TWITTER CELEBS @newsofbahrain BUSINESS 12 BBK operating profit up 10.5pc INSTAGRAM How judging /nobmedia 30 ‘American Idol’ LINKEDIN TUESDAY newsofbahrain APRIL 2019 inspires Katy Perry 200 FILS WHATSAPP ISSUE NO. 8097 Singer-songwriter 38444680 Katy Perry says judg- FACEBOOK ing “American Idol” /nobmedia reminds her of her own MAIL process and that really [email protected] inspires her. WEBSITE P14 newsofbahrain.com

Kit Harington wishes to work with Sophie Turner again 14 CELEBS WORLD 5 Thousands gather in Kabul for Afghanistan ‘loya jirga’

Sri Lanka bans all face coverings Spotlight on Bahrain-France bilateral ties Colombo

ny face covering that A“hinders the identifi- cation of individuals in a way that threatens national security” is now banned in Sri Lanka, according to a statement from the coun- try’s President. The move follows a series of bombings on Easter Sun- day that killed more than 250 people and wounded at least 500 in Sri Lankan His Majesty with French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, French churches and hotels. His Majesty and the accompanying delegation being received upon arrival in Paris. Ambassador to Bahrain Cécile Longe and other dignitaries in Paris. “President Maithripala Paris Sirisena has made this deci- to express our sincere thanks to existence. Such advanced traits history politically, economically and contribute to their develop- sion to strengthen national is Majesty King Hamad President Emmanuel Macron and values are among the most and culturally, which strength- ment. security as well as to not bin Isa Al Khalifa ar- for his kind invitation to us to important characteristics shared ens our confidence and our as- His Majesty also received a inconvenience any demo- Hrived in France yester- visit this friendly country that by our two countries. piration for further cooperation number of French business- graphic group so as to create day at an invitation by French has a long history, distinguished “We are very proud of the to keep our relations prosper at men. HM the King welcomed a peaceful and harmonious President Emmanuel Macron. human and cultural heritage, a deep strategic relations with the various levels.” the French businessmen, hailing society in Sri Lanka,” said Both leaders will hold discus- rich culture and abundant di- French Republic and we are keen His Majesty yesterday re- strong historic relations, which the presidential statement, sions on bilateral relations and versity and for which my own to make these ties stronger. Our ceived, at his residence in Paris, span long years of joint co-oper- which was released Sunday. ways of bolstering them as well country has love, appreciation relations are constantly evolving, French Minister of the Economy ation and bilateral work. The ban took effect Mon- as the latest regional and inter- and respect as well as pride in its increasing year after year, rep- and Finance Bruno Le Maire. The King stressed his keenness day, and applies to anything national developments. strong relations with its friendly resenting a distinctive example HM the King discussed with on meeting the group, as part of covering the face, which HM the King was welcomed people,” His Majesty said. of bilateral ties in all fields that the French minister joint coop- his visit to the French Republic, could include burqas, niqabs on arrival by senior French offi- “The French people are among could be emulated. eration and the consolidation of thanking them for their presence, and helmets or masks. cials, the Bahraini Ambassador the most distinguished people “They are based on mutual re- promising economic, financial, alongside an elite of leading busi- to France and the embassy staff. with a high taste and a spirit of spect, cooperation and common banking and investment oppor- nessmen who contribute to Bah- “At the outset, we would like creativity, tolerance, love and co- interests and built on a common tunities that support vital sectors rain’s economic development. Chatbot Service via WhatsApp from AUB TDT | Manama

n its efforts to ensure Ithat the clients are served with the latest bank- ing services, Ahli United Bank (AUB) announced the launch of their Artifi- Tackle price rise cial Intelligence (AI) sup- ported Chatbot service via WhatsApp for businesses. HRH the Premier directs Commerce Ministry to tighten control over price rise Being the first bank in Bahrain to integrate its tributions to the nation-build- system with an AI sup- HRH Premier ing process, as well as their ported chatting service via • leading role in the production WhatsApp, AUB’s current hailed the existing process in order to achieve com- clients and prospective cli- “constructive” co- prehensive development. ents will be able to complete operation among the In this context, HRH Pre- many of their banking in- workers, employers mier hailed the existing “con- quiries through the chatting structive” co-operation among service. See Page 10 and the government. the three production parties in HRH the Premier chairs the Cabinet. the kingdom, namely workers, Manama employers and the govern - ability of commodities, as well cial Development Ministry to ment. he Cabinet yesterday as the stability of their prices in begin disbursing the allowances HRH the Premier gave direc- chaired by His Royal the markets. to the beneficiaries to alleviate tives to start enforcing the exec- THighness Prime Minis- The directive aims at con - the living costs on low-income utive procedures put forward by DON’T MISS IT ter Prince Khalifa bin Salman taining price manipulation by families and enable them to the Labour and Social Develop- Al Khalifa, gave directives to the controlling supplies of various 200 meet the requirements of the ment Ministry, the Ministry of Ministry of Industry, Commerce goods and commodities during types of cancer medicines holy month of Ramadan. Health and the Civil Service Bu- and Tourism to tighten control the Holy Month of Ramadan. are provided at the SMC, HRH the Premier, marking the reau to implement the decision according to the Cabinet. over the prices of various goods Among other things, HRH the International Workers’ Day, ex- on the terms and conditions ‘Zero tolerance and commodities to prevent Premier gave orders to increase tended congratulations to Bah- to grant employees or workers towards radical their manipulation by taking the value of social assistance raini workers, as well as their with disabilities or those taking 02 advantage of rising demand. granted to social insurance ben- syndicates and trade unions, care of relatives with severe dis- ideologies’ The same ministry was also eficiaries and the recipients of The Prime Minister gave di- lauding their dedication, and abilities of the first degree two Bahraini requested to ensure the avail- the disability allowance. rectives to the Labour and So- valuing highly their great con- paid rest hours daily. businesses ink 03 deals worth $2bn NOT DEAD? with French firms Al Baghdadi appears in new propaganda video Parent on trial Baghdad The world’s most wanted man final redoubt Baghouz, which Libya, but insisted the extremists after toddler was last seen in Mosul in 2014, ended in March. had not “surrendered” territory. 04 seen sitting on he Daesh group’s lead- announcing the birth of Daesh’s “The battle for Baghouz In response to the video, a State window edge er Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi much-feared “caliphate” across is over,” he said, sitting cross- Department spokesman said the Tmade his first appearance swathes of Iraq and Syria. legged on a cushion and address- US-led coalition against the group in five years in a propaganda In the video released Monday ing three men whose faces have would fight across the world to video released yesterday, ac- by the extremist group’s pro- been blurred. “ensure an enduring defeat of knowledging his group’s defeat paganda wing, the man said to He referred to a string of Daesh these terrorists and that any lead- at Baghouz while threatening be Al Baghdadi referred to the A screenshot of the video released by defeats, including its onetime ers who remain are delivered the “revenge” attacks. months-long fight for Daesh’s Daesh. Iraqi capital Mosul and Sirte in justice that they deserve.” TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 02

Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, met His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince The Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, yesterday received the Former Chairperson Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday. The Deputy King and HRH the Premier lauded the of the Migrant Workers Protection Society, Marletta Dias, at Riffa Palace. During the meeting, HRH the Deputy King stances expressed by the citizens of Bahrain, expressing deep pride in the Bahraini people’s rejection of everything that highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to the protection and advancement of individual rights, outlining the Kingdom’s may affect its national unity or its cohesive social fabric, as well as unity against any act or conduct that is considered efforts to uphold these rights through extensive legislations and institutional mechanisms. The Deputy King stressed an interference in the kingdom’s internal affairs. that these efforts are an integral part of the Kingdom’s comprehensive development led by HM King Hamad. ‘Zero tolerance towards radical ideologies’ Manama in the region where peace, pros- perity and happiness prevail, he ahrain has been known as a added. vanguard of multi-cultural “So, we strive to keep up this Bsociety over the years with atmosphere of Bahrain 24/7 and a complete freedom of worship maintain it. We are living in a to people belonging to various world that has become a global faiths, sects and creeds, Brigadier village now. Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed The threats are globalised, and Al Khalifa Assistant Chief of Pub- recently we have seen the inci- lic Security for Operations and dents in New Zealand mosque Training Affairs, said. A session in progress at the forum. shootings and bomb blasts in Shaikh Hamad, who was one Sri Lanka followed by European the speakers at the Second De- “Bahrain is a peaceful coun- “Everyone is welcome in Bah- threat and fight back by unity, ed- falling prey to extreme ideas. It is counties. rasat Forum, told Bahrain News try, and everybody lives here in rain and we assure freedom of ucation and preventing our youth a joint effort based on the cooper- “I assure you that Kingdom of Agency that Bahrain does not complete freedom. They practice religion. As for radicalisation, it is from going into wrong directions. ation of each one in our society to Bahrain is one of the safest coun- allow or tolerate any extremist their religion and worship ac- a global issue that has no religion “As for us, the Ministry of In- play their role.” tries in the world. We set a views to be imposed or dictated cording to their faith without any or nationality. terior, we work with all our part- “Bahrain is safe and is devel- good example when compared by anyone. fear,” Shaikh Hamad said. “We are ready to counter any ners to prevent our youth from oping and it is a leading country with other countries.”

Scholarship chance for Woman who students stabbed fellow maid The scholarship ‘mentally unfit’ •benefits include traveling expenses between Bahrain Judges had and Japan, education ordered• for her to be We found the fees and a monthly mentally evaluated to maid lying in a allowance. determine if she was pool of blood after responsible for her we heard loud TDT | Manama actions and the report screams coming showed she wasn’t. out from the he Japanese Embassy domestic servants’ Tis inviting interest - ed Bahraini students who TDT | Manama room. wish to study various fields FAMILY MEMBER at Japanese universities as he Asian maid who “Research Students (post- stabbed a fellow do- heard loud screams coming graduate students)” to ap- Tmestic servant, work- out from the domestic serv- ply for MEXT (Ministry of ing under the same sponsor, ants’ room,” the family mem- Education, Culture, Sports, eight times, was found to be ber revealed to the Public Science and Technology) mentally ill, a psychological Prosecution. Scholarship for 2020. report confirmed. Moreover, the head of the The Japanese Government The same report also re- family described the accused Scholarship Programme, vealed that she wasn’t re - woman as lazy as he testified which was established in sponsible for her actions before the Public Prosecu- 1954, has been created in and advised for her to be de- tion. order to increase mutual ported from Bahrain at the “She wasn’t working hard understanding between the earliest. and she would sleep until people of Japan and other The woman was arrested afternoon. The victim, on countries as well as to make after attacking her colleague the other hand, was putting an international contribution with a knife and court files great efforts into her work. to the intellectual field. suggested that the event hap- We used to share our impres- The scholarship benefits pened because of jealousy. sion about both of them in include traveling expenses According to court files, front them,” he explained. between Bahrain and Japan, the victim was receiving bet- As per the court files, the education fees and a monthly ter treatment from the spon- accused woman hurt herself allowance. The guideline and sor because of her loyalty and in an effort to manipulate all the requested documents commitment in her work, as the investigation into the can be downloaded in the a result of which the accused case to show that she acted following URL. Applicants attacked her. in self-defence. must submit all requested The accused had told pros- The accused woman stood documents to the Embassy ecutors that she attacked the before the High Criminal by the 30th of May, 2019. woman while she was per- Court, where she pleaded For further information, forming her Fajr prayer in a not guilty. contact Fatima Al Haddad, jealous rage, while a family Judges had ordered for her Cultural and PR Section of Jap- member provided further to be mentally evaluated to anese Embassy at 17716565 details of the attack. determine if she was respon- and send emails at culture@ “We found the maid lying sible for her actions and the bh.mofa.go.jp. in a pool of blood after we report showed she wasn’t. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 03 Bahraini businesses ink deals worth $2bn with French firms 12 agreements, MoUs signed between Bahraini and French companies

of our two countries to enhance Over 150 Bahraini economic and trade ties. Both • Bahrain and France are already businessmen and their implementing many major de- French counterparts velopment projects that offer attended the business significant economic benefits lunch inaugurated and the agreements signed today will contribute to successfully by Zayed Al Zayani, completing these projects and Minister of Industry, enhancing the commercial and Commerce and Tourism. economic status of Bahrain.” Mr Al Rumaihi said: “His Maj- Bahrain is home esty’s visit to France has certain- • ly helped enhance investment to prominent French co-operation between Bahrain companies and banks, and France across various sectors. including BNP Paribas, During our meetings with senior AXA Insurance, Fives officials and representatives from the private sector, we witnessed a Group, Thales, Veolia and Mr Al Zayani speaks at the business lunch. Gulf Air signed five agreements with French companies. deep level of interest in Bahrain as the French Chamber of an ideal gateway to the Gulf re- Commerce and Industry. ments were signed by Osool with agreement was as well signed of the French Chamber of Com- gion and as a destination with an Amundi Asset Management and with ADPI, which will provide merce and Industry, delivered a open business environment that TDT | Manama Tikehau. The first agreement is the design and supervision of the speech in which he commend- offers competitive advantages. linked to the capital market, while Bahrain Airport Modernisation ed the growth and development “We will be leveraging the in- the second one targets alternative Programme. 507 of economic and commercial vestment opportunities arising s part of His Majesty King investments. Over 150 Bahraini businessmen million American ties following greater Bah - from this visit so we can attract Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s They also include an agreement and their French counterparts dollars was the value of raini-French relations. further French investments to the Avisit to the French Repub- was signed by Yousef Bin Ahmed attended the business lunch inau- non-oil trade between He also praised the efforts Kingdom which will contribute lic, the Bahraini business delega- Kanoo with AXA Insurance Com- gurated by Zayed Al Zayani, Min- Bahrain and France last of the Bahraini public and pri- to the creation of high quality jobs tion accompanying His Majesty pany to construct AXA’s head- ister of Industry, Commerce and year. vate sectors around furthering in the local market.” the King signed twelve agree- quarters in Bahrain and three Tourism. these relations. Following that, Bahraini-French economic and ments and memoranda of under- agreements signed by the Bahrain The meeting aimed to explore Dr Abdulhussain bin Ali Mirza, trade relations have witnessed standing with French companies Airport Company with Thales, opportunities for investment and Minister of Electricity and Wa- remarkable development in re- and institutions worth $2 billion. who will be implementing an trade co-operation between the tween the Bahraini and French ter, delivered a presentation on cent years. The most important The agreements were signed ICT package under the Airport two countries and discuss ways business sectors. renewable energy projects in stemmed from the visit of His with the aim of strengthening Modernisation Programme. An to further develop relations be- Frédéric Sanchez, President Bahrain and opportunities for Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al bilateral economic relations be- Bahraini-French cooperation in Khalifa to France in 2015. That tween the two countries and in- this field. visit resulted in the signing of creasing investment cooperation Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Ex- several landmark agreements, in various fields. This brings the ecutive of EDB, highlighted the including a framework agreement total value of the agreements with investment opportunities and and three memoranda of under- France up to $4.63 billion. competitive advantages offered standing between both countries. The agreements signed by the by the Bahraini business envi- Non-oil trade between Bahrain Bahraini business delegation in- ronment. and France reached $507 million clude: an agreement signed be- Speaking on the occasion, Mr in 2018, which is a 105 per cent tween Tatweer petroleum and Al Zayani said: “The meetings increase over 2015. TOTAL SA around co-operation held by members of the Bahraini Bahrain is home to prominent for the new oil field explora - business delegation with their French companies and banks, tion, five agreements signed by counterparts from the French including BNP Paribas, AXA Insur- Gulf Air with EPCOR, Thales side, are part of the objectives of ance, Fives Group, Thales, Veolia Inc, Michelin, CFM and SAFRAN the visit of His Majesty the King, and the French Chamber of Com- Landing Systems, two agree- Mr Al Rumaihi details the growing business opportunities in the Kingdom. which emphasises the interests merce and Industry. Major crackdown in Riffa against vendors encroaching roads TDT | Manama Mohammed Zafran

rrests were made and items were confiscated as part of a major Acrackdown against rogue traders and illegal workers in Riffa. Traders flouting rules were warned after a number of violations were found as authorities carried out inspection visits across markets in Riffa. The campaign by the Southern Mu- nicipality resulted in the arrest of a number of illegal workers as well as confiscating of a large number of items. The Inspection and Licensing In- spection Department has recently held numerous inspection efforts. According to reports, the violating businesses used the space in front of their shops to either sell their products or to use it as a work-space thereby en- Municipal officials carry out the inspections in Riffa. Seized items being removed from a market in Riffa. croaching the road. Sources said the items confiscated ered on Al Hajiyat Street in Riffa. “As the municipality stated previously. The municipality, as part of the cam- ing furniture were warned, and nine included furniture, chairs, electronic part of the campaign, 17 violations were The municipality has informed the paign, has also been conducting aware- cafes were notified of the violation. and electrical appliances, fruit and veg- recently found. owners of these shops about the need to ness campaigns including areas around “The owners of the shops are asked etables. “Many were carrying out repair of respect the law and conduct commercial Nuwaidrat. to abide by the municipal laws and reg- “The items were kept outside the washing machines and air-conditioners, activity in accordance with the legal pro- The officials said that they have been ulations and avoid encroaching the road premises of the shops with an intention resoling tyres as well as selling iron and cedures in force in the Kingdom. receiving complaints from residents with furniture, tables, chairs and any to encroach roads and this contribut- aluminium products after encroaching The businesses that do not comply about traders encroaching roads and in other kind items because this impedes ed to traffic jams,” the sources said. roads. These items were confiscated and with the warning will face further ac- turn causing traffic jams. the movement of traffic in these streets,” Recently, 17 violations were uncov- action was taken against the businesses,” tion, the officials said. Previously, owners of five shops sell- the municipality had stated. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 04

Mideast Asset Management Parent on trial after toddler Forum held TDT | Manama Harpreet Kaur

lobal Investor Group in Gco-operation with the seen sitting on window edge Central Bank of Bahrain hosted the fourth Middle East Asset Management Fo- Legal procedures taken against the parent, confirms Interior Ministry rum, which witnessed more than 180 delegates from the cerned about charity and chil- MENA financial services sec- In light of many dren. tor. • The society mentioned in a Held at the Gulf Hotel, the frequent similar The Northern post on its Instagram page: wide variety of panellists incidents, activists Governorate Police took “Child Wish Society would like included asset managers, and netizens have legal steps against the to thank those faithful ones who bankers, lawyers, brokers, called for tougher laws owner of the flat and sent us the video of the children academics, regulators, and the guardian of the in the housing project in Al Law- various world-renowned ex- against irresponsible zi. ecutives who addressed the parents, who endanger children. The Family “The necessary measures have main issues, opportunities their children. and Child Prosecution been taken immediately and the and challenges facing the in- was notified. matter is referred to the con- dustry today. TDT | Manama POLICE DIRECTORATE cerned parties. The accused were In addition, the event fur- immediately summoned to carry ther examined the outlook out an investigation. Thank you for asset managers, fixed Bahraini parent was were taken against the parent. to all those who are keen on the income, regulation, fintech summoned by the police Quoting Northern Governo- safety of children in the King- disruption and much more. Ayesterday and referred to rate Police Directorate, the tweet dom.” Speaking to Tribune, Ab- the Public Prosecution after a mentioned: “With reference to a “We call on the Bahraini socie- dul Rahman Al Baker, Execu- picture showing a toddler sitting circulated video on social media ty to inform us in the event of any tive Director of Financial In- on a window edge went viral. of a girl and her sister sitting on danger surrounding any child so stitutions Supervision at CBB, In the picture a toddler is seen the edge of a window of a flat in that the society would follow up said “It is a great pleasure to dangerously sitting on the edge Al Lawzi area, the Northern Gov- on the matter with the compe- be a part of the fourth Annual of a window while her sister is ernorate Police took legal steps tent authorities. Many thanks Middle East Asset Manage- holding from behind. against the owner of the flat and and appreciation,” the society ment Forum. I would like to The incident was reported at the guardian of the children. The added in its statement. commend the organisers for one of the buildings in a gov- Family and Child Prosecution In light of many frequent sim- putting together a stimulat- ernment housing project in Al was notified.” ilar incidents, activists and neti- ing programme, which will Lawzy area in Hamad Town. The incident was apparently zens have called for tougher laws no doubt enrich the ongoing Interior Ministry confirmed reported to the authorities by against irresponsible parents, dialogue and debate on asset The picture of the toddler sitting on window edge, that went viral. in a tweet that legal procedures Child Wish Society, an NGO con- who endanger their children. management industry in the Mena region. “The assets management industry has grown to be- come an increasingly sub- Musical extravaganza stantial segment within the international financial mar- kets. Generally, it is estimated that the assets management industry has globally reached around US$80 trillion last year. ‘Rouge ‘ the all-girl “It has also grown signif- Filipino band icantly, with Assets Under enthralled their Management (AUM) roughly audience at the doubling over the past dec- Apollo Club Lounge, ade. This growth will mainly Al Safari Hotel, by be due to the growth of the their spectacular economies of the US, Asia performance. The especially China, and Africa band comprises and the Middle East, where Jeri (guitarist), the growth of assets will be Gyan (drum driven by three key trends player), Kara which is the government-in- (bassist) and centivised shift to individual Princess (violinist). retirement plan, the increase The band has won many accolades of High Net-worth Individ- and honour for uals from emerging popula- its marvellous tions and the growth of sov- performances. ereign wealth funds (SWFs).” Sentence against nude road walk woman upheld TDT | Manama worked as a manager at one of the resorts in the Kingdom. he High Appeals Court He told the prosecutors that has upheld the sentence The defendant they had both consumed alcohol Tissued against a Europe- punched, kicked and and Hashish on that night in the an woman, who was tried for spat on the victims camping area in Sakheer. walking naked on the road al- while attempting to The man claimed that the legedly under the influence of escape from them. woman showed “strange signs” narcotics last November. She was when they got back home and sentenced to two years in prison. SOURCES that she spoke in a language he The quadragenarian, who was couldn’t understand, adding that apparently high on Hashish, ing a traffic jam and forming a he believed that “she was pos- Methamphetamine and MDMA, threat to the safety of herself sessed”. was also charged with assaulting and others. The Public Prosecution earlier an on-duty policeman. She was According to the testimonies charged the woman of assaulting fined BD150, while her boyfriend of the victims and eyewitness- an on-duty policeman and a ci- was ordered to spend one year es, the defendant punched, vilian, causing the injuries men- behind bars and to pay a BD1, 000 kicked and spat on the victims tioned in the coroner’s report, in fine for consuming drugs. His while attempting to escape addition to verbally assaulting appeal against the initial verdict from them. them. was as well rejected yesterday. However, she was later arrest- She was also charged with The details of the case date ed. The footage of the woman committing immoral acts, and back to last November when the A screenshot of the video, which went viral. went viral online, making head- possessing and consuming drugs. woman was seen walking na- lines across the world. Her boyfriend was also charged ked on one of the busiest high- Salman Highway near Tubli. approached the woman in an out of the highway, where she During the interrogation, the with possessing and consuming ways in the Kingdom; Shaikh A policeman and a bystander attempt to convince her to move walked in the middle lane caus- defendant’s boyfriend said she drugs. 05 TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 world

Spanish ex-school teacher gets 21 years for sex abuse Thousands gather in Kabul for Afghanistan ‘loya jirga’ AFP | Kabul, Afghanistan

housands of tribal lead- ers, religious figures and Tpoliticians from across Afghanistan gathered Monday in Kabul amid tight security to discuss the war and American efforts to forge a peace deal with the Taliban. Joaquin Benitez (Courtesy of Eldiario.es) More than 3,000 people were Barcelona, Spain attending the rare “loya jirga”, which is being billed as the larg- Barcelona court sentenced yesterday a former gym teacher est in modern Afghan history, in Aat a Catholic school to over 20 years in jail for sexually a bid to set possible conditions assaulting students, in the latest abuse scandal rocking the under which they might accept church in Spain. a peace settlement. Joaquin Benitez, who taught for nearly three decades at a Bar- The loya jirga -- literally celona school run by the Marist community, a Roman Catholic “grand assembly” in Pashto order at the centre of a clerical abuse scandal in Chile, got a jail -- is being held over four days term of 21 years and nine months for assaulting four students. as the US and Taliban are dis- The court also ordered Benitez to pay the victims a total of cussing a possible foreign troop 120,000 euros ($134,000). withdrawal from Afghanistan This is the first sentence since public accusations of abuse in exchange for a permanent Afghan people attend the first day of the “loya jirga” (grand assembly) in Kabul against Benitez in 2016 triggered a cascade of other complaints ceasefire and various Taliban at two other Marist schools in Barcelona. pledges. said, addressing the Taliban, They have criticised it as an The ruling comes amid sustained criticism of the Vatican’s “We want to specify the main who have boycotted the jirga. attempt by Ghani to boost his response to a decades-long sexual abuse crisis. lines for the negotiations with “We are ready to talk to you standings ahead of presidential The court said Benitez had an office with a bed “where he the Taliban,” Afghan President without any preconditions.” elections slated for September. took students to give massages and treat injuries”. Ashraf Ghani said at the start Much of Kabul was locked His victims described behind closed doors at the trial in of the summit. “We want clear KNOW WHAT High-level boycotts down Monday, with a week-long March how Benitez would summon them to his office and advice from all of you.” Ghani’s government hopes public holiday declared for the sexually abuse them. The jirga is seen as an attempt the high-stakes meeting will duration of the four-day event. Benitez apologised to his victims as he left the court after by the Afghan government to in- The loya jirga is a cen- define Kabul’s conditions for Streets across the capital the first day of the proceedings, justifying his behaviour by the fluence the peace talks between turies-old tradition in any deal, including the continu- were closed and hilly overlooks fact that he himself had suffered sexual abuse as a student at the US and the Taliban aimed ation of the constitution and the blocked. In the past, the Taliban Catholic boarding school. at ending more than 17 years of Afghanistan that has protection of women’s rights, have blasted rockets at a tent “Instinctively I saw it as practically normal behaviour,” conflict. been convened at times the media, and free speech. hosting a loya jirga. Benitez, who wore a black ski mask to cover his face from the So far, however, the talks have of national crisis or to But some prominent Afghans, In a statement, the Taliban media, told reporters. cut out Ghani, whom the Talib- settle big issues. The presidential hopefuls and gov- have vowed that any decisions The alleged abuse took place between the early 1980s and an view as a US stooge. most recent jirga was ernment officials including the or resolutions made at a loya 2010. Thirteen other former students at the school also accused “Come to any part of the held in 2013 country’s chief executive Abdul- jirga are “never acceptable to Benitez of sexual abuse but their cases could not go to trial country for talks, why don’t you lah Abdullah have boycotted the the real and devout sons of this because the alleged crimes happened too long ago. want to talk to Afghans?” Ghani assembly. homeland”.

US military Iran video of US carrier appears ‘years old’: US Navy spending up for first time in 7 years Stockholm, Sweden

S military spending has Urisen for the first time KNOW WHAT in seven years, reflecting Trump administration pol- icy, according to a new re- The video was shot port released yesterday by by a military drone, the Stockholm Internation- Iran’s Tasnim news al Peace Research Institute. Worldwide military agency claimed on spending also rose by 2.6 Sunday in a report percent to $1.8 trillion over- on its website, and all last year, SIPRI calculat- published some of ed. It was the second year the imagery from running the global figure the surveillance has risen, bringing military flight. spending to its highest level since 1988. “The increase in US spending was driven by the implementation from 2017 of new arms procure- ment programmes under the Trump administration,” AFP | Washington, United States report on its website, and pub- an email. vessels or say when the drone said Aude Fleurant, director lished some of the imagery from The video, which could not be footage was shot, but in the of SIPRI’s Arms and Military ootage of an American air- the surveillance flight. independently verified, showed video, the number “69” is seen branding US troops “terrorists”. Expenditure (AMEX) pro- Fcraft carrier in the Gulf “The footage the Iranians re- a light blue drone of the Iranian clearly on the aircraft carrier. The Guards are an ideological gramme. which Iran claimed it shot with cently released... appears to be Revolutionary Guards taking off The report comes during military force, operating in par- The US figure alone of a drone in the Gulf appears to be several years old, and of the last from a desert base near the sea, nearly three weeks after Wash- allel to Iran’s regular army. $649 billion was as much “several years old”, the US Navy deployment to the Arabian Gulf followed by imagery purported- ington formally declared the Its naval arm is tasked with as the next eight highest has said. by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhow- ly from its cameras of an escort Guards a “foreign terrorist or- Gulf security, including the stra- military budgets. The video was shot by a mili- er (CVN 69),” Lt. Chloe Morgan, ship and then an aircraft carrier ganization” and added it to a tegic Strait of Hormuz, a global But Chinese as well as US tary drone, Iran’s Tasnim news US Naval Forces Central Com- with planes parked on the deck. blacklist. shipping route routinely crossed spending helped push the agency claimed on Sunday in a mand spokesperson, told AFP in Tasnim did not identify the Iran retaliated swiftly by by US forces. overall spending figures for TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 06

Pope urges hairdressers to cut 40 killed in Indonesia floods gossip

Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s square during the Regina Coeli prayer in Vatican. Vatican City, Holy See

ope Francis yesterday Pwelcomed hairdressers, hairstylists and beauticians to the Vatican but warned them not to indulge in gos- sip while feathering locks or painting fingernails. “Practise your profession in a Christian style, treating customers with kindness and courtesy, and always offering them a good word and encouragement,” he said. Snip split ends and wax limbs while “avoiding giving in to the temptation of chat- ter that easily creeps into your work environment,” he urged them during an audience in the Vatican.

This aerial picture taken on April 27, 2019 shows a general view of submerged buildings after heavy rain caused flooding in Bengkulu on the Indonesian island of Sumatra Fourth victim found AFP | Bengkulu, Indonesia port it to authorities or volun- forestation from rampant min- in Cyprus serial teers,” said Indonesian disaster ing in the province could trigger killer case loods sparked by torrential agency spokesman Sutopo Pur- a catastrophe. Nicosia, Cyprus rains have killed nearly 40 wo Nugroho. At least four major rivers in Fin Indonesia with a dozen That was not much comfort Bengkulu overflow every time more still missing, officials said for some Bogor residents. it rains due to environmental olice recovered the re- yesterday, marking the latest “We’re terrified to hear this,” damage near their banks, activ- Pmains of a fourth victim calamity for a disaster-prone said Samsudin, who goes by one ists said. of a suspected serial killer in nation. name. “Apparently they’re very “The flooding in Bengkulu Cyprus where the search for Landslides and floods are big so we want authorities to was made worse by the severe bodies continued Monday common during the monsoon help us find them or take ac - damage... caused by coal min- after a string of grisly mur- season between October and tion.” ing,” Ali Akbar from local envi- ders that have shocked the April, when rains lash the vast ronmental group Kanopi Beng- Mediterranean island. Southeast Asian archipelago. Illegal mining kulu said in a statement. The woman’s remains Yesterday, Indonesia’s disas- In Sumatra, some 12,000 resi- Illegal mining was blamed were found Sunday stuffed ter agency confirmed 29 deaths dents have been evacuated from for killing dozens on the island in a suitcase at the bottom of and said at least 13 more people water-logged Bengkulu with of Sulawesi in March when a a toxic man-made lake next were missing in Sumatra island’s hundreds of buildings, bridges makeshift mine collapsed. to a disused mine southwest Bengkulu province. and roads damaged. Mineral-rich Indonesia has of the capital Nicosia, police A landslide triggered by heavy Authorities have set up tem- scores of unlicensed mines -- said. rain in neighbouring Lampung porary shelters and public kitch- many with complete disregard The suspect, a 35-year-old province on Saturday also killed ens for those displaced by the for even the most basic safety Greek Cypriot army officer, a family of six. rains. procedures. has allegedly confessed to Meanwhile, flooding in and Hardest hit was Bengkulu Also in Sulawesi this year, killing five foreign women around parts of the capital Ja- Tengah district, just outside of some 70 people were killed by and two of their daughters karta last week killed at least the provincial capital, where 22 floods and landslides that wiped in a crime spree that went two people, forced more than people were killed along with entire villages off the map. Near- undetected for nearly three 2,000 to evacuate their homes hundreds of livestock. ly 10,000 people were displaced. years. and set 14 pet pythons on the Illegal coal mining was partly Last month, some 112 people “After a long and persis- loose. to blame for deadly landslides, died and more than 90 remain tent effort and a lot of diffi- In Bogor, a satellite city of Ja- authorities said. missing after torrential rains culties, a travel suitcase was karta, residents had to contend “Apart from natural factors pounded Indonesia’s Papua re- pulled from the lake, which with the prospect of coming face like the heavy rain, (the flood- gion, triggering landslides and contained a woman’s body to face with the giant serpents, ing) was also caused by human flash floods. and also a cement block,” after they were set loose from a activity that destroys the envi- Indonesia, a nation of some senior police inspector Ne- private property due to the high Above, residents try to dry out their belongings ronment,” disaster agency head 17,000 islands, is one of the most ophytos Shailos told report- waters. Doni Monardo told reporters in disaster-prone nations on Earth. ers. He said tests would be Six of the snakes -- which feet) -- have been found, but said at the weekend. Bengkulu on Monday. Earthquakes and volcanic erup- conducted to determine the were as long as four metres (13 eight were still missing, officials “If you find them please re- Activists have long warned de- tions are a common occurrence. woman’s identity. Indonesia detains Vietnamese fishermen after high seas clash Jakarta, Indonesia dor on Monday, after the navy ministry said. Jakarta claims possibly due to an accidental Video circulating on social dollars annually. ndonesia has accused the Vi- detained a dozen Vietnamese the area in the southernmost collision, Indonesian authorities media purported to show a Vi- It turned to a campaign of Ietnamese coastguard of ram- fishermen. reaches of the South China Sea said without elaborating. etnamese patrol boat ramming blowing up captured foreign ming one of its vessels to block “The actions taken by the Vi- as its exclusive economic zone A dozen fishermen were de- the left side of the Indonesian boats as a deterrent. the interception of a boat fish- etnamese coast guard ship en- -- waters where a state has the tained and remain in Indonesian vessel as the armed navy crew Hundreds of detained foreign ing illegally, as a senior minister dangered the lives of officers right to exploit resources. custody. shouted expletives. fishing vessels have been sunk, announced a return to sinking from both countries and is not The navy said two Vietnam- Two others escaped detention Indonesia, the world’s biggest including many Vietnamese foreign trawlers. in accordance with international ese coast guard ships tried to by jumping into the water. They archipelago nation, has been try- boats -- after the crews were re- The clash in the South China law or the spirit of ASEAN (As- prevent the apprehension of an were picked by the Vietnamese ing to stop foreign vessels fishing moved -- since 2014, with some Sea at the weekend saw Jakarta sociation of Southeast Asian illegal fishing boat by ramming coast guard, which then fled, the illegally in its territory, claiming blown up in spectacular public summon Vietnam’s ambassa- Nations),” Indonesia’s foreign its vessel. The fishing boat sank navy said. it costs the economy billions of displays. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 07 US military spending up for first time in 7 years: Sipri

“The increase in US spending modernising its armed forces Worldwide military was driven by the implemen- -- and France. • tation from 2017 of new arms China has spent 1.9 percent of spending rose by 2.6 procurement programmes un- its gross domestic output (GDP) per cent to $1.8 trillion der the Trump administration,” on military spending since 2013. overall last year said Aude Fleurant, director of Russia meanwhile dropped $649bn SIPRI US figure was as much as the ’s Arms and Military Ex- out of the top five spenders, with Stockholm, Sweden next eight highest military penditure (AMEX) programme. its military budget declining budgets The US figure alone of $649 since 2016, said the report. billion was as much as the next Western countries’ econom- S military spending has risen eight highest military budgets. ic sanctions against Russia, Ufor the first time in seven But Chinese as well as US in place since 2014 because years, reflecting Trump admin- spending helped push the over- of its conflict with Ukraine, istration policy, according to a trillion overall last year, SIPRI all spending figures for the year have hit the country’s military new report released yesterday calculated. higher, said the report. An attendee of the National Rifle Association (NRA) 2019 Annual Meetings budget. by the Stockholm International It was the second year run- China’s spending has risen examines a deactivated rifle at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, In Ukraine itself meanwhile, Peace Research Institute. ning the global figure has risen, 83 percent since 2009, bringing Indiana. Vendors for firearms and shooting accesories from across the country military spending rose 21 per- Worldwide military spending bringing military spending to its it up to second place, ahead of have gathered at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana for the cent on the previous year to $4.8 also rose by 2.6 per cent to $1.8 highest level since 1988. Saudi Arabia, India -- which is NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. billion, SIPRI calculated.

Sri Lanka suspends police Palestinians keep up refusal of chief over Easter attacks Colombo, Sri Lanka

ri Lanka’s president sus- tax revenues after Israel cuts Spended the chief of police yesterday and appointed a new defence secretary in a shake- Israel collects around up of the shell-shocked coun- • try’s security services follow- $190 million a month ing the Easter Sunday terror in customs duties attacks. Intelligence warnings from In February, the abroad alerting to possible Jewish• state decided attacks by Islamist extrem- ists were ignored ahead of the to deduct around $10 multiple bombings of churches million a month from and upscale hotels on April those revenues 21 that killed 253 people and injured nearly 500. Sri Lanka police chief Pujith Chief of police Pujith Jayas- Ramallah, Palestinian Terri- Jayasundara (file) undara had refused to quit to tories clear the way for a shake-up of the 85,000-strong force, president was referring to in- he Palestinians yesterday prompting President Maithri- formation provided by India’s restated their refusal to pala Sirisena to suspend him Research and Analysis Wing Taccept tax revenues col- on Monday. which apparently gleaned de- lected on its behalf by Israel so Senior Deputy Inspec - tails of the Easter attacks from long as the Jewish state deducts tor-General Chandana Wick- a jihadist suspect in Indian millions of dollars over a dispute ramaratne was appointed act- custody. about prisoners. ing police chief in his place, The government has since “Our position is as it was: We Sirisena’s office said in a state- declared a state of emergen- will not receive any money from Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas speaks during the weekly cabinet meeting in the occupied West Bank city of ment. cy and deployed thousands of Israel if it is incomplete,” Pales- Ramallah Separately Sirisena appoint- troops for search operations tinian Authority (PA) president quietly accept payment. the money, he said. ed yesterday a former head of against Islamist extremists. Mahmud Abbas told the week- But after two weeks, the radio Abbas also renewed his op- the army, Shantha Kottegoda, Security forces searched ly cabinet meeting in the West said, the money was returned to position to a proposed US peace as the country’s top defence a Muslim burial ground in Bank city of Ramallah. the Israeli finance ministry. plan expected to be unveiled official. Colombo Monday following “This is something we will not Our position is as Israel sees the payments to this summer. His predecessor at the min- information that explosives accept at any cost.” it was: We will not those who have carried out at- He has refused to negotiate istry of defence and law and had been hidden there, but Israel collects around $190 receive any money tacks against Israelis as encour- with Donald Trump’s admin- order, Hemasiri Fernando, the troops did not find any, million a month in customs du- from Israel if it is aging further violence. istration since December 2017, stepped down on Thursday in officials said. ties levied on goods destined for incomplete. This The PA describes the pay- when the US president contro- the wake of the attacks, which However, cordon and Palestinian markets that transit is something we ments as a form of welfare, versially recognised Jerusalem were claimed by the Islamic search searches were carried through Israeli ports, and then will not accept at while the Palestinian public re- as Israel’s capital. State group. out across the country and 13 it transfers the money to the PA. gards prisoners jailed by Israel Abbas, 84, has previously General Kottegoda, 69, was foreign nationals overstaying In February, the Jewish state any cost as national heroes. faced accusations of anti-Sem- forced to retire as head of the their visas were arrested, po- decided to deduct around $10 MAHMUD ABBAS The Arab League pledged last itism in comments about the army in December 2005, by lice said. million a month from those PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY (PA) week to provide the PA with history of Israel, Jews and Zion- then-president Mahinda Ra- It was not clear if the for- revenues, corresponding to the PRESIDENT $100 million monthly, poten- ism, the ideological movement japakse. eigners -- 10 Nigerians and amount it said the PA paid fam- tially averting a financial crisis behind the creation of a Jewish Sirisena said an intelligence one each from India, Iran and ilies of prisoners or directly to caused by the row. state, accusations he denies. agency from a neighbouring Thailand -- were linked to re- inmates serving time in Israeli Israeli public radio reported Abbas yesterday called on the Yesterday, he said: “Europe country had provided precise ligious extremists or the Easter jails. yesterday that a month’s pay- body to honour that pledge. created -- this slightly annoys details of the impending attack attacks. The Palestinians responded ment -- minus the $10 million “We do not have high hopes, our neighbours -- Zionism and 17 days in advance, but local Over 150 people have been by saying they would refuse any deduction -- had recently been but perhaps the amount could Israel.” authorities had failed to take arrested since April 21 and funds where unilateral deduc- transferred to PA bank accounts, be considered a debt that we “Let’s not fool ourselves -- counter measures. more than 15 people killed in tions had been made. in the hope the authority would return as soon as Israel returns” this is what history says.” Official sources said the raids. 38 killed as floods worsen in Mozambique after second cyclone Pemba, Mozambique Idai hit the Mozambican city days. in Pemba city, the capital of Cabo eavy rain battered northern of Beira, 1,000 kilometres (620 “Cyclone Kenneth made Delgado, are in danger. HMozambique on Monday miles) to the south. landfall at the end of the rainy According to a preliminary as residents and relief workers Cyclone Kenneth made land- season, when river levels were toll from the National Institute confronted the widespread dev- fall late on Thursday in Cabo already high, increasing the risk of Disaster Management (INGC), astation wrought by Cyclone Delgado province, packing wind of river flooding,” the UN agency 38 people have died, 39 have Kenneth, the strongest cyclone gusts of up to 220 kilometres said in its latest update. been injured, more than 23,000 to ever hit Africa, which killed per hour. “Humanitarian needs in Mo- people are without shelter and 38 people and destroyed thou- The UN Office for the Coor- zambique have sky-rocketed, nearly 35,000 homes have been sands of homes. dination of Humanitarian Af- and the humanitarian response either partly or completely de- Roads have been washed away, fairs (OCHA) described it as the will need to rapidly scale-up.” stroyed. fields submerged and many strongest cyclone to ever lash According to figures provided Before smashing into Mozam- buildings wrecked by the storm, the continent, and predicted fur- by the Mozambique authorities bique, Kenneth passed by the which came weeks after Cyclone ther heavy rain over the coming to NGOs, around 200,000 people Comoros islands. Residents brave the floods in Mazive, southern Mozambique, IF YOU TAKE NO RISKS, YOU QUOTE WILL SUFFER NO DEFEATS. OF THE BUT IF YOU TAKE NO RISKS, DAY YOU WIN NO VICTORIES. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 RICHARD M. NIXON

RAGHIDA DERGHAM are a priority for both Tehran and Washington. ranian officials are issuing For its part, Iran’s Revolution- threats in response to the ary Guard Corps has hinted it Iran IUnited States’ decision to end may shut the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions waivers given to eight Iran is denied access to it, as Mr major importers of Iranian oil, Rouhani alluded to following the coupled with threats of impos- US withdrawal from the nuclear ing sanctions upon them, should pact back in July. At the time, becoming IRGC they continue to buy crude from the Quds Force commander Tehran. Qassem Soleimani praised Mr Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Rouhani for his stance, and of- Khamenei, vowed that the move fered to “kiss your hands” in a more would not go without a response letter addressed to the Iranian and challenged Washington by president. Mr Soleimani recently saying Iran would continue to sat next to the new IRGC com- “export our oil as much as we mander Hossein Salami, a man need and we intend”. For his known for his hardline positions fractious part, Iranian President Hassan and support for the Quds Force Rouhani laid out the conditions incursions in Arab nations. of negotiating with Washing- Ayatollah Khamenei’s appoint- ton, saying: “Negotiations will be ment of General Hossein Salami possible when all pressures are as the IRGC’s new commander as economic taken off, and they apologise for came a week after Washington their illegal measures and when designated the IRGC as a terror there is mutual respect.” organisation. Tehran responded Mr Rouhani said the US was by according the same desig - not ready to negotiate, and crit- nation to the US Central Com- net tightens icised Saudi Arabia and the UAE mand, in addition to appointing for welcoming and co-operat- Mr Salami and promoting him ing with Washington’s measures to Major General – a clear mes- to ensure the oil markets have sage to Washington that Iran is The mutual escalation between sufficient supplies. Iran’s For- ready to retaliate on the issues of eign Minister Mohamed Javad its ballistic missile program and the US and Iran could evolve Zarif warned against attempts to regional expansionism, both of has threatened to shut the strate- of State Mike Pompeo for Iran to block Iran from using the Strait which are backed by Mr Salami. gic waterway, either in response meet are impossible. The ques- into a confrontation that goes of Hormuz, saying: “If the United The end of US oil sanction to US measures that are not on tion here is, then, whether US States takes the crazy measure of waivers will affect some major the table, or in retaliation to Ara- pressures, designed to coerce the beyond sanctions, designations trying to prevent us from doing countries, namely China, India, bian Gulf countries, preventing regime into revising its policies, and threats that, then it should be prepared and Turkey. The five other na- them from exporting their oil will lead Iran to reform itself, or for the consequences.” Mr Zarif tions affected by the waiver – through the Strait. will the IRGC prevent any such said the situation was danger- Italy, Japan, Greece, Taiwan and The mutual escalation be - adaptation and adjustment as ous and that “accidents” were South Korea – have gradually tween the US and Iran could the price would be its own head? possible, and proposed possible reduced their oil purchases from evolve into a confrontation that Nothing in Tehran indicates co-operation with the United Iran. But Washington has not goes beyond sanctions, designa- that the supreme leader or the States to bring stability to Iraq threatened to shut the Strait of tions, and threats. Most of the 12 IRGC are ready to bargain over and Afghanistan, countries that Hormuz to Iran. Instead, Iran demands set by the US Secretary the nature of the regime or to Television killed radio, and Internet is killing print media

SURESH MENON

oing by barbers’ and doc- tors’ waiting rooms, it Gwould appear technology has removed from our midst yet another feature of our child - hood. I speak, of course, of the mag- azines that were kept on low tables there either to distract the customer from the interior decor or to keep him occupied while someone who came later than he did was allowed to get Internet have his stuff done earlier. It was probably against the replaced rules or something, but there newspapers, was nothing more recent than magazines two or three years magazines, old; so if you needed a hair - cut and hadn’t been keeping in and other touch, you might discover — thanks to a magazine — that man forms of print had landed on the moon, or that Bill Clinton was in some trouble media at the White House. I remember someone once running out, waving a magazine which informed him that the Beatles had been sighted in In- dia. It was startling news till someone pointed out that the magazine was decades old. Just as television killed the radio star, and the Internet killed the television star, the cell phone has killed the waiting room mag- azines, and of course the print been on the exploding across the many believe that the Internet While this is true that news- that the Internet has completely media. world. As a result, the internet have replaced newspapers, mag- paper and magazine subscribers killed print media. Ever since the late 1990s and has become the new and quicker azines, and other forms of print have been in lower numbers over More people are turning to early 2000s, the internet has source of news. Because of this, media. the last decade, I do not think the Internet for news and less

Hon. Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood AI Mahmood | Chairman & Managing Director P Unnikrishnan | Advertisement: Update Media W.L.L | Tel: 38444692, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 38444680, Email: [email protected] Subscription & circulation: Tel: 38444698/17579877 | Email:[email protected] | Website: www.newsofbahrain.com | Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing IF YOU TAKE NO RISKS, YOU WILL SUFFER NO DEFEATS. TODAY 1900 1904 1905 1925 QUOTE DAY IN OF THE BUT IF YOU TAKE NO RISKS, Hawaii becomes a territory of The Louisiana Purchase Albert Einstein completes his Automaker Dodge Brothers, Inc DAY YOU WIN NO VICTORIES. HISTORY the United States, with Sanford Exposition World’s Fair opens in doctoral thesis at the University is sold to Dillon, Read & Co. for RICHARD M. NIXON B. Dole as governor. St. Louis, Missouri. of Zurich. US$146 million plus $50 million TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 for charity.

RAGHIDA DERGHAM are a priority for both Tehran All indications suggest strategic US deployments in Syria going to war is a fateful decision and Washington. Israel will not coexist are accepted and understood. The that only Ayatollah Khamenei ranian officials are issuing For its part, Iran’s Revolution- with Iranian rockets in Syrian arena however can be the can approve. The Iranian lead- threats in response to the ary Guard Corps has hinted it place where the IRGC project for ership may decide that it is best Iran United States’ decision to end may shut the Strait of Hormuz if Lebanon, and that Israel’s expansion into the Mediterranean to avoid an Israeli attack on its TOP I returning prime minister, sanctions waivers given to eight Iran is denied access to it, as Mr comes crashing down. Yet it will Lebanese asset, and back down major importers of Iranian oil, Rouhani alluded to following the Benjamin Netanyahu, is not be the US that will confront on the issue of rocket production 4 coupled with threats of impos- US withdrawal from the nuclear ready for war, backed this project, but Russia and Israel, and reach some kind of deal with TWEETS ing sanctions upon them, should pact back in July. At the time, by the anticipated right- which has said it will not accept a Israel. Or it could decide that its becoming IRGC they continue to buy crude from the Quds Force commander wing coalition once his permanent military presence on interests are best served through Tehran. Qassem Soleimani praised Mr government is formed. its borders. a war in Lebanon, no matter the Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Rouhani for his stance, and of- Russia and Iran, who are tacti- cost. 01 Khamenei, vowed that the move fered to “kiss your hands” in a cal allies on the ground in Syria, All indications suggest Isra- more would not go without a response letter addressed to the Iranian have started seeking strategic el will not coexist with Iranian and challenged Washington by president. Mr Soleimani recently and economic concessions in rockets in Lebanon, and that Is- saying Iran would continue to sat next to the new IRGC com- Syria, launching a period of ri- rael’s returning prime minister, “export our oil as much as we mander Hossein Salami, a man valry, bargaining, and pressures Benjamin Netanyahu, is ready need and we intend”. For his known for his hardline positions on Bashar Al Assad, who owes for war, backed by the antici - fractious part, Iranian President Hassan and support for the Quds Force Sea to expand Iran’s sphere of his survival to Russia, Iran, and pated right-wing coalition once met with the former Rouhani laid out the conditions incursions in Arab nations. influence. Hezbollah. Mr Al Assad want- his government is formed. Mr Idefense chiefs to dis- of negotiating with Washing- Ayatollah Khamenei’s appoint- Iraq is another dangerous are- ed to give the port in Latakia to Netanyahu also enjoys absolute cuss the current situation ton, saying: “Negotiations will be ment of General Hossein Salami na, should the IRGC decide to the Iranians, but the Russians support from Mr Trump and may that has arisen with the possible when all pressures are as the IRGC’s new commander use it to attack US forces there. protested and demanded more need a war to divert attention national security. Re- as economic taken off, and they apologise for came a week after Washington Mr Zarif proposed co-opera - concessions to guarantee its mil- away from the domestic corrup- quested them to provide their illegal measures and when designated the IRGC as a terror tion with Washington in Iraq, as itary bases in Tartus and Latakia. tion scandal he faces in the com- me with a report with there is mutual respect.” organisation. Tehran responded though offering a carrot against Israel has been bombing Iranian ing months. measures that can be tak- Mr Rouhani said the US was by according the same desig - the IRGC’s stick. The rapidly positions in Syria amid Russian All indications also suggest en both short term and not ready to negotiate, and crit- nation to the US Central Com- evolving political and econom- silence, while Washington in- that the Trump administration long term with regards to net tightens icised Saudi Arabia and the UAE mand, in addition to appointing ic relations between Gulf na - tends to keep around 1,000 sol- is ready to support Mr Netan - the current situation the for welcoming and co-operat- Mr Salami and promoting him tions – led by Saudi Arabia – and diers in eastern Syria and will yahu in a war with Hezbollah, if country faces. ing with Washington’s measures to Major General – a clear mes- Iraq have vexed Iran, which sees not abandon its strategic airbase it judges there will be no other @PresRajapaksa to ensure the oil markets have sage to Washington that Iran is Baghdad as one of its strategic in Tanf. In short, Iran’s projects option to contain the Lebanese The mutual escalation between sufficient supplies. Iran’s For- ready to retaliate on the issues of prizes. But while Iraq is indeed in Syria are being contained militia. That would mark a rad- 02 eign Minister Mohamed Javad its ballistic missile program and an open arena for coming con- through an agreement between ical shift in US positions, away the US and Iran could evolve Zarif warned against attempts to regional expansionism, both of has threatened to shut the strate- of State Mike Pompeo for Iran to engage in reforms. So the next has so far refused to facilitate frontations, the prospect of a Russia, Israel and the US. from accommodation of the Leb- block Iran from using the Strait which are backed by Mr Salami. gic waterway, either in response meet are impossible. The ques- question is this: is Iran ready for this, believing the war in Yemen military confrontation remains Lebanon, home to the IRGC’s anese government’s inability to into a confrontation that goes of Hormuz, saying: “If the United The end of US oil sanction to US measures that are not on tion here is, then, whether US war with the US? There are no in- is an economic drain on the two unlikely in the present time, be- precious asset Hezbollah, is an- deal with Hezbollah. The top beyond sanctions, designations States takes the crazy measure of waivers will affect some major the table, or in retaliation to Ara- pressures, designed to coerce the dications to support this, which Gulf nations. The US congress cause if the IRGC decides to tar- other arena. Israel has said it priority for Washington today trying to prevent us from doing countries, namely China, India, bian Gulf countries, preventing regime into revising its policies, means there will be “alternative and the Democratic Party are, get US troops in Iraq, Washington will not tolerate the existence of is to subdue Iran and eliminate and threats that, then it should be prepared and Turkey. The five other na- them from exporting their oil will lead Iran to reform itself, or arenas” for the confrontation to meanwhile, using the Yemen war will likely respond violently and an Iranian-backed manufactur- its expansionist projects every- for the consequences.” Mr Zarif tions affected by the waiver – through the Strait. will the IRGC prevent any such play out, either to reach a deal or to undermine US President Don- on Iranian soil. The US decision ing facility for precision-guided where. spoke at length yester- said the situation was danger- Italy, Japan, Greece, Taiwan and The mutual escalation be - adaptation and adjustment as to battle it out militarily. ald Trump, while also ignoring is not to leave Iraq to Iran or missiles on Lebanese soil. The It is a truly sensitive and dan- Iday to Rabbi Yisroel ous and that “accidents” were South Korea – have gradually tween the US and Iran could the price would be its own head? In Yemen, the Iranian regime Iran’s role in the conflict. Here, Russia. IRGC wants to have the final say gerous time for the region. Goldstein, Chabad of possible, and proposed possible reduced their oil purchases from evolve into a confrontation that Nothing in Tehran indicates seems determined to continue the IRGC is likely to continue to Syria, however, has been left to in Lebanon, and Mr Soleimani (Raghida Dergham is a senior jour- Poway, where I extend- co-operation with the United Iran. But Washington has not goes beyond sanctions, designa- that the supreme leader or the supporting the Houthi rebels. see the Yemeni arena not only Russia, with implicit US agree- seems to be the key person who nalist on Middle East affairs based in ed my warmest condo- States to bring stability to Iraq threatened to shut the Strait of tions, and threats. Most of the 12 IRGC are ready to bargain over Saudi Arabia and the UAE are as ammunition for its plans, but ment, on the condition that the communicates Iranian instruc- New York.) lences to him and all af- and Afghanistan, countries that Hormuz to Iran. Instead, Iran demands set by the US Secretary the nature of the regime or to ready to end the war, but Iran also as a launchpad to the Red Iranians do not take over, and tions to Hezbollah. However, fected by the shooting in California. What a great guy. He had a least one finger blown off, and all he wanted to do is help CIVILIAN’S TRIBUNE others. Very special! Television killed radio, and Internet is killing print media @realDonaldTrump Stigmatising a community won’t 03

SURESH MENON In the old days, no one Oscar. help in fight against terror would have realised this Sometimes the articles were oing by barbers’ and doc- so interesting that you allowed tors’ waiting rooms, it till three years after the the person next in queue to go would appear technology event when, waiting for a ahead of you while you finished y latest report sug- Ghas removed from our midst yet haircut, he would pick up reading them. Mgests that there is another feature of our child - a magazine to pass time “Three of my teeth have been a backlash against Con- hood. and read about this latest smashed, and it is paining like gi and favour of Modi. I speak, of course, of the mag- killing. the dickens, but why don’t you Hence no surprise if BJP azines that were kept on low go ahead while I see how this gets majority on May 23 tables there either to distract story turns out,” was a sentence 2019 the customer from the interior often heard in the waiting rooms. @Swamy39 decor or to keep him occupied If not often, at least occasionally. while someone who came later As a boy, every month when than he did was allowed to get I went for a haircut, I caught 04 Internet have his stuff done earlier. up with what was happening in It was probably against the Bollywood (or, more accurately, replaced rules or something, but there what had happened in Bolly - newspapers, was nothing more recent than towards print, many national wood two years earlier). magazines two or three years newspapers and magazines still Some of the stories were magazines, old; so if you needed a hair - publish their stories online. hair-raising, making it easier for cut and hadn’t been keeping in In the old days, no one would the barber to do his job. Perhaps ometimes I can’t even and other touch, you might discover — have realised this till three years that was the intention, although s part of Sri Lankan gov- government, security and intel- the names and photographs Sgo on my phone an- thanks to a magazine — that man after the event when, waiting I don’t remember any horror ernment’s crackdown, ligence agencies. of six suspects linked to the ymore. I was reading a forms of print had landed on the moon, or that for a haircut, he would pick up a magazines in that lot. APresident Maithripala Sri Lankan officials have been bombings. However, they later post about the Poway Bill Clinton was in some trouble magazine to pass time and read All that is history now. You Sirisena has passed an emergen- rapped for failing to prevent the admitted that they mistakenly shooting then looked at media at the White House. about this latest killing. read magazines on your phone, cy ruling banning people from Easter Sunday atrocities, having matched an American Muslim my trending to see the I remember someone once Often the magazines had you use the time to text and covering their faces. overlooked warnings by Indian activist’s picture with the name shooting that occurred running out, waving a magazine no covers, and you wondered catch up with friends, you check This new law has been intro- intelligence agencies. of one of the wanted people. in Tennessee and as I’m which informed him that the what you were reading. Was the your bank balance, you down - duced for security reasons and Nine explosions across the It is understandable that the overwhelmed I get a no- Beatles had been sighted in In- headline ‘Obesity is good for load images of cats doing funny it will disproportionately affect country left 253 people dead, 500 authorities are eager to make up tification from @AP that dia. It was startling news till you’ from a parody magazine, things. Muslim women who wear the wounded, and a whole nation for their mistakes, but scapego- 7 people have been shot someone pointed out that the an advertisement for fried food You no longer choose doctors niqab or burqa. Such acts indel- traumatised. Sri Lanka’s tourism ating Sri Lanka’s Muslim com- in Baltimore. magazine was decades old. topped up with aerated drinks, or barbers based on the quality ibly associates Muslims with vi- industry, which generated USD5 munity will not make anyone @lauren_hoggs Just as television killed the or from a scientific study misun- of their waiting room magazines. olent extremism and stigmatises billion last year, is now in tatters. safer. radio star, and the Internet killed derstood by the editor? Perhaps things will turn full cir- a community. Accordingly, Hemasiri Fer- Heightened security, better the television star, the cell phone Reading was only part of the cle soon, and print magazines Instead of singling out a mi- nando, the country’s top defence crisis management and contin- has killed the waiting room mag- fun; the other part was figuring will kill the Internet. Remember, nority group and policing what ministry official stepped down, ued support for the families of Disclaimer: (Views expressed azines, and of course the print been on the exploding across the many believe that the Internet While this is true that news- that the Internet has completely out what magazine it was and you read it here first. In print. people wear, now is a time for as did the inspector general of the victims are crucial. Discrim- by columnists are personal and need not necessarily reflect our media. world. As a result, the internet have replaced newspapers, mag- paper and magazine subscribers killed print media. just how seriously to take all (Suresh Menon is a columnist with Sri Lankans to unite against ex- police, Pujith Jayasundara. But ination and division must be Ever since the late 1990s and has become the new and quicker azines, and other forms of print have been in lower numbers over More people are turning to this guff about moon landing many leading Asian newspapers.) tremism. the blunders did not stop there. avoided at all costs. editorial stances) early 2000s, the internet has source of news. Because of this, media. the last decade, I do not think the Internet for news and less and Paul Newman winning the This applies especially to the Last Thursday, police released Mohammed Azam

Hon. Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood AI Mahmood | Chairman & Managing Director P Unnikrishnan | Advertisement: Update Media W.L.L | Tel: 38444692, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 38444680, Email: [email protected] Subscription & circulation: Tel: 38444698/17579877 | Email:[email protected] | Website: www.newsofbahrain.com | Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing 10 TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 business AUB launches chatbot service on Whatsapp

The Artificial Intelligence• (AI) supported service is launched on Whatsapp for Businesses

AUB first bank in Bahrain• to integrate its system with chatting service

TDT | Manama

n its efforts to ensure that the clients are served with the Ilatest banking services, Ahli United Bank (AUB) announced the launch of their Artificial In- telligence (AI) supported Chat- bot service via WhatsApp for Businesses. Being the first bank in Bahrain Ahli United Bank officials during a press conference held to announce the launch of their Artificial Intelligence (AI) supported Chatbot service via WhatsApp for Businesses to integrate its system with an AI supported chatting service via consolidated and unified digi- WhatsApp, AUB’s current clients tal client experience. This new and prospective clients will be service offering will comple- Exciting digital projects ahead able to complete many of their ment our existing digital chan- banking inquiries through the nels in a secure and convenient TDT | Manama chatting service. Banking in- way. Our integration with the Shafqat Anwar- Deputy Group quiry topics include MyHassad WhatsApp Business solution Mohammed Zafran Chief Executive Officer – programme prize winner list, builds on our commitment to Operations and Technology information about Current Ac- further enhancing and facili- hli United Bank’s plans are said that the digital channels counts, Savings Accounts, Per- tating AUB’s banking services. Afirmly set on staying ahead add a lot of convenience to sonal Loans, Car Loans, Money WhatsApp is a simple, reliable of the curve by embracing the customers. Transfers, Branches and many and private way to converse latest digital trends, accord- “We would like to make this other banking services. with anyone in the world, which ing to senior figures from the transformation from tradi- Designed to provide the same offers further simplicity and company. Its ongoing digital tional brick and mortar to the ease as speaking with friends comfort.” transformation processes will digital processing as quickly online; this service is consid- Samih Abutaleb, further stat- continue and will only pick up as possible. There are a lot of ered friendly, and secure with ed, “On the other hand, with steam, they said. opportunities in the digital ho- 24/7 availability. Anyone can the continued execution of our “It is the future,” said Samih rizon with blockchain, Artificial access the chatting service by digital transformation strategy Abutaleb, Group Head Digital Intelligence, machine learn- simply adding the bank’s num- via the usage of Artificial Intelli- Transformation for AUB when ing etc. So we are looking at a ber 34221999 to their Phone’s gence technologies in all aspects asked about his thoughts on wide horizon of digital servic- Contact List and then opening of the group, this service demon- the use of digital services in es to offer our customers,” he a chat with the saved contact, strates Ahli United Bank’s lead- the financial sector. “We are said. just like chatting with a friend ership in innovation in bank- tailoring our availability based “Digital banking and other on WhatsApp. ing services and our focus on on the convenience of the cus- digital initiatives are a way for On the launch event, Samih reaching our growing customer tomers. The digital channels Shafqat Anwar, Deputy Group Chief Samih Abutaleb, Group Head of Digital us to complement the tradition- Abutaleb, Group Head Digital base.” will be available 24/7 but at the Executive Officer, Operations and Transformation for AUB al modes of banking. Digital will Transformation for AUB com- He concluded by saying, “We same time, our branch presence Technology add to traditional banking and mented, “Following the success- are working on rapidly expand- and our relationship manage- in the pipeline,” said Abutaleb not completely replace it. For a ful launch of the first phase for ing the service to further enable ment will be continuing. The country. This is an area we are about Ahli United Bank’s fur- considerable time into the fu- the chat solution via WhatsApp continuous, and interactive con- digital space is where the future very keen on expanding but we ther plans to boost its digital ture, there will be a hybrid kind Business solution, we look for- versations with our clients, as all is because the customers can will meet customer needs in any initiatives. “We will announce of an arrangement where we ward to the upgrade and growth messages sent via a WhatsApp bank with us from anywhere, way,” he elaborated. those gradually,” he said. will have a mix between digital of the WhatsApp based chatting business are secure and encrypt- even when they are outside the “A lot of exciting projects are Echoing a similar view, and traditional,” he added. services in order to deliver a ed in a safe and secure manner.”

Spotify reaches Bahrain Bourse, MEIRA announce Bahrain Chapter 100 million paying subscribers Stockholm, Sweden

wedish music streaming Sgiant Spotify said Mon- day it had amassed 100 mil- lion paying subscribers, but the company also fell back into the red and reported a first quarter operating loss. “Premium subscribers grew to 100 million, up 32 percent year on year,” Spo- tify said in a press release, calling it an “important Bahrain Bourse and MEIRA officials during the signing ceremony to launch a new chapter in Bahrain milestone” in the compa- ny’s history. TDT | Manama hance best practices in Inves- The founding members in- Holding (represented by Sameh Bahrain Chapter Head, Marwa The strong growth in tor Relations (IR) across the clude Aluminium Bahrain Mohamed Mahmandar), Na- AlMaskati. paying subscribers was at- ahrain Bourse and the Kingdom. (‘ALBA’) (represented by Eline tional Bank of Bahrain (rep - The signing took place at tributed to promotions in BMiddle East Investor Re- The MEIRA Bahrain Chap- Hilal), Bank ABC (represented resented by Russell Bennett), Bahrain Bourse premises and it the United States and Can- lations Association (MEIRA) ter was formally inaugu - by Brendon Hopkins), Bahrain and SICO BSC (c) (represented was followed by an IR seminar ada, as well as continued announced officially launch- rated yesterday at the sign - Telecommunications Com- by Fadhel Makhlooq). Bah - attended by more than 30 rep- growth in “family plans”, ing a new chapter in Bahrain ing ceremony of founding pany (‘Batelco’) (represented rain Bourse will also lead the resentatives from local listed where multiple users can to further develop and en - members. by Faisal Qamhiyah), Ithmaar Chapter represented by MEIRA companies. share one account. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 11

US-China trade talks nearing Takaful launches digital decisive moment: official health insurance service TDT | Manama plained that the challenge was on how to manage the policy n a first, Takaful Interna- remotely and to perform safe, tional Company, in coop- non-complex transactions to Ieration with Health 360o save the rights of insureds, in- US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin Ancillary Services Company, surance companies and medical said it has launched a digital service providers from the mis- on Fox Business Network. health insurance card through use that may cause loss to any Washington, United States “We hope within the next its Smart Takaful application. one of the parties to the insur- two rounds -- in China and in Clients, Takaful said, will ance process. The team was able rade talks between the DC -- to be at the point where be able to obtain their health to, using the latest technological Tworld’s dominant econo- we can either recommend to insurance cards through their advancements, make it possible mies are in the decisive phase the president we have a deal mobiles, obtain immediate ap- with flexibility and precision at that will determine whether or make a recommendation provals for the required medi- the same time. a final agreement is possible, that we don’t.” cal procedures and upload paid Takaful International Com- US Treasury Secretary Steven Trump imposed steep puni- medical bills for reimbursement pany (gig - takaful) is the first Mnuchin said yesterday of ne- tive tariffs on more than $250 processing through the applica- Islamic insurance company in gotiations with China. billion in imports from China, tion of the company. the region. Was established in Mnuchin and US Trade Rep- and Beijing has retaliated with The health insurance card 1989 to provide a comprehen- resentative Robert Lighthizer duties on $110 billion in US can be referred to, whenever sive range of products and in- travel to Beijing this week for goods.US businesses nation- needed, through the mobile ap- surance coverage compatible another round of talks with wide report that the tariffs are plication at any time and shall with the foundations of Islamic Chinese negotiators starting raising costs on key inputs for immediately be accepted and Sharia and the requirements of Tuesday, and they will meet production, and the uncertain- approved by all medical ser- various institutions and indi- next week in Washington to try ty is causing them to delay in- vice providers of Health 360o Essam Al Ansari, Chief Executive Officer of Takaful International Company viduals. to finalize a deal that President vestments and hiring. network with more than 7,600 Health 360 Ancillary Services Donald Trump has demand- However, Mnuchin again hospitals and health clinics, the Company was established in ed to repair what he calls and defended Trump’s aggressive Takaful statement said. ny’s digital transformation plan three years ago when we were 2013 to provide claims man - unfair and unbalanced rela- trade policies, saying “tariffs Commenting, Essam Al An- to keep abreast of the changes the first to launch digital motor agement services to insur - tionship. have been a big part of getting sari, Chief Executive Officer of made available by Technology insurance certificate.” ance companies in Bahrain, a “I think there’s a strong de- people to the negotiating table. Takaful International Company, to insurance companies, as we Dr Paresh Mhatre, General support services company li- sire from both sides to see if we The president’s objective is said: “The launch of this ser- strive to digitize all our insur- Manager of Health 360o An - censed by the Central Bank of can wrap this up or move on,” make sure we have fair and vice comes as part of compa- ance activities, which we started cillary Services Company, ex- Bahrain. Mnuchin said in an interview balanced trade.” Invest more in technology to attract investors: Al Baker CBB’s Al Baker calls on Asset management industry to boost investments in technology | Manama TDT address the financial technolo- trillion as of the end ment industry. “With approx- gies in various financial servic- of 2018. imately US$7.4 billion in assets top Central Bank of Bahrain es,” he added. He told the conference that in under management, through Aofficial yesterday urged to This came as Abdul Rahman Bahrain, the assets management more than 2137 funds, the indus- increase the investment in tech- Al Baker was addressing the 4th industry has been continuing try has been growing at a steady nology and data management to Annual Middle East Asset Man- to show strong growth during base in recent years. Overall, attract new potential investors agement Forum, yesterday. the past five years. “Since the there are 83 Islamic funds that and reduce distribution costs in The assets management In- introduction of the Investment are incorporated and registered the asset management industry. dustry, Al Baker said, globally Business license by the CBB un- in Bahrain with total assets Terming the size of asset man- reached around US$80 trillion der Volume 4 Rulebook in 2006, amounting to US$ 1.4 billion as agement sector as ‘vast’, Abdul as of the end of 2018. the number of investment busi- of March 2019.” Rahman Al Baker, the Executive Citing positive global trends, ness licensees has risen to 51 as With respect to asset man - Director of Financial Institu- he further explained that the of the date, compared to 22 firms agement services, Al Baker said tions Supervision at the Central global asset management in- in 2006.” that the CBB has issued in March Bank of Bahrain pointed out that dustry is likely to continue its As of the end of the first quar- 2019, the directives on “Digital the majority of asset managers upward trend, absolutely and ter of 2019, the total assets un- Financial Advice”, also known are not actively involved in so- relative to the economy, and it der management of Investment as Robo-advice, following the cial media, other than hosting Abdul Rahman Al Baker, the Executive Director of Financial Institutions is expected to grow to reach firms reached US$20 billion, industry consultation process. a website. Supervision Central Bank of Bahrain, speaking at the forum US$100 trillion by 2020. with an average growth of 9pc The new rules enable special- “Basically, financial technol- “This growth will be mainly per annum recorded over the ized Fintech firms planning to ogy is growing at a rapid pace, to incorporate fintech into their propriate products and reach due to the growth of the econ- past five years. offer digital financial advice to something that has not gone strategies and or face being left more clients. omies of the US, Asia especially Al Baker attributed the growth obtain a license to offer such unnoticed by traditional as - behind.” “As a regulator, we should en- China, and Africa and the Mid- due to the entrance of the new services to investors. set managers who can see the He said that technology in sure that our regulatory frame- dle East.” investment firm licensees to the He further stressed that the threat to their market share,” the form of social media, mo - work accommodates the use of market and the introduction of CBB intends to remain at the said Al Baker warning: “As in- bile phones and other devices new technologies which can Bahrain shows strong growth new innovative products and forefront of regulating the asset vestors profiles and preferences will be pivotal in the collection help to make the delivery of fi- In the Middle East and Africa structures by existing firms. management industry and we change and technology contin- and location of behavioural in- nancial services more robust, ef- region, it has been estimated The mutual fund’s sector, he look forward to working closely ues to break new bounds, asset formation that can be harnessed ficient and inclusive. Therefore, that the Asset Management In- said, is another fastest growing with market players to further managers need to decide how by asset managers to create ap- the CBB has issued directives to dustry reached around US$1.7 segments of the assets manage- develop this key industry.

Indonesia eyes moving capital from congested Jakarta Jakarta, Indonesia and is one of the world’s fastest sinking cities due to excessive ndonesia is considering a groundwater extraction. Iplan to move its capital away On Monday, urban planning from sprawling megalopolis minister Bambang Brodjone- Jakarta, officials said Mon- goro said the long-stalled relo- day, but any jump to a new city cation plan won approval from could still be years away. President Joko Widodo who The idea of moving Indone- favoured moving the capital sia’s seat of government from away from Indonesia’s most an urban conglomeration of populous Java island. nearly 30 million people with Jakarta, which suffers bil- some of the world’s worst traf- lions of dollars in annual con- fic jams has stretched on for gestion-and-flood linked eco- Batelco employees repainting the walls of Muharraq Social welfare centre as part of its social responsibility programme. Muharraq Social Welfare Centre, a decades. Low-lying Jakarta is nomic losses, would remain charitable organisation provides health, social and recreational services to the elderly in the Kingdom of Bahrain also prone to annual flooding the country’s financial hub. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 12

Gazprom doubles net profits to $22.5 Saudi Arabian market inches up billion Moscow, Russia Closing Bell ussian energy giant Saudi British SAUDI  0.1 pc » 9,277 pts • RGazprom on Monday Bank hits 4-year ABU DHABI  0.9 pc » 5,332 pts announced a two-fold jump high on Q1 results DUBAI  0.6 pc » 2,760 pts in its net profit for 2018 as the volume and price of gas QATAR  0.5 pc » 10,360 pts Islamic Arab exported to Europe both Insurance,• Dubai Islamic BAHRAIN  0.3 pc» 1,436 pts rose from the previous year. OMAN  0.1 pc» 3,935 pts The state-controlled weigh on Dubai group’s net profit last year KUWAIT  0.2 pc » 6,042 pts rose to 1,456 billion rubles Egypt market closed ($22.5 billion), compared due• to public holiday to 714 billion rubles in 2017, Saudi Arabia’s index inched according to an earnings up 0.1pc, with Saudi British statement. Reuters Bank adding 1.6pc to touch its Operating profit more highest level in four years after than doubled over the year bu Dhabi’s stock market reporting strong first-quarter to 1,903 billion rubles, while slid yesterday, affected results. revenue climbed 26 per cent Aby profit-taking and a Al Moammar Information year-on-year to 8,224 billion sell-off in its financial shares, Systems jumped 8.6pc to lead rubles.Sales to Europe and while Saudi Arabia was the only the index’s gainers. Last week, Turkey, Gazprom’s most major Gulf market to rise. An investor watching stock movements at the Saudi Stock Market (AFP) the company was the first in- lucrative area, rose a little The Abu Dhabi index lost 0.9 formation technology solutions more than 3pc to reach 201 per cent in its fourth straight bi Bank posted a 3.6pc rise in “Banks have been the driver Islamic Arab Insurance Co and provider to list on Tadawul. billion cubic metres last day of declines, with energy firm first-quarter 2019 profit. of this performance – both FAB a 4.3pc slide in Dubai Islamic Qatar’s blue-chip index de- year despite geopolitical Dana Gas dropping 4.1pc and the “UAE markets have done well (First Abu Dhabi) and Emir- Insurance And Reinsurance . clined 0.5pc. Banking firms Qa- tensions and calls for the EU largest bank in the United Arab year to date and the recent ates have delivered total returns Shareholders of both companies tar First Bank and Qatar Islamic to diversify supply sources. Emirates, First Abu Dhabi Bank, weakness can be attributed to of 40pc so far in 2019. No sur- elected against a dividend distri- Bank lost 2.3pc and 2.1pc, re - Gazprom’s European losing 1.2pc. investors taking profits after the prise that they are consolidating bution for 2018. spectively. market share has increased Dana’s stock traded ex-divi- stocks go ex-dividend,” Vrajesh here,” Bhandari added. Dubai Financial Market fell Egypt’s stock market in recent years, reaching dend on Thursday and has been Bhandari, senior portfolio man- Dubai’s index slipped 0.6pc, 2.7pc after its first-quarter net was closed due to a public around one third of total sliding since. First Abu Dha- ager at Al Mal Capital said. partly due to a 7.2pc decline in profit nearly halved. holiday. consumption.

Britain’s FM urges caution over Huawei role in 5G network London, United Kingdom that their role is automatically malign, but there are things ritish Foreign Secretary like the 2017 law which re - BJeremy Hunt has urged quires all Chinese companies, caution over the role of Chi- whatever their ownership, na’s Huawei in the UK, saying to co-operate with Chinese the government should think intelligence services on any carefully before opening its occasion. doors to the technology giant “Obviously, as we come to to develop next-generation 5G our decision, we have to weigh mobile networks. those considerations very His comments come after carefully.” Prime Minister Theresa May The United States is ada - conditionally allowed China’s mantly opposed to Huawei’s Huawei to build the UK 5G involvement because of the network, according to media firm’s obligation under Chi- reports last week. nese law to help its home gov- “We are right to have a de- ernment gather intelligence or gree of caution about the role provide other security services of large Chinese companies when required. because of the degree of con- China’s ambassador to the trol the Chinese state is able to UK, Liu Xiaoming, told the exercise over them in the way Sunday Telegraph that secu- The Advisor for Political and Economic Affairs at HRH the Crown Prince’s Court, Board Member and Head of the Financial and Administrative Committee of the that would not be possible if rity concerns were “under- Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Programme (CPISP), Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, meeting the Managing Director and CEO of Kuwait Finance they were large Western com- standable” but he urged the House – Bahrain (KFH), Abdulhakeem Al Khayyat. During the meeting, Al Khayyat presented a cheque worth BD 200,000 in support of the CPISP, affirming the panies,” Hunt told Monday’s UK to make “the right decision KFH’s continuous commitment to the programme. The Executive Manager, Financial Control and Administration of KFH-Bahrain, Yousif Al Hammadi, the CPISP Daily Telegraph newspaper. independently based on its na- Director, Dr Cynthia Gessling, and CPISP Director of Finance and Administrative Affairs, Shatha Ahmed Ali, also attended the meeting. “That doesn’t mean to say tional interests”.

European marketsBBK operatingworried after profit Spanish up 10.5pc vote, gloomy data London, United Kingdom Key figures around 1540 GMT splitting the right-wing bloc but “Obviously the prospect of another record lead from Wall urope’s stock markets had a letting ultra-nationalistsbalances into with higher central taxes banks and increased a less marportfolio.- Street Moreover, that was the fuelled bank’s by sharemore Madrid - IBEX 35:  0.1pc at 9,517.2 points (close) ElacklustreThe total session assets yesterday by the parliament. by 37.7pc to standket-friendly at BD 263.1 government million isof not profit strong from corporate associated earnings. companies London - FTSE 100:  0.2pc at 7,440.66 (close) asend• a Spanishof March election 2019 brought reached The results raise comparedthe spectre to BDideal 191.0 for million stock markets,” as end of Oandaand joint Adding ventures to increased the upward by 26.3pc, mo - uncertainty and weak eurozone Frankfurt - DAX 30:  0.1pc at 12,328.02 (close) of another period ofDecember instabili -2018.analyst Craig Erlam told AFPwhile. othermentum income was decreased data showing by 9.8pc the dataBD 3,598.5weighed, million but were compared helped ty for Spain, with SanchezOn the de other- hand,Sentiment net loans was also and hobbled ad- due by to lowerworld’s investment biggest incomeeconomy arising ex- Paris - CAC 40:  0.2pc at 5,580.98 (close) offto BDtheir 3,581.7 day’s lows million by another as of pending on alliances vanceswith hostile decreased news by that 4.2pc economic to reach confidence BD from salepanded of securities 3.2pc in January-March, in comparison record-breakingthe 2018 financial Wall Street year- per- EURO STOXX 50:  at 3,501.94 rivals. 1,698.3 millionin compared the single tocurrency BD 1,772.5 area tosank last year.well up from forecasts and formance. New York - Dow:  at 26,543.88 million as endin of April December to hit the 2018. lowest The level Commentingfor sharply higher on the thanbank’s the results, 2.2pc end,The registering broad S&P 500a marginal index ‘Political impasse’ bank continuedmore to maintainthan two years.a very ro- the Boardseen atof the Directors end of 2018. expressed Hong Kong - Hang Seng:  1.0pc at 29,892.81 (close) reachedincrease a fresh of 0.5pc. high in the New “A long-lasting politicalbust liquidity im- position“The need that for is amainly coalition their in satisfactionHong Kong stating, stocks “The rose board one- York morning, while the Dow Shanghai - Composite:  0.8pc at 3,062.50 (close) passe can negativelyfunded affect theby customer Spain -- depositsand a socialist which oneis pleasedat pc andwith Singapore the results addedof 2019’s 1.3pc, first JonesTDT | Manama flatlined and the Nasdaq Tokyo - Nikkei 225: Closed for holiday economy, causing companiesamounted to that,BD 2,360.3 much millionto the disappoint (De- quarter.- while The Shanghaibank continues slipped to 0.8pcexcel cember 2018: BD 2,374.5 million), while and grow to our satisfaction, and it is posted small gains. Euro/dollar:  at $1.1168 from $1.1151 Friday and consumers to postpone in- ment of investors -- helped drag on concerns that Chinese au- China-ankUS of Bahraintrade talks and Kuwaitcame (BBK) BBK chairman Murad Ali Murad Mr Sater vestment decisions theand loanswait to to customerthe IBEX lower,” deposits said ratio Spreadex due to thethorities support will of windour shareholders, back on re- back tohas the announced fore, with itsTreasury financial Pound/dollar: re-  at $1.2924 from $1.2916 recruit,” said Stevenstood Trypsteen, at a comfortable analyst Connor level Campbell. of 72pc and dedicationcent market-boosting of the management monetary BSecretarysults Steven for the Mnuchin three months say- endedDollar/yen: year, with an increase at 111.81 of 10.5pc. from 111.58 mainly related to paymentan economist of dividends at ING .(December 2018:“Combine 74.6pc). that with newsand that employees, easing measures. and the Tokyoloyalty isof shut our ing31st that March they 2019. were nearing a de- Oil - Brent TheCrude: bank achieved 3 operatingcents at $71.66 revenue per barrel to shareholders. With the country setThe to increase re - economic in the net confidence profit for thein the customers eu- for holiday. that the bank continues to cisiveThe moment.bank achieved a net profit attrib- of BD 42.9 million, compared to BD 39.2 The total assets byturn the endto the of Marchpolls on firstMay quarter 26 for ofrozone 2019 isin at comparison a two-year tolow, deliver and satisfyingEyes now results turn to itsBeijing, share- utableOil prices to the were owners volatile, of the having bank Oilof BD- West million Texas Inter: in last year, with21 cents an at increase $63.09 of 2019 reached BD 3,598.5regional, million local com and- last European year mainly there relates was tolittle the increasereason for holders.” the where top US negotiators will shed20 million, three percompared cent on to Friday BD 16.7 af -million 9.5pc. Basic Earnings per share were pared to BD 3,581.7Parliament million as of elections, the in net a interestnew region’s income indices by 18.7pc to drivencontinue theReyadh return Sater, for BBK another’s CEO said, round “BBK of’s terin the US Presidentprevious year, Donald with Trump an increase 19 fils compared to 15 fils in last year. 2018 financial year-end,government registering is not a likelymainly to by be the kind improvements of positive inrun mar that- solid has fundamentalstrade talks with and their approach Chinese saidof 20pc. Saudi Arabia and others in The total shareholders’ equity (ex- marginal increase offormed 0.5pc. before June.gins comparedbeen to a the fixture previous for most year of April.”towardscounterparts, a sustainable with and the balanced White OPECThe had bank agreed also toachieved his request operating cluding minority interests) as end of The Investment securitiesMadrid’s portfolio benchmark as a IBEX result 35 of higher global interest growthHouse enabled saying maintaining issues to the be trackcov- forprofit higher (excluding crude output. net provisions and March 2019 was BD 485.0 million com- increased by 4.9pc toindex stand closed at BD a839.2 touch rateshigher, and hav dynamic- US-China and tradeeffective talks assets recordered of continuous include intellectual increase inprop net- tax)The during focus thein Europe quarter was of BDfirm 27.7- weeks mil- paredof coalition to BD 497.7 talks million after asSocialists end of the won million snap comparedelections toing BD spent 800.3 most million of the and session liabilities in management,In Asia, markets as well traded as mixedprofits erty, and forceddelivering technology higher transfer,value to lylion, on compared Spain, which to BD now 25.1 faces million Prime last Ministerfinancial Pedro year Sanchez’s2018. The decreaseon Sunday is withoutas end ofa majority,December 2018,negative and territory. cash and due to the increaseas investors in the struggledinvestment to trackshareholders.” agriculture and enforcement. 13 TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019

9-MISSING LINK (PG) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/ ASIF ALI, BIJU MENON, BAIJU OASIS JUFFAIR COMEDY) DAILY AT: 3.00 + 8.45 PM HUGH JACKMAN, ZOE SALDANA, ZACH GALIFIANAKIS 1-AVENGERS: ENDGAME (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- DAILY AT: 1.00 + 5.15 + 9.30 PM TURE) NEW SAAR BRIE LARSON, ROBERT DOWNEY JR., KAREN GILLAN 10-CAPTAIN MARVEL (PG-13) (ACTION/ADVENTURE) DAILY AT (ATMOS): (9.15 AM WED/THURS/FRI/SAT) + 12.45 + BRIE LARSON, GEMMA CHAN, SAMUEL L. JACKSON 1-AVENGERS: ENDGAME (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- 4.15 + 7.45 + 11.15 PM DAILY AT: 12.00 + 4.30 + 9.00 PM TURE) NEW DAILY AT (3D): 11.45 AM + 3.15 + 6.45 + 10.15 PM BRIE LARSON, ROBERT DOWNEY JR., KAREN GILLAN DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 12.45 + 2.45 + 4.15 + 6.15 + 7.45 + 9.45 + 11-STOCKHOLM (PG-15) (COMEDY/CRIME/DRAMA) DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 12.30 + 1.45 + 4.00 + 5.15 + 7.30 + 8.45 11.15 PM + (1.15 AM WED/THURS/FRI) ETHAN HAWKE, NOOMI RAPACE, MARK STRONG + (11.00 PM WED/THURS/FRI) DAILY AT (VIP): 12.15 + 3.45 + 7.15 + 10.45 PM DAILY AT: 2.30 + 7.00 + 11.30 PM 2-ATHIRAN (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) NEW 2-ATHIRAN (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) NEW 12-MASHA AND THE BEAR THE NEW ADVENTURES (G) FAHADH FAZIL, SAI PALLAVI, ATUL KULKARNI FAHADH FAZIL, SAI PALLAVI, ATUL KULKARNI (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY) FROM WEDNESDAY 24TH 7.30 PM ONWARDS FROM WEDNESDAY 24TH 7.30 PM ONWARDS DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 2.00 + 8.00 PM DAILY AT: 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 12.15 + 2.00 + 3.45 PM 3-ORU YAMANDAN PREMA KATHA (PG-15) (MALAY- 3-ORU YAMANDAN PREMA KATHA (PG-15) (MALAY- ALAM) NEW ALAM) NEW SEEF (I) DULQUER SALMAN, SOUBIN SAHIR, SAMYUKTHA MENON DULQUER SALMAN, SOUBIN SAHIR, SAMYUKTHA MENON FROM THURSDAY 25TH 1-AVENGERS: ENDGAME (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- FROM THURSDAY 25TH ONWARDS TURE) NEW DAILY AT: 4.45 + (10.45 PM THURS/FRI) DAILY AT: 10.45 AM + 2.00 + 5.15 + 8.30 + 11.45 PM BRIE LARSON, ROBERT DOWNEY JR., KAREN GILLAN 4-KALANK (PG-15) (HINDI/ROMANTIC/DRAMA) DAILY AT: 10.00 AM + 12.30 + 1.30 + 4.00 + 5.00 + 7.30 + 4-KALANK (PG-15) (HINDI/ROMANTIC/DRAMA) 8.30 + 11.00 PM + 12.00 MN VARUN DHAWAN, ALIA BHATT, MADHURI DIXIT VARUN DHAWAN, ALIA BHATT, MADHURI DIXIT DAILY AT: 2.45 + 8.00 PM DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 1.30 + 4.45 + 8.00 +11.15 PM 2-ATHIRAN (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) NEW FAHADH FAZIL, SAI PALLAVI, ATUL KULKARNI 5-THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA (15+) (HORROR/ 5-DUMBO (PG) (ADVENTURE/DRAMA/FAMILY) FROM WEDNESDAY 24TH 7.30 PM ONWARDS THRILLER) COLIN FARRELL, MICHAEL KEATON, DANNY DEVITO DAILY AT: 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM LINDA CARDELLINI, RAYMOND CRUZ, PATRICIA VELASQUEZ DAILY AT (KIDS CINEMA): 10.30 AM + 4.45 + 9.00 PM DAILY AT: 10.45 AM + 12.45 + 6.00 + (11.15 PM WED/THURS/ FRI) 3-ORU YAMANDAN PREMA KATHA (PG-15) (MALAY- 6-MISSING LINK (PG) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/ 6-MISSING LINK (PG) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/ DAILY AT: 11.45 AM + 4.30 + 9.15 PM ALAM) NEW COMEDY) COMEDY) HUGH JACKMAN, ZOE SALDANA, ZACH GALIFIANAKIS 17-GLASS (PG-15) (THRILLER) DULQUER SALMAN, SOUBIN SAHIR, SAMYUKTHA MENON HUGH JACKMAN, ZOE SALDANA, ZACH GALIFIANAKIS FROM THURSDAY 25TH AL HAMRA DAILY AT (KIDS CINEMA): 12.45 + 2.45 + 7.00 + 11.15 PM DAILY AT: 12.15 + 4.45 + 9.15 PM JAMES MCAVOY, BRUCE WILLIS, SAMUEL L. JACKSON DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 4.15 + 9.15 PM DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 1.45 + 5.00 + 8.15 + 11.30 PM 1-ATHIRAN (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) NEW 7-CAPTAIN MARVEL (PG-13) (ACTION/ADVENTURE) FAHADH FAZIL, SAI PALLAVI, ATUL KULKARNI 7- MERA NAAM SHAJI (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) 4- MADHURA RAJA (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) BRIE LARSON, GEMMA CHAN, SAMUEL L. JACKSON FROM WEDNESDAY 24TH 7.30 PM ONWARDS ASIF ALI, BIJU MENON, BAIJU MAMMOOTTY, JAI, ANUSREE, SALIM KUMAR, RAMESH DAILY AT: 11.30 AM + 2.00 + 4.30 + 7.00 + 9.30 PM + 12.00 SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 3.15 + 9.15 PM + (12.00 MN THURS/FRI) DAILY AT: 12.00 + 5.30 + 11.00 PM MN PISHARODY DAILY AT: 12.00 + 5.45 + 11.30 PM 1-AVENGERS: ENDGAME (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- 2-ORU YAMANDAN PREMA KATHA (PG-15) (MALAY- 8- JERSEY (PG-15) (TELGU) 8-LITTLE (PG-15) (COMEDY) TURE) NEW NANI, SHARDAH, SREENATH, SATHYARAJ 5- MERA NAAM SHAJI (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) ALAM) NEW REGINA HALL, ISSA RAE, MARSAI MARTIN BRIE LARSON, ROBERT DOWNEY JR., KAREN GILLAN DAILY AT: 2.30 + 8.00 PM DULQUER SALMAN, SOUBIN SAHIR, SAMYUKTHA MENON DAILY AT: 12.15 + 2.30 + 4.45 + 7.00 + 9.15 + 11.30 PM DAILY AT: 12.00 + 1.00 + 3.30 + 4.30 + 7.00 + 8.00 + 10.30 FROM THURSDAY 25TH + 11.30 PM DAILY AT: 12.00 + 6.00 PM 9-HELLBOY (18+) (ACTION/ADVENTURE/FANTASY) DAILY AT (3D): 10.45 AM + 2.15 + 5.45 + 9.15 + (12.45 MN CITYCENTRE DAVID HARBOUR, MILLA JOVOVICH, AND IAN MCSHANE WED/THURS/FRI) (CITYCENTRE CINEMA SHALL REMAIN OPEN 24 HOURS ON DAILY AT: 2.00 + 6.45 + 11.30 PM WED/THURS/FRI.) 2-STRIKE (PG) (MUNGO) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/ WADI AL SAIL COMEDY) NEW 10-STOCKHOLM (PG-15) (COMEDY/CRIME/DRAMA) 1-AVENGERS: ENDGAME (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- KEN STOTT, LIZZIE WATERWORTH, ALEX KELLY 1-AVENGERS: ENDGAME (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- TURE) NEW ETHAN HAWKE, NOOMI RAPACE, MARK STRONG DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 1.15 + 3.15 + 5.15 PM TURE) NEW BRIE LARSON, ROBERT DOWNEY JR., KAREN GILLAN DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 3.30 + 7.45 PM + 12.00 MN BRIE LARSON, ROBERT DOWNEY JR., KAREN GILLAN DAILY AT (ATMOS): 10.00 AM + 1.30 + 5.00 + 8.30 PM + 3-LAYL KHARIJI ( ) (ARABIC/DRAMA) NEW DAILY AT: 12.30 + 1.00 + 4.00 + 4.30 + 7.30 + 8.00 + 11.00 12.00 MN 11-WONDER PARK (PG) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/ + 11.30 PM COMEDY) KARIM QASSIM, SHARIF DOUSOUKI, MONA HALA DAILY AT (3D): 12.00 + 3.30 + 7.00 + 10.30 PM DAILY AT (IMAX 3D): 12.30 + 4.00 + 7.30 + 11.00 PM DAILY AT: 10.45 AM + 3.00 + 7.15 + 11.30 PM DAILY AT (VIP I): 1.15 + 4.45 + 8.15 + 11.45 PM BRIANNA DENSKI, JENNIER GARNER, KEN HUDSON CAMPBELL 2-ATHIRAN (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) NEW DAILY AT (VIP II): 12.15 + 3.45 + 7.15 + 10.45 PM 4-BOAR (18+) (HORROR) NEW DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 3.00 + 7.00 PM FAHADH FAZIL, SAI PALLAVI, ATUL KULKARNI DAILY AT: 10.00 AM + 10.30 + 12.00 + 1.30 + 2.00 + 3.30 + NATHAN JONES, BILL MOSELEY, JOHN JARRATT 5.00 + 5.30 + 7.00 + 8.30 + 9.00 + 10.30 PM + 12.00 MN + DAILY AT (ARABIC DUBBED): 1.00 + 5.00 PM FROM WEDNESDAY 24TH 7.30 PM ONWARDS FROM WEDNESDAY 24TH 8.00 PM ONWARDS (12.30 MN WED/THURS/FRI) DAILY AT: 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM 12-ESCAPE ROOM (PG-15) (THRILLER) DAILY AT: 7.15 + 9.15 + 11.15 PM 2-SHAZAM! (PG-15) (ACTION/COMEDY/ADVENTURE) TAYLOR RUSSELL, LOGAN MILLER, DEBORAH ANN WOLL 3-SHAZAM! (PG-15) (ACTION/COMEDY/ADVENTURE) ZACHARY LEVI, MARK STRONG (II), ASHER ANGEL DAILY AT: 11.30 AM + 1.30 + 3.30 + 5.30 + 7.30 + 9.30 + 5-SHAZAM! (PG-15) (ACTION/COMEDY/ADVENTURE) 11.30 PM ZACHARY LEVI, MARK STRONG (II), ASHER ANGEL DAILY AT: 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM + (12.30 MN ZACHARY LEVI, MARK STRONG (II), ASHER ANGEL DAILY AT: 6.45 + 9.15 + 11.45 PM WED/THURS/FRI) DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.45 + 6.30 + 9.15 PM + 12.00 13-NADI ELREGAL EL SERI (PG-15) (ARABIC/COMEDY) MN 3-KALANK (PG-15) (HINDI/ROMANTIC/DRAMA) KARIM ABDULAZIZ, GHADA ADEL, MAJDE ALKIDDAWI 4-KALANK (PG-15) (HINDI/ROMANTIC/DRAMA) *- VARUN DHAWAN, ALIA BHATT, MADHURI DIXIT DAILY AT: 1.15 + 5.30 + 9.45 + 11.30 PM 6-KALANK (PG-15) (HINDI/ROMANTIC/DRAMA) VARUN DHAWAN, ALIA BHATT, MADHURI DIXIT DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 1.45 + 5.00 + 8.15 + 11.30 PM VARUN DHAWAN, ALIA BHATT, MADHURI DIXIT DAILY AT: 3.15 + 8.15 PM 14-THE UPSIDE (PG-15) (COMEDY/DRAMA) DAILY AT: 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM 5-THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA (15+) (HORROR/ 4-THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA (15+) (HORROR/ KEVIN HART, BRYAN CRANSTON, NICOLE KIDMAN THRILLER) THRILLER) DAILY AT: 2.15 + 6.45 + 9.00 + 11.15 PM 7-THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA (15+) (HORROR/ LINDA CARDELLINI, RAYMOND CRUZ, PATRICIA VELASQUEZ THRILLER) LINDA CARDELLINI, RAYMOND CRUZ, PATRICIA VELASQUEZ DAILY AT: 12.00 + 2.00 + 4.00 + 6.00 + 8.00 + 10.00 PM + 15-COLD PURSUIT (15+) (ACTION/CRIME/DRAMA) LINDA CARDELLINI, RAYMOND CRUZ, PATRICIA VELASQUEZ DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 1.15 + 6.15 + 11.15 PM 12.00 MN DAILY AT: 5.30 + 7.30 + 9.30 + 11.30 PM LIAM NEESON, EMMY ROSSUM, LAURA DERN 6-MISSING LINK (PG) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/ DAILY AT: 1.45 + 6.45 + 11.45 PM 5-DUMBO (PG) (ADVENTURE/DRAMA/FAMILY) 8-DUMBO (PG) (ADVENTURE/DRAMA/FAMILY) COMEDY) HUGH JACKMAN, ZOE SALDANA, ZACH GALIFIANAKIS COLIN FARRELL, MICHAEL KEATON, DANNY DEVITO COLIN FARRELL, MICHAEL KEATON, DANNY DEVITO 16-US (15+) (HORROR/THRILLER) DAILY AT: 10.45 AM + 12.45 + 2.45 + 4.45 PM DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 1.15 + 3.30 + 5.45 + 8.00 + 10.15 PM LUPITA NYONG’O, ELISABETH MOSS, ANNA DIOP DAILY AT: 11.45 AM + 2.00 + 4.15 + 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM

MOVIE REVIEW

REQUIRE QUALIFIED TEACHERS OF ALL SUBJECTS FOR K.G, PRIMARY & HIGHER CLASSES The Favourite: A masterpiece of palace intrigue *Higher salaries can be considered for very experienced candidates Interested candidates are requested to email their CVs with latest photograph to site’s critical consensus reads, “The claws… It’s a bawdy, brilliant tri- tistic reach and renegade deviltry… [email protected] Yorgos Lanthimos Favourite sees Yorgos Lanthimos umph, directed by Greek auteur The Favourite belongs to its fierce, • balancing a period setting against Yorgos Lanthimos with all the ar- profanely funny female trio.” works his trademark rich, timely subtext - and getting colours into a fantastically roundly stellar performances from dark picture his well-chosen stars.” Metacritic gives the film a weighted average he Favourite is a 2018 period score of 90 out of 100, based on black comedy film directed 53 critics, indicating “universal Tby Yorgos Lanthimos and acclaim”. written by Deborah Davis and Tony In his review for Entertainment McNamara. It is a co-production Weekly, Chris Nashawaty gave by producers in the United King- the film an “A” rating, praising the dom, Ireland and the United States. effective presentation of themes Set in early 18th-century England, dealing with royalty and associated the story examines the relation- “steamier, fact-adjacent subplots”. ship between two cousins, Sarah “It’s worth pointing out that The Churchill, Duchess of Marlbor- Favourite is easily Lanthimos’ most ough (played by Rachel Weisz), user-friendly movie, which isn’t and Abigail Masham, Baroness to say it isn’t strange enough to Masham (Emma Stone), vying to please his fans, just that it may also be court favourites of Queen Anne convert a legion of new ones,” he (Olivia Colman); it is loosely based wrote.Peter Travers from Rolling on historical events. On review Stone gave the movie five stars, aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the saying, “Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz film holds an approval rating of and the mighty Olivia Colman turn 93% based on 360 reviews, and an a period piece into a caustic come- average rating of 8.5/10. The web- uppance comedy with fangs and Olivia Colman as Queen Anne in The Favourite 14 TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019

Katy Perry

How judging Kit ‘American Idol’ Harington inspires Katy Perry wishes Los Angeles inger-songwriter Katy Perry to work says judging “American Idol” Sreminds her of her own pro- cess and that really inspires her. with “I mean, it’s so beautiful. Like it just really reminds me of my own Sophie process. It re-inspires me. And it’s that great American dream come Turner true,” Perry said in a statement. “Like we get to watch it from the again Kit infancy. And, you know, there are Harington a few people I can’t stop thinking Los Angeles about based on their presence, their “I’m always going to be personality, their talent...the whole very fond of it. It’s hard to package,” she added. ame of remember who any of the Opening up about guiding the con- Thrones” star cast members were 10 years testants, she said: “To be able to pay it “G Kit Harington ago,” Harington told People forward by caring. I care so much about says after the HBO epic magazine. these kids. And being a real mentor. fantasy series ends with its Harington, however, be- And giving them advice that they can eighth and final season, he lieves fans might have some hopefully take and really apply so that would like to re-team with concerns and reservations they can win. Sophie Turner on another with him and Turner having “I mean, I’m just so encouraged by project. any other equation on screen. these kids and it makes me feel like a The British actor plays The 32-year-old actor add- good person while doing it so I love it.” Jon Snow in the popular ed that apart from Turner, he What does she look for in the con - series, while Turner essays would also like to work with testant? the role of Sansa Stark. It his wife Rose Leslie, whom “You know, they’re just looking for was revealed in the last he met on the sets of the se- someone to stand out, to check all those episode of season seven ries, which had its premiere boxes. I think it’s talent, personality and that Sansa and Jon are re- in 2011. Leslie played Ygritte story, you know. Talent, personality and Sophie lated by blood. on the show. story. And in that personality is presenta- Turner tion. And the growth.

Tom Hanks cheers for wife Makers reveal release date for Love Rita Wilson with sons ‘The Hustle’ in new poster playing superhero Los Angeles without superpowers: ‘Avengers’ star Jeremy Renner ctors Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson starrer ‘The Los Angeles Hustle’ will hit the big screens on May 17 this year. think it is awesome - because it is re- A Indian film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh latable to people. He has just a bow shared the release date along with a poster of the film. The e is the man with and an arrow...,” the actor said in a poster features the two leading ladies dressed in black out- just a bow and group interview here. fits, standing in the backdrop of a golden car. Harrow among Renner said his character is The film’s tagline on the poster reads, the mighty warriors of the relatable to children because “They’re giving dirty rotten men a Marvel Cinematic Uni- he is a normal human being run for their money.” verse but actor Jeremy Ren- with “high skill set”. Adarsh wrote, “Anne Hatha- ner says he would not change “What I love about Clint way and Rebel Wilson... anything about his Hawkeye/ is that he is very accessible. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson #TheHustle release date Clint Barton, a superhero with- He has a high skill set finalized: 17 May 2019... out any superpowers. and never misses a heat you brought the energy Remake of #DirtyRotten- “I wouldn’t change anything,” Ren- target but what Los Angeles and love,” Wilson, 62, wrote Scoundrels.” ner said about Hawkeye, calling makes him a real on Twitter. The film is a remake the character’s “tenacity” his real superhero? Peo- ctress Rita Wilson hit The star’s message accom- of Frank Oz’s 1988 strength. ple have to think the stage at the Stage- panied a photograph of her comedy ‘Dirty Rot- “I’m really content with the about that. ‘Oh, Acoach Country Music posing under the festival’s logo ten Scoundrels’, character I have learnt and is he the weakest Festival with support from her in a sparkly Tom Ford cowgirl which starred come to understand. I guy in the team number one fan and actor-hus- get-up, complete with a cow- Steve Martin, Mi- love the idea of playing or it is tenacity band Tom Hanks. boy hat. chael Caine, and a superhero without and strength and The Oscar-winning actor, 62, Hanks, meanwhile, kept it the late Glenne any superpowers. I heart, like a lion’s watched Wilson perform on more casual, but still embraced Headly. The Ameri- think it is awesome. heart?’ It is a su- April 27 along with the cou- the country theme, adding a can comedy film, which Why do I perpower that is ple’s two children, Chet and straw hat and red bandana to is directed by Chris Addison and more obtainable. Truman, reports people.com. his white top and black pants written by Jac Schaeffer, is based on I wouldn’t change Wilson, who released her ensemble. two women con artists who team up anything because album “Halfway to Home” in Wilson shared a photograph to take down the dirty rotten men it is an amazing late March, took the stage on of the bearded “Forrest Gump” who have wronged them, reported message to send the second night of the festival actor hanging out backstage to The Hollywood Reporter. to a kid.” held in California. her Instagram story, writing: The film was previously titled Jeremy Renner “Stagecoach Country Music “Gotta get rid of the Riff Raff ‘Nasty Women’. Festival, thank you! Had the backstage at Stagecoach coun- best time! Even in the crazy try music festival.” ‘Star Wars’ Darth Vader costume could go for $2 million at auction Los Angeles public appearances as Vader at premieres, book signings, conventions and the 1978 man who made appearances as Academy Awards. Outdoor Catering • Choice of high quality Darth Vader at film premieres and The costume going up for auction is one Team Offers: • Tailor made menus Afan conventions will sell a costume of a handful of Vader outfits produced in for Non-Veg. & Veg. created in 1979 by the “Star Wars” design 1979 by the team of “Star Wars” costume • Professional Party team at an auction of classic movie memo- designer John Mollo in London for the Set-up & Supervision rabilia next month, auction house Bonhams movie “The Empire Strikes Back,” Bonhams • Catering for any said. said. It is unclear if any pieces were used number of guests. The 17-piece ensemble includes the vil- on screen before they were given to Eller. • Attractive rates. lain’s black mask, boots, a pair of capes and and $2 million. The components are made from leather, a cod piece, said the auctioneers, who esti- The seller is Bryce “Kermit” Eller, whose wool, silk, fiberglass and other materials, mated it could sell for between $1 million deep voice helped him land a job making Eller said in an interview. For Reservations, Call:Umm Al Hassam 17728699 Seef District 17364999 15 TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 sports

Sharma fined for hitting stumps after IPL dismissal Zidane apologises after AFP | Kolkata, India umbai Indians skip- Mper Rohit Sharma was yesterday docked 15 percent of his match fee Madrid lose to Rayo for hitting the stumps with his bat following his dis - missal in a highly charged Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale failed to impress against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday Indian Premier League game. The India batsman AFP | Madrid Courtois made his first start un- smashed three bounda - der the Frenchman, in ahead of ries before being adjudged inedine Zidane apolo - Keylor Navas. lbw in Mumbai’s mam - gised and said he wished Rayo won their penalty in moth chase of 233 against Real Madrid’s miserable We must be very the 23rd minue as referee Pablo Kolkata Knight Riders, Z angry. I am angry, season would end now after Gonzalez took advice from VAR and vented his frustra - they were beaten by 19th-placed because the image before judging Jesus Vallejo to tion on the stumps at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. we gave off today have hauled down Javi Guerra the non-striker’s end on Madrid’s response to Barcelo- was bad. I am in the box. Embarba made no Sunday. na winning the title on Saturday responsible for this mistake. night was to slip to a 1-0 defeat as well, not just Madrid wanted their own at Vallecas and fall 18 points be- the players. But we spot-kick when Mariano Diaz hind La Liga’s newly-crowned took a tumble from a corner but Ferrari form is not champions. have to apologise Gonzalez was unmoved, and Zidane took over knowing for our performance the second half was surprisingly as bad as it looks, Madrid’s title challenge was all- today, all of us comfortable for Rayo. says team boss but extinguished but the differ- ZINEDINE ZIDANE Bale’s free-kick was palmed ence on Barca then was 12 points away by Garcia while Zidane Reuters | Baku while catching Atletico Madrid, threw on Brahim Diaz, Lucas now nine ahead, seemed achiev- one except Karim Benzema, out Vazquez and Isco in search of errari are still hunting able. with a hamstring injury, scored some inspiration. It never came. Ffor their first win of the Adri Embarba’s penalty, given for Madrid, who created pre- Beneath Madrid, La Liga’s last Formula One season after after consultation with VAR, was cious few chances against a Rayo Champions League spot remains rivals Mercedes chalked up enough for Rayo, who move to side that have conceded 62 goals up for grabs after Valencia, Se- four straight one-two fin- within six points of survival, this term. No side in the division villa and Getafe all endured sur- ishes, but team boss Mat- with three games left to play. has shipped more. prise defeats earlier on Sunday. tia Binotto was adamant “Today we did nothing,” Zi- Zidane said last week that the Valencia lost 1-0 at home to things are not as bad as they dane said. “From minute one league would be the club’s first Eibar while Sevilla were beaten look. until the end, at all levels. Some- priority from August but, even by the same scoreline away to The Italian team started times you cannot score but today with new signings and fresh struggling Girona, whose victory the year as favourites on the we did not even create chances, motivation, it could prove diffi- could prove crucial in their fight back of strong testing form did not play at all. cult to flick the switch. Madrid’s against relegation. yet all they have to show “We must be very angry. I am winning habit has long-been Both slips gave Getafe the op- for their speed so far is a angry, because the image we lost. portunity to pull clear in the pole position, two fastest gave off today was bad. I am Real Madrid’s German midfielder Toni Kroos (R) challenges Rayo Vallecano’s Rayo’s last victory over Real at three-way race for fourth but laps and three third-place responsible for this as well, not Spanish forward Adrian Embarba Blazquez Vallecas was in 1997, by the same they stumbled too, edged out 2-1 finishes. just the players. But we have to scoreline, and this time they away to Real Sociedad. “I think that obviously apologise for our performance children after wrapping up a this. were without their top scorer Getafe stay ahead of Sevil - four races into the season, today, all of us.” fourth La Liga title in five years. “It is about me as well, today too, Raul de Tomas, who is on la only on head-to-head, with no win for Ferrari, four wins The gap widens between them Asked if he would like the sea- what I did in the shape of the loan from Madrid and ineligible Valencia three points behind for Mercedes, no doubt they and Barcelona, whose players son to end now, Zidane said: team, it didn’t work at all. We to face his parent club. and perhaps looking to the Eu- are very strong,” Binotto had been dancing on the pitch “Yes, but we have to play these must respect football and what Zidane handed Gareth Bale ropa League as their best hope told reporters after Sun- at Camp Nou the night before three games and do something this club represents.” another chance but he strug- of Champions League football day’s Azerbaijan Grand and posing for photos with their different. We cannot end like Not since March 31 has any- gled to impress while Thibaut next season. Prix.

De Gea deserves David Torino beat Milan for first time since 2001 de Gea Reuters | Milan result, but now something keeps support, insists happening and the team strug- C Milan’s hopes of qualifying gles to react.” Solskjaer Afor next season’s Champions Roma currently occupy the League suffered a setback after fourth and final Champions AFP | Manchester they were beaten 2-0 by Torino League spot on 58 points, but on Sunday, their first Serie A Atalanta (56) have the chance anchester United manager Ole defeat to the Turin club since to overtake them by beating MGunnar Solskjaer insisted he November 2001. Udinese. had no regrets over his decision to An Andrea Belotti penalty and Gattuso is facing increasing keep faith with David de Gea af - Alex Berenguer strike in the pressure to keep his job after ter another costly error from the second half put Walter Maz- his side picked up just one win Spaniard helped Chelsea claim a zarri’s side in charge before Mi- in their last eight games in all 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. lan captain Alessio Romagnoli competitions. De Gea had been in the spot- was sent off late on for dissent. In contrast, Torino are now light for his poor performanc- The win lifted Torino to 56 unbeaten in six games, confirm- es as Solskjaer’s men had lost points, level with Milan, but ing their status as the surprise heavily to Barcelona, Everton the Turin club moved ahead of package in this season’s race for and Manchester City in their Gennaro Gattuso’s side and Ata- a top four finish in Serie A. previous three games. lanta into fifth place due to their “We are having less fun than Torino’s Spanish forward Alejandro Berenguer (C) vies for the ball with AC And after a bright start from superior head-to-head record two months ago and that takes Milan’s defender Alessio Romagnoli (R) the hosts was rewarded by Juan over both sides. a toll. We’re not sharp, we think Mata’s 11th-minute opener, De Gea “Things aren’t going our way, too much and that saps your en- our team, we’re embarrassing an header struck the crossbar, cost the Red Devils again when he spilled we are struggling, but I saw the thusiasm,” Gattuso added. historic club.” but Torino soon doubled their Antonio Rudiger’s long-range effort to allow performance we needed,” Gat- “This is why I say that I can’t Mazzarri was sent to the lead when Berenguer gathered Marcos Alonso to equalise just before half-time. tuso told Sky Sport Italia. get in the heads of the players, stands for protests early in the a poor headed clearance from Yet, as De Gea headed for the dressing room “Torino force you to play as I want them to have the eye second half but his side took Mateo Musacchio before firing at the break, his name was chanted by the home badly, we created chances, but of the tiger, a constant grit and the lead soon after when Franck a volley into the roof of the net. support in recognition of his brilliant perfor- when you give away a penalty determination, but it’s not hap- Kessie pushed Armando Izzo in Things went from bad to mances over a number of seasons prior to his in such a naive manner, you’re pening. the back to concede a penalty, worse for the visitors when Ro- recent loss of form. going to lose your temper. “I am tied to results, I am which Belotti converted calmly. magnoli was shown a red card “David has been unbelievable for this club. “For a while we were used responsible. We are not only Milan came close to an equal- for sarcastically applauding a That just says everything about the supporters,” to knowing how to suffer for a having embarrassing results for iser as Tiemoue Bakayoko’s refereeing decision. said Solskjaer. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019 16 Virgil Van Dijk wins PFA Bottas, Hami player of year award

in their bid to dethrone City as Sterling wins young Premier League champions this • season, with Sterling’s side one free to fight player of the year award point clear of the Reds at the top of the table with just two KNOW WHAT AFP | London games left to play. Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton are released from team Van Dijk has starred in a iverpool centre-back Virgil hugely improved Liverpool rules and free to race as they wish, says Mercedes boss Lvan Dijk was named as Eng- defence that has kept 20 clean Arsenal Women Totto Wolff land’s PFA Player of the Year for sheets and conceded a mere 20 forward Vivianne 2019 on Sunday. goals in the current campaign. Van Dijk succeeded Liver- Miedema won the pool team-mate Mohamed Sa- ‘Unbelievable’ Women’s Player lah in winning the award, voted “It’s pretty difficult to put of the Year award for by his fellow players and into words,” said Van Dijk, the after scoring 22 saw off competition from Man- first defender to win the award times to lead the chester City striker Raheem since Chelsea’s John Terry 14 Gunners to their Sterling. years ago. first title since But Sterling, 24, was named “I think it’s the highest hon- the Professional Footballers’ our you can get as a player to 2012, with her and Association Young Player of get voted player of the year by Van Dijk complet- the Year, following on from City the players you play against ing a Dutch double colleague Leroy Sane. every week. It’s special. I’m Van Dijk joined Liv- very proud and honoured to formances and a willingness to erpool from South- receive it.” speak out about football’s con- ampton for £75 Van Dijk, who also has a tinuing problems with racism. million ($97 Champions League semi-fi- Arsenal Women forward Viv- million, 87 mil- nal against Barcelona to ianne Miedema won the Wom- lion euros) in look forward to this en’s Player of the Year award January 2018. week, added: “If you see after scoring 22 times to lead The the standard of strikers or the Gunners to their first ti - 27-year-old playmakers we have in the tle since 2012, with her and Dutchman has league, it’s unbelievable.” Van Dijk completing a Dutch been an ev - England international double. er-present for Sterling has been praised The north London side Liverpool both for his on-field per- were crowned champions Winner Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas celebrates next to second placed Mercedes’ British driver Lewis with a 4-0 win away to Hamilton during the podium ceremony after the Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku Brighton on Sunday. Miedema was also nomi- AFP | Baku, Azerbaijan could get a little bit racy at the nated for the Young Player end, but we didn’t talk to them.” of the Year award won by ercedes team chief Manchester City forward We let them Amazing Toto Wolff has con- race. They are Georgia Stanway. Mfirmed that the victo- experienced. They Mercedes’ success on the Miedema said: “I’m rious Valtteri Bottas and Lewis streets of Baku made them the obviously really proud to Hamilton are free to fight for know that the racing first team in modern times to represent my team here. I success without the restraints must be clean. Lap reel off four season-opening think we’ve had an amazing of team orders, as they showed one was very clean one-twos. year, especially with winning in their scrap to win the Azer- –- and this is a track Ferrari had six consecutive the league today.” baijan Grand Prix. where we mustn’t one-twos in 1952 when the Meanwhile, the PFA’s special The pair battled wheel to take crazy risks world championship includ- achievement award went to wheel on the opening lap on ed, officially, the Indianapolis Manchester City and England Sunday and were fighting hard because you could 500, which they did not enter captain Steph Houghton. again in the closing stages when lose both cars as it was run under different The 31-year-old defender defending champion Hamilton TOTO WOLFF regulations. is set to skipper the Lioness- put Bottas under pressure as The American event was es at this year’s World Cup in they closed out an unprece - the second race of the calendar France. dented fourth consecutive sea- always open and everyone can and predictably was dominated But Houghton has said she son-opening one-two triumph. hear them, but then, obvious- by American teams and drivers could miss the tournament in In contrast to Ferrari, where ly, you have the intercom too who took no part in the rest of order to care for her husband, team orders have been used fre- which is only an internal line. the series. former Liverpool midfielder quently this season, Mercedes “But I was not talking to the The modern Mercedes team Stephen Darby, who was di - have handed responsibility to drivers. If I push the driver but- enjoyed 12 one-twos overall in agnosed with motor neurone the drivers and not felt any need ton, I know it myself –- so I am 2015, but were beaten by Se- disease last year. to ask them to hold positions. not giving myself permission bastian Vettel in a Ferrari at the Darby, however, is deter- “We let them race,” said to talk to them because I get second race held in Malaysia. mined Houghton takes her Wolff. “They are experienced. emotional and then, sometimes, “It’s amazing that we can Virgil Van Dijk place in manager Phil Neville’s They know that the racing must regret what I say.” break a record now in our sixth squad. be clean. Lap one was very clean Instead, said Wolff, his pit- year, trying to push the bounda- –- and this is a track where we wall team hold a discussion ries, but also trying to keep both mustn’t take crazy risks because about their strategy and how feet on the ground and not to you could lose both cars. the race is unfolding. be too self-confident,” said “When we talk to them, it’s “We acknowledged that it Wolff. “It’s fantastic.” Kvitova usurps Halep, snatches world number two spot Sterling named player of the WTA rankins released yesterday: 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6151 pts season by football writers 2. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 6015 (+1) 3. Simona Halep (ROU) 5682 (-1) AFP | London Sergio Aguero was in third Sterling has 4. Angelique Kerber (GER) 5220 (+1) place. scored 29 goals AFP | Paris 5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5111 (-1) aheem Sterling was On Sunday, Sterling, 24, for club and coun- try, 6. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4921 Rnamed the 2019 foot- lost out to Van Dijk in the including a hat-trick for etra Kvi- 7. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4765 baller of the year by the battle for the Profession- England in the open - Ptova of 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4386 Football Writers’ Associa- al Footballers’ Association ing Euro 2020 qualifi- the Czech Republic 9. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 4275 tion yesterday hours after award but was announced er against the Czech snatched world number 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3520 missing out on the players’ PFA young player of the Republic at Wembley, two spot from Romani- player of the year award. year. while also helping Ga- an rival Simona Ha- The Manchester City and Sterling has been a key reth Southgate’s young lep in the latest WTA England forward topped the man in Pep Guardiola’s side squad reach this sum- rankings released on clay this season, Kvitova poll of the 400-strong FWA as they battle with Liver- mer’s Nations League yesterday. is just 136 points adrift of top- membership as a clear win- pool for the Premier League Finals. Thanks to her ranked Naomi Osaka, elimi- Petra Kvitova ner, with 62 percent of the title and has received praise Manchester City’s win in Sunday’s nated in the semis in Germany. votes, more than 100 ahead for the strong stance he has England forward Niki- Stuttgart WTA of Liverpool defender Virgil taken against racism in the ta Parris won the wom- tournament fi- Van Dijk. game, having himself been en’s footballer of the year Raheem Sterling nal, her sec- Sterling’s team-mate subjected to abuse. award. ond victory