusuffali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group, Yusuffali. Cairo, Mohamed Abdul Sayed, Advisor to the said: “We consider Egypt as a very important The new hypermarket provides the Prime Minister, KhalifaThunaiji, Deputy UAE market for us and our experience of more widest range of quality and value-for-money Ambassador to Egypt and other high ranking than four decades of success and accom- products all under one roof. It has separate government and civil officials. plishment in the retail industry is sure to sections for fresh fruits and vegetables, meat Yusuff Ali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group, help us become the most popular retailer in and poultry, dairy products, ready-to-eat Saifee T Rupawala, CEO, Ashraf Ali MA, the region. Egyptians are already well aware products and a live bakery. The outlet also Executive Director, Mohamed Althaf, Director of Lulu and we hope to bring world class offers a huge area dedicated to electronics, of Lulu Egypt and other top company officials shopping closer to them in various impor- IT products, home appliances, sports, fur- were also present on the occasion. Apart from tant location of this great country”. As per nishing and furniture, kitchenware, toys, sta- this, a large number of people were also found the plan, we intend to invest EGP 3 billion tionery and health & beauty products. The anxiously waiting outside the store to get (US$ 300 Million) in setting up 10 new hyper- new hypermarket also offers a wide choice of inside the latest shopping addition in the capi- markets in next 2 years across Egypt. world-class fashion brands and products for tal city. “The hypermarket will also offer a window men, women and children. A special area is Egypt, a country that links North Africa with of opportunity to local community. We will also dedicated for promoting local products the Middle East is considered as a strong econ- encourage the Egyptian agricultural sector and handicrafts of Egypt. omy with high market potentials under the by procuring & promoting local agricultural The systematically arranged sections able leadership of President Abdel Fattah El produce and also export them to our stores promise customers an easy and hassle-free Sisi. The new store is located in Twin Plaza across the GCC and Far East. Currently we are shopping experience. Extra-wide aisles, Opposite Police Academy on the Zakir Hussein exporting EGP 50 million and this will go up extensively laid out counters and ample road extension in the 1st settlement of New to EGP 150 million next year, Yusuffali added. parking space are some of the distinguishing Cairo. Spread over an area of 170,000 square Main exporting products include fruits & features of the new store feet, the new store is specially designed to vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and pickles. Lulu Group which currently have 118 offer the residents with a world class shopping Lulu also plans to set up own food process- stores in GCC and India is embarking on a experience like never before at fair prices and Khalid Hanafy, Egyptian Minister for Trade inaugurating the 1st Lulu ing plants to further boost the exports. massive expansion drive into the Far Eastern friendly service. The hypermarket will provide Hypermarket in Cairo, Egypt in the presence of Mostefa Galal El Saeed, Governor “We believe that having a strong national market. The first hypermarket of LULU will the widest range of quality and value-for- of Cairo, Mohamed Abdul Sayed, Advisor to the Prime Minister, Egypt and Khalifa workforce is vital to our long-term success as open in Malaysia and Indonesia by March money products all under one roof. it helps in creating sustainable community 2016. The Group is also planning to open 15 Egypt has been attracting lot of invest- Thunaiji, Deputy UAE Ambassador to Egypt. Also, in the picture, Yusuff Ali, living. Currently, there are more than 800 more hypermarkets in these two countries in ments especially from GCC countries in vari- Chairman of Lulu Group, Saifee Rupawala, CEO and other company officials. Egyptians employed at our new hypermarket the next two years, said a company source.

Magical festive celebration at Marriott Hotels

he tree, the glittering decor, the Furthermore, guests visiting the dÈcor, including party poppers, hats fun and festive ambience all Courtyard by Marriott Hotel’s and horns. The Terrace Grill Tcombine to make Marriott renowned “Soul and Spice” Steakhouse will offer mesmerizing Hotels in Kuwait the perfect venues Restaurant on Christmas can enjoy live music and delicious food. to celebrate Christmas and New Year an exceptional lunch and dinner In addition, guests at the in style. filled with Christmas cheer. At the Courtyard by Marriott Kuwait City Festivities begin with a grand Atrium Restaurant, located in the will celebrate the countdown to 2016 Christmas celebration, diners visiting heart of the hotel’s stunning lobby, with elegance and style at Soul and Kuwait’s best steakhouse “Terrace diners can feast on a huge selection Spice Restaurant with a five-course Grill” at the JW Marriott Kuwait City of international Christmas dishes set menu including beverages, while can enjoy an unforgettable holiday including roasted turkey with cran- a special dinner buffet will be served dining experience accompanied by berry sauce, slow oven roasted Cajun at the panoramic Atrium Restaurant the finest certified US Angus beef, rib-eye steak with pan gravy, york- featuring the finest cuisines from all wagyu beef cuts and mouth-water- shire pudding and a lot more. To top over the world for an unforgettable ing seafood dishes for lunch and din- off the captivating Christmas mood, evening. ner. Meanwhile, guests visiting La guests are invited to ring in the New “We would like to take this oppor- Brasserie Restaurant at the hotel will Year with live entertainment and a tunity to wish our guests and their be treated to an elegant internation- wide range of gastronomic delights families a merry Christmas and a al buffet featuring traditional at Marriott properties. Happy New Year” said George Aoun, Christmas dishes such as turkey The JW Marriott Kuwait City is set the hotels’ Cluster General Manager. roulade with dry apricots, stuffed to be transformed into the trendiest “This year we have upgraded our turkey, veal cordon blue, roasted place in town, with the lively ambi- food & beverage menus to provide a salmon, almond crusted hammour ence at La Brasserie Restaurant com- high level of guest satisfaction” Aoun and a lot more. plete with music and sensational added. MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin World 07:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 03:30 Valentine Warnerʼs Wild Table 08:00 Chopped 04:20 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By 09:00 Guyʼs Grocery Games The Sea 00:00 Nina Needs To Go 10:00 The Kitchen 05:10 David Roccoʼs Dolce India 00:20 Fast Nʼ Loud 00:05 Henry Hugglemonster 11:00 Barefoot Contessa 06:00 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 01:10 Lair Of The Mega Shark 00:20 Calimero 11:30 Barefoot Contessa Planet 02:00 Spawn Of Jaws: The Birth 00:35 Zou 12:00 Chopped 06:25 A Marriage Of Flavours 02:50 Wheeler Dealers 00:50 Loopdidoo 13:00 Guyʼs Big Bite 06:50 Exploring The Vine 03:40 Auction Hunters 01:05 Art Attack 13:30 Guyʼs Big Bite 07:40 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 04:05 Property Wars 01:30 Henry Hugglemonster 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Planet 04:30 Storage Wars Canada 01:45 Calimero 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 08:05 American Food Battle 05:00 Americarna 02:00 Zou 15:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 08:30 Street Food Around The World 05:30 How Itʼs Made 02:15 Loopdidoo 15:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 09:20 Valentine Warnerʼs Wild Table 06:00 Ice Cold Gold 02:30 Art Attack 16:00 Chopped 10:10 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By 06:50 Kindig Customs 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 17:00 The Kitchen The Sea 07:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 03:05 Calimero 18:00 Jenny And Rezaʼs Fabulous 11:00 David Roccoʼs Dolce India 08:30 Auction Hunters 03:20 Zou Food Academy 11:50 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 08:55 Property Wars 03:30 Loopdidoo 18:30 Grandmaʼs Secret Cookbook Planet 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 03:45 Art Attack Special 12:15 A Marriage Of Flavours 09:45 Americarna 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster 19:00 Chopped 12:40 Exploring The Vine 10:10 How Itʼs Made 04:20 Calimero 20:00 Holiday Baking 13:35 Worldʼs Best Chefs 10:35 Auction Hunters 04:35 Zou Championship 14:00 American Food Battle 11:00 The Carbonaro Effect 04:45 Loopdidoo 21:00 Food Court Wars 14:30 Saraʼs New Nordic Kitchen 15:10 The Island With Bear Grylls 05:00 Art Attack 22:00 Mystery Diners 15:25 Valentine Warnerʼs Wild Table 19:20 Outback Truckers 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 23:00 Chingʼs Restaurant 16:20 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By 20:10 Property Wars 05:35 Calimero Redemption The Sea 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 05:50 Zou 17:15 David Roccoʼs Dolce India 21:00 Deadliest Catch 06:00 Loopdidoo 17:40 David Roccoʼs Dolce India 21:50 Walking The Nile 06:15 Art Attack 18:10 American Food Battle 23:30 Kindig Customs 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster 18:35 A Marriage Of Flavours 06:50 Calimero 19:05 Saraʼs New Nordic Kitchen 19:30 Valentine Warnerʼs Wild Table 07:00 Zou 00:40 Paul OʼGrady: For The Love 07:20 Loopdidoo 20:25 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By Of Dogs The Sea 07:35 Art Attack 01:05 The Chase: Celebrity 00:35 What Could Possibly Go 08:00 Calimero 21:15 David Roccoʼs Dolce India Specials 22:05 American Food Battle Wrong? 08:10 Zou 02:00 Emmerdale 03:42 Mighty Ships 08:25 Loopdidoo 22:30 A Marriage Of Flavours 02:25 Emmerdale 22:55 Exploring The Vine 04:29 Food Factory 08:40 Henry Hugglemonster 02:55 Coronation Street 04:52 Food Factory 08:55 Jake And The Neverland 03:25 Michael Flatley: A Night To 05:16 How Do They Do It? Pirates Remember 05:38 How Do They Do It? 09:20 Sofia The First 04:20 The Syndicate 06:03 How The Universe Works 09:45 Miles From Tomorrow 05:15 Come Date With Me 06:50 Strip The Cosmos 10:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Australia 07:37 Deadliest Space Weather 10:35 Doc McStuffins 06:10 The Chase: Celebrity 00:20 Monster Fish 08:00 How Itʼs Made 11:00 Sofia The First Specials 01:10 Dark Side Of Crocs 08:23 Mythbusters 11:30 Jake And The Never Land 07:05 Coronation Street 02:00 Africaʼs Deadliest 09:08 NASAʼs Greatest Missions Pirates 07:30 Michael Flatley: A Night To 02:50 72 Dangerous Animals 09:53 X-Machines 11:55 Miles From Tomorrow Remember Australia 10:38 How Itʼs Made 12:20 Henry Hugglemonster 08:25 The Syndicate 03:45 Wild 24 11:00 How Itʼs Made 12:45 Limon And Oli 09:20 Peter Andreʼs 60 Minute 04:40 Built For The Kill 11:23 Mighty Ships 12:55 Loopdidoo Makeover 05:35 Africaʼs Deadliest 12:08 What Could Possibly Go 13:10 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 10:10 The Chase: Celebrity 06:30 72 Dangerous Animals Wrong? 13:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Specials Australia 12:53 X-Machines 14:00 Sofia The First 11:05 Coach Trip 07:25 Africaʼs Blood River 13:38 Mythbusters 14:50 Miles From Tomorrow 11:35 Four Weddings UK 08:20 Caught In The Act 14:23 How Itʼs Made 15:15 Jake And The Never Land 12:30 Come Date With Me 09:15 The Bear Evidence 14:46 How Itʼs Made Pirates Australia 10:10 Wild 24 15:10 NASAʼs Greatest Missions 16:05 The Adventures Of Disney 12:55 Come Date With Me 11:05 Wild Case Files 15:57 Mighty Ships Fairies Australia 12:00 Fish Warrior 16:44 What Could Possibly Go 16:35 Miles From Tomorrow 13:25 Emmerdale 12:55 I, Predator Wrong? 17:00 Sofia The First 13:50 Coach Trip 13:50 72 Dangerous Animals 17:31 X-Machines 17:25 Aladdin 14:20 Coronation Street Australia 18:18 NASAʼs Greatest Missions 17:50 Adventures Of The Gummi 14:45 Peter Andreʼs 60 Minute 14:45 Orangutan Rescue 19:05 Mythbusters Bears Makeover 15:40 Caught In The Act 19:50 How Do They Do It? 18:15 Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers 15:35 Grantchester 16:35 Killer Shots 20:15 How Do They Do It? 18:40 Jake And The Never Land 16:30 Paul OʼGrady: For The Love 17:30 Animal Underworld 20:40 What Could Possibly Go Pirates Of Dogs At Christmas 18:25 Wild Case Files Wrong? 19:05 Miles From Tomorrow 17:25 The Jonathan Ross Show 19:20 Orangutan Rescue 21:25 How Itʼs Made 19:30 Sofia The First 18:20 Come Date With Me 20:10 Caught In The Act 22:15 Stephen Hawkingʼs Grand 19:55 Doc McStuffins Australia 21:00 Killer Shots Design 20:15 Jake And The Never Land 19:10 Coronation Street 21:50 Animal Underworld 23:00 How Do They Do It? Pirates 19:35 Grantchester 22:40 Wild Case Files 23:45 What Could Possibly Go 20:45 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 20:30 Paul OʼGrady: For The Love 23:30 Fish Warrior Wrong? 21:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Of Dogs At Christmas 21:35 Sofia The First 21:25 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:20 Lilo & Stitch 22:20 Coronation Street 23:50 Zou 22:50 Emmerdale 23:15 Four Weddings UK

00:00 Violetta 00:30 Hot In Cleveland 00:45 The Hive 02:00 Silicon Valley 00:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 03:30 2 Broke Girls Teenage Witch 00:00 The Soup 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 00:30 WAGs 01:15 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 00:10 Wicked Tuna: North vs. Jimmy Fallon 01:25 Sex With Brody Teenage Witch South 06:30 My Name Is Earl 01:50 The Grace Helbig Show 01:40 Wolfblood 01:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 02:20 E! News 02:05 Wolfblood 02:00 Megastructures 10:30 My Name Is Earl AMERICAN HEIST ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 03:15 Extreme Close-Up 02:30 Violetta 02:55 Yukon Gold 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 04:10 E! Entertainment Special 03:15 The Hive 03:50 Wicked Tuna: North vs. Jimmy Fallon 21:00 Quantico 10:00 The Assault 13:00 Tinker Bell And The Pirate 05:05 Ryan Seacrest With The 03:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A South 12:30 $#! My Dad Says 22:00 Homeland 12:00 The Malay Chronicles: Fairy-FAM Kardashians Teenage Witch 04:45 Strippers: Cars For Cash 13:00 Suburgatory 23:00 The Casual Vacancy Bloodlines 14:30 United Passions-PG15 06:00 Keeping Up With The 03:45 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 05:40 Sea Patrol 13:30 My Name Is Earl 14:00 Destruction: Las Vegas 16:30 Into The Storm-PG15 Kardashians 03:05 Hurly Burly Teenage Witch 06:35 Ultimate Airport Dubai 14:00 2 Broke Girls 16:00 Born To Race: Fast Track 18:15 Boyhood-PG15 07:50 Style Star 05:10 Into The Badlands 04:10 Wolfblood 07:30 Man V. Viral 15:30 Hot In Cleveland 18:00 Transit 21:00 Jamesy Boy-PG15 08:20 E! News 06:10 Jakob The Liar 04:35 Wolfblood 08:25 The Numbers Game 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 19:45 Star Trek 23:00 Godzilla-PG15 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 08:05 The Raven 05:00 Violetta 08:50 The Numbers Game 18:00 Marry Me 22:00 Rage 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 09:30 Nobodyʼs Fool 05:45 The Hive 09:20 Strippers: Cars For Cash 18:30 2 Broke Girls 12:05 E! News 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:15 Tales Of Terror 05:50 Mouk 10:15 Breakthrough 20:30 Men At Work 13:05 The Grace Helbig Show 21:00 Hot In Cleveland 01:00 Chicago Fire 12:40 Cannon For Cordoba 06:00 Lolirock 11:10 Yukon Gold 02:00 Good Morning America 14:05 Hollywood Cycle 22:00 Getting On 01:00 Back To The Sea 14:25 Big Screen 06:25 Hank Zipzer 12:05 Yukon Gold 03:00 Devious Maids 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 22:30 Togetherness 02:45 Ghatothkach - Master Of Magic 14:40 The Apartment 06:50 Girl Meets World 13:00 The Numbers Game 04:00 The Leftovers The Hamptons 04:30 Daddy Iʼm A Zombie 16:45 Beachhead 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 13:30 The Numbers Game 05:00 Chicago Fire 00:00 Poker Night-18 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 06:00 Krazzy Planet 18:15 The Beast Of Hollow 07:40 H2O: Just Add Water 14:00 Man V. Viral 06:00 Good Morning America 02:00 Arachnophobia-PG15 The Hamptons 07:45 Jelly T Mountain 08:05 Austin & Ally 15:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 07:00 Emmerdale 04:00 Born To Race: Fast Track- 17:00 Stewarts And Hamiltons 09:45 Rugrats In Paris: The Movie 19:35 The Raven 08:30 Austin & Ally 16:00 Breakthrough 07:30 Coronation Street PG15 18:00 E! News 11:15 True Story Of Pussʼn Boots 21:00 Into The Badlands 08:55 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 17:00 Yukon Gold 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 Transit-PG15 19:00 Keeping Up With The 00:00 Better Call Saul 12:45 Ghatothkach - Master Of Magic 22:00 The Big Man Teenage Witch 18:00 Yukon Gold 09:00 The Astronaut Wives Club 08:00 The Assault-PG15 Kardashians 01:00 Scandal 14:30 The Heart Of The Oak 23:55 Be Cool 09:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 19:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime 10:00 Emmerdale 10:00 The Malay Chronicles: 20:00 House Of DVF 02:00 How To Get Away With 16:00 Sir Billi 01:55 The Young Savages Teenage Witch Odyssey 10:30 Coronation Street Bloodlines-PG15 21:00 Christina Milian Turned Up Murder 18:00 Rugrats In Paris: The Movie 09:45 Jessie 20:00 Breakthrough 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 Destruction: Las Vegas- 22:00 WAGs 03:00 The Knick 20:00 Scooby-Doo! Ghastly Goals! 10:10 Jessie 20:50 Yukon Gold 12:00 Drop Dead Diva PG15 23:00 Sex With Brody 04:00 Bones 21:00 The Heart Of The Oak 10:35 Jessie 21:40 Yukon Gold 13:00 Once Upon A Time 14:00 Born To Race: Fast Track- 11:00 Good Luck Charlie 23:30 Fashion Bloggers 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show PG15 22:45 Sir Billi 22:30 Ultimate Airport Dubai 06:00 Castle 14:00 The Astronaut Wives Club 11:25 Frozen In Time 23:20 Sea Patrol 15:00 Live Good Morning America 16:00 Transit-PG15 12:20 Hank Zipzer 07:00 Bones 17:45 Star Trek-PG15 08:00 Resurrection 17:00 Drop Dead Diva 12:45 I Didnʼt Do It 18:00 Once Upon A Time 20:00 Rage-PG15 13:10 I Didnʼt Do It 09:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 22:00 American Heist-18 03:35 Into The Pride 10:00 Castle 19:00 The Astronaut Wives Club 13:35 Liv And Maddie 20:00 Drop Dead Diva 06:02 The Lion Queen 11:00 Bones 06:49 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 14:00 Liv And Maddie 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 21:00 Once Upon A Time 00:00 Deliverance Creek-PG15 14:30 H2O: Just Add Water 12:00 Emmerdale 07:36 Call Of The Wildman 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:10 Poh & Co. 12:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Devious Maids 02:00 Non-Stop-PG15 15:20 Shake It Up 23:00 The Leftovers 04:00 Stolen Child-PG15 08:00 Call Of The Wildman 01:00 Sibaʼs Table 00:35 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:25 The Lion Queen 15:45 Shake It Up 01:30 Sibaʼs Table Planet 06:00 40 Days And Nights-PG15 16:10 Jessie 14:00 Resurrection 00:15 Multiplicity 09:15 Gator Boys 02:00 Rev Runʼs Sunday Suppers 01:00 Exploring The Vine 15:00 Castle 02:15 Cuban Fury 08:00 The Past-PG15 16:35 Descendants 10:15 Mr. Peabody & Sherman- 10:10 Treehouse Masters 02:30 Rev Runʼs Sunday Suppers 01:25 Exploring The Vine 16:00 Emmerdale 04:00 The Misadventures Of The 11:05 Tanked 18:50 Frozen Fever 03:00 Chopped South Africa 01:50 Food Loverʼs Guide To The Dunderheads FAM 19:05 H2O: Just Add Water 16:30 Coronation Street 12:00 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 04:00 Chopped Planet 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 00:00 Broʼ 06:00 The Love Punch 12:00 Non-Stop-PG15 19:55 Liv And Maddie 08:00 The Nutty Professor (1996) 14:00 The Gabby Douglas Story- 12:55 Bondi Vet 05:00 Follow Donal... To Vietnam 02:15 American Food Battle 18:00 Resurrection 02:00 Poker Night 13:50 River Monsters 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 05:30 Follow Donal... To Vietnam 02:40 Street Food Around The 10:00 The Misadventures Of The PG 21:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 19:00 Scandal 04:00 Arachnophobia 14:45 The Lion Queen 06:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives World 20:00 How To Get Away With 06:00 Born To Race: Fast Track Dunderheads 15:45 The Past-PG15 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 12:00 Cuban Fury 15:40 Treehouse Masters 06:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 03:05 Street Food Around The Murder 08:00 Transit 18:00 Last Vegas-PG15 14:00 Titeuf, Le Film 20:00 Think Like A Man Too-PG15 16:35 Tanked 16:00 The Nutty Professor (1996) 22:00 Black Rock-18 17:30 Leopard Fight Club 17:45 Renaissance Man 18:25 The Lion Queen 20:00 Svengali 19:20 Bondi Vet 22:00 Keith Lemon: The Film 20:15 Tanked 21:10 Man, Cheetah, Wild 22:05 Treehouse Masters 00:00 Live MSNBC Caught On 23:00 Bondi Vet Camera 23:55 Ten Deadliest Snakes 01:00 Live MSNBC Caught On 00:50 Gator Boys 01:00 Step Up All In-PG15 Camera 01:45 Call Of The Wildman 03:00 Two Night Stand-PG15 02:00 Live ABC World News 02:15 Call Of The Wildman 05:00 Song For Marion-PG15 02:30 Live NBC Nightly News 02:40 Bondi Vet 07:00 Sunshine On Leith-PG15 09:00 Reclaim-PG15 04:00 NBC Sunday Today Show 11:00 Song For Marion-PG15 05:00 ABC This Week With G 13:00 Shadow Witness-PG15 Stephanopoulos 15:00 My Piece Of The Pie-PG15 06:00 NBC Meet The Press 17:00 Reclaim-PG15 07:00 ABC World News 19:00 Every Day-PG15 07:30 NBC Nightly News 04:10 Our Queen 21:00 Goodbye World-PG15 08:00 ABC World News 05:00 Teletubbies 23:00 Anna-18 08:30 NBC Nightly News 05:25 The Green Balloon Club 09:00 ABC This Week With G 05:50 Charlie And Lola Stephanopoulos 06:00 Teletubbies 10:00 ABC World News 06:25 The Green Balloon Club 10:30 NBC Nightly News 06:50 Charlie And Lola 07:05 Jollywobbles 03:00 October Sky 11:00 Live ABC World News Now 07:15 Our Queen 05:00 The Trouble With Bliss 11:30 Live ABC World News Now 08:00 Doctor Who Explained 07:00 The Fold 12:00 Live NBC Early Today 08:45 Blackadderʼs Christmas 09:00 Serial (Bad) Weddings 12:30 Live ABC America This Carol 11:00 Mood Indigo Morning 09:30 Doctors 13:00 Far And Away 13:00 Live ABC America This 10:00 Casualty 15:30 Jodorowskyʼs Dune Morning 10:50 Our Queen 17:00 Serial (Bad) Weddings 11:40 Blackadderʼs Christmas 19:00 A Mighty Heart 13:30 Live ABC America This Morning Carol 21:00 We Gotta Get Out Of This 12:25 Doctor Who Explained Place 14:00 Live ABC America This 13:10 Our Queen 23:00 The Hi-Lo Country Morning 13:55 Casualty 14:30 MSNBC First Look 14:45 Blackadderʼs Christmas 15:00 Live NBC Today Show Carol 19:00 Live MSNBC Live With 15:30 Doctors Tamron Hall 16:00 Lapland: Christmas 2011 01:00 Serena-PG15 20:00 Live MSNBC Andrea 17:15 Doctor Who Explained 03:00 Still Mine-PG15 Mitchell Reports 18:00 My Family: Christmas 2007 04:45 Get On Up-PG15 21:00 Live MSNBC Live With 18:30 My Family: Christmas 2007 07:00 The Signal-PG15 19:00 Doctors 09:00 Into The Storm-PG15 Thomas Roberts 19:30 Eastenders 11:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja 23:00 Live MSNBC Live With 20:00 Call The Midwife: Christmas BORN TO RACE: FAST TRACK ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION Turtles-PG15 Kate Snow Special 2013 Classifieds

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (17/12/2015 TO 23/12/2015)

SHARQIA-1 10:00 PM FANAR-4 IN THE HEART OF THE SEA DARK MOUNTAIN STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS -3D 12:30 PM 10:00 PM 12:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi DARK MOUNTAIN THE GOOD DINOSAUR -3D 3:00 PM 12:05 AM 1:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi DARK MOUNTAIN STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS -3D 6:00 PM 1:00 AM 3:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 9:00 PM MUHALAB-3 6:30 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS -3D 12:05 AM 12:00 PM 9:30 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS SHARQIA-2 3:00 PM 12:30 AM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 12:30 PM 6:00 PM FANAR-5 THE GOOD DINOSAUR STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS DILWALE - Hindi 1:30 PM 9:00 PM 11:30 AM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS DILWALE - Hindi 3:30 PM 12:05 AM 2:30 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS DILWALE - Hindi 6:30 PM FANAR-1 5:30 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS STRIKE ONE DILWALE - Hindi 9:30 PM 1:15 PM 8:30 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS THE GOOD DINOSAUR DILWALE - Hindi 12:30 AM 3:15 PM 11:30 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR SHARQIA-3 5:30 PM MARINA-1 THE GOOD DINOSAUR THE GOOD DINOSAUR DILWALE - Hindi 12:00 PM 7:45 PM 12:15 PM DARK MOUNTAIN STRIKE ONE DILWALE - Hindi 2:15 PM 10:00 PM 3:30 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR STRIKE ONE DARK MOUNTAIN 4:15 PM 12:05 AM 6:45 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR DARK MOUNTAIN 6:30 PM FANAR-2 8:45 PM DARK MOUNTAIN DARK MOUNTAIN DARK MOUNTAIN 8:45 PM 12:00 PM 10:45 PM DARK MOUNTAIN DARK MOUNTAIN DARK MOUNTAIN 10:45 PM 2:00 PM 12:45 AM DARK MOUNTAIN DARK MOUNTAIN 12:45 AM 4:00 PM MARINA-2 DARK MOUNTAIN STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS MUHALAB-1 6:00 PM 11:45 AM THE GOOD DINOSAUR DARK MOUNTAIN STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 12:30 PM 8:15 PM 2:45 PM Muhammad Mali by the THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY THE GOOD DINOSAUR DARK MOUNTAIN STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS SITUATION VACANT CHANGE OF NAME State Life Insurance FOR CIVIL INFORMATION 2:45 PM 10:15 PM 5:45 PM Corporation Pakistan, Gulf Automated enquiry DILWALE - Hindi DARK MOUNTAIN STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Professional cook for I Dheemu Sudeep holder Zone is reported to have about the Civil ID card is 5:00 PM 12:15 AM 8:45 PM house, good experience all DILWALE - Hindi STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS of Indian Passport No. been lost. Anyone finding 1889988 8:00 PM FANAR-3 11:45 PM kinds of food, especially F6768269 resident of the same or claiming any DILWALE - Hindi IN THE HEART OF THE SEA Arabic food, good salary, Pulapathur (V & P) interest in it should com- 11:00 PM 1:00 PM MARINA-3 part time. Call: 23901053, Rajampet (M), YSR Kadapa municate with State Life STRIKE ONE THE GOOD DINOSAUR 60064934. (C 5102) Dist, A.P., India. Now I have office Kuwait. Tel: MUHALAB-2 1:30 PM 11:30 AM 21-12-2015 DARK MOUNTAIN DILWALE - Hindi STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS changed my name as 22452208. (C 5099) 11:45 AM 3:45 PM 1:45 PM Bheemu Sudeep Kumar 16-12-2015 112 DARK MOUNTAIN STRIKE ONE THE GOOD DINOSAUR A single American- Reddy instead of Dheemu 1:45 PM 6:45 PM 4:45 PM Lebanese male living in Sudeep in future all trans- DARK MOUNTAIN IN THE HEART OF THE SEA THE GOOD DINOSAUR Salmiya needs a lady work- action will be made in Prayer timings 3:30 PM 9:45 PM 7:00 PM er to help in cooking and Bheemu Sudeep Kumar DARK MOUNTAIN LOAFER - Telugu STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS cleaning. She must under- Fajr: 05:12 5:15 PM 3:45 PM 9:15 PM Reddy only. (C 5101) LOAFER - Telugu LOAFER - Telugu STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS stand and speak English 21-12-2015 Shorook 06:37 and her timing and salary 4:00 PM 6:45 PM 12:15 AM Duhr: 11:45 LOAFER - Telugu LOAFER - Telugu are negotiable. Call 6641- 7:00 PM 9:45 PM AVENUES-1 7504. (C 5100) LOST Asr: 14:35 STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS IN THE HEART OF THE SEA DILWALE - Hindi 19-12-2015 7:00 PM 12:45 AM 12:45 PM Maghrib: 16:53 LOAFER - Telugu STRIKE ONE Original document policy Isha: 18:16 No. 633003315 of

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 21/12/2015 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Monday 21/12/2015 KAC 537 Sohag 13:35 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 284 Dhaka 14:45 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 MSC 415 Sohag 00:05 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Chennai 00:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 BBC 044 Dhaka/Dammam 00:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 MSC 502 Alexandria 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 MSC 403 Asyut 00:15 KNE 472 Jeddah 15:05 JZR 528 Asyut 00:05 KAC 617 Doha 14:45 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:30 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 KNE 481 Taif 14:50 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:55 KAC 513 Tehran 15:10 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 MSC 416 Sohag 01:00 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 UAL 981 IAD 01:10 THY 772 Istanbul 01:05 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 QTR 1079 Doha 15:10 MSC 404 Asyut 01:15 DLH 635 Doha 01:35 FDB 051 Dubai 16:30 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:35 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:40 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:10 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 KAC 613 Bahrain 15:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 KAC 542 Cairo 16:55 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:35 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:05 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 KAC 381 Delhi 03:30 OMA 646 Muscat 16:30 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 MSR 614 Cairo 17:50 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 KAC 118 New York 17:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:55 JZR 238 Amman 17:30 CEB 7694 Manila 03:15 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:30 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:15 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 FDB 052 Dubai 17:35 KAC 502 Beirut 18:00 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 SYR 341 Damascus 18:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:25 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:15 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 FDB 063 Dubai 18:05 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:20 JZR 503 Luxor 04:25 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 QTR 1077 Doha 05:00 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 THY 765 Istanbul 05:15 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 618 Doha 18:35 CEB 7695 Manila 05:20 FDB 5061 Dubai 06:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 ABY 123 Sharjah 18:45 JZR 560 Sohag 06:10 BAW 157 London 06:40 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 529 Asyut 06:50 MSR 615 Cairo 18:50 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:20 SYR 342 Damascus 19:05 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:25 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 QTR 1086 Doha 07:40 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 THY 771 Istanbul 07:05 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 KAC 514 Tehran 19:35 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:10 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 104 London 19:40 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:45 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 KAC 352 Kochi 08:30 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 QTR 1087 Doha 08:40 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 353 BLR 20:40 KAC 538 Sohag 20:05 BAW 156 London 08:45 KAC 362 Colombo 08:50 KAC 361 Colombo 20:45 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 QTR 1081 Doha 20:50 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 351 Kochi 20:50 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 KAC 541 Cairo 09:55 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 KAC 561 Amman 10:00 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 IRA 667 Esfahan 10:00 FDB 5053 Dubai 21:00 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:25 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 OMA 641 Muscat 10:05 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 KAC 501 Beirut 10:30 DLH 634 Doha 21:45 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 UAE 873 Dubai 11:05 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 JZR 502 Luxor 22:00 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 IRA 666 Esfahan 11:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:10 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:00 OMA 642 Muscat 11:05 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:25 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 FDB 5053 Dubai 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 239 Amman 23:05 KAC 103 London 12:25 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 KAC 382 Delhi 13:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 QTR 1083 Doha 23:05 KNE 460 Riyadh 13:50 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:10 KAC 672 Dubai 14:00 THY 764 Istanbul 23:50 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:15 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:55 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 FDB 060 Dubai 23:35 FDB 057 Dubai 14:10 MSC 403 Asyut 23:55 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:35 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015

CROSSWORD 1116 STAR TRACK

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

You may take pleasure from a good movie or book or feel like escaping Enlarging your intellectual and spiritual horizons takes on a high priority from day-to-day realities for a bit. You comprehend an imaginative approach and may now. You are intent on seeing the big picture and getting to the point. Travel and fur- value collective or unconventional ideas. In a religious setting, there may be a need for ther education could help bring this to fruition. Keeping in touch with ideas and people your help with young people. This could be a choir or youth group. Those around you on a large scale helps you keep your mind busy. You may enjoy testing your intuition may appreciate your ability to take charge and organize. You may find your volunteer while riding in some sort of public transportation or moving around in a crowded choices put real magic in your life-this may even be something that you will want to do room; careful, someone intuitive will probably respond to you. This form of practicing permanently. Sorting things out and getting them organized keep you busy. You are with your intuitive mind may also be another form of meditation. This will help you find deeply aware of interconnections between the present and other lives-perhaps history new ideas for an old problem. The time you spend throughout this day is beneficial to and future brush up against each other as one works with children. your future and to the future of a few very kind and interested bystanders.

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

Children, lovers and other people, or the things that are dear to your You should find no problem in communicating with regard to groups and heart, are accented this day. Knowing that you are appreciated and esteemed for your society in general. You demonstrate the ability to understand and be sensitive to other gifts and talents is a powerful need. Positive communication between close contacts set people’s needs. Your emotional security and stability are due mainly to your friends, the example and can bring many pleasant rewards. You may find that someone older morals and social interaction. There may be a need for you to make some important stifles your progress and new ideas and insights could be slow in coming-but will even- changes in your life, break with the old ideas of the past and move toward anything tually develop. It may surprise you when someone comes to you and asks for your guid- new, different and unique. You are a very kindhearted and generous person and you like ance. This is a time of volunteering your time and you may encourage your intimate to be recognized for your contributions-as most of us do. You may remember this time group or family to volunteer their talents for granting the wish lists of those in a nursing as a widespread, aesthetic and possibly even romantic time-one in which you will have home. The time you share with those less fortunate may be a boost to your own group. a great deal of self-satisfaction and appreciation.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Gemini (May 21-June 20) You really use your head to your advantage when it comes to dealing You could be looking deeper within yourself for some answers to spiritual with others. You seem to know just what to do and can act without hurry or worry. You questions that you have just now. This should be a good time for analysis, as you will be are called upon to make use of your natural abilities and commonsense. For anything to able to discover new areas of your inner self or mind that have been closed to you before be accomplished in the manner you think it should be could require that you take the ACROSS 81. Annual grass of Europe and North Africa. now. You can expect insights into dreams and ideals. Expect a sense of support and help- initiative today. This is only right, as the projects you may be undertaking may be more 1. Syndrome resulting from a serious acute 82. Small genus of shrubs and subshrubs of fulness from those around you. Others may in turn seek you out for your insight. This important to you. You feel healthy and very capable of handling almost any situation. (sometimes fatal) infection associated with the western United States having flowers that could conceivably be a time to make some changes in your environment. You may Intensive and penetrating analysis, especially with a group or in relation to your situa- presence of staphylococcus. change color as they mature. decide to plan an addition to your home . . . Either an upstairs addition or maybe a porch. tion, may be in order. A family discussion may involve voting for the best place to hold a 4. A category in some early taxonomies. 83. Consisting of or made of wood of the oak tree. You may decide to take a class on a subject you have always wanted to learn. This entire wedding or anniversary reception-how about renting? 12. A heavy iron lever with one end forged into need to change your surroundings and learn new things is a positive. a wedge. DOWN 15. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that 1. Thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry and was responsible for research into atomic energy Pipturus albidus. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) and its peacetime uses in the United States. 2. Combining form. Cancer (June 21-July 22) 16. City in central Iran. 3. The skin that covers the top of the head. A song, story, poem or simply a project may be going on in your head and 17. A plant hormone promoting elongation of 4. A long pointed rod used as a weapon. You attach more importance to friendships and taking part in group activities that you seek to carry through and complete your thought process. An outline may begin stems and roots. 5. The largest city and former capital of Turkey. center on idealistic goals. You are now setting out on a journey into a land of dreams-not inactive the process for guiding you to accomplish whatever you set out to do at this time. With 18. A written statement of the grounds of com- 6. A physician who is not a specialist but treats daydreams, but vibrant visions of future adventures. The energies are quite positive for several of the year winding down there are still a lot of errands left for you to tend to this after- plaint made to court law asking for the griev- all illnesses. your friends or family members to develop a story and actually film the story as a documentary or noon. Introduction to new communication tools helps you get your ideas over to more ance to be redressed. 7. Scar where the umbilical cord was attached. some other presentation. An experience that you and others have had with regard to a fascinating people than you can imagine. What you have to say may be of interest to a movie studio 19. Of or relating to the velum. 8. A European river. vacation may be the theme. You must believe and dare to make things happen! This means so you might want to understand the art of copyrighting in order to secure your art. expanding your mind, your belief system and your whole base of knowledge and experience. It is 20. A form of entertainment that enacts a story 9. A port city in northeastern Greece on an inlet When getting gifts, you might check out the garden shops as they would have those now time to create that excitement about the possibilities in others. You may have a following. by a sequence of images giving the illusion of of the Aegean Sea. organic gifts for those friends of yours that love gardening the organic way. continuous movement. 10. Type genus of the Anatidae. 21. A federation of North American labor 11. The sense organ for hearing and equilibri- unions that merged with the Congress of um. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Industrial Organizations in 1955. 12. Fig tree of India noted for great size and 22. A white metallic element that burns with a longevity. Striving to be the best that you can be will be uppermost in your life at Keeping in touch with friends, being involved socially and keeping your brilliant light. 13. An Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped this time. You enjoy where you are in your life and you enjoy thinking about how to mora ls above re proach lead to your social inte ra ctions now. You have an opportunity to 23. (Greek mythology) God of love. cucumbers and spices. move forward with new ideas. You may become interested in political issues as well as catc h up on a fe w phone calls and visit with friends that have come back to town. You 25. Any of a class of weakly acidic organic com- 14. An expensive vessel propelled by sail or become involved in a bit of decorating your home or perhaps there is a decision to pur- find it a challenge to keep conversations brief and simple because you enjoy long con- pounds. power and used for cruising or racing. chase a new home. You also enjoy reading and may find yourself at a book sale or library ve rsations and detailed information about the smallest things. Enjoy a bit of humor and 28. A public promotion of some product or 24. English scholastic philosopher and assumed sometime this afternoon. A good book or movie relaxes and refreshes your creative take a timer. Le t each person kn ow you are timing the conversation and will get back to service. author of Occam's Razor (1285-1349). energies. You will feel a great deal of pride for your accomplishments. You learn a great them with more news late r. This way you will be able to meet your goals fo r the day and 32. Propriety in manners and conduct. 26. Norse chieftan who became the first duke of deal from the leisure time pursuits that you undertake at this time. A fireplace, bright visit with people that you love and do not see ofte n. Abandoned animals have your 36. A Kwa language spoken by the Yoruba peo- Normandy (860-931). lights and warm drinks chase away any amount of chill this evening. atte ntion late r to day and you wo rk to find them homes. ple in southwestern Nigeria. 27. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. 37. Any culture medium that uses agar as the 29. Remove gas from. gelling agent. 30. Small European freshwater fish with a slen- Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 41. A member of the Siouan people formerly der bluish-green body. inhabiting the Black Hills of western South 31. Syncopated music in duple time for dancing You would really like to be out and about and socializing with your Being able to understand those around you almost assures you of a spe- Dakota. the rumba. friends today, but you must be careful, as you could be walking a fine line between cial time with someone you love. Good feelings and a sense of support 42. A rotating disk shaped to convert circular 33. The highest part (usually the melody) in a good company and discontent. You may find that you are working against the plans of and harmony make this a pleasant time. Your almost charismatic behavior and eloquence into linear motion. piece of choral music. another, going against the proverbial flow of things. You want very much to help but it in communication and speech should find others following your lead, wherever you go. 43. An independent group of closely related 34. A flat float (usually made of logs or planks) may be better to make this a day to golf or fish or visit a shop, museum or library. An Things are uninhibited for self-expression and work very well with your special ideas and Chadic languages spoken in the area between that can be used for transport or as a platform important relationship, possibly with a young person or someone in your near sur- thoughts. Expect a good conversation with someone you love today. Being with others the Biu-Mandara and East Chadic languages. for swimmers. roundings, may come into focus later today and you could be quite pleased to be asked and working together should be particularly nice. Someone older may come to you with 44. A popular vacation spot in the Canadian 35. An insane person. for help in caring for this young person while others go out for the evening. Remember, a plan for a particular job or project. This person is familiar with your organizational style. Rockies. 38. A cushion on a throne for a prince in India. really young kids like to make music with pots and pans or play with or in boxes. You might have the first annual neighborhood garage sale or plant sale. 45. A chronic skin disease occurring primarily in 39. An association of nations dedicated to eco- women between the ages of 20 and 40. nomic and political cooperation in southeast- 46. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali ern Asia. Word Search earth group. 40. (the feminine of raja) A Hindu princess or Yesterday Solution 48. The habitation of wild animals. the wife of a raja. 49. Standard time in the 5th time zone west of 47. Wild sheep of northern Africa. Greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian. 51. A benevolent aspect of Devi. 50. An enlarged and muscular saclike organ of 52. United States writer of thrillers (born in the alimentary canal. 1925). 54. A Russian river. 53. A republic in the Middle East in western 56. A shot in billiards made by hitting the cue Asia. ball with the cue held nearly vertically. 55. A short high tone produced as a signal or 59. Liquid excretory product. warning. 60. A soft white precious univalent metallic ele- 57. A winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit ment having the highest electrical and thermal as of the ash or elm or maple. conductivity of any metal. 58. A viewer who gazes fixedly (often with hos- 62. A peninsula in southwestern Asia that forms tility). the Asian part of Turkey. 61. Tropical tree of Central America and West 64. Spicy fruit of the cubeb vine. Indies and Puerto Rico having spikes of white 67. Of or relating to the Isle of Man or its inhabi- flowers. tants or their language. 63. Being seven more than sixty. 68. God of love and erotic desire. 65. A blemish made by dirt. 72. A high-crowned black cap (usually made of 66. A vigorous blow. felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey and 69. Projectiles to be fired from a gun. Iran and the Caucasus. 70. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 74. An anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) Chad. that is given orally. 71. Any of various strong liquors distilled from 76. The month following February and preced- the fermented sap of toddy palms or from fer- ing April. mented molasses. 77. Group insurance that entitles members to 73. An accountant certified by the state. services of participating hospitals and clinics 75. A loose sleeveless outer garment made and physicians. from aba cloth. 78. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat 79. The azimuth of a celestial body is the angle trimmed off. between the vertical plane containing it and 80. A master's degree in fine arts. the plane of the meridian. Yesterday’s Solution

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The hip-hop artist was due to play Wheelie Wayne in the film - about the infamous West Baltimore illegal- dirt-bike riders - but missed out on the role, after he was ordered by Judge Genece Brinkley not to work or perform before his sentencing on February 6 for gun and drug charges. The probation rule prevented Mill from travelling to Hollywood in November to meet with Will’s production company, Overbrook Entertainment, because he had to take a urine test, just four days after a previous test. And it’s likely the 28-year-old performer will have to cancel a Las Vegas concert he had planned with his girlfriend, ‘Anaconda’ hitmaker Nicki Minaj. If he mises the event - to be held on New Years Eve - Meek could lose out on his $140,000 paycheck. What’s more, it was hoped the concert would be the first step in getting the star a residency at Drai’s Beach Club and bolster his career. A source told Page Six: “He’s at a defining moment in his career. And they are prohibiting him from work.” Goldie Hawn never yelled at kids oldie Hawn has never yelled at her children. The 70-year-old star admitted that Gwhile she would get angry and frustrated with her kids when they were young, she was able to restrain herself and would never raise her voice to Kate Hudson, now 36, Oliver Hudson, 39 and Wyatt Russell, 29. Asked if she had tips for bringing up children, she said: “I never lost control or yelled at my kids. They knew that if my nostrils flared, I was gravely disappointed. The more you get angry the less they listen to you.” Goldie - who has been with her partner Kurt Russell since 1983 - works with Wyatt’s MindUp, a project that teaches meditation to children in schools. And the blonde bombshell is able to advise families because despite her soccer- loving successful Hollywood career, acting always came second place to raising children. She told The Sunday Style TImes Magazine: “I’m a movie daughter star and have all this stuff, but my life was about raising children, period. Of course I got angry when my kids were selfish or rude. Those times when you’re sitting beside the sink, trying to calm yourself, I’ve been there.” imberly Wyatt’s husband loves the football. She does.” ‘Got to Dance’ go but I’m excited to claims their one-year-old However, his 31-year-old wife gave do ‘Taking the Next Step’ which I’m a Kdaughter loves watching soc- him a disapproving look and judge on again on CBBC.” The show cer. The ex-Pussycat Doll’s model quipped: “It’s just an excuse so he can was scrapped after four series but she spouse Max Rodgers, 33, has stated watch it. She actually loves Baby TV.” still has fond memories. Kimberly Moss launches that their daughter Willow enjoys Kimberly is still mourning the loss of said: “Being a part of ‘Got to Dance’ watching the sport more than typical Sky1’s ‘Got to Dance’ which she was a and getting to see kids that need the children’s TV shows. Speaking exclu- judge on alongside Ashley Banjo and outlet and get to do what they love is interior design career sively to BANG Showbiz, he said “She Adam Garcia. She said: “I’m sad to see super important.” ate Moss is launching an Kinterior design company. The 41-year-old James Corden gets music offers supermodel - who Lily James: has a 13-year-old ames Corden has been offered a recording contract. The daughter, Lila, with 37-year-old presenter’s musical segment in the ‘The Late ex-boyfriend JLate Show’ - called Carpool Karaoke - has seen him show I don’t want Jefferson Hack - has off his vocal abilities alongside the likes of Justin Bieber, been looking for Stevie Wonder and One Direction, and he has now been tal- new challenges and ented spotted by label bosses who want to launch his singing to ‘burn out’ recently registered career. The comic revealed: “I’ve had a couple of record deal her new venture offers from both England and America.” The British star has with Companies Houss. A source shared: “Kate is been living in Los Angeles since agreeing to take over the ily James is afraid she will “burn out”. The ‘Cinderella’ always looking for new projects away from model- reins of the CBS series from departing host Craig Ferguson. star - who plays Lady Rose in the popular drama ing. She loved doing her fashion line and is really But James - who once dreamed of being in a boyband - says L‘Downton Abbey’ - has been busy in 2015 on various getting into acting after filming for the ‘Absolutely he has no plans to switch to a career in music. He told the Sun acting projects and is in need of a well-earned “long chunk” Fabulous’ movie. But to start an interior design com- on Sunday: “No one has to worry - I’m not going to embark on of holiday to ensure she doesn’t suffer from exhaustion next pany shows she’s serious. She loves it and puts a lot such a thing!” Meanwhile, Kylie Minogue asked the presenter year. Lily shared: “I’m actually taking Christmas off. I haven’t of time, effort, thought and money into design.” to feature on her festive album ‘Kylie’s Christmas’. The 47-year- had a really long chunk of time in a really long time. I don’t Kate - who is rumored to be dating Nikolai Von old singer duets with James on ‘Only You’ and impressed the want to burn out. I want to regroup and have just a bit of Bismarck though she’s still married to Jamie Hince - pint sized star and the album’s producers. A source said: time to myself before going to New Orleans in February for will be advised by her good pal Katie Grove, who “James recorded the track in secret with Kylie after she asked ‘Baby Driver’.” In ‘Baby Driver’ the 26-year-old star plays an already runs her own company, Grove Interiors, him to feature. It was meant to be the jokey song on the American waitress who loves to sing. Despite being good at according to the Sun on Sunday. And the news album but producers were so impressed... James is a very it herself, Lily confessed she has lost her confidence and will comes after Grove asked the stunner to redesign good singer and the song is actually a great listen.” be putting some practice in ahead of filming. She told The the interior of a £2.5million Cotswold property. Sunday Times Magazine: “She’s a real dude. She’s always Meanwhile the British beauty has been thinking singing. “I’m going to Nashville with a girlfriend. I might go about some simpler resolutions for 2016. Asked her to open-mike events. I love singing, but I’ve lost my confi- New Year’s resolutions, she said: “Peace and love.” Smith says dence because I haven’t done it in a while.” counseling helps his marriage Price signs Princess up ill Smith says Wcounsel- ing has helped his to modeling agency marriage work. atie Price has The ‘Focus’ star - signed her eight- who has children, year-old daughter Jaden, 17 and K up to a modeling agency. Willow, 15, with The 37-year-old star Anastacia proud wife Jada Pinkett revealed Princess Tiaamii Smith - has admit- will go to “a lot of cast- ted the couple ings” because she loves to Ecclestone too tired have gone for act and dress up. Katie of inspiring music separate therapy shared: “Princess has sessions but joined a modeling agency to argue with husband nastacia feels proud that her songs have insists it makes helped young fans deal with some of so she has a lot of cast- them stronger. He ings. Anything like a pan- amara Ecclestone “doesn’t have the energy Atheir problems. The 47-year-old singer told Access to argue” with her husband since becom- believes her sixth studio album ‘Resurrection’, to or acting she would Hollywood: love.” The news comes Ting a mother. The socialite admits she and which was inspired by her battle with breast “Everything that you do that’s great is gonna be difficult and the Jay Rutland - who she tied the knot with in June cancer and decision to have a double mastecto- after the former glamour most difficult part about a relationship is that it’s really not model posted two photo- 2013 - used to clash before having their daugh- my in 2013, has saved lives because the lyrics are between two people ... it’s between you and you. “What Jada and I ter Sophia, 21 months, but since her birth they so inspiring. Speaking exclusively to BANG graphs of her daughter have learned is bettering ourselves individually is how you make a wearing a full face of make-up on social media site can’t be bothered to quarrel. She told new! Showbiz, she said: “I have a lot of young fans relationship work. Individual counseling ... You get yourself togeth- magazine: “We’re a family unit. We used to bick- telling me they have a lot of issues with the pres- Instagram last week. But the mother of five was forced to er and present yourself to your partner in a higher spiritual and respond to critics who disagreed that the youngster should er about small things before Sophia came along, sure of life with all the new technology and they emotional state, and you’ll be surprised how much better things but now those things don’t matter. “We just were having a lot of suicidal thoughts.” The ‘I’m be wearing make-up and Katie posted a video of Princess can go.” Meanwhile, the 47-year-old actor previously admitted his defending herself, in which she said: “It’s none of your don’t have the energy to argue over who left Outta Love’ hitmaker’s powerful lyrics have even marriage has been “excruciating” at times. He shared: “We’ve been beeswax”. Meanwhile, the stunner isn’t bothered by the the toilet seat up. We’re very settled and happy.” inspired tattoo designs, with some fans getting married 20 years and we’ve been asking ourselves [what’s the naysayers and revealed Princess - who is the daughter of her While Tamara is thoroughly enjoying mother- her song title ‘Stay’ scribbled on their flesh. She secret to marriage] and really at the end of the day it’s just not quit- ex-husband Peter Andre - does her own make-up and is hood, she isn’t keen to have another child just explained: “My new album has the song ‘Stay’ on ting. “You can’t expect it to be easy. It’s like our marriage was the “good at it”. She told The Sun newspaper: “I do not have to yet and wants a big age gap between Sophia it, which was literally like, ‘I want to stay living on most difficult, gruelling, excruciating thing that we have ever taken explain anything to anyone... “Am I bothered? No. She loves and her sibling. She added: “I want to enjoy this earth’, I have people that have tattooed the on in our lives. And you know we’re just not quitters. “I would say is make-up and is so good at it. We are in a theatre and there is Sophia fully. There’s four and a half years word ‘Stay’ on their body. Anastacia - whose that we never went into working on our relationship. We only ever make-up everywhere. When she is here, of course she can between me and Petra, and we’re really close so ‘Ultimate Collection’, greatest hits album is out worked on ourselves individually, and then presented ourselves to experiment. Why not? She is eight and if she wants to wear I think that’s a nice age gap. “I can remember now - added: “And they’re showing it [the tattoo] one another better than we were previously.” — Bang Showbiz make-up then she can.” her being born, so I’d like to wait a bit longer. I’m to me going, ‘I’m here today because of you.’” happy with the three of us for now.” lifestyle MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015

MUSIC & MOVIES

Vicar Ulrike Garve (right) holds up a toy saber next to vicar Lucas Ludewig inside the zion church in Berlin, on December 20, 2015 during a “Star Wars”-themed church service three days after the world wide premiere of the film “Star Wars: The A person dressed as a Star Wars character stands in Force Awakens”. A person dressed as the chewbacca character sits inside front the zion church. —AFP photos the zion church. Berlin church celebrates ‘Star Wars’ service Berlin church celebrated a service with a “Star Wars” a time when many German churches are struggling to keep Christian traditions,” Garve said in a statement ahead of stressed the series’ message of the possibility of salvation theme yesterday, with lightsaber-wielding pastors up attendance, membership and donations. the event. “We want to explain these parallels to visitors after a rejection of the Dark Side, the daily B.Z. reported. Apreaching parallels between Christianity and the An AFP photographer captured images of churchgoers of the church service.” “The Force Awakens”, the seventh movie in the series, has blockbuster movie series to costumed parishioners. The decked out as popular characters from the space epic Ludewig said he took special inspiration from the Bible grossed an estimated $129.5 million internationally since it Zion Church in the Mitte district seized on last week’s world perched on wooden pews including a few Darth Vaders passage Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but opened overseas on Wednesday, setting records in Britain, premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, which is break- and a Chewbacca. Pastors-in-training Ulrike Garve, 29, overcome evil with good.” Local press reports said the Norway and Sweden as well as Germany. The film raked in ing box office records, as a universal parable of good and and Lucas Ludewig, 30, brandished red toy lightsabers as church organist Martin Klemenz played a thunderous ren- an estimated $120.5 million on Friday, its first full day in US evil. A few hundred people turned out for the event at the they delivered their sermon from the altar. “The more we dition of the movies’ “da-da-dadada-daaaa-da” theme as and Canadian cinemas, setting an industry record, accord- Protestant house of worship four days before Christmas, at talked about the films, the more parallels we saw with clips from the earlier films played on a large screen. Garve ing to Disney. — AFP Minaj performs at Angola concert despite criticism S rapper and songwriter Nicki 12,000-seat Coqueiros Stadium where she Minaj ignored international critics shared the stage with several local acts. USaturday and performed at a con- Minaj had come in for criticism for agreeing cert linked to the family of Angola’s long- to perform, with Human Rights Foundation ruling President Jose Eduardo dos president Thor Halvorssen saying this week Santos. The 33-year-old hip-hop star that she had “no good reason... to do busi- entertained several thousand of people ness with the corrupt Angolan dictatorship at a Christmas concert in the Angolan and endorse the ruler’s family company”. capital Luanda despite calls from rights Jeffery Smith of the Robert F. Kennedy groups to cancel the tour, which they Human Rights center also accused Minaj of “following in the footsteps of Mariah Carey, callously taking money from a dictator”. Fellow US singer Carey was criticized in 2013 for performing in front of dos Santos, who has governed the southern African nation for 36 years. Smith said dos Santos US filmaker had mounted a “sustained crackdown on George Lucas and basic human rights” arresting activists, Mellody Hobson opposition members, journalists, as well as attend the open- musicians. ing of the Minaj performed a day after a judge European ordered the release of 15 Angolan activists, Premiere of “Star including prominent rapper Luaty Beirao, Wars: The Force who were arrested six months ago during a Awakens” in cen- book reading where one of the books on the tral London on agenda was about non-violent resistance to December 16, Nicki Minaj repressive regimes. The group of youthful 2015. —AFP activists return to court next month for the saw as an endorsement of the authoritar- conclusion of their trial on charges of “rebel- ian rule of dos Santos. The concert was lion” and attempting to carry out a “coup”. Hollywood loved ‘Star Wars,’ hosted by the Angola’s largest mobile Dos Santos, 73, has been accused of over- phone company, which is part owned by seeing corruption, misrule and intimidation the dos Santos family. in a country that suffers endemic poverty but Lucas didn’t love Hollywood Before going on stage, Minaj posted a despite being Africa’s second-largest oil pro- photo of herself in a jumpsuit and draped ducer. Angola marked 40 years of independ- t the Dec 14 world premiere of “Star Wars: Clark). Lucas parlayed his success with “Graffiti” experience and not feel that there must be a rea- in the black-and-red flag of Angola on pho- ence from Portugal last month, with dos The Force Awakens” in Hollywood, the into an amazing deal with Fox. He got 40% of the son why you’re here.” Instead of a life devoted to to-sharing service Instagram. Concert Santos vowing to bring progress to the Aaudience gave a standing ovation to “Star Wars” profits and retained ownership of the cars, he enrolled in Modesto Junior College and organizers said they had sold 6,000 tickets country, but critics accuse him of ruling George Lucas, since there would be no “Star movie, its sequels and the merchandise. In retro- then film school. for the concert, which was held in the through fear and repression. — AFP Wars” without him. However, this is the first film spect, it’s easy to wonder if the Fox execs were he wasn’t directly involved in. But while “Star insane, but long-running movie franchises were Personal reasons Wars” itself is an integral part of Hollywood’s not that common, and successful merchandising Though friends were skeptical of each move, DNA, Lucas himself remains the ultimate seemed limited to animated characters. With the Lucas trusted his instincts-which served him well Hollywood insider/outsider. Variety first men- success of “Star Wars” merchandise, studios when “Star Wars” similarly inspired skepticism. tioned him on Jan. 9, 1968, when he scored quickly learned that the formula could work for Outer-space movies were not a proven box- three nominations in the third annual National other films, including live-action ones. office success, and Hollywood in the 1970s was Student Film Fest competition. Out of 153 “Star Wars” and Steven Spielberg’s 1975 “Jaws” more interested in introspective pieces like entries and 46 finalists, Lucas had “6-18-67” (“A are often credited with creating the blockbuster Coppola’s “Godfather” films. So Fox was a little Desert Poem”); the docu “The Emperor,” and, in mentality of wide releases and heavy marketing. surprised at the level of “Star Wars” success. the dramatic competition, the sci-fi short “THX- But Lucas’ contributions to Hollywood were big- Despite the success, Lucas was angry at the 1138 4EB.” He won for “THX.” But for the next few ger than that. First, he showed the industry how entire Hollywood system, tired of dealing with years, it wasn’t a smooth ride. to rethink movies as a starting point for video hostile or indifferent studio executives, lawyers Francis Coppola mentored Lucas, helping him games, theme-park attractions, TV animation and agents. So he again defied conventional land a deal for a 1971 feature version of “THX” at and, of course, merchandise. And he helped wisdom, creating a film center first in Northern Warner Bros-Seven Arts. The box office was low change the way movies are made. Before “Star California’s Marin County, then at the Presidio in and Coppola challenged him to create some- Wars,” visual effects were usually created with San Francisco. In 1981, Lucas cited “personal rea- thing for mainstream audiences. So Lucas start- miniatures, but he helped move things into digi- sons” for withdrawing from the Directors Guild ed “American Graffiti.” Universal execs weren’t tal with Industrial Light & Magic (founded of America and the Writers Guild of America. An enthused about the screenplay (by Lucas, Willard in 1975). He also created THX (which the compa- April 6, 1981, Variety banner story read “Lucas Huyck and Gloria Katz) but liked the idea of a ny describes as “next-generation surround Severs Last H’wood Ties” (though Lucasfilm soundtrack using rock hits from the era (the film sound”) and built up Pixar (which started out as remained a signatory to both). centered on high school grads in 1962). a high-end computer hardware company, before Lucas was unhappy with the DGA, which had Universal agreed to a budget of $750,000. it revolutionized feature animation). fined him because Irvin Kershner’s director cred- Lucas was born and raised in Modesto, it was at the end of “The Empire Strikes Back” Conductors (from left ) France’s Pierre Boulez, Germany’s Kurt Masur and India’s Directly to television California, obsessed with cars and racing, and instead of at the beginning of the film, as the Zubin Mehta pose with their trophy during an award ceremony, on December 7, With its dim lighting of car interiors and its wanted to pursue a career in that area. On June DGA contract specified. Lucas wanted to thrust 1992 in New-York city. — AFP photos low-budget look, Universal film execs hated it 12, 1962, just as he was graduating from Thomas the audience immediately into the action, and and considered releasing it directly to television. Downey High School, his Fiat was hit by another Kershner was OK with the end-credit placement. But two previews with young audiences con- car; Lucas was thrown out of the car when his Lucas doesn’t hang out in LA and doesn’t go to a vinced them to reconsider. The film earned $115 seat belt snapped. The Fiat crashed into a tree lot of industry events. But when he does attend, Kurt Masur, conductor from million domestically, a huge return on a minor and if he had remained inside he almost certain- it creates a stir; the standing ovation at the “Star investment, and earned Oscar nominations for ly would have died. In the book “Skywalking: The Wars” premiere was a reminder that, in a town picture, director, screenplay, editing (Verna Fields Life and Films of George Lucas,” he told biogra- full of celebrities and power-brokers, he’s still in Iron Curtain to 9/11, dead at 88 and Marcia Lucas) and supporting actress (Candy pher Dale Pollock: “You can’t have that kind of a category all by himself. — Reuters urt Masur, the conductor who seized on are still palpable in the musicians’ playing, and I, music’s power to ease Germany’s reunifi- along with the Philharmonic’s audiences, have Kcation and comfort New York after much to thank him for,” he said. September 11, died Saturday. He was 88. The Priest sorry for saying attacked New York Philharmonic announced the death of Sensing music’s role in history Masur, one of its longest-serving music directors Masur was hailed for mastering the moment who led the orchestra from 1991 to 2002 and after the September 11, 2001 attacks scarred Bataclan gig ‘inspired by Satan’ was credited with enhancing its global reputa- New York. He led the Philharmonic in Brahms’ tion. A German born in what is today Poland, “German Requiem” in a nationally televised French priest apologized yesterday for a whelmed when faced with the diversity and Masur was an unlikely choice to lead one of the memorial service. The conductor requested that homily in which he said the Eagles of Death strangeness of some artistic expressions,” the New World’s pre-eminent orchestras as he had the audience hold its applause, turning the con- AMetal concert that was attacked by jihadists priest said. In a similar case, a priest from the east- spent his career-both musically and politically- cert into a moment for contemplation on the in Paris last month was “inspired by Satan”. “I regret ern city of Lyon was removed from duty after say- within the confines of communist East Germany tragedy. Annie Bergen, a host on New York’s fuelling a controversy about some musical genres. ing that those who died at the Bataclan were the and was closely focused on the classical canon. classical music radio station WQXR, later said of It was completely inappropriate and indecent,” “Siamese twins” of their murderers. But Masur won wide praise for polishing the the “German Requiem” performance that “the Francois Schneider told his parishioners in the Despite its name, the American rock band musical bona fides of the New York effect was so profound it was as if it had been town of Wissembach in northeastern France, Eagles of Death Metal does not play death metal Philharmonic and raising its profile with 17 tours composed that day.” according to his diocese. Shortly after Islamic but rather a hard-charging garage rock. They are around the world including a first trip to main- Masur was similarly credited with instinctively State jihadists attacked Paris on November 13, known for loud guitars, a heavy rhythm section land China, now a key country for the orchestra’s feeling the sense of history in 1989 shortly before Schneider criticized the band playing at the and tongue-in-cheek humour. “The ‘death metal’ overseas activities. “Masur’s years at the New the fall of the Berlin Wall. Then the conductor of Bataclan concert hall where 90 people were killed. side is ironic. If they have songs that speak of the York Philharmonic represent one of its golden the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and a loyal A total of 130 people died on the night of hor- devil, it’s the devil from cartoons,” said Jean-Pierre eras, in which music-making was infused with and accoladed East German, Masur went on the ror in the French capital, where a team of nine Sabouret, a rock music journalist who survived the commitment and devotion-with the belief in the radio in October that year ahead of a concert to known attackers targeted the national stadium, attack by hiding for several hours. “To say that power of music to bring humanity closer togeth- urge calm as protesters amassed. The troops did restaurants and bars as well as the Bataclan. Eagles of Death Metal are a Satanic or metal group er,” Alan Gilbert, the outgoing music director, not open fire and Masur’s performance went Members of Schneider’s congregation com- would be as idiotic as saying that Mozart played said in a statement. “The ethical and moral ahead, helping set the graceful and largely non- plained to his diocese. “Sometimes we are over- jazz,” he told AFP last month. — AFP Eagles of Death Metal dimensions that he brought to his conducting violent tone of German reunification. —AFP lifestyle MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 Is it a dime? NashvilleFEATURES offers new museums, Or is it a nail? hip neighborhoods, fashion n probably one of the oddest items to Icome to the world of coin collecting, Dallas- based Heritage Auctions has announced the sale of a Roosevelt dime that was accidentally (or some say deliberately) struck onto a zinc nail. Yes, that piece of iron- mongery used to repair your roof. The dime/nail is estimated to be worth roughly $10,000. This photo provided by In the billions of Heritage Auctions shows a coins it has made over Roosevelt Dime that was its history, the US. Mint minted onto a nail. has made more than a few errors. There were Lincoln pennies that were struck onto the material for a dime, Washington In this June 8, 2015 file photo, people view a multimedia show in a new theater at the This Jan 15, 2014 file photo shows people listening to a band in Tootsie’s Orchid quarters struck more than once, wrong dates on coins, Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. — AP photos Lounge in Nashville, Tenn. etc. Most errors are caught by the Mint, but occasional- ly a few make it out into circulation. Those error coins ashville is the home of country music, Also downtown is the Country Music Hall won’t divulge their recipe, but it’s basically branch out and go see a show in another part have been highly sought by collectors. from the Grand Ole Opry to the of Fame and Museum. Be sure to check out really, really spicy fried chicken, served with of town. This error coin coming to auction in January in NBluebird Cafe to the noisy honky-tonks Hatch Show Print, located in the same build- white bread and pickles. The Germantown Tampa, Florida, is one of the more bizarre errors of Lower Broadway. Those venues are an ing. The shop has been producing letterpress neighborhood offers several acclaimed new Hanging out to come to public attention. In a weird linguis- obligatory part of every visit, but while you’re posters since 1879. And it’s worth spending restaurants with upscale cuisine, but if you The hip 12 South neighborhood is a good tic twist, another name for the 2-inch nail is a here, why not check out the city’s emerging the extra money to tour RCA Studio B. The want to feel like you’re in Nashville and not bet for a few hours of shopping and dining. sixpenny nail. “It is certainly the most unusu- fashion scene or explore an off-the-beaten squat, concrete-block building may look Brooklyn, Monell’s offers traditional Southern The commercial area encompasses a half-mile al item I have had to catalog in my career,” path neighborhood? shabby, but it’s where Elvis recorded more food family-style, where you share heaping stretch along a single street and includes said Mark Borckardt, the senior numisma- than 260 songs. plates of fried chicken, green beans and bis- boutiques like the local designer jeans store tist at Heritage New York-based What’s new A few miles east of downtown is The cuits with other guests. imogene + willie. The restaurants here are Auctions. A numismatist is person A new small downtown museum pays Hermitage, the home of America’s seventh mostly casual and include Burger Up, which who studies or collects coins or homage to country music legend Johnny president, Andrew Jackson. A preservation Tips features locally raised beef and vegetables bank notes. It is not the first coin Cash. Exhibits include the amp used to record group took over the home more than 125 Yes, you can get around Nashville without with a good selection of cocktails. printed onto a nail, however, said “Folsom Prison Blues,” his custom Gibson J- years ago, when Jackson’s grandson still lived a car, and considering the many street clos- Or head across the river to East Nashville Fred Weinberg, a coin dealer con- 200 acoustic guitar, and his Future Farmers of there, so its original furnishings, wallpaper, ings from construction, you might want to. where you can catch live music of the non- sidered one of the top experts in America membership card. The gift shop car- clothing and even a carriage have been Uber and Lyft both pick up from the airport. country variety at clubs like The 5 Spot, The error coins. A few pennies in the ries all things Cash and the cafe features local- meticulously preserved. An introductory Free electric city buses run on a downtown Basement East or The East Room. The pedes- late 1970s were struck onto ly roasted coffee with blends named for Cash exhibit explores Jackson’s celebrity as a war circuit. Public bicycles can be rented around trian-friendly Five Points neighborhood is a nails. This dime/nail is undat- songs like A Brew Named Sue. hero, populist and rock star of his day. downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. good place to start. Boutiques at The Idea ed, so there is no Nearby, the George Jones Museum’s gift One of the few distinctly Nashville foods is The honky-tonks of lower Broadway are a go- Hatchery and the Shoppes on Fatherland are way to tell when This photo provided by Heritage shop sells White Lightning moonshine, hot chicken, and nobody does it better than to for live music. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is within walking distance, and good food the item was creat- Auctions shows a Roosevelt named after Jones’ first No. 1 hit. The museum the original: Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. It’s the original, but Robert’s Western World is abounds from the casual Five Points Pizza to ed. Weinberg said Dime that was minted onto a has a section dedicated to the song that worth the drive. Just ask the people who have also a perennial favorite. If there’s a line out the rustic French and Italian cuisine of Cafe it is possible the nail. — AP photos includes Jones’ “White Lightning” stage cos- come there from Australia. The proprietors the front door, try going around the back. Or Margot. — AP dime/nail was tume with gold embroidered moonshine jugs made on purpose by a rogue Mint employee. Despite and rhinestones. Housed in an old ware- it not being one of a kind, Weinberg says, there are house, the complex has a downstairs restau- probably only about a half dozen coin/nail examples rant and rooftop bar, both overlooking the known and only two dimes. He expects the dime/nail Cumberland River. to sell for roughly $10,000, but public interest could But Nashville isn’t only about country raise that amount. A spokesman for the US. Mint was music. The city’s emerging fashion scene unavailable to answer the question of whether the includes designers of jeans, fine leather nail/dime is considered valid currency. The Heritage goods and jewelry. Many of the artisans, like auction that includes the nail/dime also includes sev- tie- and cap-maker Otis James or weaver eral other notable error coins. There will be a 1943 Allison Volek Shelton, have retail spaces right Lincoln penny struck in bronze, which would seem not in their studios where visitors can see goods out of the ordinary except for the fact that the U.S. being produced. Mint changed the composition of the penny in 1943 to steel to save copper for the war effort. 1943 bronze Classic attractions pennies typically sell for $200,000 to $300,000. The weekly Grand Ole Opry live concert is On the flip side, Heritage will also be auctioning a spending the winter at its longtime former 1944 penny that was struck in steel, not bronze. The home, the Ryman Auditorium. Known as the In this April 4, 2015, auction for the dime/nail will be Jan. 6 as part of a larg- “mother church of country music,” the Ryman file photo, handmade er Heritage auction. Electronic bidding for the coin has opened a $14 million expansion last summer flies are displayed at already started, however. The current price for the item that includes new exhibits telling the story of Jones Fly Company in is $3,200. — AP the famed music venue from its 1892 found- the East Nashville area ing as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. of Nashville, Tenn. Egypt Tourist authority launches dedicated Arabic campaign

he Egypt Tourism Authority (ETA) has Facebook play a significant role in 88% of inter- which can be enjoyed in Egypt from a vibrant began as a grass-roots movement developed by paign heavily relies. unveiled a new campaign titled “This is net users’ daily lives. city break in Alexandria or Cairo to luxury beach Egyptians, but now will be adopted and refined The campaign comes as Egypt continues to TEgypt” (#thisisegypt), to launch a major “The #thisisegypt campaign is a powerful getaway in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. The by the ETA to boost tourism by portraying an work around the clock to enhance safety and regional campaign to drive growth in the movement which we know will resonate with campaign will highlight past-times which partic- experiential and authentic image of the country security procedures to ensure the well-being of tourism sector. In a change from previous ETA the wider region as it was created initially by the ularly resonate with an Arabic audience from to the world. The three-year campaign will all travellers. The country recently passed an campaigns, #thisisegypt will be digitally-led, Egyptian people themselves,” said Egypt’s shopping and dining to enjoying luxury accom- focus on attracting and engaging diverse audi- assessment by the International Civil Aviation focusing on peer-to-peer advocacy and under- Minister of Tourism Hisham Zaazou. “We are at a modation and exciting nightlife. ences, with a focus on millennials who are driv- Organization (ICAO) with inspectors from pinned by digital media spend, whilst traditional pivotal point in terms of tourism development The campaign will highlight Egypt’s touristic en by personal experience, passion and adven- Russian, Dutch, Emirati and Italian airlines, and is advertising methods will form a secondary pro- in the country and the new campaign and destinations into four main geographic attrac- ture. Recent studies have shown that millennials also collaborating with delegations from the motional level. branding demonstrates our commitment in tions: the Nile Valley, the Red Sea Riviera, the take a higher number of trips annually com- United Kingdom, Germany and Russia to imple- Targeting the Arabic traveller from the attracting travellers from our sister Arab coun- White Mediterranean and the Western Desert. pared to other age groups, driven by the afore- ment the strongest security measures possible. Middle East region, #thisisegypt will harness the tries to discover our beautiful country.” The four destinations will be promoted across mentioned factors. Millennials also have the As it launches the #thisisegypt campaign, Egypt power of digital in a region where internet pen- The campaign focuses on personalising the different audiences and seasons based on each highest level of influence in their respective has pledged to do all that is possible to provide etration is 5.8% higher at 48.1% than the world Egyptian experience by encouraging the wider of the targeted markets’ unique attraction communities, which indirectly affects the travel all visitors - internal and external - with a safe average* and social media sites such as Arab audience to consider the variety of holiday points. The hashtag, #thisisegypt, originally decisions of their peers - upon which this cam- and enjoyable experience in the country. lifestyle MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 FEATURES

People stand next to a decorated fountain in central Zagreb. — AFP photos People pose for a picture on Ban Jelacic Square in central Zagreb.

People walk in a park central Zagreb. People skate on a skating rink in a park in central Zagreb. People stand around a Christmas tree on Ban Jelacic Square. Croatia turns to Christmas tourism for economic cheer

ith an ice sculpture festival, brass European capital, but small enough to be band fanfares and a huge skating walkable with a charming neighborhood vibe,” Wrink, Croatia’s capital is pulling in said writer Andrea Pisac, who runs the ‘Zagreb growing numbers of winter tourists in the Honestly’ travel blog (travelhonestly.com). She hope of cheering its struggling economy. In a said the Advent program had infused local country better known for summer holidays people with a sense of optimism at a time of along its pristine coastline, Zagreb is promot- economic sluggishness-and changed habits in ing itself as a festive wonderland aiming to the largely Roman Catholic country, where rival Europe’s traditional Christmas destina- Christmas has traditionally been celebrated tions such as Vienna and Prague. indoors with family. “The festive spirit has A packed ‘Advent in Zagreb’ program offers spread out into the streets and everything special flight and hotel offers, themed walking feels more exciting,” Pisac said. tours, dozens of concerts and illuminated market stalls, where mulled wine, hearty sausages Beyond ‘sun and sea’ and cinnamon donuts are among the big hits. While tourist industry representatives have The event, now in its sixth year, has propelled hailed the Advent program, they say more Zagreb to win the title of ‘Best Christmas investments and efforts are needed to diversify Market’ this month from a poll of more than what Croatia can offer and encourage year- 100,000 travellers on the European Best round visitors. “Croatian tourism’s main chal- Destinations website.” This event is something lenge is to extend the season, and the issue has really important for our economy here in been on the agenda for a long time,” said Zagreb,” said Luka Benko from the city’s tourist Nikolina Frklic at the country’s largest travel board, outlining the “huge promotion” of the agency, Atlas. She hoped Zagreb’s example Advent program in domestic, regional and far- would inspire other attractions and events away markets. “Probably you would say beyond the “sun and sea” to lure more visitors. Croatia is a country for sea and summer, but A general view of Most Advent guests currently hail from neigh- then we are a continental country as well, we Ban Jelacic Square in bouring Bosnia and Slovenia as well as Italy, but are very diversified.” central Zagreb. the ambitious marketing push has targeted further afield, including the United States and Asia. Record numbers With a return to national growth of around Tourism is crucial for the European Union’s tourists-more than triple its population. While are going to have much more,” said Benko. shot up from five to 43, hotels from 38 to 53 just 1.0 percent forecast for 2015, a broader newest member as it slowly emerges from six most headed to the coastline dotted with Visitors can download a smartphone app to and private accommodation options from 42 tourist base would be welcomed by many-but years of recession. The sector was hard-hit by hundreds of islands, the Advent program guide them around the attractions on offer to more than 900, Benko said. The range of those drawn to Zagreb’s relaxed Christmas Croatia’s 1990s war of independence from attracted a record 56,000 visitors to Zagreb in from late November until January 10, ranging bars and restaurants has also significantly atmosphere may be hoping that it does not get Yugoslavia, but it has since gradually recov- December 2014, marking a 21 percent rise from children’s art workshops to pastry chef increased amidst the graceful Habsburg archi- too popular. “It’s very cosy and it has soul,” said ered and now accounts for about 17 percent from the previous year. “We are experiencing demonstrations and tastings. Zagreb’s grow- tecture of the capital, which is home to first-time Italian visitor Franco Rossi, sipping of gross domestic product. Last year, this the same thing this year. We are hoping to ing appeal is mirrored by the rise in places to 800,000 people. “Zagreb is a city that is big champagne with his wife as a local folk band Adriatic nation drew in more than 13 million achieve at least these numbers but I’m sure we stay: since 2006, the number of hostels has enough to offer all the highlights of a typical struck up in central Zrinjevac Square. — AFP

Home Centre’s festive collection to bring holiday cheer into homes ome Centre, the largest home retailer in the with Home Centre’s kitchen range, which includes ver- are some of Home Centre’s tempting must-haves to cre- Middle East, is all set to bring the celebratory satile crockery, glassware, and kitchenware, reflecting ate joyous festival memories. A one-stop shop for Hspirit into everyone’s homes for the upcoming the merry spirit of the season. cooking and baking accessories, Home Centre gives holiday season. The new seasonal collection not only The Acacia wooden board that is ideal for serving customers all that they need to whip up a delicious comprises of red and gold classic designs to add a tra- cheese and fresh fruit, the colourful cookie cutters, hot Christmas meal at home. Create a warm festive ambi- ditional touch but also has modern creations with rich chocolate and eggnog mugs, coloured-stem glasses, ence this Christmas with Home Centre’s new collection dramatic colours. Shoppers will be spoilt for choice table runners, and placemats, all in seasonal colours, available at all stores and let the festivities begin! Croatia turns to Christmas tourism for economic39 cheer MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015

pain’s Mireia Lalaguna Royo was named the winner of the Miss World 2015 competition in the south- Sern Chinese island resort of Sanya, an event dogged by controversy over China’s refusal to allow Canada’s entrant to attend. Sofia Nikitchuk of Russia was the runner-up and Indonesia’s Maria Harfanti took third place in the Saturday night final following a lengthy competition featuring 114 women. Each had won the right to represent their country in a series of local and regional competitions.

Mireia Lalaguna Rozo Miss World Spain is crowned after winning the new title at the Miss World Grand Final in Sanya, in southern China’s Hainan province. Contestants from over 110 countries compete in the final of the 65th Miss World Competition. — AFP photos

Newly crowned Miss World Mireia Lalaguna Royo from Spain, celebrates at the end of the 2015 Miss World Grand Final in Sanya in south China’s Hainan province.

The victory marked the first-ever win for a Spanish contestant. “I think this is a good decision, because Miss World is not looking for our body, they are looking for a Catharina Choi Nunes, Miss Lu Yuan, Miss World China, World Brazil reacts after reacts after entering the semi- soul,” said Lalaguna, a 23-year-old model from Barcelona Valerie About Chacra, Miss World Lebanon reacts after entering the semi final. with a degree in pharmacology who plans to pursue a entering the semi final. final. master’s degree in nutrition. She placed first in the competition’s top model contest and appeared to impress the judges with her public speaking. “I think it’s important that they don’t want to see only our bodies, they are looking for moral things,” she said. Not present was Miss Canada, Chinese-born Anastasia Lin, who had been prevented from boarding her connecting flight to Sanya from Hong Kong last month after China refused her a visa. Lin is an outspoken critic of Chinese religious policy and a follower of the Falun Gong meditation practice, which was outlawed by China in 1999. She said that after she won the Canadian title, Chinese security agents visited her father, who still lives in China, in an apparent attempt to intimidate her into silence. China has hosted the competition seven times, starting in 2003, as part of its attempts to project a more modern, outgoing image. However, the controversy over Lin’s attendance illustrates the authoritarian communist government’s determination to do so on its own terms, regardless of the cost to the country’s reputation. Neither Beijing nor the London-based Miss World Organization has commented on the controversy. It was the second consecutive year that outside events intrud- ed on the competition. Last year’s contest in London was marred by the murder the month before of Miss Honduras and her sister in that country. The first Miss Margot Hanekamp, Miss World Netherlands Sofia Nikitchuk, Miss World Russia World contest was held 64 years ago in Britain. — AP Miss World China, Lu Yuan (center) performs at the Miss World Grand Final. reacts after entering the semi final. reacts after entering the semi final.

Newly crowned Miss World Mireia Lalaguna Royo from Spain, third from left celebrates with other contestants at Miss World contestants perform at the Miss World Grand Final in Sanya, southern China’s Hainan province. the end of the 2015 Miss World Grand Final in Sanya.