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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 RABI ALTHANI 16, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net
Jordan hangs militants, Min 08º Max 25º vows to take battle to IS High Tide 00:01 & 13:52 UAE pulled out of IS fight: NYT Outrage over killing of pilot Low Tide • 07:37 & 19:42 40 PAGES NO: 16424 150 FILS AMMAN: Jordan executed two death-row Iraqi jihadists, from the editor’s desk including a woman, yesterday after vowing to avenge Leaders visit heritage fest the burning alive of one of its fighter pilots by the Islamic State group. Would-be suicide bomber Sajida Al- The Satanic State Rishawi and Al-Qaeda member Ziad Al-Karboli were hanged before dawn at a prison south of the capital, the government said. Jordan had promised to begin execut- ing Islamist extremists on death row in response to the By Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan murder of Muath Al-Kassasbeh, who was captured by IS when his plane went down in Syria in December. Jordan’s King Abdullah II cut short a visit to [email protected] Washington after a gruesome video of the airman’s killing emerged, describing Kassasbeh as a hero and vowing to take the battle to IS. The king was greeted by y deepest heartfelt condolences go to the large crowds at the airport before meeting with his secu- friends and families of Jordanian pilot rity chiefs. “The blood of martyr Muath Al-Kassasbeh will MMuath Al-Kasassbeh, Japanese journalists not be in vain and the response of Jordan and its army Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa and all those who after what happened to our dear son will be severe,” he have lost loved ones to these cowardly criminals. I said afterwards, quoted by the royal court. “We are wag- cannot imagine the pain and sorrow of watching a ing this war to protect our faith, our values and human loved one being killed in the most disgusting principles and our war for their sake will be relentless method. and will hit them in their own ground,” state television Words cannot describe the shock and horror we quoted the king as saying during a security meeting. all felt while watching the brutal murder of the Egypt-based Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam’s most prestigious Jordanian pilot by the barbarians of IS or as I more seat of learning, called for the “killing, crucifixion or appropriately call them, the Satanic State. Lt chopping of the limbs” of IS militants, expressing out- Kasassbeh was placed in the center of a cage as he rage over their “cowardly act”. Rishawi, 44, was sen- watched his captors ignite a trail of fuel leading to tenced to death for her participation in triple hotel his cage. The doomed man was horrifically burned bombings in Amman in 2005 that killed 60 people. IS alive in the most cowardly, inhumane and disgust- had offered to spare Kassasbeh’s life and free Japanese ing method. journalist Kenji Goto - who was later beheaded - if she First, they killed truck drivers in Iraq, and then were released. they target the foreigners, then Christians of The prisoners were executed in Swaqa prison, 70 Mosul, then Shiites, then Sunnis and women, and km south of Amman, just before dawn, a security they promise to attack every country in the region source who was familiar with the case said. “They were and the world. They can call themselves religious both calm and showed no emotions and just prayed,” as much as they want but the truth is they are a the source added without elaborating. Rishawi, in her barbaric criminal militia devoted to spreading and mid-forties, was part of an Al-Qaeda network that tar- promoting evil and fear to secure a political target geted three Amman hotels in suicide bombings in for their sponsors. They may think of themselves as KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah holds a falcon as HH the Crown Prince 2005. She was meant to die in one of the attacks - the a country and create things like IS passports, ID Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other officials look on at the national folk festival in worst in Jordan’s history - but her suicide bomb belt cards, currency, etc, but this is just a sick joke. Salmi yesterday. — KUNA (More pics on Page 3) did not go off. The question is if you plan to kill and make ene- Continued on Page 13 mies of the rest of the world, what use is your passport and where would it be accepted? And I also want to point out that if these cowardly sav- ages believed so strongly that they are acting in Nod to KD 34bn development plan the name of God, why cover their faces in the acts of execution? If they are doing what is right, why the need to hide your face? They hide their faces because they know what they are doing is evil and MP warns defense minister over Eurofighter deal wrong. But this is a mission that they have been By B Izzak and which earmarks KD 6.6 billion for proj- given and they know it’s temporary, not a state ects. The plan still needs to be debated they actually want to build. These are mercenaries KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s finan- and approved by the National Assembly to who will one day want to go back to live in civi- cial and economic affairs committee yes- become law. This will be the second five- lized countries around the world. terday approved the five-year develop- year plan in the current century, but the I do not want to open a long discussion about ment plan 2015/2016-2019/2020 which implementation of the first plan has been who could be behind them - I will leave that for envisages spending of around KD 34 bil- very weak. everyone to have his own conspiracy theory. All I lion on development projects, secretary of Jabri said the committee also approved will say is that the Satanic State has harmed and the committee said. MP Mohammad Al- a law calling to establish one or more live- threatened everyone except one country in the Jabri said the spending amount was cut by stock companies to import and sell sheep region, and that sure is suspicious. However, evil is KD 11 billion from the initial government to break the monopoly of the only govern- like a cancer - if you do not operate immediately, proposal for not including projects that ment livestock firm. New livestock compa- getting rid of it, it will spread and grow and would be completed after 2020. nies will be established on the basis of become harder to fight. The proposed spending will be used for build-operate-transfer (BOT). The commit- I wonder how long will the world wait before 521 projects - 421 projects are continuing tee also approved a proposal to activate a proper action is taken against this monstrous evil from the past plan and 92 are new proj- number of laws to boost the monitoring disease that is clearly getting better at what it ects, Jabri said. The committee also role of the Audit Bureau, member of the does, and why it is being allowed to carry on. approved the development plan for the committee MP Faisal Al-Kandari said. 2015/2016 fiscal year which starts April 1 Continued on Page 13 TAIPEI: This screen grab taken from video shows a TransAsia turboprop plane clipping an elevated motorway and hitting a taxi before crashing into the Gulf to give Jailed girl becomes Keelung River outside the capital yesterday. — AFP Egypt $10bn Palestinian symbol 25 killed as Taiwan BEITIN: A 14-year-old schoolgirl jailed for it was cold, but the judge refused to let her plane falls in river before meet trying to attack Israeli soldiers has become have it,” the distressed 50-year-old said. a symbol of Palestinian anger over the Israeli forces arrest about 1,000 children TAIPEI: At least 25 people were killed to be trapped, was still in the water. CAIRO: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab arrests of children in the occupied territo- every year in the occupied West Bank, yesterday when a passenger plane oper- TransAsia said 16 survivors had been Emirates will deposit $10 billion in Egypt before the ries. The two-month sentence for Malak Al- often on charges of stone-throwing, ated by TransAsia Airways clipped an pulled out of the wreckage after the tur- country holds an investment conference in March, Khatib, who was accused of stone-throw- according to rights group Defence for overpass soon after take-off and boprop plane crashed with 58 people the news website Al-Youm Al-Sabea reported. Egypt ing and possession of a knife, has Children International Palestine (DCI plunged into a river in Taiwan, the air- onboard. Many of the passengers were hopes the conference in the resort Sharm El-Sheikh unleashed a wave of solidarity and support Palestine). But the case of Malak has line’s second crash in seven months. As mainland Chinese tourists. Cold weather, will generate ventures worth billions of dollars, help- among Palestinians. “My heart broke when brought countless media organisations the rescue operation continued into the poor visibility and rising water levels ing to boost its economy, which has just started to I saw her in court, cuffed and shackled,” her flocking to her family’s door and attracted night, a crane lifted the rear and central were hampering the rescue, officials recover from political turmoil triggered by the 2011 mother Khawla Al-Khatib told AFP from her more public attention than most. The dif- sections of the plane from the water, said, admitting they were now “not opti- Arab Spring uprising. home in the town of Beitin near Ramallah. ference - she is a girl. with one body retrieved from inside. The mistic” about finding survivors. Continued on Page 13 “I brought in a coat for her to wear because Continued on Page 13 front part, where 17 people are believed Continued on Page 13 Exhibition a Six dead as WEF experts Augustin window into train hits call for urgent powers Arab, Muslim car outside action on jobs Pistons over civilization4 New York7 for25 youth Wade-less20 Heat THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 LOCAL NASA launches satellite in cooperation with KFAS KUWAIT: In cooperation with the Kuwait into the top 2 inches (5 centimeters) of soil, Foundation for the Advancement of through clouds and moderate vegetation Sciences (KFAS), NASA successfully cover, day and night, to produce the high- launched its first Earth satellite designed to est-resolution, most accurate soil moisture collect global observations of the vital soil maps ever obtained from space, he said. moisture, the KFAS said. The Soil Moisture SMAP begins a three-year mission that Active Passive (SMAP) observatory, a mis- will figuratively scratch below Earth’s sur- sion with broad applications for science face to expand understanding of a key and society, had lifted from Vandenberg Air component of the Earth system that links Force Base, California, on a United Launch the water, energy and carbon cycles driving Alliance Delta II rocket, KFAS Director- our living planet. The mission will help General Adnan Shehab Eddin said in a improve climate and weather forecasts and statement here on Wednesday. allow scientists to monitor droughts and This satellite is a joint project between better predict flooding caused by severe Kuwait, represented by the KFAS, and rainfall or snowmelt-information that can NASA, he said, adding that “this world proj- save lives and property. In addition, since ect was financed by the KFAS”. The SMAP plant growth depends on the amount of revolves around the Earth and returns to water in the soil, SMAP data will allow the same position once every eight days, nations to better forecast crop yields and the KFAS pointed out. SMAP’s combined assist in global famine early-warning sys- radar and radiometer instruments will peer tems. — KUNA
Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah pictured with ambassadors. 78th GCC ministerial conference kicks off Challenges nudge Gulf countries to unite RIYADH: The 78th GCC health ministers’ confer- Obaidi spoke at length about tangible steps that ence got underway yesterday and the Kuwaiti have been taken at the national level, noting in minister addressed attendees about accomplish- this respect the hosting of diverse GCC meet- ments that have been jointly and nationally ings. The current meeting tackles issues such as made in this vital sector. Dr Ali Al-Obaidi, non-communicable diseases, combating cancer, Kuwait’s Minister of Health, also chairman of the cooperation criteria with health associations, previous round of the GCC executive health combating smoking, occupational health, statis- NBK Platinum Sponsor of CFA’s 2015 council, shed light on the accomplishments, tical bulletin and basic health indicators. such as the GCC leaders’ adoption, at Doha’s Middle East Investment Conference summit in December, the ministers’ plan for GCC closes ranks KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is combating communicable diseases (2014-2025). Meanwhile, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Platinum Sponsor of the 2015 Middle He expressed satisfaction at the GCC coun- Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Azzam East Investment Conference titled tries’ success in “facing challenges against health Mubarak Al-Sabah has affirmed that “various “Investing in New Realities.” The conference sectors, with continuing coordination, joint challenges” have prompted GCC states to close will host the world renowned economist action and expertise exchange.” In Kuwait, the ranks for sake of serving common interests. The Nouriel Roubini, to speak about the Global health sector is considered a priority, he said, GCC states constitute a single entity in face of Economic Outlook and discuss the oppor- shedding light on outcome of the national pro- challenges and difficulties, said the ambassador tunities and challenges for MENA Investors. gram for combating tobacco, aids, as well as during a banquet, held on occasion of appoint- The conference, co-hosted by CFA Society works of another commission charged with ing the UAE ambassador, Abdulreda Khoury, as Kuwait and CFA Institute, will take place for combating chronic diseases. ambassador of his country in the Kingdom. He the first time in Kuwait Tuesday 10th The minister said the Kuwaiti accomplish- added that the regional bloc has become an February, 2015 under the patronage of His ments at this level included special care pro- example to be followed by other nations, noting Excellency Anas Al-Saleh, Minister of grams for the elderly, safety of food and the council “keenness on realizing general inter- Finance. The conference brings together patients. In January 2014, the “Kuwait docu- ests of the (member) states and peoples,” also international thought leaders, policymak- ment” was proclaimed, designed to fight non- underlining in this respect its role in boosting ers, industry experts, and key market par- communicable and chronic diseases. Dr Al- “joint Arab action.” — Agencies Kuwait’s Minister of Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi ticipants from across the world to discuss the new opportunities open to MENA MENA. NBK’s sponsorship of this event investors. comes in alignment with the bank’s ongo- Roubini, co-founder and chairman of ing policy of supporting all national eco- Kuwait and Morocco sign Roubini Global Economics, is a renowned nomic activities, notably the events geared economist who served as a senior adviser towards highlighting and discussing press- to the White House council of economic ing topics and issues of the hour in addi- cooperative deals, MoUs advisers and the US Treasury. He is a profes- tion to reflecting a positive image of the sor of economics at New York University’s Kuwaiti financial and banking sectors. Stern School of Business and is the co- NBK is the largest financial institution in founder of RGE Monitor. Roubini has Kuwait and has been consistently awarded RABAT: Kuwait and Morocco signed seven earned the nickname Dr. Doom for predict- the highest credit rating in the region from cooperative agreements, memos of under- ing hard times before the financial crisis Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch standing and executive programs in the fields began in 2008 and has published numer- Ratings. NBK also stands out in terms of its of renewable energy, culture, arts, mail, ous policy papers and books on key inter- local and international network, which export promotion, youth, sports, industry national macroeconomic issues. includes branches, subsidiaries and repre- and education. The deals were signed on the The conference will discuss a number of sentative offices in China, Geneva, London, sidelines of the 8th session of the joint pressing topics and issues including the Paris, New York, and Singapore alongside Kuwaiti-Moroccan higher committee which Opportunities and challenges faced by its regional presence in Lebanon, Jordan, kick-started in Rabat on Tuesday under chair- MENA investors, the Global economic out- Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey, manship of Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime look, Geopolitics and the rise of new super and the UAE. NBK was founded in 1952 as Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah powers in the MENA in addition to dis- the first indigenous bank and the first joint Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Moroccan cussing the chances for a Small- and medi- stock company in Kuwait and the Gulf Foreign Minister Salahuddine Mezouar. um-sized enterprises (SMEs) boom in the Region. During the session, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled stressed deep brotherly relations between Kuwaiti and Morocco at all levels, and mutual Kuwait’s oil price up willingness to promote and bolster bilateral cooperation for the common interest of both sides. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled lauded the to $49.91 per barrel “fruitful and distinguished outcomes” of the joint committee meeting. The signing cere- KUWAIT: Kuwaiti oil price went up by $3.94 ation of this atmosphere. He cited the current mony was attended by all members of the to $49.91 per barrel (pb) compared to $45.97 drop in shale oil production as a clear-cut participating delegations of both sides. the day earlier, the Kuwait Petroleum example in this regard. Some observers Corporation (KPC) said yesterday. At world oil believe that non-OPEC oil output would dip Investment volume RABAT: Kuwaiti and Moroccan top officials sign seven cooperative agreements, memos of markets, future contract prices on Tuesday by 500,000 barrels per day in 2016, which Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah understanding and executive programs in the fields of renewable energy, culture, arts, mail, hiked for the third consecutive day, hitting means high demand for OPEC oil, he noted expects investment volume with Morocco to export promotion, youth, sports, industry and education. —KUNA the highest gain in one day since January Furthermore, several international oil com- increase in the near future. He pointed out 2009. OPEC’s daily basket price rose by $3.58 panies, mainly American ones, have that trade volume between the two countries the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic phenomenon and stressed the need to count- on Tuesday, reaching $51.77 per barrel, com- announced a cut in capital spending, he said. pared to $48.19 pb on Monday. An oil strate- Traders believe that oil bulls were encouraged reached $100 million last year, while ventures Development (KFAED) contributed in financ- er it with all means possible, pointing out to ing up to 39 projects since 1966 all the way to Kuwait’s efforts, as part of the international gy expert said the positive atmosphere for by BP’s plan to cut capital expenditures 13 overseen by the Kuwait Investment Authority better oil prices came following the recent percent in 2015, which came after reductions 2011, while direct Kuwaiti developmental coalition against terrorism, in this regard. in Morocco surpassed $1.1 billion in the fields Petroleum Economist Hydrocarbons Strategy announced by other major energy companies. of economy and tourism. contributions reached USD 941 million from Following the committee meeting, co-chaired Forum in Worries about a global oversupply in oil led to He underlined that despite geographical the 1974 to 2015 period. As for GCC-Morocco by Moroccan Foreign Minister Salahuddine Kuwait, when Iraqi Oil Minister Adel a 60 percent crash in crude prices between distance, Kuwait and Morocco could be con- cooperation, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said it Mezouar, the two countries signed seven Abdel-Mahdi sounded the alarm about June and late January. In the last four sessions, sidered a “model” in bilateral relations, remi- was based on “strategic and integrated part- cooperative agreements, memos of under- uncontrollably dwindling oil prices. Speaking however, Brent and WTI gained about $9, or niscing at the same time Morocco’s “memo- nership,” especially when it comes to the Arab standing and executive programs in the fields to KUNA, Mohammad Al-Shatti said recent 19 percent. The rally began on Friday, when oil rable” stances in support of Kuwaiti causes. He core cause; the Palestinian issue. of renewable energy, culture, arts, postal serv- remarks by OPEC and International Energy services firm Baker Hughes said the number of carried on saying that out of Kuwait’s keen- On terrorism, the Kuwaiti senior official ices, export promotion, youth and sports, Agency (IEA) chiefs on the imminent recovery US oil drilling rigs had its biggest weekly ness on support of development in Morocco, expressed concern of the growing of such industry and education.— Agencies of world oil prices have also helped in the cre- decline in nearly 30 years. —KUNA Layali Febrayer Festival begins
By Nawara Fattahova
KUWAIT: For the thirds consecutive year, the Layali Febrayer Festival will be held at the International Fair Ground in Mishref from February 6 - 27, 2015. This year, there will be 15 different activities presented by 250 artists who will be coming from 10 different coun- tries. The activities include: Pirates show and circus from Portugal; World of Shadows from Ukraine; Trio musical band from Europe; Ice sculpture from UK; Acrobatic show from Mongolia; Laser and fire show; Italian solo music show; Visual illusion show from France; Circus from the UK and Spanish music show among others. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 LOCAL
In my view Humanity’s Sabah
By Abdullah Abbas Bowair
H Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is a man who works silently without boasting or high- Hlighting his benevolence. He smiles before shaking hands with anybody, always ready to help the needy, and I would not be exaggerating if I say that his hands are reached out to each Kuwaiti and Arab person. He is more of a human being than a leader. He spares no effort to help his fellow Muslims and alleviate their distress in many Arab, Muslim and other countries worldwide. He is a loving and tender father for Kuwaitis who remained unchanged through many regional and interna- tional disasters, that thanks to his wisdom, went by peace- fully and Kuwait remains democratic as usual. Peace has been always his most noble goals that he is successfully aiming to achieving in Kuwait, the Gulf, the region and the Arab world. He is one of the most committed Arab leaders to his responsibilities as a ruler. He is always present in vari- ous national, GCC, Arab and international occasions. He has made endless shuttle trips to bridge rifts between his fel- low Arab leaders or support any Arab initiative to serve Arab peoples. Therefore, Kuwait unprecedentedly made GCC, Arab and international achievements by hosting the most KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- important Arab and regional summits and conferences Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown that all ended successfully, thanks to this great leader’s Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yes- vision, wisdom and commitment to national and Arab terday attended the national folk festival celebrations causes. The West describes Sheikh Sabah as a man of his in Al-Salmi area. — KUNA word who never feels bored with benevolence and bridg- ing gaps. He is very decisive in a vision that mainly aims at founding a new concept of Arab citizenship based on fra- Kuwait’s leaders attend folk festival ternity amongst all factions and uniting all fellow citizens, be them in Kuwait or throughout the Arab world. KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- visited several facilities within the site. Deputy Chairman of beauty for Egyptian Arabian horses, and another one for the According to his wise vision, unity and solidarity pave Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh the Kuwait National Guard Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al- open breed horses. The event will also showcase beauty the way for social security and prosperity. The youth have Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday attended the Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad competitions for one-year, two-year and three-year yearning always been the focus of his attention as the prime and national folk festival celebrations in Al-Salmi area. His Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh fillies, as well as for one to three-year yearning colts classes. mightiest fort protecting the nation against violence and Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince were Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, in addition to other The tournament will be held under supervision of the division. He always calls for liberty and democracy as the received at the festival site by Deputy Minister of the Amiri officials and governors were present at the festival. World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), said head of the best means for citizens to work devotedly and faithfully on Diwan Affairs and chairman of the supreme committee for organizing committee Sheikh Ali Nasser Al-Ali Al-Sabah yes- their country’s development and protection against all Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad’s folk town, Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al- Arabia Horse Festival terday. assaults. Sabah. In another development, Kuwait’s Fourth International The competition’s referees are certified by the European His deeds have always come before his words. His Also present were Amiri Diwan Advisor and the folk town Arabia Horse Festival kicks off today with participation of Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO), Sheikh national and Arab achievements have always lit the paths coordinator, Mohammad Dhaifallah Sharar, Amiri diwan 565 Arabian horses from 14 countries. The festival, to be held Ali, also Chairman of the Kuwaiti Arabian Horses Society, of Kuwaitis, GCC nationals and Arabs with hope for a better executive and folk town deputy chairman Abdulaziz Saud under patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- said. The tournament follows rules and regulations of the future, thanks to wise slogans such as prioritizing national Ishaq. His Highness Sheikh Sabah toured the folk town and Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, will include a competition of European body, he added. — Agencies unity, reaching out hands, rejecting violence, keeping promises, achievements, supporting and securing democ- racy, forgiveness, peace, fraternity and the best among us KOTC and Danish Pres-Vac is the most honest in achievements. ink partnership agreement Kuwait leader sponsors Indian KUWAIT: The Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) has signed a partnership agreement with the leading Danish environmental protection system manufacturer, Pres-Vac doctors’ forum Engineering. In a press statement, the KOTC said that the agreement was signed by CEO of KOTC Shaikh Talal Al KUWAIT: Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Ahmed Al Sabah and CEO of Pres-Vac John Lindhardt Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a forum of Frandsen. “The partnership between KOTC and a leading Indian doctors in Kuwait was held at Regency Hotel late environmental protection system manufacturer, Pres-Vac Tuesday. Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Engineering, Denmark is the first of its kind regionally,” Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah attended the event on behalf of His reads the statement. Highness the Amir. Addressing the forum, Sheikh Ali It stated that the KOTC as a leading oil transporter was Jarrah conveyed praised the Amir on behalf of the forum chosen as a key partner in the development of environ- and the Indian Community in Kuwait. “The ongoing hard mental protection system that requires the installation of work of the Indian doctors in Kuwait has gained them equipment as part of a research to measure and minimize acknowledgement and respect from the local community the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from through their involvement in community-oriented servic- oil tankers during transit in local and international waters. es like medical health screening camps and health semi- “The development of this program will be under the nars,” he said. It has also contributed to further strength- Danish Maritime Authorities umbrella with their official ening the bond of existing friendship between both sponsorship, supporting and funding this project as per countries, he added. their regulations. Pres-Vac is entrusted to collaborate with “In Kuwait, we see a general rise in the cases of geri- KOTC to undertake a study to develop and provide systems atric disorders as a result of the continuous improvement monitoring and controlling the VOC emissions resulting KUWAIT: CEO of KOTC Shaikh Talal Al Ahmed Al Sabah and CEO of Pres-Vac John Lindhardt Frandsen sign the part- of health services and a better standard of living, thus from vessel operation, which in turn will have eventual nership agreement. — KUNA leading to a large population of elderly, where their needs have to be addressed by society and the govern- positive impact on the environment to minimize air pollu- “KOTC has also received various nominations and advocates.” In this context, the KOTC has equipped its fleet ment,” the deputy minister of Amiri Diwan said. This year’s tion,” it added. It underlined that “This agreement signifies awards from different international bodies in terms of safe- with the latest state of the art environment protection sys- Health Guide on geriatric medicine will enlighten the the high technical standing and reputation of the Kuwaiti ty and environmental protection, which has strengthened tems creating a new design for eco- friendly vessels that people about the health problems of old age and how to Fleet represented by KOTC regionally and internationally, and elevated the reputation and position of the Sate of are further developed and upgraded in line with the com- remain health in old age, he said, adding “I’m sure this reflecting the company’s strict compliance with interna- Kuwait as well as Kuwait Petroleum Corporation represent- pany’s continuous improvement policy, the statement not- health guide on geriatric medicine will be well-received tional environmental protection regulations. ed by KOTC, as one of the active environmental protection ed. — KUNA by the community.” “I take this opportunity to congratu- late and extend my heartfelt thanks to the Indian Doctors for their service to the community and I wish them all the success,” he said. 84.1% companies consider On his part, Chairman of the Indian Doctors Forum Dr Vinod Grover recounted the various community welfare activities like free medical screening camps, health guides and free seminars conducted in coordination with Kuwait reference checks ‘critical’ Medical Association. He hailed His Highness the Amir’s support for Indian doctors, and hailed historical relations between both Kuwaiti and Indian peoples. Grover con- gratulated His Highness the Amir on the recent UN hon- Bayt.com Mideast Report oring as a “Humanitarian Leader” and the State of Kuwait as a “Humanitarian Center”. — KUNA DUBAI: The Bayt.com ‘Skills and Hiring Trends in the not emphasizing their skills enough. For 15.9%, acritical Bayt.com, said: “In today’ sever-evolving job market, tal- MENA’s poll, recently conducted by Bayt.com, the misstep made by job seekers online is having an incom- ented candidates are constantly looking to find new Middle East’s leading job site, sheds unprecedented plete public profile. The third most cited critical mistake ways to differentiate themselves, optimize their profile Al-Hashash - first light on the workforce strategies of companies operat- (according to 12%) is not having active online conversa- and effectively navigate complex employment sectors. ing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region tions. To acquire new and important skills, companies In order to truly enhance their chances of actually Kuwaiti on WSA-mobile’s today. The survey revealed that a staggering 84.1% of will be helping professionals in the next year in acquir- landing a job, however, they must gain in-depth insight judging panel respondents working in HR departments conduct refer- ing new skills via a combination of on-the-job experi- into the screening process from an HR perspective; ence checks prior to hiring eligible candidates. ence (13.5%), formal internal training provided by the more importantly, they need to become strongly aware ABU DHABI: Kuwaiti computer engineer Manar Al-Hashash The poll revealed that online hiring will be more company (21.9%), formal external training provided by of the skills that are in demand.” He also added, “The has been chosen to be a member of the judging panel at the important than ever before in 2015. According to 20.2% the company (16.5%), and by shadowing and observing power of online recruitment is more important than World Summit Award Mobile (WSA-mobile), which is currently of those responsible for hiring talent, leading online job others (9%). Additionally, the top three skills most likely ever before. With a majority of employers sourcing tal- being held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. “It is an honor to be a team sites like Bayt.com will be most widely used to source to get jobseekers hired in 2015 include problem-solv- ent on the internet, jobseekers are advised to create member in this global initiative and surrounded by experts candidates in 2015. In parallel, 29.3% of respondents ing/analytical thinking (18.5%); creativity (14%); and searchable online profiles to stand out. The poll shows and elites in the field of information and communication tech- operating in the field of HR claim that the recruitment leadership (13.3%). Fortunately, 73.1% of respondents that two of the three most critical mistakes that job- nology, “ Al-Hashash said. In addition to being a member in of active candidates online will become the number claim that their company’s project investment in train- seekers make are having an incomplete public profile, WSA board of directors, Al-Hashash is also a member of High- one hiring trend of 2015. On the other hand, 11.6% ing will increase in 2015. and not having active online conversations. Level Panel of Advisers of Gaid - United Nations. The three-day state that the recruitment of passive candidates online From the point of view of employees, 39.4% believe Bayt.com’s Public Profile is an avenue through which event is hosted by Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre. is set to be the leading hiring trend in the next twelve that their company currently has all the skills it needs, jobseekers can brand themselves online, and then Almost 500 national nominations from around 178 UN mem- months. while 35.6% say that there is definitely a skills gap in engage on Bayt.com Specialties. They should also make ber states to take part in this grand event have been received. As for the time needed to find a qualified candidate some areas. For 29%, a solution to building necessary sure to be “active” on leading job portals, like Bayt.com, WSA-mobile is a global initiative to select and promote the to appoint, it’s not very fast; 48% of respondents expertise is simply by increasing training investments. by refreshing their CV every week.Ultimately, it is about world’s best in mobile content and innovative applications responsible for hiring admit that their company now Other suggestions comprise redeploying employees to arming jobseekers- facing steep competition - with the within the framework of, and in cooperation with, the United takes one to three months to fill a vacant position. Most roles where their skills are most needed (22.1%) and right tools tohelp them excel in their respective fields.” Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). It emphasizes cultural diversity and identity, the creation of var- employers (32.9%) call up candidates to notify them working closer -and earlier on - with universities on spe- Data for the Bayt.com ‘Skills and Hiring Trends in the ied information content and the digitalization of educational, about a hiring decision, with a further 30% notifying cialized curricula (19.2%). Furthermore, the top three MENA’ poll was collected online from 14 December scientific and cultural heritage. It aims to make the benefits of jobseekers via email. Interestingly,16.1% of respon- departments with the highest perceived skill shortages 2014-14 January 2015, with 5,961 respondents from the the new Information Society accessible and meaningful for all dents involved in the hiring process say that the biggest in companies are Human Resources (17.2%), IT (15.1%) UAE, Algeria, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, humanity, and in particular, to raise public awareness and give mistake that candidates make with online recruitment is and Engineering (14.5%). Suhail Masri, VP of Sales, and Yemen. deserved public recognition to the highest quality e-Content, produced all over the world. — KUNA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 LOCAL
In Brief GCC condemns IS killing KRCS distributes relief FM meets King Felipe
RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary MADABA: Volunteers of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society MADRID: King Felipe VI of Spain yesterday received General Abdullatif Al-Zayani yesterday condemned (KRCS) yesterday distributed aid to about 800 Syrian families Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign the apparent execution of a Jordanian military pilot in the Jordanian city of Madaba. This aid is part of a cam- Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Moath Al-Kasasbah by the Islamic State militant paign that has been in Jordan since a week to distribute and his accompanying delegation. During the meet- group. “This ugly crime is unrelated to humanitarian, about 140 tons of aid to the Syrian refugees across Jordan in ing, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled handed Felipe VI a letter a bid to alleviate their sufferings. In a statement to KUNA, religious values or Arab magnanimity,” Al-Zayani said from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Jassem Al-Qamber, the KRCS delegation’s head, said that in a press release. Al-Zayani expressed his deep sym- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on cementing and promoting rela- pathy and condolences to the family of the victim, to such aid is an extension to a humanitarian program execut- ed by KRCS in the neighboring countries since the out- tions between the two countries. The meeting was the government of Jordan and Jordanian Army offi- attended by Director General of Kuwait Fund for cers. Also, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation break of the Syrian crisis. “This aid campaign is carried out Arab Economic Development (KFAED) Abdulwahab (OIC) yesterday strongly condemned execution of under the directions of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Jordanian pilot Moath Al-Kasasbah by ISIL, the Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah,” he said, adding the Al-Bader, Managing Director of Kuwait Investment Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. delegation visited a number of Jordanian governorates. Authority Bader Al-Saad.
KUWAIT: An exhibition of facts, history and contributions by Middle Eastern people to the world was inaugurated yesterday at the Scientific Center in Salmiya.—Photos by Yasser Zayyat Exhibition revives Arab, Muslim culture ‘1,001 Inventions: A Journey to Past’
By Ben Garcia Newton, Galileo and others, but proud to cooperate with ‘1,001 when you turn back history, there’s Inventions’ to display the facts about KUWAIT: An exhibition of facts, like a gap of a thousand years. What Muslim civilization. He praised the history and contributions by happened and why it is not men- exhibition for simplifying science Middle Eastern people to the world tioned? We are better today because and environmental awareness in an was inaugurated yesterday at the we are the product of yesterday, of interactive way. “The exhibition is a Scientific Center in Salmiya under the Islamic civilization,” he said. testimony of better understanding the patronage of HH the Amir As a child growing up in the of facts and history of the world. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber United Kingdom, he was surround- These are under one roof for all of us Al-Sabah. The ‘1,001 Inventions: A ed by 30 British students at school, to better understand things around Journey to Past’ exhibition is being and was the only Arab student. us in an entertaining and lively held in a tent especially set up for “They would ask me what has been atmosphere,” he said. the exhibition in front of the the Arabs’ contribution to the world. “We finally host this exhibition in Scientific Center till March 7. We have contributed a vast amount Kuwait after a tour of many of the Ahmed Salim, director and pro- of knowledge to the modern world. most important cities and capitals ducer of the exhibition, was There is something good about us, around the world, such as London, delighted to hold this event in about the Arab culture and people, New York, Washington, Kuala Kuwait, one of the largest exhibi- and some of you will only discover it Lumpur, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, tions he has ever organized outside here today. We want you to be edu- Riyadh, Jeddah and others, drawing the United Kingdom. The exhibi- cated and learn from it,” Salim more than six million visitors and tion tells of the achievements of the added. achieving record figures for the Islamic civilization. Inventions by Each zone tells a story, and tech- number of visitors in all the cities,” Arab scientists highlighted at the nology is used to share the history. Mutawa said. exhibition are based on historical Apart from a narration by actors in The ‘1,001 Inventions’ exhibition and scientific facts and knowledge the film, live actors dressed in tradi- is an interactive exhibition highlight- and links from the ancient Greeks, tional Arab costumes narrate the ing the scientific and technological Romans and Egyptians. The scien- background of each zone. “You don’t achievements of the ‘golden age’ of tists achieved new discoveries and know how something came into Islamic civilization for more than a paved the way for the European existence. People started it; they thousand years, which still has a sig- Renaissance. struggled and did something we can nificant impact on our lives today. Salim said the exhibition’s objec- enjoy today. Success does not come The exhibition is accompanied by an tive is to fill the gap in educating overnight. If you want to do great educational campaign for students kids about Middle Eastern civiliza- things, it takes time, values and and teachers of schools, colleges tion and its contribution to the patience. We just have to learn from and universities. The exhibition is world. “When I was in school, all the each other,” he said. open Sundays to Thursdays from 9 books were about the Greek and Mejbel Sulaiman Al-Mutawa, am to 1 pm and 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Roman civilizations and the Chairman and Chief Executive Fridays from 2 pm to 10 pm and European Renaissance, Isaac Officer of the Scientific Center, was Saturdays from 9 am to 9:30 pm.
Zain main sponsor of ‘1001 Inventions’ Exhibition
KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommuni- world’s largest portable exhibitions, being be limited to the exhibition, but will also cations company in Kuwait, announced its hosted in several countries around the feature the showing of the documentary main sponsorship of the ‘1001 Inventions’ world including the United Kingdom, the film “1001 Inventions and The Library of Exhibition; considered one of the world’s United States, Sweden, the Netherlands, Secrets”, starring Sir Ben Kingsley, in addi- leading educational projects. The exhibi- Turkey, UAE, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, tion to hands-on workshops, educational tion is organized for the first time in Kuwait where it attracted more than 6 million visi- materials and electronic games, and a in collaboration with the Kuwait tors. number of theatrical performances by a Foundation for the Advancement of Initially conceived in the United group of young Kuwaitis all of which shed Sciences (KFAS) and the Scientific Center, Kingdom, ‘1001 Inventions’ is an organiza- the light on the Islamic civilization. A num- and is held under the patronage of HH the tion that aims at spreading awareness of ber of educational tours for students from Amir Sheikh Subah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al the Islamic heritage, culture, and civiliza- various schools in Kuwait will be organized Subah until the 7th of March. tion on an international level. The exhibi- to reach out to the maximum number of The opening ceremony took place in the tion aims at spreading awareness about students. presence of HE the Minster of Education the importance of science and culture in Zain keenness to be part of this interna- aim at enriching people’s lives with valu- Zain’s Corporate Social Responsibility strat- and Minster of Higher Education Dr Badr Al the progress of nations though highlight- tionally acclaimed exhibition stems from able information that encourage the fields egy, which the company adopts to affirm Essa and the Scientific Center’s Chairman ing the inventions and achievements of its firm belief in the importance of projects of science and scientific inventions and its support to educational and cultural ini- Mijbil Al Mutawa, along with Zain Kuwait’s Muslim scientists in a simple and educa- that leave a unique cultural and scientific development in the region, in addition to tiatives that cater to youth in Kuwait and Chief Commercial Officer Mariam Ali. The tional way. print in the community. Zain spares no contributing to the overall wellbeing of the contribute to the further progress of the 1001 Inventions Exhibition is one of the The activities of this project will not only efforts in supporting such projects that society. This sponsorship also comes under nation. LOCAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Kuwait Yacht Show 2015 inaugurated
KUWAIT: The Third Edition of the Kuwait Yacht Ambassadors, governmental officials and VIP’s. candidate member of the International Diwan to support small companies in the itime products, equipment, boats and luxury Show (KYS) opened at the Marina Crescent KYS 2015 features the unveiling of a global Federation of Boat Show Organizers (IFBSO). marine sector, together with enhanced partici- yachts, all tailored to every budget and every under the patronage of the Prime Minister of premiere and a number of regional premieres, Now, and for the first time, Kuwait is offi- pation from new regional and international sea-farers choice. It is open from Tuesday Kuwait HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad this edition is indeed a turning point for cially on the global boat show calendar. With a brands, topped up by solid governmental February 3rd until Saturday February 7th inclu- Al-Sabah, with an extensive presence of Kuwait Yacht Show which officially became a new dedicated area subsidized by the Amiri alliances, KYS will offer a wide range of mar- sive, from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm. VIVA ‘Platinum Sponsor’ of 2015 Kuwait Yacht Show
KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing and The KYS event is organized by PH7 Events, Organizers (IFBSO), and it’s worth noting that most developed telecom operator, and will open at the Marina Crescent, from 3 Kuwait is now officially on the global boat announced its platinum sponsorship of the February until 7 February, between 4:00 pm to show calendar. KYS will offer a wide range of 3rd edition of the Kuwait Yacht Show (KYS) 9:30 pm. maritime products, equipment, boats and lux- under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Following its success in 2013 and 2014, KYS ury yachts, all tailored to every budget and the State of Kuwait HH Sheikh Jaber Al- is gaining international status through every sea-farers choice. Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and in atten- becoming a candidate member of the Commenting on VIVA’s participation, dance of Minister of Finance HE Anas Al Saleh. International Federation of Boat Show Abdulrazzaq Bader Al Essa, Director of Corporate Communications, said: “Our partici- pation in this year’s Kuwait Yacht Show stems from our belief in the value this event has in raising the name of our beloved country inter- nationally, especially as it is now officially on ABK supports special needs the global boat show calendar for the first time this year. In addition, this event attracts students with wheelchairs hundreds if not thousands of visitors every year, and we look forward to welcoming visi- KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing CSR ini- any small way.” tors and VIVA customers to our stand, and tiatives, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait donated Al Baghli emphasized the Bank’s role showcasing the latest products and services wheelchairs to special needs students of in supporting varying segments of the we have to offer them.” the Kuwait University. Regarding the society we live in, ingrained in its CSR Both on-land and marine display areas are contribution, Manager Corporate campaign under the slogan “Our society enlarged in order to welcome the growing Communications Ali Al Baghli com- ... Our responsibility”. ABK believes in number of participants and exhibits. Once mented: “Based on our past commit- identifying and working towards social again KYS will host a large number of local, ments, ABK is considered one of the and humanitarian causes, no less impor- regional and international exhibitors. To find forerunners in supporting special needs tant than its role as a leading banking out more about VIVA’s numerous competi- individuals, especially students, and services provider. Faisal Maqseed, tions, promotions, products and packages vis- those in the field of sport. Providing Kuwait University’s Public Relations it any of the 63 VIVA branches, one of the VIVA wheelchairs for these students at the Manager expressed his deep apprecia- Kuwait University is an affirmation of tion to ABK for this initiative, whilst out- authorized distributors, the company’s web- our commitment to continue working lining the positive difference this ges- site at www.viva.com.kw or contact its 24 towards the betterment of their lives in ture would make to the KU students. hour call center at 102. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 FROM THE ARABIC PRESS
Crime Al-Jarida Report Sisi and Egyptian storms women’s Brotherhood salon, beats wife mouthpieces KUWAIT: Ahmadi police arrested an Egyptian expat for storming a women’s beauty salon and By Ali Al-Bedah beating his wife who works there, after asking her to come out. The salon owner called police and informed them about the incident, so they ver since the Egyptian people revolted to get rid went there and arrested him. He told police of the Muslim Brotherhood, the latter has been that he wanted his wife to go with him to talk Eusing all dirty methods to undermine the about a dispute. Police are working on the Egyptian revolution, army and President Abdul Fattah case. Al-Sisi. Once the Rabea Square sit-in was dismantled and Brotherhood leaders arrested, the international Muslim Brotherhood leadership established TV chan- Kuwaiti, girlfriend detained nels and radio stations and bought newspapers and Southern roads security police sent a citizen writers to criticize Egypt and Sisi. I strangely heard the and his absconding girlfriend to criminal remarks made by someone called Mohammed Nasser detectives after they were caught drinking commenting on Sisi’s visit to his second home Kuwait and dancing in a car on the chalets’ road. and quoting some writers who definitely belong to Investigations are underway. remnants of the Muslim Brotherhood or their support- ers. It is a pity how those pretending to be Muslims Absconding girl behave with their rivals. They are being rude and Ahmadi detectives returned an absconding girl to tacky, as if all the killing and destruction they brought her family after arresting her in a Fahaheel market to Egypt and still do by murdering hundreds of with a friend. The girl said she was staying with her Egyptians, mostly Muslims, was not enough. Even friend, a female, because of family problems. The their speech is way beyond Islamic regulations and 18-year-old girl had escaped from her family Al-Watan has nothing to do with it. It seems that what UAE did house, so her father informed police about it. with them left them nowhere else but Kuwait to act Detectives located her through her mobile. Police freely and demonstrate their powers and impolite- made her sign an undertaking, then handed her Decision to close cafes and ness. to her family. The people of Kuwait did not only welcome Sisi restaurants after midnight because he saved Egypt, but also because he saved us In-law threatened all from a gloomy future the Muslim Brotherhood and its assistants in the powers of aggression and darkness A citizen sought to settle differences with an By Dr Shamlan Y Al-Essa had been preparing. Headed by Sisi, the Egyptian in-law in Fahd Al-Ahmad by attempting to army actually protected the whole Arab nation from a shoot him. The victim told police that the sus- irector General of Kuwait Municipality Ahmad Al- Kuwait into a world-class financial and commercial center, plot the Muslim Brotherhood and its assistants were pect came to the house with a firearm and Subaih said the decision to close restaurants and which means opening the country for foreign investors, but tools to carry out. It is very strange for me to find threatened to shoot him before escaping. The cafes after midnight is final, and will be imple- tourists, businessmen and others. that Muslim Brotherhood youth are still misled and complainant gave police details of the attack- D mented in the nearest possible opportunity, and will not The decision of the municipality and interior ministry is unaware of what their leaders have been planning for er, and detectives are working on the case. be reversed. He said the goal behind implementing the only a new method to blackmail businessmen who own them. They even fail to notice the connection decision is to maintain the citizen’s safety in the first place, the cafes and restaurants, so the corruption establishment between Israeli-led plans to divide the Arab world and and also for the higher interest. The Municipality director at the municipality, interior ministry and other depart- what their leaders in all the ‘Arab Spring’ countries are Saudi man ‘wanted’ general said the decision is an activation of previous deci- ments benefit. I do not know if officials in the country real- doing. Police are looking for a Saudi man who black- sions by the Cabinet with regards to closing shops, restau- ize that most of Kuwait’s population is youth whose ages All what they are doing and the attempts to pro- mailed a citizen to make her maintain their rela- rants, cafes, billiards halls at midnight in all areas of are below 25 - 70 percent of the total population. mote the writings of their advocates is but an attempt tionship, threatening to expose her affair to her Kuwait, be they commercial, investment or private resi- Where do these youth go? Where do they spend the to drive a wedge between the two brotherly peoples brothers and family. The woman told police that in Kuwait and Egypt and highlight such writings to the Saudi promised to marry her, then as time dential areas, but as for industrial areas, the closing time night and entertain themselves in a country where frus- will be 10 pm. tration is widespread due to much spare time and rare become offending for both Egypt and its president. went by and he kept evading, she decided to ter- However, their plans failed and their impoliteness I do not know the realistic justifications that made the entertainment places. All countries in the region and the minate the relationship, but he refused and threat- reversibly created feelings of hate for the Muslim ened her. She said that he has personal photos government take such an abusive and unrealistic deci- world announce that their countries are open to receive Brotherhood amongst Kuwaitis and made them more and threatened to publish them on social media. sion, and what are the security justifications they are talk- tourists who escape from the hot or cold weather. Our affectionate to Egypt, its people, its army and its presi- ing about? Is it flirting? Or idling in malls? Or the scenes of Kuwaiti youth and expatriates long for joy and entertain- dent. happiness and joy when the youth smoke shisha? I cannot ment that is not available to start with such as clubs, the- We are all following up what is happening in our Thief targets elderly women imagine that restaurants and cafes constitute a security aters, entertainment places, music, etc. second home Egypt, and see attempts to undermine Salmiya detectives are looking for a thief who danger caused by the youth. All what our frustrated youth have is the desert and sea the revolution from outside Egypt from the Muslim targeted elderly women and stole their purses No one denies that some problems and personal dis- entertainment and idling in cafes, markets and malls, as all Brotherhood and from some parties in Egypt itself. at malls, as they cannot chase him. A security putes take place between youth and any human society, innocent entertainment places are off limits. But there is a This is really saddening. We wish the schemes of major source said that an image taken by a security but for the government to take a decision to close cafes new venue for you the youth -which is to join the Islamic powers and their cohorts would fail and that GCC camera of him in a parking lot may lead to his before midnight is a strange decision in an Arab country, State (Daesh), whose leaders promise you happiness and states will provide Egypt with all needed help to do so, arrest. — Al-Rai where decision makers are saying they will transform eternal joy. because Egypt’s loss is that of all Arabs. Such support and aid must also be unconditional and not anticipat- ing any gains at the expense of the Egyptian people. Violations committed against youth here and there must be viewed as part of a subversion plot. We have to be fully aware of this and not overlook local sabo- teurs who pretend to be protecting the revolution while they are, in fact, backstabbing it. This is all clear and evident to us and feel sad the conspiracy viciously continues, and the blood of the army, police and the people is shed in cold blood by people who claim to be Muslims while they are murderers of both Islam and Muslims! We have welcomed and will always welcome the Egyptian president in Kuwait at any time, and I strong- ly urge all powers to firmly support Egypt and protect it from terrorism and sabotage!
Al-Anbaa The seven differences
By Nermin Al-Hoti
may have written a column in the past with the same title, and it may carry the same message, but Itoday, the concerned areas are different, despite the fact that the mistakes are similar and they all lead to the core of administrative corruption. The seven differ- ences is a game that is based on concentrating between two similar images, but one of them has slight variations, so the person who loves the game can strengthen his concentration by picking out the mistakes and differences between the otherwise two similar pictures. Our images today are many and we have many government bodies, and the common dominator is the loss of administrative supervision from which we get the seven differences: Interior minister, it is nice of you to personally moni- tor the flow of traffic on streets, and you issued cita- tions to some drivers, and the media highlighted what you did, but the question is: Where are you over the buses of Kuwait Public Transport Company that do not recognize the traffic laws or know the meaning of driv- ing? May your Excellency please shed light on this, and wish you luck. Communications minister: Hats off to you in being strict in collecting financial dues from citi- zens, but the question: Is this for all or are the ministry’s computers programmed according to certain groups? Minister of electricity, your efforts to collect late bills from citizens is an achievement those who preceded you could not make, but the questions: Was the collec- tion from all? And since what you collected is in the millions, what changes to electric networks have taken place? Mind you, summer is approaching and Ramadan will be in the midst of the heat, so be quick with change, not repairs, may Allah bless you. Foreign minister: A few lines to your Excellency, through a question that imposes itself: Were the diplo- matic passports of those whose jobs ended with- drawn as we were accustomed to before? We also want to know, as citizens, who deserves them? Can an adopted son carry a diplomatic passport until now? You have the opinion. HH the Prime Minister, you are calling for guidance, and we did not see guidance in official missions in all state ministries. Is it possible for us to know the mechanism of official missions and their importance? THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 France knife US destroys last chemical weapons cache attack sparks security questions Page 9 Page 10
NEW YORK: A man wearing a Federal Railroad Administration vest looks over the wreckage of a Metro-North Railroad train and an SUV. — AP 7 dead in New York train collision Stalled vehicle causes railroad’s worse-ever accident
MOUNT PLEASANT: Investigators examining sects the rail tracks and any issues linked with Billowing smoke $82,000, and houses the headquarters of the circumstances of a New York commuter the fire, according to board member Robert The electrified third rail pierced the Jeep major companies including IBM and PepsiCo train accident that killed seven people said Sumwalt. The highway signals, rail signals and and then tore through the floor of the first car Inc. Turkey arrests yesterday they were collecting recording the crossing arms at the intersection all have of the train, officials said, charring the carriage Tuesday’s crash is the latest in a string of devices from the site where the train hit a recording devices that NTSB investigators will and sending billows of smoke into the air. accidents involving Metro-North trains in first IS suspect vehicle stalled on the tracks in the railroad’s examine, Sumwalt said in remarks to reporters Damage to the other seven cars was minimal. recent years. One derailed near the northern worst-ever accident. New York Governor at Reagan National Airport outside “The third rail stops at the grade crossing, and edge of New York City on Dec 1, 2013, killing ISTANBUL: Authorities in Turkey arrested Andrew Cuomo said five passengers died in Washington. so that’s where the contact with the automo- four people and injuring 70. It was traveling a man suspected of working for the the Metro-North train crash near the suburb of Thousands of commuters faced a snarled bile was made,” Thomas Prendergast, the nearly three times the speed limit for the Islamic State (IS), in what local media said White Plains on Tuesday evening, not six, as he journey to work yesterday morning in the after- MTA’s chairman, told reporters at the scene section of track where it crashed, investiga- was the first arrest of a Turkish citizen had previously announced. The driver of the math of the accident. MTA spokesman Aaron late on Tuesday. tors said. Westchester County Executive Rob linked to the jihadist group. The man, Jeep Cherokee that the train struck while it Donovan said roughly 45,000 riders take the Media reports said the driver of the Jeep Astorino made a distinction between that identified as Musa Goktas from Ankara, was stuck on the tracks also died. Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line on an aver- got out briefly to try to push it off the tracks, crash, which was the result of a train illegally crossed into Syria in October Fifteen other people were injured, includ- age weekday, about 14,000 of whom board then got back in before it was hit by the train. employee error, and Tuesday’s accident. But with his 15-year-old twin sons to join the ing seven in very serious condition, the gover- north of where the crash occurred and would “It appears that the gasoline tank on the car he said the latest accident was still under jihadist group, the online newspaper nor added. The Metropolitan Transportation be directly affected. Parts of the line will remain burst and that started the fire,” Cuomo said, investigation. In May 2013, two Metro- Radikal said yesterday. He was arrested Authority, the state-controlled agency that closed yesterday, according to the MTA. Several adding that the fire consumed the car and the North passenger trains collided between on his way back to Ankara in late January, runs the railroad, said the crash was the dead- commuters said they were wary about riding in front train carriage. Some 650 passengers reg- Fairfield and Bridgeport, Connecticut, injur- during a police search of a bus in the liest accident for Metro-North, the second- the front car of the train but others were ularly take the train, which carries commuters ing more than 70 people and halting servic- southeastern province of Gaziantep, near largest commuter railroad in the United unfazed. Peter Greco, a risk manager at a New through affluent New York City suburbs such es. The NTSB released a report late last year the border with Syria. Radikal said Goktas States. The National Transportation Safety York City office of BNP Paribas, said the only as Westchester County, one of the richest in that identified common safety issues with was returning home to sell his house, set- Board, the federal agency that investigates delays he encountered were a longer line at a the United States. Westchester is home to the railroad following probes of those acci- tle his debts and take his wife with him transportation accidents, plans to examine White Plains parking lot. “I don’t think riding in many bankers, doctors and corporate lawyers, dents and three others between May 2013 back to Syria. signals at the crossing, the highway that inter- front will bother me,” he said. boasts a median household income of roughly and March 2014. — Reuters An arrest warrant had been issued for him after his wife told the police that her husband might have kidnapped her sons to force them to join IS, the report said. “I No Compromises in immigration debate wanted to live by my faith and wanted to join IS which I felt close to, because of the way they practiced our religion,” Goktas WASHINGTON: Senate Republicans yesterday immigration provisions and act on legislation opposed. The two GOP opponents were Sen. Collins of Maine were looking for a way out. was quoted as telling a preliminary court maneuvered to put Democrats on record again limited to paying for the department at a time Dean Heller of Nevada, whose state is home to a Collins said she was working with Sen. Ted Cruz, hearing in Ankara to decide on his pre- as opposing legislation that would fund the of global threats. large Latino population, and McConnell, whose R-Texas, and others on alternate legislation to trial detention. The 38-year-old suspect Homeland Security Department and overturn vote permitted him to call for a revote. House fund the department and roll back the new reportedly admitted to taking his sons President Barack Obama’s recent actions on Short-deal extension Republicans were casting about for another administration policies limiting deportations, into an area of Syria controlled by Islamic immigration. Obama countered by inviting to “What the majority leader should do is to solution, such as splitting up the funding bill, but keeping in place protections for immigrants State, which hired the trio as cooks, pay- the White House a group of young immigrants swallow his pride, call Mr Boehner and say, ‘Your Salmon said. He said a lawsuit over Obama’s brought to the US as children. “I think it’s a good ing them each a monthly salary of $90. protected by his policies. The GOP legislation idea is not going to fly in the Senate,’” said Sen. immigration actions, as Boehner has said is pos- solution and a way to resolve an impasse that He was remanded in custody pending his would subject Obama’s visitors to eventual Dick Durbin, D-Ill. House conservatives sounded sible, would not satisfy conservatives. In the has the potential to cause some real harm,” trial. Radikal said it was the first time a deportation. like they might to need more convincing. “That Senate, Republicans including moderate Susan Collins said in an interview. — AP The developments came a day after Senate was our best offer, and that’s what we expect,” Turkish citizen had been detained over Democrats united to defeat a procedural vote said Rep Matt Salmon, R-Ariz. He said that if links to IS. that would have opened debate on the House- Congress fails to act before current agency In a separate development, the passed Homeland Security measure. The bill funding expires Feb 27, “it’s obviously not the Turkish army said on its website that four would cover the department through Sept. 30, end of the world” because many department suspected IS members had been “cap- the end of the current budget year, and undo employees would be deemed essential and tured” in the southeast of the country. Obama’s executive actions that limit deporta- keep on working even if some functions shut There were no immediate further tions for millions of people who are in the down. details. Turkey has long been accused of United States illegally. Senate Republican lead- Salmon’s view was in the minority, however. not doing enough to stem the flow of ers had indicated that repeated votes on the Most agreed that Congress would find a way to jihadists seeking to join Islamic State, measure were likely, an apparent attempt to approve the funding, even if it meant passing a which has captured large swathes of show hard-liners among the House GOP that short-term extension ahead of the deadline territory in Syria and Iraq. According to their bill cannot pass the Senate. before coming up with a final deal. How and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, up Senate leaders moved to make good on that when lawmakers would get there was less clear to 700 Turkish nationals have joined IS. yesterday, setting up a likely re-vote in the after- in a new era of divided government. A police report in January said there noon, with more expected later in the week. Republicans are in full control of Congress for were about 3,000 people with links to IS “You’d think a bill like this would pass over- the first time in eight years and Obama is ready militants in Turkey and warned of possi- whelmingly,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch to issue vetoes. ble attacks. Ankara says it has stepped McConnell of Kentucky said yesterday as the On Tuesday, Senate Democrats united up border security and that Western maneuvering got underway. Democrats against a procedural vote that would have countries also have a responsibility to responded that the measure would not, as long opened debate on the House-passed bill. Fifty- share intelligence about would-be as it included the contested language on immi- one Republicans voted to advance the bill, short jihadists who use Turkey as a gateway gration. They called on McConnell and House of the 60 needed, while all 44 Democrats, two WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama meets with a group of “Dreamers” in the Oval to Syria. —AFP Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to strip off the independents and two Republicans were Office of the White House. — AP p8_Layout 1 2/4/15 10:04 PM Page 1
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Popular activist among 230 sentenced to life
CAIRO: An Egyptian court sentenced 230 erupted after young activists took to the people, including one of the leading streets to protest the post-Mubarak politi- activists behind the country’s 2011 upris- cal transition overseen by the military. The ing, to life in prison after finding them clashes caught world attention when riot guilty yesterday of taking part in clashes police were filmed beating, stripping and between protesters and security forces lat- kicking female demonstrators in Tahrir er that year. All were tried in absentia Square. except Ahmed Douma, a secular activist The violence also laid bare the deep who is already serving a three-year-sen- divisions between secular and Islamist tence for breaking a draconian law regu- activists, who had briefly united to topple lating protests. Thirty other people, all Mubarak. The schism eventually paved the minors, were sentenced to 10 years in way for the military’s return to power amid prison. Yesterday’s ruling can be appealed. massive protests against Islamist President It is the heaviest sentence yet against the Mohammed Morsi in 2013. After the mili- secular activists who spearheaded the tary toppled Morsi, authorities launched a mass protests four years ago that forced wide-ranging crackdown on dissent, longtime autocratic President Hosni killing hundreds of people in street clash- Mubarak to step down. es and jailing thousands, mainly Islamists After hearing the verdict, Douma but also some of the leading secular clapped his hands in mock applause, activists from 2011. Egypt’s courts are bringing an angry riposte from Judge now swamped with the trials of thousands Mohammed Nagi Shehata. “Are we in of protesters and government opponents. Tahrir Square here or what? You are clap- Judges have approved harsh and wide- ping to me? Show respect in the session... ranging sentences against critics of the Don’t say anything else or I’ll give you government while overturning earlier ver- three more years,” he said. “I respect dicts against Mubarak, his sons and senior myself,” replied Douma, who is also serv- security officials over the killing of protest- ing a three-year sentence issued by the ers and corruption. Judge Shehata gained same judge for contempt of court. The international notoriety for sentencing judge has courted controversy in the past three Al-Jazeera English journalists to by sentencing three Al-Jazeera journalists prison after convicting them in June on to at least seven years in jail last year and charges linked to aiding the Muslim issuing a mass death sentence on Monday Brotherhood, which the government ETHOPIA: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, falls after addressing supporters upon his return from an African Union meeting. — AP in connection to the killing of more than a declared a terrorist organization following dozen policemen in 2013. Morsi’s ouster. One of the three, who has Australian citizenship, was released and Zimbabwe’s Mugabe falls Driven by political motives deported by presidential order on Sunday. “The harshness of the verdict is not a Earlier this week, Shehata sentenced surprise to us, as the judge is driven by 183 alleged Morsi supporters to death personal and political motives that shed over the killing of 15 police in a grisly down steps after speech light on the degree of impartiality of the attack on a station in 2013, which unfold- Egyptian judiciary,” said Douma’s lawyer ed as security forces violently cleared Mohammed Abdel-Aziz. “All talk about the Cairo protest camps, killing hundreds of HARARE: Witnesses say Zimbabwe President Mugabe’s spokesman was not immediately white-owned farms in 2000. Mugabe is accused independence of the judiciary is baseless.” Islamist demonstrators. Last year, Egypt’s Robert Mugabe, 90, fell down steps from a podi- available for comment. Mugabe was elected of using widespread violence to win several dis- Abdel-Aziz and the rest of Douma’s powerful lawyers union criticized Shehata um after speaking to supporters upon his return chairman of the 54-nation African Union at a puted elections, according to human rights defense team boycotted sessions after for “disparaging” and “terrorizing” Douma’s from Ethiopia. Mugabe appeared to miss a step summit of African leaders on Jan. 30 in Addis groups. The country suffered hyperinflation accusing Shehata of “terrorizing” them and defense team after the judge referred five and toppled when he left the raised lectern at Ababa, Ethiopia. The role of rotating AU chair- until it abandoned its currency for the US dollar not responding to any of their demands. of the team’s six lawyers to prosecutors for the airport Wednesday afternoon, according to man is largely ceremonial. He celebrates his in 2009. The EU imposed sanctions on The case is connected to Cairo clashes in investigation. Shehata accused them on several witnesses, who insisted on anonymity 91st birthday on February 21. Mugabe takes Zimbabwe in 2002 over abuses linked to nation- December 2011, during which a fire gut- various occasions of disrespecting him. because of security concerns. His aides quickly annual vacations every January to Asia, includ- al elections, banning travel in Europe and freez- ted parts of a library housing rare manu- The defense team has subsequently with- helped him up and escorted him to his limou- ing Singapore where he has visited specialists ing the assets of dozens of officials and business scripts and books. drawn from the case and the union sine which sped away, they said. “He addressed for checkups on his eyes, according to representatives. The measures have been grad- Douma and the others were fined a backed their decision, instructing all supporters who welcomed him ... He missed a Zimbabwean officials. The Zimbabwean leader ually lifted in recent years to encourage reform total of $2.2 million over buildings that members to boycott Shehata’s court. “The step as he walked down from the podium and has repeatedly insisted that he is “fit as two fid- but Mugabe and his wife Grace remain on the were damaged during the protests, judge has a clear political stance where he immediately fell down,” said a witness. Some dles.” EU blacklist. Now that Mugabe is the head of including parliament and other govern- perceives the youth who led the uprising press photographers who captured the fall said Zimbabwe, a once-prosperous nation of 13 the African Union, the European Union has ment buildings. The nearly weeklong as a bunch of crooks and police as victims,” they were forced to delete their pictures by million people in southern Africa, has struggled decided to ease its travel ban on him while he is clashes that left some 40 people dead said Abdel-Aziz. — AP security personnel. since Mugabe’s government began seizing chairman for the next year. — AP Westerners join the fight against IS group ‘Not going back until ISIS is crippled’
SINJAR: As Kurdish fighters gathered around a possible legal troubles if they make it back A number of YPG fighters, many of them as fire in this damp, frigid mountain town in north- home. young as 17, joke and tease their new foreign western Iraq, exhausted from battling the friends, speaking to them in the local Kurdish Islamic State group, a surprising recruit wearing Bonding with the locals dialect. One fighter, 21-year-old Khalil Oysal a tactical vest with the words “Christ is Lord” So far, the US hasn’t banned Americans from from Syria, spends much of his time with the for- scribbled on it joined them. The fighter, with a fighting with militias against the Islamic State eigners since he can speak English. “We learn sniper rifle slung over his shoulder and Rambo- group, though it considers the Turkey-based from them and they learn from us,” said Oysal, styled bandanna around his head, is 28-year-old Kurdish Workers’ Party, commonly known as the who American and Australian fighters have nick- Jordan Matson from Sturtevant, Wisconsin, a for- PKK, a terrorist organization. The PKK has been named “Bucky.” “They speak with us and they like mer US Army soldier who joined the Kurds to fighting alongside the YPG in Sinjar and in the to joke. They share with us many things.” fight the extremist group now holding a third of Syrian town of Kobani. Under Australian law, it is Western fighters in Sinjar say there is a major CAIRO: Ahmed Douma, one of the leading activists behind Egypt’s 2011 uprising, Iraq and neighboring Syria. illegal to fight with any force outside of its drive to recruit as many foreigners as possible, attends a court hearing in a case against 230 people including Douma, for taking “I’m not going back until the fight is finished national army. Australia also is one of the first especially those with military training as many of part in clashes between protesters and security forces. — AP and ISIS is crippled,” Matson told The Associated countries to criminalize travel to Syria’s Al-Raqqa young Kurdish fighters have little or no experi- Press, using an alternate acronym for the mili- province, the de facto capital of the Islamic State ence. The young fighters often pick up weapons tant group. “I decided that if my government group. The US Embassy in Baghdad had no and ammunition from dead Islamic State group wasn’t going to do anything to help this country, immediate comment to an AP query about militants. They also have no body armor. Jazeera reporter freed especially Kurdish people who stood by us for 10 Americans fighting with the Kurds. Fighting remains dangerous for the Westerners years and helped us out while we were in this Matson and other foreigners fighting with as well. Two of the foreign fighters said they had country, then I was going to do something.” the YPG came from Syria into Sinjar last month, just returned from visiting an American fighter from jail returns home Matson and dozens of other Westerners now which saw thousands of Yazidis flee into the sur- badly wounded in battle. They said another for- fight with the Kurds, spurred on by Kurdish rounding mountains last year during the Islamic eign fighter, a Dutch national, was severely SYDNEY: An Al-Jazeera reporter who spent The fate of Greste’s still-jailed Egyptian social media campaigners and a sense of duty State group’s offensive. It’s unclear how many wounded in battle in Syria last week. “You need more than a year in an Egyptian prison colleagues remains unknown. Egyptian- many feel after Iraq, the target of a decade-long foreigners total are fighting with the YPG and to know what you’re getting in to,” Matson said. returned home to Australia today, where he Canadian Mohammed Fahmy and Egyptian US-led military campaign, collapsed under an other Kurdish forces, though both foreigners “A lot of times you’re going out, you’re in a mud was greeted by friends and relieved family Baher Mohammed were arrested along Islamic State group offensive within days last and Kurds say there are “dozens.” There’s a clear hut. ... You have bullets and a blanket, and some- members who had tirelessly campaigned with Greste in 2013 over their coverage of summer. And while US and its coalition allies comradely among the foreign fighters in Sinjar, times you just have bread, but you need to hold for his release. Peter Greste, 49, who was the violent crackdown on Islamist protests bomb the extremists from the air, Kurds say they most traveling in pairs around the town. the line.” — AP released on Sunday after 400 days behind following the military overthrow of hope more Westerners will join them on the bars in a case widely condemned as a sham President Mohammed Morsi. Egyptian ground to fight. by human rights activists, landed in the authorities accused them of providing a Foreigners joining other people’s wars is Queensland state capital of Brisbane early platform for Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood, nothing new, from the French Foreign Legion to today morning after spending the past two now declared a terrorist organization, the International Brigades of the Spanish Civil days recuperating in Cyprus. Supporters though officials never provided concrete War. The Kurds, however, turned to the Internet held up signs at the airport saying, evidence. Canadian Foreign Minister John to find its warriors, creating a Facebook page “Journalism is not a crime.” “I can’t tell you Baird said this week that Fahmy’s release called “The Lions of Rojava” with the stated mis- how ecstatic I am to be here,” Greste told was imminent but gave no timeframe. sion of sending “terrorists to hell and save reporters. “This is a moment I’ve rehearsed Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott humanity.” The page also frequently features in my mind at least 400 times over the past, thanked the Egyptian president by tele- portraits of smiling, beautiful and heavily armed well, 400 days. But this is all tempered by phone on Tuesday for his help in securing Kurdish female commanders and fighters. real worries for my colleagues.” Greste’s release. — AP Joined through Facebook Matson and three other Americans and an Australian national who spoke to the AP all said they arranged joining Kurdish forces through the Facebook page, run by the People’s Protection Units, or YPG, the main Syrian Kurdish militia fighting in northern Syria and Iraq. They crossed from Turkey into Syria, now in its fourth year of civil war, before later joining a Kurdish offensive sweeping into Iraq to challenge the Islamic State group. They now are based in Sinjar, whose stone homes painted green, pink and yellow have damaged in fighting, surround- ed by sandbags and piles of rubble. Foreigners like Matson seemed drawn to helping Kurds, Yazidis and other minority eth- nic groups caught up in the battle, facing possible destruction at the hand of extrem- ists willing to massacres hundreds in propa- ganda videos. “How many people were sold into slavery or killed just for being part of a different ethnic group or religion?” he said. “That’s something I am willing to die to defend.” However, the other Westerners who talked to the AP spoke on condition of BRISBANE: Australian journalist Peter Greste is hugged by his mother Lois and father anonymity, fearing the reaction of their fami- SINJAR: Jordan Matson, 28, (right) a former US Army soldier from Sturtevant, Wisconsin, takes Juris after his arrival home. — AP lies, who didn’t know where they were, or a break with other fighters from the main Kurdish militia.— AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 INTERNATIONAL US won’t return Gitmo to improve Cuba ties
WASHINGTON: The Obama administra- and Cuban embassies being re-estab- of the US economic embargo of Cuba, embargo and compensating his country resume talks with the Cubans in tion yesterday ruled out handing over lished after a half-century interruption. with 35 percent for its continuation. But for damages. The US established the Washington this month. the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, The US is hoping to clinch an agreement the views expressed at yesterday’s hear- naval base in 1903; Cuba’s communist The most immediate goal is rejecting a central demand of Cuban with Cuba on embassies in the coming ing were different. Senior Republicans government has sought its return since embassies. The US says Cuba must first President Raul Castro for restoring nor- months. and Democrats took turns excoriating coming to power in 1959. “The issue of end restrictions on American diplomats, mal relations between the two coun- Jacobson’s testimony before a largely President Barack Obama for negotiating Guantanamo is not on the table in these shipments to the current US Interests tries. Roberta Jacobson, the top US hostile House Foreign Affairs Committee in secret a December spy swap that also conversations,” Jacobson told lawmak- Section in Havana and entrance by diplomat for Latin America, also said the came as an Associated Press-GfK poll included promises from him and Castro ers. Cuba has raised the issue, she said, Cubans to that building. Cuba’s most US would continue transmitting radio found broad support in the United to turn a new page in the US-Cuban but “we are not interested in discussing pressing demand is an end to banking and television broadcasts into Cuba that States for warmer ties with Cuba. Forty- relationship. that.” Jacobson, who testified Tuesday restrictions, many of which are linked to are opposed by Castro’s government. five percent of those surveyed support- Castro last week laid out his long- before a Senate panel, traveled last its US designation as a “state sponsor of While Guantanamo and the broadcasts ed full diplomatic relations between the term objectives for the rapprochement. month to Havana for two days of talks. It terrorism.” The Obama administration is are irritants, Washington believes nei- Cold War foes, with only 15 percent They include the US returning the was the highest-level trip to the island likely to lift Cuba from that list in the ther is likely to stand in the way of US opposing. Sixty percent backed the end Guantanamo base and prison, lifting the by a US official in 35 years. She plans to next months.—AP Vaccine debate tests White House hopefuls
WASHINGTON: For a pair of first-time presi- you look at Chris Christie and Rand Paul, they dential hopefuls, the sudden injection of the fell into the trapdoors yesterday.” Christie’s childhood vaccine debate into the 2016 and Paul’s assertions that parents should campaign is a lesson in how unexpected have some choice in basic vaccinations have issues can become stumbling blocks. Long- put other potential 2016 contenders on the held positions can look different under the spot on a topic that was largely absent from glare of the national spotlight. New Jersey political discussions until this week and does Gov Chris Christie and Kentucky Sen. Rand not break down along party lines. Several Paul, both weighing bids for the GOP presi- potential GOP candidates voiced their sup- dential nomination, struggled this week to port for vaccines Tuesday. Sen. Marco Rubio articulate their views on the emotionally of Florida said there was “absolutely no med- charged vaccination controversy. The matter ical science or data that links vaccination to has taken on new resonance amid a fright- autism.” Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said it ening measles outbreak that has sickened was “irresponsible for leaders to undermine more than 100 people across the US and in the public’s confidence in vaccinations that Mexico. have been tested and proven to protect pub- Paul pushed back on criticism of his initial lic health.” And Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s assertion that he was aware of “many tragic office said he encouraged parents to have cases of walking, talking, normal children their children vaccinated as he had. Likely who wound up with profound mental disor- Democratic candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton ders after vaccines.” He issued a statement took to Twitter, saying: “The science is clear: Tuesday denying immunizations cause disor- The earth is round, the sky is blue, and (hash- ders, saying they were just “temporally relat- tag)vaccineswork. Let’s protect all our kids.” ed.” He also posted a photo on Twitter of During the 2008 presidential campaign, both himself getting a booster for a vaccine. Clinton and Obama had left open the possi- Christie, in the midst of a three-day trip to bility of a link between vaccines and autism, the United Kingdom, took a different saying more research was needed on the approach, canceling plans to speak to matter. But like Clinton, Obama urged parents reporters Tuesday after his comments a day this week to get their children vaccinated and earlier caused a stir. “Is there something you said the science on the benefits was “indis- don’t understand about ‘No questions’?” putable.” COLORADO: A munitions worker stands near inert simulated 155mm chemical munitions used for training inside a hardened hangar at the Christie snapped at reporters Tuesday. Pueblo Chemical Depot. — AP Studies retracted Measles outbreak White House spokesman Josh Earnest The measles outbreak has revived the dis- defended Obama’s shift, saying his earlier cussion about parents who choose not to comments came before a medical study that US destroys last remaining vaccinate their children, some out of fear that drew a connection between autism and vac- vaccines can lead to autism and develop- cines was retracted in 2010. For Christie, the mental disorders - a claim that has been vig- timing of the vaccine row could be particu- chemical weapons cache orously debunked by medical researchers. It’s larly problematic. The New Jersey governor is unclear whether the vaccine issue will have a in a battle with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush long shelf life in a White House campaign for the party’s high-dollar, establishment that is only just beginning. But the ways donors. And his comments on vaccinations Milestone in campaign to eradicate WMDs prospective candidates handle unanticipated have distracted from his efforts to burnish his COLORADO: The United States is about to begin Nightmare gas attacks prompted Congress to order alternatives. issues can help determine whether those foreign policy credentials and build relation- destroying its largest remaining stockpile of After nightmarish gas attacks in World War I, a subjects blow over or become nagging dis- ships with world leaders during his visit to chemical-laden artillery shells, marking a mile- 1925 treaty barred the use of chemical weapons, Hazardous waste tractions that contenders can’t shake. Britain. When asked about the measles out- stone in the global campaign to eradicate a and the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention set The Army will use two methods for the “Every day you want to go out with a mes- break Monday, Christie said he and his wife debilitating weapon that still creeps into mod- a 2012 deadline to eradicate them. Four nations Pueblo stockpile. In March, the first of an esti- sage to voters, and every day there are a had vaccinated their own children and he ern wars. The Pueblo Chemical Depot in south- that acknowledged having chemical weapons mated 1,400 shells that are leaking or otherwise dozen trapdoors you don’t want to fall into,” believes doing so is important to public ern Colorado plans to start neutralizing 2,600 have missed the deadline: the US, Russia, Libya damaged will be placed in a sealed steel cham- said Robert Gibbs, a top adviser for both of health but “parents need to have some meas- tons of aging mustard agents in March as the US and Iraq. The cost of safely destroying the ber with walls up to 9 inches thick. Explosives Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns. “If ure of choice in things as well.”—AP moves toward complying with a 1997 treaty weapons, and concerns about public health and will tear open the shells, and the mustard agent banning all chemical weapons. the environment, have slowed the process, will be neutralized with chemicals. The remain- “The start of Pueblo is an enormous step for- experts say. Violence in Iraq also has been an ing hundreds of thousands of shells will be run ward to a world free of chemical weapons,” said obstacle. through a partially automated, $4.5billion plant Libya expects to finish in 2016 and Russia in starting in December or January. It will disman- Republicans challenge Paul Walker, who has tracked chemical warfare 2020, according to the Organization for the tle the shells, neutralize the mustard agent in for more than 20 years, first as a US House of Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which over- water, and then add bacteria to digest and con- Obama on all fronts Representatives staffer and currently with Green sees the Chemical Weapons Convention. Iraq’s vert the remaining chemicals. The end product Cross International, which advocates on issues of completion date is unknown. The US amassed can be disposed of at a hazardous waste dump. WASHINGTON: Newly empowered congres- more than 50 times in the four years, but the security, poverty and the environment. The work 30,600 tons of chemical weapons, both mustard The plant can process up to 60 shells an hour, sional Republicans challenged President day gave newcomers to Congress their first starts less than a year after chlorine gas killed 13 agent and deadly nerve agent, much of it during but the explosion chamber can destroy just six Barack Obama at both ends of the Capitol on opportunity to vote to uproot the health care people in Syria in April 2014. the Cold War. The Army described them as a shells a day. Pueblo expects to finish the job in Tuesday, voting in the House to repeal the law they campaigned against last fall. “Today, International inspectors concluded last deterrent, and the US never used them in war. 2019 - more than 55 years after some of the health care program he signed into law but I am making good on my commitment to month that the gas had been used as a weapon. Nearly 90 percent of the US stockpile has been shells there were produced. Blue Grass won’t faltering in an initial Senate attempt to roll support a full repeal of Obamacare,” said Rep Before the chlorine attack, 1,400 people were eliminated at depots in six states and Johnson start destroying weapons until 2016 or 2017, fin- back immigration policies he issued on his Alex Mooney, a West Virginia Republican who killed in a 2013 nerve gas attack in Syria, the US Atoll in the Pacific, mostly by incineration. ishing in 2023, Army spokeswoman Kathy own. took his seat in Congress last month. The said. Pueblo has about 780,000 shells containing Coloradans worried, however, about mercury DeWeese said. All told, it’s costing about $11 bil- There was a third challenge as well, as day’s vote was marked by a second differ- mustard agent, which can maim or kill, blistering vapor from incineration, said Irene Kornelly, a lion to destroy remaining US chemical weapons. Republican leaders announced the House ence. The bill included instructions to key skin, scarring eyes and inflaming airways. member of the Pueblo Citizens Advisory Blue Grass has 523 tons of chemical weapons, would give final approval next week on legis- committees to begin work on a replacement Mustard agent is a thick liquid, not a gas as com- Commission, a liaison group established by only about one-fifth as many as Pueblo, but it lation clearing the way for construction of the that the party promised in the 2010 political monly believed. It’s colorless and almost odor- Congress. The opposition in Colorado and in has nerve agent, and some of the mustard agent Keystone XL Pipeline. That would trigger campaign. Officials described that as a meas- less but got its name because impurities made Kentucky, where chemical weapons are stored at is so old it has solidified and is more difficult to Obama’s threatened veto, the first in a new ure of preparation in case the Supreme Court early versions smell like mustard. the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond, deal with, DeWeese said. —AP era of divided government. The skirmishes all overturns a key portion of the existing pro- seemed likely to end in eventual defeat for gram in a ruling expected this June. Republicans, but served as a potent reminder Only three Republicans opposed repeal of of their power after Obama challenged them the program, Reps Bob Dold of Illinois and Venezuela begins occupation bluntly last month with his State of the Union first-termers John Katko of New York and address and a no-balance budget on Monday Bruce Poliquin of Maine. Across the Capitol, calling for higher taxes and new spending. Democrats blocked debate on legislation to of private supermarket chain The GOP won control of the Senate in last fund the Department of Homeland Security fall’s elections, and has its largest House and simultaneously overturn presidential majority in nearly 70 years. executive orders that have spared an estimat- CARACAS: National guardsmen and state price social explosion,” said Diego Moya-Ocampos, an flour and toilet paper apparently sitting at the Badly beaten in last fall’s elections, ed four million immigrants in the country ille- adjusters fanned out across Venezuela yesterday analyst with the London-based consulting firm chain’s central warehouse. The administration Democrats were defiant. “They’re baying at gally from the threat of deportation. The vote to impose a military-style occupation with an IHS Global Insight. “They’re trying to channel all has a history of temporarily taking control of the moon, something that is not going to was 51-48, nine shy of the 60 needed to unusual goal: Making sure shoppers can buy the social discontent against the private sector.” private enterprises. Just ahead of a key 2013 work,” said the party’s leader in the House, begin work on the measure. Senate enough sugar. The South American country’s election, Maduro ordered electronics stores to Rep Nancy Pelosi, referring to Republicans as Democratic Leader Harry Reid said his rank socialist administration temporarily took over Hoarding issues begin selling goods at give-away prices. But the health care vote neared. The vote was and file would continue to block action on the Dia a Dia supermarket chain as part of a Many Venezuelans agree with Maduro. Even this latest crackdown may reverberate more 239-186 to repeal the health care law known the measure until Republicans agree to strip crackdown on the private businesses it blames Dia a Dia branch manager Carlos Barrios said it widely among the business class, because it has as Obamacare. Similar votes have been held out the immigration provisions. —AP for worsening shortages and long lines. was possible that his bosses were hoarding. added the threat of imprisonment to the Embattled President Nicolas Maduro says right- He’d seen the photos government workers had always present possibility of expropriation, wing owners are purposely making shopping a posted outside his store of pallets of sugar, corn Moya-Ocampos said.— AP nightmare by hoarding goods and removing checkout stations. He has promised to jail any business owner found to be fomenting econom- ic chaos.
Price-control authorities Two executives of Venezuela’s largest drug- store chain, Farmatodo, were detained over the weekend as part of an investigation by price- control authorities. On Monday night, Congress President Diosdado Cabello said officials had arrested Dia a Dia’s owner and taken over its 35 stores “for the protection of Venezuelans.” By Tuesday morning, armed soldiers were oversee- ing lines for bags of sugar at a Dia a Dia location near the presidential palace. Many economists blame price and currency controls for causing the economic distortions plaguing the country at a time when falling oil prices are battering its revenues. Analysts see this week’s moves against business owners as an attempt to drive home Maduro’s counter-narra- WASHINGTON: Acting director of the Secret Service Joseph Clancy shakes hands tive that the right-wing is waging an economic with President Barack Obama at Department of Homeland Security after Obama war. “The government is starting to prepare for a CARACAS: People line up outside the Dia a Dia supermarket in hopes of buying coffee, oil, pre- delivered remarks on his FY2016 budget proposal. — AP cooked corn flour, detergent and fabric softener as a National guard soldier stands guard.—AP p10 2_Layout 1 2/4/15 9:28 PM Page 1
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 INTERNATIONAL 5 killed in artillery shelling in Ukraine
KIEV: Heavy shelling in the rebel strong- will agree to send weapons to his country hold of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine yester- to help it fight pro-Russian rebels, a step day afternoon killed at least five people the Americans reportedly are considering. and damaged a hospital, six schools and five kindergartens, local officials said. The Death toll reaches 5,300 fighting between Russia-backed separatists On a visit to a government-controlled and government troops in eastern Ukraine city in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, resumed in January after a month of rela- Poroshenko said that his government badly tive calm, killing more than 200 people in needs the lethal aid to help repel the sepa- the past three weeks, according to the ratist attacks in the conflict that that has United Nations. left 5,300 people dead. US President Barack The city hall in Donetsk said the number Obama has opposed sending lethal assis- of casualties from yesterday’s shelling in tance to Ukraine’s government, but a senior the west part of Donetsk early afternoon administration official told The Associated was not immediately established but the Press earlier this week the surge in fighting rebel-run Donetsk News Agency reported has spurred the White House to review the five killed inside and near the hospital in policy. Poroshenko will have an opportuni- Tekstilshchik district. An Associated Press ty on Thursday to make his case to US reporter who arrived on the scene shortly Secretary of State John Kerry, who is sched- after the attack found one body covered by uled to visit Kiev. a sheet on the ground several meters from “I don’t have a slightest doubt that the the building, near a crater from a projectile. decision to supply Ukraine with weapons The hospital was damaged by shrapnel and will be made by the United States as well as windows were shattered. by other partners of ours,” he said on a visit In the wake of the shelling, European to Kharkiv, “because we need to have the Union foreign policy chief Federica capabilities to defend ourselves.” German Mogherini called for the withdrawal of Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday said heavy weaponry from Ukrainian cities and that she was opposed to the idea. In Kiev, a truce for at least three days to ensure the military spokesman Vladislav Seleznev said safe evacuation of civilians from the con- two Ukrainian troops have been killed and SOFIA: US Secretary of State, John Kerry, (left) talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, before holding a joint news confer- flict zone. “The spiral of ever increasing vio- 18 injured in the past 24 hours. The most ence.—AP lence in Eastern Ukraine needs to stop,” she intense fighting is now focused about the said in a statement. “The shelling of civil- railway hub of Debaltseve where, accord- ians, wherever it happens, is a grave viola- ing to Seleznev, the rebels mounted an US, Russia at odds in tion of international humanitarian law. offensive against Ukrainian troops. In Artillery should immediately be withdrawn Donetsk, separatist official Eduard Basurin from residential areas.” As the conflict inten- told reporters that four civilians have been Cold War-style conflict sifies Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko killed in the past days before yesterday’s says he is confident that the United States shelling. — AP Generation-defining clash between old enemies
WASHINGTON: As the Obama administration tries, are a concern within the alliance, which sidering that a major step forward. While French comedian on trial escalates economic sanctions on Russia and prides itself on winning the Cold War. “The battle Western Europe provides the funding, the US is weighs military support to Ukraine, it has revved was won,” Kerry told staffers at the US Embassy giving technology and political support. In a for condoning terrorism up a less noticed but far broader campaign to in Sofia. “And here we are today in 2015, and speech last week at the Brookings Institution, wean Central and Eastern Europe off a deep Russia is still trying to impose on people its will.” Nuland hailed Poland, Hungary and Slovakia for PARIS: French comedian Dieudonne told a The comedian is a controversial figure reliance on Russian energy. It’s a Cold War In November, Vice President Joe Biden visited starting flows of gas in reverse to help Ukraine court yesterday he condemned last month’s who has often made headlines, most notably reprise, but not for military supremacy, and the Romania, another vulnerable country, and stave off an energy crisis. Moldova established a Paris attacks “without any ambiguity” as he with his trademark “quenelle” hand gesture points on the map aren’t troop deployments, Turkey, Europe’s bridge to resource-rich Central gas interconnector with Romania. stood trial on charges of condoning terror- that looks like an inverted Nazi salute, but tank battalions and missile silos. Rather, Asia, to press the case. “In the area of energy security, we’re not just ism over a comment suggesting he sympa- which he insists is merely anti-establishment. pipelines, ports and power plants are the Victoria Nuland, America’s top diplomat for talking the talk,” Nuland said. The strategy aims thized with the gunmen. The polemicist was Branded a “pedlar of hate” by the govern- weapons of what could prove a generation- Europe, and energy envoy Hochstein have spent “to create competition. It’s about ensuring ener- arrested on January 14 after saying “I feel like ment, Dieudonne has also attracted anger defining conflict between the US and Russia much of the past few months working with gy can’t be used as a weapon.” Within the US, Charlie Coulibaly”, a mix of the slogan “Je suis over sketches widely viewed as anti-Semitic over how Europe heats and electrifies its homes. Europe on a coordinated energy strategy. Their there is debate over whether America can be Charlie” that became a global rallying cry that have occasionally prompted local Success, US officials say, would mean finally “lib- message: Failure now will only invite more doing more. The fracking revolution at home has against extremism and the name of one of authorities to ban his shows. But his arrest- erating” former Soviet states and satellites from Russian pressure. While episodes of Russia shut- propelled the United States past Russia as the the gunmen who killed a policewoman and and that of other people, some of whom decades of economic bullying by Moscow. To ting off the energy spigots to its neighbors have world’s top gas producer, yet US exports to four Jews. were sent straight to jail for one to four years- that end, Washington is helping set up new nat- raised alarms, persistent infighting among Eastern Europe are minimal. The region’s lack of His arrest was one of dozens of cases raised questions about free speech in France. ural gas pipelines and terminals in a region that European governments and energy companies infrastructure, investment and transparency are opened for “condoning terrorism” or “making Dieudonne told the court he had wanted to depends on Russia for more than 70 percent of has hampered diversification efforts across the partly responsible; another part is American threats to carry out terrorist acts” after the take part in a mammoth march against its energy needs. It is pushing American compa- continent. unease with selling more liquefied natural gas attackers killed 17 people in the January 7-9 extremism in Paris on January 11, but decid- nies’ bids for nuclear plants and fracking explo- Big countries, especially, have found it easier overseas. shooting spree that also targeted satirical ed against it as he felt unwelcome, instead ration in Europe. Yet as the US makes headway, to make private deals with President Vladimir Still, officials say the US gas boom is already magazine Charlie Hebdo, sparking concerns attending a smaller demonstration near his the Kremlin is fighting back, warning neighbor- Putin’s government. And that has done little for affecting Russia’s export power by lowering over freedom of expression. “Of course I con- home in northern France. “I feel treated like a ing governments about the consequences of Europe’s most vulnerable economies, whose global prices and freeing sources of fuel that demn the attacks without any restraint and terrorist,” he said. Dieudonne faces up to sev- looking westward for fuel. Russia is trying to out- infrastructure is designed only to take in sup- otherwise would have been gobbled up by the without any ambiguity,” Dieudonne told the en years in prison and a 100,000-euro fine if maneuver the US on nuclear bids, buy up plies from Siberia. But, increasingly, there now is American market. Last week, Gazprom court in Paris. found guilty.—AFP pipeline infrastructure across Europe and control action in addition to diversity talk. With US sup- announced a 60 percent dive in its latest quar- not only how its vast energy reserves move port, Lithuania and soon Poland will be import- terly profits. Russia, however, isn’t standing idly westward, but what European governments can ing liquefied natural gas from Norway, Qatar by. As American officials have traveled around do with those supplies afterward. and potentially the United States. New pipelines Europe, working with governments on new proj- France knife attack “It’s a chess match,” said Amos Hochstein, the will enable Central and Eastern European coun- ects, Russian representatives have been quick to State Department’s special envoy for interna- tries to send fuel from west to east and north to follow. sparks security questions tional energy affairs, as he pored over a map of south. A September visit by Gazprom CEO Alexei Europe dotted with existing and proposed And in a couple of years, a southern corridor Miller prompted Hungary to suspend reverse NICE: French investigators were yesterday Amedy Coulibaly, who killed a policewoman pipeline routes. Although the US has pressed its should be taking fuel from the Caspian Sea gas flows to Ukraine for more than three interrogating a knife-wielding man who and four Jewish shoppers in a kosher super- European partners for decades to find new oil, through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, and months. Elsewhere, Russia has responded to attacked three soldiers outside a Jewish cen- market during the Paris attacks last month gas, coal and nuclear sources, the crisis in into Europe, bypassing Russia. Those advances increased European pipeline activity by trying to tre in Nice, as questions resurfaced over secu- before being shot dead by police. The sur- Ukraine has upped the ante. Russia’s takeover of combined with other moving parts - a liquefied buy up the pieces. A year ago, Hungary rity measures a month after the Paris attacks. name is extremely common in West Africa. Crimea last year and continued support for gas plant off the Croatian coast, a Bulgaria- announced an $11.3 billion deal with Russia to The attacker, identified as 30-year-old Moussa The knifeman Coulibaly had already been rebels in a brutal civil war in Ukraine has Romania network connection, links into Serbia construct two new reactors at a Soviet-built Coulibaly from the poor western suburbs of fined and given suspended jail sentences in changed Europe’s mindset about relying so and Hungary, and greater energy integration as nuclear plant; the deal involved almost no dis- Paris, was already known to police who ques- France for offences including robbery and heavily on Russian energy. far afield as Spain and France - will mean cussion and no international tender, shutting tioned him just days before the attack, when drug use. Europeans can increasingly trade energy among out Westinghouse, which had been interested in he was expelled from Turkey last week. He was picked up and questioned in mid- ‘The battle was won’ themselves, pooling their fuel sources and weak- the deal. Putin accepted defeat in December for Police arrested him immediately after he December after “aggressively” trying to Last month, Secretary of State John Kerry vis- ening Russia’s grip. a multibillion-dollar plan to build a pipeline knifed the soldiers in broad daylight while spread his beliefs in a gym in Mantes-la-Jolie, ited Bulgaria to push for a new gas spur and to under the Black Sea and into Europe after promote an American company’s bid to build a Major step forward mounting EU opposition. But he vowed to they were patrolling outside the centre-part a source said. French intelligence services new nuclear plant. Bulgaria relies on Russia for Hochstein said the US would like to see a 20 increase supplies to Turkey across existing infra- of reinforced security measures introduced were then alerted to the fact that he was try- 85 percent of its gas and all of its nuclear power. percent slice cut out of Russia’s current share of structure and possibly build a new link that after last month’s jihadist attacks in Paris that ing to enter Turkey-a key entry point for The prices, among the highest for NATO coun- the Eastern European gas market by 2020, con- would take gas into Greece and beyond. — AP left 17 people dead. Two of the troops jihadists seeking to go to fight in Syria-and received knife wounds and a third managed asked the country to expel him. However he to tackle the assailant to the ground. “This was released as there was not enough evi- attempted murder targeted soldiers because dence to charge him. “Surveillance was con- Extremists on rampage after Chad offensive they were soldiers,” Defence Minister Jean- tinued to understand why he was in Nice Yves Le Drian said during a visit to the victims’ when he had no roots or contacts there,” FOTOKOL: Nigerian Boko Haram fighters went came days after the African Union backed plans houses destroyed, shops gutted and trucks barracks yesterday. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said on the rampage in the Cameroonian border for a 7,500-strong five-nation regional force to charred. “We have routed this band of terrorists,” Anti-terrorist police were focusing their town of Fotokol Wednesday, massacring civilians take on the extremists, who control vast swathes the commander of the Chadian contingent investigation on whether Coulibaly had Tuesday. and torching a mosque before being repelled by of northeast Nigeria. Ahmat Dari told said Tuesday, vowing to “hunt known the soldiers were protecting a Jewish Coulibaly again fell afoul of the law shortly regional forces. The onslaught came a day after them down everywhere.” Nigeria has reacted centre, tucked away in a courtyard in the before the attack, when he was fined for not Chad sent troops across the border to flush the ‘Hunt them everywhere’ defensively to the presence of foreign troops on French Riviera city, and what his motives having a ticket on a tram, and a Chad-born jihadists out of the Nigerian town of Gamboru, Nigeria’s military has drawn fierce criticism for its soil. “Nigeria’s territorial integrity remains were. They were also questioning his mother, Canadian seen with him was taken into cus- which lies some 500 meters from Fotokol on the failing to rein in the insurgents, who have intact,” defense spokesman Chris Olukolade sister and brothers who were taken in after tody, although no formal link has been made other side of a bridge. Chad’s army said it had stepped up their campaign of terror in the insisted, claiming national forces had “planned police searched his home in the poor suburb between the two men. “We don’t know what killed more than 200 Boko Haram militants in northeast in the run-up to presidential and par- and are driving the present onslaught against of Mantes-la-Jolie. Since returning from was going on in his head ... he is normal,” a the intervention-the first by regional forces liamentary elections on February 14. In recent terrorists from all fronts in Nigeria, not the France after his expulsion from Turkey on man who introduced himself as Coulibaly’s against Boko Haram on its home ground. But months the group, which aims to establish an Chadian forces”. Regional forces have gone into January 29, Coulibaly was staying at a hotel brother told journalists during the police some of the insurgents escaped and slipped Islamic caliphate, has also carried out increasing action on several fronts. Chadian troops and near Nice station, where investigators found a search of his home Tuesday night. back across the border into Fotokol at dawn to cross-border raids, threatening regional security. vehicles have massed near Boko Haram-held handwritten document on religion and make a fresh stand. “Boko Haram inflicted so In Gamboru, the offensive, which was preceded towns along Nigeria’s border with Niger, point- Turkish currency. Massive security measures much damage here this morning. They have by days of Chadian air strikes, had left scenes of ing the way to another possible cross-border The attack comes after France beefed up killed dozens of people,” Umar Babakalli, a resi- desolation, with bodies lying on the ground, operation on that frontier. —AFP Well-known to police security to unprecedented levels around the dent of Fotokol, told AFP by telephone. The knifeman has not been linked to country-deploying some 15,000 police and troops to protect sensitive sites in the wake of ‘Burnt houses’ the Paris attacks. Prime Minister Manuel Valls Several residents said civilians’ throats were warned of the task facing security forces who slit and that the town’s main mosque was have to monitor some 3,000 people with links torched. “They burnt houses and killed civilians to jihadists or “terrorist networks” in Syria and as well as soldiers,” a source close to security Iraq. The three men, who carried out the forces said. Another resident who had fled to allegedly coordinated January 7-9 attacks in another town told AFP he knew of at least 10 Paris, had also been known to police and Valls people who had been killed. After several hours admitted there had been security “failings”. of clashes Cameroonian troops, backed by “We are facing a new phenomenon, open- Chadian forces who scrambled back from access terrorism,” Cazeneuve said. France is Nigeria to help guard the town, managed to home to Europe’s largest Jewish population, repel the assault. estimated to be between 500,000 and “People are coming back little by little to 600,000, as well as its largest Muslim commu- assess the damage. The survivors among the nity, estimated at around five million. The attackers have left the town,” a source close to the Cameroonian security services said. No offi- attacks in Paris last month prompted con- cial death toll was immediately available. On cerns there would be repercussions in both Tuesday, nine Chadian soldiers were killed and these communities, and also highlighted that 21 were injured in Gamboru after around 2,000 security forces were a target of extremists. troops backed by armored vehicles poured NICE: Private first class Gabin reacts President Francois Hollande will hold a press across the border to take the fight to Boko while receiving the “Honor medal for conference on Thursday during which he is Haram after days of clashes. The sound of auto- courage and devotion” from the prefect expected to address the security concerns as matic gunfire could still be heard Wednesday in of Alpes-Maritimes, during a ceremony well as efforts to strengthen French society the town as the troops combed the town for MAIDUGURI: A Nigerian soldier stand guards during Muslim prayers. Nigerian and Chadian a day after he was attacked.—AFP against radicalization. —AFP remaining rebel elements. The intervention jets are bombing Boko Haram out of a slew of northeastern Nigerian towns and villages. — AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 Kidnapped at 13: Nepal’s child brides
SIMIKOT: On a freezing night three years ago, has left them very isolated, they are still fol- 13-year-old Susmita Kami sneaked out of her lowing old customs and change has been husband’s house and didn’t stop running slow to come,” he said. Dalit families also until she reached her parent’s doorstep in labor under huge financial strain, officials say, Nepal’s remote northwest. Her escape from a with children pushed to leave school and forced marriage-a tradition many teenage start work while their parents eke out a living girls from the Himalayan nation’s Dalit com- as subsistence farmers. munity are expected to uphold-was soon The oldest of seven children, Dana Sunar, under threat. But Susmita’s parents resisted now 18, had been the last Dalit girl in her demands from her in-laws to send her back, class. While the others had dropped out, deciding to stand by their pleading daughter Sunar dreamed of graduating and becoming who desperately wanted a better life. “I told a schoolteacher. But she was taken at 14 and them I never wanted to get married and I forced to marry an 18-year-old farmer earning wasn’t going back. I ran away because I want- $50 a month. “I cried and cried. It was like a ed to stay in school,” Susmita, now 16, told door had closed before me, any dreams I had AFP. Although Nepal banned child marriage were gone,” Sunar said. Her in-laws pressured in 1963, four out of ten girls are married her to drop out of school and focus on farm- before they turn 18, according to UNICEF. ing and housework. Now a mother to six- The figures are even higher among the month-old twins, Sunar described her new country’s impoverished Dalits or “untouch- life as “a daily struggle”. “We never have ables” who live in remote communities enough money - sometimes we eat only once shunned by the mainstream, meaning their a day. I don’t know how I am going to bring customs go largely unchallenged. Three out up these children,” she said. of four Dalits marry during their teens or earli- er, according to a 2012 survey by Plan ‘Terrible custom’ International, Save the Children and World Experts say the consequences of marrying Vision. Girls are often abducted by prospec- so young are devastating. “Adolescents have tive grooms in a cultural practice few families children early, they are unable to focus on object to. Susmita was kidnapped while col- education...and both mothers and babies end lecting firewood, and forcibly married four up with health problems,” said Kunga Sanduk days later-an ordeal also endured by her Lama, a government official who works on NEW DELHI: Congress party supporters watch party vice-president Rahul Gandhi (unseen) during an election road show. Polling in the Delhi assembly mother, Jadane Kami, when she was a child rights. Laws are ineffective, he said, cit- elections will be held on February 7, with the results to be announced on February 10. — AFP teenager. “This is our culture. People worry ing a lack of evidence-documents, photos or that otherwise our girls will elope or marry witness testimonies-needed to prove a mar- into other communities,” said Kami, who ini- riage occurred so punitive action can be pur- tially did not oppose her daughter’s forced sued.Instead, campaigners focus on raising India eyes US aircraft marriage. The tradition has survived a ten- awareness through radio shows, street plays year civil war, the end of royal rule and and after-school clubs for children. Nepal’s transition to democratic politics. Those who have fallen victim to the tradi- tion need no convincing. Susmita, now in carrier technology Segregated settlements ninth grade, said she wanted to see an end to In Simikot, headquarters of remote Humla “this terrible custom”. Her father, a cobbler district that borders the Tibetan plateau, who earns $80 a month, said sending her to Chinese forays in Indian Ocean unnerving Dalits live in segregated settlements. Their school was a struggle. The cost of her uniform hay-topped homes stand in stark contrast to alone is a staggering $45. But for now, her the shiny tin roofs of houses belonging to family will do whatever they can to keep her NEW DELHI: India wants to use state-of-the-art US only one that operates large carriers today, so we of aircraft on board the INS Vishal to 50 from 34 higher-caste Hindus and Buddhists. “Dalits in class. “I want my daughter to have a chance technology to boost the range and potency of a are looking at what they can offer, what is possible,” and field heavier fighter jets with longer reach as have struggled due to their low caste status. to stand on her own feet,” her mother said. “I planned aircraft carrier, defense sources said, in a the defense source said. well as airborne early warning aircraft. “EMALS is For centuries, they were not allowed to mix think she did the right thing by running away. move that would tie their arms programs closer one of the most revolutionary things in carrier with others at all,” Humla’s deputy district She is more brave than me I never felt like I together and counter China’s military influence in More, bigger aircrafts technology because it completely changes the way chief, Bam Bahadur KC, said. “Naturally, this had a choice in the matter.” — AFP the region. The proposal, referred to only obliquely Former vice admiral Arun Kumar Singh said you fire a plane off the top of a ship,” said James in a joint statement at the end of President Barack naval planners want a carrier that can launch heav- Hardy, Asia-Pacific Editor for IHS Jane’s Defense Obama’s recent visit to New Delhi, is the clearest ier planes, and the only way to do that is from flat Weekly. “The Chinese have been talking about get- signal yet that Washington is ready to help India decks which US carriers have instead of Russian ting it for their carriers for a long time but it’s quite strengthen its navy. “ski-jump” decks. “The Americans, I believe, have a big technological ask.” Although the aircraft carrier in question would said ‘ok, we will help you design a ship and you also not be ready for at least another decade, such buy our catapults’ to launch aircraft,” he said. India worried cooperation could act as a balance against China’s Former rear admiral Ravi Vohra said the Indian The Indian defense source said representatives expanding presence in the Indian Ocean. It would navy’s ultimate objective was a five-carrier fleet of General Atomics showed the technology to also represent a shift away from India’s traditional comprising a mix of large and small carriers. At the members of a Naval Design Bureau working on the reliance on Russian military hardware, particularly heart of the proposed collaboration is a US offer to next-generation carrier back in 2013. The defense if, as some experts expect, it leads to knock-on share the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System ministry declined to comment. China is operating a orders for US aircraft in the longer term. After years (EMALS) developed by General Atomics and which lone carrier, the 60,000-tonne Liaoning bought of neglect, India’s navy is in the midst of accelerat- is now being installed on the Gerald R. Ford class of from Ukraine, but reports have circulated of a sec- ed modernization under Prime Minister Narendra carriers that are joining the navy. ond carrier under development. Modi. It inducted an old aircraft carrier from Russia The new system means jets can launch off a flat China wants to develop an ocean-going “blue in 2014 to add to an ageing British vessel likely to deck at a faster rate and with less fatigue to aircraft. water” navy capable of defending its interests as it be decommissioned in 2018. Last year, soon after US defense and industry officials said sensitivities adopts a more assertive stance in territorial dis- taking office, Modi cleared funds to ensure another over selling advanced EMALS technology to India putes with neighbors in the South China Sea. carrier being built domestically was ready for serv- meant any major movement on the carrier ques- Modi has sought to improve ties with China, see- ice in 2018. tion was unlikely in the near term. Two sources ing it as a vital economic partner. But the govern- He also endorsed navy plans for a further carrier familiar with the issue added that the US response ment has been rattled by Chinese naval forays in which would be its biggest, and it is this one that to Indian overtures had been cool until very recent- the Indian Ocean, including when a submarine may be built with US technology, a defense min- ly. “Things are finally beginning to look a lot more docked last year in Sri Lanka. Vijay Sakhuja, direc- istry source and two former navy vice admirals with positive,” said one of the sources, who was not tor of defense ministry-funded National Maritime ties to the naval establishment said. The joint state- authorized to speak publicly. Foundation think-tank, said US involvement in the ment by Obama and Modi spoke of a “working For India it is a big leap. Its existing carrier force flight-launch technology of an Indian carrier group to explore aircraft carrier technology sharing uses ski-jump ramps to help planes take off and could lead to future deals for US aircraft makers. and design” as part of the Defense Trade and brings them in using wires to slow them down. For “It is early days yet, but once we get this carrier Technology Initiative. Defense officials said this that reason, planes have to be lighter and are fewer deck technology from the US, maybe there will be could lead to direct US participation in building the in number. With an EMALS system on a flat deck, a joint development of fighter jets to be operated KATHMANDU: Nepalese resident Dana Sunar, 18, who is the last member of the Dalit 65,000-tonne INS Vishal carrier. “The US navy is the India’s navy planners hope to increase the number out of it.” — Reuters caste in her class, poses for a photograph in a field in Simikot, the headquarters of Humla district. — AFP New Sri Lanka Philippines protests Chinese president steers ramming of 3 fishing boats away from China MANILA: The Philippines protested to the foreign affairs department said, cit- COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Beijing yesterday after a Chinese coast ing a report by the Philippine coast Sirisena will visit India on Feb 16, his first state guard ship allegedly rammed and dam- guard. “The Philippines strongly protest- visit abroad, a government official said yester- aged three Philippine fishing boats at a ed this destructive and illegal activity,” it day, part of efforts to repair relations with disputed shoal in the South China Sea. said. “The act of harvesting giant clams, New Delhi which soured under the previous The Department of Foreign Affairs in which are among the most endangered government. Sirisena earlier pledged to pur- Manila also said it lodged a separate marine species, entails the crushing and sue a more global foreign policy in a break protest with Beijing over the collection of destruction of surrounding corals which with his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa’s endangered giant clams by Chinese fish- result in the permanent destruction of pursuit of close ties with China, a key support- ermen, destroying in the process coral the reef itself.” “China’s toleration of, and er of Sri Lanka’s economy since its 26-year civil outcrops at Scarborough Shoal off the active support for, the environmentally war ended in 2009. northwestern Philippines. harmful fishing practices by its nationals “In considering the past, we make a clear The reported Jan 29 ramming is the at Bajo de Masinloc constitute breaches commitment towards following a foreign pol- icy of the middle path, in friendship with all latest incident involving the territorial of its obligations under the 1982 United nations,” Sirisena said during a speech mark- rift. In February last year, the Philippine Nations Convention on the Law of the ing Independence Day. Indian Prime Minister government summoned China’s top Sea” and two international conventions DHAKA: A relative of Moudud, 30, one of the victims of a bomb attack in a bus, tries to place him back into a Narendra Modi tweeted he was looking for- envoy in Manila to protest what it said aimed at preserving biodiversity and bed as he receives treatment at a medical college hospital during the ongoing nationwide blockade. — AP ward “to welcoming President Sirisena later was the firing of a water cannon by a protecting endangered species, the this month.” Modi is scheduled to make a Chinese government vessel to drive department said. reciprocal trip in the second week of March, Bangladeshi police say ex-PM away Filipino fishermen from China took effective control of according to Sri Lankan government officials. Scarborough. China ignored the protest Scarborough in 2012 after a tense stand- Sirisena’s trip will last two days, the official instigated deadly firebombing and called its sovereignty there “indis- off that ended when the Philippines told Reuters, declining to be identified. Sri putable.” The Chinese Embassy did not withdrew two of its ships ahead of an Lanka’s January 8 elections unexpectedly DHAKA: Police yesterday accused Bangladesh’s former people since early January, when an opposition alliance issue any immediate comment yesterday. approaching storm. Chinese coast ousted Rajapaksa and brought Sirisena, a for- prime minister and an opposition alliance leader of insti- led by Zia ordered a transportation blockade in an “The Philippines strongly protested guard ships have also surrounded mer Rajapaksa ally, to power on a platform of gating a bus firebombing that killed seven people and attempt to force Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step China’s continuing actions to harass and Second Thomas Shoal, another contest- rooting out corruption and bringing constitu- injured 16 others as political violence is surging in the down. prevent Filipino fishermen from legiti- ed offshore territory where Filipino tional reforms to weaken the presidency. country. Attackers threw the crude fire bombs at the mately pursuing their livelihood in that marines have manned a grounded, rusty packed bus as it traveled from the coastal city of Cox’s Political supremacy Sirisena’s administration has ordered a review area,” the Philippine foreign department navy ship in a standoff that started in of all Chinese infrastructure projects awarded Bazar to the capital, Dhaka, before dawn Tuesday during The two have long battled for political supremacy in under Rajapaksa, a move expected to sit well an opposition-sponsored general strike. Unlike many the South Asian nation. Hasina last month told said in a statement Wednesday. 2013. with India and Western nations concerned vehicles traveling on major roads during the blockade, Parliament that, if necessary, Zia would be tried for the “Philippine fishing vessels have been Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines about Beijing’s growing influence and military the bus had no security escort from police or paramilitary deaths of people killed in political violence. Zia’s party routinely, continuously, peacefully and have separately protested Chinese land presence in the region. border guards. and its partners boycotted 2014 elections, which allowed sustainably fishing in the Philippines’ reclamation at a number of reefs in the Rajapaksa’s decision to allow two Chinese Local police chief Uttam Chakrabarty said two cases Hasina to win a new, 5-year term. Hasina says new elec- Bajo de Masinloc,” the department said, contested Spratly Islands, which they fear submarines to dock in Sri Lanka last year were filed, accusing 56 named suspects and another 20 tions will not be held until 2019. Politics have long been using the Filipino name for Scarborough, could be transformed into an air, naval angered India, as the move breached an exist- who were unnamed, while former Prime Minister accompanied by chaos in Bangladesh, but the renewed a rich fishing ground and storm shelter. and logistics base to reinforce Beijing’s ing agreement between the two countries. In Khaleda Zia has been named as the instigator. violence ended a year of relative calm. Department spokesman Charles Jose territorial claims far from the Chinese the run-up to the January vote, Sri Lanka Nuruzzman Howlader, another police official who filed Western countries and the United Nations have called said the Chinese coast guard’s action mainland. The Philippines asked an UN- expelled India’s spy chief for helping to unite a the cases, said the attack was related to the opposition for a dialogue, but a stumbling block is the Jamaat-e- damaged the bamboo outriggers of the backed international tribunal in The fractious opposition to defeat Rajapaksa, strike and it was carried out following the order of Zia. Islami party, the main partner of Zia’s Bangladesh three Philippine-flagged boats, adding Hague last year to declare China’s seizure according to diplomatic and political sources, “That’s why her name has been mentioned as the Nationalist Party. Hasina has said Zia could help initiate that the Filipino fishermen on board of Scarborough Shoal and at least seven although India denied any expulsion. instigator,” Howlader said. Zia, her aides and opposition talks by removing Jamaat-e-Islami from her alliance. were reportedly stunned but unhurt. other South China Sea reefs, and its claim Sirisena’s visit to India will mark the changing activists have denied involvement in the bus attack but Jamaat-e-Islami bitterly opposes Hasina, who has target- to virtually the entire South China Sea, attitudes of both nations, said P Sahadevan, a did not immediately respond to the new police accusa- ed the party’s leaders in war crimes trials for their actions Destructive and illegal activity illegal. The vast sea and its chain of professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in tions. She was not one of the formal suspects named in during Bangladesh’s war of independence from Pakistan In a separate incident on Jan 22, islands, reefs and atolls straddle some of New Delhi. “Earlier, though it was not dis- the two cases, but Howlader said the prime accused sus- in 1971. Jamaat-e-Islami opposed the war, which was led Chinese fishermen on at least 24 boats the world’s busiest sea lanes and are played openly, there was quite a bit of antipa- pect was a central leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party by Hasina’s father. Eight senior Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, thy from India toward the Rajapaksa regime,” from Comilla, the scene of the attack. Political attacks, including party Chief Motiur Rahman Nizami, have been were seen collecting giant clams in believed to have vast undersea deposits Sahadevan said. “That’s gone.” —Reuters mostly firebombings of vehicles, have killed at least 53 convicted in the trials and one has been hanged. —AP Scarborough Shoal’s sprawling lagoon, of oil and gas. — AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Hostage tweet goes viral on social media
TOKYO: Kenji Goto’s words, now more than four years old, have His account has other musings from Goto, of course, includ- taken on a new poignancy. “Closing my eyes and holding still. ing comments about French wine and complaints about his It’s the end if I get mad or scream. It’s close to a prayer. Hate is tired eyes, as well as his reporting. But it was the message of tol- not for humans. Judgment lies with God. That’s what I learned erance that seemed to resonate with the thousands of from my Arabic brothers and sisters.” That tweet from Sept 7, Japanese Twitter users, expressing admiration for Goto’s report- 2010, has been embraced by social media users as a fitting ing about the suffering of children in Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, memorial to the 47-year-old freelance journalist. It has over Iraq and elsewhere. 20,000 re-tweets, and was being repeated by others by the Yuki Watabe, a 15-year-old high school student in Sapporo, minute. After news emerged that Goto had been killed by northern Japan, said the tweet gave him heartache. “He was extremists of the Islamic State group after efforts to secure his such a wonderful person,” Watabe said. “He had a strong sense release from months of captivity failed. His reported death fol- of doing the right thing.” An English translation of that tweet, lowed that of another Japanese hostage, adventurer Haruna originally in Japanese, was also circulating on Twitter. Goto’s Yukawa, who was also being held by the militants. The Twitter last tweet was in October, about the time he left for Syria, to account was verified as Goto’s by his friend Toshi Maeda, who rescue Yukawa, who disappeared last summer. Maeda recalled heads Tokyo-based venture Pacific Bridge, which created the how Goto believed in citizen journalism. “He was like a brother mobile-video application Goto used for some of his reports to me,” he said. “He was an inspiration. He was a friend and a TOKYO: The screenshot of the tweet posted by slain Japanese journalist Kenji Goto from Syria. colleague.” — AP on Sept, 7, 2010. — AP South China Sea security an international concern Tension increasing between world’s largest economies
TOKYO: Security in the South China Sea, claimed almost and the situation in the South China Sea has an impact territorial claims in the South China Sea. China has out- wholly by China, impacts Japan’s interests and could on our national security, and we are aware that we will lined the scope of its claim with reference to a so-called warrant a rethink of military patrol aircraft deployments, need to consider our response,” Defense Minister Gen nine-dash line on its maps that encompasses 90 per- the defense minister said after a US Navy officer said Nakatani told reporters on Tuesday. Nakatani’s remarks cent of the waters. While Japan has no claims in the Washington would welcome a Japanese presence in the came in response to an interview published by Reuters region, it provides 10 per cent of the global fisheries region. Regular patrols by Japanese aircraft only reach in which Robert Thomas, commander of the US Seventh catch and ships crossing it carry $5 trillion a year in car- into the East China Sea, where Japan and China are Fleet, said Japanese surveillance flights in the South go, a large portion to and from Japan. Thomas’s com- embroiled in a sovereignty dispute over a group of China Sea would help keep tabs on a growing fleet of ments show Pentagon support for a key element of islands. Extending flights into the South China Sea Chinese vessels overwhelming the surveillance capacity Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push for a more MANILA: Security specialist Michael Tkacik addresses a security would almost certainly increase tension between the of Southeast Asian nations. active military role Asia, and come as the US and Japan forum yesterday. He warned that the conflict over the South world’s second- and third-largest economies. China responded to Thomas’s comments by warning negotiate new bilateral security guidelines expected to China Sea was the most important international dispute in the “We currently do not patrol there or have a plan to do Japan not to “create tension”. China, the Philippines, give Japan a bigger role in their alliance, 70 years after world today and has the potential to change the global status so, but we are deepening our cooperation with the US Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei have competing the end of World War Two. — Reuters quo. — AFP N Korea strike down US talks, vows ‘final doom’ SEOUL: North Korea on yesterday appeared Monday that US and North Korean nuclear to rule out any resumption of dialogue with envoys had been secretly discussing the the United States, threatening to react to any idea of “talks about talks”, but had been US “war of aggression” with nuclear strikes unable to agree on practical arrangements. and cyber warfare. The statement from the US State Department spokeswoman Jen country’s top military body, the National Psaki said in response that Washington’s Defense Commission (NDC), came after position had not changed and that it “con- reported moves by Washington and tinues to offer Pyongyang an improved Pyongyang to revive long-stalled six-nation bilateral relationship” provided it take talks on denuclearization. The NDC said action on denuclearization. South Korea’s recent comments from President Barack Unification Ministry spokesman Lim Obama had revealed that the United States’ Byeong-Cheol said yesterday that, despite goal was to “bring down” North Korea. The the stand-off between Pyongyang and statement was an apparent reaction to an Washington, Seoul would continue efforts interview Obama gave on January 22 in to “build trust through dialogue and coop- which he spoke of the eventual collapse of eration” and improve ties with the North. the North Korean regime, calling it “the most North Korea carried out nuclear tests in isolated, the most sanctioned the most cut- 2006, 2009 and 2013. off nation on Earth”. The aim of the six-party talks is to per- North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, who is suade the North to scrap its nuclear head of the NDC, said on the weekend that weapons in return for aid and other incen- Pyongyang refused to sit any longer at the tives such as security guarantees and diplo- table “with rabid dogs barking” about top- matic normalisation.David Straub, a former pling its socialist system. “Since the gangster- US negotiator with the North, was quoted like US imperialists are blaring that they will by the Post as saying both sides have for ‘bring down’ the DPRK (North Korea)... the decades wanted to talk to each other. The army and people of the DPRK cannot but offi- issue now was what they want to achieve. cially notify the Obama administration... that “The North Koreans have made it clear the DPRK has neither need nor willingness to publicly and privately that they are a sit at negotiating table with the US any nuclear weapons state and that they intend longer,” the NDC said. to be a nuclear weapons state forever,” he If the US ignites “a war of aggression” and told the Post. unleashes a nuclear war, North Korea will Hong Hyun-Ik, senior researcher at the TAIPAI: Rescue personnel search for passengers from the wreckage of a TransAsia ATR 72-600 turboprop plane that crash-landed into “counter it through its own nuclear strikes”, it private Sejong Institute in Seoul, said the the Keelung river. — AFP said in a statement carried by the North’s offi- United States was “in need of a trouble- cial Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). making North Korea” to rally support from “And if the former tries to bring down the lat- its allies for its ultimate strategy of keeping ter through a cyber warfare, it will react to it China’s growing influence in check in the A look at recent air disasters in Asia with its own preeminent cyber warfare and region. “As its economy is currently in a bet- will thus bring earlier the final ruin of the US,” ter shape than the past, North Korea feels TAIPAI: A Taiwanese plane crashed into a shallow Investigators say the jet went into a dangerously fast energy objects.” Dutch police say the plane most said the statement titled “US imperialists will no sense of urgency resuming denu- river on yesterday, the latest accident in a tragic 12 climb and stalled before crashing, and are looking likely was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. Pro- face final doom”. clearization talks,” Hong told AFP. “Against months for Asian air travel. Recent airplane disasters into whether turbulence or updrafts contributed to Russian separatist rebels in Ukraine deny involve- this backdrop, neither North Korea nor the affecting the region: its drastic climb. Divers have so far retrieved 90 bod- ment. International teams seeking to retrieve ‘Talks about talks’ United States wants to take the initiative ies. Authorities believe others are still inside the remains and salvage evidence had difficulty reach- The Washington Post reported on for a breakthrough.” — AFP Transasia airways GE235 fuselage and other big pieces of wreckage. ing the crash site due to clashes between Ukrainian An ATR 72-600 plane operated by TransAsia government troops and Russian-backed separatist Airways, a private Taiwanese airline, turned on its Transasia Airways GE222 rebels. Forensic experts working in the Netherlands side in midair, clipped a bridge, hit a taxi and A twin-propeller ATR 72-500 operated by have since identified remains from all but three peo- careened into a river Wednesday with 58 people on TransAsia Airways crashed into homes on the island ple. Dutch prosecutors are coordinating an interna- board. Rescuers pulled out people and bodies from of Penghu in the Taiwan Strait, west of the tional criminal investigation into the downing. the mostly sunken fuselage; at least 19 people were Taiwanese capital, Taipei, as it made a second killed. The flight went down shortly after takeoff attempt to land on July 23. Four crew members and Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 from Taipei’s downtown Sungshan Airport and was 44 passengers were killed; 10 passengers survived. The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 heading to the outlying Taiwanese-controlled There was heavy rain and low visibility at the time. on March 8, 2014, is one of modern aviation’s most Kinmen Islands. Most of the passengers were from The crash was Taiwan’s first deadly civil aviation acci- perplexing mysteries. The Boeing 777, carrying 239 mainland China. dent since 2002. It involved the same airline and people from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, is believed to French-Italian make of plane as Wednesday’s crash have crashed off the coast of western Australia in Air Asia Flight 8501 in Taipei. the southern Indian Ocean. However, searches Popular low-cost airline AirAsia lost its first plane across vast areas of the Indian Ocean have failed to on Dec 28 when Flight 8501 crashed into the Java Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 find any confirmed sign of it. Officials initially ruled Sea with 162 people on board on its way from All 298 passengers and crew aboard Malaysia out terrorism, but conspiracy theories have endured. Indonesia’s second-largest city of Surabaya to Airlines Flight 17, mostly Dutch citizens, were killed Until the wreckage is found and examined, it is diffi- Singapore. The twin-engine A320-200, carrying when the Boeing 777 was shot down over rebel- cult to say for sure what happened to the plane. Last mostly Indonesian passengers, lost contact about 42 held eastern Ukraine on July 17. The plane was fly- week, Malaysia Airlines officially declared that minutes after takeoff. The pilot had sought permis- ing from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur at about MH370 had crashed and all passengers are pre- PANMUNJOM: A North Korean soldier (left) and a South Korean soldier (right) stand sion to climb from 32,000 to 38,000 feet at a time 33,000 feet when, according to Dutch air crash sumed dead, enabling passengers’ families to start opposite each other at the truce village in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two when storm clouds reached up to 44,000 feet. investigators, it was likely struck by multiple “high- claiming compensation. — AP Koreas. — AFP Thai held over faked king’s health report
BANGKOK: Thai police yesterday said they had detained a 25- “Police will investigate whether he was involved in making Unifying figure before the May coup. Police on Wednesday alleged that suspect year-old man for suspected royal defamation after he allegedly the statement or not,” national police spokesman Prawut The health of King Bhumibol, who has been largely confined was a local member of the United Front of Democracy Against posted online a forged report on the health of the country’s ail- Thawornsiri told reporters yesterday. “He was detained by the to hospital in recent months, is an extremely sensitive subject. Dictatorship (UDD) — the official name for the Red Shirt move- ing but revered monarch. The statement, mocked-up to look military under martial law and police will fast-track an arrest war- Bhumibol, the world’s longest-serving sovereign, is widely seen as ment. The circulation of the forged statement-which was even like an official palace notice, began circulating online late rant under article 112 and the Computer Crime Act,” he added. a unifying father figure in a nation beset with bitter political divi- briefly reproduced on the website of a royalist newspaper-drew Monday, spreading quickly through social media and messaging Section 112 of Thailand’s criminal code is the kingdom’s contro- sions, and there are profound concerns over the kingdom’s future outrage from junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha who called on Thais apps. versial royal defamation law, one of the world’s strictest. It car- as his reign enters its twilight years. Rights groups say 112 prose- not to share it further. “We must find the perpetrators... it’s not It claimed to give details about 87-year-old King Bhumibol ries up to 15 years in jail for each count of insulting, threatening cutions have surged since the army seized power in May, as the acceptable to the Thai people,” Prayut, who is also prime minister, Adulyadej’s health, prompting Thailand’s junta to issue a swift or defaming the king, queen, heir or regent. Both local and inter- military burnishes its reputation as the defender of the royal fami- told reporters Tuesday. Thailand has lost nearly a decade to politi- denial of its veracity and pledge to hunt down the author of the national media routinely self-censor when covering issues relat- ly. Critics say the lese majeste law has been politicised, noting that cal turmoil. The period has been punctuated by massive, and fake report. Late on Tuesday authorities detained Krit Buddeejin, ed to the royal family in Thailand. Even repeating details of many of those charged in recent years have been linked to the often violent, street protests, two coups and the removal by 25, a musician from northeast Thailand, without given further charges could break the law, making it impossible for media Red Shirt movement who support fugitive former premier Thaksin courts of three premiers linked to the Shinawatras-whose populist details. inside Thailand to relay the full content of the false report. Shinawatra. Thaksin’s sister Yingluck was toppled as premier just parties have won every election since 2001. — AFP NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Nod to KD 34bn development plan Jailed girl becomes Palestinian symbol Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 the price of each jet, and whether the ministry will pur- chase the planes directly from the manufacturer or The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club estimates that 200 In another development, MP Abdullah Al-Tameemi through an Italian broker. Tameemi also asked about the Palestinian minors are held in Israeli prisons, but only warned the defense minister yesterday against striking a manufacturer of the plane and whether it offered the jets deal to buy a number of Eurofighter warplanes through an in the past to Kuwait, if it was rejected and the reason for four are girls, and Malak is the youngest. Amani Sarahna, intermediary, urging the minister to make defense deals the rejection. spokeswoman for the Ramallah-based organisation, said directly with the source. Tameemi said that he has sent 16 Meanwhile, MP Mohammad Tana yesterday submitted it was the first time in years that four female minors were questions to the minister over the reported deal, adding a draft law calling on the government to naturalize up to held in Israeli jails, out of the 6,500 Palestinians incarcer- that he will not remain silent and would use constitutional 4,000 stateless people or bedoons in the current year. ated. Following Malak’s arrest, the Palestinian leadership tools if needed. Similar bills had been submitted annually and approved sent a letter to the United Nations denouncing the Israeli He said that there is lots of suspicion surrounding the by the National Assembly, but the government had always practice of “seizing children in the dead of night”, detain- deal if it proceeds in this way, and the minister should ignored them, which means that the problem of around ing Palestinian children “for extended periods of time” intervene to safeguard public funds. In his questions, 110,000 bedoons will remain unresolved. Islamist MP and subjecting them to “psychological and physical tor- Tameemi asked if the ministry plans to buy a number of Abdulrahman Al-Jeeran yesterday proposed amendments ture”. Eurofighter warplanes and if they had been tested in to the penal code to propose a jail term of up to two years Kuwait. He asked about the number of Eurofighters Kuwait and a fine of KD 5,000 for those who imitate the other sex. Palestinian Icon plans to buy and what are their fighting capabilities com- He also proposed a two-year jail term and a fine of KD A picture of Malak’s face framed in black hair, her dark BEITIN: Ali Al-Khatib and his wife Khawla display on pared to jets owned by Kuwait. 2,000 for men who commit indecent acts against women eyes staring squarely into the camera, has been circulat- Jan 27, 2015 a poster with a portrait of their 14- He asked about the amount earmarked for the deal and in public. ing in social media and Palestinian newspapers. “I don’t year-old daughter Malak, whom Israel sentenced to know why a state like Israel, with the most powerful two months jail for trying to attack soldiers. — AFP weapons at its disposal, is pursuing my 14-year-old Jordan hangs militants, vows to take... daughter,” Malak’s father Ali Al-Khatib said. “They she intended to use to stab security personnel in the accused her of trying to stab a soldier. Really? A child case of her arrest. As well as the jail term she was fined Continued from Page 1 “to distort the values of Islam”. King Salman condemned $1,500. the “odious crime” which he said was against all values of against an armed and heavily equipped solider, a grown man?” he asked incredulously. In a report released in Feb 2013, the UN children’s The executed woman came from Iraq’s Anbar humanity. The Jordan Times said in an editorial that the agency UNICEF criticised Israel for its treatment of arrest- province bordering Jordan. Her tribal Iraqi relatives were country would rally against the “ruthless” murder of the The father-of-eight said his daughter was arrested on her way home from school in Beitin on Dec 31. ed Palestinian children, saying their interrogation mixes close aides of the slain Jordanian leader of Al-Qaeda in pilot “who is now the son of all Jordanians”. “intimidation, threats and physical violence, with the Iraq, Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, from whose group Islamic Kassasbeh’s father said the two executions were not According to the indictment served at a military court, Malak had “picked up a stone” to throw at cars on route clear purpose of forcing the child to confess”. “Children State emerged. enough and urged the government to do more to have been threatened with death, physical violence, soli- Jordan had on Tuesday vowed to avenge the killing of avenge his death. “I want the state to get revenge for my 60, which is near the village and serves Israeli settlers as well as Palestinians. The indictment, citing five Israeli tary confinement and sexual assault, against themselves Kassasbeh, hours after the harrowing video emerged son’s blood through more executions of those people or a family member,” the report said. — AFP online purporting to show the caged 26-year-old F-16 who follow this criminal group that shares nothing with officials, said Malak was in possession of a knife which fighter pilot engulfed in flames. The video - the most Islam,” Safi Al-Kassasbeh told Reuters. “Jordanians are brutal yet in a series of recorded killings of hostages by demanding that the state and coalition take revenge IS - prompted global revulsion and vows of unwavering with even more painful blows to destroy these criminals,” 25 killed as Taiwan plane falls in river international efforts to combat the Sunni extremist he said. In the pilot’s home village of Ay, mourners said group. The killing sparked outrage in Jordan and Jordanians must rally around the state. “Today we put Continued from Page 1 of the plane. “As it has been a while and the weather is demonstrations in Amman and the city of Karak, the our differences behind us and rally behind the king and cold, things are not optimistic, but rescuers will do every- home of Kassasbeh’s influential tribe. nation,” said Jabar Sarayrah, a shopkeeper. Dramatic amateur video footage showed the TransAsia thing to find and rescue the remaining missing people,” The executions came just weeks after Jordan ended Burning to death as legal punishment is unheard of in ATR 72-600 hit an elevated road as it banked sidelong said Lin Kuan-cheng from the National Fire Agency. “Rising an eight-year moratorium on the death penalty, drawing the contemporary Middle East, and a prominent Saudi towards the Keelung River, leaving a trail of debris includ- water levels and poor visibility underwater has made the criticism from human rights groups. Rishawi was closely cleric, Sheikh Salman Al-Oudah, wrote yesterday that it is ing a smashed taxi. “I saw a taxi, probably just metres work very difficult,” added senior rescue official Wu Chun- linked to IS’ predecessor organisation in Iraq and seen as prohibited by Islam, citing what he said was a saying by ahead of me, being hit by one wing of the plane. The plane hung. an important symbol for the jihadists. Karboli was sen- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that reserves for God alone was huge and really close to me. I’m still trembling,” one There has been no official comment on the cause of the tenced to death in 2007 on terrorism charges, including the right to punish by fire in the afterlife. Iyad Madani, witness told TVBS news channel. crash, but the black boxes have been retrieved from the the killing of a Jordanian in Iraq. Jordan, a crucial ally of the leader of the 57-nation, Saudi-based Organization of An AFP reporter at the scene saw bodies being pulled French-made aircraft. France’s civil aviation body said yes- Washington in the Middle East, is one of several Arab Islamic Cooperation, the world’s largest bloc of Muslim from the wreckage into the early evening. Desperate crew terday two of its investigators and four from plane manu- countries that have joined a US-led coalition carrying countries, condemned the killing. members shouted “Mayday! Mayday! Engine flameout!” as facturer ATR were being dispatched to assist Taiwanese out air strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq. The pan-Arab Al-Hayat newspaper led its coverage of the plane plunged out of the sky, according to a recording authorities with their enquiries. the pilot’s killing with a one-word headline: “Barbarity”. thought to be the final message from the cockpit to the Rescue boats remained in the water late yesterday, No More UAE Airstrikes “How many Syrian Al-Kassasbehs are there?” asked an control tower, played on local television. Aviation officials where the remaining front section of the plane is com- The New York Times, quoting US officials, reported article in the left-leaning Lebanese daily Assafir. “How said they had not released the cockpit recording, suggest- pletely submerged. Rescuers with flashlights scoured yesterday that the United Arab Emirates had suspended many ... are there, whose names we are ignorant of, ing it may have come from amateurs monitoring the radio. through the rear and central parts of the plane after they its participation in December after Kassasbeh’s capture slaughtered by the Islamic State and their brothers? How “An engine flameout refers to the engine shutting down in were brought to shore by crane. Earlier in the day survivors due to fears for the safety of its pilots. The UAE wants the many Syrian Al-Kassasbehs have fallen in the past four flight,” said had been ferried to safety in dinghies as rescuers tried to US to improve its search-and-rescue efforts, including years ... without news headlines on the television chan- Daniel Tsang, founder of Hong Kong-based aviation pull people out with ropes. China’s Xiamen Daily said on its the use of V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, in northern Iraq, nels?” consultancy Aspire Aviation. “The engine stops producing social media account that the 31 mainlanders on board closer to the battleground. As it stands, the US-led mis- Jordanian politician Mohammed Al-Rousan wept on thrust and the combustion process fails and no longer were part of two tour groups from the eastern Chinese sion is based in Kuwait, administration officials said, television as he described watching Kassasbeh’s death, generates any forward propulsion to the aeroplane.” But city. One tour guide now confirmed dead, named as Wang according to the Times. It said UAE pilots will not rejoin saying even people attuned to violence could not bear to Tsang told AFP that pilots were “very well trained” to deal Qinghuo, had been due to marry on Sunday, it added. the fight until the Ospreys - which take off and land like see a man burned alive. But in an instant his grief turned with the failure of one engine and the causes of the acci- Xiamen is in Fujian province, across the Taiwan Strait helicopters but fly like planes - are deployed in northern to rage. “Let’s use the same methods as them!” he shout- dent were likely to be more complex. It was the second from the island. An employee of one of the tour agencies, Iraq. ed during the interview with Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen TV. fatal crash involving a TransAsia Airways plane within a few surnamed Wen, told AFP that it had 15 clients onboard, The Jordanian pilot was captured by Islamic State mil- “Let’s kill their children! Let’s kill their women!” months. A flight operated by the domestic airline crashed including three children under 10. The rest of the passen- itants within minutes of his plane crashing in December in July during a storm, killing 48 people. gers and crew were Taiwanese, according to the airline. near Raqqa, Syria, the Times said, quoting a senior US Shocking Wednesday’s accident happened just before 11:00 am Aviation officials said the plane crashed minutes after tak- military official. But UAE officials questioned if American Even clerics sympathetic to the jihadist cause said the (0300 GMT), shortly after Flight GE235 left Songshan air- ing off from Songshan airport, after losing contact with the military rescue teams would have been able to reach the act of burning a man alive and filming the killing would port in northern Taipei en route to the island of Kinmen control tower. Lin Chih-ming, head of Taiwan’s Civil pilot even if there had been more time for a rescue damage IS. “This weakens the popularity of Islamic State with 53 passengers and five crew on board. Six airline offi- Aeronautics Administration, said the ATR 72-600 was less effort, administration officials said. because we look at Islam as a religion of mercy and toler- cials, including chief executive Peter Chen, bowed in apol- than a year old and was last serviced just over a week ago. The UAE foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed ance. Even in the heat of battle, a prisoner of war is given ogy at a televised press conference. “We would like to con- The pilot had 14,000 flying hours and the co-pilot 4,000 bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, asked Barbara Leaf, the new US good treatment,” said Abu Sayaf, a Jordanian Salafist cler- vey our apologies to the families (of the victims) and we’d hours, he added. ambassador, why the United States had not put proper ic also known as Mohamed Al-Shalabi who spent almost also like to voice huge thanks to rescuers who have been The airline said it had received the plane in April last resources in northern Iraq for rescuing downed pilots, a ten years in Jordanian prisons for militant activity includ- racing against time,” said Chen. year and it was the newest model of the ATR. In last July’s senior administration official said, according to the ing a plot to attack US troops. “Even if the Islamic State In a statement later yesterday, the airline said that 25 crash, the 48 people were killed when another domestic Times. The UAE declined comment. “We cannot com- says Muath had bombed, and burnt and killed us and we were confirmed dead, with 16 survivors. Those missing are TransAsia flight crashed onto houses during a storm on ment on issues discussed in private meetings,” an official punished him in the way he did to us, we say, OK but why thought to be trapped inside the submerged front section the Taiwanese island of Penghu. — AFP source said in Abu Dhabi after the publication of the film the video in this shocking way?” he told Reuters. Times article. “This method has turned society against them.” SITE, a US-based monitoring service, quoted Abdullah Gulf to give Egypt $10bn before meet Amman Vows Vengeance bin Muhammad Al-Muhaysini, whom it described as a Jordan promised to avenge the pilot’s murder, with Saudi jihadist, as saying on Twitter it would have been Continued from Page 1 the biggest Arab state - is a bulwark against the group. government spokesman Mohammad Al-Momani saying: better if Kassasbeh’s captors had swapped him for President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has focused on trying to “Jordan’s response will be earth-shattering.” The opposi- “Muslim captives”. His killing would make ordinary peo- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates repair Egypt’s economy, enacting reforms to try and win tion Syrian National Coalition offered condolences for ple sympathetic to Kassasbeh, he said. Still, some admir- gave Egypt more than $12 billion in aid, deposits for the over foreign investors and announcing mega-projects the execution of the airman “whose blood mingled with ers of Islamic State cheered the killing. In a Twitter mes- central bank and petroleum products since the army top- such as a second Suez Canal to create jobs. Egypt can the soil of our beloved Syria”. Saudi Arabia, the spiritual sage, a user called Suhaib said: “To any pilot participat- pled Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013 after expect economic growth “easily north of 4 percent” in fis- home of Islam and another member of the coalition, ing in the crusader coalition against the holy warriors - mass protests against his rule. The major oil producers see cal year 2014-15, which ends in June, boosted by rising condemned the “misguided ideology” behind know that your plane might fall in the next mission. Morsi and his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood move- confidence and a windfall from lower oil prices, its finance Kassasbeh’s killing and accused groups like IS of seeking Sleep well!” — Agencies ment as a threat to their monarchies and believe Egypt - minister said last month. — Reuters THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 ANALYSIS
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Focus Prince Charles bio reignites readiness talk
By Denis Hiault
new biography of Britain’s Prince Charles has reignited debate about whether he is fit to Abecome king, given his outspoken views and energetic activism. The book also portrays a royal household riven with infighting, and an heir to the throne uncomfortable with the distant impartiality that has been the hallmark of his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The 66-year-old Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son, has spent a lifetime in preparation for the throne. But he has also carved out a distinct and highly vis- ible role for himself in public life by wading into top- ics that rouse him, such as youth deprivation, the environment and alternative medicine. Catherine Mayer, the author of “Charles: The Heart of a King” due Jordan support for IS fight boosted out Thursday, is a former London bureau chief for the US magazine Time. Her book claims he is “joylessly” By Mussa Hattar preparing for the throne and has no appetite for a role that would curb his ability to speak out. “Far from itching to assume the crown, he is already feeling its he burning alive of a Jordanian pilot by the Islamic weight and worrying about its impact on the job he State group has shocked the kingdom, where people has been doing,” Mayer writes. Tare expected to rally behind a military campaign against the jihadists, experts say. Jordan is one of several Charles ‘Knight on a Quest’ Arab states to have joined the US-led campaign against IS The book claims the prince has a “native insecuri- in Syria and Iraq, and has taken part in airstrikes against ty”, and that his Clarence House headquarters is riven jihadist positions since September. Concerns were raised at with turf wars. “The Boss”, as his 161 employees call the time that an air war in the two countries, both of which him, is reluctant to draw a veil over his convictions on share a border with Jordan, could impact security at home. subjects such as architecture, faith, organic farming But the execution of airman Muath Al-Kassasbeh in a and climate change. “I only take on the most difficult gruesome video released Tuesday “will prompt more challenges. Because I want to raise aspirations and Jordanians to get behind their army” and demand revenge recreate hope from hopelessness and health from for the pilot’s death, analyst Mohammad Abu Remman deprivation,” he told Mayer, who calls him “a man with said. In a statement yesterday, King Abdullah II vowed a a mission, a knight on a quest.” However, “there will “severe” response to IS, saying “the blood of martyr Muath always be critics who take him for a parasite, an Al-Kassasbeh will not be in vain”. In the video, a man said to eccentric, a plant whisperer,” she writes. be Kassasbeh, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, is burned to Charles’s father Prince Philip is said to believe his death in a metal cage. A masked militant is seen lighting a son is guilty of “selfish behaviour” for putting his “cere- trail of flame which eventually engulfs the pilot. bral passions” ahead of royal duties. Clarence House As news of the killing broke, Jordanians came out onto stressed it had not authorised the biography and reserves the right to take legal action. “Speculation the streets to denounce Kassasbeh’s death and demanded about the Prince of Wales’s future role as king has revenge against IS. His father Safi Al-Kassasbeh, who been around for decades but it is not something we belongs to an influential tribe, called for “very severe retali- have commented on and nor will we do so now,” said ation” against the jihadists. State television showed a black a spokeswoman. banner with an image of the pilot while playing patriotic Mayer was permitted a brief interview with songs as well as programs about the army. Charles and quotes several anonymous close friends, “Today there is a broad consensus in Jordanian public aides and opponents. Detractors of the book’s con- opinion on the need for a war against (IS) and a firm tentions are similarly making use of off-the-record response,” said Remman, a researcher at the University of insiders to slap down many of its claims. “People who Jordan’s Centre for Strategic Studies. “Jordanians have Jordan’s King Abdullah II, returning from his trip to the US, greets as he drives through a crowd of people who purport to know what he is thinking are just guess- realised for the first time since we’ve talked about the were gathering to show their support at Queen Alia Airport in Amman yesterday. — AP ing,” The Daily Telegraph newspaper quoted one international coalition against IS that they are in a state of ernment spokesman Mohammad Al-Momani warned that participation in airstrikes, criticised “the odious crime com- source saying. war,” he added. Analyst Hassan Abu Haniyeh said an even Jordan’s response would be “earth-shattering”. “Whoever mitted by the terrorist organisation” IS. Large crowds gath- broader contribution from Jordan against IS was now pos- doubted the barbarity of IS, here is proof... and whoever ered close to the capital’s international airport to welcome Prince ‘Driven by Anguish’ sible. Jordan “could increase its participation in the coali- doubted the unity of the Jordanian people, we will prove home King Abdullah, who cut short a visit to the United The book’s editor W H Allen said the biography tion and ask to review the strategy it has adopted which is them wrong,” Momani added. The authorities moved States after hearing of Kassasbeh’s murder. revealed “a man in sight of happiness yet still driven limited to airstrikes,” he said. “Jordan could consider a quickly to respond to the killing by executing two Iraqi Religious affairs minister Hayel Abdulhafiz called on citi- by anguish,” inspired by “passionate views that mean ground invasion.” jihadists who had been on death row, including would-be zens to pray for Kassasbeh in mosques throughout the he will never be as remote and impartial as his moth- suicide bomber Sajida Al-Rishawi. IS had demanded her kingdom. His brutal death “will unite Jordanians... and will er”. The problem is that in Britain, the monarch reigns ‘Odious Crime’ release in return for keeping Kassasbeh alive. provide popular legitimacy to Jordan’s participation in the but does not rule, with the democratically-elected Yesterday, the Islamic Action Front, the political wing of international coalition,” said political analyst and writer government holding de facto power if not de jure. Following confirmation of Kassasbeh’s death, which Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood which has opposed Amman’s Fahd Khitan. — AFP Speculation about the prince’s behaviour on the state television reported had occurred on January 3, gov- throne is certain to surge anew next month when the Supreme Court decides whether Charles’ private handwritten letters to government ministers - dubbed the “Black Spider Memos” due to his heavy Saudi activist sees hope in new king lines of annotation across the pages - should be made public. The Guardian newspaper is seeking their pub- By Ian Timberlake ful prisoners of conscience,” Shammari flogged 1,000 times. He has so far lication, suspecting Charles of trying to exercise said. Her release had nothing to do with received the first 50 lashings of the sen- undue influence on cabinet members. reed from her “bad dream” of three King Salman’s amnesty and followed dis- tence, which sparked worldwide outrage. Royal expert Robert Jobson told AFP the debate months in prison, Saudi activist Suad cussions about the terms of her freedom, A Saudi court separately convicted the swirling around Charles was a tempest in a teacup, FAl-Shammari, an associate of she added. activist Abulkhair last July on a series of with the prince more aware than anyone of the detained blogger Raef Badawi, sees hope Among the conditions are that charges including “inciting public opin- duties that come with the throne. The prince’s in the ascent to the throne of new King Shammari not attend conferences that are ion”. It sentenced him to 10 years in jail activism “is not a problem at the moment because he “against the government” or associate with five years suspended. In January, an is not the king,” the London Evening Standard news- Salman. But there is no immediate chance paper’s royal editor said. “If he was behaving in this that Badawi or his detained lawyer Waleed with “liberal internationalism”, she said, appeals court ordered Abulkhair to serve way when he is a monarch, quite actively outspoken, Abulkhair can benefit from a prisoner adding she must also refrain from attack- the full 15 years. Abulkhair and Badawi are then it could be potentially - but I don’t foresee that amnesty announced by Salman, whose ing state institutions. “I have never done two of more than a dozen “prisoners of would happen.” — AFP reign commenced on Jan 23 following the and will never do that. I only object to cor- conscience” behind bars for peaceful death of King Abdullah, Shammari said. rupt violations that affect the state, its activism in Saudi Arabia, according to “Unfortunately, the king’s amnesty has reputation, and the dignity of its citizens”. rights group Amnesty International. a number of conditions and does not The United States, Canada and the All articles appearing on these include prisoners of conscience, politi- Peace, Tolerance European Union are among those pages are the personal opinion of cians and activists,” she told AFP in her Shammari co-founded with Badawi the denouncing Badawi’s sentence, but first interview since her release late last Saudi Liberal Network Internet discussion Shammari said the international furore the writers. Kuwait Times takes no week. Badawi and Abulkhair have been group, which she said existed for about came rather late. responsibility for views expressed nominated for this year’s Nobel Peace four years. Among its goals were “spread- “What I fear now is that they become Prize by Norwegian member of parliament ing a culture of rights and the right to silent again,” she said. Badawi, Abulkhair therein. Kuwait Times invites Karin Andersen. Shammari was arrested in freedom of speech and expression”. It also and Shammari were detained during the readers to voice their opinions. late October for insulting Islam, after post- supported peace, tolerance, dialogue and decade-long reign of King Abdullah, ing comments on Twitter about Muslim the freeing of Saudi women from “male “which we consider an era of reform”, yet Please send submissions via email religious leaders. guardianship”, she said. Badawi was arrest- which detained peaceful activists and vio- Her prison conditions were worse than ed in June 2012 under cybercrime provi- lent criminals alike, Shammari said. “So the to: [email protected] or she expected. “One room is meant to hold sions. A judge ordered the website shut outlook is unclear. But there is a beacon of via snail mail to PO Box 1301 eight women maximum but sometimes after it criticised Saudi Arabia’s notorious hope, in that King Salman is the only one there would be double that number. For religious police. The network had also among his brothers that really cares and Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves two months I did not have a bed and I announced a “day of liberalism” and called supports the media, writers and opinion- the right to edit any submission slept on the floor,” she said from the Red for an end to the influence of religion on makers,” she said, noting that his sons Sea city of Jeddah. Freedom is “like I woke public life. were in the media business. “So I am opti- as necessary. up from a bad dream”, but comes with “a Badawi is serving a 10-year sentence mistic and I’m holding on to hope, and pain in my heart for the rest of the peace- for “insulting Islam” and was ordered to be time will tell.” — AFP Suad Al-Shammari p15_Layout 1 2/4/15 9:34 PM Page 1
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 SPORTS
McIlroy settles legal case New hope for ailing Van Gaal targets FA Cup F1 team Marussia DUBLIN: World number one golfer Rory McIlroy has settled his legal dis- LONDON: Shorn of European excitement and with only a remote hope of pute with his former management company, the two sides said yesterday, LONDON: Troubled Formula One team Marussia could yet start the new winning the Premier League, Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal avoiding a potential eight weeks in court. The world’s media had descend- season after administrators said discussions were under way to secure its wants the FA Cup to garnish his first season in charge. ed on the Irish High Court on the quays of Dublin’s River Liffey in anticipa- financial future. His side needed two attempts to beat fourth tier Cambridge United, tion of seeing the four-times major winner take the stand in a “Since the appointment of administrators negotiations have taken place comfortably winning a fourth round replay 3-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, case that he took time away from the golf course to prepare with a number of parties to try and secure a long term solution for the but despite their unconvincing progress Van Gaal believes a 12th FA Cup for last year. McIlroy arrived at court on Tuesday to a scrum team,” Geoff Rowley, joint administrator and partner at FRP Advisory, said is there for the taking. of some 30 photographers but was not present on in a statement yesterday. With Chelsea and Manchester City already eliminated, he has Wednesday when his lawyer, Paul Gallagher, returned fol- “We can confirm that negotiations continue towards a longer term reason to feel optimistic. “The FA Cup is a trophy and I’m living lowing a number of deferrals a day earlier to say the matter viable solution for the business and participation of a team in the 2015 sea- for trophies as a coach,” he told United’s website had been resolved. McIlroy was suing his former team over son.” (www.manutd.com) the “unconscionable” contract he signed with them, Rowley and Geoff Carton-Kelly, partners in the specialist restructuring “For me, personally, I want a trophy everywhere I work while Horizon Sports Management counter-sued on and advisory firm, were appointed as administrators to Manor Grand Prix in my first season. We have a real chance now. We are the the grounds that he owed them millions of dollars in Racing Ltd, which trades as Marussia, in October. highest-ranked team in the FA Cup. Our status is of the commission on contracts up to 2017. British media The statement said Marussia would come out of administration on Feb. highest club. reported that McIlroy settled the dispute for “well 19 via a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in agreement with the “People are maybe betting on us but I am not over $20 million” plus costs.—Reuters team’s creditors.—Reuters allowed! I am not a casino man. —Reuters
NHL results/standings
New Jersey 2, Ottawa 1; Florida 4, NY Islanders 2; Washington 4, Los Angeles 0; Arizona 4, Columbus 1; Buffalo 3, Montreal 2; St. Louis 2, Tampa Bay 1 (OT); Nashville 4, Toronto 3; Minnesota 3, Chicago 0; Colorado 3, Dallas 2 (SO); Vancouver 3, Winnipeg 2 (OT); Anaheim 5, Carolina 4 (OT). Western Conference Pacific Division WL OTLGFGAPTS Anaheim 33 12 6 152 138 72 San Jose 27 17 7 143 140 61 Vancouver 28 18 3 134 126 59 Calgary 28 20 3 149 131 59 Los Angeles 21 17 12 134 136 54 Arizona 19 26 6 120 171 44 Edmonton 14 28 9 120 170 37
Central Division Nashville 33 11 6 153 118 72 St. Louis 33 13 4 162 121 70 Chicago 31 18 2 155 118 64 Winnipeg 26 18 9 146 140 61 Colorado 22 18 11 134 143 55 Minnesota 24 20 6 138 140 54 Dallas 23 19 8 159 162 54
Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Tampa Bay 32 15 5 167 135 69 Montreal 32 15 3 132 114 67 Detroit 29 12 9 149 129 67 Boston 27 16 7 134 124 61 Florida 22 17 10 122 140 54 Ottawa 20 20 9 137 138 49 Toronto 22 26 4 147 160 48 Buffalo 15 33 3 97 181 33
Metropolitan Division NY Islanders 32 17 1 160 143 65 Pittsburgh 28 14 8 145 129 64 NY Rangers 29 15 4 145 115 62 Washington 26 15 10 151 129 62 Philadelphia 22 22 7 140 151 51 New Jersey 20 22 9 115 139 49 Columbus 21 25 3 121 155 45 Carolina 17 26 7 109 134 41 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L). VANCOUVER: Chris Stewart No. 80 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates with Zemgus Girgensons No 28 after scoring a goal in this file photo. —AFP Sabres shock Canadiens, Predators roll
MONTREAL: Brian Gionta and the Buffalo staked the Capitals to a 2-0 lead with a goal third shutout since joining Minnesota in mid- time as the Canucks defeated the COYOTES 4, BLUE JACKETS 1 Sabres ended their 14-game losing streak - in each of the first two periods. It was his first January, leading the Wild past Chicago for Winnipeg Jets. Alexandre Burrows and Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Shane Doan the longest in team history - by beating the multigoal game of the season and only the their fourth straight win. Ronalds Kenins scored in regulation for scored power-play goals in the second Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Tuesday night. third with multiple points. Mikko Koivu, Jason Zucker and Mikael Vancouver. Eddie Lack stopped 26 shots. period, and Mike Smith made 30 saves to Gionta, a former Canadiens captain, Nicklas Backstrom made it 3-0 at 5:50 of Granlund scored for the Wild. Since being Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler had lead Arizona over Columbus. capped a three-goal first period for the the third following a Los Angeles turnover, acquired in a trade with Arizona, Dubnyk is goals for Winnipeg, which got 30 saves Lucas Lessio also had a goal, and Keith Sabres (15-33-3), who won three of four and 59 seconds later Eric Fehr converted 6-1 with a 1.57 goals-against average. from Ondrej Pavelec. Sbisa took a feed Yandle and Antoine Vermette each had two meetings with Montreal (32-15-3) this sea- another Kings miscue into a 4-0 advantage. He has four shutouts overall this season. from Radim Vrbata on a 2-on-1 rush and assists for the Coyotes, who completed a 3- son. Drew Stafford and Matt Moulson also Holtby, meanwhile, was rarely tested in The Blackhawks, fourth in the Western beat Pavelec for his third of the season. 3-2 road trip. Tobias Rieder added an emp- scored for Buffalo. Brandon Prust and David his sixth shutout of the season and career- Conference, spent the previous two days in Little’s 20th goal came after Canucks ty-netter. James Wisniewski scored for Desharnais had the goals for the Canadiens, high 24th victory. The Kings dropped to 1-6- Las Vegas and were outshot 43-24. They’ve defenseman Alexander Edler’s stick broke who have lost two in a row at home. 2 on the road since Dec. 11. The defending been shut out in their last two and haven’t on an easy clearing attempt with his team Columbus, which has lost three in a row. Montreal outshot Buffalo 34-18. The Sabres Stanley Cup champions are 21-17-12 overall won consecutive games in more than a down a man at 2:13 of the third. Jets cap- Anton Forsberg, starting his second NHL were three losses short of the NHL record for after opening the season 6-1-1. month. tain Andrew Ladd grabbed the loose puck game in goal, made 25 saves. consecutive defeats set by the 1974-75 and quickly found Little, who ripped a shot Washington Capitals and 1992-93 San Jose BLUES 2, LIGHTNING 1 DEVILS 2, SENATORS 1 high over Lack’s blocker. AVALANCHE 3, STARS 2 Sharks. Vladimir Tarasenko leveled the game late Mike Cammalleri scored the go-ahead Maxime Talbot scored the winner for in the third period and then Jaden Schwartz goal early in the third period as New Jersey PANTHERS 4, ISLANDERS 2 Colorado in the 11th round of a shootout PREDATORS 4, MAPLE LEAFS 3 scored in overtime to give streaking St. Louis extended its best run of the season with a Jimmy Hayes’ second goal of the game after Tyson Barrie tied the game in the final Mike Fisher had a goal and two assists as a victory over Tampa Bay. win over Ottawa. 2:10 into the third period lifted slumping minute of regulation against Dallas. Nashville handed Toronto its club record- The Blues (33-13-4) matched a franchise Cory Schneider made 19 saves and Adam Florida over New York. Hayes put a The Avalanche were down 2-0 in the equaling 10th straight loss. Seth Jones, Shea record with points in 12 consecutive games. Henrique had the other goal for the Devils, rebound of Nick Bjugstad’s shot past goalie third period in a matchup of teams that Weber and Colin Wilson also scored for the They have won six straight and are 11-0-1 in who won for the seventh time in 11 games Jaroslav Halak 9 seconds into a power play started the night tied with 53 points Predators, winners of two straight. Daniel their last 12. (7-2-2). Curtis Lazar scored for the Senators for his 15th goal. Bjugstad also assisted on apiece in the Central Division and trying to Winnik, Nazem Kadri and Mike Santorelli St. Louis, which got 30 saves from Brian and Robin Lehner made 17 saves in his third Hayes’ tying goal in the first. Erik climb into the playoff picture after slow scored for the Maple Leafs, who are 0-9-1 in Elliott, improved to 20-4-2 at home this sea- straight start for injured Craig Anderson. Gudbranson also scored, Brandon Pirri starts. Colorado matched a season low son. Eastern Conference-leading Tampa Bay Jaromir Jagr did most of the work on added one into an empty net and Al their past 10 games. Wilson got the go- with 16 shots in regulation, but the last ahead goal at 11:08 of the third. (32-15-5) has struggled on the road this sea- Cammalleri’s team-high 17th goal of the sea- Montoya made 32 saves for the Panthers. one was Barrie’s one-timer from just inside son, going 11-12-3 with four straight defeats. son and seventh game-winner. The big right They are 2-6-1 in their past nine games - the blue line with 19 seconds remaining. CAPITALS 4, KINGS 0 Lightning rookie Cedric Paquette opened wing won the puck in the right corner, made including losses at New Jersey and the Troy Brouwer scored two goals and the scoring with his sixth goal in four games a turn into the right circle and found New York Rangers in their previous two. Ryan O’Reilly got the Avalanche within a Braden Holtby stopped 27 shots as and 11th of the season. Cammalleri between the circles for a shot Anders Lee scored both goals for the goal 6:12 into the third. Patrick Eaves Washington beat Los Angeles for its second over Lehner’s shoulder. Metropolitan Division-leading Islanders, scored on Dallas’ suddenly potent power win in eight games. WILD 3, BLACKHAWKS 0 CANUCKS 3, JETS 2 who have dropped three straight. Halak play, and Erik Cole added a goal late in the Playing in his 500th career game, Brouwer Devan Dubnyk stopped 24 shots in his Luca Sbisa scored 36 seconds into over- made 26 saves. second period. —AP Bach: IOC ready to act in Russian doping case
BEAVER CREEK: The International Olympic then the decision will be taken with our zero- the second gold after that of Belarusian shot Committee will examine Yulia Zaripova’s dop- tolerance policy.” “If the sanction concerns the putter Nadzeya Ostapchuk. ing case to determine whether the Russian ath- period of the Olympic Games or if the sanc- Of the 22 Russians who originally won track lete should be stripped of her gold medal in tions concern the time of the qualification and field medals at the 2012 Olympics, six have the 3,000-meter steeplechase from the 2012 event, the IOC will take all the necessary steps,” since been banned for doping. One Olympic London Games. IOC President Thomas Bach he added. medal, a silver won by discus thrower Darya told The Associated Press that the Olympic Bach said the IOC will study the Russian Pishchalnikova, was reallocated. Zaripova’s sus- body is ready to “take all the necessary steps” agency’s full judgment and reasons before pension was backdated from July 2013 and after Zaripova was banned for 2 1/2 years by launching disciplinary procedures in the case. expires on January 24, 2016. That would leave Russia’s anti-doping agency last Friday for a If Zaripova is stripped of her London victory, her eligible to compete in next year’s Olympics biological passport violation. Habiba Ghribi of Tunisia would be in line to be in Rio de Janeiro. The Russian agency said Zaripova’s results upgraded from silver to gold. Sofia Assefa of Zaripova is one of a slew of Russian athletes would be annulled for parts of 2011 and 2012, Ethiopia would be promoted from bronze to who have been suspended for doping viola- dates which include her Olympic victory. silver, with Kenya’s Milcah Chemos going from tions in recent weeks. She was sanctioned on “The position of the IOC is very clear,” Bach fourth place to the bronze. the basis of irregularities in her biological pass- LONDON: In this Aug. 6, 2012 file photo, Russia’s Yuliya Zaripova celebrates as she wins the said during a visit to the Alpine skiing world Zaripova’s gold would become the fourth port, which tracks changes in an athlete’s blood women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics championships. “We will look into this case and London Olympic medal to be reallocated and profile for signs of doping.—AP in London.—AP p16_Layout 1 2/4/15 9:31 PM Page 1
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 SPORTS Westwood feels at home for Malaysian Open
KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champion my best ever, I am ready to defend my Open starting today is co-sanctioned by a formidable competitor on the resolve of the un-acclimated, while fre- Lee Westwood will be shooting for a title on a course where I almost feel like a the European and Asian Tours. Since his European Tour. quent rain and lightning delays can dis- third Malaysian Open title this week to member,” said Westwood, 41. victory last year in Kuala Lumpur, The 2010 US Open Champion and rupt momentum. extend his strong record in Asia, which Few non-Asian players can rival the Westwood has struggled to remain in world number 20 Graeme McDowell, But the tournament-held last year in has come to feel like home for the former world number one’s record in the top form and is now ranked 30th in the whose last tournament win came at the April-is being staged earlier this year, Englishman. region. Westwood has 42 pro victories in world. But, following his one-shot victo- Alstom Open de France last July, also is and recent weather conditions have Westwood was in a class by himself his career including seven in Asian Tour- ry in Thailand in December, he finished a in the fray, as is the Asian Tour’s current been relatively balmy. last year, seizing the title at the Kuala sanctioned events and several others in solid ninth place last week in the Dubai top-ranked player David Lipsky of the Two Thai players in the field who Lumpur Golf and Country Club by seven the region. His most recent Asian Tour Desert Classic, won by world number United States. know how to handle Malaysian condi- strokes and adding to a previous win in win came in the Thailand Golf one Rory McIlroy. Besides a challenging course that tions are Thongchai Jaidee, who has won the tournament way back in 1997. Championship in December, the second Challengers in Kuala Lumpur include puts a premium on accuracy, competi- the event twice before, and Kiradech “I am always comfortable playing in time he won that event. Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, the world tors typically must contend with hot and Aphibarnrat, who took the title in Malaysia, and with last year’s win one of The $3 million Maybank Malaysian number 15, who has steadily emerged as steamy local conditions that can sap the 2013.—AFP
Urban roller skating fights for survival as US rinks close CHICAGO: On a frigid winter night, snow vive are financially strapped. blankets hundreds of cars in the dark parking “We’re defending a dying sport,” said lot outside the Rink on Chicago’s south side. Buddy Alexander, 36, one of the owners of But things are cooking inside the aging Rich City Skate in a Chicago suburb. He and roller rink. Under colored lights, a huge crowd his brother Mark, 31, bought the rink in 2006 of skaters wearing black leather and four- and have worked hard to keep it alive. Other wheel skates shoots around the wooden floor venerable rinks such as the Loop and the doing dance routines in groups, or solo twirls, Rainbow Roller Rink have shut down. Axels and acrobatics to R&B remixes. “There are a lot of rinks closing around the The Rink and a handful of other decades- country because they aren’t open to this old skating venues put Chicago at the center community. In many big cities, there’s no of a vibrant African-American subculture of rinks left,” says Dyana Winkler, who is working urban roller skate dancing that stretches from on a documentary about the skating culture Atlanta to Detroit and from Los Angeles to called “United Skates.” New York. The roller skating tradition is four genera- While mainstream roller skating has been tions deep in cities like Chicago. Despite rink on a long decline, a new generation of skaters closures, the culture is getting stronger as including 28-year-old Josh Smith - whose styles evolve, said Winker’s co-director, Tina skating handle is “Batman” - travel a circuit of Brown. Case in point: 46-year-old Chicago rinks around the country to compete and educator Lavonne Jones, who has skated show off their moves. most of her life. Her parents, her children and “Skating is on my mind 24/7, in my her grandchildren all skate. “We’re keeping dreams. I always try to raise the bar,” says the the tradition alive.” goateed Smith, who has competed all over “Skating was our refuge. If we didn’t have the United States and as far away as England skating we’d be dead or on drugs or in a and draws influences from arts such as ball- gang,” says Jones, echoing the sentiments of room dancing and the Brazilian martial art many fellow skaters in Chicago, a city capoeira. plagued by shootings and homicides. In Out on the floor Smith spins, jumps, break January, Jones continued her traditional dances and does splits. Purple lights glow weekly outings to the Rink even though she WINDERMERE: In this Dec. 7, 2014, file photo, Tiger Woods tees off on the fourth hole during the final round of the Hero World Challenge golf under his skates. At the end of a long night of had lost her beloved skates in a house fire, tournament. —AP skating in Chicago, at 1 a.m. he jumps in a car seeking comfort from the close-knit skating with skating buddies and heads to Alabama community. to compete at a national gathering known as Some 10 to 15 years ago a skating renais- a skate jam. sance began - aided by the rise in social Tiger Woods now a The evolving skate dance form does not media - as the different skate scenes around even have a name, and each city has its par- the country connected and started traveling ticular style. Veteran Chicago skaters call to each other’s cities. themselves JB skaters - after remixed James Jeremy Stephens, 38, has skated in 28 dif- Brown songs that are a local staple. Other ferent states at national skate parties, and he subject of sympathy skaters in the United States will recognize JB promotes a major national gathering of hun- skaters for their old-fashioned, loosely tied dreds of skaters at the Rink each year on black boots and specific moves such as big Halloween. Stephens said he got hooked on SAN DIEGO: No one can recall these kinds of the best short games on tour. Woods does not. year-old rookie, grew up watching and idolizing wheel and crazy legs. skating eight years ago when a friend sug- odds for Tiger Woods at any tournament, cer- And the rest of his game is not much better. Woods. Just like any other kid, he dreamed gested it would be healthier than nightclub- tainly not one at Torrey Pines. He is listed at 50- The talk at Isleworth two months ago, when about winning a major, and it was usually going THREATENED SCENE hopping. “It’s an outlet. It’s a lifestyle,” to-1, which prompted a question that was even Woods returned from a four-month break to let head-to-head with Woods on the back nine The scene is intense and vibrant, but it is Stephens said. “When I started skating I more shocking than the odds. his back heal fully from surgery and to regain Sunday. also threatened as roller skating rinks close wasn’t getting into trouble anymore. It strength, was that there was more freedom in Thomas has played in three tournaments down in many big cities. And those that sur- becomes a family.” —Reuters Was that to win? Or to make the cut? his swing. In Phoenix, he was back to rehearsing with Woods, and Woods has missed the cut in Perhaps even more telling was an observa- his shot, over and over, before every swing. two of them. The other was at Torrey Pines, tion from Padraig Harrington. “Did you ever Is this a low point? Woods can only hope so, where Woods missed the 54-hole cut. When he think you would hear a professional golfer gen- but the rehearsals would indicate he has a lot of shot his 82 last Friday, Thomas said it was “dis- uinely and sincerely say, ‘I hope Tiger Woods work and a long road ahead of him. But what heartening to see.” plays better,’” Harrington said over the weekend. Harrington said touches on a sad truth about a After the first round of the Phoenix Open, No one ever imagined him playing worse. guy who dominated the sport unlike any other. someone pointed out to Spieth than in the six Woods didn’t just miss the cut in the Phoenix For so many years, Woods was associated with times they had been paired together, Spieth Open last week. He missed it by 12 shots. More words like mystique, intimidation and ruthless- already was 23 shots ahead. “I don’t think I’ve than posting an 82 - the highest score of his ness. caught him on a good day,” he said politely. professional career - was how lost he looked on These kids don’t know the Tiger Woods that the golf course, especially around the greens. Now he evokes sympathy Perez and Harrington grew up with. They might Yes, this was a really bad day at the office. But No player wants to see Woods like this, and never. “They didn’t have to compete against him this was Tiger Woods, the guy with a short game the odds would be greater than 50-to-1 they’ll week in and week out, when you knew you that had no rival. The biggest break for Woods ever get the old Woods back. “I want to see him couldn’t beat him,” Perez said. “There was noth- during his second round at the TPC Scottsdale back on top of his game again,” Pat Perez said. ing you could do about it. But it’s just ... it’s just was on the 17th hole, when Woods and Jordan “He is golf. I don’t care where he is. If he finishes different now.” Along with the analysis - is it in Spieth drove it just short of the green. The hole last or first or whatever, he is the game of golf. his head or does he have the yips or is it both? - was back and to the right, requiring a pitch that And until he leaves, he will be that guy. are the predictions. had to be struck close to perfect. Everybody is always going to question him and Woods had no chance. His golf ball was par- go after him. I don’t watch the Golf Channel, but The end of Tiger Woods tially sunken in a divot, a shot so impossible that I’m sure they have all the answers for him. I To see how lost he looked in Phoenix, and PHOENIX: In this Sept. 7, 2014, file photo, Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) he stood over it for nearly a minute with his hope he turns it around.” Rory McIlroy got grief realizing that he is 39 with five surgeries behind reacts to a call. Taurasi will sit out the 2015 WNBA season after receiving a lucrative hands on his hips instead of around a club, last year for saying that Woods was on the back him, make clear that it will take an extraordinary offer from her Russian club team to rest this summer. —AP probably because he had no idea what club nine of his career. Now you might as well try to effort for Woods to get back to the top of his could get him out of this trouble. He opted for a guess which hole he is on. That’s the mood on game. Then again, he was nothing short of Taurasi to skip WNBA season; 4-iron, which didn’t have enough pace and fell the PGA Tour. It’s sad to watch. extraordinary leading up to this point. It’s easy off the side of the green. The two nastiest words in golf are “choke” to forget he won five times and was PGA Tour and “yips,” and the latter is coming up quite fre- player of the year just two years ago. That’s what Russia offers money to rest Why was that a break? quently in any conversation about Woods. How Thomas is banking on. “It (stinks),” he said of Because if he had a clean lie, Spieth would else to explain a guy who hits one chip 3 feet how Woods is playing. “But he’ll get it back. He PHOENIX: The toll of playing year-round bas- Taurasi started playing in Russia in 2005- have exposed him even more. Spieth has one of and the next one 30 yards? Justin Thomas, a 21- wasn’t the best player by coincidence.”—AP ketball finally caught up with Phoenix 06, had two years in the Turkish league and Mercury star Diana Taurasi. Less than a year spent the past two offseasons playing for after leading the Mercury to their third WNBA UMMC Ekaterinburg. title, Taurasi announced Tuesday that she will Like many players, the demands of playing Super Bowl arade to skip the WNBA season this summer after year-round have taken a toll on Taurasi, who accepting a lucrative offer from her Russian also has won three Olympic gold medals. She draw hearty fans club team to rest. Taurasi said she will return was limited to eight games because of for the 2016 WNBA season. injuries in 2012 and has battled a variety of amid snow piles “The year-round nature of women’s bas- injuries over the years. ketball takes its toll and the financial oppor- “An athlete’s career is finite, and we sup- BOSTON: Despite a pair of record-setting snowstorms, tunity with my team in Russia would have port any choice Diana makes in her own best die-hard New England Patriots fans are expected to hit been irresponsible to turn down,” Taurasi said interest and which has the potential to pro- the streets of Boston late yesterday to celebrate their in a letter sent to Mercury fans. “They offered long her career,” Mercury general manager team’s Super Bowl victory with a downtown parade. to pay me to rest and I’ve decided to take Jim Pitman said in a statement. “We know The parade, held in World War Two-era amphibious them up on it. I want to be able to take care how much Diana cares about the Mercury trucks known as “duck boats,” will go on amid snow drifts of myself and my family when I am done play- organization, team and fans.” that are piled 6 feet (1.8 meter) high in places after Boston ing.” Taurasi has made the WNBA’s first-team received more than 40 inches (1 meter) of accumulation Like most top players in the WNBA, Taurasi eight times and is a five-time scoring champi- has spent her offseasons playing overseas, on. She was the league MVP in 2009 and was over the past week. where the pay is significantly higher than the first player in WNBA history to lead the Mayor Marty Walsh had initially scheduled the parade what they can earn in the US. league in scoring one season and assists the for Tuesday, but he pushed it back until 11 a.m. The salary for a four-month WNBA sum- next. Wednesday due to a heavy Monday snowfall. mer season ranges from about $45,000 for Taurasi has spent her entire 11-year WNBA He warned parade-goers not to climb on snowbanks rookies to $108,000 for veterans such as career with the Mercury, also leading them to to try to get a closer look at players including star quarter- Taurasi. Top Americans who play overseas in league championships in 2007 and 2009. back Tom Brady and Malcolm Butler, the rookie whose the winter can earn as much as $2 million. Last season, she was part of a star-studded interception in the final seconds sealed Sunday’s victory Taurasi has been one of the WNBA’s most Mercury lineup that included 2013 WNBA over the Seattle Seahawks. popular players since the Mercury selected rookie of the year Brittney Griner, All-Star “I’m asking you not to climb on snowbanks ... it’s very her out of Connecticut with the No. 1 overall Candice Dupree and three-time WNBA sixth dangerous,” Walsh told reporters, adding that he was con- pick in the 2004 WNBA draft. woman of the year DeWanna Bonner. Phoenix vinced the parade could be held safely despite the snow. The 33-year-old was one of the league’s swept Chicago in three games in the WNBA “A lot of people are excited about a parade, they want best players in 2014, averaging 16.2 points, Finals despite playing without Griner in Game a parade. It’s what we’ve done,” Walsh said. “If I felt it was 5.6 assists and 3.8 rebounds while earning her 3 because of an eye injury. going to be a public safety issue, we would cancel it.” seventh All-Star nod. She also led the Mercury “We understand Diana’s choice not to play to their third championship and was selected this season, a decision that undoubtedly will The parade route begins at Prudential Tower and ends MVP of the WNBA Finals. extend her career and will benefit the INDIANAPOLIS: In this Jan. 14, 2015 file photo, Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker at City Hall, but it will not feature the traditional City Hall “I think foremost I totally understand and Mercury in the future,” Mercury coach Sandy DíQwell Jackson answers a question during an NFL football news conference at the rally afterward, because of cold temperatures and snow. respect her decision to take a rest,” WNBA Brondello said. “Obviously it is hard to replace team’s practice facility in Indianapolis. Police in Washington have arrested Jackson Patriots fans are calling Sunday night’s game one of President Laurel J. Richie said in a phone someone of her caliber, but we are confident and charged him with assault after an argument over a parking space. A police the best Super Bowls in history. The team clinched its interview with The Associated Press. “She’s in our other key personnel on our roster con- report shows Jackson was arrested on the misdemeanor charge Tuesday. The report fourth National Football League championship after a been playing at an incredibly high level for 10 tinuing their development and rising to the says a driver told police that Jackson punched him in the face and head during a dis- heart-stopping sequence of plays in the game’s final min- years so I understand and appreciate that.” challenge.”—AP pute over a parking space. —AP utes. —Reuters p17 2_Layout 1 2/4/15 9:30 PM Page 1
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 SPORTS
SPAIN: Ferrari’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen drives on the fourth day of the Formula One pre-season tests at Jerez racetrack. —AFP Raikkonen clocks fastest Campese looks to follow family lead in England SPAIN: Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen was fastest on the It is also been a promising few days for the Referring to Germany’s two F1 circuits, MANCHESTER: final day of the first pre-season test in Jerez yester- perennial minnows Sauber and Toro Rosso. Ericsson Hockenheim and Nurburgring, Ecclestone, chief Australia’s David “It’s definitely every team’s goal to day as McLaren’s hopes for a problem free day were and rookie Brazilian teammate Felipe Nasr were in executive of the Formula One group, said: “Basically Campese enjoyed plenty of success make that top eight. We’ve got to dashed. the top two across all four days. we haven’t a contract with either venue. in England, including winning the start the season well, you don’t want The Finn set the fastest time of the week with a Meanwhile, the youngest ever driver in Formula “We are trying to get something done, we are Rugby Union World Cup in 1991, and to fall behind so you’ve got to get as lap of 1min 20.841 followed by Sauber’s Marcus One, Max Verstappen, got some more experience trying to help them. In the end, and God only now the Wallaby great’s nephew many wins as you can in that first Ericsson and world champion Lewis Hamilton with under his belt in the Toro Rosso as he was fourth knows why, the audience in Germany is lousy. “I’ve hopes the country will prove a happy month. “We’ve got a young side at all three completing over 100 laps on the day. There fastest in a 97-lap effort. There was also plenty of no idea why it should be, because they’ve a hunting ground for him as well, albeit Hull KR and I’ll try and pass on as was no such luck for Jenson Button as a difficult news off the track as Force India announced that German manufacturer in Mercedes who are con- in a different code. much as possible.” week for the new McLaren-Honda partnership con- their new VJM08 car is unlikely to be ready in time structors’ champions, they had a driver in Sebastian Terry Campese has certainly had a Elsewhere in the opening round, tinued. for the next test in Barcelona, so they will run their (Vettel) who won four successive drivers’ champi- lot to get his head around since arriv- last year’s runners-up Wigan take on Button failed to get beyond the pit lane in two 2014 car in the Catalan capital later this month. onships. ing as Hull Kingston Rovers’ star new a Widnes side coached by one of attempts early on before a fuel pump issue cut Meanwhile, there were reports that the financial- “But they have not been selling enough tickets signing for the 2015 Super League their former players, Denis Betts, in short his afternoon having completed just 35 laps. ly stricken Marussia team could come out of admin- to make it work. It’s purely commercial, so I’m trying season, which kicks off on Thursday. the first match of the new season on That took the Woking-based team’s tally to just istration in the coming weeks with the hope of still to be a little bit helpful to them. The former Canberra Raider has to Thursday. 79 laps for the week. McLaren racing director Eric making it to the first Grand Prix of the season in “We’re trying to rescue it, but I can’t guarantee get to grips with a whole new style of The Vikings have been boosted by Boullier warned on Tuesday that any more setbacks Melbourne on March 15. we will. We are doing our best, and maybe by this play in the UK and a raft of structural the signings of experienced duo in testing would delay their chances of being com- Meanwhile, Formula One supremo Bernie weekend we’ll have an answer. I hope so.” league changes implemented this Aaron Heremaia and Manase petitive once the season gets underway in Australia Ecclestone hopes to keep the German Grand Prix The German Grand Prix traditionally alternates year, as well as the responsibility of Manuokafoa. Heremaia, formerly a in six weeks’ time. on this season’s calendar, he said in an interview between Hockenheim and Nurburgring and was captaining his new side. The 30-year- New Zealand Warrior, has joined from Red Bull have also had problems in the southern published by Britain’s Press Association on Tuesday. due to take place at the latter this year, but the ven- old stand-off left Australia’s NRL at Super League rivals Hull FC and Betts Spanish city, but they recovered from a power unit The 84-year-old British business magnate ue has been beset by financial difficulties. the end of the last campaign and he was confident the Kiwi could make problem in the morning as Daniil Kyvat managed appeared to rule out the possibility of the race hap- “If we do something, it is looking like has been tasked with leading a an immediate impact. 62 laps, albeit only ahead of Button on time. pening in an email sent to a German newspaper on Hockenheim will probably be the most-likely ven- youthful looking Hull KR side “We’re looking forward to the new Double world champions Mercedes enjoyed Monday in which he said it would not be “commer- ue,” Ecclestone added. “The bottom line is there is coached by Chris Chester. season, we’ve had a lot of stability in another marathon day on the mileage front as cially viable”. But he subsequently backtracked and still a chance and we hope to know more by the The likes of Travis Burns and Josh the last two or three years and we’ve Hamilton’s 117 laps took them past the 500 mark said he would know by this weekend whether the weekend.” This year’s race is scheduled to take place Hodgson have moved on from last got a strong squad and we’ve for the week. race will take place or not. on July 17-19.—AFP year making Campese, with all his brought in some quality with NRL experience, the natural heir to Manuokafoa and also Heremaia to lead the side. give us some experience,” said Betts. First and foremost the Robins will “What I hope to get from Aaron is be targeting getting into the top some experience and leadership. He’s eight after the first 23 games of the played in Aussie grand finals and he’s Pakistan fired up by season. After that point the league is just got a real good temperament frozen and split between the Super about him.” 8s-who play for the league crown- Meanwhile, defending champions and the qualifiers - which is com- St Helens face a daunting trip to Todd Misbah and Afridi prised of the bottom four Super Carney’s Catalans Dragons on the League sides, playing off against the first weekend and new skipper Jon top four from the second-tier Wilkin insisted his side would have to KARACHI: Pakistan one-day skipper Misbah-ul “If he ever sits in my cab I will ask him why he and Afridi are poles apart. Despite becoming Championship for the right to say in lift their game despite taking the title Haq and predecessor Shahid Afridi play for the bats so slowly,” said bemused Abu Dhabi taxi Pakistan’s most successful Test captain last year, the top flight. last year. “As champions there’s an same team, but come from different worlds. driver Kamal Khan during a recent series in the Misbah is criticized for being defensive. And, with Hull KR having finished added pressure because teams are If the unpredictable Pakistanis are to secure a Gulf, Pakistan’s home-from-home in recent years. “Misbah is overly defensive as captain while ninth last season. Campese said he going to come for us,” said Wilkin. and his new team-mates would need “We set a bit of a standard last second World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, “Misbah is disliked for his slow batting while Afridi attacks and is very aggressive,” former cap- a fast start when they host Leeds this year, and my belief is that standard they need the two heavyweight talents to forge Afridi rules hearts because of his aggressive tain Mohammad Yousuf said. Misbah took over weekend if they are to challenge at won’t be good enough this year so a united front. fours and sixes.” Afridi tends to throw his bat from Afridi as one-day skipper in 2011. the top. we need to have improved substan- But when Misbah withdrew from the third Misbah is conservative, careful; Afridi is brash, from the get-go, seemingly caring little for the “I can’t wait for the new season, tially to get the honors we did last belligerent. Misbah takes time to settle and plays nature of the pitch, the strength of the bowler or and final one-dayer against Australia in Abu it’s going to be my first time at home year.”—AFP with a straight bat, characteristics which are the situation of the match. Dhabi last year over poor batting form, Afridi on Sunday against Leeds,” he said. alien to most fans of the game in Pakistan who “Once I went to bat and asked Afridi about the grabbed his new opportunity with both hands. have still not forgiven him for failing to guide the pitch and he replied: ‘I don’t know, but I am But Misbah returned with a bang, equalling country to victory over arch-rivals India in the enjoying it as the ball is coming onto the bat’,” the fastest Test century off just 56 balls thus end- World Twenty20 final in Johannesburg in 2007. recalled former captain Ramiz Raja. ing speculation that Afridi might replace him as Minnows take heart from His ill-advised paddle-sweep with just five Afridi’s strength is his lusty hitting-he hit two captain for the World Cup. runs needed for victory still rankles. Then at last-over sixes to help Pakistan pull off an incred- Both men will quit one-day cricket after the shock-laden World Cup Mohali in the 2011 World Cup semi-finals, ible win over India in last year’s Asia Cup in World Cup but Misbah will continue to play Tests Misbah batted out crucial deliveries before scor- Dhaka. while Afridi will continue to enjoy the brasher SYDNEY: 8.2-6-7-3. Those were not Centurion in 2003. ing 56 off 76 balls as Pakistan again lost to India. When it comes to captaining the side, Misbah Twenty20.—AFP the World Cup bowling figures of New Zealand were to suffer next Australian leg-spin wizard Shane from Davison’s punishing blade as Warne or Pakistani fast bowling great the Canadian hammered a half-cen- Wasim Akram, but of a one-time ten- tury off just 25 balls against an attack nis player. containing quality pacemen Shane Kenyan left-arm spinner Aasif Bond and Jacob Oram. Ireland’s part- Karim, who also represented his timers made history on St Patrick’s country in the Davis Cup, was 39 Day in 2007 when they knocked out when he caught the eye with those former champions Pakistan in the 50 magical deliveries, tying famed first round with a three-wicket win, Australian batsmen into knots in their stars being paceman Boyd Durban in 2003. Rankin (3-32) and Niall O’Brien (72). He had quit cricket after the 1999 In another famous shock, when World Cup in England but returned Kenyan Rajab Ali shared the new ball for the next edition in South Africa, with Martin Suji in a 1996 World Cup showing what players from non-Test match at Pune, two-time champions playing nations were capable of at West Indies did not expect they cricket’s showpiece event. Karim’s vic- would struggle to chase a modest tims included Australian captain 167-run target. Ricky Ponting, Darren Lehmann and But Ali rocked the top order with Brad Hogg. He did not taste success two wickets, including that of Brian after his heroics, going wicketless Lara, while off-spinner Odumbe (3- against India in the next game, which 15) kept pressure on the middle turned out to be his last one-day order as their team pulled off a sensa- match. tional 73-run victory. England were Players from so-called minnows surprised by Zimbabwean chicken may quake at the prospect of facing farmer Eddo Brandes, who finished pacemen Dale Steyn and Mitchell with 4-21 off 10 dream overs in his Johnson or bowling to Rohit Sharma team’s nine-run victory in a 1992 and Chris Gayle. World Cup game at Albury, before But the giants of the game should the African side played their first Test. under-estimate the minnows-repre- Zimbabwe had pulled off a major sented in Australia and New Zealand shock nine years earlier when by the likes of Afghanistan, Scotland Duncan Fletcher (69 not out and 4- and the UAE at their peril. 42) masterminded Australia’s down- Previous World Cups are full of fall with a brilliant all-round show. examples of players from smaller Dave Houghton managed to win sides who have enjoyed a rare two man-of-the-match awards even moment in the sun such as Canadian in Zimbabwe’s defeats, cracking 84 John Davison, Kenyan Maurice against Australia at Southampton in Odumbe and Irish brothers Niall and 1983 and 142 against New Zealand at Kevin O’Brien. Hyderabad in India in 1987. Four Davison overshadowed batting years ago in Bangalore, Kevin O’Brien greats for a day when he smashed hit the fastest World Cup century off the then fastest World Cup hundred, just 50 balls as Ireland stunned NEW ZEALAND: Misbah-ul-Haq (left) captain of Pakistan plays a shot in this file photo. —AFP off 67 balls, against the West Indies at England.—AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 SPORTS
Barcelona president suggests Real behind Neymar court case BARCELONA: Barcelona president Josep reach the end which is my role. We are pay- Maria Bartomeu insinuated that bitter ene- ing a political price.” mies Real Madrid had a part to play in the Bartomeu will be questioned on Feb. 13 Neymar transfer court case in which he has over whether Barcelona and their directors been called to give evidence. “We have defrauded the Spanish tax office of 2.8 mil- done nothing wrong and we will keep say- lion euros ($3.21 million) during the 2014 ing the truth. The signing of Neymar took tax year. place using the most prestigious lawyers,” Barcelona initially claimed that the cost Bartomeu told Spanish television. of the Neymar transfer from Santos ahead “Other clubs wanted to sign Neymar of last season was 57.1 million euros ($65.41 paying more money but they didn’t man- million) but the case was taken to court by a age it and they didn’t like that. Someone fan seeking transparency over the deal. now has overstepped the line. Former president Sandro Rosell resigned in “I’m not saying Madrid are behind this January, 2014, after a judge decided to but Neymar’s father told me that there investigate and call him to testify. were two offers: Barca and Madrid. Madrid Bartomeu, having replaced Rosell, gave wanted to buy him and were ready to pay a breakdown of the cost of the Neymar more for him. transfer which revealed that it amounted to “A year ago Neymar was playing well 86.2 million euros ($98.75 million) with the and then all this fuss suddenly came up. inclusion of payments to the player and his Maybe somebody doesn’t like him. Now family. Judge Pablo Ruz feels there is suffi- again he is playing well and there is anoth- cient argument to investigate a claim that er judicial process.” tax was not paid on an outstanding install- Bartomeu also suggested that there is a ment of the transfer that took place at the political campaign against the club over its start of Bartomeu’s presidency in January prominent role in Catalan nationalism. last year. Bartomeu’s pending court appear- “A year ago we allowed the Camp Nou ance is the latest incident in a troubled year to be used for the Liberty Concert, we play for him at the helm of the club. The board- with the colours of the Senyera (the room crisis in the aftermath of a transfer Catalan flag) ... maybe that isn’t liked,” he ban for two windows over the signing of said. foreign under-18 players led him to bring “I can see a sport and politics issue but forward presidential elections to the end of BATA: Referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn (second from right) is shielded by security personal against Tunisian players at the end of the African we are going to keep going as we are and this season.—Reuters Cup of Nations quarter final soccer match in this file photo. —AP Bayern held by Schalke Errant Cup referee FRANKFURT: Bayern Munich remained striker Robert Lewandowski early in the winless in the second half of the second half, livening up the match. Bundesliga season after holding on with 10 The home team went ahead when men to earn a 1-1 draw with Schalke on Robben headed in a corner from Xabi Tuesday. Alonso. Schalke’s goal also came from a cor- gets six-month ban The defending champion retained its ner, with Sam providing the cross for eight-point lead over Wolfsburg, which Hoewedes to head home. clinched a late 1-1 draw at Eintracht “It’s frustrating,” Robben said. “We go BATA: The referee at the centre of the contro- NIGGLY MATCH iour of the players and officials of the Tunisian Frankfurt. Wolfsburg beat Bayern 4-1 on ahead and then we let him score. We were versial penalty decision that helped hosts A niggly match was turned on its head by team”. Friday but needed a late equalizer from down a man but we ran and fought, and Equatorial Guinea reach the African Nations Seechurn’s stoppage-time decision to hand It also “instructed the Tunisian federation to Kevin de Bruyne to escape with a point. controlled the game, so it’s disappointing. Cup semi-finals has been banned for six Equatorial Guinea a soft penalty which allowed send to CAF a letter of apology for the insinua- Bayern lost Jerome Boateng to a red “Schalke didn’t do anything, they only months, CAF said in a statement on Tuesday. them to equalise and take the game to extra tions of bias and lack of ethics against CAF and card in the 17th minute and was lucky not defended. We didn’t allow any counter- Rajindraparsad Seechurn of Mauritius has time. its officials, or to present irrefutable evidence to to fall behind as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer attacks, we played much better than also been removed from the list of top African The match then degenerated into farcical substantiate the accusations”. easily caught the resulting penalty from against Wolfsburg.” officials, effectively ending his international scenes of fighting on the pitch and between CAF said it had examined several incidents Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting. Bayern failed to exploit the inexperience career, the Confederation of African Football the two benches after Equatorial Guinea’s including a pitch invasion by fans, the aggres- Arjen Robben put Bayern ahead in the of 19-year-old Timon Wellenreuther, who added. Javier Balboa scored his second goal with a sive attitude of some supporters in the stands, 67th but Benedikt Hoewedes equalized five made his Bundesliga debut in Schalke’s The Tunisian team, some of whom attempt- stunning free kick to win the game for the small the invasion of the pitch after the final whistle minutes later. Also, Borussia goal in the second half, replacing the ed to attack the referee after Saturday’s 2-1 host nation. by players and substitutes of the Tunisia team- Moenchengladbach beat Freiburg 1-0 and injured Fabian Giefer. Eintracht was also quarter-final loss after extra time in Bata, were CAF’s disciplinary committee sanctioned insulting the referee and trying to physically handed a $50,000 fine but there no individual both countries for their part in the fracas but Hannover and Mainz drew 1-1. Bayern coming off a 4-1 loss in Freiburg and assault him-and the “regrettable behavior” of sanctions were announced. Opponents did not come down hard on individual players dropped points at home for the first time shored up its defense against Wolfsburg. the president of the Tunisian Football this season, while Schalke stayed fourth. Frankfurt was the better side and Stefan Equatorial Guinea were also sanctioned for as had been expected. poor security at the match. Pictures at the end of the game showed Federation, Wadie Jary, who entered the field to Boateng was sent off for bringing down Aigner scored in the 58th. But De Bruyne remonstrate with the match officials. Sydney Sam as he surged forward. Choupo- followed up his two-goal performance The decision followed two separate meet- Tunisian players chasing after the referee, try- ings in Bata on Tuesday-the first to discuss the ing to punch and kick him. CAF, instead, fined CAF also said Tunisian players broke a door Moting’s penalty was low and weak, and against Bayern by notching the equalizer in in the changing rooms and a fridge and would Neuer had no problem diving to his left to the 88th. referee’s performance and the second to sanc- Tunisia and threatened them with expulsion ask their federation to pay for the damages. smother the ball. Wolfsburg’s latest signing Andre tion the two teams. from the next Nations Cup unless they apolo- Equatorial Guinea were fined $5,000 after Schalke did not change anything in its Schuerrle was not in the squad. Patrick “The referees committee noted with regret gise by Thursday. several supporters ran onto the field in celebra- game plan and mostly defended despite Herrmann scored in the 23rd to secure the poor performance of the referee during the being a man up. Bayern controlled the third-place Moenchengladbach’s win. match, including an unacceptable failure to UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR tion at the end of the game. But there was no game but produced few chances in a dull Jimmy Briand scored in the 26th for maintain calm and ensure proper control of the The statement said CAF had “imposed on mention of sanctions against fullback Sipoto, contest. Hannover, but Elkin Soto earned a draw for players during the match,” said the CAF state- the Tunisian Federation a fine of $50,000 for the who was caught on television spitting at Bayern coach Pep Guardiola brought in Mainz in the 77th.—AP ment. insolent, aggressive and unacceptable behav- Tunisia’s Wahib Khazri. —Reuters PSG through to final
LILLE: French League Cup holders Paris Saint- serenely through the mixed zone Brazilian star top of Ligue 1 on Sunday when they attempt to Germain moved to within one win of retaining Lucas disobeyed and stopped to speak with the overturn a two point deficit on Lyon when the the trophy as a first-half goal from defender press speaking in Portuguese. teams meet at the Stade Gerland. Maxwell gave them a 1-0 semi-final victory at Laurent Blanc’s side will play either Monaco “We have a lot of matches and it’s going to Lille on Tuesday. or Bastia, who meet at the Louis II stadium on be a marathon but let’s hope it continues as The French champions dominated affairs Wednesday, in the April 11 final at the Stade de long as possible. I hope that March will be com- with the bulk of possession and mustered the France. plicated and the marathon continues into April only goal of the match on 27 minutes when “We’re the Cup holders and we had the heart and May which will mean we’re advancing in all Brazilian full back Maxwell blasted a fierce shot to defend that,” said Blanc. “We had to win here competitions.” concluded Blanc. into the corner leaving Lille’s Nigerian ‘keeper (Lille) first and that’s done but what pleases me Rene Girard’s Lille side were out of their Vincent Enyeama no chance. most is not only the victory but also what we depth against the star-studded PSG line-up who The joy at reaching the final was tempered offered against a team that really dug in. put a first choice team out including somewhat as after the game PSG’s star player “We didn’t give them hope even if the score Ibrahimovic, Cavani, Thiago Silva and David Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic tried to per- was only 1-0 and my team played some really Luiz. suade several of his team-mates to ignore the good stuff which will serve us in good stead for The hosts hardly conjured up a second half waiting press. the future but we still have to progress,” added opportunity as reserve ‘keeper Nicolas Douchez, “Follow me follow me. Nobody talks. Zlatan is the former Bordeaux and France coach. standing in for Salvatore Sirigu, enjoyed a the boss,” Ibrahimovic said in English as he led a The victory keeps PSG on track for a quartet relaxed evening in the away goal. group comprising among others Maxwell, of trophies with a Champions League last-16 tie Lucas and Cavani played a role in the winner Edinson Cavani and Brazilian Lucas out of the against Chelsea on February 17 and a last-16 with the Uruguayan marksman sliding the ball dressingroom. French Cup fixture against Nantes lying ahead. across to Maxwell who made no mistake from While a smiling Ibrahimovic progressed The capital club also have the chance to go the edge of the penalty box.—AFP
MUNICH: Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski from Poland (left) and Schalke’s Joel Matip from Cameroon challenge for the ball during the soccer match. —AP Beckham still weighing options for Miami stadium
MIAMI: More than a year after David “You can’t build a stadium overnight, so Beckham swooped into Miami, the retired finding the right site, finding the right English soccer star has not yet secured a place in Miami is important for us. But it spot for his planned Major League Soccer will all start coming together pretty quickly team, but he and his partners are still and everything will start happening pretty searching, a spokesman said on Tuesday. soon,” Beckham told E! Online last month. “The Miami Beckham United team is Miami-Dade County lawmakers voted actively looking at four or five sites,” Tadd on Tuesday to allow the county to open Schwartz wrote in an emailed statement. negotiations with Florida International Beckham’s group has remained mostly qui- University for use of its stadium as a tem- et since local officials last year rebuffed two porary home for Beckham’s team in south attempts to secure land for a 25,000-seat Miami. “Right now, our focus is on identify- bayfront arena in the city’s downtown. ing the location for a purpose-built stadi- A first push last year to build the stadi- um that will be the team’s permanent um on an empty tract on a small island home,” Schwartz wrote. mostly occupied by the port of Miami was MLS Commissioner Don Garber has long fought by a maritime group led by Royal emphasized the need for the club to have Caribbean Cruises Ltd . A second effort to its own facility near downtown Miami. “If tuck it in between the NBA Miami Heat’s we can’t get the right stadium, we can’t go basketball arena and the city’s art museum to Miami,” Garber told Reuters in FRANCE: Lille’s Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (left) vies with Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani during their also failed. October.—Reuters French League Cup. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 SPORTS Balboa is a hero from afar
MALABO: Javier Balboa may have only first visited the country of his parents birth in 2007 but the Spain-born winger’s goals have made him a national hero as they have helped Equatorial Guinea secure an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Ghana in Malabo Thursday. “I’ve always felt very loved in the country,” said Balboa, who plays for Portuguese club Estoril, in an interview with AFP. “Obviously, scoring two goals (against Tunisia in a 2-1 quarter-final victory) ... I became the reference for the public, but it’s a team job.” Balboa, 29, also scored a penalty against Gabon and is joint leading scorer in the tournament with Tunisian Ahmed Akaichi and Congolese Thievy Bifouma with three goals each. Born in Madrid to Equatoguinean parents, Balboa says it is nice to “play where you are loved, and here (Equatorial Guinea) I feel very loved.” But his relationship with Equatorial Guinea is tenu- ous. He does not speak the vernacular of this small for- mer Spanish colony. “I am sorry because my parents always spoke Spanish, but it was the music and the African atmosphere at home,” he recalled. He explains his tardiness in first visiting Equatorial Guinea-to make his debut for the national team-as being down to his parents reluctance to move from Spain. “I never had the opportunity to come here because my parents have always remained in Spain.” Vice-cap- tain of the ‘National Thunder’ behind Middlesbrough striker Emilio Nsue, Balboa is among the oldest players in the squad. And Equatorial Guinea, late replacements as hosts when Morocco pulled out over the Ebola epidemic, have exceeded expectations to set up a semi-final with four-time champions Ghana in Malabo Thursday. After Group A draws with Congo Brazzaville and Burkina Faso, they defeated Gabon to finish second behind the Congolese and reach the knockout stage. They then shocked Tunisia by coming from behind to win 2-1 in a match remembered most for a controversial stoppage-time penalty that Balboa converted. He scored the winner 12 minutes into extra-time by superbly flighting a free-kick into the roof of the net. “It’s been a great joy,” said Balboa. “As the head of state MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s Dutch striker Robin van Persie (right) has an unsuccessful shot as Cambridge United’s English goalkeeper Chris Dunn tries to block dur- ing the FA Cup fourth round replay football match. —AFP (president Teodoro Obiang) said, we are already the country’s heroes. “It’s amazing. The result exceeded expectations. “In the group stage, nobody was counting on us, and United thump Cambridge before the last match against Gabon (2-0), everyone thought that we would be eliminated. “ Recalling the penalty incident that revolved around a MANCHESTER: Manchester United manag- Preston and that will not be easy. They won teams because the possibility to survive is an attacking player through the air,” said clash between Ivan Bolado and Hamza Mathlouthi, er Louis van Gaal reiterated his determina- away against a cup fighter like Sheffield higher. The FA Cup is a title and I am living Van Gaal. “We could also score through the Balboa said: “Maybe there was no penalty but, hey, tion to win a trophy in his debut season United, so it will be difficult for us to win in for titles as a coach, but it is always difficult. air, not only along the floor, and that was these sort of situations happen every weekend in the after his side beat Cambridge United in the Preston North End. “It is even sometimes more difficult to our game plan and he has confirmed it best leagues in the world.” FA Cup fourth round. “I heard from (assistant manager) Ryan win against a lower team than a big team. again. “We could have scored more, I think. He has made six appearances for Estoril this season.”I United prevailed 3-0 in Tuesday’s replay (Giggs) they (Sheffield United) are very That is good, but that is also what football In the second half we played a bit more for- had some muscle injury, I broke a finger and the new against fourth-tier Cambridge at Old good cup fighters and Preston beat them is. It is what we all like, that not always the ward, I believe. We created more chances. coach trusted other players,” said Balboa. Trafford thanks to goals from Juan Mata, 3-1. So Preston is not a piece of cake.” better team is winning. Robin van Persie had four opportunities Equatorial Guinea coach Esteban Becker said that Marcos Rojo and James Wilson, setting up a Reflecting on his side’s performance “We have a real chance now. Why? We and could have scored more.” Cambridge Balboa was growing as a player the longer their interest fifth-round trip to third-tier Preston North against a team who are currently 79 places are the highest qualified team in the FA could not match the dizzying heights of End. below United in the English league system, Cup, so people are maybe betting on us. I their first meeting with United, a 0-0 draw in the tournament lasted. With rivals such as Manchester City, the Dutchman added: “I don’t think we am not allowed to. I give you a tip.” at the Abbey Stadium, but the £1 million “It was not good at first, but Javier grew from match Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur having played a very good match. Cambridge might have taken a sensa- ($1.5 million, 1.3 million euros) in funds to match,” the Argentina-born coach told AFP. “He has exited the competition at this stage, United “But it is always difficult against a defen- tional lead, with forward Tom Elliott miss- generated by the replay was a huge conso- many qualities, but I asked him to run more. “And now are now favourites to end an 11-year wait sive team. We could have done better, but I ing a glorious one-on-one opening by hit- lation for losing manager Richard Money. he runs well, fights and plays better. He enjoys the to lift the world’s most famous domestic am pleased with the result. “Cambridge ting a post inside the first minute before “It means we can be safe and stable national team and when the ball is at his feet, he is cup competition. have played very well; a very organised Mata and Rojo gave United a two-goal half- financially,” said Money. “We are not going magic. “—AFP But Van Gaal admits the visit to team and with the mentality that was time advantage. to have a spending spree in the summer Deepdale in two weeks will be testing, superb. The fans were fantastic from Although he failed to get his name on and have one massive effort to be promot- especially after Preston’s impressive 3-1 Cambridge United. We have done what we the scoresheet, Belgian international ed. We need to grow. 2018 World Cup replay victory away at cup specialists had to.” Marouane Fellaini impressed in a role as a “We need a new stadium and a new Sheffield United. striker alongside Robin van Persie, playing training ground or new facilities at the stadium 7 months “Every club in the FA Cup wants to win; MONEY FOR MONEY a part in the two first-half goals. training ground. That is what the cup run behind schedule we also,” said Van Gaal.”We have to beat He added: “I prefer to play against lower “Now with Fellaini, we have always also will do for us.”—AFP
MOSCOW: The 2018 World Cup stadium in the southern Russian city of Rostov is seven months behind schedule and faces a “tight deadline” to be ready in time, says the Gomez guns down Roma Rostov regional construction ministry. The completion date for the 45,000-seat stadium has slipped from May ROME: Two second half goals from dive of Lukasz Skorupski and in off the leg on March 4 in Turin. Fiorentina won the was by far the busier of the two custodians 2017 to that December, the ministry added in the state- German international Mario Gomez gave post. last of their six Italian Cups in 2001. The sec- and had to be alert on several occassions to ment. Fiorentina a 2-0 win over AS Roma in the Then with time running out Gomez ond semi-final will feature Lazio against deny Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan The ministry did not specify what had gone wrong, Italian Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday and popped up again inside the penalty area, either Napoli or Inter Milan, who meet late and Roma skipper Francesco Totti. but said: “Taking into account the tight deadline for the set up a last four meeting against Juventus. calmly created a yard of space, and then yesterday. Fiorentina who began life without construction of the stadium, a double-shift work sched- On a rain-soaked night at the Stadio drove the ball high into the net on 89 min- Roma, who came into the tie second in Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado, who ule has been organized.” Olimpico Fiorentina grabbed the opener, utes to put the result beyond doubt. Serie A and seven points behind Juventus, signed with Chelsea on Monday, struggled Also, a meeting late yesterday called by the govern- somewhat against the run of play on 65 It took the 29-year-old German’s tally took the game to the visitors in a one-sided to create sustained pressure on Skorupski ment to cut World Cup costs, to be chaired by First minutes, following a sweeping counter- since January 21 to five goals in an emphat- first half that reaped no goals. in the home goal as Roma dominated pos- Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, was postponed, attack down the left wing. ic return to form-but for Roma the poor run The capital club generated nine shots at session as well as opportunities. Russian media reported. The reasons for the delay were Manuel Pasqual skillfully controlled a goes on as this defeat follows four succes- goal and three on target while Fiorentina, The match opened up after the break as not immediately clear, and no new date announced. looping ball down the flank and his pin- sive draws which has cost them ground in who lie sixth in the Italian top flight failed both teams went looking for the winner Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, who chairs the point cross was met by Gomez who bril- the title race with Juventus. to muster a single shot on goal. but it was Gomez who was the hero with World Cup organizing committee, previously said he liantly flicked the ball past the despairing Fiorentina will meet Juventus in the first Romanian ‘keeper Ciprian Tatarusana his two late goals. —AFP considered Rostov’s riverside arena to be among the most difficult of Russia’s 12 stadiums to build, and costs could rise. Construction workers have to endure tem- peratures as low as minus 15 degrees (5F). The Rostov regional government has estimated the cost of the sta- dium at 20.2 billion rubles ($305 million), and the region’s total costs to prepare for the World Cup at 85 billion rubles. Most of Russia’s stadiums appear to be on schedule, although one key exception is the 69,000-capacity sta- dium in St. Petersburg, which will host one of the semifi- nals. That arena was once supposed to open in 2008 as the new home for Zenit St. Petersburg, but is targeting a 2016 completion in time for the 2017 Confederations Cup, following almost a decade of cost overruns and delays. There were also delays last year to the planned arena in the western city of Kaliningrad when the federal and local government failed to agree on a site. That dispute has been resolved, and preliminary construction work began last month, although without a final agreement on the stadium’s design. The total budget for the World Cup has been set at 664 billion rubles, mostly funded by the federal and regional governments, although Mutko said last week that the budget would be affected by the Russian gov- ernment’s plans to slash spending by 10 percent, under pressure from a fall in the oil price and international sanctions. World Cup stadiums and associated infrastructure would be exempt from the cuts, but “various organiza- tional issues” and “subsidies to the organizing commit- tee” would be cut, he said in comments reported by the Tass agency. Mutko has also said the government was trying to keep down the costs of building materials for World Cup projects, and could scrap import duties on World Cup-related items, effectively increasing the tourna- ment’s government subsidy.—AP ITALY: Fiorentina’s Mario Gomez scores during an Italian Cup, quarterfinal match between Roma and Fiorentina, at Rome’s OlympicStadium. —AP Bach: IOC ready United thump to act in Russian Cambridge doping case
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 201515 19
Errant Cup referee gets six-month ban Page 18
AUBURN HILLS: Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) defends Miami Heat forward Chris Andersen (11) during the first half of na NBA basketball game. — AP Warriors win as Pistons cool Heat
SACRAMENTO: Stephen Curry had 23 points and the third quarter, but nobody else provided rebounds and six assists. Boston had been limited nine assists as the Golden State Warriors rode a much help offensively for Miami, which was still to just 86.7 points per game during its skid, NBA results/standings 23-0 spurt in the first half to beat the Sacramento without injured star Dwyane Wade. It was the first including a season-low 75 in an eight-point loss Kings 121-96 on Tuesday. time in Bosh’s five seasons with the Heat that to Miami on Sunday. Carmelo Anthony scored 21 Philadelphia 105, Denver 98; Detroit 108, Miami 91; Boston 108, NY Knicks 97; The Warriors shut down Sacramento for more they lost a regular-season game with him scoring points for the Knicks, who had won five of seven Portland 103, Utah 102; Golden State 121, Sacramento 96. than seven minutes at the end of the first quarter at least 30 points. They had been 17-0. during their best stretch of the season. Eastern Conference Western Conference and start of the second quarter to take an 18- Andre Drummond had 14 points and 14 Atlantic Division Northwest Division point lead. They went ahead by 20 at the half and rebounds for the Pistons, and Kentavious 76ERS 105, NUGGETS 98 W L PCT GB Portland 33 16 .673 - 25 in the third quarter before holding off a brief Caldwell-Pope scored 18. Greg Monroe had 12 Hollis Thompson scored a career-high 23 Toronto 33 16 .673 - Oklahoma City 24 24 .500 8.5 Brooklyn 19 28 .404 13 Kings comeback. Andre Iguodala added 17 points and nine rebounds. points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to the victo- Denver 19 30 .388 14 Boston 17 30 .362 15 Utah 17 31 .35415.5 points, and Marreese Speights finished with 17 Detroit is now 2 1/2 games behind Miami and ry over the slumping Denver Nuggets. Philadelphia 11 39 .22022.5 Minnesota 8 40 .16724.5 points and eight rebounds to help the Warriors Charlotte, which occupy the last two playoff Michael Carter-Williams had 15 points, 12 NY Knicks 10 39 .204 23 sweep the four-game series with Sacramento for spots in the Eastern Conference. assists and eight rebounds and Robert Covington Pacific Division the second straight season. added 17 points for the improving 76ers, who Central Division Golden State 38 8 .826 - Chicago 30 19 .612 - LA Clippers 33 16 .673 6.5 DeMarcus Cousins had 26 points and 11 CELTICS 108, KNICKS 97 won their third straight home game for the first Cleveland 30 20 .600 0.5 Phoenix 28 22 .560 12 rebounds, and Rudy Gay scored 20 for the Kings, Avery Bradley scored 26 points and Jared time since March 2013. Danilo Gallinari scored 22 Milwaukee 26 22 .542 3.5 Detroit 19 30 .388 11 Sacramento 17 30 .36221.5 who rallied within 11 late in the third quarter Sullinger added 22 as the Boston Celtics snapped points to pace the Nuggets, who dropped their LA Lakers 13 35 .271 26 before the Warriors regrouped. a three-game losing streak. 10th in 11 games. Indiana 17 32 .347 13 Bradley shot 11 for 14 from the field for the The 76ers were the laughingstock of the Southeast Division Southwest Division PISTONS 108, HEAT 91 Celtics, who rediscovered their offense after a league while starting the season with 17 straight Atlanta 40 9 .816 - Memphis 36 12 .750 - DJ Augustin had 25 points and 13 assists as lineup change that put rookie Marcus Smart in losses. But they have won three of five, with the Washington 31 18 .633 9 Houston 33 15 .688 3 the Detroit Pistons closed the first quarter on a the backcourt with Bradley. Smart made consecu- two losses in competitive games on the road Charlotte 21 27 .43818.5 Dallas 33 17 .660 4 Miami 21 27 .43818.5 San Antonio 30 18 .625 6 25-1 run, going on to beat the Miami Heat. tive 3-pointers during the Celtics’ 14-2 start, and against Eastern Conference contenders Atlanta Orlando 15 36 .294 26 New Orleans 26 22 .542 10 Chris Bosh scored 34 points, including 21 in they never trailed. Sullinger finished with nine and Cleveland. — AP Fenninger adds Super-G Serena plans to end gold to Olympic crown Indian Wells boycott BEAVER CREEK: Austria’s Anna all the girls until 10 and I saw it Fenninger opened the world was a challenging course and LOS ANGELES: Top-ranked Serena Wells event, now known as the BNP championships in spectacular windy. Williams, coming off her 19th Grand Paribas Open, first when she was just 17 style by adding the Super-G “It was difficult, I didn’t recog- Slam singles title at the Australian Open, in 1999 by downing Steffi Graf in the gold to her Olympic crown on nise that Lindsey or Tina are in said yesterday she will end a 14-year boy- final, and again in 2001, when she rallied Tuesday and stealing the spot- front, I was just focused on me cott of the Indian Wells WTA tournament. from one set down to defeat Kim light from American ski queen and it worked.” While gold went Williams, in a essay written for Time Clijsters in the championship match. Lindsey Vonn. to Fenninger the day belonged magazine, related happier times at the But in the final, hecklers booed and The event was pushed back to hometown girl Vonn, who 30 minutes and the start low- grew up in the Vail Valley honing event, her feelings over racial insults she taunted Williams following the contro- ered due to high winds on the the skills that put her on top of heard after a controversial 2001 appear- versial nature of her semi-final, in which Raptor course but Fenninger the podium more times than ance and her hopes for playing the her sister, Venus Williams, withdrew would not be distracted clock- any other women’s alpine skier. event next month. “It has been difficult rather than play Serena. ing a time one minute, 10.29 With International Olympic for me to forget spending hours crying It was a move many felt was orches- seconds down the blustery Committee president Thomas in the Indian Wells locker room after trated by their father Richard and piste. Fenninger topped an Bach and boyfriend Tiger Woods winning in 2001, driving back to Los deprived them of a semi-final classic to impressive leaderboard with looking on from the finish area, Angeles feeling as if I had lost the gain an edge for Williams in the final. double Sochi Olympic gold Vonn triggered a massive roar biggest game ever-not a mere tennis “I said a few times that I would never medallist and defending cham- from the packed grandstands as BEAVER CREEK: Anna Fenninger of Austria wins the gold medal during game but a bigger fight for equality,” play there again. And believe me, I pion Tina Maze of Slovenia she pushed out of the start hut. the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships Women’s Super-G. — AFP Williams wrote. meant it,” Serena williams wrote. “I admit crossing .03 behind to grab sec- The excitement faded as the pulsating grandstand and “I’m disappointed but at the “I’m fortunate to be at a point in my it scared me. What if I walked onto the ond and Vonn, the most success- Vonn trailed by 0.28 seconds at punching both hands into the same time I’m happy, said Vonn, career where I have nothing to prove. court and the entire crowd booed me? ful women’s ski racer of all time, the first interval and by nearly a air. who returned to action this sea- taking third. half-second at the second but I’m still as driven as ever, but the ride is a The nightmare would start all over. “I’m But the celebration was son after a year out following a “It was a really amazing she mounted a dazzling charge little easier. I play for the love of the just following my heart on this one,” short-lived as Maze, the next high speed crash at the 2013 moment, I was dreaming about down the bottom half. game. And it is with that love in mind, Williams added. “Indian Wells was a piv- racer onto the course, bumped championships that left her rac- that moment because I had When she crossed the finish and a new understanding of the true otal moment of my story, and I am a part her from top spot. In many ways, ing future in doubt. “A world (start) 22 today, I was dreaming line the crowd exploded as her meaning of forgiveness, that I will of the tournament’s story as well. Vonn’s bronze could be taken as championship medal is always a about that and it comes true,” named topped the leaderboard, proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015.” Together we have a chance to write a victory. good thing.” — Reuters said Fenninger. “I was watching the American skier turning to Williams has twice won the Indian different ending.” — AFP Lower oil prices pushed up GCC sovereign yields Page 22
Business European stocks slip as investors eye Greek talks THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 Page 24 Visa registers 25% Price-cutting European firms enjoy buoyant Jan growth in Kuwait in 2014 Page 26 Page 23
PARIS: French President Francois Hollande (right) speaks with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (left) during their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris yesterday. — AP Greece seeks EU, ECB help to ‘stay afloat’ Leaders optimistic about reaching deal on $270bn debt
FRANKFURT: Greek leaders pressed their ing he was optimistic for a “viable and mutually warned of a “difficult time ahead”. The EU’s Tusk line for Greek banks known as emergency liq- bring down unemployment that stands at over case for debt relief yesterday in Brussels and acceptable solution”. meanwhile acknowledged that resolving the uidity assistance, or ELA. Varoufakis earlier told 25 percent. Tsipras’ administration also believes Frankfurt, saying they were optimistic about A Greek government source later said he showdown over Greece’s debt was likely to be the German weekly Die Zeit that the ECB that without growth, Greece will find it impos- a deal but needed urgent help from the and Juncker had discussed plans to “jointly” “difficult” and would need “cooperation and “should support our banks so that we can stay sible over the long term to service a mountain European Central Bank to “stay afloat”. Prime create a four-year reform plan for Greece. They dialogue as well as determined efforts by afloat”, acknowledging that Greece was “a of debt worth 1.75 times its annual economic Minister Alexis Tsipras and Finance Minister had discussed a “bridge agreement” that would Greece.” Greece’s newly-minted finance minis- bankrupt country”. output. Striking a more conciliatory tone, Yanis Varoufakis have been touring Europe to give Athens time to formulate “a radical plan of ter also struck an upbeat note after meeting Berenberg Bank economist Christian Schulz Varoufakis said he was “extremely eager” to push their plan to renegotiate Athens’ 240 reforms in key areas such as corruption, tax with ECB chief Mario Draghi. “We had a very said the ECB might extend the ELAs to the end meet on Thursday with German Finance billion euro ($270 billion) international evasion and strengthening public administra- fruitful discussion and exchange,” Varoufakis of the month, “but not beyond unless the Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, whom he bailout, an issue that has sparked panic on tion”, the source said. said after the hour-long talks, “which gives me bailout is formally extended by the euro-zone described as “an intellectual force behind the financial markets and revived fears of a Greek a great deal of encouragement for the future”. finance ministers ... and ratified by euro-zone project of the EU”. Chancellor Angela Merkel exit from the euro. A ‘difficult time ahead’ Earlier a Financial Times report had suggest- government and/or parliaments”. reiterated that Berlin was taking a wait-and-see Elected on a pledge to end the austerity The Greek premier-whose anti-austerity ed that Draghi would take a tough line and The International Monetary Fund said attitude until Athens outlines its fiscal plans. policies imposed on Greece as part of its Syriza party stormed to victory in elections on might even block a key element of Athens’ meanwhile it was not in debt talks with the “The time has come for Greece to say what bailout, Tsipras faces the delicate task of con- January 25 — earlier tried to reassure his plan. According to the FT, which cited officials Greek government. exactly its expectations are,” she said.Varoufakis vincing his European partners to reverse European partners that he was not trying to involved in the deliberations, the ECB is refus- has been pushing the idea of debt swaps that course on a restrictive fiscal policy while get- break the 28-nation bloc’s budget rules. “We ing to raise an agreed cap on the amount of Next stop: Berlin would extend the maturity of the debt and ting aid needed to avoid a default. want to re-correct this framework, not to short-term treasury bills that Athens can issue The new Greek government has blamed its avoid the need for its European partners to Tsipras struck an upbeat note after talks smash this framework,” he said. “And we from 15 billion euros to 25 billion euros. fiscal problems mainly on the austerity shack- accept politically-difficult cuts in the face value with European Commission chief Jean-Claude believe in this framework we could find a com- The central bank’s policy-setting governing les fixed by Berlin. It argues these restrictions of sums owed. This could ease Athens’ current Juncker, EU president Donald Tusk and mon viable solution for our peoples.” council was meeting later Wednesday to have choked off growth in an economy that financing burden and free up funds for social European Parliament head Martin Schulz, say- Schulz said the talks were “fruitful” but decide whether to keep open a financial life- has shrunk by a quarter and have failed to spending. — AFP Saudi supermarket chain Saudi, Dubai retreat as Al-Raya put up for sale oil drops; Egypt strong
DUBAI: A controlling stake in Saudi Arabian supermarket second source added, without identifying them. chain Al-Raya for Foodstuff Co has been put up for sale by its A separate Dubai-based source said the shareholders had private equity owners Levant Capital and The Rohatyn Group received enquiries from interested parties in the last year MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS (TRG), sources aware of the matter told Reuters yesterday. The which may have helped trigger their decision to sell. And he transaction joins a growing list of deals for consumer-focused noted a lack of options for any would-be buyer looking for a DUBAI: Stock markets in Saudi Arabia and Dubai pulled back rebound, climbed 1.3 percent to 4,649 points after breaking firms in the Gulf region, which have drawn buyers’ attention situation where they would be able to take majority control. yesterday as oil prices fell after gaining strongly earlier in the above technical resistance at 4,606 points, its late December for their exposure to an increasingly wealthy and predomi- He referenced the likes of Panda, owned by Saudi Arabia’s week, while technicals and dividend bets supported other Gulf high. The break triggered a bullish right triangle formed by the nantly young population. Savola Group, and Carrefour Middle East, operated by Dubai- bourses. Brent crude dropped more than 2 percent yesterday highs and lows since that high, and pointing up to around Dubai-based Levant Capital and Citi Venture Capital based Majid Al Futtaim, as being out of reach. Al Raya had 30 after a new build in US crude stockpile levels put a global glut 4,900 points. Qatar’s index rose 1.1 percent, largely because of International, an emerging market-focused investment firm stores across the kingdom, traditionally in the southern and back in focus, cutting short a rally that had pushed up prices by Ezdan Holding, a firm with interests in property and other sec- about 19 percent over the past four sessions. Saudi Arabia’s which was acquired by TRG 14 months ago, originally bought western regions, before more were added in 2012, according tors, which surged its daily 10 percent limit ahead of an expect- equities index edged down 0.6 percent to 9,169 points as most ed fourth-quarter earnings release. the stake in Al Raya in 2012 for $100 million. Levant Capital to the supermarket’s website. stocks pulled back, including some petrochemicals such as Another local firm, Aamal Co, announced a 10 percent cash and TRG declined to comment. The sources spoke on condi- Other retail assets to attract the attention of private equity Yanbu National Petrochemical Co and National Industrialization dividend and a 5 percent bonus share issue on Tuesday. Shares tion of anonymity as the information isn’t public. houses include Saudi gourmet date firm Bateel, which sold a Co (Tasnee), down 2.9 and 1.5 percent respectively. in the company, which had not paid cash dividends since 2008, A financial advisor to the selling shareholders was close to stake to L Capital Asia last month, and Saudi Arabian fast-food Investment firm Kingdom Holding edged down 0.4 percent also surged 10 percent. Vodafone Qatar surged 7.3 percent being appointed, said one of the sources, a Saudi-based chain Kudu, which sources aware of the matter said Abraaj after it said it had sold most of its stake in media giant News while its trading volume jumped to a seven-month high. The banker. Four banks were in the running for the mandate, a and TPG Capital had signed a deal to purchase. — Reuters Corp. The Saudi stock index approached but then pulled back firm said this week it had become fully sharia-compliant, open- from technical resistance on its 100-day average, now at 9,379 ing the stock up to Islamic funds. Meanwhile Industries Qatar, Dubai company to build luxury resort in Bosnia points, as trading volume remained active but fell by about a the second-largest petrochemicals firm in the Gulf, fell 1.0 per- third from the previous day. cent. Egypt’s market extended gains, rising 0.9 percent as Al- TRNOVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina: A Dubai-based construc- tory in this small community and I am overwhelmed with Dubai’s index, which had also rallied along with oil this Youm Al-Sabea news website reported that Saudi Arabia, tion company plans to build a luxury resort worth 2.3 billion happiness,” mayor Berilo told the AP. The project is a small week, fell 1.1 percent as Dubai Islamic Bank slid 1.7 percent and Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates would provide Cairo with euro ($2.6 billion) on a mountain near Sarajevo - a ski resort city that can accommodate some 40,000 people. The area of Dubai Investments dropped 2.7 percent. Shares in investment $10 billion in deposits before an investment conference in where three decades ago the Winter Olympics were held. the mountains of Bjelasnica and Igman, some 20 kilometers bank Shuaa Capital tumbled 4.9 percent after rating agency March. Commercial International Bank (CIB) was the main sup- The mayor of the municipality of Trnovo, Ibro Berilo, said from Sarajevo, are locally famous for fresh air and stunning Moody’s on Tuesday withdrew its ratings, citing its “own busi- port, gaining 0.5 percent. The bank is expected to publish its yesterday he signed a memorandum on cooperation with views. Berilo said he understands why investors from the ness reasons” without elaborating. Shuaa said on Wednesday it fourth-quarter earnings next week and Naeem Brokerage yes- the head of the Buroj Property Development company from United Arab Emirates were attracted by the mountains. had decided not to renew the rating contract because it had no terdaty forecast its profit would rise 26 percent. Dubai, Ismail Ahmed. The project includes the construction “Here, in just 21 days, your entire blood count changes for public debt. But property developer DAMAC once again surged “Fundamentally, CIB continues to remain a strong pick, of villas, residential buildings, hotels and shopping malls. the better,” he said. its daily 15 percent limit. The stock, which had previously traded maintaining its position as the top private sector bank in Egypt Ahmed told reporters he was surprised to see how beau- Bosnia has not managed to attract many investors since only in London and cross-listed in Dubai on Jan. 12, had and a key beneficiary from the expected growth in banking tiful the area of the Bjelasnica mountain was and that his its bloody 1992-95 war ended. The foreign ministry has lately plunged 36 percent last month on the emirate’s bourse. It start- activities (both retail and institutional) in Egypt,” the brokerage company would be ready to start work at the end of the focused on economic diplomacy and the project is a result ed recovering this week after the firm’s subsidiary DAMAC Real said in a note. Shares in Juhayna Food Industries jumped 3.6 year. The project would be the biggest foreign investment of a campaign Bosnia’s embassy in the UAE has launched, a Estate Development Ltd reported a 46 percent surge in 2014 percent after Goldman Sachs on Tuesday raised the stock to of this type in Bosnia. statement from the ministry said. The country has hardly any profit; the stock has now recouped most of its losses. “buy” from “neutral” and added it to its Central and Eastern “I had the chance to sign something that will make his- industry and is eager to develop tourism. —AP Abu Dhabi’s benchmark, which had lagged Dubai’s Europe, Middle East and Africa focus list. — Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014
NBK ECONOMIC REPORT Lower oil prices pushed up GCC sovereign yields
KUWAIT: Sovereign yields rose in 4Q14 follow- ing OPEC’s decision to refrain from cutting pro- duction to support oil prices, though yields have since returned to previous levels. Investors ques- tioned fiscal sustainability under weaker oil rev- enues following the significant decline in oil prices. The impact varied across sovereigns, with Dubai and Bahrain seeing the largest yield rises, while Abu Dhabi was the least hit. The turmoil also appeared to negatively affect issuance, which declined in the second half compared to PORTLAND: A Staples sign is displayed on the front of a Staple store, in Portland, the year before. As a result, growth in the out- Oregon. Staples is buying Office Depot in a cash-and-stock deal valued at nearly $6 standing stock of debt eased. billion. — AP Dubai and Bahrain yields saw the largest increases with yields on their 5-6 year paper increasing by 85-90 bps. Saudi Arabia and Qatar Staples buys Office experienced milder rises while Abu Dhabi actu- ally saw yields decline. Sovereign credit default swaps (CDS) grouped GCC sovereigns in a similar Depot for $6 billion manner, with Dubai and Bahrain seeing their CDS rates shoot up while the rest were relatively unaffected. Sovereign yields have since returned NEW YORK: The rapidly changing tools of plies,” Staples Chairman and CEO Ron to normal, though CDS rates remain at elevated the work place and the way we shop has Sargent said in a printed statement. levels. led to another major consolidation in the Sargent will continue to serve in those roles Perceptions of the vulnerability of the fiscal retail office supply business as Staples and Staples will keep its corporate head- positions of each sovereign appear to explain announced the $6 billion acquisition of quarters in Framingham, Massachusetts. the different market responses across the GCC. growing credit needs. of debt by 21 percent to $61 billion over the past rival Office Depot. The cash-and-stock deal Last month activist hedge fund Sovereigns with large fiscal reserves, such as Sovereign issuance increased by 6.9 percent year. Meanwhile, Qatar saw its stock of debt comes a little more than a year after Office Starboard Value LP urged Staples to com- Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, dictated in 2014, driven by refinancing opportunities in a decline by 16.4 percent to $61 billion from its Depot combined with OfficeMax, with too bine with Office Depot, based in Boca lower risk premiums; those with smaller buffers low rate environment. The year also saw the par- peak of $78 billion in 2013. many stores fighting for too few sales. Raton, Florida. In a letter addressed to against the decline in oil prices, such as Dubai ticipation of less active sovereigns, possibly Debt issuance is likely to recover this year, Businesses and consumers have shifted Sargent, Starboard suggested he immedi- and Bahrain, saw yields and CDS rates increase reflecting wider acceptance of debt as an alter- with rates still low and borrowing needs very rapidly to online shopping at the same ately hire an investment bank and legal more notably. Kuwait and Oman have no traded native source of financing. This included Oman likely to rise. In the current environment of lower time that printers and the use of other tra- advisers to help the board evaluate, struc- sovereign bonds and are thus excluded from this and Bahrain, the two countries most vulnerable oil prices, governments are likely to need more ditional office supplies have diminished. ture and execute a transaction with Office comparison. to the oil price declines. debt to finance fiscal deficits. Also, with the That shift coincided with a recession that Depot. Global economic unease and volatile oil The UAE remained the largest issuer of debt region’s economic outlook still healthy and sub- substantially altered the way companies Starboard disclosed in a regulatory filing prices have also contributed to weaker debt with more than $105 billion outstanding. KSA stantial capital spending plans, private borrow- spend money. in December that it had purchased a 5.1 issuance in the second half of 2014.Issuance in saw the most rapid growth, expanding its stock ing needs are expected to remain large. The new company is expected to have percent stake in Staples and boosted its 2H14 came in at a relatively weak $16 billion annual sales of approximately $39 billion. stake in Office Depot. New York’s Starboard (gross), dampening an outstanding first half that Office Depot Inc shareholders will receive has a history of buying stakes in companies benefited from brighter economic prospects. $7.25 in cash and 0.2188 of a share in and then pushing for change. Issuance during 4Q14 was the weakest in three Staples Inc. at closing. The transaction val- Early last year Staples said that it was years. Weak issuance coupled with the maturity ues Office Depot at $11 per share. The com- closing up to 225 stores by the end of 2015 of several large issues earlier in the year, led the panies put the deal’s equity value at $6.3 because people were using less office sup- GCC’s stock of debt to post its slowest net billion. plies and shopping more online than they growth rate yet; it ended the year up by 3.5 per- Staples has a market capitalization of were at its stores. cent, adding a net$8.5 billion to the debt stock approximately $11 billion, while Office The deal, which was unanimously during the year. Depot, which tied up with OfficeMax in approved by both companies’ boards, is Most of the weakness in issuance was in the November 2013, has a market capitaliza- expected to close by year’s end. It still non-financial sector which made little contribu- tion of about $4 billion. needs approval from Office Depot share- tion to total issuance in the second half of The two companies began talking about holders. Once the closing occurs, Staples 2014.The sector added $1.1 billion, as uncertain- a buyout in September, they said yesterday. board will increase from 11 to 13 members ty may have continued to suppress the sector’s Staples said it will realize at least $1 billion and include two Office Depot directors interest in tapping regional debt markets. in annual cost savings by the third full fiscal approved by Staples. Issuance for this sector was down 15 percent for year after the transaction is complete. Staples said that it is temporarily sus- the year to $14.5 billion. “These savings will dramatically accelerate pending its stock buybacks so that it can The weakness in issuance extended to the our strategic reinvention which is focused concentrate on paying down debt related financial sector as well, which contracted by 18 on driving growth in our delivery business- to the deal. Shares of Staples shed 22 cents percentin 2014.Financial sector issuance is close- es and in categories beyond office sup- to $18.79 in premarket trading. —AP ly tied to credit growth, a leading indicator, and the new capital adequacy framework. With GCC credit growth expanding at a healthy pace, Gulf states to deposit financial sector issuance is expected to pick up $10bn in Egypt going forward to accommodate the region’s before conference Mashreq expects slower CAIRO: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the his rule. The major oil producers see United Arab Emirates will deposit $10 Morsi and his now-outlawed Muslim retail lending growth billion in Egypt before the country holds Brotherhood movement as a threat to an investment conference in March, the their monarchies and believe Egypt-the news website Al-Youm Al-Sabea report- biggest Arab state-is a bulwark against DUBAI: Mashreq, Dubai’s third-largest bank by will be a slightly slower year than the previous credit history could command more competitive ed. Egypt hopes the conference in the the group. assets, expects its retail lending growth to slow one when it comes to loan offtake, whether it’s borrowing rates, he added. resort Sharm el-Sheikh will generate ven- President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has to 25 percent in 2015 with fewer customers personal loans or mortgages,” said Farhad Irani, It is the latest Dubai bank to forecast a cool- tures worth billions of dollars, helping to focused on trying to repair Egypt’s econ- seeking loans and the recently-launched credit head of Mashreq’s retail banking group. The ing in lending activity after several years of fast- boost its economy, which has just started omy, enacting reforms to try and win bureau taking effect, the lender’s head of retail number of customers seeking loans during the paced expansion since the economy rebounded to recover from political turmoil trig- over foreign investors and announcing said. The bank has been aggressively expanding first quarter was expected to be “modest”, little from a financial crisis in 2009. Dubai Islamic Bank gered by the 2011 Arab Spring uprising. mega-projects such as a second Suez its retail offering in recent quarters, spurred by changed from the previous quarter, he said. has cut its total lending growth forecast to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Canal to create jobs. Egypt can expect lending growth that has been above average for There would also be initial disruption caused between 15 and 20 percent in 2015, down from Emirates gave Egypt more than $12 bil- economic growth “easily north of 4 per- the United Arab Emirates banking sector. Retail by the launch of the new credit bureau which 32 percent last year. Prices in the property mar- lion in aid, deposits for the central bank cent” in fiscal year 2014-15, which ends in lending reached 36 percent for the bank last would highlight customers’ total borrowings for ket - a revenue driver for banks in recent quar- and petroleum products since the army June, boosted by rising confidence and a year, compared to 13.8 percent for personal the first time, making banks more cautious ters - are expected to dip slightly in 2015 as toppled Islamist President Mohammad windfall from lower oil prices, its finance lending in the industry, according to central about lending to some segments of society, he property sales taxes, stricter mortgage rules and Morsi in 2013 after mass protests against minister said last month. — Reuters bank data. said. Still, the bureau would be beneficial for cus- a lack of affordability weigh on market momen- “Our forecast for the industry is that this year tomers in the long run as those with a clean tum. — Reuters EXCHANGE RATES
Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.565 Philippine Peso 0.006556 0.006836 Nepalese Rupees 3.990 Sierra Leone 0.000066 0.000072 Malaysian Ringgit 83.725 Singapore Dollar 0.215066 0.221066 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019577 0.028077 Japanese Yen 2.527 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.705 Australian Dollar 223.53 220.53 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001879 0.002459 Indian Rupees 4.798 Thai Bhat 10.050 Canadian Dollar 241.86 242.86 Taiwan 0.009235 0.009415 Pakistani Rupees 2.918 Turkish Lira 123.380 Swiss Franc 323.96 321.96 Thai Baht 0.008738 0.009288 Srilankan Rupees 2.217 Euro 342.08 343.08 Nepali Rupees 3.002 US Dollar 295.80 298.80 Singapore Dollar 219.200 Bahrain Exchange Company Arab Hongkong Dollar 38.133 Sterling Pound 451.08 454.08 Bahraini Dinar 0.778890 0.785890 Bangladesh Taka 3.793 Japanese Yen 2.55 2.57 Egyptian Pound 0.035705 0.038805 Philippine Peso 6.706 Bangladesh Taka 3.795 4.065 CURRENCY BUY SELL Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Thai Baht 9.101 Indian Rupee 4.785 5.085 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000196 0.000256 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.216 2.651 Belgian Franc 0.007704 0.008704 Jordanian Dinar 0.413015 0.420515 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.992 3.527 British Pound 0.437061 0.446061 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.920 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004026 0.016026 Lebanese Pound 0.000145 0.000245 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.38 80.85 Danish Krone 0.040894 0.045894 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021908 0.045908 Saudi Riyal 78.811 Bahraini Dinar 785.09 787.16 Euro 0.329235 0.337235 Nigerian Naira 0.001205 0.001840 Qatari Riyal 81.270 Egyptian Pound 38.70 39.30 Norwegian Krone 0.034537 0.039737 Omani Riyal 0.762032 0.767712 Omani Riyal 768.650 Jordanian Dinar 420.29 425.94 Romanian Leu 0.075994 0.075994 Qatar Riyal 0.080511 0.081724 Bahraini Dinar 785.700 Omani Riyal 767.11 774.41 Slovakia 0.008695 0.018695 Saudi Riyal 0.078217 0.078917 UAE Dirham 80.561 Qatari Riyal 81.45 82.00 Swedish Krona 0.031485 0.036485 Syrian Pound 0.001754 0.001974 Saudi Riyal 78.79 79.19 Swiss Franc 0.311956 0.322156 Tunisian Dinar 0.149653 0.157653 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.122500 0.129500 Turkish Lira 0.122236 0.129236 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.065 UAE Dirhams 0.079527 0.080676 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.822 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001335 0.001415 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.381 Australian Dollar 0.218059 0.229559 Tunisian Dinar 153.610 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.206666 0.216166 Jordanian Dinar 417.130 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 295.550 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.985 Canadian Dollar 240.655 America Syrian Lira 2.108 Canadian Dollar 0.228719 0.237219 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 31.291 Sterling Pound 449.025 Euro 340.430 US Dollars 0.291600 0.296300 US Dollar 294.250 US Dollars Mint 0.292100 0.296300 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 273.960 Euro 348.000 Bahrain Dinar 786.160 Pound Sterlng 448.650 US Dollar Transfer 295.700 Asia UAE Dirhams 80.845 Canadian Dollar 247.700 Euro 336.800 Bangladesh Taka 0.003497 0.004097 Qatari Riyals 82.005 Indian Rupee 4.738 Sterling Pound 445.692 Chinese Yuan 0.046081 0.049581 Saudi Riyals 79.005 Canadian dollar 234.870 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036041 0.038791 Egyptian Pound 41.135 Jordanian Dinar 417.165 Turkish lira 121.540 Indian Rupee 0.004450 0.004851 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.222 Egyptian Pound 38.659 Swiss Franc 321.410 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Bangladesh Taka 3.770 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.217 Australian Dollar 231.090 Japanese Yen 0.002440 0.002620 Philippines Peso 6.590 Indian Rupees 4.791 US Dollar Buying 294.500 Kenyan Shilling 0.003214 0.003214 Pakistan Rupee 2.928 Pakistani Rupees 2.920 Korean Won 0.000258 0.000273 Bahraini Dinar 783.450 GOLD Bangladesh Taka 3.792 Malaysian Ringgit 0.078633 0.084633 UAE Dirham 80.150 20 gram 238.100 Philippines Pesso 6.709 Nepalese Rupee 0.003023 0.003193 Saudi Riyal 78.600 10 gram 121.740 Cyprus pound 725.450 Pakistan Rupee 0.002691 0.002971 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.505 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 Visa registers 25% market growth in Kuwait in 2014 Country witnesses major shift towards e-payment: Country head
By Nawara Fattahova inclined to use electronic payments, at the POS or simplify the way people pay and get paid. In addition online, for high volume purchases,” he further said. the payment is fast as VisaNet process transactions in KUWAIT: Visa (NYSE:V), the global leader in electronic Recently, Visa rolled out its LoungeKey global air- less than one second, and it’s flexible as it offers payments, yesterday announced a growth of more port access feature on its premium products in domestic processing in more than 100 countries. Also than 25 percent on Visa cards spent over the previous Kuwait, including Visa Infinite and Visa Signature. “The it’s scalable of processing over 56,000 transaction year in Kuwait as reported by client institutions as of new LoungeKey program offers unlimited, compli- messages per second,” he pointed out. Sep 2014. This was announced during a media round- mentary access to over 500 airport lounges world- Visa has local and international partnerships table held at the JW Marriott Hotel. wide in more than 300 cities globally, and will cover including nine Kuwaiti banks. It is the global partner Visa Inc is the world’s largest retail electronic pay- all key travel destinations. Additionally, Visa Infinite and exclusive payment service partner of FIFA World ments network, with $7.0 trillion transacted on their cardholders are entitled to bring a guest along with Cup and has been sponsor of Dubai Shopping payment products over the four quarters ended them,” explained Vij. Festival for 20 years, the Harrods partnership in the March 31, 2014. This statistic is based on payments UK, among other partnerships. volume, total volume, number of transactions, and E-commerce Vij also spoke about Visa’s solutions to enable the TOKYO: A man looks at a share prices board in Tokyo yesterday. Japan’s share prices number of cards in circulation. Visa additionally aims to support the growth of e- move to digital. “These include the Proximity pay- rose 342.89 points to close at 17,678.74 points at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, follow- Amit Vij, Visa Country Manager for Kuwait, said that commerce in Kuwait in the coming years, by creating ments, remote payments, and P2P payments. We ing sharp rises in New York and Europe sparked by higher oil prices and growing the country has witnessed a major shift towards elec- a safe and secure environment for online purchases believe that the Kuwait market, which is witnessing optimism about a possible deal to renegotiate Greece’s debt. — AFP tronic payments, and ranks 3rd in the MENA region in with globally preferred solutions such as Verified by rapid economic progress, will see the ready accept- terms of overall spending on Visa cards. “According to Visa (VbV). “At Visa, we are committed to enhancing ance of Visa’s progressive payment services and solu- BOJ in bind as oil slump VisaNet, the firm’s global payments processing plat- the payments infrastructure through secure and reli- tions that will be rolled out in the coming months,” he form, the top destinations in terms of international able new technologies that seek to transform and concluded. prompts slippery price goal spending were UK, the US and the UAE. The top cate- gories for spending by Kuwait residents travelling TOKYO: The Bank of Japan is caught in a falling. With many in the board strongly abroad include fashion retail, hotel accommodation bind, nearly two years into its stimulus experi- against further easing, the BOJ is quietly lay- and airlines, general department stores and luxury ment, as it further qualifies its inflation goals ing the ground to justify holding pat even as retail,” he noted during the presentation. in response to tumbling oil prices, a move inflation is seen grinding to a halt in the com- “Kuwait continues to be a focus market for Visa in that could prove self-defeating by tempering ing months. Its new communication strategy the Middle East region, where the culture of electron- price expectations. is to stick to its timeframe, but make it as ic payments has been embraced widely by the gov- In April 2013, the BOJ pledged to achieve ambiguous as possible, analysts say. ernment, financial institutions and merchants and by its 2 percent inflation target in “about two BOJ officials concede that depending on consumers. The positive effect of such a fully-rounded years” under Governor Haruhiko Kuroda’s oil moves, Japan may not see inflation hit 2 payments infrastructure can be seen in the strong monetary easing policy, a campaign to print percent until the middle of next year, or even double-digit growth in Visa card spending in the money at an unprecedented scale in Japan. later. “Nobody could predict oil prices would country,” added Vij. The bold, simple pronouncement with a clear fall so much,” said one source on condition of Travelling ranks on top. “What has been particular- time-frame drove down the yen and boosted anonymity. “I doubt the BOJ will come under ly encouraging is the travel-spend behavior among stocks, reinforcing the initial impact of the fire for failing to hit the target strictly in two Kuwait residents, who are using their Visa card at easing program, which is aimed at lifting years.” Deputy Governor Kikuo Iwata, who every stage of their travel schedule - from booking Japan clear from two decades of crippling was once a strong advocate of the timeframe, their flights and accommodation at home to making deflation. Though the timeframe remains offi- said on Wednesday it would take longer than secure payments while visiting their holiday or busi- cial policy, in practice it has been slipping he expected for Japan to hit 2 percent. ness destination overseas. This is both indicative of over the horizon, and now officials are adding But officials are also beginning to stress the growing affluence of residents in the country and another layer of atmospheric haze with a that they do not look just at core CPI but a shows that a greater number of cardholders are KUWAIT: Amit Vij (left), Visa Country Manager for Kuwait, speaks during the roundtable. more convoluted assessment of what kind of broad range of price indicators including inflation they are measuring. core-core CPI, which strips out the effect of The shifting of goalposts is a recognition energy costs. Rosneft raising money from that several factors, most recently the collaps- The BOJ, which never disclosed the market China cuts bank ing price of oil, are pulling inflation away from estimates on which it bases its inflation fore- Swiss trader to pay debt the BOJ’s target, forcing it to keep adding casts, also said in January that oil price falls reserve requirement footnotes to complicate - and some would would push down inflation by 0.7 percentage to spur growth LONDON: Rosneft is raising money from Swiss heard about the details of the agreement. He say obscure - what had been a simple, clear point. trader Trafigura days before it must repay a $7 declined to be named because he works for a policy commitment. Some analysts say it is an attempt by the billion debt, industry sources said, seeking new rival trading desk to Trafigura. After all, two years have nearly passed, BOJ to argue that it is on track to hit the price BEIJING: China’s central bank made a system-wide cut to bank reserve requirements yesterday, the first time it funding options after the Russian central bank As a result of the deal with Trafigura, other and core consumer inflation, the BOJ’s key target because when excluding the effect of said its borrowing via the domestic bond mar- trading houses and companies - which have price gauge, is only a quarter of the bank’s oil, core consumer inflation will hit 1.7 per- has done so in over two years, to unleash a fresh flood of liquidity to fight off economic slowdown and looming ket had added to pressure on the struggling long-term deals and in some cases have target, and is expected to slow further in the cent next fiscal year, close to its 2 percent tar- ruble. The Kremlin-controlled firm’s ability to already made a pre-payment to Rosneft for coming months. get. deflation. The announcement cuts reserve requirements - the amount of cash banks must hold back from lend- raise funds overseas has been severely curbed their volumes - will receive lower-than-expect- In the first year of the easing campaign, “What’s important is to look not just at by sanctions imposed by Western powers ed volumes in February or not get crude on the known as QQE, the presentation panels price moves of individual goods, but at the ing - to 19.5 percent for big banks, a reduction of 50 basis points that would free up 600 billion yuan ($96 bil- which condemn Russia’s annexation of Crimea days they expected it to arrive. Kuroda used in public appearances marked in medium- and long-term trend of prices,” and accuse it of orchestrating a rebellion in “Traders (at rivals) are massively disappoint- bold the magic number “2”, to demonstrate Kuroda told parliament last week. Last month lion) or more held in reserve at Chinese banks - which could then inject 2-3 trillion yuan into the economy eastern Ukraine - a charge denied by Moscow. ed,” one of the buyers said. Rosneft has pre-pay- his determination to hit the two-year, 2 per- Kuroda said the timing for meeting his target The rapid devaluation of the ruble at the ment and long-term supply deals with Vitol, cent target and nudge people into spending. may stretch into fiscal 2016. “Our board never after accounting for the multiplying effect of loans. “The central bank has tried to use short-term policy end of 2014, as the Russian economy struggled Glencore, Shell, Total, Eni , BP and Trafigura “QQE aims to show the BOJ’s strong, clear said we will hit 2 percent inflation strictly in to cope with sanctions and the collapse of oil itself. commitment to end deflation to wipe out two years,” he told parliament last week. tools to inject more liquidity, but such tools were not enough, so it has to cut RRR,” said Wen Bin, senior econ- prices, compounded the financial squeeze on Long-term deals usually define several people’s deflationary mindset,” Kuroda told a The BOJ’s struggle underlines the chal- Rosneft. But the Russian central bank has said months upfront how much oil each buyer is speech in September 2013. “We therefore ... lenge central banks face in balancing clear omist at Minsheng Bank in Beijing, adding that signs of increasing capital outflows and a sliding domestic cur- the oil major actually added to the pressure on due to receive every month, and changing set a clear deadline to hit the target, which is communication and policy flexibility, and the currency when - in the run-up to the repay- those volumes is a rather unusual move as it roughly two years.” A year later, in the face of how to affect psychology with its stimulus. rency were particularly worrying. The reduction follows a surprise cut to guidance ment of another $7 billion loan to Western could force Rosneft’s buyers to look elsewhere a weakening economy, the BOJ fudged the Surveys of Japanese households and corpo- banks in December - it raised over 600 billion for supplies. Igor Sechin, Rosneft’s chief execu- time goal to “around fiscal 2015”, which effec- rate inflation expectations show they have lending rates by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) in November, but that adjustment had negligible impact rubles ($9 billion) by issuing ruble-denominat- tive and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, tively opened the window to at least March barely heightened since QQE was put in ed bonds. has said the company does not need to borrow 2016. place. A market measurement of inflation on spurring productive investment, so many had pre- dicted the more dramatic move that the central bank Bank governor Elvira Nabiullina said the money as it is able to service its debt from its Kuroda stopped mentioning the two-year expectations has also fallen, to the dismay of market was mistakenly expecting the company own cash flows. timeframe in public from around September the BOJ. has now delivered. “Today’s announcement isn’t a surprise,” wrote Mark to buy dollars with the rubles raised, creating Central bank governor Nabiullina described last year, when oil price falls were in full Hideo Kumano, a former BOJ official who volatility. Rosneft, however, has denied any link Rosneft’s December bond deal as “non-trans- swing. is now chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Williams of Capital Economics in a research note react- ing to the news. “It is consistent with the more accom- between its bond issue and ruble volatility. parent, unclear to the market and ... an addi- Research Institute, believes the BOJ will even- Now the Feb. 13 deadline for the repayment tional factor of volatility in the market. But not CLARITY VERSUS FLEXIBILITY tually have to reconsider its two-year time- modative stance being taken since the benchmark interest rate cut.” of another $7 billion loan to banks is nearing, the main one”. The simple became yet more complex frame. and Rosneft is exploring alternative funding “...the deal raised expectations that the when the BOJ expanded QQE in October, “In real life, unpredictable things happen. Officials had previously said they would wait for fourth quarter data to be released before deciding on options including short-term financing, accord- rubles raised would reach the forex market... blaming oil for slowing inflation, only to It’s unrealistic for policymakers to persist on ing to trading and oil industry sources. These fears had no ground... But still, there was stand pat in January when oil prices kept too rigid a timeframe,” he said. — Reuters further easing measures, and that data gave little cause for comfort. Sanctions ban long-term financing of Rosneft - this misunderstanding on the market which An official survey of China’s mammoth factory sector, a measure that has prompted all Western com- was a factor which played against the ruble,” the purchasing managers index (PMI), showed it shrank panies to pull out of any such deals with the oil she told the Russian edition of Forbes maga- unexpectedly for the first time in nearly 2-1/2 years in major - but allow short-term financing for a zine. Days after issuing its bond, Rosneft said it January, and other indicators have also been worrying, period of up to 30 days. would not use the funds raised to buy foreign including signs of strengthening capital outflows and a Under an existing five-year financing agree- currency. On Dec. 16, the day after Rosneft’s weakening in China’s service sector. “The main reason ment with Trafigura which began in mid-2013, disclaimer, the central bank increased its was that the PMI was much lower than expected in Rosneft sells 150,000-200,000 tons of oil a benchmark interest rate by 650 basis points to January, so if there is no further policy reaction, it’s very month to the trader - a deal which is allowed to 17 percent, citing the need to curb increased likely that China’s Q1 GDP growth could fall below 7 per- continue because it was struck before sanc- devaluation and inflationary risks. Hours later cent,” said Liu Li-gang, an economist at ANZ. tions were imposed. the rouble fell to an all-time low. Policymakers had previously signalled that they were Now Rosneft has committed to sell around On Jan. 26, Rosneft raised 400 billion rubles comfortable with slowing net growth in the name of 500,000 tons of oil to the Swiss trading house in in the domestic bond market, also saying it economic restructuring away from capital-intensive February to raise money to help repay its debt, would not use the funds to buy foreign curren- manufacturing toward services, but if restructuring three trading sources told Reuters. Rosneft and cy. Rosneft’s loan maturing in February is part attempts set off an economy-wide slide, Beijing would Trafigura declined to comment. It was unclear of a larger $11.9 billion, two-year bridge loan find its options increasingly constrained. how much money the financing deal would that was signed in Feb. 2013 that backed External factors contributed to the timing of the involve, or how it would be structured. The Rosneft’s acquisition of oil company TNK-BP. decision, economists said, such as deflationary pres- delivery of 500,000 tons of oil would represent Lenders included BNP Paribas, Bank of sures from a recent collapse in energy prices and easing an increase of 300,000-350,000 tons - worth America Merrill Lynch, Bank of Tokyo moves by other foreign central banks, though domestic about $150 million at current prices - on Mitsubishi, Barclays Bank, Citigroup, Credit issues were still more important. Rosneft’s usual monthly allocation to Trafigura. Agricole CIB, ING, Intesa Sanpaolo, JP Morgan, “The recent wave of central bank easing may have “It is clearly a new deal,” said one trader, who Mizuho Bank, Natixis, Societe Generale and played a role, but we think the above domestic factors does not work for Rosneft or Trafigura, but UniCredit. — Reuters are the main reasons behind the RRR cut today,” wrote WEST POINT: Merck scientist Meizhen Feng conducts research to discover new HIV drugs Zhu Haibin of J.P. Morgan, adding that the timing was in West Point. Merck & Co reported quarterly financial results yesterday. — AP not surprising, given rising systemic cash demand in the run-up to the week-long Chinese New Year holiday in Drugmaker Merck posts mid February. However, the weak impact of previous stimulus measures has some worried that liquidity tools are los- spike in Q4 profit ing their effectiveness in China, given that the volume of debt required to produce a unit of GDP is steadily rising, Drugmaker Merck & Co’s fourth-quarter profit staff cuts and site closures to save money, but given endemic industrial overcapacity and entrenched skyrocketed to $7.32 billion, skewed by an jettisoning the $1.9 billion-a-year consumer economic inefficiencies in the state sector. $11.2 billion gain from selling its consumer health business that sells Claritin allergy pills The bank injected an estimated 644.5 billion yuan care business to Germany’s Bayer AG. and Coppertone skin care items. into the system through medium-term loan facilities in Merck, the maker of blockbuster diabetes The Kenilworth, New Jersey-based compa- late 2014, without producing much in the way of stimu- pill Januvia edged past Wall Street expecta- ny said its fourth-quarter profit amounted lation, and swamping the system with money it cannot tions, despite hits to revenue from multiple $2.54 per share. Excluding a total of $4.81 bil- digest carries other risks. Previous easing moves are divestitures, patent expirations and the strong lion in one-time charges for restructuring, already credited with setting off a massive leverage- dollar, but its forecast for 2015 came in below acquisitions, divestitures and other items, fuelled rally in Chinese stock markets, which has Wall Street expectations. adjusted profit was $2.5 billion, or 87 cents per become as much a cause for concern as celebration, as Merck, the world’s fourth-biggest drug- share. it highlights the risk that easing would simply reinflate maker by revenue, predicted adjusted profit of Merck posted revenue of $10.48 billion in asset bubbles in stocks, real estate and industrial hous- $3.32 to $3.47 per share in 2015, well below the quarter, down 7.4 percent from $11.32 bil- ing that regulators have been trying to let the air out of the $3.50 analysts surveyed by FactSet were lion a year earlier but just above analysts’ fore- for years. expecting. Merck said it expects full-year rev- casts for $10.47 billion. Sales were led by China’s economic growth slowed to 7.4 percent in enue in the range of $38.3 billion to $39.8 bil- Januvia and related pill Janumet, up 2 percent 2014 - the weakest in 24 years - from 7.7 percent in lion, while analysts were anticipating $40.46 to $1.65 billion. But sales of several other top 2013. Analysts polled by Reuters in January expect eco- NEW DELHI: An elderly Indian shopkeeper sorts onions at his shop in the old quar- billion. products all fell by 10 percent: immune disor- nomic growth to sag further this year to around 7 per- ters of New Delhi yesterday. India is part of a global trend that is advancing towards The drugmaker is in the midst of yet anoth- der injection Remicade, HPV vaccine Gardasil cent. — Reuters an increasing urbanization, with more than half of the world’s population living in er restructuring, this one including not just and cholesterol drugs Zetia and Vytorin. — AP towns and cities. — AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 European stocks slip as investors eye Greek talks
LONDON: Europe’s main stock markets faltered yesterday as investors The euro declined to $1.1460 from $1.1479 late in New York on we will try to do our best in order to find a common, viable and mutu- remains far from clear that EU policymakers will embrace this plan.” nervously eyed Greece’s ongoing efforts to renegotiate its vast interna- Tuesday. Tsipras will later meet European Commission president Jean- ally acceptable solution for our common future,” he said. Back in Athens, the new Greek government held its first bond auc- tional bailout deal. Claude Juncker, while Varoufakis held talks with European Central Bank tion since taking office, raising 812.5 million euros in six-month treas- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visited Brussels and Finance president Mario Draghi in Frankfurt. “The more prolonged this Greek- Fruitful talks ury bills on a higher rate than last month. The rate was 2.75 percent, Minister Yanis Varoufakis headed to Frankfurt, as part of their whistle- euro tour is, and the longer the discussions go on, the worse the mar- Varoufakis meanwhile said that he had held a “very fruitful discus- compared with 2.30 percent secured on comparable bonds issued on stop tour to drum up support for Athens’ planned renegotiation of its kets will react as investors lose patience waiting for the outcome of this sion and exchange” with Draghi, adding that there was an “excellent January 7. 240-billion-euro ($270-billion) bailout. Investors meanwhile shrugged important debate,” said analyst Connor Campbell at trading firm line of communication, which gives me a great deal of encouragement The sale, which was watched closely as an indication of investor off news of the Chinese central bank’s latest bid to boost its faltering Spreadex. European stocks rallied Tuesday, recording a second day of for the future”. In the run-up to the meetings, a report in the Financial confidence in the new government, attracted less interest than previ- economy by cutting the level of funds that banks must hold in reserve gains on hopes of a deal being struck on Greece’s debt, with rebound- Times had suggested that Draghi would take a tough line with ously. On the corporate front, European pay-TV broadcasting giant Sky by 0.50 percentage points, . ing oil prices helping energy firms. The gains continued in Asia, where Varoufakis and could even block a key element in Athens’ plans to saw its share price jump to the top of London’s FTSE 100 risers board In midday deals, London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index dipped 0.52 equities jumped yesterday as hopes grow that Greece will be able to renegotiate its bailout. after posting soaring half-year profits. Sky’s share price rallied 2.60 per- percent to 6,836.30 points, Frankfurt’s DAX 30 index shed 0.11 percent hammer out a debt agreement with its European partners. Tsipras indi- “Investors are continuing to put their faith in the prospective plan cent to 967.50 pence. The biggest loser was brokerage Hargreaves to 10,879 points and in Paris the CAC 40 reversed 0.18 percent to cated yesterday he believed it was possible to find a solution to the put forward by Greek finance minister Varoufakis of a debt swap linked Lansdown, whose share price slid 5.17 percent to 990.50 pence on 4,669.50 compared with Tuesday’s close. debt standoff between Athens and the EU. “I am very optimist(ic) that to growth linked bonds,” said CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson. “It falling interim earnings. — AFP Oil falls, cuts short 4-day rally on US stock build LONDON: Oil prices fell yesterday after a expected given stock builds globally,” said new build in US crude stock levels put a Gareth Lewis-Davies, senior oil strategist at global glut back in focus, cutting short a BNP Paribas. The US government’s Energy rally that pushed up prices by about 19 per- Information Administration (EIA) is expect- cent over the past four sessions. ed to release its data on stocks at 1530 GMT The rebound increased speculation that yesterday. Hans van Cleef, senior energy prices may have hit a bottom, after a seven- economist at ABN Amro bank in the month rout slashed oil futures by nearly 60 Netherlands, said that investors were sell- percent and prompted major energy firms ing oil futures to take advantages of the to cut spending on new production. But a recent rally, ahead of the EIA announce- report from the industry group American ment this afternoon. Petroleum Institute showing US crude “We’ve seen a steep recovery in the past stocks rose more than 6 million barrels last few days, so some profit taking doesn’t week pushed prices down yesterday. sound too strange in my view,” he said. The Brent was 95 cents lower at $56.76 a dollar, the currency in which oil futures are barrel by 1132 GMT, after gaining almost 6 traded, rose against a basket of currencies percent on Tuesday and off a near six-year by 0.22 percent to 93.8 , making dollar trad- low of $45.19 reached in mid-January. US ed commodities more expensive. crude futures were down $1.72 at $51.33 a The outlook for oil demand has also barrel. The fall in prices “makes perfect been muddied by data showing China’s sense after the marked increase since services sector grew at the slowest pace in Friday. A degree of reversal should be six months in January. —Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 Etihad Airways sees surge in fleet-wide in-flight connectivity ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways, which next month necting to the Internet with their iPads and iPhones, and live television, combine the “Etihad Wi-Fly” solu- CNN, the top three most viewed channels, and CNBC, becomes one of the few airlines in the world to offer while 30 per cent used devices running on Android’s tion, powered by the Panasonic Avionics Global euronews, Japan’s NHK World Premium, and Sky News fleet-wide inflight connectivity services, has witnessed operating system. Communications Suite, and OnAir’s inflight connectivi- Arabia. The airline’s connected fleet comprises92 pas- a dramatic surge in Internet and mobile phone usage Etihad Airways’ Live TV service is attracting strong ty solution. senger aircraft including 29 Airbus A319/320/321s, 26 in 2014. interest and receiving great feedback from travellers, The high-speed broadband services enable guests A330s, 11 A340s, one A380, 24 Boeing 777 family air- Reflecting the broader trend for people to use their with an average of 50,000 hours of live news and to access the Internet from laptops, tablets and smart- craft and the first B787 Dreamliner, which serve routes personal devices for work and entertainment when major sporting events being viewed each month. phones over Wi-Fi, allowing them to send emails, log across six continents. All future aircraft scheduled for travelling, the growth was largely driven by people Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial onto their favourite social media sites, upgrade seats, delivery through 2015 will also be equipped with logging onto Etihad Airways’ Wi-Fi network, with Officer, said: “We continue to redefine our guests’ air change travel plans and much more, all from the com- inflight connectivity. usage rising by 80 per cent last year. travel experience with innovative products and servic- fort of their seats at 35,000 feet. Packages to access the Internet start at US$5 and Increased demand for onboard mobile services also es, the latest communication technology and enter- The mobile connectivity service allows guests to can be purchased using credit cards, PayPal and a contributed to the surge in usage, with 2.6 million tainment systems that best fit their needs. use their mobile phones and smartphones to make range of other convenient payment methods. Mobile devices connecting to the airline’s onboard mobile “When people travel, they want to stay connected and receive phone calls, send and read SMS text mes- telephone usage will be billed by the guest’s mobile network in 2014. Inflight texts and mobile phone calls with their work, their friends and their family. They also sages or email, use mobile data services to browse the service providers based on the international roaming increased by 62 per cent and 61 per cent respectively, want to be kept up-to-date with 24 hour world news web, and much more. rates levied by the service providers. compared to the same period in 2013. services. This is now possible for the entire journey on Now available on 43 wide-body aircraft, the Live TV Notes: All Etihad Airways’ narrow-body aircraft iOS was the most popular operating system an Etihad Airways flight.” service brings quality content from seven television offer a mix of Wi-Fi and mobile services, or mobile onboard, with 55 per cent of the airline’s guests con- The services comprising Wi-Fi, mobile connectivity channels including BBC World News, Sport 24 and services only. Price-cutting European firms enjoy buoyant Jan
Data lends support to ECB’s QE program
LONDON: January was euro-zone firms’ best (PMI) stood at 52.6, higher than a preliminary GERMANY HOPEFUL month since mid-2014 but they also cut prices at estimate of 52.2 and December’s 51.4. Britain has likewise been grappling with the fastest rate in nearly five years, a survey However, growth came at a cost to margins. falling inflation, which at 0.5 percent is far below found, lending support to the European Central An index measuring output prices fell to 46.9 the Bank of England’s 2 percent goal, but unlike Bank’s decision to scale up its stimulus program. from December’s 48.1, its lowest reading since the euro-zone its economy has enjoyed relative- In Britain, outside the currency union and February 2010, suggesting firms were slashing ly healthy growth. Recent Reuters polls have where markets are instead focusing on when prices to drum up trade. seen rate hike expectations move steadily fur- monetary policy will be tightened, a sister sur- Annual consumer prices dropped a record- ther out and muddying the waters more for vey showed activity in the dominant service equalling 0.6 percent last month as commodity economists trying to predict when the Bank industry expanded faster than anyone polled by prices, Brent crude in particular, tumbled. Likely would act, Britain’s PMI came in at 57.2, higher Reuters had expected. “It’s all good news. We encouraged by falling prices, retail sales in the than any forecast polled by Reuters. knew QE (quantitative easing) was coming and it bloc were the highest in almost eight years in That suggests the British economy as a whole was factored in. So it’s not unreasonable to say December as Christmas shoppers splashed out. is growing at a rate slightly above the 0.5 percent ‘Crikey, that QE works quick’.” said Alan Clarke, an Price-cutting also helped drive service indus- it managed in the final three months of 2014, economist at Scotiabank. try activity up at the fastest rate in five months. Markit said. “Rate setters will welcome any good “In Britain, it suggests lower oil prices are The services sector PMI rose to 52.7 from news with open arms. But with inflationary pres- starting to boost business confidence and that December’s 51.6, ahead of the flash 52.3 esti- sures very weak at present they face something there is probably more good news ahead.” mate. Confidence about the ECB’s QE program of a communication difficulty,” said Rob Wood, Yesterday’s euro-zone survey, combining and signs of growth in new orders accelerating chief UK economist at Berenberg Bank. “The BoE ATHENS: A man walks past a graffiti in the center of Athens yesterday. Greek Finance manufacturing and services, was carried out helped lift a gauge of optimism among service will want to sound dovish in next week’s Inflation Minister Yanis Varoufakis told Italian newspaper Il Messaggero in an interview pub- mostly before the ECB announced a near one- firms by the biggest one-month margin in over Report press conference.” Germany’s private sec- lished yesterday that Athens needed up to six weeks to draw up a global economic trillion-euro quantitative easing program of five years. tor expanded faster in January than at the end of plan, as it lobbies its European allies to win backing for debt relief proposals. —AFP bond purchases to revive inflation and boost the Echoing the ECB’s loosening, central banks last year as companies received new orders and economy, Data compiler Markit said it pointed from Switzerland to Turkey to Canada and took on staff, implying Europe’s largest economy to first-quarter economic growth of 0.3 percent Australia have cut interest rates in the past few may be picking up. Spain’s economic recovery in the bloc. That matches the median forecast in weeks. But Iceland’s central bank kept rates gathered momentum while Italy’s service sector Internet to be ‘public a Reuters poll last month and, if realised, would unchanged on Wednesday, indicating the direc- returned to growth. But it was a different story in beat the 0.1 percent economists have pencilled tion of its next policy move was uncertain as it France, the bloc’s second biggest economy, in for the last three months of 2014. Markit’s final raised its economic growth forecast for 2015 and whose dominant service industry sank back into utility’ under US plan January Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index predicted low inflation into next year. the red. — Reuters WASHINGTON: The top US telecom regula- the FCC”. He would ban “paid prioritization,” tor proposed yesterday to regulate broad- which would allow services to pay for faster band Internet service providers as “public connections, as well as “blocking and throt- Petrobras says CEO utility” carriers, in a renewed effort to tling of lawful content and services.” enforce “net neutrality” rules. Federal Wheeler said he would apply the rules to stepping down amid Communications Commission chairman the mobile Internet for the first time as well. Tom Wheeler unveiled the plan which aims “My proposal assures the rights of Internet corruption scandal to prevent Internet providers from playing users to go where they want, when they favorites or blocking some services or want, and the rights of innovators to intro- RIO DE JANEIRO: Embattled Brazilian oil giant Petrobras allowing others to pay for “fast lanes”. The duce new products without asking anyone’s said yesterday that the company’s chief executive officer new proposal comes a year after a federal permission.” and five other top figures stepped down amid a long-run- court struck down the FCC neutrality rules, Critics of the approach argue that the ning and massive kickback scandal at the firm. Petrobras saying it lacked the authority because 1930s-style regulation would choke off said in a one-line statement on its website that CEO Maria Internet providers were not “common carri- investment in the Internet and stifle innova- das Gracas Foster and five other executive directors were ers” under US telecom law. tion. Wheeler said, however, that he would out. There have been loud calls from business and political The plan, which is expected to unleash a use only portions of the “Title II” regulation, circles for months for the resignation of the company’s top fresh legal and political battle, aims to “tailoring it for the 21st century, in order to officials after news of the alleged corruption scheme broke. resolve the impasse by reclassifying provide returns necessary to construct com- The oil firm lost billions in market value in the past year Internet service providers as regulated enti- petitive networks”. He pledged “no rate reg- as daily reports broke news about the extent of the alleged ties under the 1934 Telecommunications ulation” or tariffs and said his plans “can corruption scheme. Prosecutors say at least $800 million in Act. “The Internet must be fast, fair and encourage investment and competition”. bribes were paid by construction and engineering firms in open,” Wheeler said in an essay in Wired A senior FCC official said the move repre- return for inflated contracts worth billions. magazine. “That is the message I’ve heard sents a “light touch” effort which uses only Aside from its market value, Petrobras has seen its debt from consumers and innovators across this some segments of the 1934 law without downgraded by both Moody’s and Fitch in the past week, Jamie Blevins delivers a mushroom cheeseburger, a bacon burger and jalapeno pep- nation. That is the principle that has imposing fees or other types regulation. The further choking its ability to borrow on international mar- pers to customers at the Superior Restaurant, in Cleveland. The Institute for Supply enabled the Internet to become an “neutrality” rules aim to ensure that all serv- kets. Petrobras is Brazil’s biggest company and is in charge Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, issued its index of non-manu- unprecedented platform for innovation ices have equal access to the Internet, so of tapping big offshore oil fields and creating wealth that facturing activity for January yesterday. — AP and human expression.” that a provider such as Verizon or AT&T leaders hope will propel the country to developed world Wheeler said his plan, to be submitted to could not block a service such as Netflix and status. But the debt-plagued firm hasn’t met development US service sector growth the five-member commission for a vote lat- favor a rival like Hulu. Reaction to the plan, goals, and the riches remain buried deep under the sea. er this month, would call for “the strongest speculation about which has been swirling The company’s statement said in English that its board open Internet protections ever proposed by for days, was swift. — AFP of directors on Friday “will elect new executive board mem- slightly faster in January bers” after the resignation of Foster and five other execu- tive directors. WASHINGTON: The US economy’s service though that in part represented the gasoline Ethiopia launches mobile Petrobras, one of the globe’s leading offshore compa- sector picked up pace marginally in January price decline. A respondent from the hotels nies that in recent years discovered massive offshore oil over December, the Institute for Supply and restaurants industry said the mild winter money schemes to fields that could hold up to 100 billion barrels, has been Management reported yesterday. and lower fuel prices had “a good effect on mired for months in a corruption case involving former While most aspects of business turned sales.” One person from the professional, sci- extend banking reach company executives as well as the heads of many of Brazil’s higher, the ISM purchasing managers index entific and technical services sector said the main construction companies. Brazilian prosecutors have showed, respondents also suggested that the first month of the year was good, and that ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopian banks and 13,000 in February. Kidist said the said the kickback scheme involved at least $800 million in sharp fall in gasoline prices was only having a “we remain cautiously optimistic.” microfinance firms are launching potential was “in the millions.” bribes and other illegal funds. They expect that figure to modest impact so far on the economy. Retail, wholesale and construction indus- mobile money services, helping reach BelCash’s helloCash service could grow as they keep investigating. Some of that money was The ISM’s services PMI rose to 56.7 from try respondents also reported modest rises in funneled back to the ruling Workers’ Party and its allies swathes of the population that now have 2-3 million users this year and 10 56.5 in December. A number above 50 activity. The bottom line of the report, said campaign coffers, often as legal corporate donations. denotes expansion. There was a strong gain economist Chris Low of FTN Financial, is that have little access to branches or servic- million by 2017 or 2018, the firm’s chief Federal prosecutors said they’ve recovered about $170 es, the mobile technology providers executive Vince Diop said, adding that in overall business activity, but new orders the Us economy “downshifted in the fourth million involved in the scheme, that over 230 businesses of were only growing slightly faster, employ- quarter and may slow further in the early and banks said. The launch of the serv- BelCash would receive a fee for each all sizes are being investigated and that 86 people are fac- ices, which allow customers to make transaction made. ment gains were almost flat, and prices fell months of 2015 before reaccelerating later ing charges so far, including several top executives from faster than they had the previous month- this year.” — AFP payments or receive money via a Two of Ethiopia’s 16 private banks, Brazil’s main construction and engineering firms who have mobile that is linked to a bank account, Lion International Bank and been jailed. Additionally, federal prosecutors are expected mirrors technology used in other Cooperative Bank of Oromia, as well as to announce charges this month against dozens of politi- African nations that has drawn millions a microfinance firm, have signed up for cians, mostly congressmen, in connection to the case. of people into the financial system. helloCash. Two more banks have yet to Speculation has been rife that Foster, 61, would be fired, Netherlands-based BelCash is offer- submit applications to the central but her friend and ally Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff ing a technology called helloCash, bank, he said. sharply defended her record of over three decades in the while MOSS ICT, mainly owned by an The pilot project was under way and company. The pressure from political and business circles Ireland-based firm, is rolling out M-Birr commercial services should start in to find new leadership at Petrobras increased last week in the nation of 96 million people. about two months, Diop said. Bankers after the company belatedly released an unaudited earn- In both cases, Ethiopian banks and say Ethiopia has no more than 1,500 ings report that didn’t include an estimate on losses due to institutions will offer the service to cus- ATM cash machines, while there was corruption. Foster then told reporters two days after the earnings just over 2,200 bank branches as of tomers and hold the cash deposited, in report was released that losses on the books due to inflat- line with government policy that bars June, or one for every 40,000 people, ed contracts could be over $30 billion - a preliminary calcu- foreign firms or banks from investing in the central bank says. Only one in 10 lation that reportedly infuriated Rousseff. Rousseff, a for- the financial sector or the telecoms people have a bank account. In addi- mer energy minister and presidential chief of staff who her- industry. “One of the things that the tion to branches, which are expensive self served as chair of the Petrobras board for seven years government wants to do is ensure to set up, banks plan to authorise thou- through 2010, is widely seen as wanting a replacement there is financial inclusion,” said MOSS sands of agents, such as shops or mer- from outside the company, but the ongoing scandal is ICT deputy general manager Kidist chants, in line with new regulations. thought to be making the top position a hard sell to Negeye, adding M-Birr would help Such agents will be able to take prospective candidates. reach rural areas. “Another aspect is the deposits and hand out cash via the According to the Folha de S.Paulo daily, which first mobilization of domestic savings. The mobile system. broke the news Tuesday of Foster’s imminent departure, government wants to increase the Ethiopia’s initiative mirrors the mod- Rousseff’s predecessor and influential mentor, Luiz Inacio number of deposits.” The central bank el pioneered in Kenya, where there are Lula da Silva, has suggested two possible replacements for approved the roll out for M-Birr, which now 27 million users in the nation of Foster: the former head of Brazil’s Central Bank, Henrique will be offered by five micro finance 45 million. Safaricom, a unit of Britain’s Meirelles; and the CEO of mining giant Vale, Murilo Ferreira. firms, in December. It already has 5,000 Vodafone , was first with such a service, In a research note late Tuesday, the US-based Eurasia Group wrote that “we expect whoever to come on board to to 6,000 users and expects to add launched in 2007. — Reuters ANKARA: Workers shout slogans as they demonstrate to protest against the govern- have strong market credentials.” —AP ment’s labor and economy policies in Ankara. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 TECHNOLOGY BPG Maxus conference explores the world of creative technology
he first edition of 365 degrees, a BPG Maxus B2B event. So with a team of technologists, annual conference, explored the fascinat- artists, creative thinkers and entrepreneurs, Ting world of creative technology. This we’ve set out to help our clients solve their busi- unique day-long media summit was packed with ness and marketing challenges.” imagination, inspiration and integration for the Metalworks by Maxus a unit dedicated to cre- advertising, media and marketing professionals ative technology, research and development was invited. This annual conference endeavors to go the driving force behind 365 degrees. Among the beyond the 360 degrees of communication and host of innovative technology on display at the seize 365 days of connectivity. Tech Garden, was the revolutionary Oculus The event’s main focus was on the use of tech- Virtual Reality headset. Nico Abbruzzese, Global nology to change the way brands interact with Director of Metalworks by Maxus, was confident consumers. The Group CEO of BPG Group, that the delegates would leave with a new Avishesha Bhojani said, “Not only are we betting understanding of how technology can be used on ‘integration’ of vertical marketing services, to connect with consumers. Using technology in we’re also investing significantly more resources a creative way will ensure that the brands benefit on talent attraction, up-gradation and retention. immensely and occupy a slot in the mind-map of One of our most critical and visible initiatives is the consumers. He further added, “Technology around ‘thought leadership’, with each business will continue to change the face of media and unit adopting a unique platform for a day-long advertising across the globe.” China further tightens control over Internet Efforts to block virtual private networks
BEIJING: China announced yesterday that users of blogs and chat rooms will be required to reg- ister their names with operators and promise in writing to avoid challenging the Communist political system, further tightening control over Internet use. The announcement follows what technology companies say are official efforts in recent weeks to block virtual private networks that are used to circumvent China’s extensive Internet filters. China has the world’s biggest population of Internet users with 649 million people online but increasing censorship has chilled the popu- larity of social media. Beijing has required Internet companies since 2012 to obtain real names of some users. But NEW YORK: A dog walker makes her way up Fifth Avenue near New York’s Central compliance was uneven and the rules failed to Park. The sharing economy “can improve consumer welfare by offering new inno- specify what services were covered. vations, more choices, more service differentiation, better prices and higher The latest announcement extends that “real quality services,” says a study released in December 2014 by Virginia’s George name” registration requirement to blogs, Mason University economists. — AFP microblog services such as the popular Sina Weibo and website comment sections. Such set- ‘Sharing economy’ reshapes tings offer many Chinese their only opportunity to express themselves in public in a society in markets, as complaints rise which all media are controlled by the ruling Communist Party. WASHINGTON: Want to make a bit of unfair. BEIJING: A woman browses her smartphone as she attends a press conference in Beijing. China The rules also require Internet services for the announced yesterday that users of blogs and chat rooms will be required to register their extra cash driving strangers around in Airbnb, the leading online platform first time to have users sign a contract that names with operators and promise in writing to avoid challenging the communist political sys- your car, taking care of someone’s dog, for peer-to-peer lodging, has sparked includes a pledge to refrain from “illegal and tem, further tightening control over Internet use. — AP renting your apartment or cooking a similar complaints from the hotel sector. unhealthy” activity. meal? Responding to complaints, the San Yesterday’s announcement affirmed an earlier been calling on Internet companies since last weeks, some companies that operate VPNs, Welcome to the sharing economy. Francisco startup recently expanded prohibition against posting material deemed a year to “spread positive energy” online. which encrypt traffic to prevent censors from With Internet-based apps and services efforts to collect lodging taxes in some threat to state power or national security - terms In May, Sina Corp, which operates one of reading it, say tighter controls have disrupted like Uber, Airbnb and others, you make locations. the ruling party uses to describe opposition to China’s most popular Internet platforms, said it their services. money, and the consumer saves. So it’s a Other services in the sharing econo- Communist rule. It said operators will be was penalized for allowing “unhealthy and inde- The government has not confirmed it was win-win? That’s the multibillion-dollar my include “Feastly,” which allows indi- required to deactivate accounts of violators. The cent content” online. Sina was fined $815,000 responsible for the blockage. But an official of question. The new way of operating has viduals to cook meals for customers; ruling party encourages Internet use for busi- and stripped of two of its licenses for Internet the Ministry of Industry and Information been reshaping entire economic sectors, Vinted, a marketplace for unwanted ness and education but tries to block material publication and online transmission of audio- Technology, responding to a question about it at with the promise of improved efficiency clothing; and Lending Club, one of sever- deemed subversive or obscene. Beijing regularly visual programs. a Jan. 27 news conference, said, “harmful infor- In a statement on its own Sina Weibo mation should be managed according to and more flexibility. al platforms for peer-to-peer loans. launches new censorship initiatives to respond to changes such as the growing popularity of microblog account, Sina said it “firmly supports” Chinese laws.” The spectacular rise of ride-sharing, Dean Baker, an economist with the the new measures. It posted instructions for Censorship also has eroded the popularity of home-sharing and other services turned left-leaning Center for Economic and social media. The Cyberspace Administration of China said users to alert censors to possible violators. social media such as Sina Weibo, which freelance these economic models upside down, Policy Research in Washington, said the latest rules are needed to combat “username China operates the world’s most extensive journalists and independent commentators and has fueled complaints that these these players can thrive largely because chaos.” In a statement, the agency said users system of Internet monitoring and filters. It used to distribute news reports and essays. The services effectively skirt rules on safety, they don’t play by the same rules as took inappropriate online names such as Putin blocks access to websites abroad run by human number of users has declined since Beijing tight- consumer protection and labor rights. incumbents. “It doesn’t make sense to and Obama, promoted “vulgar culture,” commit- rights and other activists groups, as well as pop- ened control in 2013 over how such services Some economists say this “peer-to-peer” have a regulated sector and another one ted fraud by pretending to be Communist Party ular services such as the Google search engine could be used. The number of microblog users model offers numerous advantages by where the rules don’t apply,” Baker told officials or agitated for separatist causes. and Facebook. as of the end of last year declined to 249 million, tapping underutilized resources. The AFP. Operators will be required to assign an Until recently, users of virtual private net- some 7.1 percent, or 32 million people, below sharing economy “can improve consumer “What you want to do is separate out employee to review and keep track of user work, or VPN, services were able to skirt those 2013, according to a state-authorized research welfare by offering new innovations, is where they deliver innovation or create details to ensure they comply, the agency said. restrictions to reach business tools operated by body, the China Internet Network Information more choices, more service differentia- a real benefit.” Baker said ride-sharing The government of President Xi Jinping has Google and other blocked sites. But in recent Center. — AP tion, better prices and higher quality services have raised particular concerns services,” says a study by George Mason because drivers are competing against University economists. taxis, which are limited by most cities Sony trims full-year Researcher Christopher Koopman, an under a licensing scheme such as the author of the George Mason report, said “medallions” in San Francisco which can the sharing economy “allows people to sell for $250,000 or so. take idle capital and turn them into rev- “There is an issue of fairness,” Baker loss forecast to $1.4bn enue sources.” said. “If the cities want to let anyone “People are taking spare bedroom, drive, they should buy back the medal- cars, tools they are not using and becom- lions.” TOKYO: Sony Corp trimmed its forecast of ing their own entrepreneurs.” There is no losses and gave a figure for damages from the official definition of the sharing econo- Jobs or not? Sony Pictures hack, but said it would suffer no my. Some include online delivery servic- From the labor perspective, the new significant harm from the cyberattack in the es like Instacart and Postmates; neigh- digital platforms are touted as ways to long run. The entertainment and electronics bor-sharing platforms like Peerby; pet- encourage more people to become giant delayed the announcement of its earn- sitting service DogVacay; and the rest- entrepreneurs. A study commissioned by ings for the October-December quarter room service Airpnp. The research firm Uber and led by Princeton University because the hack affected its ability to com- PwC estimates that five sharing economy economist Alan Kreuger which surveyed pile its complete results in time. segments-finance, online staffing, US drivers for Uber found they earned The hack, which became public in accommodation, car sharing and music above-average wages and were general- December when the Hollywood studio’s com- or video streaming-could be worth $335 ly satisfied with the arrangement. puters were crippled and sensitive documents billion by 2025, up from just $15 billion The study found Uber driver earned were posted online, cost Sony about $15 mil- today. around $6 per hour more than traditional lion, it said. “We don’t expect leaks of unre- “The sharing economy will be part of taxi drivers, but noted that comparison is leased films online or damage to our IT sys- the overall economy going forward,” said difficult because Uber drivers must pay tems will cause a significant loss,” Kazuhiko technology strategist Mary Jesse in a certain expenses. Takeda, vice president of Sony’s corporate blog post. “Some industries-like taxi serv- Baker says this arrangement “is great planning department, told reporters. “We had ices in transportation and B&B rentals in for people to have an option to work in insurance against cyberattacks and will be travel-will be completed transformed, their spare time and make extra money,” able to recover a significant portion of the while others, such as financial services, but that it still lacks the benefits of full- costs.” Sony issued new earnings forecasts for will be only peripherally impacted. This is time employment. the fiscal year ending in March and said it was part of the ‘technology revolution,’ as “What happens when someone has benefiting from strong sales of the well as a new norm.” Arun Sundararajan, an accident? Do they have workers comp PlayStation 4, other devices and network serv- a New York University economist who (insurance)?,” he said. Baker said impos- ices. The company is forecasting a loss of 170 studies the sharing economy, told a ing regulations and costs on sharing billion yen ($1.4 billion) for the fiscal year, an January congressional hearing that “this economy firms could hurt their prof- improvement from a forecast made in transition will have a positive impact on itability but would level the playing field. October of a 230 billion yen loss. The compa- economic growth and welfare, by stimu- “These companies are going to have ny reported a 40 billion yen loss last fiscal TOKYO: Japan’s Sony Corporation Chief Financial Officer Kenichiro Yoshida attends a press con- lating new consumption, by raising pro- a choice where they have to get serious year, which was the latest in a succession of ference to announce the company’s financial results at its headquarters in Tokyo. — AFP ductivity, and by catalyzing individual about accepting reasonable regulation losses as its TV business lost ground to cheap- yen ($1.68 billion), and a 23 percent drop if and its movie and music businesses have ben- innovation and entrepreneurship.” or they will be chased out of business,” er competitors. Hackers attacked Sony valued in dollar terms. It attributed the efited from a weakening in the Japanese yen, he said. Koopman argues however that Pictures over its movie “The Interview,” which declines to lower home entertainment rev- which improves profit earned in dollars when * Rule-bending? “a lot of these regulations that have spoofs an assassination of North Korean enues and strong theatrical release figures for it is brought back to Japan. Foreign exchange Uber is the best known platform in been on the books for decades are no leader Kim Jong Un, and leaked tens of thou- the previous year. fluctuations cut both ways, though, and a the sharing economy, having reached a longer serving consumer needs and are sands of emails. Overall for the year, Sony Pictures is fore- stronger dollar can wreak havoc with cost- valuation of $40 billion while expanding just protecting industries from competi- The studio first suspended the movie’s casting 890 billion yen ($7.6 billion) in total cutting efforts in overseas markets. to more than 200 cities in 54 countries. tion.” He maintains that as these activi- Christmas release, citing the concerns of cine- sales, up from its earlier forecast of 860 billion In its update, Sony said stronger than But Uber and similar services like Lyft ties grow, “there will be a new genera- ma chains over threats of terrorist attacks, but yen. Seeking a fresh footing after losing expected sales of the PlayStation 4, higher and Sidecar have fueled heated protests tion of people who are looking to the later went ahead with it. The movie made at ground in consumer electronics to rivals such network services revenue, robust sales of from taxi drivers, who complain that the sharing economy both form the con- least $15 million from more than 2 million as South Korea’s Samsung and Apple Inc., the devices and a slight improvement in its finan- new entrants don’t have to meet the sumer and the producer side. And gov- digital rentals and purchases in its first four company has sold its Vaio computer business cial services business will help counter a same requirements for licensing, safety ernments are ultimately going to have to days. Sony’s movie business nonetheless fore- and is splitting off its TV division to run as a decline in its mobile business. It expects to and insurance, making the competition respond.”—AFP casts a nearly 12 percent fall in sales in the wholly-owned subsidiary. release its October-December quarterly October December quarter to 197.6 billion It still is relatively strong in video games results by the end of March. — AP HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 Blood from Ebola survivors could help spur new disease treatments
CHICAGO: After successfully treating plasma from Ebola survivors. Researchers four Ebola patients last year, Emory will take two approaches. In one, they University in Atlanta is now leading a will produce large quantities of Ebola- government-funded project that will use fighting antibodies that could be infused blood from survivors of the deadly virus into patients intravenously, a conven- to test a novel way of treating infectious tional approach known as passive immu- disease. Traditional vaccines boost the nization. immune system’s response to infections. Protection using this method has a The new project will inject people with short half life of about two to three genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, in weeks, and the antibodies require refrig- hopes of spurring a person’s own cells to eration, which is not always available in make specific antibodies capable of countries fighting an infectious disease fighting Ebola or other pathogens. outbreak. That is why the team is also “The person’s body is the factory,” said testing the new method for making pro- Dr James Crowe of Vanderbilt University, tective drugs based on DNA or RNA, one of the collaborators on the project. rather than the older vaccine technology “It’s a cool idea.” Experts say the method, using killed or weakened viruses to stim- if proven to be safe and effective, would ulate an immune response, a process be faster and cheaper than conventional that can take several months to manu- drug production and could potentially facture. be used to treat illnesses such as season- WASHINGTON: Dr Anthony Fauci, right, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health and al flu or malaria. Early stage research other top government health officials are sworn in to testify before the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing looking Antibodies are typically grown in “In this method, we are trying to go in into the effectiveness of vaccines in the wake of a measles outbreak and the exceptionally severe flu season, on Capitol Hill. — AP large vats of mammal cells or in some as silently as possible,” bypassing the cases, tobacco plants, such as Mapp immune response, which may not always Biopharmaceutical’s experimental Ebola work, and directly providing the recipe Federal health officials face treatment ZMapp. The Defense for a highly effective antibody, said Col. Advanced Research Projects Agency Daniel Wattendorf, program director at (DARPA), the Pentagon’s elite research DARPA who came up with the new strat- tough questions on flu vaccine arm, has awarded Emory up to $10.8 mil- egy. Wattendorf said the effort is based lion over three years to direct the project. on prior, early stage research with drug- WASHINGTON: It was a tale of two vaccines - one research has debunked. tries with earlier influenza seasons than ours. The It will include research teams at the US makers Novartis and Sanofi looking at making politically charged headlines about kids One by one, four top government health offi- government picked this year’s recipe last Centers for Disease Control and whether they could make vaccines out of not vaccinated against measles and the other cials polled at Tuesday’s hearing called the February, and vaccine manufacturers started the Prevention, the US Army Medical Research ribonucleic acid, or RNA. reflecting the bleak reality of a harsh flu season. measles vaccine very safe and highly effective. months-long brewing process to make roughly Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRI- “What was particularly intriguing Federal health officials faced tough questions “Vaccines save lives and are the best way for par- 150 million doses. In March, the CDC noticed a ID), and several academic research labs about RNA was that it has no chance of from lawmakers Tuesday about why they didn’t ents to protect their children from vaccine-pre- slightly different H3N2 strain was starting to cir- including the University of Wisconsin- integrating into the human genome,” he take steps to produce a better flu vaccine as it ventable diseases,” said Dr Anne Schuchat, the culate. The so-called drifted strain slowly grew Madison, Rockefeller University, Vanderbilt said. The effect was temporary. Initially, became clear that this year’s version wasn’t going immunization director at the Centers for Disease more common over the summer. By late and Scripps Research Institute. Getting the technology was being developed in to offer much protection. Control and Prevention. Dr Anthony Fauci, infec- September, it accounted for half the strains in a access to blood samples from survivors of hopes of protecting soldiers from sea- “Shouldn’t we be treating this problem with tious disease chief at the National Institutes of global count, and the World Health Organization the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa sonal flu or germs that cause diarrhea on more urgency?” asked Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., Health, said the decision to vaccinate against decided to the Southern Hemisphere should has been challenging, but Emory has a dis- the battlefield, but the Ebola outbreak who called the House Energy and Commerce measles “is really a slam-dunk.” include that strain in the vaccine to be made for tinct advantage in having treated a small presented an opportunity to accelerate oversight subcommittee hearing amid concern But the lawmakers’ focus Tuesday was flu, its next flu season. number of patients on US soil. the research. that thousands may die of flu unnecessarily. At which on average kills about 24,000 Americans But in the US, flu shots already were arriving To succeed, researchers will need to the same time, lawmakers made sure to profess each year. It’s too soon to know this year’s toll, on pharmacy shelves and it was too late to Series of experiments identify an effective delivery system to their support for vaccinations against measles, although CDC says more than 60 children have change, said CDC’s Schuchat. There was no way All four of its former patients agreed carry the genetic instructions into the which has sickened more than 100 people in 14 died so far - and flu-related hospitalizations to predict that this new H3N2 strain - instead of to take part in the program, said Rafi body and learn how to quickly identify states so far this year, most linked to an outbreak among people 65 and older are at their highest the H3N2 version or two other flu strains included Ahmed, director of the Emory Vaccine the most protective antibodies. The goal that started over the holidays at Disneyland. since the government started counting nine in the shot - would be the winter’s biggest cause Center, who is leading the effort. Ahmed is to get the process down to 90 days for “Have your children vaccinated,” declared Rep. years ago. In a typical year, less than half of of influenza, she said. It’s the fourth time in 20 and colleagues intend to isolate antibod- most diseases, Wattendorf said. The Michael Burgess, a physician and Texas Americans get a flu vaccine. And this year’s ver- years there’s been an important mismatch with ies made by these patients in response to group is in the process of characterizing Republican who remembered his own case of sion is only about 23 percent effective, far less the vaccine, she said. Lawmakers asked, why not the Ebola virus, and through a series of several Ebola antibody candidates to childhood measles as painful. “We forgot about it, than the usual 50 percent to 60 percent. That’s just create an extra shot that was a better match? experiments in animals, identify the most find which are the most potent, Ahmed frankly,” he said of the suffering that highly conta- because this winter’s most common flu strain is It would take six months to have a fairly large effective ones for fighting off an Ebola said. At that point, the researchers and gious disease once inflicted in the US While most the aggressive H3N2 virus, and the vaccine isn’t a supply, Schuchat replied. “We’re all frustrated,” infection. DARPA will seek out drug company part- US children have received the measles-mumps- good match. Murphy said. “We need to speed up this process.” The approach is unrelated to an ners. Testing in people could begin with- rubella vaccine, some parents avoid vaccinations Here’s why: Flu viruses constantly mutate, and Stay tuned, said NIH’s Fauci: Researchers are experimental treatment provided to sev- in two years, with the goal of having a for religious reasons, and others cite concern that the vaccine is changed yearly to keep up based working hard to create a universal flu vaccine to eral Ebola patients in the United States, better weapon for the next Ebola out- they could lead to autism - a claim that scientific on what scientists see circulating in other coun- work against most strains. — AP which involved transfusions of blood break.— Reuters Lung cancer top killer for women in rich nations
NEW YORK: For the first time, lung cancer has passed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths for women in rich countries. The reason is smoking, which peaked years later for women than it did for men. Lung cancer has been the top cancer killer for men for decades. “We’re seeing the deaths now” from lung cancer due to a rise in smoking by women three decades ago, said Lindsey Torre of the American Cancer Society. The society released a report Wednesday, based on new numbers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Some highlights:
WASHINGTON: In this March 28, 2012 file photo, Janis Haddon of Atlanta holds her WASHINGTON: In this March 28, 2012 file photo, supporters of health care reform The cancer burden glove high outside the United States Supreme Court. — AP photos rally in front of the Supreme Court. Globally, there were about 14 million new cancer cases and 8 million cancer deaths in 2012, the most recent year for which numbers are available. Anxiety over Supreme Court’s “Developing countries account for 57 percent of cancer cases and 65 percent of cancer deaths,” Torre said.
Men vs women, rich vs Poor countries latest dive into health care For men, lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer death globally for several decades. In poor coun- WASHINGTON: Nearly five years after President Barack and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell repeatedly sion during the summer. Meanwhile, insurers are supposed tries, breast cancer remains the top cancer killer for women. Colon cancer has grown as a cause of death Obama signed his health care overhaul into law, its fate is said that “nothing has changed,” even as other supporters of to have their rates for 2016 locked down. There’s speculation worldwide. As for the number of cases diagnosed, yet again in the hands of the Supreme Court. This time it’s the law grew alarmed when the Supreme Court unexpect- that the White House could quickly roll out an administra- prostate and breast are the most common cancers in men not just the White House and Democrats who have reason edly took the case. Burwell has dodged questions about tive fix, but Obama could also toss the whole mess into the and women, respectively, in rich countries. to be anxious. Republican lawmakers and governors won’t contingency planning. With oral arguments set for March 4 lap of the GOP-led Congress. escape the political fallout if the court invalidates insurance and a decision expected early in the summer, here’s what’s Technically, a few tweaks from Congress would fix the The US picture subsidies worth billions of dollars to people in more than 30 at stake: problem. But after repeated votes to repeal “Obamacare,” Lung cancer became the top cancer killer for men in states. Obama’s law offers subsidized private insurance to would any Republicans be willing to facilitate its rescue? “We the 1950s, and for women in the late 1980s, reflecting people who don’t have access to it on the job. Without Red states in the path don’t see fixes the administration can make and we don’t trends in smoking rates. financial assistance with their premiums, millions of those Insurance losses would be concentrated in Republican- see Congress acting to fix this,” said Neera Tanden, president consumers would drop coverage. led states, many of which have resisted “Obamacare.” Florida, of the Center for American Progress, a public policy center Looking ahead And disruptions in the affected states don’t end there. If Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, and New Jersey aligned with the White House. Smoking rates have leveled off or dropped in rich droves of healthy people bail out of HealthCare.gov, resi- are among those with the most to lose. Residents of blue countries. In the United States, “we are already seeing lung dents buying individual policies outside the government states that are running their own markets, including Republican vs republican? cancer death rates decline,” Torre said. market would face a jump in premiums. That’s because self- California and New York, would continue to receive benefits. Faced with constituents at risk of losing coverage, some pay customers are in the same insurance pool as the subsi- Because the health law’s 2015 sign-up season is still under- congressional Republicans may be willing to make fixes to How to lower risk dized ones. Health insurers spent millions to defeat the law way, it’s unclear how many millions of people could become the subsidies in exchange for concessions from Obama. The American Institute for Cancer Research says half of as it was being debated. But the industry told the court last uninsured. Two independent studies put the number at Republicans have a long hit list of health law provisions, all cancers are preventable. Healthy diets and getting month that the subsidies are a key to making the insurance around 8 million. including employer requirements to cover workers, a tax on enough exercise cut risk. The hepatitis vaccine helps pre- overhaul work. Withdrawing them would “make the situa- That includes consumers who bought individual policies medical devices and a Medicare cost-control board. But oth- vent liver cancer; the HPV vaccine lowers the risk of get- tion worse than it was before” Congress passed the outside of HealthCare.gov, but would drop coverage if pre- er Republicans will not want to lift a finger to bail out the ting cervical cancer. The biggest factor: Stop smoking, or don’t start. Quitting by middle age can avoid 60 percent of Affordable Care Act. miums jump. The federal government is currently running program they’ve railed against. the risk of dying of lung cancer, Torre said. “It’s never too The debate over “Obamacare” was messy enough when the insurance markets in 37 states, but not all may be affect- “The president will say, ‘With one line of legislation, you late to quit.” — AP just politics and ideology were involved. It gets really dicey ed. Some states have made progress toward setting up their could save 5 million people from losing their health insurance,’ with the well-being of millions of people in the balance. “It is own exchanges. and the Republicans need to have a unified response,” said not simply a function of law or ideology; there are practical Leavitt, the former HHS secretary. “If they don’t, then it creates impacts on high numbers of people,” said Republican Mike Insurer escape clause? a problem for them.” Yet in the five years since the health law Leavitt, a former federal health secretary. The legal issues Even if the Obama administration has no Plan B, insurers passed, Republicans have failed to find consensus on an alter- involve the leeway accorded to federal agencies in applying appear to have been thinking ahead. The federal govern- native, and remain hard-pressed to do so. The GOP’s 2016 complex legislation. Opponents argue that the precise ment acknowledges in contract language that insurers presidential hopefuls will be hounded for answers. wording of the law only allows subsidies in states that have “could have cause to terminate” their agreements with To complicate matters, budget experts say a congres- set up their own insurance markets, or exchanges. That HealthCare.gov if the subsidies cease. sional fix restoring some or all of the subsidies would have would leave out most beneficiaries, who live in states where to be paid for with either spending cuts or tax increases. The the federal government runs the exchanges. The administra- Time to scramble last time the Supreme Court ruled on the health care law, tion and Democratic lawmakers who wrote the law say If the Supreme Court rules in late June, that would leave the result was a 5-4 decision upholding its central require- Congress’ clear intent was to provide subsidies to people in about three months before the start of the next sign-up sea- ment that virtually all Americans must carry health insur- every state. son for coverage. If the ruling goes against the subsidies, it’s ance. This time, it won’t just be political junkies holding their PARIS: In this Thursday, Dec 27, 2007 file photo, a While predicting a victory, the White House has not pre- unclear whether the courts can delay the effects for more breath before the announcement, but many consumers as cigarette burns out in an ashtray after lunch at a pared consumers for the consequences of a reversal. Health than a few weeks, and most state legislatures are not in ses- well. — AP restaurant. — AP HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
ONTARIO: In this Thursday, Jan 29, 2015 photo, former boxing champion Mike Tyson (left) holds a white homing pigeon, Samantha Wendel from North Hollywood, Calif, holds fantail pigeon “Francis” (center) and Richard Brooks, 94, holds a pigeon at the National Pigeon Association’s 93rd annual Grand National Pigeon Show. — AP photos Pigeon pageant for beautiful birds dispels ‘rats with wings’
ONTARIO, California: Dogs aren’t the only ani- motion during flight. The popular Birmingham them occur in nature like this,” said Nolan, who mals that vie for best in show. Hundreds of roller dives into a series of backward somersaults, raises English trumpeters, known for their breeds of pigeons compete in their own version stops the roll before hitting the ground, then acoustic sound of distant trumpets. “All of these of the Westminster show, strutting on long, thick heads back up and performs the feat again. breeds have evolved from man’s creative genius.” legs or fluttering curly, lacy feathers in their bid Hendricks, who traveled 36 hours from Cape Samantha Wendell of North Hollywood and her to be best bird. These pigeons aren’t the nui- Town, South Africa, said age is a problem in his fantail Francis, which looks like a turkey, are sance flocks that swarm food scraps at outdoor country, too. In his group, 90 percent of the inseparable. restaurants. They are genetically rich birds, members are over 50. “We are up against com- “Pigeons are just like dogs, they love you like a including variations bred to look like turkeys or puters and computer games,” he said. Bob Nolan dog if you spend time with them and love them sound like trumpets, that drew thousands of of Dana Point, a historian and 60-year member back,” she said. “He is all hugs and snuggles.” enthusiasts - including ex-boxer and pigeon of the Los Angeles Pigeon Club, which hosted Tyson says he will watch his birds for hours. The lover Mike Tyson - to the National Pigeon the show, said new variations are rare because fighter who bit off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear Association’s 93rd annual Grand National Pigeon “kids aren’t much interested in breeding any- explained his softer, pigeon-loving side by say- Show. more.” ing: “What I am just wasn’t what I did for a liv- ONTARIO: German Reversewing Pouters are displayed at the National Pigeon Showing pigeons is one of the oldest and “All these pigeons are man-made. None of ing.”— AP Association’s 93rd annual Grand National Pigeon Show. largest hobbies in the world. It thrives at a time when pets are becoming a more important part of people’s lives and animals kept as companions range from the traditional to the unique, such as rats and tarantulas. More than 7,800 birds packed What to do? Some questions and the Ontario Convention Center in Southern California last weekend, cooing and strutting in their cages, which sent feathers and feed flying. answers about measles at work But the well-behaved show birds wouldn’t let one drop of waste fall on a judge’s shoe as they were examined for build, color and weight. NEW YORK: A boss who’s worried about an outbreak of measles have been lawsuits against hospitals that tried to mandate been exposed to someone with measles? Can an employer There were birds in blacks, whites and browns in the workplace needs to tread lightly. Reports of a growing vaccinations, and the health care facilities backed away from tell them to stay home? with feathers on their feet, circular crests framing number of measles cases have employers wondering what they the requirement, Mross says. If health care workers refuse to A: Yes, but they should be placed on paid leave. That’s their faces and 8-inch necks. Some looked like should be doing. But federal and state laws can limit their abili- be vaccinated, they’re likely to be assigned to work that does- what Walt Disney Parks and Resorts did after several workers street pigeons but bigger and stronger, with ty to require workers to be vaccinated. And it may be risky to n’t involve contact with patients, Alcott HR Group’s Byrnes at its California theme parks were infected with measles. “A massive shoulders and thick necks. even ask staffers whether they’ve gotten a measles or other says. paid leave of absence is the best and most conservative type of vaccination. News about a measles case in the New York Some states have mandated that health care workers be option right now,” says Brooke Iley, an employment law attor- Tyson, the four-time heavyweight world City area has clients calling human resources provider Alcott HR vaccinated for diseases like the flu. There have been court and ney with Blank Rome in Washington, DC Business owner Ariel champion, kicked off the three-day event by Group seeking advice, says Bob Byrnes, director of risk manage- legislative challenges to some of the requirements, and some Ozick has asked his staff to stay home for five days if they’re releasing 100 white pigeons. He agreed with the ment with the New York-based company. states have exemptions that allow health care workers to not vaccinated against measles and have been traveling. mostly older male owners about the need to “They’re asking, what can they do? Can they go up and ask decline vaccinations on medical or religious grounds, or “Once you’re flying through all the main hubs, you’re going to infuse young blood in the aging hobby. “Take people if they’re vaccinated, or if their children are,” Byrnes says. because they are philosophically opposed to vaccinations. get that exposure,” says Ozick, owner of ArrestRecords.com, a this opportunity at a young age to enhance your Some questions and answers about measles and the workplace: background search company in Jackson, Wyoming. responsibility and enjoy it,” he told youngsters Question: Can an employer require workers to be vacci- Q: Why is it a problem to ask workers if they or their chil- who asked for photos and autographs. nated against measles, or any other disease? dren have been vaccinated? Q: Suppose someone at work has measles and the Tyson, 48, who had pigeons as a kid, keeps Answer: Legally, an employer can tell workers they must be A: Laws including the ADA, the Health Insurance Portability employer doesn’t disclose to other staffers that one of 1,800 birds. He said he was 10 when he won his vaccinated, but doing so puts them at risk for lawsuits under and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, and the Genetic Information their colleagues is ill. Could the other employees, if they first fight because a bully killed one of his birds in federal and state laws designed to shield workers from discrimi- Nondiscrimination Act, or GINA, are designed to protect work- become ill, sue the employer? front of him. “They teach you a lot about your- nation and protect their privacy. Workers might bring lawsuits ers’ privacy. Protection under federal law extends to a worker’s A: Employers are on safest ground if they put their obliga- self,” Tyson said of pigeons. under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, which pro- family. tions under laws like the ADA and HIPAA first, attorneys say. Nearly a thousand different breeds of pigeons hibits discrimination on medical grounds in the workplace. If It’s highly doubtful that an employer who complied with anti- exist. Not only can these birds become pam- they have religious beliefs that forbid their being vaccinated, Q: What if employees suspect that a co-worker has discrimination and privacy laws would be found responsible pered pets, they can be raised for racing and they can also sue employers for discrimination under the Civil measles and ask the boss about their health? What should for other staffers’ illnesses, says Veena Iyer, an employment stunt performances. Racing pigeons can fly for Rights Act of 1964. an employer do? law attorney with Nilan Johnson Lewis in Minneapolis. hundreds of miles a day and flap as fast as 80 “Employers should weigh the risks of mandating vaccina- A: If an employer is aware of a staffer’s illness, the boss can- Employers are required to provide a safe workplace that’s mph, and performers will unleash death-defying tions or even asking about them before proceeding,” says not discuss the worker’s health with other employees, Byrnes free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or physical stunts midair. Audrey Mross, an employment law attorney with Munck Wilson says. Even if a staffer has gone public about an illness, an harm, attorney Mross says. But a case of the measles likely Mandala in Dallas. employer is still bound by the ADA and HIPAA not to reveal any won’t fall into that category, she says. Employers can also be “Racing pigeons are the Ben Johnsons of the information about it. What employers can and should do is edu- protected by the fact that measles tends to start with a runny world and fancy pigeons are the Naomi Q: What about people who work in health care or who cate staffers about how to prevent the spread of disease. And nose; many people are at work with runny noses from colds Campbells of the world,” said Fadiel Hendricks, handle food? Can they be forced to be vaccinated? they can encourage workers to stay home if they don’t feel well and allergies, so an employer wouldn’t necessarily know that president of the National Fancy Pigeon A: Employers in these industries may have more legal lee- for any reason, whether or not measles is suspected. someone at work had been infected. “An employer cannot rea- Association of South Africa. The performers are way in telling workers they need to be vaccinated. But even sonably be expected to police a workforce at this level,” attor- dubbed rollers and tumblers because of their those workers cannot be forced to have vaccinations. There Q: What if workers say they’re not vaccinated, and have ney Iley says. — AP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
PBDIK holds its 6th blood donation drive
akistani Blood Donors in Kuwait (PBDIK), a non-politi- ety and an opportunity to extend their sincere support showed their support in PBDIK’s slogan “No Nationality .... ment was outstanding with his continued support right cal social welfare group held its 6th blood donation while playing a productive role for the social and economic Just Humanity” from start of the camp. Pdrive in Kuwait on Friday, January 30th 2015 in col- development for both nations. The event was made memorable when Director( The participation also represented a strong and human- laboration with Central Blood Bank of Kuwait, Jabriya and In a short span of mere 4 hours, the event witnessed Medical and Donor Affairs) of Kuwait Central Blood Bank Dr itarian message that exemplified a sincere contribution to support from the various segments of Pakistani, Kuwaiti an overwhelming attendance of over 250 people among Rana Al-Abdulrazzak presented a shield to PBDIK in recog- provide support to needy individuals of the community, and other communities. The event is aimed at extending which over 180 persons registered themselves as blood nition of their efforts towards the noble cause of blood especially those in need of rare types of blood. The com- support to central blood bank in meeting their needs for donors. The event was attended by people of several donation. On behalf of PBDIK, patron in-chief of PBDIK Mr. munity had exceeded the expected turnout and has supply of blood in Kuwait. The group also expresses soli- communities including Kuwaitis, Egyptians, Philippines, Hafiz Mohammad Shabbir received the shield. responded with enthusiasm to the donation drive and darity and gratitude to the country while strengthening Syrians, Jordanians, Somalian, South Africans and Indians Several leading businessmen of Pakistani community expressed their willingness to take part in donating blood. brotherly ties between both nations. while majority were of Pakistani origin who have been liv- not only attended the event but also extended their sup- The Pakistani Blood Donors in Kuwait group aspires to Pakistani community in Kuwait firmly believes that the ing and working in Kuwait with their families and have port by donating blood. While Central Blood Bank gave in inspire other people among the community to donate blood donation is a noble cause and the event is a mere considered this country as their second home. their best support to PBDIK in making the event a success, blood and thus increasing the awareness in the Kuwait token of appreciation from them towards the Kuwaiti soci- Participation of people from multiple communities Mr. Tareq Al-Gharbally from their public relations depart- society on lives that can be saved with blood donation.
Celebrate most romantic day at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel
n 14 February 2015, surprise your most romantic setting in town. Enjoy a pri- loved one with an impressive choice vate five-course set menu accompanied by Oof romantic experiences and exclu- live violin music. Hakan Petek, General sive menus at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Manager, said: “The Jumeirah Messilah Hotel and Spa in Kuwait. Pepper, Kuwait’s Beach Hotel and Spa experience is unlike favorite steakhouse, offers a succulent four- any other in the city. On this special occa- course set menu for dinner and Salt, prom- sion, we look forward to showcasing the ises an elegant seafood experience. Just very best of experiences whether a roman- meters away from the Arabian Gulf and tic dinner in our restaurants or a luxury perfect for this special occasion, a private pampering in the Talise Spa.” Garden Cafe shore-side gazebo offers couples the is offering an exquisite dinner buffet and chance to enjoy the ultimate dinner experi- desserts during February. For an Italian ence with a four-course set menu, com- romantic experience, Olio is offering the plete with romantic decorations and per- Notte d’Amore set menu and in Arabesque, sonalized service. couples can enjoy Lebanese fare with the Nothing beats al fresco dining under the Love in Beirut menu while the beats of clas- Gulf Insurance and Re-Insurance stars and the ‘Secret Garden’ venue is the sic Oud music play in the background. participates in Yachts Show 2015
ulf Insurance and Re-Insurance, the lead- play during the event, which will also include participation of Gulf Insurance and Re-Insurance ing insurance service provider in Kuwait international brands and dealers from all over reflects the company’s efforts to provide customers Gand Middle East, announced yesterday the world. with the best possible insurance solutions that that it will participate in the third Kuwait Yacht Corporate Communication and Investor accommodate their varied needs.” The exhibition Shows 2015, which is scheduled to be held from Relations Department Manager, Khalid AlSanousi will provide visitors the chance to explore the latest 3rd until the 7th February 2015 at Marina said, “The Kuwait Yacht Show will provide an excel- and most modern maritime craft, check on new Crescent as the official insurance partner. A wide lent opportunity for visitors toexplore a variety of developments in the industry, while also enjoying range of boats and super yachts will be on dis- insurance schemes for their boats and yachts. The fine and exclusive services. ‘Mr Greek’ opens second branch at The Gate Mall
himar International Food Company announced the Grand a step to continue the implementation of the company’s local Thimar & the Canadian Franchise “Mr. Greek” during 2014, made food experience that is made with utmost care and Opening of the second local branch of Canada’s number expansion plan, thus opening 3 branches within a year and a where Thimar was awarded with exclusive representation rights pride”. Tone Greek Restaurant “Mr Greek” at The Gate Mall in half only. Mr Greek is the first restaurant chain of the Canadian on behalf of the mother company in Canada to implement the He then commented “We’re proud to introduce the Egaila. This opening comes as a continuation of Thimar’s local Franchise in Kuwait, where you can enjoy the authentic taste of expansion plan in the GCC & MENA region. Authentic Mr Greek cuisine and exceptional ambience along- expansion of the Greek Restaurants chain, to reach for the Greek food accompanied by warm ambience & unique hospi- Ahmad Bajour - CEO and Managing Partner of Thimar Int’l. side with the hospitability of the Mediterranean culture to largest population of Greek food lovers in Kuwait. The opening tality. Food Co - said “We’re proud to open the second branch of “Mr. the people of Kuwait who enjoy genuine international was held on Thursday, 22 January 2015, in the presence of the Moreover, the Master Franchisee Thimar Int’l Food Co. is the Greek” restaurant chain to the public in Kuwait at The Gate Mall- cuisines”. Bajour finally concluded “The public in Kuwait official representative of “Mr Greek” restaurants in Canada. first chain of “Mr. Greek” restaurants in Kuwait and the region, Egaila in the presence of George Raios - Founder and CEO of appreciates diverse international cuisines, and Greek It is worth mentioning that Mr Greek’s first branch was where it is currently deliberating & negotiating with multiple “Mr Greek” restaurant chain in Canada and the representatives Restaurant’s success is living proof of the popularity & adora- opened last year at Marina Mall - food court in January 2014 parties to open other branches in GCC countries and the Middle of the Canadian & Greek embassies in Kuwait”. He added “We tion of Mr Greek cuisine with its various selections of deli- and the Company will be opening its third local branch in East, in collaboration with leading companies in the F&B sector. would like to welcome all of our guests & customers whom cious and unique dishes that will make them eat, feel and live Kuwait City down-town area “Al-Asimah” next February 2015, in This strategy is based on the expansion agreement between we’re proud to serve and offer a healthy, plateful and home- the true Greek experience”. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Hamad Moudadi opened the exhibition. — Photos by Yasser Al- Zayyat Munira Senan Palestinian heritage exhibition
By Faten Omar branch of the Palestine Charity Committee. She added that such exhibitions seek to KUWAIT: The Palestine Charity Committee collect donations “for our parents and chil- of the International Islamic Charity dren” in Gaza, pointing out that proceeds Organization held a Palestinian heritage from the previous exhibition went to pro- exhibition Tuesday at the Teachers’ vide wheelchairs for people with disabili- Association in Dasma. The proceeds of the ties. sale will go the hearing impaired in the The exhibition displayed handmade cut- Gaza Strip for the purchase of hearing aids. lery, finely embroidered dresses and The event was held under the patronage of shawls, handspun home accessories and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and popular Palestinian foods. The exhibition Minister of State for Development and included folk dances for children, poetry Planning Affairs Hind Al-Sabeeh. dedicated to the people of Kuwait on the Hamad Moudadi, assistant undersecre- occasion of National and Liberation days, a tary of the ministry of social affairs’ social presentation showing the suffering of the service sector, said charity exhibitions that Palestinian people because of the Israeli serve society are an important part of occupation and a video giving more details social work. “The proceeds of the charity about the hearing aids. exhibition will support the visually and The cost of each earpiece is KD135, and hearing impaired people, and shows real the committee is also accepting donations care for our sons and daughters in for speech therapy sessions that cost KD55 Palestine. Living with the pain and suffer- per session. There are about 123,000 dis- ing of disability under occupation in the abled people in Palestine, including 60,000 Gaza Strip is an awful thing. I recommend who have ADHD (Attention Deficit buying the wonderful artifacts in this exhi- Hyperactivity Disorder) and 73,000 dis- bition that are made in the State of abled people in Gaza. Fifty percent of fami- Palestine,” he said. lies have at least one special needs mem- “We will purchase hearing aids for more ber. The hearing aids will help students than 10,000 people who lost their hearing complete their studies and workers to find during the recent wars in the Gaza Strip,” jobs to support their families, entitling Salem Hamad honors Hamad Moudadi said Munira Senan, head of women’s these individuals to integrate into society. Palestinian girl dedicate her poetry to Kuwaiti people.
Cross section of the audience Children perform folk dance
Handmade items Palestinian dresses
Hamad Moudadi checks out Palestinian handicrafts THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 TV PROGRAMS
10:50 Baking Mad With Eric 10:10 Suite Life On Deck 20:00 The Flash Lanlard 10:35 Suite Life On Deck 21:00 American Idol 11:15 Masterchef: The 11:00 That’s So Raven 22:00 24: Live Another Day Professionals 11:25 That’s So Raven 23:00 Grimm 12:10 The Little Paris Kitchen 11:50 A.N.T. Farm 01:45 Wildest Middle East 12:35 Bargain Hunt 12:15 A.N.T. Farm 00:00 Dangerous Encounters 02:40 Tanked 13:20 Come Dine With Me 12:40 Hannah Montana 01:00 Street Monkeys 03:35 Wildest Africa 13:45 DIY SOS: The Big Build 13:05 Hannah Montana 02:00 Diggers 04:25 Wildest Middle East 14:35 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 13:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 02:30 Diggers 05:15 Treehouse Masters Taylor 13:55 Wizards Of Waverly Place 03:00 Swamp Men 06:02 Call Of The Wildman 15:00 Nigellissima 14:20 Austin & Ally 04:00 Waking The Baby Mammoth 01:00 Good Morning America 06:25 Call Of The Wildman 15:30 Baking Mad With Eric 15:00 Girl Meets World 05:00 Street Genius 05:00 Good Morning America 06:49 Wildest Africa Lanlard 15:20 Girl Meets World 05:30 Street Genius 10:00 Emmerdale 07:36 The Wild Life Of Tim 15:55 The Little Paris Kitchen 15:45 Liv And Maddie 06:00 Sea Patrol 10:30 Coronation Street Faulkner 16:20 Masterchef: The 16:10 Violetta 07:00 Thunder Beasts 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:00 The Wild Life Of Tim Professionals 17:00 Austin & Ally 08:00 Dangerous Encounters 15:00 Live Good Morning America Faulkner 17:15 Bargain Hunt 17:25 Jessie 09:00 Street Monkeys 19:00 Drop Dead Diva 08:25 Too Cute! 18:00 Come Dine With Me 17:50 Liv And Maddie 10:00 Diggers 20:00 Chicago Fire 09:15 Wildest Africa 18:25 DIY SOS: The Big Build 18:15 Dog With A Blog 10:30 Diggers 23:00 Justified 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 19:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 18:40 Girl Meets World 11:00 Caught In The Act 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 20:00 Food & Drink 19:05 Girl Meets World 12:00 One Ocean 11:05 Gator Boys 20:25 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 19:30 Violetta 13:00 The Indestructibles 12:00 Too Cute! Notebook: London 20:20 Good Luck Charlie 13:30 The Indestructibles 12:55 Wildest Africa 20:50 Sweet Baby James 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 14:00 Animal Autopsy 13:50 Treehouse Masters 15:00 My Dog Ate What? 21:15 Nigel Slater’s Simple 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 00:00 Olympus Has Fallen 14:45 Wildest Middle East Cooking 21:35 Good Luck Charlie 16:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 15:40 Tanked 17:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 02:00 Conan The Barbarian 21:45 Masterchef: The 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 04:00 The Call 16:35 Shark Of Darkness: Wrath Of Professionals 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 18:00 Secrets Of The Great The Submarine Escape Revealed 06:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron 22:10 Delicious Iceland 22:50 Shake It Up 08:00 2 Fast 2 Furious 18:25 Treehouse Masters 22:35 Bargain Hunt 23:10 Wolfblood 19:00 My Dog Ate What? 19:20 Deadly Islands 20:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 10:00 The Call 23:20 Come Dine With Me 23:35 Wolfblood 12:00 Hellboy: Sword Of Storms 20:15 Tanked 23:45 Planet Cake 21:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 21:10 Shamwari: A Wild Life 22:00 Secrets Of The Great 14:00 Olympus Has Fallen 21:35 Shamwari: A Wild Life Escape Revealed 16:00 2 Fast 2 Furious 22:05 Treehouse Masters 23:00 Caught In The Act 18:00 Summoned 23:00 Deadly Islands 20:00 A Good Day To Die Hard 22:00 Stolen 23:55 Swamp Brothers 00:00 House Of DVF 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 01:25 Kourtney And Khloe Take 01:10 The Carbonaro Effect The Hamptons 01:35 The Carbonaro Effect 02:20 E! News 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 02:00 The Big Brain Theory 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 00:00 Conan The Barbarian-18 02:50 You Have Been Warned Stewart 00:40 The Weakest Link 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 02:00 The Call-PG15 03:40 Auction Hunters 01:00 Modern Family 01:25 Eastenders 04:10 E!ES 04:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron-PG15 04:05 The Liquidator 01:30 Brickleberry 01:55 Doctors 05:05 THS 06:00 2 Fast 2 Furious-PG15 04:30 Auction Hunters 02:00 It’s Always Sunny In 02:25 Lark Rise To Candleford 06:00 Keeping Up With The 08:00 The Call-PG15 05:00 How It’s Made Philadelphia 03:15 Rev. Kardashians 10:00 Hellboy: Sword Of Storms 05:30 How It’s Made 02:30 Sean Saves The World 03:45 Saxondale 06:55 Keeping Up With The 12:00 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 06:00 Tethered 03:00 New Girl 04:15 The Weakest Link Kardashians 14:00 2 Fast 2 Furious-PG15 06:50 Fat N’ Furious: Rolling 03:30 The Michael J. Fox Show 05:00 The Green Balloon Club 07:50 Style Star 16:00 Summoned-PG15 Thunder 04:00 Raising Hope 05:25 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 08:20 E! News 18:00 A Good Day To Die Hard- 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 05:45 Me Too! 09:15 Fashion Police PG15 08:30 Auction Hunters Jimmy Fallon 06:05 The Green Balloon Club 09:45 E!ES 20:00 Stolen-PG15 08:55 The Liquidator 05:30 My Boys 06:30 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 22:00 Plunkett & Macleane-PG15 09:20 Auction Hunters 06:00 The Goldbergs 06:50 Gigglebiz 11:10 House Of DVF 09:45 How It’s Made 06:30 Better Off Ted 07:05 The Weakest Link 12:05 E! News 10:10 How It’s Made 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 07:50 Rev. 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 10:35 The Carbonaro Effect 08:00 Raising Hope 08:20 Dad’s Army 13:35 The E! True Hollywood Story 11:00 The Carbonaro Effect 08:30 My Boys 08:50 Eastenders 14:30 Style Star 11:25 The Big Brain Theory 09:00 New Girl 09:20 Doctors 15:00 Keeping Up With The 00:00 Hope Springs-PG15 12:15 You Have Been Warned 09:30 Community 09:50 Lark Rise To Candleford Kardashians 02:00 Run For Your Wife-PG15 13:05 Auction Hunters 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 10:45 The Weakest Link 16:00 Keeping Up With The 04:00 LOL-PG15 13:30 The Liquidator 10:30 Better Off Ted 11:30 Rev. Kardashians 06:00 Fred 2: Night Of The Living 13:55 Auction Hunters 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 12:00 Dad’s Army 17:00 Christina Milian Turned Up Fred-PG 14:20 Tethered Jimmy Fallon 12:30 2 Point 4 Children 18:00 E! News 08:00 RV-PG 15:10 Fat N’ Furious: Rolling 12:00 The Goldbergs 13:00 Eastenders 19:00 E!ES 10:00 Run For Your Wife-PG15 Thunder 12:30 Raising Hope 13:30 Doctors 20:00 House Of DVF 12:00 All American Christmas 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 13:00 My Boys 14:00 Lark Rise To Candleford 21:00 House Of DVF Carol-PG15 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 16:50 How It’s Made 13:30 Better Off Ted 14:55 The Omid Djalili Show 22:00 E! News 14:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 17:15 How It’s Made 14:00 The Michael J. Fox Show 15:25 Rev. 23:00 The Soup 16:00 RV-PG 06:00 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers I- 17:40 Dual Survival 14:30 Community 05:15 Getaway-PG15 15:55 Dad’s Army 23:30 Fashion Bloggers 18:00 So I Married An Axe PG 18:30 Airplane Repo 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 07:00 The Secret Life Of Walter 16:25 The Weakest Link Murderer-PG15 08:00 One Direction: This Is Us-PG 19:20 Street Outlaws 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Mitty-PG15 17:10 Eastenders 20:00 Every Day-PG15 10:00 Drillbit Taylor-PG15 20:10 The Liquidator Stewart 09:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking 00:30 Top 14 Highlights 17:40 Doctors 22:00 National Lampoon’s 12:00 Legendary Amazons-PG15 20:35 Auction Hunters 16:00 Modern Family Dawn Pt. 2-PG15 01:00 Golfing World 18:10 Lark Rise To Candleford European Vacation-PG15 14:00 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers 21:00 Airplane Repo 16:30 The Goldbergs 11:00 Mandela: Long Walk To 04:00 Top 14 Highlights 19:00 Dad’s Army Freedom-PG15 II-PG 10:00 World Cup of Pool 21:50 Street Outlaws 00:40 The Hungry Sailors 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 19:30 The Omid Djalili Show 13:30 Call Me Crazy: A Five Film- 16:00 One Direction: This Is Us-PG 11:00 World Cup of Pool 22:40 Hellriders 01:30 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 18:00 New Girl 20:00 Stella PG15 18:00 Vehicle 19-PG15 12:00 World Pool Masters 23:30 Dual Survival 02:00 Emmerdale 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 20:45 Waking The Dead 15:00 Frozen-PG 20:00 Bachelorette-PG15 15:30 Snooker The Masters 02:25 Emmerdale 19:00 Community 21:35 Waking The Dead 17:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking 22:00 Anna Nicole-PG15 18:30 Golfing World 02:55 Coronation Street 19:30 Hot In Cleveland 22:25 The Mimic 01:00 Dawn Rider-PG15 Dawn Pt. 2-PG15 19:30 World Cup of Pool 03:25 Midsomer Murders 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 22:50 Zen 03:00 Ain’t Them Bodies Saints- 19:00 Escape Plan-PG15 20:30 World Cup of Pool 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries Jimmy Fallon PG15 21:00 RoboCop-PG15 21:30 World Pool Masters 06:10 Please Marry My Boy 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 05:00 Stuck In Love-PG15 23:00 Kick-Ass 2-18 22:30 Total Rugby 07:05 James Nesbitt’s Ireland Stewart 07:00 Empire State-PG15 02:00 Top 14 Highlights 23:00 Live Super League 07:30 Midsomer Murders 21:30 Modern Family 09:00 Emperor-PG15 03:00 Top 14 09:20 The Chase 22:00 Family Guy 00:00 Violetta 11:00 Stuck In Love-PG15 05:00 Golfing World 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 22:30 It’s Always Sunny In 00:45 The Hive 13:00 The Glass Man-PG15 06:00 Live PGA European Tour 11:10 Emmerdale Philadelphia 00:50 Art Attack 15:00 Timer-PG15 08:00 Golfing World 11:35 Emmerdale 23:00 South Park 00:00 DIY SOS: The Big Build 01:15 Art Attack 17:00 Emperor-PG15 10:00 Live PGA European Tour 00:30 NFL Gameday 12:00 Coronation Street 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 01:00 The Apple & The Worm 00:50 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 01:40 Jungle Junction 19:00 The Citizen-PG15 13:00 Golfing World 01:00 NHL 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 02:45 Home Alone Taylor 01:50 Jungle Junction 21:00 Tar-PG15 15:00 Super Rugby Final Highlights 03:00 Bellator MMA 13:25 Please Marry My Boy 04:30 Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia 01:15 Nigellissima 02:05 Jungle Junction 23:00 The Frozen Ground-18 16:30 Total Rugby 07:00 Monster Jam 14:20 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 06:00 Happily N’Ever After 2: Snow 01:40 Baking Mad With Eric 02:15 Jungle Junction 17:00 NFL Gameday 08:30 WWE Vintage 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries White Lanlard 02:30 Violetta 17:30 Live Dubai World Cup 12:00 NHL 15:35 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 00:00 Covert Affairs 08:00 Wheelers 02:05 Masterchef: The 03:10 The Hive Carnival 14:00 WWE Vintage Of Dogs 01:00 The Killing 10:00 Los Campeones De LA Professionals 03:20 Art Attack 21:30 Sevens World Series 15:00 WWE Raw 16:00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 02:00 Legends Lucha Libre 03:00 Bargain Hunt 03:45 Art Attack 11:30 Pacific Pirates Highlights 19:00 NHL 03:40 Come Dine With Me 04:10 Jungle Junction Of Dogs 03:00 Grimm 22:00 WWE NXT 05:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 01:30 The Squid & The Whale-R 13:00 Scooby-Doo! Adventures: 22:00 Live Premier League Darts 04:05 The Little Paris Kitchen 04:20 Jungle Junction 16:30 The Chase: Celebrity 03:15 Spiderwick Chronicles-PG 23:00 WWE Smackdown Specials 06:00 Covert Affairs The Mystery Map! 04:30 DIY SOS: The Big Build 04:35 Jungle Junction 05:15 Prisoners-PG15 14:30 A Cat In Paris 05:25 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 04:45 Jungle Junction 17:15 Get Your Act Together 07:00 The Fosters 08:00 Parenthood 08:00 Sense And Sensibility-PG 16:00 Barbie As The Princess And Taylor 05:00 Art Attack 18:20 Please Marry My Boy 10:30 Bully-PG15 19:10 Coronation Street 10:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter The Pauper 05:50 Nigellissima 05:25 Art Attack 12:30 Promised Land-PG15 18:00 Los Campeones De LA 03:00 Live NHL 06:15 Baking Mad With Eric 05:50 Mouk 19:35 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 11:00 The Fosters 12:00 Emmerdale 14:30 My Last Day Without You Lucha Libre 07:00 Total Rugby 00:30 New Zealand v Pakistan ODI Lanlard 06:00 Kim Possible Of Dogs 16:00 Sense And Sensibility-PG H/L 20:00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 12:30 Coronation Street 20:00 Night At The Museum 07:30 Top 14 Highlights 06:40 Masterchef: The 06:25 Austin & Ally 18:30 Great Expectations-PG15 22:00 A Cat In Paris 02:30 Big Bash League T20 H/L Professionals 06:50 Girl Meets World Of Dogs 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:00 NFL Gameday 14:00 Parenthood 20:30 For Greater Glory-PG15 03:30 ICC Cricket 360 07:35 The Little Paris Kitchen 07:15 Liv And Maddie 20:30 The Chase: Celebrity 23:00 Drive-18 16:00 Golfing World 04:00 Cricket in Color 08:00 Bargain Hunt 07:40 Jessie Specials 15:00 Covert Affairs 17:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 16:00 Emmerdale 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 08:45 Come Dine With Me 08:05 Dog With A Blog 21:15 Get Your Act Together Highlights 16:30 Coronation Street 07:30 New Zealand v Sri Lanka 09:05 DIY SOS: The Big Build 08:30 Good Luck Charlie 22:20 Coronation Street 19:00 WWE NXT ODI H/L 22:50 Emmerdale 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:00 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 08:55 Good Luck Charlie 00:00 The Purge-PG15 20:00 WWE SmackDown 08:30 Mid-ODI Tri-Series H/L Taylor 09:20 Sonny With A Chance 23:15 Emmerdale 18:00 Parenthood 01:15 Out Of The Furnace-PG15 19:00 Suits 01:45 Chinese Zodiac-PG15 23:30 Inside The PGA Tour 09:30 New Zealand v Pakistan ODI 10:25 Nigellissima 09:45 Sonny With A Chance 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries 03:15 Safe Haven-PG15 04:00 Death Clique-PG15 H/L
OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD Classifieds
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Vacancy for B.Sc Nurses Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO (Male & Female) (Direct MOH Kuwait) WEDNESDAY (05/02/2015 TO 11/02/2015) Requirements: SHARQIA-1 JUPITER ASCENDING 7:30 PM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 10:00 PM • Experience- Minimum 2.5 Years (without break of service) A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 2:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 AM TAKEN 3 5:00 PM • Still Continuing Certificate taken not earlier than two weeks AMERICAN SNIPER 7:15 PM FANAR-5 A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 9:45 PM SON OF A GUN 11:30 AM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:15 AM SON OF A GUN 1:30 PM SON OF A GUN 3:30 PM Written Test SHARQIA-2 DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE (Hindi) (Re-Release) 5:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 11:45 AM SHAMITABH (HINDI) 9:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 2:15 PM SON OF A GUN 12:05 AM 9 February, Kochi THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:45 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 7:30 PM MARINA-1 JUPITER ASCENDING 10:00 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 12:30 PM 15 February, Mumbai JUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 AM TAKEN 3 2:30 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 5:00 PM Please send CV to: [email protected] SHARQIA-3 Plan B (ARABIC) 6:45 PM THE GAMBLER 11:30 AM Plan B (ARABIC) 8:45 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 1:45 PM TAKEN 3 10:45 PM For further details contact THE GAMBLER 3:45 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 1:00 AM Plan B (ARABIC) 6:00 PM Al-Amaar Company (Bilateral Co.) Plan B (ARABIC) 8:00 PM MARINA-2 ROBOT OVERLORDS 10:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 11:30 AM Ph: +965 66882535, 97794646 (Kwt) THE GAMBLER 12:05 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 2:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 4:30 PM : +91 9388257560 (Ind) MUHALAB-1 JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 7:00 PM THE GAMBLER 11:45 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 9:30 PM THE GAMBLER 2:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:05 AM ACCOMMODATION SITUATION WANTED Plan B (ARABIC) 4:15 PM THE GAMBLER 6:15 PM MARINA-3 Plan B (ARABIC) 8:30 PM THE GAMBLER 12:15 PM Ideal for working ladies, a 12 years experienced pro- Plan B (ARABIC) 10:30 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 2:45 PM semi furnished room avail- fessional looking for senior THE GAMBLER 12:30 AM THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 5:15 PM position in finance / THE GAMBLER 8:00 PM able for a single to share MUHALAB-2 AMERICAN SNIPER 10:15 PM with a small family in a 2BR accounts. Qualification: CFA SON OF A GUN 11:30 AM THE GAMBLER 12:45 AM central AC flat with sepa- Level1/CMA (IMA (IMA- SON OF A GUN 1:30 PM rate bathroom. Nice loca- USA), BCom. Contact: TAKEN 3 3:30 PM AVENUES-1 60320220. (C 49020) SON OF A GUN 5:45 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 11:45 AM tion building on main road, AMERICAN SNIPER 7:45 PM SON OF A GUN 2:00 PM very close to a garden and 4-2-2015 TAKEN 3 10:15 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 4:15 PM bus stop. Contact: Sri Lankan lady, well expe- SON OF A GUN 12:45 AM SON OF A GUN 6:30 PM 67060429. (C 4922) rienced cook, looking for a THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 8:45 PM job. Tel: 65905887. (C 4915) MUHALAB-3 SON OF A GUN 11:00 PM 5-2-2015 JUPITER ASCENDING 11:30 AM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 1:15 AM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 2:00 PM THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:30 PM AVENUES-2 TUITION CHANGE OF NAME JUPITER ASCENDING 7:15 PM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 9:45 PM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 2:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:15 AM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 5:00 PM Training for CMA (IMA- I, Makela Suresh (old A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 7:30 PM USA). Location: Khaitan. name) holder of Indian FANAR-1 A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 10:00 PM Contact: 55435333. Passort No: F4198356, A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:45 PM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:30 AM (C 4918) Gundampalli (V), Mallapur A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 3:15 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 5:45 PM AVENUES-3 3-2-2015 (M), Karimnagar Dist (A.P) Plan B (ARABIC) 7:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 1:15 PM changed my name as Plan B (ARABIC) 9:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 3:45 PM Makela Shirish Kumar. FOR SALE A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 11:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 6:15 PM (C 4921) AMERICAN SNIPER 8:45 PM 4-2-2014 FANAR-2 NO THU+FRI+SAT+MON Household equipment for THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 12:30 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 11:15 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 2:15 PM NO THU+FRI+SAT+MON sale. Contact: 99519280 / TAKEN 3 4:00 PM YENNAI ARINDHAAL... (Tamil) 8:45 PM 23713145. (C 4917) AMERICAN SNIPER 6:15 PM THU+FRI+SAT+MON 3-2-2015 TAKEN 3 8:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 12:15 AM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 11:00 PM THU+FRI+SAT+MON THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 12:45 AM AVENUES-4 Prayer timings FANAR-3 AMERICAN SNIPER 12:30 PM THE GAMBLER 12:15 PM TAKEN 3 3:00 PM Fajr: 05:14 THE GAMBLER 2:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 5:15 PM THE GAMBLER 5:00 PM TAKEN 3 7:45 PM Shorook 06:36 THE GAMBLER 7:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 10:00 PM BLACKHAT 9:30 PM TAKEN 3 12:30 AM Duhr: 12:02 THE GAMBLER 12:15 AM AVENUES-5 Asr: 15:07 FANAR-4 JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 11:30 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 11:45 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 2:00 PM Maghrib: 17:29 JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 2:15 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 4:45 PM THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:45 PM Special Show “Book of Life” 5:00 PM Isha: 18:48
Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)
Arrival Flights on Thursday 5/2/2015 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:30 Departure Flights on Thursday 5/2/2015 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 MRJ 4814 Mashhad 14:10 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KAC 1786 Jeddah 14:00 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 IRC 527 Mashhad 14:30 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 MSC 407 HRG 14:20 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 CLX 792 Hanoi 14:45 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 SYR 342 Damascus 02:25 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 SYR 341 Latakia/KAC 14:30 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 SYR 341 Latakia/KAC 01:25 IZG 4167 Mashhad 14:35 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 MSC 408 HRG 15:20 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 SYR 342 Damascus/Latakia 15:30 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 IZG 4168 Mashhad 15:35 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 SVA 503 Jeddah/Madinah 15:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:40 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 KNE 462 Madinah 15:45 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 KAC 501 Beirut 16:15 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 KNE 463 Madinah 16:30 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 KAC 545 Alexandria 17:30 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 RJA 649 Amman 07:05 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 GFA 048 Istanbul 06:25 IRM 1180 Mashhad 17:35 GFA 048 Bahrain 07:10 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 BAW 157 London 06:40 GFA 944 LCA 17:50 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 204 Lahore 07:45 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 KAC 1785 Jeddah 08:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 ETH 3718 LGG 18:30 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 944 Bahrain 18:35 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 IRM 1187 Tehran 18:45 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:50 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 JZR 552 Alexandria 19:30 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 KAC 117 New York 10:05 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 10:40 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 GFA 943 Bahrain 10:15 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 IRM 1186 Tehran 10:20 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 GFA 943 LCA 11:00 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 IRM 1181 Mashhad 11:30 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 20:30 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 KAC 103 London 12:20 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 IRM 1188 Mashhad 11:45 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:05 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 ETD 920 Dubai 22:25 MRJ 4815 Mashhad 12:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:05 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:10 ETH 3718 Addis Ababa 22:30 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 CROSSWORD 806 STAR TRACK
Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)
Work is pressing and demanding-you are able to move forward successfully- You may have many responsibilities today. This is a good time for you to show stay aggressive, but polite. Creative visualization can be very relaxing for you during stressful off your capabilities-you are in a high achievement mode. You will find that the pleasant sur- days-such as today. Your creative side is showing but the pressure to develop your work roundings in the workplace or home at this time make for good vibrations. You could be in quickly may cause you to risk the quality. There needs to be an understanding soon. Perhaps the limelight, especially with superiors or in relation to your work. You may find that you you can request a helper or an extension of time in order to complete your work in the best enjoy your job or the responsibilities it entails more than usual. New insights or break- possible presentation. After work you may seek out friends who are carefree and a bit throughs are possible with authorities or someone older. Community activities, which take unconventional in their social behavior. It could be you seek release from the restrictions place after work, should be both well-attended and successful. Something electric is in the you see others placing on you. It is not a wildly romantic time, but one where small-scale air this afternoon and your charisma shines! If any new friendship is made now, it should last activities meet with success. for a very long time.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Your enthusiasm about your work is positive-you are creative and ready to You are empowered with a clear and inquisitive mind. You will be discussing apply your energy to the work at hand. If you give your best effort now, considerable success ideas with co-workers and supervisors-this can be a most beneficial and rewarding time. You may follow. You have plenty of confidence and will succeed at any project you attempt. could be seen by others as just the person to be put in charge of some new project. This day Make sure both your expectations and abilities are realistic before diving into something that is full of opportunities to excel with top marks, whether you are in school or you are rated by you may not be able to get out of without harm or embarrassment. Others can find you your clients. Your drive is high, your mind is clear and communication should not be a prob- shopping this afternoon. You are very sensitive to beauty-not at all obsessive. You are aware lem. If you are still fired up at the close of this workday, go home and mow, rake, shovel, of value, style, workmanship, etc. Major purchases that could increase in value would be a paint, chop or any of a number of things that are productive. This will help you get rid of all good bet today. Spend time with friends this evening. Friendships are most important to you that energy you have bottled up lately. You cook for the family tonight-yummy! There are no at this time. complaints and a few surprises.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Today you could be tempted to let office gossip interfere with the normal flow You show a propensity to engage in hard work to obtain financial security. of business. This is an excellent time to emphasize practicality and realism However, this is also a time when you may spend an excessive amount of worry about your regarding any endeavor in which you are engaged. Your powers of creativity are great-making ACROSS DOWN monetary position, frequently being thrifty in expenditures. You are strengthened in your problem-solving difficulties seem a problem of the past. This afternoon you have an opportu- 1. An internationally recognized distress 1. Express in speech. desire to succeed, not only financially, but personally as well. At this time, it’s best to rely on nity to shop for a friend. There is newness in the air and it consists of a new family member signal in radio code. 2. Port city on southern Honshu on Osaka facts rather than feelings, particularly when an expensive mistake might be the outcome. The through marriage or birth. Celebrations will be soon so prepare to lend a helping hand. You 4. Island country in the Atlantic east of Bay. accent now is on communication. Trading points of view should come easily today. Also, this are particularly witty in social surrounding this evening and make stimulating company. Take Florida and Cuba. 3. A plant fiber used for making rope. is a good day to assess your goals and how they are progressing. Future travel is favored, advantage of this time for bringing your relationships closer-make an effort to ask questions, especially if it is for your own rest and relaxation. Enjoy a visit to a good bookstore, museum enjoy the presence of another. 11. An edge tool used to cut and shape 4. Any of various units of capacity. or concert. wood. 5. A colorless and odorless inert gas. 15. A unit of pressure. 6. An island comprising the Republic of 16. Medieval artillery used during sieges. Ireland and Northern Ireland. 17. (informal terms) "gave me a cocka- 7. Any of various spiny trees or shrubs of Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) mamie reason for not going". the genus Acacia. 18. An upright tripod for displaying some- 8. Constituting a copy or imitation of some- You have the energy to tackle most any problem involved with work today. You express profound insights-you want to improve the world. Be explicit in all This is the time to use your energy constructively; being slow to anger and worry is a good things you do and say. Also, make sure you have complete information before gambling with thing (usually an artist's canvas). thing. idea now. You are filled with a great desire to succeed in all areas of your life. Working with an investment. You may experience abrupt changes in fortune, good or bad, in a relatively 20. An indehiscent fruit derived from a sin- 9. American novelist noted for children's partners in an open, honest environment can bring good fortune to you. You will be curious short period of time. You will feel the urge for excitement and should consider traveling-avoid gle ovary having one or many seeds within books (1832-1888). and talkative today, skilled at problem solving and conversation. Later today is the perfect extravagance by pooling your resources with others that may be good traveling partners. The a fleshy wall or pericarp. 10. Relating to or characteristic of or occur- time for the lighter side of life. The heavy stuff can wait, although if you have to tend to some energies are strong with group endeavors and meetings, planning and making lists to see 21. An Eskimo hut. ring on the sea or ships. form of business-make every effort to pay attention. You would rather write a poem, take a that each person’s travel dream comes true. You become aware of new concepts-perhaps 22. A Kwa language spoken in Ghana and 11. Far away from home or one's usual sur- drive in the country or express your love to someone. someone has a timeshare apartment, etc. the Ivory Coast. roundings. 25. A desert in southwestern Africa - largely 12. A comic verse of irregular measure. Botswana. 13. French novelist and critic. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 27. A town in northwestern Greenland. 14. The twelfth month of the civil year. 29. Any plant of the genus Canna having 19. Order by virtue of superior authority. Self-awareness can be a very positive characteristic, but it can also be a dan- Money matters come to your attention today and you contemplate your large sheathing leaves and clusters of large 23. An association of criminals. ger. Today is a time to make sure you do not become too self-absorbed. Keep your eye on the financial independence. If you need a loan, an advance or a raise, this would be a good time to showy flowers. 24. A ray of sunlight. goal-not whether or not it is achieved your way. Being in the spotlight is common at this make your request. You appreciate good conversation and during the noon break at work, 30. Small often spiny insectivorous mam- 26. (astronomy) The angular distance of a time-you are wise to realize that now is a good time to see where your work can best help you may find yourself involved in an interchange of ideas with co-workers. You are popular mal of Madagascar. celestial point measured westward along others. There may be many opportunities for you to both succeed and fail in the eyes of oth- this month-use your energies to the best of your abilities. A new animal in the neighborhood ers. You will probably attempt to take chances that others would not try. Your success ratio, may be nudging a way into your life and this animal may decide to take up residence around 33. The universal time coordinated time on the celestial equator from the zenith cross- however, is in the upper numbers. You are apt to enjoy considerable success as an invention your place; smiles come easily with this one. A lover or mate from your past gets in touch with board the spacecraft. ing. catches on and will sell in the stores around your city. You teach uncomplicated ways to you to wish you well on your special day. You have a talent for matchmaking and tonight is no 36. Of or relating to the stomach and intes- 28. Goddess of the dead and queen of the manipulate the complicated. exception. tines. underworld. 38. 16 ounces. 31. A river that rises in northern Colombia 39. A period marked by distinctive charac- and flows generally eastward to the Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) ter or reckoned from a fixed point or event. Orinoco in central Venezuela. 40. Grass mowed and cured for use as fod- 32. A short sleep (usually not in bed). An experience today will be out of the ordinary. Great opportunities may You should love being around people today, especially those to whom you are der. 34. The head of a branch of an organized emerge in work or in personal affairs. This can be a financially favorable period. Concerning emotionally attached and better yet, older friends with whom you can reminisce. If ever there 42. Slightly open. crime syndicate. love relationships-if you keep things in perspective, your heart will be stronger for it. This is a was a day to work with the public, this is it! Your acute sensitivity to other people’s moods 45. Enthusiastic approval. 35. Opinion or judgment. good time to use the home as a vehicle for entertaining family members and friends. could enable you to fine-tune those moods as you would a violin. You could convince anyone 47. A medicinal drug used to evoke vomit- 37. A white metallic element that burns Additionally, it is favorable to plan some spring-cleaning project with the help of a close of anything if you really, really believed in what you are selling. They will think you have done friend. You all may decide to take turns-doing one house one weekend and the other house them a favor. If you have faith in yourself and have surrounded yourself with good people, ing (especially in cases of drug overdose or with a brilliant light. the next weekend-party afterwards. This would also create a great opportunity to gather you will be unaffected by any negatives. You will impress people in conversation and commu- poisoning). 41. (Scotland) A small loaf or roll of soft things for a profitable garage sale. For tonight, enjoy a social gathering and stop worrying nicate to loved ones on new levels. You feel especially kind towards a friend or loved one this 50. A woman hired to suckle a child of bread. about a situation that you cannot change. evening. someone else. 43. (Old Testament) The fourth son of Jacob 52. An organization of independent states who was forebear of one of the tribes of to promote international peace and securi- Israel. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution ty. 44. A Hindu prince or king in India. 53. Used especially of mail. 46. A inexpensive showy collectibles. 54. A country on the island of Jamaica. 48. Comb-plate or locomotor organ consist- 56. Essential oil or perfume obtained from ing of a row of strong cilia whose bases are flowers. fused. 58. A sudden very loud noise. 49. Any plant of the genus Caragana having 59. Any of various edible seeds of plants of even-pinnate leaves and mostly yellow the family Leguminosae. flowers followed by seeds in a linear pod. 62. United States tennis player who was the 51. God of death. first Black to win United States and English 55. Being nine more than forty. singles championships (1943-1993). 57. An overwhelming feeling of fear and 64. The residue that remains when some- anxiety. thing is burned. 60. Worn or shabby from overuse or (of 66. English courtier (a favorite of Elizabeth I) pages) from having corners turned down. who tried to colonize Virginia. 61. Having winglike extensions. 68. A motorized wheeled vehicle used for 63. One of the two main branches of ortho- camping or other recreational activities. dox Islam. 70. Jordan's port. 65. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 74. A constellation in the southern hemi- 67. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in a sphere near Telescopium and Norma. mosque. 75. Large European marine food fish. 69. A blood vessel that carries blood from 77. Submerged aquatic plant having nar- the capillaries toward the heart. row leaves and small flowers. 71. An officer who acts as military assistant 78. Come into the possession of something to a more senior officer. concrete or abstract. 72. An unofficial association of people or 79. Large arboreal boa of tropical South groups. America. 73. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 81. A nucleic acid consisting of large mole- 76. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which cules shaped like a double helix. the pilot is talked down by ground control 82. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit using precision approach radar. juice. 80. A person who announces and plays 83. A great raja. popular recorded music. 84. A doctor's degree in education.
Yesterday’s Solution
Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 information
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ForMUSIC ‘Birdman’ & MOVIES maybe an Oscar
nd the winner is ... a mouthful. Though cool” about his title.) the way it sounds.” But by any name, “Birdman” the full wingspan of the best-picture With its redundant parentheses, the gram- has resounded with critics and moviegoers. Afavorite at the Academy Awards is usu- matical inaccuracy of the title has annoyed After taking the top honors from the acting ally clipped down to simply “Birdman,” the more grammatically sensitive moviegoers. The and producing guilds, the film is now seen as movie many think is destined to fly highest at phrasing, of course, has a tradition; it takes the most likely best-picture winner, just ahead the Oscars is officially titled “Birdman or (The after Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr Strangelove or: How of Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood.” Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).” If it were to I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the win, it would be the longest-titled best-picture Bomb,” a best-picture nominee in 1965. Happily removed winner, as well as the most grammatically Speaking by phone during a day off from Inarritu has said his own out-of-control ego dubious. Oscar night may come down to not shooting “The Revenant,” an early 1800s fron- helped inspire “Birdman.” An effect of all of the only what name is read from the night’s final tier thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Inarritu acclaim and Oscar love for his film could ironi- envelope, but also how the winning film is said he loved “Dr Strangelove,” but that the cally be the swelling of his own Birdman, his said. Should either name be called, writer- title of “Birdman” isn’t a direct ode to it. own ego. “Yes, the temptation for the ego is director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu isn’t quib- Instead, he called the title “a wink to the audi- great,” he says, adding he’s been happily bling. ence” that suggests the playfulness of his film, removed from much of it, working on “The “Better the full title, but honestly I under- a comedy about an actor in paranoid crisis. Revenant.” “I haven’t been able to really be stand we have to be practical,” said Inarritu of able to reading those things, and that’s mostly his preference in a recent interview. “It’s more Surrenders to himself kept my ego very good. I’m very happy what’s practical to say ‘Birdman.’ That’s fine by me.” Michael Keaton plays Riggan Thomson, a happened with the film, but in a way, I haven’t The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Hollywood star famed for playing a feathered been looking at my own belly.” Sciences recognizes the film’s full title in all its superhero trying to shed his public image by If “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of colorful plumage, even if most multiplex mar- mounting a serious play on Broadway. “The Ignorance)” does triumph at the Oscars on quees don’t. The film’s distributor, Fox title itself should reflect how conflicted his Feb 22, it will usurp “The Lord of the Rings: Searchlight, has regularly fostered the natural mind is,” said Inarritu. “I wanted to express that Return of the King” as the lengthiest titled shorthand while still honoring the artistic this is the moment this character goes into a This file photo released by Twentieth Century Fox shows Michael Keaton, left, as Riggan in best picture winner. (“Argo” and “Gigi” tie for intentions of its filmmaker. Since lengthy, odd- territory that is not his, basically that he sur- a scene from the film, “Birdman, or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) directed by the shortest.) It’s still, however, a very long ly punctuated dual titles aren’t exactly what renders to himself.” Though beset by all man- Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. —AP way off the film frequently cited for longest marketers dream of, “Birdman” is how it’s gen- ner paranoia - from a hotshot young actor to lengthy, flowing shots. It’s another dimension thing that I was very ignorant about how diffi- title: “Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son erally been promoted. But Fox Searchlight also an embittered critic - Riggan eventually finds a of the movie’s “meta-reality” to Inarritu, who cult it was.” It’s not the first film title Inarritu of the Bride of the Return of the Revenge of presents the complete title on movie posters Zen peace; the subtitle is uttered late in the compares his own foolhardiness - his virtuous has played around with. His last movie, the the Terror of the Attack of the Evil, Mutant, (albeit with the second title in much smaller film. ignorance - to Riggan’s. “For me, it was jump- much more somber drama, “Biutiful,” was Alien, Flesh Eating, Hellbound, Zombified type) and it urged critics reviewing the film to Just as Riggan is attempting a transition, ing into an unknown territory, which is the named from a scene in which Javier Bardem’s Living Dead Part 2: In Shocking 2-D.” That film, use the full title on first reference. (Inarritu Inarritu was, too, in making his first comedy, comedy and shooting it in an unprecedented Uxbal instructs his daughter while she does you’ll be shocked to learn, didn’t make it to acknowledges Searchlight has been “very and one stitched together seamlessly by way,” says Inarritu. “I was jumping into some- her homework that “beautiful” is spelled “just the Academy Awards. — AP Jamie Cullum returns to straight-ahead jazz on new CD inger-pianist Jamie Cullum has as “My One and Only Love”; more always been a “record nerd” at obscure jazz tunes such as Sheart. And it’s that passion for Cannonball Adderley’s “Sack o’ Woe”; digging up obscure recordings that a Ray Charles R&B tune, “Don’t You distinguishes his new CD “Interlude” Know;” “Lovesick Blues,” popularized from other retro “standards” collec- by Hank Williams; a Harold tions. Since his breakthrough 2005 Arlen/Johnny Mercer composition album “Twentysomething,” the 35- “Out of This World,” and even several year-old Cullum, Britain’s biggest- contemporary songs such as Sufjan selling jazz artist of all time, has Stevens’ “The Seer’s Tower.” Cullum increasingly emphasized his song- sings duets with two up-and-coming writing. His 2013 album, singers he featured on his radio show. “Momentum,” mostly featured his He recorded the Billie Holiday classic This image released by Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies shows characters, own pop songs offering a personal “Good Morning Heartache” with from left, Squidward Tentacles, SpongeBob SquarePants, Sandy Cheeks, and Mr Krabs in a take on the transition from youth British R&B vocalist Laura Mvula. scene from “The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water.” — AP into adulthood. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” But “Interlude” marks a return to based on Nina Simone’s version, finds straight-ahead jazz. It’s Cullum’s first Cullum and American Gregory Porter SpongeBob’s back, on a album since his self-released 1999 This undated photo released by Blue Note Records shows singer- playing two guys battling over a girl. debut “Heard It All Before” without pianist Jamie Cullum. — AP In another departure, Cullum left any original compositions. Cullum most of the piano playing to zany venture up to our world says the new album wouldn’t exist if runs the London-based band shows. The album was recorded in Nostalgia 77’s Ross Stanley, so he ould that all of our brains resem- find it, and this quest drives the movie, with Nostalgia 77. They had both discov- the old-style way - live in the studio he hadn’t been asked in 2010 to host could focus on his vocals. “When I did bled that of SpongeBob many a wacky tangent awaiting - including ered jazz as teenagers through hip- with all the musicians in one room, the weekly BBC Radio 2 jazz show - ‘Twentysomething,’ I could still hear SquarePants - and we’re talking time travel and even space travel, up to a Europe’s most popular jazz broad- hop recordings that sampled jazz. with no overdubbing. “I think someone trying to shake off the W about his actual brain, like, the cerebral mat- weird platform somewhere in the universe cast. He says his interviews with such Cullum asked Lamdin to produce a ‘Interlude’ shows a singer at a certain influence of Harry Connick Jr,” Cullum ter located somewhere inside that porous where a porpoise who sounds delightfully jazz greats as Dave Brubeck and recording session at Nostalgia 77’s point of maturity in an already con- said. “I don’t hear that anymore on Wynton Marsalis inspired him to London studio. He didn’t want to do siderable career,” Lamdin said in an ‘Interlude’ ... I’m much more of a yellow body. When, in the thoroughly enjoy- like Christopher Walken makes sure the plan- reconnect with jazz. “Doing this radio another Rat Pack-era standards email. singer now, much more in control of able (though somewhat exhausting) “The ets don’t collide. But back to the recipe. It’s show. ... I’ve been reinvigorated into album like Michael Buble and Rob The Blue Note album offers an my voice.” Cullum recently opened SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water,” the an urgent mission, because without its the world of jazz again,” said Cullum, Stewart. “This was almost like an anti eclectic mix of songs reflecting a some concerts for Billy Joel at tiny, scheming Plankton takes a surreptitious beloved snack, Bikini Bottom falls immedi- interviewed at a Greenwich Village smooth pop-jazz record,” Cullum said. record nerd’s perspective. The title Madison Square Garden - an experi- trip into one of those sponge-holes, he finds ately into an apocalyptic state, with every- coffee house. “This is a real nod to a certain era of track is inspired by Sarah Vaughan’s ence he says inspired him to tap into a brain coated with cotton candy, rainbows one wearing leather and turning evil. They’re jazz with a connection to the blues, vocal version of Dizzy Gillespie’s “A his songwriter side on his next and all manner of sweets, like a scene from hungry - very hungry. Eventually, Connection to the blues New Orleans and Harlem, and pre- Night in Tunisia.” album. “I love the idea of doing a “The Nutcracker.” It’s enough to make a cyni- SpongeBob and his posse, which includes Cullum formed an instant bond 1950s big band arranging.” songwriter’s record and then a jazz cal little organism sick, but it makes us love series regulars Squidward (Rodger Bumpass), with one guest, producer Benedic As producer, Lamdin said he tried Contemporary songs record because it keeps you really sweet SpongeBob even more. Sandy (Carolyn Lawrence) and of course Lamdin, a fellow “record nerd” who to capture the energy of Cullum’s live There are familiar standards such fresh,” he said. — AP As does director Paul Tibbitt’s new movie, starfish Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), will end up which is zany and clever and fun (and in 3D), traveling somewhere they’ve never been: Up as long as you can take 93 minutes of it. That to the surface, and out of the water. Here, may depend on your age. As I exited the the- they assume their new, 3D form, the better ater I heard a father telling his young son to run around the beach (peopled by live- Nile Rodgers jams with wearily, “That’s about all the SpongeBob I action humans) and track down the villain- can take.” The son, it seemed, could have tak- ous Burger Beard, who’s up to something en a few hours more. The movie - the second nasty. feature-length outing for the durable
Review Nickelodeon TV character, and the first since Prime audience Flea at Grammy event 2004 -begins somewhere above the under- This isn’t a battle to be fought by mere, sea hamlet of Bikini Bottom, where well, puppets - and so they make another ile Rodgers is getting lucky again. The prolif- SpongeBob lives. We meet a nefarious pirate transformation, into glorious superhero ver- ic 62-year-old guitarist-producer who has character named Burger Beard (Antonio sions of themselves, the better to battle that Nworked with the likes of Daft Punk, Pharrell Banderas, in live action and game for any- snack-stealing pirate and rescue their des- Williams, Madonna, David Bowie and Diana Ross thing), tracking down a precious ancient perate hometown. Kids, likely, will be the was lauded Tuesday night by the producers and book via his treasure map. prime audience for these energetic shenani- engineers wing of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Rodgers received his The book tells the story of Bikini Bottom - gans. Adults may prefer the clever wordplay. award on stage during the group’s eighth annual a device to bring newcomers up to speed. (In “Unleash the condiments!” Krabs says at one Grammy week celebration at The Village, a historic a clever touch that parents will like, an old point in a battle. “With relish!” SpongeBob Los Angeles recording studio that’s hosted the likes library card shows the previous borrowers, replies. There’s also a cute visual gag making of the Beach Boys, Mariah Carey, Johnny Cash, Elton who include Davy Jones. “This is way over- fun of those of us who would never mix the John and - of course - Rodgers. due,” the pirate says.) We learn how Bikini garbage with the recycling. “The best thing so far about tonight is seeing all Bottom is addicted to Krabby Patties, the It’s striking to realize that SpongeBob, the people who actually helped me get here,” succulent burgers made only at Krusty Krab, the character, is more than 15 years old in Rodgers told the crowd of music industry profes- the fast-food joint where SpongeBob (voiced sponge years (the TV series’ creator, sionals. The recording academy honored Rodgers, by Tom Kenny) works for Mr. Krabs (Clancy Stephen Hillenburg, is an executive produc- who formed the band Chic in 1977 with bassist Brown), who keeps the secret recipe stowed er here.) He’s isn’t slowing down. If you like Bernard Edwards, not just for his artistic legacy but away in a vault. the yellow guy on TV, you should have a also his philanthropic efforts, which included good, squishy time here, too. “The founding the We Are Family Foundation after the An apocalyptic state SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water,’” a Sept. 11 attacks to promote respect, understanding Recording artist Ric Ocasek, left, honoree Nile Rodgers and musician Nathan East attend Back down in Bikini Bottom, rival restau- Paramount release, is rated PG by the and cultural diversity. the Recording Academy Producers and Engineers Wing 8th Annual Grammy Week Event at rant owner Plankton is trying to steal the for- Motion Picture Association of America “for “I thank the powers that be for giving me the life The Village Recording Studios. — AP mula, as usual. He fails, but the formula actu- mild action and rude humor.” Running time: that I have and running into the great people that jam session that included Chic’s “Le Freak” and included Diane Warren, Ric Ocasek, Nathan East, ally disappears. The two rivals join forces to 93 minutes. Three stars out of four. — AP I’ve run into,” said Rodgers. “They taught me what I “Good Times,” and Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family,” Aloe Blacc, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Sheila E Despite know. Now, I am a producer. I can produce any- with Kathy Sledge joining the pair on stage to pro- a hit-making career that’s spanned five decades, thing!” After accepting his award, Rodgers picked vide vocals. Rodgers only received his first- ever Grammys at up his guitar and guided the audience through his “Everybody I have worked with, I have always last year’s ceremony for his collaboration with Daft career by song, playing such hits as Chic’s learned from,” said Rodgers. “When we wrote ‘We Punk on “Random Access Memories.” They picked “Everybody Dance” and “Dance, Dance, Dance” as Are Family,’ the basic song was probably OK, but up the trophies for best pop duo/group perform- well as Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” Rodgers was later Kathy Sledge is the one who made it what it was.” ance, record and album of the year. This year’s cere- joined by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea for a Other artists in attendance at Tuesday’s event mony will be broadcast live Sunday on CBS. — AP The Ross brothers redefine the Western ocumentary directors and brothers Bill and Piedras Negras, Mexico. and Turner Ross have made a career “The Rio Grande is a natural boundary in Dout of examining microcosms in the visualizing the frontier. If you’re talking modern American landscape, from their first about something as visual as a film and film, “45365,” about their middle-class home- using landscapes, I think the most iconic town of Sidney, Ohio, to “Tchoupitoulas,” way to do that is to see two cities on either which follows three young brothers wander- side of the river,” Turner Ross said over break- ing New Orleans at night. Their latest, fast at Park City’s High West Distillery & “Western,” takes them to a foreign territory: Saloon. This new frontier is shown through the border. The film, which picked up a special the eyes of cattleman Martin (pronounced jury award for verite filmmaking at this year’s “Marteen”) Wall and the longtime mayor Sundance Film Festival, transports the audi- Chad Foster, both of whom have had their Iranian actors Farhad Aslani (left), Leila Hatami (center) and Mina Vahid attend the 33rd ence to the once harmonious, now violence- livelihoods challenged by the increasingly Fajr International Film Festival yesterday in the Iranian capital, Tehran. The festival runs plagued border towns of Eagle Pass, Texas, imminent threat of cartel violence. —AP until February 10. — AFP lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014 My journey withFEATURES social media
his time last year was when I first started my jour- make up! Going to university and seeing all the girls ney with social media. I was never into any social dolled up somehow inspired me to start putting on Tmedia network before having my Instagram, I make up. think I registered for an email when I enrolled in univer- I really started loving it when girls started compli- sity to start emailing assignments and researches. I was- menting my eyeliner, and asking what products I used. n’t the most “social” person, I can say. I started off my As time passed by, I started loving Instagram more and Instagram for the reason that I loved taking selfies, pic- more, and it was when I reached 11k followers on tures of make-up products I used and many more things Instagram that I was approached by Ghaliah that I liked to share. It was never planned, and I definite- Technology, which happens to be one of the main social media agencies in Kuwait. Keep in mind I had no idea what I was called in for, I was expecting a job offer, well it sort of was. More opportunities I signed with Ghaliah Technology an exclusive contract, which meant that they would get me, deals for me to pro- mote certain brands, stores and restaurants. At the time it sounded awesome, and it was something new to me so I thought, why not? It’s all about the experience! Four months went by, I went from 11k to 100k and things changed a lot. What I mean by changed, is that I was getting more known, I had different offers coming in and I then had a goal, or more of an image, that I wanted for myself, and so that’s when I decided to leave Ghaliah Technology, and not be exclu- ly had no idea whatsoever that social media existed in sive with them, just for the fact that I’d like to do more Kuwait, and not only did it exist, it had become an things on my own. Bullying and negativity on social media. Many people ask me how I deal with industry. Leaving Ghaliah Tech was a very difficult decision for We’ve been told many times how we overdo it, negativity, the only way you can deal with it is when you At the time I was going to different make up work- me to take. I thought to myself I have a full-time job (at which is true sometimes, but there is a whole other “cat- just don’t deal with it. shops, to learn more about techniques, tricks and tips to the time I was working at a university, in which I wanted egory” of girls who are just fabulous from head-to-toe! Ever since, it has been a one-man army. I accept and help me more with my make-up and how to apply to teach) and “TheRealFouz” was doing good so why Advertising and promoting isn’t what social media is all reject bookings, reply to emails and running around by make-up on other people. I loved it. Before make up, I stop there when there was so much potential and more about, however, anyone with a large number of follow- myself. I love what I do so it doesn’t feel like work. Social used to paint. Not a lot of people know this about me, opportunities? Leaving was hard as I thought that I ers wouldn’t mind promoting something that they like media is a part of my life, not my entire life. Maybe that’s and I would never come off as an “artist”, my mum till would fail after leaving the agency. Turns out, I was or see themselves doing, but I definitely am against pro- why I’m still sane, well I hope I still am. I have a job; will this day tells me off for not going forward with it. more confident and accurate with whatever decision I moting negativity, bullying and any negativity through be owning a personal business and social media is the However, I loved understanding women’s features and took, because I worked so hard trying any network and anywhere not only icing on top. how to play around with the lighting and all, a lot like to brand myself and have a cer- Till next week beauts! xo tain image that I really want- ed to keep, which was trying to show how girls in The Middle East are beautiful, simple, and stylish.
Five Monet paintings sell for $84 million in London
Trump home partners with lifestyle to launch an exclusive collection of home decor
T Home Marks International LLC and Lifestyle “The Trump Home brand offers the consumer Highlights of the assortment include bath acces- are pleased to announce their new partner- beautiful product, focused on attention to detail and sories with mother of pearl and chrome detailing, Employees of Sotherby’s auction house position ‘Le Grand Canal’, by Claude ship to introduce the Trump Home brand added value,” said Donald J Trump, Chairman and along with luxurious, fashion forward jewelry boxes D Monet during a press preview in London ahead of the Impressionist & Modern exclusively across stores in Kuwait, United Arab President of The Trump Organization. “We are excited made of leather. The collection captures the essence Art Evening Sale. — AFP Photos Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The collection was to be expanding the Trump Home global footprint and attention to detail that has become synonymous unveiled in Kuwait by the management from and to be collaborating with Lifestyle.” with the Trump brand. The collection is available at ive paintings by French impression- Chawkat, the great granddaughter of the Landmark Group in the presence of local media and “We chose to collaborate with Trump Home for an Lifestyle at Centrepoint, Fahaheel in Kuwait. Trump ist Claude Monet, including his last Sultan of Turkey, sold for $23.8 million. VIP guests. The collection includes room dÈcor, bath exclusive Middle East launch keeping in mind the Home is a brand inspired by the luxury, sophistica- Ffamous 1908 “Le Grand Canal” view An owl sculpture named “Chouette” hand- accessories, lighting, decorative mirrors, and jewelry growing demand of the region’s style conscious con- tion and elegance associated with the Trump of Venice, sold for a total of $84 million (73 painted by Pablo Picasso and inspired by boxes inspired by the luxury and sophistication of sumer’s need for premium and bespoke brands,” said lifestyle. Products are inspired by Trump’s award-win- million euros) in a London auction on his own pet owl, sold for $1.9 million. The the Trump brand. Sachin Mundhwa, the CEO of Lifestyle. ning, five-star luxury properties around the world. Tuesday. “Le Grand Canal”, a hazy blue- $11.7 million paid for a drawing by and-green view of the banks of the Italian Georges Seurat-a study for his monumen- city painted at the peak of Monet’s career, tal “Une baignade, Asnieres” oil painting- Iconic Tintin cover fetches sold for $35.6 million (31.4 million euros). was a record for a work by the artist on It was part of a Sotheby’s auction of paper, Sotheby’s said. — AFP impressionist and modern art works near-record 2.5 million euros including paintings by masters Pierre- Auguste Renoir and Henri Matisse, and he original cover design for shows Tintin and his faithful dog 2.65 million euros in Paris, at the time sculptures by Auguste Rodin. Sotheby’s Tintin adventure “The Shooting Snowy looking on in astonishment as a world record equal to $3.58 million. said the artworks in the sale raised $283 TStar” has been sold for 2.5 mil- a huge, red and white-capped mush- In June, a near-flawless edition of the million overall, a record total for an auc- lion euros ($2.8 million) in a near- room swells up out of a barren rocky first book featuring Superman dating record for a work by the boy detec- beach, part of a meteorite-hence the from June 1938 fetched $3.2 million, tion in London. “Tonight’s London Imp., tive’s Belgian creator Herge, a dealer title-which has fallen into the sea. At according to auction site eBay. Modern & Surrealist sales achieved said Monday. The yellowing, line 2.5 million euros ($2.9 million), the “Shooting Star” was Herge’s tenth £186.5m - the highest total for any auc- sketch that Herge made for the 1942 price is one of the highest for a work Tintin album after he began the series tion ever held in London, in any category,” book was bought by a European by Herge who sold some 230 million in 1930 with “Tintin in the Land of the the auction house wrote on its Twitter investor, Marina David of Petits Tintin ablums by the time of his Soviets.” David said that apart from account. Papiers-Huberty-Breyne, specialist death in 1983. Since then, investors the Tintin cover, the gallery also Other works sold included Monet’s “Les comic book dealers, told AFP. and collectors alike have looked found buyers for about 60 pieces by Peupliers a Giverny”, a view of tall trees at David declined to give further more and more seriously at comics as Philippe Geluck, the Belgian designer details, saying only “the buyer is nei- potentially valuable works of art in behind the Le Chat series, while sunset which previously hung in New ther Belgian nor French,” with the their own right. works by Francois Avril and York’s Museum of Modern Art and sold for A girl takes a photograph of ‘Les sale showing just how strong the In May, a two-page spread depict- Dominique Corbasson who use the $16.2 million. A brightly-colored Matisse Peupliers a Giverny’, by Claude Monet market is for comic-book art. The ing Tintin in various risky escapades comic book format for their paintings portrait of Princess Nezy-Hamide during a press preview in London. published, color version of the cover against the villains of his day sold for also did well. —AFP lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Features
In this Dec 4, 2005 photo, a black-tie crowd gathers in the St George Theatre in the Staten Island borough of New Patrons take their seats for a performance by the New Patrons attend an event at the St George Theatre. York. — AP photos York City Opera at St George Theatre in the Staten Island borough of New York. Spotlight on historic Staten Island theater in Pacino film new movie starring Al Pacino as an aging actor was and yet he filmed a scene in our stage door alley with no gath- decades, efforts to operate it as a roller rink, nightclub and partly shot at a grand old theater on Staten Island with ering of paparazzi.” Chellsey Cruz, a spokeswoman for the antiques showroom failed. In 2004, it was taken over by a not- Aan interesting history. Pacino performs several scenes movie, said the St. George was chosen because “it’s grand for-profit organization founded by Cugno’s mother, Rosemary in “The Humbling” on the stage of the St. George Theatre, enough to feel like Broadway” without the difficulty and Cappozalo. It now hosts headliners like Tony Bennett and Jerry which is located about a half-mile from where Staten Island’s expense of shooting on Broadway. She added that director Seinfeld as well as local events like graduations. The theater is famous ferries cruise past the Statue of Liberty to Lower Barry Levinson “loved the look of it visually.” temporarily closed for renovations but will reopen this spring. Manhattan. The St George Theatre opened in 1929 as a movie-and- The neighborhood around the theater is likely to get a boost In one scene shot at the St George, Pacino throws himself vaudeville house that featured live performers like Al Jolson, when a massive Ferris wheel opens on the nearby waterfront, off the stage into the audience; in another, he has a confronta- Kate Smith and Guy Lombardo. Its grand interior is decorated part of a complex of shops and other attractions that is tion with an old friend, Dianne Wiest, in the orchestra. The the- in a Spanish-Italian baroque style with ornate chandeliers, bal- expected to draw tourists. Groundbreaking for the New York ater has been used as a film set in other movies such as “The conies with cast-iron railings, ceilings and walls covered in Wheel is expected this year. — AP School of Rock” and for TV shows including “Gossip Girl,” intricate gold-leaf and plaster designs. One wall is covered “Gotham” and “Smash.” with a mural of a bullfight. “Film crews like our location since it is under the radar but Film scouts like the theater because “it has a wow factor yet still in New York City,” said Wayne Miller, the theater’s exec- that has a history behind it. It’s unique and magnificent,” said utive director. “Certainly, an actor of Al Pacino’s renown could Doreen Cugno, president of St George Theatre Restoration. This photo provided by courtesy of Alchemy shows Al not film an outdoor scene near a public street without a mob, The theater showed movies until 1977. Over the next few Pacino as Simon Axler in the film, “The Humbling.” Forgotten treasure of rare cars goes on auction in France
treasure trove of extremely rare classic cars, discovered on a farm in western swung in, Baillon’s business went into decline, and he held a large sale of his car col- France last year after lying forgotten for almost 50 years, is expected to fetch lection at the end of the decade and to car historians, that was the end of that. But it A16 million euros ($18 million) at auction on Friday. The cars, described as turned out he had clung on to many of the collection’s jewels. “This is a very rare “sleeping beauties” by the Artcurial auction house, will be sold in the state they opportunity presenting works of art unknown to the market! For the Talbot Lago were found, some rusted and weather-beaten, having been kept in makeshift shel- T26 Grand Sport coupe Saoutchik, caved in at the rear, I think it should be left in this ters exposed to the elements The 60 classic gems, bearing legendary names like condition. It is a sculpture.” — AFP Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza, Talbot-Lago, Panhard-Levassor, Maserati, Ferrari, Delahaye and Delage have been described by Artcurial as “works of art.” Among them is one of only 37 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spiders ever made, valued at up to 12 million euros, which was discovered under a pile of dusty old car magazines. The once-in-a-lifetime discovery, announced in December, was likened by Artcurial managing director Matthieu Lamoure to stumbling upon the car world’s equivalent of the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Metallic graveyard Lamoure and senior specialist Pierre Novikoff got a tip-off about the timeworn fleet while criss-crossing the country hunting for rare pieces. On the farm-Artcurial is keeping the exact location secret-they found a hodge-podge of makeshift struc- tures, describing shock after shock as they realized the treasures they contained. “This was somewhere between a metallic graveyard and a museum,” said Novikoff, A Facel Vega Excellence car is displayed. describing valuable cars invaded by ivy, and in some cases corrugated iron resting directly on the cars. “We were overcome with emotion. Probably much like Lord Carrington and Howard Carter, on being the first for centuries to enter Tutankhamun’s tomb,” said Lamoure. The rare California Spider-a car which features 13 times on the list of the 100 most expensive cars ever sold-was bought new by French actor Gerard Blain and later sold to fellow actor Alain Delon. A Maserati A6G 2000 Gran Sport Berlinetta Frua is displayed. Delon was photographed with American actresses Jane Fonda and Shirley MacLaine in the car, which historians thought was lost forever. Also uncovered is an extravagant Talbot Lago T26 Cabriolet that belonged to Egypt’s last monarch King Farouk, an immensely rich ruler known for grotesque extravagance, and avid collec- tor who along with fast cars amassed one of the world’s most famous coin collec- tions. “This is surely the last time that such a discovery will be made, anywhere in the world. What is so special here is the number of cars, the range and the quality and pedigree of the models,” said Novikoff.
‘It is a sculpture’ But how did such a jackpot of mythical automobiles end up on a rural French farm, left to rust for half a century? While classic cars are now snapped up and extremely valuable, this was not the case a few decades ago when inventor and automobile enthusiast Roger Baillon became one of the first collectors. He had a transport business in the west of France where he in 1947 designed and built his own car known as the Bluebird, all while raking in a fortune in the post WWII boom in the sector. He bought the property in 1953 to turn into an automo- bile museum, snapping up classic cars-some saved from the scrapyard-and accord- ing to Lamoure, even bought a little train which he planned to use to give tours of his museum. “When the vehicles arrived he put them away without much fuss, one next to the other. He restored some and left others as they were,” said Novikoff. Weeds are still attached to a Delage D6-11 S coach displayed during a preview Maserati A6G 2000 Gran Sport Berlinetta Frua is displayed. Much of the collection was built up between 1955 and 1965. But when the 70s for an auction of vintage cars Retromobile show in Paris.—AP photos
Voisin Type C7 Travel Berline of Louis Galle car is displayed. A Facel Vega Excellence car is displayed. lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Travel
A woman walks on the red sand beach at Kaihalulu Bay in Hana, Hawaii. — AP photos Red, black, green: Sand on Hawaiian beaches not just golden
o ahead, sink your toes in the sand on Hawaii’s famous beaches. But you might be surprised by the color of that Gsand - it’s not always golden. You’ll find black sand, red sand and even green sand across the island chain. The Big Island, Maui and Molokai offer black sand beaches. Maui is home to a red beach, and the Big Island is home to a green beach, both rare and off the beaten path. While common gold- en sand is made up of small pieces of coral and seashells bro- ken up by ocean waves over time, the more unusual colors found around Hawaii’s beaches can be traced to volcanoes. Black sand beaches are formed “when hot molten lava enters the cold ocean and is immediately quenched to solid glass . then shatters from the resulting steam,” according to Darcy Bevens at the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Maui’s Kaihalulu Bay red sand beach is colored by the crumbling volcanic red cinder cliffs that surround the bay, she said, while the green sand on the Big Island’s Papakolea Beach is from olivine crystals from an erod- ing volcanic cinder cone.
A black sand beach, just 25 years old A new black sand beach was formed on the eastern shores Coconut trees sprout from the lava field near the New Kaimu Beach. of the Big Island after lava from the Kilauea volcano engulfed If that’s too daunting, an alternative is Hamoa Beach, just the town of Kalapana in 1990, destroying most of the homes. down the road from Hana. Hamoa’s unique salt-and-pepper The molten lava also filled in Kaimu Bay, covered the beach that beach - a mix of black-and-white sand - has been voted one of was there, and extended the shoreline, creating a new beach Maui’s most popular beaches. To reach Hana, take Highway 360, about a half-mile from the original. Locals began cultivating a also known as Hana Highway, from the main town of Kahului. grove of coconut trees at the new beach as soon as the lava The popular drive offers switchbacks, waterfalls and scenic cooled. views. Today a small visitor’s center at the beginning of the beach trail displays pictures of the area before disaster. It takes 10 to Green sand 20 minutes on the trail, through the lava field, to reach the Two people walk the pathway along a lava field near the New Kaimu Beach. Back on the Big Island is the Papakolea green sand beach, ocean. Don’t go too far off the trail as the lava field can be surrounded by olive-colored cliffs and crashing surf. Olivine tough to navigate and the region still has active lava flows. crystals eroding from an ancient volcanic cinder cone give The beach sits below an eroding lava plateau and strong Papakolea its hue. Papakolea Beach is located near the Big white waves rumble across the black lava rock face. Swimming Island’s southernmost point. Beach-goers have to shimmy is not recommended as the waves and current are treacherous, down the side of the cinder cone on a worn trail to the beach. but the views are unmatched. And knowing the beach is only The sand itself is not as vibrant as some patches of green you’ll 25 years old is mind-blowing - it’s younger than some of its visi- find outside on the trail leading to the beach. There are no life- tors. guards, so swim with caution. The new Kaimu Beach is at the end of Highway 130, past To get there, drive to the end of South Point Road via Pahoa town, where the road meets Highway 137. There is ade- Highway 11 to a dirt parking lot. From there’s it’s an hour hike quate parking. Vendors sell fruit smoothies, barbecue lunch (each way) through a lava field to a worn dirt road to the beach. plates and souvenirs. Check with local authorities before going Sturdy shoes and drinking water are essential. The route offers as active lava flows may disrupt access. scenic views, ancient Hawaiian structures and patches of emer- ald green sand. Locals may offer rides for $15-$20 in 4X4s, but Red sand they’re not legally permitted, so go at your own risk. Kaihalulu Bay on Maui near the town of Hana is home to a unique red sand beach. Towering red cinder cliffs surround the Take nothing but pictures bay, and the blue ocean swirls along the red sandy shore. A It’s illegal to remove sand from Hawaiian beaches - whether large lava rock reef juts out in the bay slightly protecting the green, red, black or golden. — AP beach from harsh waves, but swimming is not advised. There are no lifeguards and ocean conditions are unpredictable. This is one of Hawaii’s few nude beaches due to the cove’s isolation. And getting there isn’t easy. You must cross private property to get to the trail to the beach, so you’ll need permis- sion from landowners. In addition, the narrow trail is slippery and unstable. Many locals and visitors go there daily, but be careful. Waves crash on New Kaimu Beach, in Kalapana, Hawaii.
People sunbathing at Papakolea green sand People sunbathing at Papakolea green sand beach near Ocean View, Hawaii. beach near Ocean View, Hawaii. Harper Lee book could also mean a ‘Mockingbird’ movie sequel
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 36 ‘Arabian Ark’ helps save wildlife from extinction
An Emirati man looks on as a falcon takes off on Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the largest natural islands in the United Arab Emirates. — AFP photos
Flamingos stand in a water reservoir on Sir Bani Yas Island.
ryx, giraffes and cheetahs roam an “Arabian Ark” nature in the early 1970s. Bred or raised in captivity, the four cheetahs reserve on a desert Gulf Island where species once fac- were taught to survive and hunt for themselves, feeding main- An Arabian oryx and gazelle roam Sir Bani Yas Island. Oing extinction in the region are making a comeback. ly on sand gazelles. In 2010, the first cheetah cubs were born Since animals were first brought to Sir Bani Yas off the coast of on the island. Ghani said the biggest challenge of the conser- Abu Dhabi more than four decades ago, their total population vation program was “re-wilding”-educating animals raised in has soared to more than 13,000. Twenty-five species of mam- captivity to survive on their own. The animals “eventually mals and 170 types of birds are found in a nature reserve cov- become part of the natural population of the island”. ering an area of 1,400 hectares (3,500 acres). They include striped hyenas, caracals-also known as the desert lynx-and the Planting mangroves Arabian tahr, a small goat-like mammal indigenous to the Hajar Non-indigenous animals including the scimitar-horned Mountains between the UAE and Oman. oryx, the reticulated giraffe and blackbuck antelopes have also Some species are, or were, endangered in the region, or been introduced in the park. Every visitor to the island is urged even extinct in the wild. The reserve began as an initiative by to plant a mangrove and if they do not then the reserve does it late UAE founder Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahayan who for them. About 2.5 million trees have been planted on Sir Bani started bringing animals to Sir Bani Yas in 1971. “He started Yas, which after decades closed to the public was opened to developing the island into a nature reserve and the idea back tourists six years ago offering African-style safaris. then was to create an Arabian Ark for his people,” said Marius Sir Bani Yas, located around 170 kilometers (106 miles) from Prinsloo, general manager of operations at the island. “We have the capital of Abu Dhabi, is also home to the remains of a pre- been successful,” he said of the conservation efforts. Islamic monastery and other archeological remains. “In 1992, we began exploration and excavation works and have since ‘Great results’ uncovered 36 archeological sites, most importantly a Christian Sir Bani Yas is now home to about 500 Arabian Oryx-one of monastery dating back to 600 AD,” said Fatima Mutawaa of the Axis deer roam on Sir Bani Yas Island. Sand Gazelles lock horns on Sir Bani Yas Island. the world’s largest herds. Sameer Ghani, an independent con- Tourism Development & Investment Company, which is devel- servation specialist, said the reserve’s Arabian Oryx breeding oping Sir Bani Yas. program was showing “great results” after the animal “went The sites “reflect the diverse cultures that have thrived on extinct in the wild in the early 1970s”. A type of antelope, they this island,” said Mutawaa. The monastery is believed to have once roamed most of the Arabian Peninsula but rampant hunt- been built by a community of 30-40 monks who probably ing meant that for years they survived only in captivity. belonged to the Nestorian Church. It is thought to have been Conservationists believe the last remaining Arabian Oryx in abandoned after about 750 AD. While it has an airport and the wild was shot and killed in the Omani desert in 1972. They three luxury resorts, Sir Bani Yas has largely preserved its natu- were bred and reintroduced in the UAE and other countries, ral character, in stark contrast to the glitzy shopping malls and resulting in their removal in 2011 from the global list of endan- skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the capital of the United gered species by the International Union for Conservation of Arab Emirates. “Sir Bani Yas offers an amazing natural land- Nature, which now classifies them as vulnerable. scape of wadis (valleys) and salt stones and beaches,” said Mark Sand and mountain gazelles have also found a natural habi- Eletr, director of four resorts on the island run by Thai group tat on Sir Bani Yas. In 2008, four cheetahs were brought to the Anantara. “People are experiencing this now and enjoying a island to help maintain a natural balance. The cheetah-the very raw natural environment.” — AFP world’s fastest land animal-was indigenous to the region but believed to have become extinct in the wild in the Middle East Cheetahs rest in the shade on Sir Bani Yas Island.
Sand Gazelles roam as an Arabian Oryx walks through the heard on Sir Bani Yas Sand Gazelles roam on Sir Bani Yas Island. A giraffe stands near a road on Sir Bani Yas Island. Island.