RAMADAN 15, 1440 AH MONDAY, MAY 20, 2019

28 Pages Max 37º Min 27º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 17837 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Kuwait firemen free child Boeing acknowledges flaw in Green triple-double fuels 3 stuck in washing machine 24 737 MAX simulator software 28 Warriors’ comeback win

IMSAK 03:13 Fajr 03:23 Dhur 11:44 Asr 15:20 Magrib 18:36 Isha 20:04 Saudi calls for urgent Arab talks over Iran-US tensions Saudi Arabia ‘does not want war but is ready to defend itself’

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has called for emergency Four ships including two Saudi oil tankers were regional talks to discuss mounting Gulf tensions, saying damaged in mysterious sabotage attacks last week off Qatar Amir in Kuwait yesterday that it does not want war with Iran but is the UAE’s Fujairah, near the Strait of Hormuz-a vital ready to defend itself. King Salman invited Gulf leaders maritime route for oil exports which Iran has threat- and Arab League member states to two emergency ened to close in the event of a war. That incident was summits in Makkah on May 30 to discuss recent followed by drone strikes Tuesday by Yemen’s Iran- “aggressions and their consequences”, the kingdom’s aligned rebels on a major Saudi oil pipeline built as an official SPA news agency reported Saturday. alternative export route if the Strait of Hormuz were The announcement came days after mysterious sab- to be closed. otage attacks against several tankers in highly sensitive Jubeir said the UAE was leading the probe into the Gulf waters and drone attacks on a crude pipeline by damaged oil tankers, but added that “we have some Iran-aligned Yemen rebels, which Riyadh claimed were indications and we will make the announcements once carried out on Iranian orders. the investigations are completed”. The Emirates has The United States has also deployed an aircraft car- said three Western countries-the US, France and rier and bombers to the Gulf over alleged threats from Norway-would also be part of the investigation, along Iran. Saudi Arabia’s minister of state for foreign affairs, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Neither of the two Gulf Adel Al-Jubeir, said yesterday his country does not states, both close allies of the United States, have given want to go to war with Iran but would defend itself. details on the exact nature of the ship attacks. Saudi Arabia “does not want a war, is not looking for it Despite international skepticism, the US government and will do everything to prevent it,” he said. has cited increasing threats from Iran, a long-time ene- “But at the same time, if the other side chooses war, my of both the US and its regional allies, including Israel the kingdom will respond with strength and determina- and Saudi Arabia. SPA said yesterday that Crown Prince tion to defend itself and its interests.” The kingdom’s Mohammed bin Salman had spoken with US Secretary regional allies welcomed the Saudi invitation. The of State Mike Pompeo about enhancing security in the KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday held an iftar (fast-breaking) UAE’s foreign ministry said the current “critical circum- region. The US has already strengthened its military banquet in the honor of Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and his accompanying delegation. stances” require a unified Arab and Gulf stance. The presence in the region, deploying several of strategic B- Qatar’s Amir arrived in Kuwait in a fraternal visit to congratulate His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al- meetings will be a “significant opportunity for the 52 bombers in response to alleged Iranian threats. US Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the holy month of Ramadan. — KUNA countries of the region to achieve their aspirations for President Donald Trump last week predicted that Iran establishing peace and stability,” it said. would “soon” want to negotiate. — AFP

the weeks and months to come”, he said. The weakening prices. Russian Energy Minister Saudi recommends Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Alexander Novak told reporters that different Countries, of which Saudi Arabia is de facto options were available for the output deal, leader, would have more data at its next including a rise in production in the second ‘gently’ driving oil meeting in late June to help it reach the best half of the year. The energy minister of the decision on output, Falih said. United Arab Emirates, Suhail Al-Mazrouei, down inventories “It is critical that we don’t make hasty said oil producers were capable of filling any decisions - given the conflicting data, the gap in the oil market and that relaxing supply JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister complexity involved, and the evolving situa- cuts was not “the right decision”. Khalid Al-Falih said yesterday he recom- tion,” he said, describing the outlook as “quite Mazrouei said the UAE did not want to see mended “gently” driving oil inventories down foggy” due in part to a trade dispute between a rise in inventories that could lead to a price at a time of plentiful global supplies and that the United States and China. “But I want to collapse and that OPEC would act wisely to OPEC would not make hasty decisions about assure you that our group has always done maintain sustainable market balance. “As UAE output ahead of a June meeting. “Overall, the the right thing in the interests of both con- we see that the job is not done yet, there is market is in a delicate situation,” Falih told sumers and producers; and we will continue still a period of time to look at the supply and reporters before a ministerial panel meeting to do so,” he added. demand and we don’t see any need to alter of top OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers, OPEC, Russia and other non-OPEC pro- the agreement in the meantime,” he said. US including Saudi Arabia and Russia. ducers, an alliance known as OPEC+, agreed crude inventories rose unexpectedly last While there is concern about supply dis- to reduce output by 1.2 million barrels per week to their highest since September 2017, JEDDAH: (Left to right) Nigerian Energy Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikw, Russian Energy ruptions, inventories are rising and the market day (bpd) from Jan 1 for six months, a deal while gasoline stockpiles decreased more Minister Alexander Novak, and Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih arrive to should see a “comfortable supply situation in designed to stop inventories building up and Continued on Page 24 the one-day OPEC+ group meeting in the Saudi city of Jeddah yesterday. — AFP

Basra “unacceptable and unjustified”. Exxon did not Ramadan Kareem Iraq slams Exxon confirm the withdrawal. “We are closely monitoring. As News in brief a matter of practice, we don’t share specifics related to operational staffing at our facilities,” a spokeswoman Saudi to tax e-cigarettes for evacuating its said. “ExxonMobil has programs and measures in place Roll up your sleeves to provide security to protect its people, operations DUBAI: Saudi Arabia has imposed a special tax on staff amid tension and facilities. We are committed to ensuring the safety electronic cigarettes and sugary drinks, extending of our employees and contractors at all of our facilities similar taxes introduced in 2017 as it seeks to reduce a budget deficit caused by low oil prices. The General By Hassan Twaha Bwambale around the world,” she added. BAGHDAD: Iraq yesterday slammed as “political” a Authority of Zakat and Tax said a 100% tax would decision by US energy giant ExxonMobil to evacuate On Wednesday the United States ordered the evacu- be levied on electronic cigarettes and products used rom the Islamic perspective, according to Al- staff from a southern oil field after Washington ordered ation of non-emergency staff from its Baghdad embassy Imam Al-Menawi, laziness means inadver- in them, and a 50% tax on sugared drinks. Saudi personnel to quit its Baghdad embassy. “The temporary and Arbil consulate, citing an “imminent” threat from Arabia, the Arab world’s largest economy, already tence, negligence and carelessness in doing F withdrawal of employees has nothing to do with securi- Iranian-linked armed groups in Iraq. It came 10 days had a 100% tax on cigarettes and tobacco products, things that are imperative where activeness is ty in southern Iraqi oil fields or any threats,” Oil after the Pentagon deployed an aircraft carrier task force a 100% tax on energy drinks and a 50% on fizzy mandatory. This kind of negligence is dispraised and Minister Thamer Al-Ghadban said. “The reasons are and B-52 bombers to the Gulf to fend off an unspecified drinks. — Reuters disparaged. (Al-Tawfeeq 281) Al-Imam Al-Raghib political and probably linked to tensions in the region,” alleged plot by Tehran to attack US forces or allies. Both said, “Whoever gets accustomed to being lazy and he added in a statement released by the oil ministry. the US and Iran are key allies of Shiite-majority Iraq, and indolent and decides to lean towards luxury and rest Ghadban called the move to pull out staff from the Baghdad has been under pressure from Washington to Ozil dines with Erdogan most of the time, will eventually lose that rest and West Qorna oil field west of the southern port city of limit ties with its Shiite-ruled neighbor. — AFP luxury as a consequence, and will pay a high price.” ANKARA: Arsenal’s German midfielder Mesut Ozil For example, if someone does a sedentary work dined with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan where he rarely moves, time will come when he will during a Ramadan iftar meal in Istanbul late Saturday, contract some preventable diseases as a result of his is the mosque, why do you wear white, why do women a move likely to cause a backlash after previous meet- inactivity, which will cost him money, effort and time. Foreigners get rare wear black ... is everybody rich in this country?” ings caused controversy. Images in Turkish media Laziness is divided into two categories: First, Emirati volunteers gathered at a majlis - the tradition- showed a smiling Ozil and model fiancee Amine Gulse, sluggishness of the mind in that you don’t use it in al sitting room where the end-of-fast iftar meal is served sitting at a table on either side of Erdogan at the critical thinking, pondering, and looking at the chance to sample at floor-level - were asked about dating and marriage, Ottoman-era Dolmabahce Palace. The iftar, the meal blessings and bounties of Allah Almighty, on one what they think of Dubai’s comparatively liberal dress for breaking the fast during the Islamic holy month of hand, and abandoning the consideration of and Emirati culture codes for foreigners, and aspects of the Muslim faith. Ramadan, was also attended by young Turks ahead of seeking things that may benefit you in this temporal “We learn from them, they learn from us. (Foreigners) Youth and Sports Day on Sunday, a national holiday in life, on the other hand. Since everything was created Turkey. — AFP DUBAI: No question was off limits for curious tourists have been here a long time and I feel they see them- for us (Al-Quran 2: 29), it behooves us to learn how and foreign residents of Dubai wanting to learn more selves as Emiratis, and we are proud that they do so,” to tap into the resources that Allah (SWT) created about Emirati culture and the Muslim fasting month of said Majida Al-Gharib a student volunteer. for us and benefit from them categorically and KIA denies media reports Ramadan. Emiratis make up less than 10% of those living Visitors broke the day’s fast with dates and water, effectively, all the while keeping them safe for gener- in Dubai, the most populated emirate in the seven-emi- before sampling Emirati cuisine, including biryani and ations to come. KUWAIT: Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) yes- rate United Arab Emirates federation, making it hard for machboos rice and meat dishes. Seven-year-old terday denied ‘false press stories’ it said was car- Second, physical inactivity: This entails careless- Anthony from Poland, who goes to school in Dubai, foreigners to meet them. ried by several media outlets in Kuwait and Pakistan ness and lassitude in performing physical exercise. said he came to find out more about the breaking of Dubai goes to great lengths to market itself as open claiming that it is pursuing a $20 billion investment This vice leads communities and individuals into the fast meal because many of his friends at school do to different cultures and faiths as the Middle East’s finan- program in Pakistan. “KIA would like to emphasize backwardness. If you neglect your body in that you cial, trade and leisure centre, and a government cultural it. 2019 has been designated the Year of Tolerance in are so lazy to work out, you will face the conse- the United Arab Emirates and there is a minister of that the story is false and unfounded, and does not centre is inviting visitors to find out more about Emirati have a relationship with the person cited by the quences. Due to the fact that there is a correlation life. “There are no offending questions,” said Emirati state for tolerance. However, like its Gulf Arab neigh- between the body and the mind, when the body bors, the UAE does not allow dissent or criticism of its media outlets as the source,” the authority said in a Rashid Al-Tamimi from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre statement. Continued on Page 24 for Cultural Understanding. “How do you worship, what leadership. — Reuters 2 Local Monday, May 20, 2019 Amir receives invitation from Saudi King to attend 14th OIC Islamic Summit Jordan King visits Kuwait today to congratulate Amir on Ramadan

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah reads a letter from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, delivered by Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Prince Sultan bin Saad Al-Saud.— Amiri Diwan photos His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh on the occasion of the holy month of included an invitation to His Highness the Court, Justice Yousef Jassem Al-Mutawaa, a condolence cable yesterday to Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Ramadan. Amir Sheikh Sabah to visit Pakistan. Minister in addition to First Deputy Prime Minister Afghanistan’s president Mohammad received a letter from Saudi King Salman of the Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Ashraf Ghani over the victims of a mar- bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, which included an Amir invited to visit Pakistan Al-Sabah attended the receptions of the Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. ket attack in the western province of invitation to partake in the 14th OIC Islamic Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir Pakistani FM and the Saudi Ambassador. In the meantime, His Highness the Crown Herat. In the cable, His Highness the Amir Summit scheduled in Makkah on May 31 to received yesterday at Bayan Palace the visit- Earlier yesterday, His Highness the Amir Prince received Ghanem, His Highness affirmed Kuwait’s strong condemnation June 1. Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Prince ing Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah received His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, Sheikh Nasser of such a criminal act that targeted inno- Sultan bin Saad Al-Saud handed in the let- Mehmood Qureshi, in the presence of Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah Al-Ahmad, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, cent lives and goes against all human ter to His Highness the Amir during a meet- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sabah. His Highness the Amir also received in addition to Deputy Prime Minister and values. His Highness the Amir prayed to ing at Bayan Palace yesterday. Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Allah Almighty to bestow mercy upon In other news, Jordanian King Abdullah Hamad Al-Sabah. Qureshi handed in a letter Al-Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Al-Sabah and Deputy Premier and Minister the victims and speedy recovery to all II and his accompanying delegation are set to His Highness the Amir from President of Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh. the injured. His Highness the Crown to arrive in Kuwait today on a fraternal visit Pakistan Arif Alvi. The letter commended the Hamad Al-Sabah, Chairman of Kuwait’s Prince and His Highness the Prime to congratulate His Highness the Amir high level of cooperation between the two Supreme Judicial Council and the Cassation Amir condoles with Afghan president Minister sent similar cables to Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah countries and means to develop ties. It also Court, and President of the Constitutional Separately, His Highness the Amir sent Afghanistan’s president. — KUNA

News in brief Pakistan could help KCCI Chairman meets Chinese envoy facilitate de-escalating KUWAIT: Chairman of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Ali Al-Ghanem tension in region: FM met yesterday with Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait. The meeting tackled means of boosting KUWAIT: Pakistan expressed readiness to facilitate in bilateral trade ties between the two countries, and de-escalating tension in the region and support peace they also discussed economic cooperation, espe- and stability, visiting Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah cially in investment opportunities in both public Mehmood Qureshi has said. “We are concerned about and private sectors, in addition to boosting collab- rising tension between the US and Iran,” Qureshi said oration in all fields. — KUNA in an interview yesterday. “Pakistan would always be supportive of peace and stability, we would be more than happy to facilitate in de-escalation and I am sure Kuwait is equally interested in de-escalation.” OTC trading down 99.29% The minister noted, however, “relations between Kuwait and Pakistan have been historically cordial, and KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Over the Counter Market (OTC) politically we have had excellent relations, we have witnessed a 99.29 percent plunge last week, when been supporting each other at the regional level and compared to the previous week. Total trading reached on many global issues our policies on a number of 760,400 shares at a value of KD 83,700 (around issues are common, and our approach on many region- $276,21) done through 22 transactions. OTC report, al issues, on the issue of Palestine, they are close to issued yesterday, indicated that ‘immediate’ transac- each other.” tions had a positive performance, with trading reaching SKUWAIT: Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. — KUNA 301,300 shares, at a value of KD 6,020 (around Kuwait’s role $19,800) done through 12 transactions. —KUNA Qureshi meanwhile said Kuwait wanted the settle- ment of the Kashmir dispute according to UN Security Kuwaiti Foreign Minister on some of the evolving issues pertinent to bilateral coordination and ways of Council resolutions. In terms of Kuwait’s role in the regional developments that are of mutual interests,” addressing various regional challenges, the latest Security Council, Qureshi said “I think they played a he said. Qureshi met yesterday with Kuwait’s Deputy regional and international developments and issues of New diversion open very balancing and a very mature role, especially dur- Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al- mutual interest. ing the recent standoff between India and Pakistan... Jarrah Al-Sabah, and the two sides discussed issues Present at the meeting were Deputy Foreign and they helped deescalate and defuse tensions.” With of mutual interest, the Interior Ministry said in a Minister Ambassador Khaled Al-Jarallah, Assistant KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Roads and regard to his visit to Kuwait, the minister said “I am statement yesterday. Foreign Minister for the Deputy Prime Minister and Transportation (PART) announced the new diversion here in Kuwait to build a comprehensive economic Foreign Minister’s Office Ambassador Sheikh Dr on the alternative road of Nuwaiseeb highway relationship, because there are 105,000 Pakistanis who Closer ties Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Assistant opened for traffic yesterday morning. The new have contributed to the economic development of Meanwhile, Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister for Asia Ambassador Ali Al-Said, diversion starting at the 59th km of the road extends Kuwait and I feel that we can facilitate more, by send- Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Kuwaiti Ambassador to Pakistan Nasser Al-Mutairi for 1,400 km, PART said in a statement. It noted that ing skilled and semi-skilled manpower to Kuwait, for Al-Sabah held a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart and several other senior officials of the Foreign it prepared a plan for carrying out 74 road and further economic development.” and his accompanying delegation, during which they Ministry. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled had held an iftar infrastructure projects in collaboration with the “One of the issues that I intend to talk about is discussed the close relations between both friendly banquet on Saturday in honor of the Pakistani Foreign Interior Ministry’s traffic department to ease traffic how to enhance our economic relationship, the other countries and ways of promoting and developing them Minister and his accompanying delegation on the across the country. — KUNA was to exchange thoughts and get input from the in all fields. Both ministers also discussed a number of occasion of his official visit to the country. — KUNA

Ahmad Al-Amir

office and in the surrounding areas. The agree- recent participation in Earth Hour and Earth Gulf Bank moves ment comes as part of the bank’s corporate Day, the bank is renewing its support of raising social responsibility program, in which sustain- awareness surrounding environmental issues. ability and the environment has played an inte- Through the agreement with Omniya, the bank towards a greener gral role, and will see the placement of a recy- is promoting the importance and ease of recy- cling receptacle in front of Gulf Bank’s Head cling, increasing awareness amongst employees future with Omniya Office, Crystal Tower. The recycling receptacle and customers. The bank has a responsibility to will be used to collect used plastic from the support the preservation of our environment KUWAIT: Kuwaiti National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem received bank and surrounding area. and we are proud to be contributing to its KUWAIT: Gulf Bank continues to ‘go green’ as US Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence Silverman in his office yesterday. Commenting on the initiative, Ahmad Al- health.” The Omniya Project was founded in it joins Omniya’s nationwide recycling initiative. Kuwaiti MP Mubarak Al-Harees was present at the meeting. —KUNA The bank has signed a cooperation agreement Amir, Assistant General Manager for External 2015, by young Kuwaiti’s aiming to raise aware- to recycle plastic waste used at the bank’s head Communications, Gulf Bank, said: “Following our ness and spread the culture waste recycling. 3 Local Monday, May 20, 2019 Kuwaiti teachers increased by 3,800, expats dropped by 800 in one year Company qualified to get rid of Rehaiya used tires

By A Saleh various educational facilities will provide for high Tech company to get rid of used tires and remove a tender to supply, install and maintain the central school graduates in the 2019-2020 academic year them out of Rehaiya. The sources added that the punch in and out systems at various ministry sec- KUWAIT: Recent Civil Service Commission (CSC) will exceed 31,000, with a majority in Public company had made the best offer to deal with the tors in order to unify working hours in various statistics showed that the total number of Kuwaitis Authority for Applied Education and Training tires in two phases to prepare the site, import the departments. working as teachers increased by 3,800 teachers (PAAET) colleges. The sources added that this num- equipment needed and get rid of 300,000-400,000 over the past year, while that of expatriate teachers ber is more than the 30,000 students, including tons of used tires. The sources added the pan Final statement dropped by 800 in the same period. Comparing the Kuwaiti students and children of Kuwaiti women, includes removing the tires and recycling them Finance Minister Nayef Al-Hajraf stressed that new statistics with those of the previous year, the who are expected to graduate from high school this instead of burying them in landfill sites. according to the State Audit Bureau’s report about total number of teaching staff members increased year and are eligible for the 2017-2018 final statement, no violations had from 82,800 during the first quarter of 2018 to higher education. The Kuwait Airways planes been committed by the Kuwait Authority for become 85,800 by the end of the same period this sources said the total num- Kuwait Airways Partnership Projects. Responding to an inquiry by year. Statistics also showed that by the end of the ber of local scholarship Corporation (KAC) MP Humoud Al-Khodhair about the measures tak- first quarter of 2019, the total number of Kuwaiti seats will be 7,000. Kuwait denies received two out of three en over the alleged violations, Hajraf stressed that teachers was 59,700 compared to 55,900 in the planes it had leased to cov- the report only included remarks that were all same period in 2018. The total number of expat Regional developments urging citizens er for shortages until it dealt with to prevent them from recurring. teachers dropped from 26,900 to 26,100 during the Well-informed sources at receives the first purchased same period. Kuwait’s foreign ministry to leave Iran plane from Airbus by July. Serious injuries Meanwhile, well-informed educational sources stressed that the ministry is In this regard, informed Jahra detectives received reports about a young said the results of final exams for students in grades in constant contact with sources said KAC had man covered in blood in an open yard in Jahra, 5-11 will be accessible through the education min- Kuwait’s ambassadors leased three planes from said security sources, noting that an ambulance istry’s website and those of respective schools abroad to follow up the lat- ALAFCO for a year effec- rushed the man with serious injuries to the head, today, while grade sheets will be distributed tomor- est regional developments. The sources also denied tive this May, adding that KAC will receive the third arm and legs to hospital. The man turned out to be row. Separately, minister of education Hamed Al- social media reports that Kuwait had urged its citi- plane within a few days. Notably, KAC had grounded a 22-year-old bedoon, who after recovering, told Azmi issued a ministerial decision appointing Osama zens in Iran and Iraq to return home, following a three of its old planes in April pending selling them, detectives that a group of young men - including Al-Sultan as assistant undersecretary for public similar call by Bahrain. which made the carrier cancel or reschedule some one he identified as someone with whom he earlier education and head of the administration of the sci- flights until the leased jets entered service. had problems with - intercepted and assaulted entific section’s control, instead of Fahd Al-Ghaiss. Used tires him, stole his vehicle and dumped him in the open In another educational concern, well-informed Well-informed sources said that the Public Working hours yard. A case was filed and a search is on for the educational sources said the total number of seats Authority for Industry (PAI) qualified the Korean CS The Interior Ministry recently asked for offering assailants.

route. He also spoke about its socioeconomic the government acts as a monitor, regulator Union symposium stability and how it turned into a point of and an auditor instead of an operator. Mujaibel attraction for migrants from everywhere. stressed the vision is based on handling state tackles economic budget imbalances through fighting corruption Economic situation and cutting expenses, rationalizing the govern- Further, Mujaibel talked about Kuwait’s cur- ment’s manpower, developing human resources situation, 2035 vision rent economic situation, warning that oil prices and reforming the educational system. are expected to drop to a minimum in the By Meshaal Al-Enezi coming 20 years in view of the growing Municipality meeting demand for new sources of energy. “Kuwait’s In other news, Kuwait Municipality’s KUWAIT: In collaboration with the Supreme sovereign fund currently includes around KD supreme planning committee held a meeting Council for Planning and Development, the 200 billion and the annually growing budget yesterday to discuss official work plans. public sector employees syndicates union worth KD 22.5 billion,” he explained, warning Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and organized a symposium titled “Kuwait 2035: of funding the budget from the sovereign fund Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Fahd Al- Kuwaiti Syndicates’ Joint View,” in which the because it will not last more than 20 years and Sholah, who chaired the meeting, said that he main speaker was member of the supreme affect Kuwait’s credit rating. welcomes ideas and initiatives that will help council for planning and development Nasser Speaking about Kuwait’s 2035 vision, achieve the municipality’s aims, noting this Al-Mujaibel. Mujaibel started by giving a Mujaibel said that it aims at turning Kuwait includes ideas from municipal officials, quick historical background about Kuwait in into an international financial and economic employees and even citizens who can all con- the past and how the founding fathers estab- hub capable of attracting private sector invest- tribute through filing complaints or proposals The scene inside a Jleeb Al-Shuyiukh house where a fire was put out. lished it to become an international trade ments to lead the development process, while through the municipality website or in person. Firemen free child trapped Kuwaiti team uses in washing machine new technique to By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Firemen freed a child who remove brain tumor became stuck in a washing machine inside a Firdous house. The boy was KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti medical team succeeded unharmed in the incident. Meanwhile, in eradicating a brain tumor using the surgical firemen put out a fire that broke out technique ‘Curve,’ the latest in specialized in a feed store in a Sulaibiya cow treatment. The 39-years-old Kuwaiti patient farm. Sulaibikhat, Kabd, Shuhada was suffering from a persistent headache due and backup stations battled the to seven-centimeter tumor in a sensitive area blaze. No injuries were reported. In of the brain near the center of movement, said the meantime, Jleeb and Ardiya fire- the head of Specialized Surgical Department men dealt with an apartment fire in a at the Ministry of Health Dr Tarek Al-Sheikh. nine-storey building in Jleeb Al- Dr Sheikh, who is also head of neurosurgery Shuyoukh. The building was evacu- KUWAIT: Firemen free a child who became at Ibn Sina Hospital, added that the operation ated before the fire was put out. No trapped in a washing machine inside a was critical and took three hours using a sur- injuries were reported as well. Firdous house. gical navigator device called Curve. The new technique helped surgeons to accurately reach the tumor without causing any damage to brain cells or nerves. The usage of this sophisticated German technique allowed the medical team to conduct the operation in a fast and standard time while minimizing the related complications. The device used to determine the exact location and size of the tumor, which was easy for sur- geons to remove completely without any side effects, he added. The mechanism used in this technique, which is the first of its kind in Kuwait and the third in Gulf after Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to collect more than 250 two-dimensional images of the patient’s brain and turn it into a complete three-dimensional image that is stereoscopic and completely similar to brain geography. It identifies the best and easiest routes to reach directly to the affected areas of the brain (tumors or congenital defects in the arteries) with amazing accuracy without compromising or exposure to the centers of KUWAIT: A local bank foiled a man’s attempt to install skimming equipment at an the brain and sensitive tissues, ensuring the ATM machine inside one of its branches. The European man was arrested after patient’s full safety of any surgical complica- employees called police when the bank’s security system detected his attempt, the tions, Dr Sheikh explained. — KUNA bank posted on its Twitter account.

KRCS launches fund campaign for premature babies in Yemen

KUWAIT: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) care as they are exposed to serious conditions that announced yesterday the launch of a campaign to may lead to death or major health problems. KRCS premature babies in Yemen tomorrow. KRCS Deputy will provide more support to those health care pro- Chairman Anwar Al-Hasawi stressed the importance grams to back the health of women and children, of increasing efforts to protect Yemeni children by Hasawi continued. The KRCS official noted that this providing medical equipment and medicines, in addi- campaign is in coordination with the Avenues Mall, tion to nurses whom they need the most. Hasawi where people could easily donate through K-Net added that Yemeni premature babies need special services or by KRCS website. — KUNA 4 Monday, May 20, 2019 Local Established 1961 5 Local Monday, May 20, 2019

Zain shares joys of girgian with Al-Kharafi Activity Kids Center For second year running as part of company’s social campaign during Ramadan

Aisha Al-Salem recognizes Zain officials during the event. Aisha Al-Salem and Zain officials with the children during the event.

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading digital service filled with happiness and joy. keen to organize a number of social and provider in Kuwait, announced its sponsor- The company’s volunteers delighted the humanitarian initiatives during Ramadan to ship of the girgian event organized by Al- children and their families by distributing support the various sectors of the Kuwaiti Kharafi Activity Kids Center for children Zain’s girgian and gifts while also organiz- society, and the company is keen on reflect- with special needs for the second consecu- ing many other fun activities. Zain believes ing the religious as well as traditional tive year. The event witnessed the atten- in the importance of embracing the beauti- humanitarian values and principles to enrich dance of the children, their families, Zain ful values of the Islamic religion as well as the art of giving and to increase bonding volunteers, and President of Al-Kharafi the noble traditions of the Kuwaiti heritage, between individuals. Activity Kids Center Aisha Al-Salem. all year round and especially during the The company further affirmed its Zain’s support to this event came as part holy month of Ramadan. Corporate Sustainability and Social of the company’s comprehensive Ramadan Zain affirmed that its social and CSSR Responsibility campaign during the Holy social campaign and its Corporate campaign during the holy month of Month of Ramadan, which includes an Sustainability and Social Responsibility Ramadan includes an extensive array of ini- extensive array of programs that cover strategy, where it aims at sharing the joys tiatives and programs that focus on helping different areas. The initiatives and pro- and blessings of the holy month with differ- less fortunate people to enjoy Ramadan grams include humanitarian, voluntary, ent segments of the society. Zain’s volun- happily, as well as celebrating the true spirit cultural, religious, sports, and recreational teers celebrated the special occasion with the holy month brings. activities to cater to the different seg- Al-Kharafi Center’s children enjoying the event. children and their families in an atmosphere Zain stressed that it has always been ments of society.

KUWAIT: KFH voluntary team at Naif Palace. KFH voluntary team at Hawally park. KFH continues ‘Feed the Fasting’ campaign KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) contin- different locations, as they prepare and distrib- Deeds in Ramadan 5’ includes various visits and ued its ‘Feed the Fasting’ campaign in different ute around 1,000 iftar meals daily in Ramadan. voluntary work, social and humanitarian events locations as part of its Ramadan program KFH’s efforts in Ramadan underline the and activities stemming from the bank’s endeav- ‘Increase Good Deeds in Ramadan 5,’ and its bank’s pioneering role in the social responsibili- ors to solidify its commitment towards the soci- leadership in achieving social responsibility. ty, while contributing in strengthening the social ety, while supporting all social and humanitarian KFH voluntary team distributed iftar meals in ties. KFH’s Ramadan program ‘Increase Good initiatives.

NBK senior management participated in vis- highlighted the important role played by NBK shares iftar iting the center. They were welcomed by Coast Guard officers, describing it as a key Colonel Tareq Al-Wazzak, Director of Naval and pivotal element in maintaining Kuwait’s It’s family time in Ramadan Brigade Unit at the General Directorate of the security and stability since they represent the meal with Kuwaiti Coast Guards and Acting Colonel country’s protective shield. amadan is a joyful time of year in Bashar Al-Musallam. The visit is part of a comprehensive pro- the Muslim world as fasters gath- Khairan Coast “NBK is proud of our public institutions gram set up especially by NBK for the holy Rer at sundown to break their fast and supports their vital role in serving the month of Ramadan, including NBK iftar tent with family and friends. In Kuwait, there community,” NBK’s Public Relations Manager and field visits to remote areas, as well as iftar are many traditions and activities that Guard Center Abdul Mohsen Al-Rushaid said. “NBK is program at Naif Palace and the distribution of take place every year. To commemorate always keen on visiting the Coast Guard small snacks to people to break their fasting. Ramadan and the experiences of our KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Centre to share an iftar meal with its officers, During the holy month of Ramadan, the bank readers, this year the Kuwait Times is organized a special visit to Khairan Coast to express its gratitude for leaving their fami- participated in ‘Be the Change’ recycling asking readers what they love about Guard Center to share a Ramadan iftar meal lies during the holy month of Ramadan to campaign in cooperation with Omnia Projects Ramadan. What is your favorite food, with them in order to show its gratitude for serve the nation and keep it safe.” Management and buying Eid clothes for the activity, memory, event, or thing that Rushaid added that NBK is proud to sup- children of underprivileged families in coop- you absolutely adore and look forward their continued efforts and sacrifices in main- to each year? We want to know. Email taining the country’s safety and security. The port the Coast Guard’s efforts and sacrifices, eration with LOYAC, in addition to many local@kuwaittimes with your answer visit is part of ‘Do Good Deeds in Ramadan’ similar to other various social and humanitari- activities and initiatives including visiting and it might end up in the newspaper. Program organized every year. Khaled Al- an organizations that are committed to fulfill- children at hospitals, distributing gifts and “I like the family bonding and family Matrouk, NBK Chief Security Officer and ing their social duties and services. Rushaid hosting a girgian party. visits in Ramadan,” Mahar Darwish says. “Every Ramadan, I see most of my rela- with them...these are all an important tives from all walks of life. I spend time part of Ramadan.” with them and talk to them - we become “I really hope it is Ramadan the more open to whatever family issues whole year round. I love fasting - it’s need to be sorted out. Family members healthy, and I don’t feel hungry during whom I haven’t seen for many years the day. My spirit and mind immediately tend to be easier to connect with. They adjust to the Ramadan timings. No food say the best part in the family is bonding is no problem at all. Also, generosity is with the little ones. I play football and the name of the game in Ramadan. draughts with the kids and whatever Ramadan is really unique - I hope we all else they play - I become a small boy if feel the same. I also love to watch soap necessary. I tease them, share stories operas in Ramadan.” InternationalMONDAY, MAY 20, 2019 Defiant Morales launches bid EU fears voter apathy despite populist surge Page 8 for fourth term Page 9

Indian nuns from the Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charities queue to cast their votes as a paramilitary force personnel stands guard at a polling station at St Mary’s School in Kolkata yesterday. (Inset) Indian voters pose for a picture as they show their ink-marked finger after casting their vote at a polling center on the outskirts of Amritsar yesterday. —AFP India’s acrimonious election comes to an end Modi on tenterhooks over second term

KOLKATA: Voting ended yesterday in India’s most twins Sabah and Farah twins voted in the Bihar capital time for a reset,” the 60-year-old told AFP. Writing in it one of the priciest contests globally - with the lion’s acrimonious election in decades that will decide of Patna and 102 year old Shyam Saran Negi, who has the Hindustan Times, political commentator Karan share of the spending by the BJP trying to woo India’s whether Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra taken part in every Indian vote since independence in Thapar said Modi’s message “played on our insecurities 900 million eligible voters. Modi gets a second term in power. As the final polling 1947, cast his ballot in mountainous Himachal Pradesh and strummed upon our deep inner fears”. He also criti- Lots of it has been spent on social media, with the booths closed, a huge security cordon was thrown state, highlighting the huge diversity of the exercise. But cized Gandhi’s campaign. parties using armies of “cyber warriors” to bombard around the voting machines and boxes of paper votes most attention has focused on the BJP campaign to Pollsters say Modi remains personally popular but India’s hundreds of millions of Facebook and WhatsApp used in the 542 seats for the world’s biggest election project Modi’s strongman image, playing up recent his party’s overall majority is at risk from a backlash users with messages. Fake news and doctored images before the official count starts on Thursday. cross-border air strikes against Pakistan. The opposi- against the government. The 68-year-old Modi has held have abounded, including of Gandhi and Modi having Tens of thousands of police and paramilitaries on tion, led by the Congress party and its leader Rahul 142 rallies across India during the campaign, sometimes lunch with Imran Khan, prime minister of arch rival duty in West Bengal state were a symbol of the mount- Gandhi, have accused him of pursuing divisive policies, five a day, but pollsters say the BJP could lose dozens Pakistan, or of a drunk Priyanka Gandhi, a politician ing tensions between Modi’s right wing Bharatiya neglecting the economy and leaving many farmers in of the 282 seats it won in its 2014 landslide. and the sister of Rahul. Violence has also broken out. Janata Party and the opposition during the six weeks of ruin. Modi and Gandhi have hurled insults at each other Maoist rebels killed 15 troops and their driver in the voting. Long queues formed outside polling stations in on a near daily basis with the prime minister calling his $7 billion vote western state of Maharashtra on May 1, the latest the eastern state but the BJP and its rivals again rival a “fool” while Gandhi derides Modi as a “thief”. On Saturday Modi, dressed in a long robe and saf- attack in a decades-long insurgency. accused each other of using violence, fraud and intimi- fron sash, trekked to a Himalayan shrine to meditate, Gandhi, 48, has tried several lines of attack against dation. An improvised bomb was thrown at one Kolkata Jaded voters with images showing him seated on a bed inside a holy Modi, in particular over alleged corruption in a French polling station and security forces intervened to stop The animosity has taken a toll on voters. “All the cave in the country’s north. Hoping to become the defense deal and over the plight of farmers and on the BJP, communist and other groups blocking different abuse and misconduct claims suggest that standards in fourth member of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to lead India, economy. Modi’s government has fallen short on creat- booths across the state capital that was hit by two days Indian politics have slipped badly,” Asit Banerjee, a his- Rahul Gandhi has struggled to make himself heard ing jobs for the million Indians entering the labour mar- of street battles last week. tory teacher in Kolkata, said as he queued to vote. above the din of the BJP’s campaign juggernaut. The ket every month, the shock introduction of a cash ban Modi’s constituency in Varanasi, the holy city in Uttar “Endless mudslinging and bitter comments pervaded Delhi-based Centre for Media Studies estimates that in 2016, while Indian banks are struggling with huge Pradesh state, was also among those to vote. Conjoined the campaign. We are losing hope in a democracy, it is the outlay on this election could top $7 billion, making bad debts. —AFP

Amash first GOP Congress even read Mueller’s report,” which identified president may have “multiple examples of conduct satisfying all the ele- obstructed justice, includ- Lanka president ments of obstruction of justice”. “Undoubtedly any ing Senator Elizabeth lawmaker to call for person who is not the president of the United States Warren, a 2020 presiden- would be indicted based on such evidence,” he added. tial candidate who has vows to eliminate “Contrary to Barr’s portrayal, Mueller’s report reveals called for impeachment Trump impeachment that President Trump engaged in specific actions and a proceedings. Other senior extremist threat pattern of behavior that meet the threshold for Democrats including WASHINGTON: Republican lawmaker Justin Amash impeachment.” House Speaker Nancy COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s president marked the 10th said Saturday that he believed Donald Trump has Amash’s comments went even further than those by Pelosi have cautioned anniversary of the end of a protracted war with Tamil rebels engaged in “impeachable conduct,” becoming the first most Democratic leaders in Congress. Fellow Michigan against such a move, yesterday by vowing to crush Islamist militants responsible politician of his party to call for removing the president lawmaker Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat, urged Amash to stressing it could deeply for Easter bombings that killed 258 people. Maithripala from his party. The Michigan representative also co-sponsor her impeachment resolution. “@justina- divide the nation of about Sirisena said Sri Lankan security forces and intelligence accused Attorney General William Barr of “deliberately” mash come find me in 1628 Longworth. I’ve got an 325 million people. They Justin Amash units could use their experience in defeating separatist misleading the public over the actual content and tenor impeachment investigation resolution you’re going to warn it could backfire Tamil guerrillas a decade ago to meet the new challenge from religious extremists. The government has blamed a of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report on Russian want to cosponsor,” she wrote in response to Amash’s politically in the run-up to the 2020 election, especial- interference aimed at tipping the election to Trump. local group for the April 21 attacks against three churches thread. Trump has proclaimed he was fully exonerated ly with the Republican-controlled Senate likely to and three luxury hotels that also left 500 injured and shat- In a series of tweets, Amash - a member of the ultra- by Mueller’s report. But some Democrats argue that acquit the president in the event of impeachment by tered a fragile decade-long peace in the island of 21 million conservative Freedom Caucus - said “few members of the document lays out multiple occasions in which the the House of Representatives. —AFP people. “With experience from a war that lasted over three decades, we are now compelled to meet a completely dif- ferent threat,” Sirisena told a commemoration ceremony. taken by Ronald Reagan,” Trump tweeted late as Roe v Wade. Roe v Wade guarantees women’s Trump ‘pro-life’ “We have been able to arrest all those who were behind the Saturday. Trump, who is seeking to expand on rights to abortion as long as the fetus is not Easter attacks. Some have been killed in confrontations,” he his conservative support ahead of his re-elec- viable - around 24 weeks of pregnancy. Trump, a said. “This gives me confidence that we can completely with exceptions tion bid, added: “The Radical Left, with late bombastic, twice-divorced billionaire, won over eliminate the threat from international terrorism.” term abortion (and worse), is imploding on this the evangelical vote during his 2016 campaign by Muslims account for 10 percent of the population in for rape, incest issue. “We must stick together and Win for Life promising to appoint anti-abortion justices at the the mainly Buddhist nation, which has been under a state in 2020.” Supreme Court. of emergency since the attacks that were also claimed by Alabama’s governor on Wednesday signed a He has since brought two conservative the Islamic State group. Army chief Mahesh Senanayake WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has near-total prohibition on abortions widely seen appointees to the highest court in the land - Neil said the military was paying tribute to around 28,000 sol- declared himself “strongly Pro-Life”, days after as the country’s most restrictive ban, and the Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh - shifting the bal- diers who died in the war that ended on May 18, 2009 two US states passed tough new restrictions on with the killing of Tamil Tiger leader Velupillai Missouri legislature on Friday made the proce- ance of the nine-person bench. In a series of Prabhakaran. Some 5,000 government troops and police abortions, but said exceptions should be made dure illegal from eight weeks of pregnancy. tweets on the deeply polarizing issue, Trump said for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. The are also listed as missing since the end of the insurgency. Neither make exceptions for rape or incest - only the US had “come very far in the last two years” Sri Lankan forces have been accused of killing about US president spelled out his position on abortion for cases where the mother’s life is in danger. on abortion, and praised “two great new 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the conflict, a - set to feature prominently at next year’s elec- Republican-led legislatures in Georgia, Ohio, Supreme Court Justices”. Yesterday, defenders of charge successive governments have denied. Nearly tion - in his first comments on the hot-button Mississippi, Kentucky, Iowa and North Dakota women’s reproductive rights are set to march in 16,000 others are also reported missing, according to the issue since Alabama’s governor signed a near- have also enacted laws banning abortion from the protest against Alabama’s new abortion law in newly established Office of Missing Persons. The official total ban on the termination of pregnancy. moment a fetal heartbeat is detected. four of the Southern state’s cities, including the remembrance ceremonies in Colombo took place a day “As most people know, and for those who Supporters hope that legal battles over the capital Montgomery. “People should have the after members of the 2.5-million-strong Tamil community would like to know, I am strongly Pro-Life, with laws will reach the Supreme Court, as they pur- right to make the decisions that are best for their mourned their war dead in the northeastern coastal dis- the three exceptions - Rape, Incest and protect- trict of Mullaittivu where the rebels mounted their unsuc- sue the long-sought conservative goal of over- bodies without state interference,” organizers cessful last stand. —AFP ing the Life of the mother - the same position turning its landmark 1973 abortion ruling, known said on Facebook. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Monday, May 20, 2019 Biden offers anti-Trump theme: Stop fighting and ‘start fixing’ Veteran politician looking to cement status as the man to beat

PHILADELPHIA: Democrat Joe Biden said. The number two to popular presi- ant who attended the rally, told AFP. “He made a passionate appeal for national dent Barack Obama is now making his still has that, and I think that’s going to News in brief unity Saturday but also took square third White House bid, and relishes his be tough for Trump to fight.” Polls give political aim at Donald Trump, branding prime position atop the pack of 2020 Biden a growing lead over the 22 other Turkey says to produce S-500s the president a “divider in chief” who Democratic contenders. hopefuls. The latest RealClearPolitics must be ousted in 2020. At a boisterous But the party eminence appeared to aggregate puts him at 39.1 percent sup- ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on rally in Philadelphia, the former vice ignore the primary jockeying with his port, more than double the 16.4 percent Saturday said Turkey and Russia would jointly produce president urged voters to end the mean- Democratic rivals and cast his eye of his nearest rival, liberal Senator Bernie S-500 defence systems after Ankara’s controversial spirited pettiness and partisan squabbles directly at the general election battle Sanders. No one else is in double digits. purchase of the S-400 missile defense system from that have left Americans angry and against Trump. After a month of more As voters start paying more attention, Moscow. “There is absolutely no question of (Turkey) dispirited in recent years. modest events, the large-scale rally in Biden - who to date has campaigned taking a step back from the S-400s purchase. That is a “This nation needs to come together,” Pennsylvania’s largest city highlighted mostly in broad strokes - will be under done deal,” Erdogan said in Istanbul. “There will be the veteran politician told a crowd esti- the importance Democrats place on win- pressure to flesh out policies on every- joint production of the S-500 after the S-400,” mated at 6,000 in Philadelphia, in the ning back the swing state that Trump thing from healthcare and wages to Erdogan told an audience of young people asking largest rally of his nascent campaign. snatched in 2016. Biden was born and immigration. Next month he will be questions. Washington says the deal with Moscow is a “Our president is the divider in chief,” he raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the expected to provide details on multiple Joe Biden threat to Western defense and in April suspended added, accusing Trump of demonizing sun-splashed downtown event was a nod positions - and engage his party rivals deliveries of the F-35 stealth fighter jet to Turkey in a bid to halt the purchase.— AFP opponents and using scapegoats to fuel to his modest roots. more directly - when Democrats gather Even as some supporters encourage animosity. “If the American people want But far from being the underdog, for their first televised debate of the Biden to take the high road, the a president to add to our division, to Biden is looking to cement his status as 2020 season. Biden has already called Democrat displayed a willingness for lead with a clenched fist, closed hand the man to beat. He is a blue-collar voter for a clean energy “revolution,” and in confrontation as he said the president Minister denies activist faced threat and a hard heart, to demonize opponents whisperer who claims he is best posi- his Saturday speech assured that he “embraces dictators and tyrants like and spew hatred, they don’t need me,” tioned to defeat Trump. But Biden must supports the traditional Democratic (Vladimir) Putin and Kim Jong Un”. RIYADH: A senior Saudi official denied the authorities Biden said in a raised voice. “They’ve got also balance the concern that while he is goals of protecting voting rights and Biden has aligned himself closely with posed any threat to prominent Palestinian human rights President Donald Trump.” the most experienced candidate out broadening access to health care. Obama, drawing support from African- campaigner Iyad Al-Baghdadi, who has said the Norwegian security services warned him of a threat Biden, 76, came to Washington in a there, he embodies the Washington But Biden warned that none of those American voters, and he went out of his less polarized era, and he cited his work insider cachet that many voters rejected goals could be achieved should Trump against him from Saudi Arabia. “I’ve really never heard way Saturday to praise Obama’s of anyone named Iyad Al-Baghdadi,” Minister of State across the aisle during his 36 years in the in 2016 when they chose Trump over for- secure another four years in the White “courage,” character and vision. In doing for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir told reporters. “It US Senate to assure Democrats that mer secretary of state Hillary Clinton. House. “If you want to know what the so he took another swipe at the current could be that the goal of his allegations is to obtain per- “compromise is not a dirty word” and “Maybe he’s a little bit establishment, first and most important plan in my cli- Republican president, who has routinely manent residency in some country. But with regards to can lead to successes going forward. but he was always Joe from Scranton,” mate proposal is: Beat Trump,” he said. boasted about the well-performing US us, we don’t have any information about him.” —Reuters “Let’s stop fighting and start fixing,” he Mickey Kirzecky, a health care consult- “Beat Trump. Beat Trump.” economy. —AFP

Protesters want civilian as head Soleimani, 49, a professor and senior stem cell researcher and following up,” IRNA quoted Soleimani’s brother, US holding Iran at Tehran’s Tarbiat Moddares University, left for the US on Rasoul, as saying. During Soleimani’s sole court appear- KHARTOUM: Sudan’s protest movement said that Oct 22, 2018, state news agency IRNA said. He was to ance on May 14, he was told he was charged with “trying it is determined to have a civilian as head of a new undertake a six month study in the US, but was arrested to transfer some ‘growth hormone vials’ via two students governing council ahead of negotiations yesterday scientist ‘hostage’ by the Federal Bureau of Investigation at Chicago airport, to Iran,” the brother told ISNA. with army rulers to finalize its makeup. The according to semi-official news agency ISNA. His visa was “The vials were not subject to sanctions and have a Alliance for Freedom and Change, the umbrella cancelled and he was transferred to Dayton prison in purely medical use ... the Americans’ absurd claims have group that brought down autocratic leader Omar for 7 months: Bro Atlanta, IRNA said. baffled everyone inside and outside the country,” Rasoul Al-Bashir after months-long protests against his According to Iran’s English language state-run channel Soleimani added. IRNA said Rasoul had emphasized that three-decade rule, said the talks were set to begin TEHRAN: The US has detained an Iranian scientist for Press TV, Soleimani was invited by the Mayo Clinic, a uni- his “brother is certainly the hostage of the US govern- at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) yesterday. The military nearly seven months for allegedly attempting to ship versity hospital in Minnesota, to conduct a research pro- ment”. Rasoul said that the family had not previously council had announced the previous night that the growth hormones, Iranian media said yesterday, quoting gram. “For months we weren’t given any clear answers until talked to the media because of Iran’s “national security”, new round of talks would be held at the presiden- his brother as saying he is being held “hostage”. Masoud we managed to find out where he was by hiring a lawyer according to ISNA.—AFP tial palace in Khartoum. —AFP 8 Monday, May 20, 2019 International EU fears voter apathy despite populist surge No big personalities have emerged among supposed candidates

BRUSSELS: Four days before Europe’s 400 million potential may take part, up from 47 percent in 2014. Voter participation Nationalist backlash People’s Party, home to EU Commission president Jean- voters are called to the polls, EU leaders hope to reverse the has traditionally been lowest among the young, but this year For now, only Britain is on the verge of quitting the Claude Juncker, may remain the largest group, but it has usual low turnout to avoid opening the door to eurosceptic concerns about a “climate emergency” have seen hundreds of union altogether, but nationalists, right-wing populists broken with its Hungarian allies from Prime Minister forces. The European Parliament, that will be elected in votes thousands take to the streets to demand action. and eurosceptic conservatives hope to break apart the Viktor Orban’s Fidesz. According to opinion polls, the top across 28 nations between Thursday and Sunday, has never cozy Brussels consensus. Polling at the start of the cam- two groups could lose 30 seats each, meaning that the been more important in framing the continent’s laws. But Little known leaders paign period pointed to around 173 members being will not be able to form a joint majority and may have to each such continent-wide vote since the first one in 1979 It has always been difficult to find candidates for top EU elected from these groups, even if their own differences reach out to liberals and Greens. The liberal ALDE list is has seen a lower turnout than the last, and much of the ener- jobs that inspire passion across so many different countries would make it hard for them to unify as one voting bloc. looking forward to an infusion of new blood from French gy in this year’s race has come from populists opposed to and language groups, but previous frontrunners were at Since then, however, a scandal involving talk of Russian President Emmanuel Macron’s new Renaissance move- deeper integration. No big personalities have emerged least experienced leaders. None of the so-called money and influence peddling has forced the resignation ment and from Spanish party Ciudanos. among the supposed candidates to lead the European “spitzenkandidats” - figures chosen by pan-European par- of Austria’s far-right Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Commission, the top job in Brussels and one that may end up ties to lead their campaigns - is a former national leader. Strache. It remains to be seen whether the specter of a Aftermath being assigned by Europe’s national leaders. Indeed, the frontrunner as head of the biggest group, the resurgent far-right will mobilize left-wing and liberal For veteran Brussels’ insiders, the big night will not be center-right EPP, is obscure German conservative Manfred voters to block them. next Sunday when the first results of the parliamentary Protest vote Weber, a veteran legislator with no executive experience race emerge, but two days later when the national lead- Political scientists say the European parliamentary election and a low profile. Main parties weaker ers meet for dinner in Brussels. The first shots have been amounts to 28 parallel national votes, often marked by low Some low-watt star power is provided by outgoing com- While they may remain the biggest voting blocs, the fired, with Merkel and Macron admitting to their differ- turnouts and a strong tendency towards protest voting. This petition commissioner Margrethe Vestager, whose ministeri- main center-right and center-left groupings that have ences, but between them, under EU Council president will be the case in Britain, which kicks off the cycle of voting al career inspired the Danish fictional TV series Borgen, but dominated pan-European politics in recent years look set Donald Tusk, the leaders will debate the five top jobs in on Thursday and where MEP Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party is her campaign never caught light. In reality, if Weber or to lose ground. Even if the Socialists hold the line, their Europe. Tusk hopes that by the time of the June 21 sum- dominating the race. But the spectacle of Britain’s chaotic Vestager gets the job it will not be the voters’ choice but strong contingent of Labour Party MEPs will only remain mit, they will have nominees to lead the Commission, the departure may have concentrated minds elsewhere in Europe, because member state leaders decide to nominate one of in Europe as long as Britain does, and outside of Spain Council and EU policy, along with the parliamentary and and a ZDF opinion poll found that 60 percent of Germans them after the political horsetrading that follows the vote. their other members are losing ground. The European the director of the European Central Bank. — AFP

launched a probe into Babis’s dual role as politician ear- Czech PM draws ire marking subsidies and tycoon getting them. Good money Austrian president as rapeseed blossoms Rapeseed is used to produce FAME and for alimentary purposes, with each making up roughly half of total Czech PRAGUE: Shiny yellow rapeseed plants have sprung to life output. “Rape oil is ideal for frying, and rapeseed also calls for Sept poll serves as food for bees,” says independent farming analyst in the Czech Republic and angry residents blame their bil- Petr Havel. “But it’s also a highly cultivated plant, which lionaire leader for infesting the country with the lucrative makes it less resistant to pests, meaning it needs stronger in wake of scandal plant. “People say it stinks, it’s ugly yellow, looks invasive. chemical treatment,” he told AFP. “The problem is the pes- But you can’t blame the plant - the problem is in the way VIENNA: Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen ticides stay in the soil and are washed by rain into ground- we’re using it,” says natural scientist Jakub Hruska from water or rivers, and they also kill microorganisms, reducing yesterday called for fresh elections in September after a the Czech Academy of Sciences. “By growing rapeseed we corruption scandal embroiling the far-right brought biodiversity.” But Czech farmers make good money with ruin the countryside, water, soil, biodiversity,” he told AFP, rapeseed - roughly twice as much as for wheat. “There’s a down the coalition government in spectacular fashion. owing to the harmful effects of using too much fertilizer Just days before key EU elections, Vice-Chancellor good market for rapeseed which has this tax relief within and herbicide. Heinz-Christian Strache was forced to resign in disgrace biofuel production,” said Hruska. “It’s Agrofert’s business With fields of rapeseed covering 16 percent of the PROSTEJOV, Czech Republic: A picture taken in 2015 Saturday following explosive revelations from a hidden model and they will do their best to preserve it.” Czech Republic’s arable land, it tops the charts as the shows a yellow rapeseed field in full bloom next to solar camera sting. Conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz - European Union’s keenest grower. Prime Minister Andrej panels. — AFP whose 18-month coalition with the far-right Freedom ‘Biggest problem’ Babis, who leads a minority center-left cabinet, is widely Party (FPOe) had been held up as a European model - Babis came under fire from opposition politicians in seen as the chief benefactor because he made his fortune actually cut greenhouse gas emissions. “Their environmen- reacted by pulling the plug on their union. April after the cabinet voted to preserve additions of the as owner of the Agrofert group, which covers the entire subsidized FAME to diesel. In the Czech Republic, diesel tal benefits are negligible,” said Hruska, adding that the “My preference is for early elections in September, carbon dioxide balance “may end up in the red” given the if possible the beginning of September,” Van der Bellen rapeseed-processing cycle. Agrofert’s units grow rape- must contain at least six percent of FAME which is mainly seed, produce fertilisers and pesticides, sell farming tech- produced by Agrofert’s unit PREOL and it benefits from a emissions generated during rapeseed production. “Yet told journalists on Sunday after holding talks with Kurz. Agrofert will insist on using them because they have the The president will hold further talks with other party nology and process rapeseed into fatty acid methyl ester tax break. Veronika Vrecionova, a lawmaker for the right- (FAME), or biodiesel, which is added to diesel fuel under a wing opposition Civic Democrats, said the vote was “dri- power. I’d say this is the biggest problem.” leaders over the coming weeks in order to fix a date. But a switch to the more eco-friendly biofuels seen in The dramatic developments followed the publication by Czech law inspired by an EU directive on biofuels. ven not by facts, but by the premier’s business interests.” “The fertilizers and herbicides business is flourishing A group called “For a Czech countryside without rape- western Europe will take time because Czech companies two German newspapers on Friday of footage from a are not ready technologically. “Second-generation sophisticated hidden-camera sting months before and Agrofert is there as a very tough and able player,” seed” has drawn thousands of fans on Facebook, while a says Hruska. The second wealthiest Czech, Babis claims he protester at a recent anti-Babis rally displayed a poster biotechnologies cannot be implemented on a mass scale Austria’s last parliamentary elections in 2017. now,” said Hruska. “The government should propose a In the tapes - of unknown provenance - Strache is has transferred Agrofert to a trust to avoid a conflict of with the premier saying “I want an almighty Agrofertistan”. interest as prime minister and tycoon. But the European Havel and Hruska agree that so-called first-generation gradual switch. And it shouldn’t sleep on the technological seen openly discussing the possibility of awarding pub- change,” added Havel. — AFP lic contracts in return for campaign help for the FPOe Union recently voiced doubts about the move and biofuels have outlived their usefulness because they fail to from a woman posing as the niece of a Russian oli- garch. The woman says she specifically wants to gain control of the country’s largest-circulation tabloid, the Parents try to Kronen Zeitung. Strache is seen suggesting that new Johnson and Johnson: owners could make staff changes and use the paper to help his party in its election campaign. remove doctor in UK sibling rivalry ‘Enough is enough’ right-to-die case Kurz said Saturday the latest revelations were the at heart of EU vote final straw after a string of FPOe-related scandals dog- ging the government. “Enough is enough,” the chancel- LILLE, France: The parents of a Frenchman kept alive in a BATH, United Kingdom: Rachel Johnson glanced at lor told a press conference in Vienna. Strache for his vegetative state for a decade were to try yesterday to have her phone during her European Parliament election part insisted in his emotional resignation statement that the doctor caring for their son removed before he halts campaign launch and saw her Brexit-backing brother he had been the victim of a “targeted political attack” life-sustaining treatment the same day, their lawyers said. Boris, the former foreign secretary, revealing he will but also described his own actions as “stupid” and The last-ditch move by the parents of Vincent Lambert - run for prime minister. “irresponsible”. The FPOe was also due to meet yester- left quadriplegic with severe brain damage after a 2008 Despite her moment in day to confirm leadership changes after Strache’s exit. car accident - aims to have the doctor immediately struck the media spotlight being Neither Van der Bellen nor Kurz commented on who off France’s medical register, the lawyers said in a state- somewhat stolen, the sea- would replace the vice-chancellor in the run-up to elec- ment Sunday. The parents would also seek to have the Vincent Lambert soned 53-year-old jour- tions and whether top FPOe politicians-including con- doctor, Vincent Sanchez, criminally prosecuted and lodge nalist and one-time reali- troversial Interior Minister Herbert Kickl-would be new appeals to continue care for Lambert, they added. Lambert’s wife Rachel, five of his siblings and his nephew ty television star - who allowed to stay in post. The damning revelations, which The flurry of legal action spoke to the desperation of Francois, decided to stop his nutrition and hydration in line wants to keep Britain in saw protesters take to the streets on Vienna on Saturday, the parents just ahead of the planned halt Monday of the with France’s passive euthanasia law. His parents, devout the EU - appeared broke as the campaign for European Parliament elections nutrition and hydration Lambert receives in the Sebastopol Catholics, and his half-brother and sister obtained a court unfazed. Her brother’s on May 23-26 was nearing its climax. Hospital in the northern French city of Reims. They have order to block the move on grounds his condition might premiership ambitions They risk dealing a blow to a far-right populist have been an open secret already pleaded with President Emmanuel Macron to step improve with better treatment. Rachel Johnson alliance marshalled by Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo in and override the court order. But early this year, a French court sided with Dr since he quit Prime Salvini and in which the FPOe plays a key part. The Sanchez’s decision to stop the care keeping Lambert, now Minister Theresa May’s FPOe’s lead MEP candidate Harald Vilimsky had been Family torn aged 42, alive, in line with the country’s laws permitting cabinet in frustration at her Brexit strategy last July. due to attend a rally organized by Salvini in Milan on But the case has torn their family apart, pitting them passive euthanasia. France’s Conference of Bishops added If bookies’ frontrunner Boris becomes the next Saturday, but cancelled the trip because of the scandal. legally and emotionally against other relatives who concur its voice to the controversy Saturday, calling on authorities Conservative leader when May goes, he would push a German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacted to the with doctors that the humane path given Lambert’s condi- to wait on an opinion being worked on by a UN committee more gung-ho pro-Brexit platform - the antithesis to news out of Austria by warning of the dangers of far- tion is to end life support. In 2014, the doctors, backed by on disabled rights. — AFP his sister’s beliefs. “I understand this sense of not want- right politicians “for sale”, who wanted to “destroy the ing other people telling you what to do, people you Europe of our values”. The tapes contained a litany of haven’t voted for. I get it,” Rachel said about Brexit other embarrassing material for Strache, and analysts Parliament seats allotted to the supporters. “But I think we’ve been stronger in the EU predicted setbacks for the FPOe from its current posi- Dutch lead Netherlands, similar to Rutte’s and I think the EU is stronger with us in it. And for that tion in the polls. As well as repeating unsubstantiated ruling VVD. reason, I regard this as an existential question.” rumors about Kurz, Strache also hinted at ways political populist charge “Baudet is the new flavor of The debate tearing at the Johnson family is identi- donations could escape legal scrutiny by going to a the year,” said de Vreese. “He cal to one that has soured moods in households foundation linked to the FPOe. Elsewhere in the record- does attract a certain audience across Britain since the island kingdom voted in 2016 ings, he discussed the possible part-privatization of in EU elections of voters who may be disgrun- to end its four decades of membership in the public broadcaster ORF and expressed admiration for tled by the fact that Wilders’ European project. Boris is adamant that it marked the style is very confrontational and start of a bright and independent future. Rachel is the media landscape in neighboring Hungary, where THE HAGUE: A flamboyant Dutch populist could open the not particularly intellectual.” But horrified at the idea of Britain losing its European press plurality has been severely curtailed under floodgates for a tidal wave of eurosceptic and anti-immi- while Baudet has toned down identity. “I couldn’t look back on my fifties and have nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban. — AFAFP gration parties across the continent in this week’s his support for a full “Nexit” my grandchildren say to me: ‘Grandma, what did you European Parliament elections. Classics-quoting climate Thierry Baudet from the EU after the chaos in do when Nigel Farage took over the country?’.” skeptic Thierry Baudet founded the Forum for Democracy Britain, his nativist, anti-immi- Former UKIP leader Farage’s new Brexit Party is just two years ago, but his party is on course to beat Prime gration message is similar to the one that has swept Europe campaigning on the single issue of getting Britain out of Minister Mark Rutte’s Liberals when the Netherlands from Italy to Hungary. His senate elections victory speech the EU by any means and as quickly as possible. Polls votes on Thursday. As the first country in the EU to vote, declaring that the “Owl of Minerva spreads his wings” - suggest his party finishing first, with nearly a third of along with exit-bound Britain, Dutch exit polls will be referring to the Roman goddess of wisdom - was typical the vote, when Britons cast their ballots on Thursday. closely watched as a bellwether of a populist earthquake of narrative that sees an ancient European civilization In contrast, Rachel’s nascent pro-EU party, ahead of official results for the whole EU on Sunday. under threat from immigration. His references to “boreal” Change UK, is in the low single figures. Formed by a “What happens in the Netherlands is also happening or northern Europe echo those made in the past by French small group of disgruntled former Labour and elsewhere in Europe,” Claes de Vreese, politics professor far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen. Baudet, who has a law Conservative lawmakers trying to fill a middle ground at the University of Amsterdam, told AFP. Once best doctorate, has also successfully tapped into the populist void created by the Brexit divide, it is struggling to known for naked Instagram selfies and controversial railing against elites, whether in The Hague or Brussels or break through. But Rachel’s own chances in the comments about women, Baudet, 36, stunned Europe in Washington, that has transformed western politics in European elections look decent. Her party is polling March when the Forum became the biggest party in the recent years. strongest in the southwest England constituency Dutch senate. “For a long time, Europe has been a very technical sto- where she is standing. The mother-of-three has the In the process he stole votes from Geert Wilders, the ry and people did not understand that,” Amy Verdun, added advantage of heading the party list. And then bleached-blonde anti-Islam leader who has long dented European politics professor at Leiden University, told AFP. there is the Johnson brand name. She is just a year VIENNA: Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen the Netherlands’ image abroad as a bastion of tolerant lib- “The populists made things simple. You may not agree younger than Boris and topped with the same mop of (left) and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz deliver a eralism. Baudet is now aiming for similar success on the with them, but they simplify things for the ordinary citi- blonde hair that keeps spilling into her eyes. — AFP press statement after a meeting yesterday. — AFP European stage, with latest opinion polls showing the zen.” She predicted gains for parties that have a “strong Forum snatching as many as five of the 26 European line on Europe, whether anti- or pro-EU.” — AFP 9 International Monday, May 20, 2019 Ecstatic conservatives bask in Australia election glory Morrison’s campaign was relentless and disciplined SYDNEY: Australia Prime Minister Scott the call. Trump’s allies will be quick to claim Morrison finds himself in the unusual posi- Morrison yesterday basked in the glow of a Morrison’s win as another victory in the glob- tion of having made few promises to the elec- “miracle” election victory that sparked praise al march of populism. But the results showed a torate beyond extending tax cuts. His campaign from the US president, soul searching on the more mixed message from an electorate that was relentless and disciplined - appearing on left and speculation about what policies he appears increasingly split on the significant the stump before voters day-after-day to warn will pursue. Morrison’s Liberal-National issues of the day. that the main opposition Labor party would tax coalition bucked the polls to secure a victory Brash billionaire Clive Palmer - who explic- voters into oblivion and that its chief, former for the ages, but it remained unclear if he itly styled himself on Trump in a free-spending trade union leader Bill Shorten, could not be would garner enough votes to have a parlia- countrywide campaign that promised to trusted. Enough Australians agreed, offering a mentary majority or need to govern with the “Make Australia Great” - appears to have clear rebuke of Shorten and his policies. But it help of independents. failed to win a single parliamentary seat. Ex- is less clear what they voted for. The latest incomplete projections from prime minister Tony Abbott - the poster boy In coal-rich Queensland, voters backed the Australian Electoral Commission yester- for the right wing of the Liberal party - was new mining projects that would bring jobs, but day showed his party at six short of the 76 unceremoniously turfed out of office after 25 which are fiercely opposed in much of the rest seats needed for a majority in parliament. years holding the same seat, with voters opt- of the country. The divisions within Morrison’s Projections by national broadcaster ABC ing for a green independent. Liberals were already clear to see yesterday, showed the coalition with 73 seats, and with right and centrist factions racing to fill leading in the count in four others. The 51- Challenging economic outlook the policy void. Some demanded an immediate year-old Morrison may yet have to depend Despite his high political stock, Morrison loosening of rules on fossil fuel exploration, on ecologically-minded independents to may face a rocky three-year term. First, he while moderates hinted at a rethink of the par- pass legislation and manage deep divisions will have to contend with a challenging eco- ty’s climate skepticism. “I have to say to you within his fractious coalition with no room nomic outlook and figure out how to pay for a on climate change, it is real. We take it very MELBOURNE: This photo illustration taken yesterday shows Sunday newspapers displaying for defections. budget based on improbable growth fore- seriously,” said Morrison’s deputy, Treasurer the victory of Australia’s coalition government after they clung to power in a general elec- As awed Australian pundits declared casts. After almost three decades of robust Josh Frydenberg. tion they were expected to lose. — AFP Morrison a campaigning “legend”, US economic growth, Australia’s economy is Inside the vanquished Labor party, President Donald Trump got in on the act, showing signs of stalling. The central bank is Shorten’s defeat and quick resignation the ring. Party officials defended their decision licking their wounds. Usually reliable poll- sending a congratulatory tweet. The two men widely expected to cut interest rates when it prompted an immediate jockeying for leader- to set out their policies in detail - which crit- sters had spectacularly failed to predict the spoke by phone after the results came in, meets next month, in a bid to counter a hous- ship, with several party stalwarts - including ics said provided Morrison with too big a election outcome and will be picking over the vowing “close cooperation on shared priori- ing market dip, stagnant wages and a weaken- long-time contender from the party’s left target and made the vote a referendum on numbers for days and weeks to come to see ties”, according to White House account of ing labour market. Anthony Albanese - set to throw their hats in Shorten. At least one other group was also what went wrong. — AFP

crowd in a televised speech. One of the Defiant Morales remaining leaders of the so-called pink tide of leftists who swept into office in South America earlier this century, Morales has India islanders launches bid remade Bolivia’s status quo since taking office 13 years ago. for fourth term He has nationalized strategic resources vote with while overseeing robust growth, cut pover- ty, empowered once-marginalized Aymara sinking hearts LA PAZ: Bolivian President Evo Morales Indians and railed against US-backed poli- launched his campaign for a fourth term on cies to control coca, an Andean crop that Saturday in a remote coca-growing valley can be used to make cocaine. “We still GHORAMARA ISLAND, India: Residents on Ghoramara without addressing the biggest controver- have a lot to do. Following the nationaliza- fear that the votes they cast yesterday in India’s election sy in his bid - the fact that he is running at tions, we have now started with industrial- may be the last before their island sinks into the Bay of all. Morales, who became the country’s first ization,” Morales said. Morales’ party has Bengal - a victim of climate change’s growing toll. About indigenous president in 2006, is defying argued that gains for ordinary Bolivians 4,000 people, including poor fisherman Goranga Dolui, constitutional term limits. In 2016, voters would be erased if the rightwing opposi- were on the electoral list for the island in the Sunderban rejected his proposal to amend the consti- tion takes power, and voters should be able delta. “Those who could, have left already. How will the tution to let him seek another five-year to decide. poor like me leave? We hope the government will help us term this year. He later won a court ruling On the eve of his campaign launch, start a new life,” he told AFP. allowing him to run on the grounds that Morales secured the blessing of the head CHIMORE, Bolivia: Bolivian President Evo Morales speaks during the launch of his cam- Ghoramara is now about four square kilometres barring him would violate human rights. of the Organization of American States, paign for re-election on Saturday. — AFP having lost about half its size in the past three decades Speaking before tens of thousands of infuriating his critics who see Morales as a to rising seas. Ghoramara’s voters could still have a people in the province of Chapare - where threat to Bolivia’s democracy. “To say that said in televised comments during a visit to The place he chose to kick off his cam- role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bid for a sec- he first entered politics as a leader of coca Evo Morales can’t participate is absolutely Chapare. So far, Morales is leading with 33 paign hinted at growing polarization in the ond term. His Bharatiya Janata Party has campaigned farmers - Morales promised on Saturday discriminatory considering other presi- percent support compared to his closest landlocked country of 11 million people. A aggressively across West Bengal state and the result in to bring factories to rural areas and tap the dents who have taken part in electoral opponent, Carlos Mesa, at 25 percent, 12-hour drive from the capital La Paz, the local constituency is on a knife edge. But Dolui is country’s potential as a major lithium pro- processes on the grounds of a court rul- according to the latest Ipsos survey. But 20 Chapare is far from the cities where pessimistic about his vote and the results to be ducer. “We’re better than before, sisters ing,” Luis Almagro, the secretary general percent of Bolivians are undecided and Morales’ public appearances are some- announced on May 23 changing the future of the island and brothers,” Morales told the cheering of the Organization of American States, Morales’ once-solid popularity has slipped. times dogged by protests. — Reuters which is only connected to mainland India by a one- hour ferry ride. “We will keeping living here until we can’t anymore,” he said. Ghoramara’s election officer Nestor Kirchner died in 2010. Fernandez is Swati Bandopadhyay said the island may be lost in two Kirchner to seek also Kirchner’s maiden name. Primary elec- or three years as the rate of erosion accelerates with tions are set for Aug 11. “We will work each monsoon season. vice presidency together to clean up an economy that day after day is condemning Argentines to a life Climate overshadowed BUENOS AIRES: With polls giving her of poverty,” the presidential candidate said, “People know this natural process is unstoppable strong support ahead of October elections, referring to the country’s economic crisis. and are gradually moving to the mainland,” she added. former Argentine president Cristina In her video, Kirchner said Argentines Thousands of Ghoramara residents have moved in Kirchner made the surprise announcement were living through “really dramatic” times, recent years to Sagar, a bigger island in the delta, or Saturday that she will seek the vice presi- with more people than ever “sleeping on the Kakdwip on the mainland. But several islands sur- dency. The announcement, made in a 12- streets, with problems at work or crying as rounding islands are threatened. Modi held one of his minute video posted on social media, they face electric or gas bills they cannot mega election rallies on the West Bengal mainland last comes just three days before the leftist pay.” Macri responded to Kirchner’s move week where he talked about security. The environment, politician goes on trial on corruption by warning that “returning to the past would however, has not featured in the election battle charges. Kirchner, 66, was widely tipped in be self-destructive. We are on the right between the prime minister and opposition leader polls to win the presidency, but she said in path.” A series of corruption scandals shad- Rahul Gandhi. the video that she was asking former cabi- owed Kirchner’s 2007-2015 presidency but Party manifestos barely mention the melting net chief Alberto Fernandez to run at the she has retained a strong base of support, Himalayan glaciers sending water pouring into the Bay top of the ticket as they seek to oust cen- notably among the poorest Argentines. That of Bengal, or pollution caused by coal mining, or ter-right President Mauricio Macri. had helped make her a favorite in polling shrinking forests. There was little talk of the notoriety LILONGWE, Malawi: Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader and presi- of New Delhi and 13 other Indian cities among the Fernandez, who was chief of staff to ahead of the Oct 27 presidential election, dential candidate Lazarus Chakwera waves to the crowd as he arrives at the last world’s 15 cities with the most polluted air. “Both major Kirchner’s husband Nestor from 2003- with some surveys putting her ahead of campaign rally on Saturday. — AFP parties have sidelined discussion of the environment 2007 before holding the same position dur- Macri. Judge Claudio Bonadio had asked during the campaign,” Aarti Khosla, director of Climate ing her presidency, said he had accepted that Kirchner be held in pre-trial detention, Trends, a New Delhi-based initiative on climate the offer as soon as he received it, on but the parliamentary immunity she enjoys change and clean energy told AFP. “Whilst the public In poor Malawi village, hope Wednesday. He is considered a moderate. as a senator spared her. — AFP across the world is generating awareness on environ- rests on opposition leader mental issues, it is clearly missing in India.” amid the #MeToo movement to protest Critics say the lack of debate on the environment CHAKWERA, Malawi: The tiny village of A few brown-brick huts are scattered For US firms, alleged sexual offenses by actors and has also clouded discussion on the key areas of agri- Chakwera is typical of thousands of settle- around a clearing where young men rest celebrities. But asked about the contrasting culture, jobs, water supplies and migration. Retired ments across Malawi - life is tough, fami- under a tree in the midday sun. Pigs lie in approaches, a spokesperson for one of the school teacher Satish Chandra Jana, 75, has lived all his lies rely on subsistence farming, and food, the mud near the water pump, and goats abortion is too country’s most influential CEOs replied life on Ghoramara but is despondent. “We are strug- education and work are all scarce. But roam freely searching for small leaves to simply, “This issue is different.” gling to live here and have even constructed a home on flags featuring the black rooster of the eat. Four older women sit under a thatched hot to handle Kakdwip,” he told AFP, sat on the deserted village Malawi Congress Party hang in the trees, a shelter nearby, removing corn from cobs Offending half the public square. “I just don’t feel like leaving this place. My clue that this is the former home of a man harvested earlier that week. In tomorrow’s “You struggle to find a more fundamen- heart and life story is connected to this island,” Jana who could be the next president. election, Chakwera hopes to unseat NEW YORK: Some subjects are just too tally controversial issue,” said the CEO of a added. The younger generation cannot afford to be as Opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera, 64, President Peter Mutharika after being nar- sensitive for corporate America. When it prominent public relations firm, speaking nostalgic as Jana. Ghoramara is not connected to lived in the village, 40 km outside Lilongwe rowly defeated in the last election in 2014. comes to the draconian new abortion laws anonymously to avoid offending employees, India’s electricity grid and relies on unreliable solar city, until he left secondary school. The result looks in the balance but passed recently by some conservative US clients or partners. “Having an opinion on energy for power. The disappearing farmland is taking Three generations of the family have Chakwera, a former senior pastor in Malawi, states, the country’s biggest companies this for the public record isn’t beneficial.” jobs with it. Tapas Kumar Sasmal, 50, a retired soldier lived there since the early 1950s, and his rel- can certainly count on the support of his have been conspicuously silent. There have Abortion is one of “the issues that have the who was born on Ghoramara and returned there to atives still populate the village. Home to only home village. Relatives see him as the coun- been no public condemnations or outraged ability to polarize your audience,” said vote, said only about 10 percent of the original inhabi- about 50 people, it is situated at the end of try’s salvation from corruption, poverty and statements, no investment bans, no calls for Melissa Dodd, professor of public relations tants remain. — AFP a rough path leading through a thick forest, lack of development. “I have total confi- boycotts. When corporate America pon- at the University of Central Florida. and has no mains electricity, one water dence in my brother-in-law that he’s going ders abortion - an intensely personal mat- Hank Boyd, who teaches marketing at pump and virtually no infrastructure. It is to take over the government,” Patricia ter that evokes furious public debate - it the University of Maryland, noted that the reality of life for many people in Malawi, Chakwera, Lazarus’s outspoken sister-in- sees only a lose-lose proposition. while “Democrats tend to be more pro- which is ranked by the World Bank as one of law, told AFP. “He will serve all the people in Contacted by AFP for their views on the choice... even within the ranks of Democrats the poorest countries in the world. the whole country, because that’s what he issue, roughly a dozen big American enter- about a quarter of them are pro-life”. Over half of Malawi’s population live was doing when he was a church pastor. He prises - from high tech and telecommuni- Conversely, about a quarter of Republicans below the poverty line, and just 11 percent worked for everybody, and I’m sure he will cations giants to leaders in banking, sports, believe in a woman’s right to choose. “And if have access to electricity. “Malawi lacks do the same once he is president.” entertainment and distribution - offered no you go to independents, it is almost split many things - there are no businesses,” His older sister Polina Chakwera says he opinion or failed to respond. And yet many right down the middle.” Given that deep said Margaret Amos, a thin and glassy- has not changed from the boy he was of the same companies, under pressure on divide, Boyd added, it is not surprising if eyed 20-year-old wearing cloth wrapped growing up. “He was always smart and social media from liberal activists, have business leaders tell themselves, “I don’t around her waist, as she walked away from always number one - he still is,” she said, responded promptly to some of America’s want to offend half of my base.” a pump carrying a heavy bucket of water. adding that he would conduct school les- most sensitive social flash points, from Re-inflaming the decades-old debate, Amos dropped out of school as her parents sons for fellow pupils. Chakwera has cam- immigration to racism to gun violence and Republicans in Alabama and other conser- could not afford the fees, before marrying paigned on an anti-graft platform, and has even the “restroom law” passed by North vative states launched a major offensive on early and taking on domestic chores. “If been credited with reviving the MCP, Carolina in 2016 to limit the bathroom abortion rights in the past week. GHORAMARA ISLAND, India: Indian voters arrive with Doctor Chakwera wins, people will be able which ruled Malawi from 1964 to 1994 choices of transgender people. Lawmakers in Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana and a ferry to cast their vote during the 7th and final to start their own business,” she said, loyal under Hastings Banda’s one-party rule but Some companies have suspended ad Missouri have also advanced laws to phase of India’s general election yesterday. — AFP to the village’s prominent son. has since been in opposition. — AFP campaigns on hugely popular TV series severely restrict abortion. — AFP 10

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Miracle win offers Australian leader authority, stability

ustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison may have won more than just another three years in Aoffice for his conservative coalition government. By winning what was seen as an unwinnable election, the unexpected leader has cemented his authority over Indian National Congress Party president Rahul Gandhi (center) and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (centre right) gesture to supporters on Rahul’s visit to file his candidacy nomination in the Liberal Party, giving him the muscle to end a Kalpetta town in the Wayanad region of southern Kerala state. — AFP decade of instability that has seen a revolving door of prime ministers. It was a stunning personal victory for Morrison, who largely flew solo during campaign as senior minis- ters stayed close to home to defend seats thought to Rahul Gandhi: Destiny’s child or an ‘empty suit’? be at risk. “It was a one-man show. There will be much written about this in the years to come,” Haydon ahul Gandhi, vying to become the latest prime min- weight”, with little known about his political beliefs-if he attacked Modi’s record on farmers, jobs and his close ties Manning, a professor of political science at Flinders ister from India’s most famous dynasty, has worked had any. But by 2009, the US assessment was now that to business. “Across India, people are frustrated and angry. University, told Reuters. “He delivered the victory Rhard to shed his image as an entitled footloose Gandhi sounded like a “practiced politician who knew how Mr Modi is attempting to use hyper-nationalism to divert against the odds.” princeling and political lightweight. But the great-grand- to get his message across and... was comfortable with the the attention of the people,” he said in a recent interview Morrison became prime minister as a compromise son, grandson and son of three past premiers of the nuts and bolts of party organization and vote counting”. to the Kolkata-based Telegraph newspaper. candidate after a right-wing faction ousted Malcolm world’s biggest democracy still faces a tough task beating “He was precise and articulate and demonstrated a mas- “But the people of India are not foolish. They can see Turnbull as Liberal Party leader last August. The result- Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the elections. tery that belied the image some have of Gandhi as a dilet- through this game,” he said. Election adverts show him ing Liberal-National coalition was behind in every No relation to independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, tante,” a leaked cable by senior US diplomat Peter hugging an emaciated peasant woman, while Gandhi’s left- opinion poll - including an exit poll on Saturday - since Rahul was born in 1970 when his grandmother Indira Burleigh said. After Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ist manifesto pledges to end abject poverty by 2030 and Morrison took over, with voters angry at Turnbull’s Gandhi-daughter of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal crushed Congress at the 2014 election, Gandhi set about give cash transfers to 50 million families. But tea-seller’s ouster and frustrated by a perceived lack of action over Nehru-was premier. In 1984, Indira was shot dead by her reviving and rejuvenating the party, while keeping older son Modi is no pushover, using traditional and social climate change and a dearth of fresh polices. Sikh bodyguards and she was succeeded by her son Rajiv hands onside. media, as well as tub-thumping speeches, to dominate the But Morrison on Saturday defied those odds, secur- Gandhi, Rahul’s father. Rajiv was himself assassinated in A speech in the lower house last year drew widespread headlines. Modi has capitalized on India and Pakistan’s tit- ing re-election in what he described as a miracle. The 1991 by a Tamil suicide bomber when Rahul was 20. applause and forced political pundits to take notice. He end- for-tat airstrikes in February to appear as the patriotic coalition is on course to win a third term either with Rahul was enrolled at Harvard but dropped out after a ed it by giving an uncomfortable-looking Modi a surprise “chowkidar” (watchman) of India. the support of independents or through an outright year, following his father’s death. He later graduated from hug. He has also, in contrast to the Hindu nationalist Modi, Gandhi’s attempts to score points with allegations of majority. After a decade of political turmoil that saw Rollins College, Florida and in 1994 earned a master’s reached out to Muslim voters and stressed his secular cre- dodgy dealings related to India’s purchase of Rafale jets both Labor and the coalition depose several prime degree from Cambridge. While in his 20s, he lived in dentials, and also to women, promising to bring legislation from France have also failed to stick with voters in a big ministers, changes Morrison introduced last year mean London, where he worked at a management consultancy setting aside seats in parliament for them. Last December, way, opinion polls have suggested. And at the same time, that it is now very difficult for his party to remove him for a time. His Italian-born mother Sonia Gandhi, widow of Congress secured victory in three key state elections, Modi seldom misses an opportunity to contrast his own now that he has won an election. Rajiv, took charge of the Congress party in 1998 before including in Modi’s northern Indian “cow belt” heartland, humble beginnings with his silver-spoon adversary, derid- handing over the reins to Rahul, her first-born, in 2017. suddenly making Gandhi look like a serious contender. ing Gandhi as “shahzada” (crown prince). Gandhi “appears Aspiration message to be clinging to the socialist ideas of his grandmother and The secret of Morrison’s success, lawmakers, elec- ‘Empty suit’ ‘Not foolish’ doesn’t realize that people have changed, that even the tion strategists and analysts say, was twofold. First, he Ten years earlier, in 2007, leaked US diplomatic cables During the campaign for the election-which wraps up poor have changed”, Parsa Venkateshwar Rao, a veteran could see a path to victory through target areas such said Rahul was viewed as an “empty suit” and “light- on Sunday, with results four days later-Gandhi has journalist and political commentator said. — AFP as the urban fringes of Queensland state, where he won enough seats to offset expected swings against the government in city-based seats. And he was able to frame the ballot as a contest between him and Labor Poor boy Modi Fear of change: leader Bill Shorten, whose reform agenda was por- trayed by the government as at odds with Australian aspirations. becomes India’s Negative politics “Morrison’s biggest asset was Bill Shorten. He made the election a personal contest and in the end, the peo- nationalist wins Australia poll ple never liked or trusted Shorten,” John Hewson, for- mer leader of Australia’s Liberal Party, told Reuters. ustralia’s conservative government held on to power at Hewson now shares a connection with Shorten: as powerhouse national elections thanks to a highly effective negative Liberal leader in opposition in 1993, he similarly lost Acampaign warning voters against the centre-left Labor Party’s large policy reform agenda, analysts said yesterday. what was considered an unloseable election after tern, sharp and shrewd, Narendra Modi fought releasing a detailed and comprehensive tax reform Labor led every opinion poll in the two years prior to Saturday’s his way off the streets to become one of India’s election but fell well short of a parliamentary majority after the policy well ahead of the vote. most popular and polarizing prime ministers. In this weekend’s election, Labor proposed remov- S vote, in a surprise result for the ruling Liberal-National coali- There is no middle ground between admirers and ing two generous tax concessions enjoyed primarily by tion. Analysts said opposition leader Bill Shorten’s unpopularity adversaries of the man-now running for a second term- with voters and his struggle to explain the party’s complex tax older, wealthy Australians. But rather than winning who helped his father run a railway station tea stall favor with younger voters, the policies become the tar- policies were used by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to devas- before launching his career in nationalist politics. The tating effect. get of Morrison’s campaign, fostering suspicion of 68-year-old makes much of his humble roots while Labor. Morrison - who centered his campaign on his Labor’s failure also reflected a broader trend across Western unashamedly portraying himself as the tough guy pro- societies of voter cynicism towards bold policy platforms, said government’s economic credentials - used Labor’s tax tecting India’s national security and Hindu values, proposals as evidence that the opposition was “coming Australian National University senior fellow Mark Kenny. “I pressing its claims to be the world’s rising power. think we’re in an age where it is very difficult to communicate after your money”. A Labor strategist said the govern- Doubts have been expressed over his economic ment successfully cobbled together a coalition of sup- big ideas and to sell imagery,” Kenny told AFP, adding that reforms and businesses still complain about the sudden right-wing populists around the world had been successful in port among voters in urban fringes and rural town- cancellation of high-value banknotes in 2016 in a bid to ships. “They won a lot of voters from older Australians invoking nostalgia and anxiety over the future to win elections. combat the black-market economy. But little mud has “It’s quite hard to run a change or proposed change and to with its attacks about a retirement tax. But we lost stuck and few dispute that “NaMo”, as he is known, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes part in a votes from younger people that we didn’t expect,” said press conference in New Delhi. — AFP inspire the imaginations of voters and hold that against a very drives India’s national agenda while expertly baiting spirited and surgical scare campaign.” the strategist, who declined to be named as he is not neighboring Pakistan and the opposition Congress par- authorized to talk to the media. “We didn’t do enough Morrison successfully cast Labor’s proposals - particularly ty, especially its leader Rahul Gandhi. And audiences Sometimes Modi’s comments come back to haunt on removing tax concessions and tackling climate change - as to talk about jobs for these people in these regions.” love the Modi spectacle. His Twitter following of more Shortly after the first vote counts were released on him. While campaigning in 2014 he claimed to have a too risky and damaging to household finances at a time when than 46 million makes him one of the world’s most- 56-inch muscle man’s chest to make tough decisions. the national economy was slowing down. “He fought an Saturday evening, it was clear a shock was in the tracked leaders. works. Although Morrison’s support for the mining His opponents and comedians still mock him as “Mr absolutely masterful negative campaign against Shorten and With his neat white beard and a vast collection of 56 inch”. Journalists have a difficult time as Modi has Labor,” La Trobe University fellow Tony Walker said. The gov- industry was expected to deliver victories in the north headgear, Modi regales rallies with stories of how he is of Queensland, a state where coal is a major employer, never given a press conference as prime minister ernment’s anti-Shorten slogans focused on hip pocket issues, “a son of soil”, contrasting himself with Gandhi as a and critics say his rare television interviews are such as “The Bill Australia Can’t Afford”, which appeared to victories in the outer suburbs in the south of the state spoiled member of the dynasty that has dominated belied exit polls. On Saturday, Morrison embarked on a carefully stage-managed. Rahul Gandhi regularly have resonated with voters while Labor failed to make the case India since independence seven decades ago. “They hits out at what he calls Modi’s “autocratic backlash” for change. last-ditch visit to the southern island state of Tasmania dislike me because of my humble origins. Can a party before flying back to his Sydney electorate to vote. since taking power. stoop so low?” he said at one event. “Yes, a person Battleground state That bore fruit, with the government’s winning two belonging to a poor family has become prime minister. seats in Tasmania from Labor that may help deliver an ‘Nehruvian touch’ Morrison’s campaign was particularly effective in They do not fail to hide their contempt for this fact. “Mr Modi believes that he is the lord of India, just Queensland, a battleground state that swung in favor of the outright majority. Morrison was also able to limit Yes, I sold tea, but I did not sell the nation.” swings against the government in Victoria, seen as the like the British believed,” Gandhi said. “He can brush government and where Labor’s perceived urban bias rankled aside the Supreme Court, he can extort any amount of with regional and rural voters. Voters in the state’s mining towns, major weak spot after a stinging rejection of the ‘Mr 56 inch’ Liberal Party at state elections in November. money he wants from any corporate, he can go and already angry with delays in the approval of a major India- Narendra Damodardas Modi is said to have joined brush aside the Election Commission.” Modi’s person- backed coal mine promising thousands of jobs, did not warm to In rural areas, the National Party comfortably fend- the Hindu hardline Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ed off what were expected to be strong challenges alised politics will be the “defining” issue of the Indian Labor’s big climate action plans and lukewarm commitment to (RSS) nationalist group at the age of eight and left election, even his party admits, while many experts say the project. from independent candidates after the party had lost home as a teenager, abandoning a marriage arranged safe seats in state elections. Throughout the campaign, that Modi is carrying his party through this election. “It seemed there was... sometimes mixed messaging about by his family, to become an RSS activist. An assiduous- “Take away Modi and 90 percent of the speeches of how much they supported it and I think that’s come home to Morrison continued to privately stress that a victory ly hard worker, Modi rose through the ranks of the RSS was possible, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on the opposition leaders would be over,” Finance roost,” University of Queensland politics expert Chris Salisbury and its partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to become Minister Arun Jaitley told the Indian Express in an told AFP. “The regions in Queensland are desperate for eco- Sunday. But he often seemed alone in that belief. “I chief minister of his Gujarat home state in 2001. have to say, until it happened, I didn’t think it would interview. nomic and employment opportunities and (voters believed) that Bolstering the Gujarat economy and espousing out- Modi can be compared to India’s founding prime the coalition was better placed to secure those opportunities.” happen,” Liberal Senator Arthur Sinodinos said on spoken nationalist causes provided the launchpad for ABC TV late on Saturday night. — Reuters minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his ability to dominate the Labor blamed its Queensland collapse on mining magnate Clive him to lead the BJP into the 2014 general election. The conversation, according to Harsh Pant, an international Palmer’s estimated Au$60 million ($41 million) spend on election country was seduced by his story and the party won relations professor at King’s College in London. “Modi advertising. While Palmer himself failed to secure an upper the biggest landslide in India’s history, decimating dominates the message in an extraordinary way,” said house Senate seat, support for his party and the anti-immigra- Congress. Modi is not without shadows in his history Pant. “The young follow him because of his story, ‘If I tion One Nation boosted the government’s vote thanks to All articles appearing on this page are the and chinks in his communications defenses. After a made it, then so can you’. He has the Nehruvian touch.” Australia’s complex preferential voting system. Unlike Labor, the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait train carrying Hindu pilgrims caught fire killing about “Normally there is a strong anti-incumbency side to coalition campaigned on almost no new policies. Analysts say 60 people in 2002, riots broke out that left at least Indian politics, but there is no sign that people are the fallout from the shock outcome could lead future political Times takes no responsibility for views 1,000 people, mainly Muslims, dead. Modi was withdrawing from him.” Pant and others say, however, campaigns to shun bold or big ideas. “It’ll be damaging if parties expressed therein. accused of complicity in stirring up the riots but two that Modi’s real impact will only be revealed if he can can only operate in a safe zone that they think isn’t going to courts found there was no case to answer. secure and complete a second term in power. — AFP offend the electorate,” Salisbury said. — AFP Established 1961

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2019 Business

Al-Babtain, Total Marketing celebrate 10 Mineral misery: Vietnam salt Burgan Bank successfully concludes 12years of successful partnership in Kuwait 13 farmers battered by imports 14 conference on leadership challenge

CHENNAI: Indian workers carry out maintenance work on a boat at a fishing vessel construction yard during trawling ban period in Chennai. India’s farmers and business community complained publicly that they suffered a drop in their businesses. —AFP Modi’s shock policy moves hit economic growth J&J’s biggest India plant idle 3 years after completion; facility was expected to employ 1,500

PENJERLA/NEW DELHI: It was supposed to be Johnson the most vivid examples of the impact on the broader Shaukat Ali, running a tea shop under a bamboo stall Local media reports at the time said the J&J facility & Johnson’s biggest manufacturing plant in India. It was to investment picture. on barren land outside the plant, said local workers check would employ some 1,500 people. A J&J official, who eventually employ at least 1,500 people and help bring In the first month after demonetization, some business in routinely for possible vacancies at the J&J site, but was not identified by name, was reported subsequently in development to a rural area near Hyderabad in southern surveys showed that sales of products such as shampoos nothing has come up in years. December 2016 in India’s Business Standard as saying India. Yet, three years after the US healthcare company and soap fell more than 20 percent. Lack of jobs growth At the local pollution control board office, the member that the $85 million plant would be operational by 2018 completed construction of production facilities for cosmet- and a farm-income crisis because of low crop prices have secretary Satyanarayana Reddy said the J&J plant had all after it had overcome procedural delays. The official was ics and baby products on the 47-acre site, they stand idle. hurt Modi in the current general election, according to the required approvals and he was not sure why it hadn’t quoted as saying the company had earmarked an addi- Two sources familiar with J&J’s operations in India several political strategists. started production. tional $100 million for expansion. and one state government official told Reuters production Still, Modi and his ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya “It is unusual for such a big plant to stay idle for so Vikas Srivastava, the managing director of J&J at the plant, at Penjerla in Telangana state, never began Janata Party are expected by many of the strategists to long,” he said. “But there is no problem from our side.” Consumer (India), who was at the 2014 groundbreaking, because of a slowing in the growth in demand for the be in a position to get a second term - probably with Chandrasekhar Babu, an additional director at the did not respond to calls for comment. Reuters also talked products. One of them said that demand didn’t rise as support of some other parties - when votes are counted Telangana industries department, said a J&J company to two workers outside a sprawling Procter & Gamble expected because of two shock policy moves by Prime on Thursday, partly because of his strong stance on official told him the plant hadn’t started due to lack of facility making detergents and diapers, which is next to Minister Narendra Modi: a late 2016 ban on then circu- national security issues. demand. GST and demonetisation were two key reasons the J&J plant. They said they were part of the P&G lating high-value currency notes, and the nationwide the plan didn’t kick off, one of the sources said, adding plant’s production team and the plant had been running introduction of a goods and services tax (GST) in 2017. Big investments, great expectations that lack of consumer demand since then dented compa- below capacity. J&J spokespeople in its Mumbai operations in India A range of Modi’s business policies, such as capping ny’s plans. A P&G spokesperson denied that, saying the plant and at its global headquarters in New Brunswick, New prices of medical devices, forcing tech companies to The second source familiar with J&J’s plans said the was “operating at full capacity in line with our business Jersey, declined to respond to a list of questions from store more data locally and stricter e-commerce regula- company miscalculated Indian market demand. On a plans”. “India is a priority market for P&G globally and Reuters. tions have in the past two years hurt plans of American recent visit by a Reuters reporter to the J&J plant, plush, in recent quarters, P&G’s business in India has regis- Modi’s office did not respond to a call and an email multinationals such as J&J, Mastercard, Amazon and furnished conference rooms and cubicles sat inactive; M. tered strong double-digit growth consistently,” the com- with questions. Aimed at rooting out corruption and Walmart-owned Flipkart. Sairam, who said he was the site manager, told Reuters pany said. streamlining the tax system, the double whammy of The groundbreaking of the J&J facility in Penjerla, its production areas with machines were idle too. The weak rural economy, where most Indians work, ‘demonetization’ and GST - were two of Modi’s signature third in the country, was carried out with much fanfare in has also hurt growth in sales of basic items such as deter- policy moves. But instead of encouraging economic activ- 2014, attended by Telangana state’s Chief Minister Planned further expansion gents and shampoo in the past year. Hindustan Unilever ity as intended, they did the opposite, at least in 2016- Chandrashekar Rao, who hailed the foreign investment as Local officials had hoped the initial J&J plant would Ltd, an industry bellwether that would compete with the 2018, by sapping consumer demand, according to some a big win for local communities. be only the beginning. After the groundbreaking in likes of J&J and P&G in some categories, said its volume economists. A document dated April 2017 that lists products the 2014, Pradeep Chandra, who was Telangana’s special growth shrank to 7 percent in the quarter ended March Many businesses, especially small and medium- company planned to make at the facility, submitted to the chief secretary of industries, told Business Today mag- 31, down from double-digit growth in the previous five sized enterprises, complained publicly - some in their Telangana government and reviewed by Reuters, names azine that “based on the extent of land (J&J) have quarters. The company warned that the daily consumer financial statements - that they suffered a drop off in baby oil, baby shampoo, baby lotion, baby hair oil, face acquired we believe that they are looking at much larg- goods segment in India was “recession resistant ... not orders. The suspended J&J project stands as one of wash and creams. er expansion here.” recession proof.” —Reuters

leader in 5G technology but remains dependent became a major stumbling block to ratifying a Huawei will on foreign suppliers. It buys about $67 billion Canada aims to new North American trade pact negotiated last worth of components each year, including about year by the three countries. With the removal $11 billion from US suppliers, according to The of the obstacle, “our government now intends not bow to Nikkei business daily. The usually elusive Ren, 74, ratify trade deal to move forward with the ratification,” of the has come out of the shadows in recent months in US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, Freeland said, the face of increasing pressure on his company. describing the process as progressing “full US pressure, Ren’s army background and Huawei’s opaque cul- after lifting tariffs steam ahead.” ture have fuelled suspicions in some countries However, she did not specify when the deal OTTAWA: Ottawa plans to proceed “full that the firm has links with the Chinese military would be presented to Parliament, which says founder steam ahead” on ratification of a free trade and intelligence services. remains in session only until June. Freeland agreement with the US and Mexico, Canada’s Huawei is also the target of an intense campaign acknowledged that despite the lifting of the BEIJING: Chinese telecoms giant Huawei is ready Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei. —AFP foreign affairs minister said Saturday, after by Washington, which has been trying to persuade aluminum and steel tariffs, it would be “naive” to deal with Washington’s crackdown and will the neighbors scrapped reciprocal tariffs on allies not to allow China a role in building next-gen- to think US protectionism is no longer a threat. reduce its reliance on US components, its founder steel and aluminum imports. Canada had been eration 5G mobile networks. US government agen- said his company would not yield to pressure from “Eternal vigilance is required,” she said. told Japanese media. President Donald Trump “very clear” that as long as the tariffs were in cies are already banned from buying equipment Washington. “We will not change our management Meanwhile, Mexican President Andres Manuel effectively barred Huawei from the US market on place “it would be very hard for us to move from Huawei. “We have not done anything which at the request of the US or accept monitoring, as Lopez Obrador said Saturday the US move to Wednesday and added it to a list which would forward with ratification,” Chrystia Freeland violates the law,” Ren said, adding the US measures ZTE has done,” he said, as quoted by The Nikkei, withdraw tariffs was a “triumph” for Mexico. restrict US sales to the firm amid an escalating told CBC News. would have a limited impact. “It is expected that referring to fellow Chinese telecoms giant ZTE “It was a triumph for the Mexican govern- trade war with Beijing. “We have already been On Friday, US President Donald Trump Huawei’s growth may slow, but only slightly,” he which was also targeted by Washington. ZTE ment negotiators, a triumph of diplomacy. We preparing for this,” Huawei founder and CEO Ren announced the lifting of tariffs on steel and alu- said, according The Nikkei. came close to collapse last year after US firms even gave a bit of little help to the govern- Zhengfei told a group of Japanese journalists minum imports from Canada and Mexico. A former army technician, Ren founded Huawei were banned from selling it vital components over ment of Canada. Not to brag,” Lopez Obrador Saturday in his first interview since Trump’s move. Ottawa and Mexico City also announced the in 1987 with only $5,000, according to company its continued dealings with Iran and North Korea. told reporters in the southern Mexican state Ren said Huawei would continue to develop its elimination of reciprocal duties. lore. Huawei now claims to have nearly 190,000 Trump later reversed the decision and in return of Chiapas. He stressed that his administra- own components to reduce its dependence on The steep US tariffs imposed last year — 25 employees, operates in 170 countries, and report- ZTE had to pay a $1 billion fine and accept moni- tion is working toward “free trade, not a trade outside suppliers. Huawei is a rapidly expanding percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum- ed revenue of more than $100 billion in 2018. Ren toring by the US Commerce Department. —AFP war.” —AFP 12

Monday, May 20, 2019 Business Al-Babtain, Total Marketing celebrate 10 years of successful partnership in Kuwait Commercial and OEM customers attend event

KUWAIT: Al-Babtain Group and Total Marketing Middle Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) with total being East recently celebrated a decade of joint operations and the preferred lubricant supplier for Nissan, Infiniti, successful performance together in Kuwait. The event was Renault, Citroen, KIA, Daihatsu cars in Kuwait, besides attended by senior executives and management from both partnership with Volvo trucks, TATA trucks, Ford Trucks Al-Babtain Group and Total on 16th of April at the and MAN trucks. Movenpick Hotel and Resort Al-Bida’a, Salmiya, Kuwait. It is worth mentioning that in 2018, a new range of Total Over 100 valued customers have also attended the event. synthetic engine oils were introduced in Kuwait. Total Al-Babtain Group and Total acknowledged the signifi- Quartz 9000 MVP 5W40, Total Quartz 9000 Future FGC cant contributions achieved throughout the ten-year part- 5W30 and total Quartz Racing 10W60. These engine oils nership, “Al-Babtain would like to sincerely thank TOTAL have been developed keeping in mind the latest OEM for achieving this important milestone. Total and Al- requirements that meet the highest and most stringent Babtain have significantly progressed in Kuwait and cur- requirements of the modern-day engines. This range pro- rently hold a dominant position, with a consistent growth vides the latest technology available for owners of over the past 10 years. We hope that this relationship with German, European, American, Japanese and Korean car Total will continue to strengthen further in Kuwait with manufacturers. support of our valued customers and we will scale new High performance Industrial grades from Total like tur- heights together in the years to come,” said Jihane Bou bine oils, gas engine oils, compressor oils and hydraulic Hamdan CFO, Al-Babtain Group. oils are also well received by major oil and gas companies Today, Total through Al-Babtain Group, is a major play- in Kuwait beside the flagship products in commercial seg- er in the lubricant market and has a strong presence in the ment like 15W 40 - CI4 & 20W 50 - SL.

NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT

UK unemployment The central bank downgraded its growth prediction for the US-China trade UK unemployment has reached its lowest level since 1974 second time in six months as main political parties combat at 3.8percent in March, down from 3.9percent in February. the fears by pledging economic policies including tax cuts Subsequently, the employment rate hit a record high of and financial support for first-time home buyers. The RBA negotiations 76.1percent, partly driven by an increasing number of women forecasts that the economy will grow 2.6percent this year, in employment. The UK has seen unemployment decline down from the 3.3percent forecasted late last year. Inflation near collapse steadily since 2011, with the latest data reaffirming the registered at 1.3percent for the first quarter, below the cen- strength of the labor market. On the other hand, annual wage tral bank’s target range of 2-3percent. The weakening growth growth slowed to 3.2percent in the same period compared to outlook may stoke pressure for a cut by the RBA, and pres- KUWAIT: Trade talks between the US and China had seemed the 3.5percent seen previously. With inflation at 1.9percent, sure is mounting on the local currency. The Australian dollar close to collapsing in the past week after the US hiked tariffs pay rises are outstripping rising prices. The Bank of England is trading near its lowest level against the USD since 2016, on Chinese goods and Beijing retaliated with higher duties of appears set to maintain a wait-and-see approach on policy currently trading at around the 0.6870 level. its own. Adding flame to the fire, on Wednesday US President May announces resignation until the Brexit debacle clears up though the data will ease Donald Trump issued an executive order excluding US compa- Under immense pressure to resign, Prime Minister pressure on the bank to raise interest rates. IEA warning nies from using information or communication technology Theresa May has announced to senior Conservative MPs The International Energy Agency has warned that global made or controlled by firms that pose a national security risk, that she would confirm the details of her departure in early Australian economy oil demand will grow more slowly than previously thought, clearly aiming at China, and more specifically at Huawei - the June. The departure will go forth whether or not she Australia’s unemployment rate rose to the highest level in while supplies stand to tighten largely due to US sanctions Chinese smartphone giant. secures a Brexit deal, while most MPS expect the deal to eight months, increasing the likelihood that the central bank on Iran. China, Japan, and Brazil recorded disappointing fuel Additionally, the US Commerce Department required be rejected for a fourth time. Hours before May’s decision, may be forced to cut rates soon in order to stimulate the consumption in the first quarter of 2019, leading to the Huawei to seek prior approval from the US government former foreign secretary Boris Johnson confirmed that he economy. The Reserve Bank of Australia has maintained downgraded forecast. Nonetheless, stockpiles are set to before buying any American parts, while Huawei continues to would run for the Conservative party leadership. If May rates at a record low of 1.50percent since August 2016, plummet sharply this quarter as demand rises and US sanc- deny any allegations of spying. Huawei’s CFO, Meng does resign before the Commons summer break, a leader- maintaining the stance that the jobs market needs to tions squeeze production. Iran’s oil production has already Wanzhou, is currently in Canada where she is being held ship contest would take place over the summer with a new improve for the economy to meet its goals. Following a slumped to the lowest since 2013 to 2.6 million barrels a day, under charges of fraud. leader in place prior to the Conservative conference in property market downturn, the bank has been long awaiting and may plunge to the lowest in decades this month as The executive order comes at a distressing time for the Manchester in September. Looking at developments on a pick-up in wage growth and inflation. Thursday’s figures penalties take full effect, the IEA reported. For the time US-China trade war as tensions have been rapidly increasing Brexit, talks appeared to have halted given that the viabili- showed 28,400 jobs were added in April, far-off expecta- being, Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members are keeping between the two largest economies. Last year, the US tions for a 14,000 rise. output steady, pumping 30.2 million barrels a day last month. imposed tariffs of up to 25% on $250bn in Chinese goods out ty of doing a deal is now questionable as the new Tory prime minister may destroy it. Amid reports that negotia- The Australian economy has continuously grown for 28 Brent crude continuously rose last week, rising about 4per- of the $539 billion of total Chinese imports. A week prior to years, marking one of the longest periods of expansion on cent to the 72.21 level seen today. the order, Trump shifted his stance from the positive rhetoric tions are about to collapse, May’s allies have insisted that cross-party talks with Labor to secure a Brexit deal are in record in the developed world. Still, worries are rising that heard earlier in the year, and raised the rate on $200bn worth the economic tranquility may not last for long. A recent poll Kuwait of Chinese products - particularly auto parts - from 10 to place and will continue. The sterling pound had a difficult past week, dropping around 2percent and currently trading revealed that the economy is the top priority and concern for Kuwaiti dinar at 0.30405 25percent. China in retaliation raised taxes from 10 to 25per- citizens, with only the environment ranking slightly higher. The USDKWD opened at 0.30405 yesterday morning. cent on an undisclosed total amount of American goods. The at a 3 month low of 1.2720. local Chinese media has said that the country may have no interest in continuing trade talks with the US for now, leaving the next opportunity for a meeting at the G-20 summit towards the end of next month. This sent the already 5-month low yuan further down. EXCHANGE RATES The stock market declined due to the intensification in negotiations as traders scramble to reassess prospects for a deal. The S&P 500 dropped 2.4percent to a one month low Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. of 2,811.87 last Monday, though later recovered and is cur- Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Swiss Franc 0.295636 0.306638 rently trading at around the 2,859.53 level. Stocks in Europe ASIAN COUNTRIES Rate for Transfr Selling Rate Australasia were lower as the Stoxx Europe 600 Index dropped to a US Dollar Transfer 304.900 US Dollar 304.540 Australian Dollar 0.200985 0.212985 two month low of 3,053.86, later recovering and currently Euro 343.320 Canadian Dollar 226.702 New Zealand Dollar 0.193099 0.202599 Sterling Pound 392.250 Sterling Pound 390.904 trading at around the 3,138.79 level. Shanghai’s Composite America Index tumbled as much as 2.8percent, while the already suf- Canadian dollar 229.080 Euro 341.961 Canadian Dollar 0.221053 0.230053 fering yuan briefly fell to its weakest level against the dollar Turkish lira 51.500 Swiss Frank 308.985 US Dollars 0.300800 0.306100 Bahrain Dinar 809.883 since November. Swiss Franc 307.980 US Dollars Mint 0.301300 0.306100 US Dollar Buying 296.700 UAE Dirhams 83.317 Qatari Riyals 84.557 Asia Economic data disappoints ASIAN COUNTRIES Saudi Riyals 82.105 Bangladesh Taka 0.003013 0.003814 Industrial production in the US unexpectedly fell for the Japanese Yen 2.770 Jordanian Dinar 430.819 Chinese Yuan 0.042715 0.046215 Egyptian Pound 17.879 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037100 0.039850 third time in the last four months, declining 0.5percent m/m in Indian Rupees 4.353 Sri Lankan Rupees 1.731 Indian Rupee 0.003743 0.004515 April following the 0.2percent increase in March while econo- Pakistani Rupees 2.189 Indian Rupees 4.340 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 mists expected no change. Manufacturing was a weak spot, Srilankan Rupees 1.728 Pakistani Rupees 2.083 Japanese Yen 0.002683 0.002863 falling 0.5percent after an almost unchanged figure in March. Nepali Rupees 2.710 Bangladesh Taka 3.607 Korean Won 0.000245 0.000260 The strength in the US dollar and uncertainties surrounding Singapore Dollar 224.440 Philippines Pesso 5.797 Malaysian Ringgit 0.069478 0.075478 Nepalese Rupee 0.002683 0.003023 the US-China trade war which have escalated in recent weeks Hongkong Dollar 38.866 Cyprus pound 18.117 Bangladesh Taka 3.599 Pakistan Rupee 0.001526 0.002298 essentially constrained factory activity. Japanese Yen 3.778 Philippine Peso 0.005762 0.006062 American consumers seem to have tightened their wallets Philippine Peso 5.806 Syrian Pound 1.591 Singapore Dollar 0.216752 0.226752 Thai Baht 9.650 just a month after they geared retail sales to the biggest rise Nepalese Rupees 2.719 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001378 0.001958 Malaysian ringgit 77.980 Malaysian Ringgit 73.937 Taiwan 0.010177 0.010357 the gauge has seen since September 2017. Headline retail Chinese Yuan Renminbi 44.578 Thai Baht 0.009304 0.009854 sales fell 0.2percent month-on-month in April, crushing GCC COUNTRIES Thai Bhat 10.589 Vietnamese Dong 0.00013 0.00013 expectations for a 0.2percent gain and followed March’s Saudi Riyal 81.361 Turkish Lira 50.609 astounding 1.7percent rise. Qatari Riyal 83.798 Singapore dollars 223.632 Arab Bahraini Dinar 0.794183 0.810683 The figure was largely attributed to the auto and building Omani Riyal 792.463 Egyptian Pound 0.017605 0.020205 materials sectors, which fell 1.1percent and 1.9percent Bahraini Dinar 810.150 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 UAE Dirham 83.068 respectively from March. Even so, it was unlikely for March’s CURRENCY BUY SELL Iraqi Dinar 0.000210 0.000270 figure would be beat given that it was driven largely by tax Jordanian Dinar 0.425139 0.434139 Europe Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 refunds. Thus, April retail sales will unlikely change the view ARAB COUNTRIES British Pound 0.380503 0.394403 Egyptian Pound - Cash 17.813 Lebanese Pound 0.000157 0.000257 that the US economy is holding up better than expected Czech Korune 0.005236 0.014536 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 17.813 Danish Krone 0.041563 0.046563 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020535 0.044536 Omani Riyal 0.785630 0.791310 despite the trade turmoil. The two reports added to the Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.225 Euro 0. 332487 0.346187 recent mixed bag of economic data. The US Federal Reserve Georgian Lari 0.132261 0.132261 Qatar Riyal 0.079481 0.084421 Tunisian Dinar 105.140 Saudi Riyal 0.080220 0.081520 has maintained its stance to keep interest rates on hold Jordanian Dinar 430.710 Hungarian 0.001149 0.001339 Norwegian Krone 0.030808 0.036008 Syrian Pound 0.001293 0.001513 despite numerous calls from the Trump administration to Lebanese Lira/for 1000 20.750 Romanian Leu 0.065366 0.082216 Tunisian Dinar 0.097597 0.105597 loosen monetary policy. Fed chairman Jerome Powell said Syrian Lira 0.000 Russian ruble 0.004731 0.004731 Turkish Lira 0.043955 0.053800 that he had seen to immediate need to move interest rates Morocco Dirham 32.299 Slovakia 0.009123 0.019123 UAE Dirhams 0.081588 0.083288 Yemeni Riyal 0.000991 0.001071 either higher or lower for the time being. Swedish Krona 0.027638 0.032638 13 Business Monday, May 20, 2019 Vietnam salt farmers battered by imports, unpredictable weather Mineral misery deepens as incomes become unstable HON KHOI: The salt farmers of Hon Khoi rise before Climate woes dawn as they have for generations, fanning out across Vietnam produced about one million tons of salt in shallow seawater pools in southern Vietnam to harvest 2015, according to the latest official data, and often the precious mineral, hoping for a better season than clocks surpluses, but it still ships salt in, mostly from the last. The work is punishing and the incomes unsta- China and India. The country imported 500,000 tons ble, subject to seesawing demand swayed by foreign of the mineral in 2017 despite a 147,000-tonne surplus imports, and increasingly unpredictable weather pat- of domestic production. terns. Many people in the sleepy seaside town in Khanh The imported product is of a quality required for Hoa province have worked much of their lives in the salt industrial use, something the local salt is not always fields-an Instagram hotspot where workers wearing suitable for. Officials at the Ministry of Agriculture and conical hats ferry mountains of the saline crystals in Rural Development did not respond to AFP’s requests bamboo baskets along reflective ponds against a set- for comment. ting sun. But unpredictable demand is not all Vietnam’s salt They shuffle carefully along narrow ledges separat- farmers are up against. ing the rectangular plots that are pumped full of salty In Hon Khoi-a popular tourist destination for seawater. But the farmers say life is tough on the fields throngs of visitors who pack its white sandy beaches- where they toil during the annual harvesting season farmers are also contending with climate change. from January to June. Shifting weather patterns have upended work in an “This job is no fun at all, we have to work so hard in industry that depends on sunny, dry days for maximum the sun and then during the cool season we are off,” production. “If the weather is good, we can work for six said Nguyen Thanh Lai, his tan skin weathered from months. If it rains, we all go hungry,” said Nguyen nearly four decades working in the fields. Quang Anh, who has labored in the fields for two He sells his harvest to local traders who pass it up decades. the value chain until it reaches dining tables or factories “Climate change really has had an impact because around Vietnam, where it is used to preserve fish, con- salt production needs stable weather,” the 57-year-old coct Southeast Asia’s popular, pungent fish sauce, or farmer said. The UN says climate change has “under- make soda water. mined” the lives of farmers in Vietnam, where the wet Lai has long struggled to raise his five kids, but he season has come earlier or brought in heavier rains in says both demand and market price used to be more recent years. HANOI: Vietnam’s salt farmers toil in the fields during the annual harvesting season from January to reliable. “In the past we didn’t make losses in salt pro- “In Vietnam and elsewhere, climate change has put June.— AFP duction, now there are losses,” the 60-year-old told weather in flux. When you can no longer plan for the AFP, wearing two hats to shield from the searing morn- future, you can only hope,” said Dechen Tsering, UN ing sun. Environment’s Regional Director for Asia and the 2030, promised new technology, and called on local taking a gamble on the sector. As technical supervisor, he typically earns around Pacific. Vietnamese authorities vowed to reform the officials to support farmers hit by fluctuating weath- “Sometimes I’m nervous, but I’m in the business so I $360 a month during the harvesting season-more than sector in 2014, rolling out a 15-year plan to modern- er patterns. have to accept the risks,” said Nguyen Van Vinh, who double what most salt workers take home. ize the industry in a bid to help struggling farmers Few have felt the impact of the plan-or ever heard just started working in the fields this season to supple- But his income zigzags depending on demand, which like Anh. about it-in Hon Khoi, where the salt industry ment his income running a small stationery shop. “If I itself fluctuates based on imports from abroad. The blueprint called for production to triple by remains the main employer. That means many are don’t harvest salt, I won’t earn enough.” —AFP

growing chorus of critics and multiple court Is California’s challenges set back the project, and con- Wall Street Week Ahead struction only began in 2015. Train travel has not been popular in this sprawling high-speed state-the most populous in the country- where the car is king. Tariffs could lead rail plan a While many countries began providing high-speed rail starting in the 1980s, to markdowns California kept investing in road infrastruc- pipe dream? ture. “The culture of the state itself has really been about our vehicles and our cars... but in retail shares SAN FRANCISCO: Keith Erwin was about now that’s changing,” California High Speed NEW YORK: US retailer stocks have moved from to buy the land that his auto repair shop sits Rail regional director Diana Gomez told AFP. on when he was turned down because buoyant to bruised this year and the intensification Her group is responsible for creating, build- of the US-China trade war makes them especially California’s much awaited high-speed rail ing and implementing the project. She noted line was going to pass through the spot. Five vulnerable because consumer products would be that younger generations now want to use targeted in the next round of threatened tariff years later, he sees no train coming anytime public transportation and are placing their soon and no longer believes in it. “It’s a train increases. The potential impact of the trade dispute bets on high-speed rail, which is better for is likely to be a key issue next week when Home that’s going to go nowhere,” the mechanic the environment. said at his garage in Fresno, just steps from Depot, Nordstrom, Kohl’s and Target are due to where the train is supposed to eventually SAN FRANCISCO: Construction of the high-speed railway line crosses the San report results. Although it reported better-than- Minimalist solution expected earnings, Macy’s shares slipped this week pass. Even though construction is well Traveling the 380 miles that separate Los Joaquin River in Fresno, California, amid ongoing construction of the railway in underway in Fresno, Erwin insisted: “I think California’s Central and San Joaquin Valleys. —AFP after it said the latest tariffs on Chinese imports by Angeles from San Francisco takes at least six Washington are hitting its furniture business and they’re out of money. I don’t think they’re hours by car. It’s only an hour by plane but going to build it at all from what we see.” warned that additional tariffs would affect clothing chronic traffic jams to get to the airport fol- and other areas. In February, newly elected Governor Sacramento to San Diego, let alone from San with Fresno at the halfway point. Industry lowed by security checks make the three- Late last week, after Washington imposed a tar- Gavin Newsom announced he was drasti- Francisco to LA. I wish there were.” watchers say the reduced ambitions are a hour train journey an appealing solution for iff rate increase to 25 percent on $200 billion worth cally revising downward the high-speed rail The project budget has jumped 20 per- mistake. “It absolutely does not make sense,” many travelers. of Chinese imports, US President Donald Trump project to link Los Angeles to San cent over initial estimates, to reach $77 bil- said Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, an urban “But let’s be real. The project, as currently ordered his trade chief to begin the process of Francisco in three hours, even though the lion. But California is not giving up on what planning professor at the University of planned, would cost too much and take too imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from plan was approved in a 2008 referendum. critics call the “train to nowhere.” Newsom California, Los Angeles (UCLA). “Any transit long. There’s been too little oversight and not China, which would subject about $300 billion The federal government indicated Thursday said focus would now be on a section of the project needs big (urban) centers as origins enough transparency,” Newsom said in his worth of Chinese imports to tariffs. The proposed it was scrapping a $900 million subsidy corridor that’s only about a third of the total and destinations, and so to have something State of the State address in February. “Right list of products subject to possible US tariffs would due to “chronic” construction delays. A distance, linking Merced and Bakersfield, like that... all but kills the project.” —AFP now, there simply isn’t a path to get from cover nearly every consumer product such as clothing, shoes and lawnmowers. The S&P 1500 ered by smartphone. These new treat- form of software, which can increase reSET-O prescription digital therapeutic Retailing index had been outperforming the bench- Take this app: ments, backed by medical research and access and provide an immediacy,” said 12-week cognitive behavioral therapy to mark S&P 500 this year as the market bounced offered by prescription, are seen as Yuri Maricich, head of the clinical and treat opioid addiction after receiving back from a December selloff and optimism grew potential ways to supplement, and in regulatory team at Pear Therapeutics. approval by the US Food and Drug that the United States and China may soon come to Tech firms tackle some cases replace, pharmaceuticals to The company has received approval in Administration. It is offered with the a trade agreement. treat addiction and an array of other the United States for apps to treat opi- commonly used medication buprenor- But the index has fallen more than the broader opioid crisis mental and physical health issues. oid addiction and other kinds of sub- phine for adults under the care of a ther- market in recent weeks as optimism on the trade Smartphone technology may be well- stance abuse. “It’s the same level of rigor apist. The app includes a dashboard that front has eroded. Since April 30, the retailing index suited to behavioral therapy for addic- (as pharmaceuticals) in terms of how the allows medical teams to monitor a is down about 3.4percent, compared with about a with software tion, depression and other disorders by products are manufactured. We’ve run patient’s progress and offer reminders 2.5percent decline in the S&P 500. “There’s making treatment more accessible and randomized clinic trials to make sure it and training. The patient follows on- already been an impact. The question is how much WASHINGTON: Technology firms are trackable by medical professionals, produces the desired outcome and that screen prompts by answering quiz ques- more of an impact is it going to be. Combined with taking aim at the opioid crisis and relat- researchers say. it is safe,” Maricich said. tions, reporting medication usage and sluggish sales, it’s not a good combination for senti- ed health problems with a new class of “Digital therapeutics are validated In January, Pear launched in coordi- reporting substance use, cravings and ment in anything retail right now,” said Michael treatments-digital therapeutics-deliv- scientific treatments delivered in the nation with Novartis unit Sandoz the triggers. —AFP James, managing director of equity trading at Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles. Retailers have been struggling from the tightening grip of The firm posted a net loss of £1.47 Amazon.com, and, more recently, investors have Concerns for billion ($1.89 billion, 1.69 billion euros) in worried that wage pressures could become a big- the six months to March 31, after cus- ger risk for the group. tomers also put off trips abroad last win- US government data this week seemed to add Thomas Cook ter. The loss after tax, after a writedown to the concerns. US retail sales unexpectedly fell of £1.1 billion, compared with a net loss in April as households cut back on purchases of trips after of £254 million in the first half of its motor vehicles and other goods. The results from 2017-2018 financial year. Responding to retailers in the coming days round out an earn- customer concerns on its social media ings season that has been mostly better than share collapse pages, the company said that all its holi- expected. First-quarter S&P 500 earnings now days were financially protected through are expected to have risen 1.4percent from a year LONDON: British holidaymakers yester- ATOL, the tour operators’ licensing day flooded troubled tour operator ago versus a 2.0percent decline estimated at the scheme. “This announcement has no start of April, according to IBES data from Thomas Cook with concerns about their impact on future holidays or flight only trips, after its share price collapsed. All Refinitiv. That has eased worries that the S&P bookings. All our holidays are fully 500 would have a “profit recession” of at least eyes are on what will happen to the ATOL-protected, so customers can con- stock value of Britain’s oldest and largest two straight quarters of declining earnings this tinue to book with confidence,” the firm year, but the latest developments on the trade independent travel company when the said on Twitter. markets reopen on Monday. Shares front only further cloud the earnings outlook for retailers and other companies. dived on Friday after Citigroup report- Company sees ‘headwinds’ LONDON: In this file photo, pedestrians walk past the entrance to a Thomas edly warned in a broker note that the “It’s the biggest macro wild card for the market,” In reaction to the company losses, Cook holiday shop in London. Thomas Cook widened first-half losses on a said Anthony Saglimbene, global market strategist at stock was worthless. The company’s major writedown caused in part by Brexit uncertainty that has delayed Thomas Cook chief executive Peter Ameriprise Financial in Troy, Michigan. So far, there share price fell 27.26 percent to just Fankhauser said the first half of the year summer holiday bookings, the British tour operator said. —AFP 14.26 pence in midday deals on the has only been limited impact in the retail space from had been characterized by “an uncertain tariffs, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch London stock market. The news came consumer environment” across all its one day after Thomas Cook revealed of the year, it’s clear that, notwithstand- tainty is putting further pressure on mar- analysts. “We see food and discount retailers as markets. “Our current trading position ing our early decision to mitigate our gins. “This, combined with higher fuel largely insulated from the recent tariff increase to that first-half losses widened on a major reflects a slower pace of bookings, writedown, which it blamed in part on exposure in the ‘lates’ market by reduc- and hotel costs, is creating further head- 25percent on $200 billion of Chinese imports,” they against a strong first half in 2018,” he ing capacity, the continued competitive winds to our progress over the remain- wrote in a note on Thursday. —Reuters Brexit uncertainty that has delayed sum- said. “As we look ahead to the remainder mer holiday bookings. pressure resulting from consumer uncer- der of the year.” —AFP 14 Established 1961 Monday, May 20, 2019 Business Burgan Bank successfully concludes conference on leadership challenge Leadership challenge edition designed to inspire, engage, and help leaders develop modern skills

KUWAIT: Ghadah El-Kadi during the panel discussion with the speakers Graham KUWAIT: (From left to right), Halah El Sherbini leading a panel discussion with KUWAIT: Halah El Sherbini and Mohammed Al-Haj with Burgan Bank leaders Moore, Chris Nel and Debbie Nicol. Raed Al-Haqhaq, Fawzi Al-Musallam, Mohammed Al-Haj and Venkat Menon.

KUWAIT: To further solidify its position as a dynamic financial powerhouse, Burgan Bank recently hosted three master facilitators of “The Leadership Challenge” in a one-day conference titled “Burgan Bank Leadership Conference - The Leadership Challenge Edition” at Salwa Al-Sabah ballroom. Continuing to invest in its employees for long term growth, the conference incor- porated the use of several resources and tools, designed to help leaders develop the skills needed to meet current leadership challenges. Organized by the Learning and Development depart- ment at Burgan Bank under the Human Resources Group leadership and Burgan Kuwait CEO, the conference was held in collaboration with Vigor events, a first-class innovative platform in the Middle East and North Africa. The intense conference brought together leaders and managers from Burgan and KIPCO Group to discuss modern leadership trends and valuable insights about “The Leadership Challenge” practices. The conference was designed to give attendees a tangible method on how to practice, experience and put in use five key prac- tices: ‘Model the Way’, ‘Inspire a Shared Vision’, ‘Challenge the Process’, ‘Enable Others to Act’ and ‘Encourage the Heart’. KUWAIT: A group picture of Burgan Bank senior management and employees The Speakers included 3 Leadership Challenge Master Facilitators namely Graham Moore, Chris Nel Human Resources and Development Officer Halah El Group Chief Human Resources and Development we are all playing a strong part in implementing the and Debbie Nicol; international speakers and highly Sherbini. These panel discussions led the 250 attendees Officer Halah El Sherbini reiterated “It is our continuous strategic direction of Burgan Bank. This conference experienced leaders along with the Burgan Bank team. through a leadership exemplary journey and highlighted commitment to progression and excellence that has comes from the L&D-HR team as a response to this Encompassing a highly interactive facilitation experi- the leadership challenges in the region. made us who we are today as Burgan. This unique initia- objective by growing leadership potential in the bank ence, the conference provided 3 interactive keynotes, Raed Al-Haqhaq, Chief Executive Officer of Burgan tive, The Burgan leadership conference is a clear reflec- and making sure employee levels of engagement develop two panel discussions, and three workshops. In addition Bank- Kuwait said, “The initiative was meant to create tion of our level of investment in the growth and devel- and by that positively impacting our performance results to the panel discussion with the three master facilitators synergy in our corporate community by implementing a opment of our leaders across all levels. One of our and our community.” moderated by Senior L&D Manager Ghada El-Kadi, common modern leadership language. Internally, we strategic initiatives as Burgan HR is to build group syner- The speakers addressed many questions in different another panel discussion was held involving Leaders manage a successful leadership model that creates a sol- gies and higher collective capabilities for sustainability in fields under the ‘Current Leadership Challenges’ wherein from KIPCO Group, mainly Vice Chairman and CEO id platform for us to strengthen each other through a today’s modern complex environment and we are equip- the Burgan Bank leaders shared best methods and exer- KHC Fawzi Al-Musallam, Vice Chairman and CEO Gulf shared vision and cascade our strong culture across ping our leaders with modern organizational skills that cises to face and overcome daily obstacles that might Sat Mohammed Al-Haj, Burgan Bank CEO- Kuwait Raed management layers. Burgan owes its success to its are essential for our success.” recur in the region as a result of the mistaken under- Al-Haqhaq, Group Chief Operations and Technology unique culture and inspiring values of Progression, Senior Manager Learning and Development Ghada standing of the leader’s role or the cultural barriers that Officer Venkat Menon and moderated by Group Chief Excellence, Commitment and Trust.” El-Kadi said, “we are going through transformation and may deter the leadership spirit within an organization.

Nissan Al-Babtain Three things you Al-Tijari announces launches special can enjoy doing winners of Al-Najma campaign to bring this Ramadan with weekly account KUWAIT: Commercial Bank conducted the weekly and joy to children your Huawei P30 Pro monthly draws on Al-Najma Account and the draw on the KUWAIT: Honoring the blessed spirit of the Holy “Salary and Cash on Top” campaign. The draws were KUWAIT: Ramadan is such a special occasion that we perspectives! Feature will be enabled via HOTA update month of Ramadan, Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain conducted in the presence of Ministry of Commerce and cherish and wait for every year. We love what it brings at a later date. Co (AABC), the sole authorized dealer of Nissan in the along including family gatherings at Iftar and Suhour. In Industry representative Abdulaziz Ashkanani. State of Kuwait, recently launched a special campaign this article, we are going to discover three things Huawei Short of time in Ramadan? to bring joy to the less fortunate. Contributing to build- The results of the draw were as follows: P30 Pro - the flagship champion and a phone that creat- Ramadan is a busy month for all of us, between friends ing positive memories this season, Nissan Al-Babtain 1- Al-Najma monthly account - the prize of KD 20,000 ed quite a frenzy since its launch - offer to you to make and family gatherings to the normal day-to-day things to collaborated with the Children’s Home, an orphanage was for the share of Hamed Salman Saheb. the most of Ramadan. do, work and other duties. We feel like as if time is flying managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor as 2- The “Salary & Cash on Top campaign” prize of KD 1,000 by, and since smartphones are becoming part of our daily part of their annual national cause. and was for the share of Taibah Ali Hussain Bo Najmah. Ramadan nights captured beautifully lives, you certainly need a phone that can keep up with all The campaign encourages customers to test drive The Bank stated that the account prizes this year is While the streets during the daytime may be quiet, of that. Well! Huawei P30 Pro comes with a long-living any of the Nissan vehicles during the period of featured by the highest cash prize and diversity of prizes Ramadan nights are buzzing with activity. The city would 4,200mAh battery that lasts most of the day and can be Ramadan to enjoy new experiences. Nissan Al-Babtain throughout the year clarifying that Al-Najma Account will be illuminated with stunning street lamps and Ramadan charged up to 70 percent in just 30 minutes. You can will in turn donate a generous amount for each test offer weekly prize of KD 5,000, monthly prize of KD lanterns, the night markets hustling with shoppers and even help your friends and family if their devices run out drive taken to the Children’s Home. 20,000 and a semi-annual prize of KD 500,000 in addi- events popping up everywhere highlighting different of battery, thanks to the Wireless Reverse Charge feature, This nationwide CSR initiative falls under the brands tion to the largest prize - linked bank account payout of aspects of Ramadan and offering unique experiences. provided they support Qi Wireless Charging. mission to give back to the community in which it KD 1,500,000. Al-Najma Account can be opened by Taking stunning images and videos at night time would No one has time for phones that lag right?! To make thrives and its duty towards Kuwait and its people. not be an issue when you use the Leica Quad camera set- depositing KD 100, and customer should maintain a mini- sure that your phone does not stutter or lag, the HUAWEI Nissan Al-Babtain wishes its customers a joyous up on the HUAWEI P30 Pro, which ensures crisp and mum amount of KD 500 to be eligible to enter all draws P30 Pro comes with powerful hardware to ensure a super Ramadan and invites customers to seize the opportuni- clear shots even with minimum light. on Al-Najma Account prizes. As for the chances of win- ty to discover its great performance vehicles while also smooth and improved performance while browsing ning, the more balance a customer maintains in Al-Najma bringing smiles to the little children this season. Iftar seen from two sides: Internet for the latest iftar or suhor recipes or if you have Account, the more chances the account holder will get to With the Huawei P30 Pro dual-view feature that is some free moments during the day and would like to play win, where each KD 25 will give the customer one chance launching within this month, you can take cool videos your favorite video games. The Huawei P30 pro also to win, the account also offers additional benefits like the when you gather with your friends and family members comes with a big storage of 256G or 512GB to store all ATM card, a credit card against customer’s account and around Iftar and capture these moments beautifully. these Ramadan memories be it videos or photos and it is all CBK banking services that customer can enjoy. Whether it is at home or in a public tent, you can now supported by 8GB of RAM for a fast phone experience. As regarding “Salary & Cash on Top” campaign desig- take two videos at the same time: one video showing nated for Kuwaiti and expatriate employees as well as the the whole tent with the dangling Ramadan lanterns and retirees and which is valid until 31 December 2019 and the the delicious Ramadan food, and on the another video mechanism of joining this campaign for availing its benefits, you can zoom into your best friend while he’s biting the Bank explained that Kuwaiti employees with a salary of into that piece of cake - this fun and cool video feature KD 500 and above whether newly recruited or in service enables you to record one scene but with two different can transfer their salary to the Bank and avail the benefits of this campaign by getting instant cash gift of KD 250 or an interest free loan five times the salary up to KD 10,000, add to this they will automatically enter the weekly draw on KD 1,000. As for the expatriate customers categorized under Premier Banking Account with a salary KD of 1,700 and above, they will get instant cash gift. The retirees with pension KD 1,000 and above will also get an instant cash gift of KD 150 when transferring their pension to the Bank and automatically enter the weekly draw on a prize of KD 1,000 and avail the benefits of this campaign designated for Kuwaiti and expatriate employees working in private and public sector as well as the retirees. Further, the campaign provides customers with the opportunity to get additional benefits and take advantage of the advanced and unrivalled services and products the Bank provides to its customers to meet their needs and expectations. Established 1961 15 What’s On Monday, May 20, 2019

Ooredoo celebrates girgian with children in Razi, Ibn Sina, and Farwaniya hospitals

oredoo Kuwait participated via more than 300 applicants this year. its volunteer program in cele- Ooredoo’s volunteers have participat- Obrating girgian with the children ed in more than 150 activities since the in hospitals last week, as part of the inception of the program five years ago, company’s agenda for the holy month of including iftar meal distribution in the Ramadan. The visits included the hospi- company’s iftar tent opposite the com- tals of Al Razi, Ibn Sina, and Al pany’s head office. Members of the pro- Farwaniya. The program’s volunteers gram also contribute regularly in organ- shared the festivities of this traditional izing visits to hospital wards throughout joyous occasion by distributing boxes of the holy month and around the year. sweets on the children. The boxes were The company launched its activities previously prepared by the volunteers by distributing iftar meals to hundreds in an event that fosters the values of of workers from its Ramadan tent, with caring and connecting, two of the core its prime location on Soor Street oppo- values of Ooredoo Kuwait. site its head office. The meal distribution This year saw the launch of the fifth drive is fully operated by Ooredoo’s edition of the volunteer program, which volunteer program members, after the is operated in collaboration with Spread great success of the program in the last the Passion non-profit organization. The years. The upper management at program aims to educate youth and Ooredoo regularly participates in these provide them with necessary training activities, in addition to staff from the before matching them with volunteer company’s different departments and opportunities. The program received divisions. NBK distributes iftar ACK and KNFSME renew meals in Abu Halifa collaboration agreement and Mahboula epresentatives of the Australian considered included offering courses College of Kuwait (ACK) met in entrepreneurship, which could help ational Bank of Kuwait (NBK) distributed iftar meals in Abu with representatives from the students who’ve designed projects and Halifa and Al Mahboula areas in line with NBK iftar charitable R Kuwait National Fund for Small and invented new useful technologies to Ncampaign conducted throughout the holy month of Ramadan Medium Enterprise Development market and benefit from their creation. as part of “Do Good Deeds in Ramadan” program. NBK convoys (KNFSME) to renew their mutual KNFSME and ACK also discussed toured the inner-city neighborhoods of both areas, where dozens of cooperation and collaboration agree- creating joint “accelerated programs” volunteers distributed iftar meals to fasting people. ment. The meeting which took place on for students. “NBK continues to carry out its field visits to distribute iftar meals May 5th saw the renewal of the con- Prof Zabalawi welcomed the new to fasting people throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Visiting tract along with talks of possible ideas ideas and the increased cooperation Kuwait International Airport is part of the field visits that the bank for future cooperative ventures. The and would further like to involve the seeks to carry out during this holy month, besides mosques, ministries, KNFSME group was led by KNFSME KNFSME in ACK Student Graduation hospitals and places where there is a large number of low-income General Director Mr Ibrahim Al Projects in order to help the projects families, in addition to visiting public facilities and other key loca- Kandari, while the ACK group was led grow into viable businesses. ACK fur- tions”. Yacoub Al-Baqer, NBK Public Relations Officer said. by ACK President Prof Isam Zabalawi. ther plans to invite the KNFSME to they may need. Al-Baqer added that NBK iftar campaign is a distinctive milestone Both parties agreed to collaborate participate in the Annual For over 20 years, NBK has carried out the “Do Good Deeds in and a main feature of the Bank’s annual Ramadan program. NBK is to push the CDIO Initiative for teach- SMEs/Entrepreneurship competition Ramadan” program, which includes many events, contributions, social keen to focus on its initiatives dedicated to serve this campaign year ing engineering which includes a focus at ACK. ACK would like to thank welfare and voluntary activities. This initiative is in line with NBK’s after year, especially through intensive field visits, covering various on hands-on and active learning. They KNFSME and its representatives for keenness to reach out to various social institutions and all sectors of regions in Kuwait, to provide iftar meals throughout the holy month. also agreed to emphasize project incu- their efforts in furthering the agree- the society, maintaining its leading position as a dedicated private As part of this campaign, NBK continues to welcome fasting guests bation for electrical engineering. Other ment and looks forward to future institution that is keeping true to its CSR values through translating in its iftar tent set up next to the Scientific Center, where a team of possible future cooperative ventures cooperation. dedicated volunteers is present to welcome our visitors and serve them into valuable programs and initiatives that have substantive them iftar meals, in addition to providing any other required services social dimension.

and the importance of having fruits to Fruit Salad Day main good health. Children brought Dar Al- Shifa organizes Ghabga varieties of fruits like apples, mangoes, bananas, grapes and many more to pre- to celebrate Kuwaiti Women’s Day celebrated at pare the fruit salad. Teachers taught the little ones about each fruit and then the ICSK Amman children were showed how to make fruit salad. The fruits were cleaned, cut and refreshing Fruit Salad Day was the fruit salad was prepared in front of celebrated at the Kindergarten the students. Children were encouraged Asession in ICSK Amman on May to eat fruits daily and to make it a habit. 2nd to make the tiny tots aware of the A day well spent indeed. It was really a different kinds of fruits that surround us fruitful day!

By Faten Omar public interest, economy, and policy.” this celebration is one of the most important “We are in attendance to honor the celebrations in the country, as it was a his- ar Al-Shifa Hospital organized a women martyrs of Kuwait such as Asrar Al toric day in the life of Kuwaiti women. Ramadan Ghabga gathering to cele- Qabndy, Wafaa Al Amer, Sanaa Al Fodry and “Kuwaiti women were honored by the late Dbrate ‘Kuwaiti Women’s Day’, in collab- Suad Hasan and many others who were Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, who granted oration with the Martyr’s Bureau and Women’s known for their bravery and courage in women their political rights, empowerment Diplomatic Committee on Saturday at Salwa resisting occupiers, defending the homeland and positions in parliament. The initiative of Sabah Al-Ahmad Theater & Hall. During her by joining Kuwaiti resistance and organizing the late Amir Sheikh Jaber came from his speech, Narjes Al Yousefi, Board Member at anti-occupation marches until they got their belief in the importance of the role of women Dar Al-Shifa Hospital, said “Kuwaiti women martyrdom reward” she added. and appreciation for the female martyrs of have proven themselves throughout history For her part, Narjis Al-Shatti, Consultant Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion and the sac- and have led active roles in diverse fields of for Diplomatic Women’s Committee, said that rifices they made,” she said. 16 Health & Technology Monday, May 20, 2019 Dirty data: Firms count the growing environmental costs of digital planet PARIS: Technology is often touted as a solution share of emissions in 2018) and on track to production from a small power plant. Video to the world’s environmental challenges, but it is reach automobiles (8 percent), it said. streaming now accounts for nearly 60 percent of process of “drive hunting,” whereby fish- also part of the problem: industry executives are all “downstream” internet traffic from servers to Activists petition erman herd dolphins into a cove by beat- facing rising pressure to clean up their energy ‘Huge impact’ individual devices, with Netflix alone generating ing on boats to disorient them. and resource-intensive business. How much ener- In February, Greenpeace warned about the 15 percent, according to an October report from to halt Japan The panicked animals can get tangled gy, for example, does it take to send a one- concentration of data centers, in particular those US network analysis and services group in nets, suffocate and drown, and can megabyte email? Around 25 watts per hour, rep- used by Amazon, in the US state of Virginia, Sandvine. Music services also take a toll. In 2000, also be injured or killed when they smash resenting 20 grams of carbon dioxide emissions, which reportedly help transmit 70 percent of researchers at the Universities of Glasgow and dolphin hunt into rocks, activists say. Other dolphins according to France’s CNRS research centre. the world’s internet traffic. To cope with the Oslo found that greenhouse gas emissions from are killed when fisherman thrust a long TOKYO: Campaigners on Friday urged a It might not seem like much, but the Radicati voracious energy needs, the local power com- the US music industry alone stood at 157 million metal rod repeatedly into the body to court in Japan to halt so-called “drive research group expects 293 billion emails will be pany Dominion turned to non-renewable fuel kilograms in 2000. But by 2016, even as the use damage the spinal cord, a practice hunting” of dolphins in the country as sent every single day this year and the power sources — drawing the ire of tech firms. of plastics for CDs and their cases plummeted, activists consider excessively cruel. part of an unprecedented lawsuit that Many in Japan felt the film unfairly tar- needs to be generated — mostly from fossil fuels. Most have pledged to use as much “clean” the storage and sharing of online music files in argues the practice violates Japanese geted the town’s fishing community, but Apps can quickly drain and shorten the life of energy from wind farms or other sources as the US generated between 200 million and 350 law. The plaintiffs argued before the others were horrified by the disturbing phone batteries, with Snapchat a particularly possible, with Facebook signing a partnership million kilograms of greenhouse emissions. court that the hunting method is cruel, “heavy” messaging service because it automati- with Greenpeace several years ago. “The idea and also that the capture of dolphins for footage. The plaintiffs want the governor cally turns on the camera. Then there are the serv- that the IT sector can help tackle climate Recycling costs sale to aquariums cannot be deemed a of Wakayama to revoke a three-year er farms crunching mammoth amounts of data change is not a new one — They’ve been talking Tech executives say they’re taking action to traditional cultural practice, said Kyoko drive hunting permit in Taiji. But defend- worldwide, which require huge amounts of elec- about it for over ten years, and what we need shrink their environmental footprints. Carole Yoshida, who is representing the ers of the hunt say dolphins have long tricity both to run and to power air-conditioning now to see is action,” said Gary Cook, an IT Marechal of DATA4, which operates data cen- activists. been a traditional source of meat and call which keeps the equipment from getting too hot. campaigner at Greenpeace. “Given their rapid ters in France, Italy and Luxembourg, said her The lawsuit, filed in February, is the the practice an important part of local “Under the current global energy mix, the growth, decisions about how they get their clients can get real-time readings of how much first-ever legal challenge to the hunt in culture. They also point out that dolphins share of greenhouse gas emissions from infor- power become really critical,” he said. energy and water they are using, as well as their the town of Taiji, in Japan’s western are not endangered. mation and communication technologies will rise The surge in video and streaming services share of greenhouse gas emissions. “But it’s not Wakayama prefecture, the plaintiffs say. Activists say an increasing number of from 2.5 percent in 2013 to four percent in poses a particular challenge: already in 2017 limited only to energy consumption,” Marechal The town was thrust into the internation- dolphins are also being trapped and sold 2020,” the French think-tank Shift Project said Greenpeace estimated that the viral K-pop sen- said, pointing to the energy and resources al spotlight by the Oscar-winning docu- live to aquariums as demand rises from in a recent report. That makes the sector more sation “Gangnam Style”, viewed more than 2.7 required to build digital infrastructures world- mentary “The Cove”, which filmed the China or elsewhere. — AFP carbon-intensive than civil aviation (a 2 percent billion times, had consumed a year’s worth of wide, and to recycle them. — AFP 17

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CROSSWORD 2212 STAR TRACK

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

Your friends love your quiet authority right now and take the chance on This is a frustrating day even if you do have to work on this fine Sunday. you to you for help. Coming up with good solutions for some of their problems is your You’d really rather be socializing. It so happens that you can do what you want now. role to play at this time. After careful consideration, you give them great information. Call a group of friends to come over for brunch, hang out around the patio, eat some- It’s appreciated. Take this as a compliment on your honesty, being able to keep a secret thing light and enjoy good communication on something superfluous. Relaxing is the and your practical minded applications to a messy issue. Circumstances may also have best thing you can do today because you tend to be tense at this time and don’t know you using conservative views to create situations that can help in your own life as well. why. After everyone has gone home, take time to hang out with your dog or cat, really You understand others who are important to you much better now which makes your all your pets. Enjoy the rest of your evening in your own way surrounded by those you life run more smoothly. This is a time you feel better about you. Smile. love and those who love you unconditionally.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Today is a great time to think about your life, what you want and what you’ve achieved. Do it from the privacy of your home while you enjoy being alone now Today is a time of thinking. Being alone to discover and mull over what and having those over you love later. It’s your day. Make it what you please. Take some you’re considering now is best. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this Sunday. time to be with yourself. You need that now. Rest a little and think a little. Perhaps a good Studying your life from past until now and realizing how to make your choices work is movie or some great music will perk up your day. You may even call someone whom you on your mind. You’ve got help from people who are willing to give you the opportunity haven’t spoken with or seen in some time. Have fun with family, friends and pets later. to try. Take time to be with family today and discuss those breaks with them. They’ll help you come to a good decision by propping you up and helping in any way they can. Thank goodness for family. The nervous energy you feel is the opening of the door to your new life. Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Communication of all kinds becomes more important today, especially Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) when with family and the neighbors who’re like family. This satisfies a deep emotional need. On another hand, your quest for love may take you to a place that could cause Right now you’re at a time where you need to lean on your standards to problems with others you love. Sex and money count for a lot now to you and will for ACROSS 8. A radioactive element of the alkali-metal get through some obstacles. Friends and family help too as you go on some time. Maybe it’s too much according to those for whom you care. Wanting 1. A room equipped with toilet facilities. group discovered as a disintegration your merry way through life. Thankfulness for the emotional support you garner from something or someone so much that it injures your abilities when it comes to money product of actinium. those close keeps you feeling as if you can make the transition needed. Outmoded 4. One who habitually ignores the law and matters and investments you have with other people can make those others feel patterns in your life is why this is going on now. Thoughts of retarding habits in love does not answer court summonses. 9. Gracefully slender. you’re inadequate in a very personal way. Know that this is a focus now and take care and in your workspace has you wondering whether you need to change those behav- 12. God of the earth. 10. Hormone secreted by the posterior of it before it gets any bigger. 15. North American republic containing 50 pituitary gland (trade name Pitressin) iors. Doing the same thing with the hope that it changes the next time is considered states - 48 conterminous states in and also by nerve endings in the stupid by some who’ve changed. Make your world better. North America plus Alaska in north- hypothalamus. west North America and the Hawaiian 11. Make high-pitched, whiney noises. Islands in the Pacific Ocean. 12. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked Cancer (June 21-July 22) 16. Freetail bats. on a skewer usually with vegetables. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. The organ of sight (`peeper' is an infor- 13. Opinion or judgment. You’re feeling the urge to rebel against your own inner demons. What you 14. English monk and scholar (672-735). mal term for `eye'). consider good for you seems to be superficial. Therefore, you’re in the mood to take your Make decisions for work and home with a clear mind and the ability to 18. Combine with carbon, in chemistry. 19. African tree having an exceedingly secret self apart, look it over and change what you’re doing so as not to feel like you’re thick trunk and fruit that resembles a integrate ideas to assist on whatever project. Talk is something you can do now even 20. (of pages) Worn or soiled by thumb hurting your spiritual self. Internal pressures come flying out of your mystical closet so though you generally don’t think it’s that necessary. It’s not that you’re antisocial. It’s just and fingers by frequent handling or gourd and has an edible pulp called that you must deal with them now. You want anything you do to be above board and that you learn more from watching and listening more than talking, you think. Let others turning. monkey bread. straight forward. Anything that is secretive or feels a little off makes you cringe. Today, idiosyncrasies go. Don’t give them the time of day when irritated by something they’ve 22. Any of various strong liquors distilled 21. (from a combination of MOdulate and like yesterday, brings a younger person or woman back into your life to assist you with said or done. Taking it on will only cause more dissention in your life. That’s something from the fermented sap of toddy DEModulate) Electronic equipment your needs. Take time to socialize later. That seems to pick up your spirits right now. you’d rather leave outside the gate especially with some of the days you’ve had lately. palms or from fermented molasses. consisting of a device used to connect 23. Hormone released by the hypothala- computers by a telephone line. mus that controls the release of thy- 24. A motorized wheeled vehicle used for camping or other recreational activi- roid-stimulating hormone from the Leo (July 23-August 22) anterior pituitary. ties. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 25. Any of various perennial South 27. An ugly evil-looking old woman. This may be a challenging day where you feel uneasy. Going against tra- American plants of the genus Loasa 28. A member of the Semitic speaking Good gossip might be just the thing you need to brighten your day today dition could find you bucking the establishment in a group situation. Difficulties and having stinging hairs and showy white people of northern Ethiopia. as long as it’s not horrible. Sensitivity to others problems is one of the best qualities you blocks may find you having to work through items that take time away from the work or yellow or reddish-orange flowers. 31. A peninsula between the Red Sea and exhibit now. Being able to think about their problem and come up with a good solution you love. Personally, troubles are brewing even more than you know now. 26. A disassembled barrel. the Persian Gulf. brings both you and your friend, who’s troubled, better times. Laughter is the best med- Communication skills are lacking in that you can’t get your point across. You feel alone 29. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity. 32. Relating to or characteristic of icine they say and you’re ready to deal out the comedic side of you to anyone close. and a little unsure of you or your situation. Your homelife takes precedence over other 30. Airtight sealed metal container for food Hungary. Others who visit now come to hear your quick wit and see how you look at life as well. 34. A sodium salt of carbonic acid. matters now. Cure what ails you and make your transition but make sure the problems or drink or paint etc.. won’t follow you to a new relationship. 33. (Old Testament) The second patriarch. 35. (Roman mythology) God of love. 40. An alloy of copper and zinc (and 36. 4-wheeled motor vehicle. sometimes arsenic) used to imitate 37. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical gold in cheap jewelry and for gilding. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 43. The blood group whose red cells carry and thermal conductivity of any metal. 38. A promontory in northern Morocco both the A and B antigens. This is a day you should take to yourself. The only others that you’ll feel 44. A small piece of cloth. opposite the Rock of Gibraltar. 39. A modified leaf or leaflike part just Emotionally you draw care and love from family and friends. This helps you safe in having with you may be your dog or cat. Saying the wrong thing to those who 45. The capital and largest city of Japan. to remain stable in your thinking when you’d like to chase your dreams. Their care pro- come around you may happen easily now. This can occur without you even realizing 46. Fertility goddess in ancient Greek below and protecting an inflorescence. 41. An inn in some Eastern countries with a motes better happenings in your life. They give you the latitude to consider something new you’ve said something to offend. Sit in the back yard or work on your flower beds so mythology. and different. Right now, you may be thinking about one person whom you suspect of as not to invite neighbors either. If someone does happen to come over, then make it 50. The 4th planet from the sun. large courtyard that provides accom- modation for caravans. doing you wrong. Dark feelings could overtake your mind. Do your best to rid yourself of idle chit chat rather than a full-blown conversation. You’re safer that way. Ideas and 52. A radioactive element of the actinide thoughts are okay as long as you keep them to yourself. There’s no need for antago- 42. An official prosecutor for a judicial dis- those thoughts immediately. When that negativity is felt, all it can do is bring more negativ- series. nism, either for them or for you. trict. ity to you. Look to romance and have a good time. That brings the best positive thoughts. 53. A state of abnormal softening of tissue. 47. Liquid containing proteins and elec- 54. An informal conversation. trolytes including the liquid in blood 58. The table in Christian churches where plasma and interstitial fluid. communion is given. 48. A metric unit of length equal to one Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution 59. Having the leading position or higher hundredth of a meter. score in a contest. 49. (Norse mythology) God of light and 62. Lacking or deprive of the sense of peace and noted for his beauty and hearing wholly or in part. sweet nature. 65. United States heavyweight boxing 51. Someone who works (or provides champion (1866-1933). workers) during a strike. 68. (Bible) The archangel who was the 55. A port city of south central Ukraine on messenger of God. an arm of the Black Sea. 73. (Sumerian) Sun god. 56. A public promotion of some product or 74. A battle during the American service. Revolutionary War (1777). 57. A light strong brittle gray toxic bivalent 77. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. metallic element. 78. Psychoactive substance present in 60. A blind god. marijuana. 61. Annual to perennial herbs of the 79. A cut of pork ribs with much of the Mediterranean region. meat trimmed off. 63. 100 agorot equal 1 shekel. 80. The longest division of geological time. 64. A villainous Jew in Charles Dickens' 81. A period marked by distinctive charac- novel "Oliver Twist". ter or reckoned from a fixed point or 66. (military) Signal to turn the lights out. event. 67. A device in which something (usually 82. City in central Iran. an animal) can be caught and penned. 83. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar 69. A small cake leavened with yeast. to but heavier than beer. 70. The United Nations agency concerned with atomic energy. DOWN 71. An organic compound that contains a 1. United States screenwriter and filmmak- hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon er (born in 1944). atom which in turn is doubly bonded 2. The fourth month of the Hindu calendar. to another carbon atom. 3. Roman scholar (116-27 BC). 72. A narrow way or road. 4. Caught or fixed. 75. A constellation in the southern hemi- 5. Disturb in mind or make uneasy or sphere near Telescopium and Norma. cause to be worried or alarmed. 76. (Brit) A tough youth of 1950's and 6. A lyric poem with complex stanza forms. 1960's wearing Edwardian style 7. Make fat or plump. clothes.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily Sudoku Yesterday’s Solution Established 1961 Lifestyle MONDAY, MAY 20, 2019

A Muslim man reads the Holy Quran during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan at the Datok mosque in Pattani province. — AFP

ong known for their hearty meat-and-pota- Ltoes fare, Danish chefs have now carved out a name for themselves in the culinary world with trailblazing dishes at star-studded restau- rants. With cold winters and sandy fields bat- tered by winds from the North Sea and Baltic, Denmark is worlds away from the sun-drenched orchards of France and Italy, whose bountiful crops have served up gastronomic feasts for centuries. Heavily dependent on its pork industry and known for its beer and aquavit, the Scandinavian country has traditionally had little to boast about in the kitchen. So when Copenhagen hotspot Noma opened 15 years ago-it has since been voted the world’s best eatery repeatedly by British magazine Restaurant-it was seen as the herald of “New Danish Cuisine”: inventive dishes using high-quality organic, local and seasonal ingredients. Noma paved the way for a new gen- People enter the Noma restaurant in Copenhagen. pushing the culinary experience to the extreme. He In this file photo Danish chef eration of chefs raring to break new ground such And topping it all off, Denmark, now home to Copenhagen. As a result, Danish chefs have insists people “should use every opportunity to Rene Redzepi, co-owner of as those at gourmet restaurant Geranium, the 27 restaurants with Michelin stars, in January won learned to make do with what they have at hand make as ethical choices as possible”, covering the restaurant Noma in only Danish eatery to boast three Michelin stars. the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, the gastronomy and tend to have an interest in organic foods. everything from the building to the dishes and Copenhagen, Denmark, pos- equivalent of the World Cup, nudging out its They’ve invented new dishes far from the tradi- drinks served, the interior design and dishware. es for a photograph prior to ‘New story of Nordic cuisine’ Scandinavian neighbors Sweden and Norway. It tional heavy peasant fare of pork with potatoes Here, everything is sustainable and eco-friendly. a premiere of “Ants on a Noma, started by acclaimed chef Rene was a French chef, Daniel Letz, who earned and gravy. “All dishes have to take their point of departure in Shrimp” in Amsterdam. our garden,” he says. And many end up back in the Redzepi, took cuisine “to a new level”, says chef Denmark its first Michelin star in 1983. A lot has Creating refined, delicately flavored meals, — AFP photos Wassim Hallal, whose Restaurant Frederikshoj in happened since then, with awards raining down on chefs favor local specialties, honoring the country’s garden: at Moment, like at Gastrome, almost noth- Aarhus also has a Michelin star. “That’s how the the country in recent years. environmental mindset. “Instead of looking (at) ing gets thrown away. “We use the bread and the new story about Nordic cuisine started.” Fully what is happening in the world, it helps to follow peel for the chickens and they fertilize the ground booked months in advance and popular with Starting from scratch nature and see what is fresh now and what’s hap- in our garden,” Jorgensen says. — AFP celebrities, Noma has not only elevated Danish Denmark’s culinary successes have been attrib- pening in the season. That’s what inspires us,” says cuisine to new heights, it has also given the uted paradoxically to the country having no gas- William Jorgensen, one of the chefs and owners of country a lot of very valuable publicity. tronomic traditions to speak of. “When you have Gastrome. At his establishment in Aarhus’ Latin According to VisitDenmark, some 1.3 million gas- traditional dishes, it’s difficult to reinvent them,” Quarter, customers dine on halibut with lemon tro-tourists visited the nation in 2017, account- says Szilvia Gyimothy, associate professor in confit and watercress, blood oranges with buck- ing for 28 percent of foreign visitors. tourism research at the University of Aalborg- wheat, garlic and verbena, or potatoes with birch syrup and spruce.

Danish terroir The late culinary awakening has seen the new chefs make it their trademark to use in-season, locally-grown products and the maritime diversi- ty of the country’s shores, defining a Danish ter- roir for the first time. And it’s mostly all organic, with a sharp focus on responsible consumerism: more than half of Danes buy organic foods at least once a week, according to Organic Denmark. “Sustainability is earning a lot of focus in Scandinavia but it’s not something that con- cerns others, for instance American chefs,” Gyimothy says. Denmark is considered a pioneer in recycling and sorting of waste. In Copenhagen, each house- hold is encouraged to compost its own kitchen waste, and the goal is to recycle 50 percent of household trash by 2022. At his vegetarian eatery, A cardboard bridge is lifted by white balloons near the Castle of Amboise, Moment, bathed in light and backing onto a per- Central France. This ephemeral sculpture, 18 meters long and 250 kilos of card- maculture farm, Morten Storm Overgaard, a geol- board is the work of French artist Olivier Grossetete. — AFP A staff member lights a candle outside Noma restaurant in Copenhagen. ogist and professor at the University of Aarhus, is 20 Established 1961 Lifestyle Movies Monday, May 20, 2019

e’s played an SS assassin for Quentin Tarantino and subject. Diehl, 43, burst onto the international scene with Hshared a bed with Angelina Jolie in a spy thriller. a small but iconic part in Tarantino’s “Inglourious A revolutionary fervor While you might not know his name, you’re about Basterds” next to Austria’s Christoph Waltz, who would Diehl played a Jewish concentration camp prisoner in to hear an awful lot more about August Diehl. In his first win an Oscar for his portrayal of the erudite, vicious SS the searing Austria drama “The Counterfeiters”, which starring role at Cannes, the German actor has stepped into Colonel Hans Landa. clinched the best foreign language film Oscar in 2008. Two the role of a lifetime as anti-Nazi martyr Franz At his side, Diehl played Landa’s brash counterpart years later he was cast at Jolie’s side in “Salt”, at the rec- Jaegerstaetter in “A Hidden Life”, a World War II true-sto- Dieter Hellstrom, a Gestapo officer stationed in France. In ommendation of his “Inglourious Basterds” co-star Pitt, ry adaptation by Hollywood legend Terrence Malick. a pivotal scene in a tavern, Hellstrom unmasks Michael Jolie’s partner at the time. He played the long-suffering The notoriously reclusive Malick, who rarely gives Fassbender’s character as a British spy by the way he arachnologist husband of a woman accused of being a interviews or shows his face on the red carpet, is expected orders a round of drinks. Russian sleeper agent. While the part did little to test his to skip the Cannes limelight, leaving Diehl to play ambas- acting chops, it propelled him into a new orbit of stardom, sador for the film. But the secretive director may well be ‘Manly but no beauty’ even as he continues to tread the boards of Vienna’s in town, with an apparent sighting of him walking down La Through most of his career, Diehl has embraced the In “A Hidden Life”, German actor August Diehl portrays the renowned Burgtheater. Croisette late Friday in the company of two men. The pic- path of a character actor rather than a leading man. Austrian conscientious objector Franz Jaegerstaetter. — AFP Haitian-born director Raoul Peck saw a revolutionary ture is billed as a return to narrative form for Malick, the “Striking, manly but no beauty-full of character and in a fervor and flickering intelligence in Diehl’s eyes to cast him director of “Badlands” and “The Thin Red Line”, after the likeable way, crazy”, was how Berlin daily Tageszeitung role came in 1999 with “23” based on the true story of a as the lead of the acclaimed 2017 film “The Young Karl philosophical musings of recent films including his 2011 described the charismatic Diehl with the “bulging eyes”. drug-addicted hacker with a paranoid vision to change the Marx”. A similar spirit is expected to run through Malick’s Cannes winner “The Tree of Life” starring Brad Pitt. The son of an actor and a costume designer, Diehl lived on world. The riveting performance won him Germany’s top new picture as an intimate portrait of moral awakening and In the film, Diehl portrays the Austrian conscientious a farm in France’s Auvergne region as a boy before return- film acting prize. A devotee of the Method school of total resistance. — AFP objector Jaegerstaetter, who refused to serve in Hitler’s ing to Germany for school. immersion in a role and a Robert De Niro admirer, Diehl army on religious grounds and was sentenced to death at He attended Berlin’s prestigious Ernst Busch acting has said his approach on screen is generally less-is-more. age 36. As for most German-speaking actors with academy and launched his career in the top theatres of “I always want to give the audience not quite enough,” he Hollywood dreams, World War II is rarely far away as a Germany, Austria and Switzerland. His first major movie told German media.

edro Almodovar is used to a good reception from From a scene about Salvador’s sexual awakening to a ing themselves bare...There was something inside me that Pwhat he called “faithful” audiences in France - so tense discussion with his mother, many episodes were made me think ‘don’t ask’”. Banderas said he had tried to much so, the director joked on Saturday that he was invented, he said, adding though his experiences had wipe the slate clean in his eighth collaboration with In this file photo taken on October 1, 2015 shows veteran “Franco-Spanish”. His latest movie, a loosely autobio- informed the fiction. “I did live through a love that was Almodovar. Hollywood actor Harvey Keitel walking on the red carpet for graphical portrait of a tormented filmmaker, could up the broken off at a moment when the flame was very much still “To create this character I had to kill Antonio Banderas,” the opening ceremony of the 20th Busan International Film ante for the Oscar winner after an enthusiastic response alive, because of a set of circumstances,” Almodovar said. he said. Almodovar, 69, headed the jury at Cannes in 2017, Festival (BIFF) in Busan. — AFP from critics at the Cannes Film Festival, where it is a con- “That’s a very painful thing. It’s not natural to have to end but has never won the Palme D’Or. “Pain And Glory”, which tender for the top Palme D’Or award. “Pain and Glory” it...it’s like cutting off your own arm.” already premiered in Spain, was one of the filmmaker’s “best reunites Almodovar long-time collaborators Antonio and most personal movie in years”, IndieWire critic Eric Banderas and Penelope Cruz in a wistful dive into the ‘Don’t ask’ Kohn wrote after its Cannes screening. world of cinema and the highs and lows of creativity. Delving into Almodovar’s life was also a challenge for a “Driven by Banderas’ lovely, nuanced turn and the As ageing director Salvador, played by Banderas, looks cast deeply connected to the director - starring in his ear- slow-burn exposition, it’s impossible not to feel the back on his life, other themes dear to Almodovar take hold ly movies propelled both Banderas and Cruz into interna- emotional turmoil on both sides of the camera,” Kohn too, including the character’s relationship with his mother tional stardom. Cruz, who featured in “All About My said. Almodovar’s “All About My Mother” won the best and his explorations of desire and love. “I project myself in Mother” and “Volver” among other Almodovar classics, foreign language film Oscar in 2000 while his drama this film, but it’s not to be taken literally,” Almodovar, wear- said she had felt unusually shy about grilling the filmmaker “Talk To Her” clinched the best original screenplay ing dark glasses, told a news conference following the in preparation for “Pain And Glory”, where she plays the Academy Award in 2003. — AFP eteran US actor Harvey Keitel is headlining a new movie’s Cannes premiere the night before, where it protagonist’s mother. “It was curious,” Cruz said. “I think biopic about Jewish mobster Meyer Lansky, who received a standing ovation. there was a form of respect towards someone who is lay- Vwas a close friend and contemporary of notorious gangster Bugsy Siegel, the distributors said Saturday. Entitled “Lansky”, the film focuses on the latter part of his life when the now retired-boss of Murder Inc. was in his 70s and living anonymously in Florida’s Miami Beach, Voltage Pictures said. When Lansky takes on a journalist to tell his story, played by “Avatar” actor Sam Worthington, the FBI use him as bait to entrap the underworld kingpin whom they suspect of stashing away millions. The film is in pre- production with shooting due to start in August. Keitel is known for playing hard-boiled tough guys, tak- ing on roles in cult classics such as Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” (1992) and “Pulp Fiction” (1994), but also starring in Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning “The Piano” (1993). The picture is being directed by Eytan Rockaway, who wrote the script based on a story by Israeli director Ido Fluk and writer/producer Sharon Mashihi. Although the screenplay is partly fictional, Fluk’s story was partially based on interviews with Lansky by the direc- tor’s father, history professor Robert Rockaway. “He inter- viewed Lansky for his research spanning decades for class- es that he teaches, and lectures that he gives around the world,” the director wrote in an email. In 1993, his father (From left) Argentinian actor Leonardo Sbaraglia, Spanish producer Esther Garcia, Spanish producer Agustin Almodovar, (From left) Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, Spanish film published a book called “But He Was Good to His Mother: Spanish actress Nora Navas, Spanish actor Asier Etxeandia, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, Spanish film director Pedro director Pedro Almodovar and Spanish actor Antonio The Lives and Crimes of Jewish Gangsters”. “Eytan’s fierce Almodovar and Spanish actor Antonio Banderas arrive for the screening of the film “Dolor Y Gloria (Pain and Glory)” at the Banderas pose during a photocall for the film “Dolor Y Gloria talent and unparalleled access to the psyche of Meyer 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. (Pain and Glory)” at the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Lansky will elevate ‘Lansky’ to genre-best status,” said Festival in Cannes, southern France. Voltage’s chief operating officer and president Jonathan Deckter, describing it as a “mind-blowing story”. Born in 1902, Lansky moved to the United States with his parents at the age of nine and by his mid-teens, he was already running a gang with Siegel and went on to play a key role in liquor smuggling, gambling and guns for hire. With the FBI hot on his trail and fearing a grand jury sum- mons and prosecution for tax fraud, he tried to flee to Israel in 1970 but after a year or so was deported back to the US. He died of lung cancer in 1983 and was buried in Miami after an Orthodox Jewish ceremony. — AFP

(From left) Argentinian actor Leonardo Sbaraglia, Spanish actress Penelope (From left) Spanish actor Asier Etxeandia, Spanish actress Nora Navas, Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar, Cruz, Spanish actor Asier Etxeandia, Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and Argentinian actor Leonardo Sbaraglia Spanish actress Nora Navas and Spanish actor Antonio Banderas pose during arrive for the screening of the film “Dolor Y Gloria (Pain and Glory)” at the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film a photocall for the film “Dolor Y Gloria (Pain and Glory)” at the 72nd edition of Festival in Cannes, southern France. — AFP photos the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France.

has been snapped up by Paramount with production expected to start in February. Chris Hemsworth The picture casts the Australian actor opposite fast- rising comedy star Tiffany Haddish, with the ill-suited pair thrown together in an investigation in which the main suspects happen to be a troupe of Australian male erotic dancers. Paramount has pledged a budget of $40 million (36 million euros), with production expected to start in February. Brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, who directed “Avengers: Endgame” are producing, with the script Indian actress and model Priyanka Chopra (left) and US written by Peter Hoare. A director has not yet been cho- vengers” star Chris Hemsworth is to play an sen. Hemsworth, 35, played Thor in the Avengers fran- singer songwriter Nick Jonas arrive for the screening of the undercover detective in a $40 million comedy chise, while 39-year-old Haddish made her breakthrough film “The Best Years of a Life (Les Plus Belles Annees D’Une “A about two mismatched cops investigating a in 2017 with “Girls Trip”, a comedy in which she plays a Vie)” at the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival in series of casino heists, the distributors told media at loud-mouthed but endearing friend. — AFP Cannes, southern France. — AFP Cannes yesterday. Entitled “Down Under Cover”, the film Established 1961 21 Lifestyle Feature Monday, May 20, 2019

In this file photo taken on September 27, 1985 Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei pos- In this file photo taken on June 22, 2006 Chinese architect of In this file photo taken on April 8, 2007 a general view shows the new Islamic Museum of Art, es with the architectural model of the Louvre Pyramid in Paris. — AFP photos the Louvre Pyramid Ieoh Ming Pei smiles in the Napoleon designed by architect I.M. Pei., in Doha, Qatar. courtyard of the Louvre museum in Paris.

.M. Pei, the preeminent US architect who forged a dis- said a New York Times review 30 years after its unveiling. Itinct brand of modern building design with his sharp French president Francois Mitterrand was so impressed lines and stark structures, has died in New York, his that he had Pei hired to build a glass pyramid into the sons’ architecture firm said Thursday. He was 102 years courtyard of the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum. old. From the controversial Louvre Pyramid in Paris to the The project was deeply controversial in Paris and Pei landmark Bank of China tower in Hong Kong, the Chinese- endured a roasting from critics before the giant glass born Pei was the mastermind behind works seen as structure opened in 1989, but his creation is now an icon embracing modernity tempered by a grounding in history. of the French capital. “I received many angry glances in Pei Partnership Architects confirmed Pei’s death to AFP. the streets of Paris,” Pei later said, confessing that “after The New York Times, citing Pei’s son Li Chung, said the the Louvre, I thought no project would be too difficult.” architect had died overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

In this file photo taken on November 22, 2008 fireworks light up the sky during the opening ceremony of the new Museum of Islamic Arts, designed by architect I.M. Pei., in Doha.

MIT as well as a range of US government panels including the National Council on the Humanities and National Council on the Arts. He dedicated the $100,000 prize money he was awarded as laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize to setting up a scholarship fund for Chinese students to study the craft in the United States, on the condition they return home to design and build. In 1975, Pei was elected to the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. Three years later he became Chancellor of the Academy, the first architect to hold the position. He was also one of 12 naturalized US citizens

“Contemporary architects tend to impose modernity on Grace and drama something. There is a certain concern for history but it’s Other well-known and characteristic Pei projects-often This file photo taken on June 17, 2013 in Hong Kong shows not very deep,” Pei, with his owlish round-rimmed glasses, graceful combinations of geometric planes-include the the Bank of China tower (center left), designed by architect told The New York Times in a 2008 interview. “I under- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, I.M. Pei., and other high rise buildings. stand that times have changed, we have evolved. But I Ohio; the Miho Museum of Shigo in Japan; the Morton don’t want to forget the beginning,” he said. “A lasting Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas and The John F. of the Royal Academy of Arts in London. In addition to his architecture has to have roots.” His work earned the 1983 Kennedy Library in Boston. He brought drama to the Four museum oeuvre and contributions to the government and Pritzker Prize, considered architecture’s Nobel. Of his Seasons Hotel in Manhattan and Raffles City in Singapore. commercial landscape, Pei also worked on moderate and nearly 50 designs in the United States and around the His Fragrant Hill Hotel in Beijing, completed in 1982, was low-income housing. world, more than half won major awards. intended to incorporate technology and indigenous build- “His concern has always been the surroundings in ing principles in a blend that would open the way to a par- which his buildings rise,” wrote the Pritzker jury that Modern angles ticularly Chinese brand of modern architecture. bestowed to him in 1983 architecture’s most prestigious Born in China in 1917, banker’s son Ieoh Ming Pei came Despite being a confessed Islamic art novice, Pei was prize. “His versatility and skill in the use of materials to the US at 17 to study architecture, receiving an under- also commissioned to design the Museum of Islamic Art in This photo taken on October 10, 2018 shows people visiting approach the level of poetry,” the committee wrote. “His graduate degree in the field from the Massachusetts Doha, Qatar, which opened in 2008 to great fanfare. The the new Suzhou Museum, designed by Chinese-American tact and patience have enabled him to draw together peo- Institute of Technology in 1940. He then enrolled in desert-toned building, inspired by the 13th-century architect I.M. Pei, in Suzhou in China’s eastern Jiangsu ples of disparate interests and disciplines to create a har- Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where he Mosque of Ahmad ibn Tulun in Cairo, incorporates geo- province. monious environment.” — AFP received a master’s degree in architecture in 1946. He metric patterns and is lit by reflected light entering from became a naturalized US citizen in 1954. In one standout above. Pei spent months traveling the Muslim world seek- then-president Ronald Reagan awarded the Medal of undertaking, he deftly inserted into the monumental struc- ing inspiration. “Islam was one religion I did not know,” he Liberty in 1986. tures of the capital of his adopted country the modern told the Times the year of the opening. “So I studied the In 1988, Mitterrand inducted Pei as a Chevalier in the angles of the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, life of Muhammad. I went to Egypt and Tunisia.” Legion d’Honneur, later raising him to the rank of Officier opened in 1978. The stunning concrete and glass structure when Phase II of the glass-and-stainless steel Grand features huge mirrored pyramids and a 50-foot (15-meter) Architectural ‘poetry’ Louvre pyramid was completed in 1993. US president waterfall. Pei dedicated energetic efforts to supporting the arts George Bush awarded Pei the Medal of Freedom that same It was “a composition of angular stone forms... that and education, serving on visiting committees at the year, when he was also elected an Honorary Academician remains the most visible emblem of modern Washington,” Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Harvard and

In this file photo taken on August 7, 1987 the Louvre Pyramid, designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, is under construction, in the main courtyard (Cour Napoleon) of the Louvre Palace (Palais du Louvre) in Paris.

In this file photo taken on February 18, 2017 people walk around the pyramid of the Louvre, designed by Chinese-American This file photo taken on August 30, 2017 shows the Rock and This file photo taken on June 19, 2013 in Hong Kong shows architect I.M. Pei, outside the Louvre museum in Paris. Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, designed by architect I.M. the Bank of China tower, designed by architect I.M. Pei. Pei., in Cleveland, Ohio. 22 Established 1961 Monday, May 20, 2019 Lifestyle Features

Participants pose during the mullet haircut festival in Boussu. — AFP photos

Men has his hair cut during the mullet haircut festival in Boussu.

elgium is all business at the front, in the very seri- cialists it celebrates “dewanne”, tomfoolery in the selves about that,” he admitted. Laid back outback which the lead character sports a mullet. “When I was ous EU capital Brussels, but it’s all party at the Borinage dialect. Australia has hosted mullet festivals in the past, but little, I was in love with MacGyver, this is like a return Bback, in the little western town of Boussu. Here, “This cut is a state of mind, a declaration of inde- organizers think that Boussu’s-which they hoped would to my childhood,” said 31-year-old Marie Vandeville as outside an artisanal brewery, hundreds of nostalgics pendence. It carries symbolic weight as an affirmation attract around 1,500 people-is a first in Europe. she went under the razor. “I’ll only leave it a few days, and merry-makers gathered on Saturday to celebrate of self,” organizer Damien Hubert told AFP, explaining Many of those who turned out on Saturday for a afterwards we’ll even it up.” — AFP the mullet, the iconic 1980s hairdo. For some it’s a how the festival evolved from a music video film shoot. beer and a bold trim were thirty and forty-something throwback to a simpler time, for others an anti-fashion “To be honest, I’m not sure that many people ever nostalgic for the age of rocker Rod Stewart, footballer statement or simply a bit of a laugh-for folklore spe- found the cut very attractive. We’re not kidding our- Chris Waddle or the US adventure series MacGyver, in

Models present creations by an Iraqi fashion designer during Ramadan Fashion Show 2019 in the capital Baghdad yesterday. — AFP photos ClassifiedsMonday, May 20, 2019

CHANGE OF NAME

I, DIANA VALERIAN FERNAN- Sabah Hospital 24812000 DES would like to change my father’s name Cosmos Xavier Amiri Hospital 22450005 Fernandes to Cosme Xavier Maternity Hospital 24843100 Cornelo Cipriano Fernandes as per his birth certificate. Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 (C 5532) 17-5-2019 Chest Hospital 24849400 I, ISABEL SEBASTIANA LAURI- ANA FERNANDES, daughter of Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Antonio Milton Fernandes and Purificacao Isabel De Almeida, Adan Hospital 23940620 wife of Mr. Ignatius Francis be called in name of ISABEL D’Silva, Major of age, Married, Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 SEBASTIANA LAURIANA FER- R/o. P.O. Betim, Salvador Du NANDES. (C 5529) Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Mundo, Salem Saloi, Bardez, Goa, presently resident of I, Saifuddin Kutbuddin, holder Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Bldg# 23, Block# 9, Ibn Zuhr of Indian Passport No. Street, Khaitan, Kuwait, do here Z1922953 issued at Kuwait on wish to correct my name from 17/09/2011, permanent resi- Isabel Lauriana D’Silva to Isabel dent of Mohammediya Sebastiana Lauriana Fernandes Galiakot, Rajasthan, Pin Kaizen center 25716707 and my mother name 314026, residing in Kuwait at Purification Fernandes to present hereby declare the Rawda 22517733 Purificacao Isabel De Almeida, name change as Given Name: in my Indian Passport bearing Kutbuddin Surname: Saifuddin. Adaliya 22517144 No. M5455148. Hereafter in all (C 5531) 16-5-2019 my dealings & Documents I will Khaldiya 24848075 Kaifan 24849807 Shamiya 24848913 Shuwaikh 24814507 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Airlines Nuzha 22526804 Kuwait Airways 171 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Jazeera Airways 177 Wataniya Airways 22 066 536 Qadsiya 22515088 Turkish Airlines 1884918 Dasmah 22532265 American Airlines 22087425 22087426 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Jet Airways 22924455 FlyDubai 22414400 Shaab 22518752 Qatar Airways 22423888 Qibla 22459381 KLM 22425747 Royal Jordanian 22418064/5/6 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 British Airways 22425635 Air France 22430224 Mirqab 22456536 Emirates 22921555 Air India 22456700 Sharq 22465401 Air India EXPRESS 22438185/4 Salmiya 25746401

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 20/5/2019 KAC 742 Dammam 12:55 Departure Flights on Monday 20/5/2019 RBG 554 Alexandria 13:10 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 774 Riyadh 13:35 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 115 Doha 13:25 FEG 441 Asyut 00:05 JZR 212 Jeddah 13:45 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Chennai 00:05 SAW 702 Damascus 13:30 IGO 1757 Kochi 00:10 KAC 672 Dubai 14:00 MSC 412 Asyut 00:15 MSR 611 Cairo 13:45 THY 772 Istanbul 00:20 KNE 535 Jeddah 14:05 MSR 615 Cairo 00:30 THY 767 Istanbul 14:00 JZR 254D Amman 00:40 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 102 London 00:50 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 FEG 342 Sohag 01:05 KNE 536 Jeddah 14:55 DLH 625 Dammam 00:50 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:15 IGO 1758 Kochi 01:10 KNE 382 Taif 15:00 JZR 722 Alexandria 01:00 KAC 286 Dhaka 14:35 JZR 713 Sohag 01:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:00 JZR 734 Cairo 01:00 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:45 KAC 677 Dubai 01:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 KAC 504 Beirut 01:00 JZR 222 Riyadh 14:45 THY 773 Istanbul 01:50 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 RJA 642 Amman 01:20 KAC 304 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09:40 DLH 624 Dammam 20:55 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:50 QTR 1088 Doha 20:40 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 RBG 219 Sohag 20:55 KAC 773 Riyadh 09:40 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 KAC 334 Trivandrum 09:00 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:00 JZR 731 Cairo 09:45 KAC 301 Mumbai 21:25 FDB 5055 Dubai 09:20 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:10 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 09:55 RBG 210 Sohag 21:35 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 KAC 101 London 10:05 QTR 1089 Doha 21:50 IGO 1753 Ahmedabad 09:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 FDB 5056 Dubai 10:15 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 384 Delhi 09:45 KAC 168 Paris 21:20 KAC 515 Tehran 10:35 KAC 203 Lahore 22:00 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 10:20 KAC 164 MXP 21:40 KAC 617 Doha 10:40 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:10 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 622 Doha 21:50 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 AXB 395 Kozhikode 10:40 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 IGO 1754 Ahmedabad 10:40 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 AZQ 4565 Baku 22:00 AXB 890 Mangalore 11:20 KAC 383 Delhi 22:35 JZR 1222 Jeddah 10:55 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 JZR 221 Riyadh 11:20 JZR 407 Ahmedabad 22:40 QTR 1074 Doha 11:00 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:50 SYR 341 Damascus 11:00 KAC 786 Jeddah 22:20 AXB 396 Kozhikode 11:50 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:55 AXB 789 CNN/Bahrain 12:10 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 KAC 551 Cairo 23:00 SAW 701 Damascus 12:30 SVA 502 Jeddah 22:45 SYR 342 Damascus 12:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 RBG 553 Alexandria 12:30 JZR 254 Amman 23:10 JZR 213 Jeddah 12:05 UAE 860 Dubai 23:15 THY 766 Istanbul 12:30 MSC 411 Asyut 23:15 QTR 1075 Doha 12:10 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 MSR 614 Cairo 23:30 JZR 123 Dubai 12:45 SVA 503 Jeddah 23:45 MSR 610 Cairo 12:45 FDB 071 Dubai 23:50 AXB 790 CNN 13:10 AZQ 4566 Baku 23:45 24 Established 1961 News Monday, May 20, 2019

GAZA: Palestinian families break their fast next to a destroyed building during recent confrontation between Hamas and Israel in Gaza Strip during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. — AFP Boeing acknowledges flaw in 737 MAX simulator software NEW YORK: Boeing acknowledged Saturday it had Pilots Association,” it added. to correct flaws in its 737 MAX flight simulator soft- The planes have been grounded around the world, ware used to train pilots, after two deadly crashes awaiting approval from US and international regulators involving the aircraft that killed 346 people. “Boeing before they can return to service. Only Air Canada has Bomb blast hits has made corrections to the 737 MAX simulator soft- a MAX simulator, industry sources told AFP. Currently, ware and has provided additional information to there is only one flight simulator specific to the 737 tourist bus near device operators to ensure that the simulator experi- MAX in the United States, and it is owned by Boeing, ence is representative across different flight condi- according to FAA documentation. tions,” it said in a statement. US airlines train their pilots flying the MAX on a Egypt pyramids The company did not indicate when it first became simulator built for the 737 NG, the version preceding A bomb blast hit a tourist bus near Egypt’s aware of the problem, and whether it informed regu- the 737 MAX in the 737 aircraft family. Southwest said GIZA: lators. Its statement marked the first time Boeing that’s because during the certification process for the famed Giza pyramids yesterday, wounding at least acknowledged there was a design flaw in software MAX, Boeing stressed that there were only minor dif- 17 people, including South Africans, in the latest linked to the 737 MAX, whose MCAS anti-stall soft- ferences with the NG and simple computer and online blow to the country’s tourism industry. The roadside ware has been blamed in large part for the Ethiopian training could accommodate for the differences. bomb went off as the bus was being driven in Giza, also causing injuries to Egyptians in a nearby car, Airlines tragedy. According to Boeing, the flight simu- The FAA, the European Union Aviation Safety GIZA: Photo shows a bus damaged during a bomb blast medical and security sources said. There were no lator software was incapable of reproducing certain Agency and Canadian regulators had approved those near Egypt’s famed Giza pyramids. — AFP flight conditions similar to those at the time of the recommendations, Boeing stresses. However, the 737 deaths reported. Ethiopian Airlines crash in March or the Lion Air NG lacks an MCAS, specially designed for the MAX in “A device exploded and smashed the windows of crash in October. order to correct an aerodynamic anomaly due to its a bus carrying 25 people from South Africa and a off. Egypt has been battling an insurgency that The company said the latest “changes will improve heavier motor and to prevent the plane from stalling. private car carrying four Egyptians,” the security surged especially in the turbulent North Sinai region the simulation of force loads on the manual trim Pilot training will likely be at the heart of the meeting source said. Video footage captured by AFP showed following the 2013 military ouster of Islamist presi- wheel,” a rarely used manual wheel to control the of international regulators in Forth Worth, Texas on the bus and car with broken windows on the side of dent Mohamed Morsi, who was replaced by former plane’s angle. “Boeing is working closely with the Thursday when the FAA will try convince its counter- the road. According to the security source, the army general Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. In February 2018, device manufacturers and regulators on these changes parts of the robustness of its certification process for wounded were being treated for scratches caused the army launched a nationwide operation against and improvements, and to ensure that customer train- the modified 737 MAX. by the broken glass. militants, focusing mainly on the North Sinai region. ing is not disrupted,” it added. Southwest Airlines, a The American regulator has maintained that training Ndivhuwo Mabaya, spokesman for South Africa’s Some 650 militants and around 45 soldiers have major 737 MAX customer with 34 of the aircraft in its pilots on a simulator is not essential, a position with department of international relations, told AFP that been killed since the start of the offensive, according fleet, told AFP it expected to receive the first simulator which pilots and its Canadian counterpart disagree. “there might be South Africans involved” but to separate statements by the armed forces. Since “late this year.” Boeing said Thursday that it completed its software declined to give any figures. Yesterday’s incident first being elected in 2014, Sisi has presented himself American Airlines, which has 24 of the aircraft, said update on the 737 MAX. The proposed fix, which comes after three Vietnamese holidaymakers and as a bulwark against terrorism, promising stability it had ordered a 737 MAX simulator that will be addresses a problem with a flight handling system their Egyptian guide were killed when a roadside and increased security. Recently, the country’s vital delivered and put into operation in December. “As a thought to be a factor in both crashes, must now win bomb hit their bus as it travelled near the Giza pyra- tourism industry has started to slowly rebound after result of the continuing investigation into both air- approval from US and international regulators before mids outside Cairo in December. suffering strong blows due to deadly attacks target- craft accidents, we are looking at the potential for the planes can return to service. US airlines have tar- It also comes just little more than a month before ing tourists following the turmoil of the 2011 uprising additional training opportunities in coordination with geted August as the date they expect to resume flying the African Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt is to kick that toppled longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak. — AFP the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and Allied on the 737 MAX. — AFP

bling to find supplies. Russia’s Novak told reporters above that you can’t give if you don’t earn. So this a clear Saudi recommends that oil supplies to Poland via the pipeline would start Roll up your... admonition to abandon laziness and adopt proactivity so today. OPEC’s agreed share of the cuts is 800,000 that you can earn, so that you can share with others, for bpd, but its actual reduction is far larger due to the Continued from Page 1 which you will reap abundant rewards from Allah (SWT). ‘gently’ driving oil... production losses in Iran and Venezuela. Both are under The devil ties knots on the lazy people. Abu Huraira (RA) US sanctions and exempt from the voluntary reductions feels pain, it affects the mind - thus the level of concen- narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The devil Continued from Page 1 under the OPEC-led deal. tration dwindles. ties three knots at the forelock of one of you when he Oil prices edged lower on Friday due to demand Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) discouraged laziness: Ibn sleeps. By each knot, he encourages you to have a deep Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “I mobi- than forecast, data from the government’s Energy fears amid a standoff in Sino-US trade talks, but both sleep during the night, which seems to be very long. So lized a neighborhood of Arabs to carry out a mission related Information Administration showed on Wednesday. benchmarks ended the week higher on rising concerns when one wakes up and remembers Allah (SWT), mentions to protecting Islam, and they slackened in their response. Him and celebrates His praises, one knot gets untied. Saudi Arabia sees no need to boost production over disruptions in Middle East shipments due to US- Allah (SWT) withheld rain from them as a punishment (for When he goes to perform Wudu (ablutions), another quickly now, with oil at around $70 a barrel, as it fears Iran political tensions. Tensions between Saudi Arabia being lazy.)” (Al-Hakim rated it as Saheeh (authentic) in Al- knot unties, and when he prays Salat Al-Fajr (the dawn a price crash and a build-up in inventories, OPEC and Iran are running high after last week’s attacks on Mustadrak 2/118. See also As-Silsilah As-Saheeha 6/129.) prayer), the third knot is untied. Therefore, the person sources said, adding that Russia wants to increase sup- two Saudi oil tankers off the UAE coast and another on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would always seek refuge would wake up active, enjoying a good mood and being ply after June. The United States, not a member of Saudi oil facilities inside the kingdom. in Allah (SWT) from faults and deficiencies, including lazi- characterized as good-hearted. However, if he doesn’t do as OPEC+ but a close ally of Riyadh, wants the group to Riyadh accused Tehran of ordering the drone strikes ness. Zaid bin Arqam narrated that Prophet Muhammad instructed, he would wake up dejected, melancholic, mali- boost output to bring oil prices down. on oil pumping stations, for which Yemen’s Iran-aligned (PBUH) used to supplicate saying, “O Allah, I seek refuge in cious, apathetic and appearing sly.” (Al-Bukhari 3/1,142 and Falih has to find a delicate balance between keeping Houthi group claimed responsibility. The UAE has You from inability, laziness, cowardice, miserliness, senility, Muslim 776) the oil market well supplied and prices high enough for blamed no one for the tanker sabotage. Iran has dis- and the punishment of the grave....” (Muslim 2,722). If Finally, we should understand that Allah (SWT) is our Riyadh’s budget needs, while pleasing Moscow to tanced itself from both sets of attacks. Saudi Arabia’s Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would seek refuge in Allah creator; He knows very well what is good for us and what is ensure Russia remains in the OPEC+ pact, and being foreign minister said yesterday that the kingdom wants (SWT) from laziness, this means it is a terrible vice that we bad for us. Being active in obliging to the commandments of responsive to the concerns of the United States and the to avert war in the region but stands ready to respond ought to distance ourselves from after asking Allah (SWT) Allah as well as working hard to fulfill our mundane duties rest of OPEC+, the sources said earlier. Yesterday’s with “all strength” following the attacks. to keep us away from it. and needs that do not contradict with the Allah’s admoni- meeting of the ministerial panel, known as the JMMC, “Although it has not affected our supplies, such acts If you choose to be lazy, you will pay the price sooner tions will benefit us in this world and in the hereafter. So, comes amid concerns of a tight market. Iran’s oil of terrorism are deplorable,” Falih said. “They threaten rather than later. Malik bin Nadhlah (RA) narrated that let’s be active during this auspicious month of Ramadan and exports are likely to drop further in May and shipments uninterrupted supplies of energy to the world and put a Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “There are three cate- explore every avenue that will bring us Allah’s pleasure. from Venezuela could fall again in coming weeks due to global economy that is already facing headwinds at fur- gories of hands; the highest of which is Allah’ hand, followed US sanctions. ther risk.” The attacks come as the United States and by the hand that gives (frequently without fear of poverty) Courtesy of the TIES Center: the TIES Center aims at and the lowest being the hand of the beggar. Therefore Oil contamination also forced Russia to halt flows Iran spar over Washington’s tightening of sanctions empower Kuwait’s expats through social and educational make sure you give from your surplus and don’t be stingy along the Druzhba pipeline - a key conduit for crude aimed at cutting Iranian oil exports to zero, and an services that promote a positive and productive role in soci- on yourself.” (Collected by Imam Abu Dawud 1, 649 and its ety, and to facilitate opportunities for intra- and interfaith into Eastern Europe and Germany - in April. The sus- increased US military presence in the Gulf over per- chain of narrators is strong.) interactions that promote social solidarity. For more informa- pension, as yet of unclear duration, left refiners scram- ceived Iranian threats to US interests.— Reuters We construe from the hadeeth (prophetic narration) tion, please call 25231015/6 or e-mail: [email protected]. Established 1961 25 Sports Monday, May 20, 2019 Astros beat Boston Red Sox to extend winning streak to 10

Trout hits 250th HR as Angels top Royals

BOSTON: Tyler White capped a five-run first inning feet and was the 250th of his career. He joined Alex with a two-run double, and Josh James delivered three Rodriguez, Jimmie Foxx, Ken Griffey Jr., Mickey scoreless innings of relief as the Houston Astros Mantle and Juan Gonzalez as one of just 13 players defeated the host Boston Red Sox 7-3 on Saturday at overall (and sixth American League player) to hit 250 Fenway Park to extend their winning streak to 10. It is home runs before turning 28. The home run also gave the second 10-game winning streak of the season for the Angels a 1-0 first-inning lead. Jonathan Lucroy the Astros, who will win this three-game series added an RBI single in the second inning to make it 2- between the last two American League champions. The 0, and Canning took it from there. 1969 Astros were previously the only team in franchise history to post two double-digit winning streaks in the PHILLIES 2, ROCKIES 1 same season. James (1-0) entered with two runners on Bryce Harper homered, doubled and reached base and no outs in the fifth but worked out of the jam with three times as host Philadelphia handed Colorado its no damage. He then retired Boston in order in the sixth third straight loss. Harper’s eighth homer of the sea- and seventh innings and allowed zero hits and one walk son, a 466-foot shot to center field with two outs in while striking out two. The Astros made short work of the first inning, opened the scoring. Phillies starter Red Sox right-hander Hector Velazquez (1-3), with the Aaron Nola tossed six-plus solid innings and allowed first four batters reaching base safely to open the first eight hits and one run. Nola (4-0) tied his career inning. Velazquez allowed five runs on three hits and high with 12 strikeouts against just one walk. Rockies two walks while recording just one out. starter Antonio Senzatela (3-3) was effective in five innings, giving up five hits and two runs (one earned). NATIONALS 5, CUBS 2 He walked four and struck out two. But his wild pitch Stephen Strasburg yielded just one earned run and in the third allowed Jean Segura to score what would four hits in eight innings, while Juan Soto had two hits be the game winner. and drove in three runs as host Washington topped Chicago. Strasburg (4-3) struck out the side in the REDS 4, DODGERS 0 third and finished with seven strikeouts before Sean Tyler Mahle threw six shutout innings as host Doolittle pitched the ninth to earn his eighth save-but Cincinnati evened its three-game series by shutting out not before his outing was twice interrupted by Cubs Los Angeles a day after being shut out. Mahle (1-5) BOSTON: Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros runs the bases after hitting a home run in the fifth inning manager Joe Maddon, who filed an official protest returned home after six straight road starts and limited against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. — AFP because the Nationals’ left-hander was tapping his toe the Dodgers to four hits, striking out five and walking on the mound during his delivery. Jon Lester (3-2) two. The Reds came in averaging 1.8 runs per game for allowed five runs on 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings. In August Mahle, the lowest run support in the majors. Walker 2-for-5, hit a 1-0 fastball from Josh Hader (0-3) into PIRATES 7, PADRES 2 of last season, he gave up eight earned runs on 10 hits Buehler (4-1) pitched six innings, allowing four runs the upper reaches of the right field stands. It was the Josh Bell hit two of four homers clubbed off San in 3 2/3 innings in his only start of 2018 against the (one earned) and seven hits for the Dodgers. He struck 10th homer of the season for the Atlanta first baseman Diego starter Nick Margevicius to lead Pittsburgh to a Nationals. In his previous five starts of this season out seven and didn’t walk a batter. Dodgers right field- and the 199th of his career. The winning pitcher was road victory. Bell, who now has 14 homers on the sea- before Saturday, Lester gave up just a single earned er Cody Bellinger, who came in with the highest bat- Jacob Webb (2-0), who worked a perfect 10th inning. son, combined with Bryan Reynolds for back-to-back run, including none in his previous three starts. ting average in the majors, went 2-for-3 with a walk to Atlanta starter Kevin Gausman pitched six innings and shots in the second inning. Bell then hit a three-run raise it to .409. allowed two runs-both in the first inning-on six hits. He homer in the third. The homer assault-as well as the RAYS 2, YANKEES 1 (11 INNINGS) walked two and struck out four. It was Gausman’s first game for Margevicius (2-5) — ended when Gregory Austin Meadows homered with one out in the top of CARDINALS 8, RANGERS 2 game back since serving a five-game suspension for Polanco opened the fifth inning with his fourth homer the 11th inning off Luis Cessa (0-1) as Tampa Bay Paul DeJong collected a season-high four RBIs as intentionally throwing behind Miami pitcher Jose of the season. Left-hander Steven Brault (1-1) got edged New York at Yankee Stadium. It was Meadows’ St. Louis snapped a three-game losing streak with a Urena last month. credit for the win, allowing two runs on four hits and ninth homer of the season. Hunter Wood (1-0) tossed a blowout win over Texas in Arlington. The Cardinals four walks with two strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings. scoreless 10th after being activated from the injured scored more runs in the win than they did during a los- TWINS 18, MARINERS 4 list before the game. Jose Alvarado worked around a ing streak in which they were outscored 21-6 by the C.J. Cron and Jonathan Schoop each hit two home INDIANS 4, ORIOLES 1 leadoff single in the 11th and converted his fifth save in Rangers and Atlanta Braves. St. Louis ended a three- runs, and Byron Buxton hit a grand slam as visiting Adam Plutko allowed one hit over six innings in his six chances after allowing three runs in the ninth inning game winning streak for Texas. Dakota Hudson (3-3) Minnesota belted six homers while cruising to victory season debut, and Jordan Luplow launched a two-run Friday. The Rays halted New York’s four-game winning earned his first win of the month after allowing two over Seattle. It was the fifth time this season the Twins homer as host Cleveland had little trouble with streak and rebounded after allowing three runs in the runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two, in hit five or more home runs in a game, making them the Baltimore. Carlos Santana homered to lead off the ninth on Friday. Tampa Bay also moved to 3-8 in one- six innings. Ariel Jurado (1-2), who was making his first first team in major league history to accomplish that eighth inning, and Francisco Lindor had an RBI single run games this year. start of the season, allowed four runs (two earned) on feat before June 1. Buxton and Schoop each finished for the Indians, who improved to 13-4 against the five hits and one walk in 4 1/3 innings. with five RBIs, while Cron, who also doubled and flew Orioles in their past 17 meetings since the beginning of ANGELS 6, ROYALS 3 out to the warning track in left, finished with four. the 2017 season. Trey Mancini recorded Baltimore’s Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani homered, Griffin BRAVES 4, BREWERS 3 (10 INNINGS) Miguel Sano also homered, and Marwin Gonzalez went lone hit with a solo homer with two outs in the fourth Canning threw seven scoreless innings and Los Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off home run to lead off 3-for-6 with a double as Minnesota pounded out 19 inning. He deposited a 1-0 changeup from Plutko (1-0) Angeles defeated Kansas City in Anaheim, Calif. the 10th inning to give host Atlanta a win over hits while extending its winning streak to a season- over the left-field wall for his team-leading 10th homer Trout’s 10th homer of the season was estimated at 473 Milwaukee, its fourth straight win. Freeman, who was best five games. of the season. — Reuters Azerbaijan invites football fans to War of Will experience UEFA wins 144th Europa League final Preakness Stakes

BAKU: The 68,700-seater Baku Olympic Stadium will WASHINGTON: War of Will won the 144th host the final between Arsenal and Chelsea later this Preakness Stakes on Saturday, holding off a field month, with packages still available that included a riderless horse to give trainer 16 May 2019: Azerbaijanis excited to welcome glob- Mark Casse his first Triple Crown race triumph. al football fans to enjoy the final of Europe’s second War of Will, who had a tough ride at the biggest club football tournament, the UEFA Europa Kentucky Derby, had a smooth trip from the League, at the Baku Olympic Stadium on 29th of May number one post under jockey Tyler Gaffalione, 2019. The match will see two English teams - Arsenal taking the lead at the top of the stretch and and Chelsea - battling it out for European glory, hanging on to beat late-charging Everfast by 1 attracting excitement from their fans around Europe 1/4 lengths. Owendale was third. and the world. An inquiry was briefly put up on the board at After hosting a series of successful high-profile Pimlico racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland, but sporting events over the last few years, including the was quickly taken down. Bodexpress threw Hall European Games, the Islamic Games and the Formula 1 of Fame jockey John Velazquez coming out of Azerbaijan Grand Prix this April, Baku, the capital of the starting gate and with outriders unable to Azerbaijan, is well placed to accommodate a large catch him ran with the field past the finish line. influx of visitors for this important game. That was the biggest drama of the day, a Besides watching the game, Azerbaijan hopes to relief after the controversial Kentucky Derby tempt spectators to explore the country’s many offer- saw Maximum Security cross the line first ings of outdoor pursuits and high-energy activities to before he was demoted to 17th for interfering ‘Take Another Look’ at all it has to offer. As one of the with another horse with Country House safest family-friendly destinations in the region, the declared the winner. country is blessed with endless natural beauty, modern The absence of both of those horses-the first architectural wonders and remnants of rich medieval time since 1996 that the Kentucky Derby winner history. From Baku’s modern Flame Towers, to the failed to start the Preakness-took a little luster UNESCO- protected Old City, mud volcanoes and from the race. But it was a sweet comeback for timeless rural villages, there’s something for everyone in War of Will, who stewards ruled was hindered Azerbaijan. by Maximum Security in the Kentucky Derby as Baku’s buzzing cafes and bazaars make it an ideal they turned for home. destination for fans to enjoy both before and after the “This is even I think probably more special match. The country’s unique geography and location given everything that we’ve been through,” have resulted in a cuisine infused with the flavours of Casse, 58, said. “I’m not even calling it redemp- the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Great Silk Road. tion. “I didn’t feel like he got his fair shot (in From traditional bistros serving local delicacies to chic Kentucky) and that’s all I wanted, fair shot. And international restaurants, tourists can revel in a vibrant he showed what he had today.” and affordable culinary scene. Gaffalione, 24, notched the biggest win of his What’s more, visitors to Baku can still find a wide career. “It really hasn’t even hit me yet,” he said. range of affordable accommodation options, with an “I can’t even put it into words.” Velazquez said abundance of luxury and mid-range hotels near the he was “good” after his frightening tumble com- stadium and across the city, as well as plenty of well- ing out of the gate. priced hostels and Airbnbs rentals. “He was just not behaving good in the “We are excited to welcome European and global gate,” Velazquez said of Bodexpress. “He got fans to visit Azerbaijan, with two powerhouses of glob- me against the wall in the gate. “When the al sport competing for victory here in Baku. After an doors opened, I was off right from the start intensive planning phase for the highly anticipated a celebration of football,” commented Florian 40 charter flights to accommodate fans for the match. and he kind of jumped sideways, and I had my event, all stakeholders including the State Tourism Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board. All services of Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International feet out of the irons so I lost my balance and I Agency, government bodies and private businesses are To meet the increased demand for flights, Azerbaijan Airport will function at full capacity to ensure the went off.” — AFP prepped and equipped to welcome visitors and fans for Airlines (AZAL) and othershave organized more than smooth operation of the flights and flow of passengers. 26 Established 1961 Sports Monday, May 20, 2019 World champ Gatlin edges Kiryu to win 100m in Osaka India gender-row sprinter Chand says she is gay

OSAKA: Justin Gatlin pipped Japan’s Yoshihide Kiryu seconds. The Americans, who had Gatlin on their sec- to win the men’s 100 metres as fellow American ond leg, took silver in 38.73. Michael Norman fired a world championship warning Meanwhile, top Indian sprinter Dutee Chand with a superb 200m at the Golden Grand Prix Osaka revealed yesterday that she is gay, becoming the first yesterday. athlete from the socially conservative country to do so, The 37-year-old Gatlin produced a strong finish to and adding she feared being ostracised by her family clock 10 seconds flat, the reigning world champion dip- after the admission. ping at the line to edge out Kiryu by a hundredth of a Chand, who was at the centre of a lengthy interna- second at the IAAF world challenge meet in Osaka. tional gender row, told AFP she had been in a relation- Indonesia’s world under-20 champion Lalu ship with a 19-year-old woman from her village for four Muhammad Zohri broke his own national record as he years. “I am in a same-sex relationship and I don’t think took third in 10.03 — the fastest time ever recorded by there is anything wrong in it,” the 23-year-old said. an athlete from Southeast Asia. “For the moment my focus will be on my career with While Gatlin targets one last hurrah at the world the world championships and Olympics coming up. “In championships in Doha later this year, Norman laid future after the end of my sporting career, if my heart down a marker by winning the men’s 200m in a meet says that I should stay with her then I will.” record 19.84 seconds, shaving 0.03 off the mark The athlete said she feared social ostracism-includ- Namibia’s Frankie Fredericks set 20 years ago. ing at the hands of her family-but added that a recent The runaway victor, who last month clocked a per- Supreme Court judgement decriminalising gay sex had sonal best of 43.45 in the 400m, left Yang Chun-Han given her the courage to speak out. “Recently my sister trailing in his wake, the Taiwanese runner-up in 20.50. said something to my mother that got her against this Ominously for his rivals, Norman insisted that he can relationship and she scolded me and threatened to still get faster. “I feel as though there are multiple areas malign me in public,” she said. I can improve on,” said the 21-year-old. “I didn’t feel as Chand, who was born in a poor village in the eastern though the intensity that I usually have during a 200m state of Odisha, was forced to undergo humiliating OSAKA: (L-R) Cameron Barrell of the US, Japan’s Aska Cambridge, Japan’s Ryota Yamagata, Japan’s Yoshihide was there.” gender testing as a teenager. After being diagnosed in Kyryu and Justin Gatlin of the US compete during the final of the men’s 100 metres athletics event at the Meanwhile, the Japanese men’s 4x100m relay quar- 2014 with hyperandrogenism, a condition which pro- Golden Grand Prix Osaka, one of the IAAF World challenge meetings yesterday. —AFP tet made amends after their disqualification at last duces high male sex hormones, Chand was barred from week’s World Relays in Yokohama by beating Team competing under International Association of Athletics USA into second place. Clips of Kiryu fumbling and Federation rules. races. Social media users lavished praise on the athlete one user said on Twitter. then catching the baton in mid-air went viral, but the She took her case to the Court of Arbitration for following her announcement yesterday, with many sin- India’s Supreme Court scrapped a colonial-era ban Japanese-shock Rio Olympic silver medallists behind Sport which ruled in her favour last year, allowing her gling out her bravery. “It takes tremendous strength to on homosexuality in September, ruling that it was Usain Bolt’s Jamaica-made no mistake this time as to compete in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, where come out in public. More strength to you against the constitution. The 1861 law was often used to Kiryu anchored them home in a world-leading 38.00 she won silver medals in the 100m and 200m women’s #DuteeChand! You are and will always be a champion,” harass the country’s gay community. —AFP Wilder retains WBC heavyweight title Koepka seizes with brutal first record seven-shot round KO PGA lead after NEW YORK: Undefeated Deontay Wilder brutally knocked out Dominic Breazeale in the first round of 54 holes their grudge match Saturday night to retain his World Boxing Council heavyweight world title. Wilder, who has one of the most destructive right BETHPAGE: Defending champion Brooks hands in heavyweight history, floored the challenger Koepka overcame struggles to grab a seven- with a one-punch knockout with 43 seconds left in the stroke lead after Saturday’s third round of the opening round at Barclays Center arena. PGA Championship, the largest 54-hole advan- The vaunted knockout artist Wilder swarmed tage in tournament history. Breazeale from the opening bell, hurting him with a Third-ranked Koepka, in prime position for his straight right hand then finishing him off later in the fourth major title, fired a level-par 70 at Bethpage round with the devastating right to the chin that was set Black to stand on 12-under 198 entering Sunday’s up by a left jab. final round. “When I hit him with the right hand the first time his “I feel confident. I feel good. I feel excited,” body language changed,” said Wilder. “When you been Koepka said. “It’s nice to have a seven-shot cush- in there with so many different guys you learn to rec- NEW YORK: Deontay Wilder celebrates after his first round knockout of Dominic Breazeale who looks on in the ion. Just hit the center of the greens and try to par ognize body language. I knew he was slowing down first round during their bout for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title at Barclays Center in New York City. —AFP this place to death. and opening up.” “(I’ll) just stick to my routine, do what I’m Breazeale barely landed a punch in the fight and his doing. I’m not thinking of seven-shot lead, winning defence was non-existent as he walked right into the willingness to cause a fatality in the ring. Threats of ences as men, that is what this sport is all about. We the tournament. I’m thinking of what I need to do knockout blow. He lay motionless on his back, then got violence are a stock-in-trade part of promoting fights, can handle this with our hands and at end of the day we on the first shot first tee.” The 29-year-old up at the count of 10 as the referee grabbed him and but Wilder’s gruesome pre-fight comments were con- can say we lived to see another day.” American owned a record edge over a pack on waved it off. demned by many in the sport as going too far. Wilder, who won the bronze medal for the US at the 205 that included top-ranked Dustin Johnson, fel- Wilder was very focused, showing off his superior Wilder’s comments have appalled many in boxing, 2008 Olympic Games, moved up the all-time heavy- low Americans Harold Varner and Luke List and handspeed, conditioning and punching power in anoth- while WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has vowed to weight defence list and joined four iconic champions Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond. er one-sided victory. Wilder, 33, improved to 41-0-1 hold a hearing into the remarks. Wilder backed off on who also made nine straight defences: Muhammad Ali, “It’s going to take something special to catch with 40 KOs in making the ninth defence of his title his comments immediately after the knockout in the Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis. The all-time Brooks,” Johnson said. “But it’s definitely do-able against heavy underdog Breazeale. ring, making light of the death threats. record for any division is 25 by Joe Louis. On the on this course.” The best final-round comeback by Breazeale, who had lost just one previous fight to “Everything just came out of me. There was a big undercard, featherweight world champ Gary Russell Jr. a PGA winner was seven strokes by John Anthony Joshua, dropped to 20-2 with 18 KOs. buildup to this fight,” he said. “There was a lot of ani- dominated former junior featherweight world titlist Mahaffey in 1978. There was bad blood between the two heading into mosity, a lot of chaos, a lot of hatred against each other. Kiko Martinez with a fifth-round knockout victory. “We’re all pretty much playing for second,” List the fight with the buildup marked by a series of This is what makes boxing so great. Russell was heavily favoured defend his 126-pound said. Matt Wallace, trying to become the first macabre threats from Wilder, who had spoken of his “When you get into a fight and settle your differ- belt for the fourth time. — AFP Englishman to win the PGA since Jim Barnes in 1919, shot 70 to share sixth on 206 with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama. then knocked over the extras after Yvan Reilhac No one in major golf history fired a lower 36- Montpellier beat crossed for the home side’s second try following a hole score than Koepka’s 12-under 128, and his Pigot leads Indy clever one-handed offload by giant Fijian winger seven-stroke advantage was the second-largest Nemani Nadolo. major halfway lead, trailing only Henry Cotton’s Stade Francais to Stade Francais hit back as Macalou stretched out for nine-shot edge in the 1934 British Open. 500 qualifying, his second try, Sanchez converting. Tempers threat- If Koepka does capture the Wanamaker Trophy edge closer to ened to boil over more than once, and Stade centre and the $1.98 million (1.77 million euros) top prize, Alonso struggles Waisea Nayacalevu was yellow carded on the half- he will be the first man to own back-to-back titles hour for a reckless high tackle. at two majors simultaneously. Koepka seeks a Top 14 playoffs No 8 Louis Picamoles soon after joined Montpellier third consecutive US Open crown next month at LOS ANGELES: Spencer Pigot posted the fastest teammate Fulgence Ouedraogo on the sidelines after Pebble Beach. head knocks, as Stade came through Waisea’s 10 min- “He’s definitely, in these events, playing on a Indianapolis 500 qualifying time on Saturday while PARIS: Montpellier can continue to dream of making two-time Formula One world champion Fernando utes in the bin unscathed. Cruden broke the deadlock different level than most anyone else,” four-time the Top 14 play-offs as they moved into sixth spot after in the second-half, on the receiving end of a smart Alonso and fan favourite James Hinchcliffe will try making a 14-man Stade Francais pay in the final 10 major winner Rory McIlroy said of Koepka. “It’s earn starting grid positions. inside pass from Reilhac, who’d ghosted through an awesome. It’s so good. It’s great to watch.” minutes of a crucial 42-25 victory yesterday. absent Stade defence. Pigot turned in a blistering average lap of Stade hooker Laurent Sempere was shown yellow in Koepka’s routine tee blast and wedge approach 230.083 mph in his second lap on Saturday to earn Paillaugue converted, but Sanchez pulled back a made him a threat when he found the fairway. He the 69th minute and the home side crossed for three penalty before the Montpellier scrum-half was yellow the top seed after the first day of qualifying for the converted tries to one to ensure a seventh win in eight missed a six-foot birdie putt at the first but sank a May 26 race. carded in the 57th minute. Sanchez booted a second five-footer at the second and a three-footer at the games as they battle to be included in the end-of-sea- long-range penalty to make it a one-point deficit. Spain’s Alonso and Canada’s Hinchcliffe, howev- son finals. fifth to reach 14-under and lead by eight. er, failed to make the top 30 on the starting grid It was Montpellier on the front foot, hopwever, put- From there, Koepka grinded through troubles The result left Montpellier ahead of La Rochelle on ting together a long sequence of drives that eventually and will have to take part in in Sunday’s last row points difference, but Stade Francais out of the reckon- with success to sustain his huge lead. Koepka shootout to try and punch their tickets to the 33- saw Stade hooker Sempere sent to the bin. found tall weeds and greenside rough at the sev- ing. Montpellier will next week play a tough away The pressure told, Paillaugue burrowing his way car race. match at newly-crowned European Challenge Cup enth but rescued par by sinking a nine-foot putt Penske drivers Will Power, of Australia, and over for a try he also converted. Straight from the kick- and saved par again after missing the green at the winners Clermont and will have to do as well as, if not off, Montpellier latched on to a loose ball and after two Frenchman Simon Pagenaud had the second and better than, La Rochelle, who are at home to par-3 eighth. Then came Koepka’s worst slip of third best times of the day behind Pigot. kicks ahead from Du Plessis and Gabriel Ngandebe, the week, a botched tap-in to bogey nine and a Bordeaux-Begles. full-back Henry Immelman managed to touch down, Under a new format announced this year, posi- The Parisians’ Sekou Macalou ensured a thrilling missed fairway to bogey at 10. Koepka went into tions 10-30 on the 33-car starting grid were locked Paillaugue again on target from the tee. trees and dense rough at the par-5 13th but start, the flanker bursting from a second-minute line- There was a late consolation try for Stade winger in on Saturday, the first day of qualifying for the out to intercept a botched Benoit Paillaugue pass and responded by blasting out to 16 feet and curled in 103rd running of the race. Lester Etien, but that was cancelled out when a birdie putt but made a final bogey at 16. sprint clear for a try converted by Nicolas Sanchez. Montpellier’s replacement prop Mohammed Haouas Saturday’s nine fastest drivers will battle for Ex-All Black Aaron Cruden spurned an opportunity “I left a bunch of putts short,” Koepka said. pole in a Fast Nine Shootout on Sunday, the same sprinted clear from 35 metres for a memorable front “I’m pleased I’m stroking it well. Just need to hit to pull back a penalty, the powerful Montpellier for- rower’s try. day that cars outside the top 30 will decide their ward pack rumbling over from a well-worked maul off them a little harder.” The PGA’s largest prior 54- fates via the last row shootout-a one-hour session In Saturday’s action Lyon sealed a Top 14 playoff hole lead was five strokes, last achieved by Ray the line-out, Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis berth when they beat La Rochelle 29-19. Leaders in which the last three places on the grid will be up grounding the ball. Floyd in 1982. The low 54-hole tournament score for grabs. —AFP Toulouse and second-placed Clermont have both remains 196 by David Toms in 2001. — AFP Paillaugue converted to draw the scores level and already qualified. — AFP Established 1961 27 Sports Monday, May 20, 2019 ‘It’s a sky blue world’: City hailed as England’s best ever ‘English domestic football has never seen anything quite like this single-season’

LONDON: Manchester City’s treble winners have ried in comfort before a form of footballing torture been hailed as English football’s greatest ever team ensued, but this was arguably the greatest day in City’s after their FA Cup final demolition of Watford complet- history as this treble was won ruthlessly, spectacularly.” ed an historic campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side became Eurosport labelled City as the country’s greatest the first English club to win the Premier League, FA ever, writing: “They may not have won the Champions Cup and League Cup in the same season thanks to their League but the cold hard facts don’t lie: Manchester swaggering 6-0 success at Wembley on Saturday. City are the best team to ever grace English football.” Equalling the record margin of victory for an FA Cup The Guardian’s Barney Ronay summed up City’s final was the perfect way to cap a remarkable year for majestic form over the last year. “Manchester City’s City, who followed their record-breaking Premier historic FA Cup final win was almost swamped by the League triumph in 2017-18 with an even more aston- glowing list of statistics piling up around them - but ishing run this term. nothing can disguise the scale of this achievement and They are the first English top-flight side to reg- the brilliance of Pep Guardiola’s team,” he wrote. ister 50 wins in all competitions in a single season. “Welcome to the new order. Domestic games: Guardiola’s men also scored a record 169 goals in played 51, won 43. Domestic trophies: three out of 61 games this season, beating their own previous three. Five-goal hauls: 11. Defeats since Christmas: best of 156. one. “Scan the history books, fan back to the big city City now rank high on the list of the greatest clubs of Victorian times, linger on the red-shirted English teams of all-time. Only a select few can claim eras of the last 50 years. to be on a par with City, an elite group that includes “English domestic football has never seen any- Arsenal’s 2004 ‘Invincibles’, Manchester United’s thing quite like this single-season hit from 1999 vintage, who won the Premier League, Manchester City. It turns out we really do all live in a Champions League and FA Cup, and the Liverpool sky blue world now.” team of 1984, who lifted the old First Division, the European Cup and the League Cup. ‘ENJOY THE MOMENT’ LONDON: Manchester City’s Belgian captain Vincent Kompany (C) lifts the winner’s trophy as the players celebrate The world’s media were united in their praise for City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench victory after the English FA Cup final football match between Manchester City and Watford at Wembley Stadium in Guardiola’s men, who have won five of the last six to score in the FA Cup final, ending an injury-plagued London. Manchester City beat Watford 6-0 at Wembley to claim the FA Cup. —AFP domestic trophies. BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty wrote: season on a high for the Belgian. De Bruyne insisted it “The club once loftily dismissed as ‘noisy neighbours’ is hard to compare different eras when it comes to rat- by then-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson ing the all-time greats. just enjoy the moment because it doesn’t happen very sistent and trying to achieve the best,” he said. “We confirmed they now exert a domestic dominance that But he was happy to reflect on a truly breathtaking often.” De Bruyne says it is “already an honour” to be are not starting the season saying we want to win speaks eloquently on their behalf with a crushing, bru- campaign for the treble winners. “It has been an unbe- considered one of the best teams in English football three titles or four titles, we want to play the way we tal 6-0 dismissal of Watford. lievable season to win three titles. It says enough,” De history, but he won’t indulge talk of going one better by play and do our best. “It is not all about the end “This may have been a victory lap completed with Bruyne said. “To compare generations is very difficult. winning next season’s Champions League. product, it is about the journey and you appreciate it embarrassing ease, with early Watford body blows par- We are happy to be in the conversation but we should “It is not about topping it, it is about being con- even more.” — AFP

the squad’s value, he has strengthened Betis coach the club’s academy and he has earned massive victories which will go down as some of the best in Betis’ history.” Setien to leave Sunday’s win at the Bernabeu was Bale bows out on Betis’ second successive victory away to club after Real Madrid, while earlier this season Setien’s side beat champions Barcelona bench as Madrid 4-3, becoming the first team in over two beating Real years to win at the Nou Camp. blow season finale Betis also beat runners-up Atletico Madrid this season and Setien earned Madrid widespread admiration for instilling an MADRID: Real Madrid delivered a suitably MADRID: Real Betis coach Quique attractive and courageous style of play in dreadful end to their miserable season, and Setien is to leave the club by mutual con- his team, geared towards having a lot of Gareth Bale was not even given the chance to say sent, the La Liga side said yesterday possession. a likely goodbye, as Zinedine Zidane’s side were after he enjoyed a memorable end to his Yet his side struggled for consistency beaten 2-0 at home to Real Betis yesterday. two-year tenure by winning 2-0 at Real and suffered embarrassing defeats to Zidane had indicated this could be Bale’s final Madrid. some of the lowest-ranked teams in La game ahead of an expected summer departure Liga, including a 3-0 loss at Leganes and but the Welshman was left on the bench, made to “Real Betis and Quique Setien have MADRID: Real Madrid’s French coach Zinedine Zidane (R) speaks to Real Betis’ Spanish a 4-0 thrashing away to Levante. watch on as three substitutes came on ahead of decided that the coach will not be in coach Quique Setien before the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Betis ended the season on 50 points, him at the Santiago Bernabeu. charge of the club next season,” said a Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid yesterday. —AFP statement from the club, who finished three behind seventh-placed Espanyol None were able to revive another dreary and 10th in La Liga after coming sixth last who took the final Europa League quali- disjointed Madrid performance, which concluded season. fication berth. the work they have done in these last two the team and the stability of the club and both the season and first phase of Zidane’s much- “In the last two years Setien has taken “The club would like to show its grati- years,” added Betis’ statement. “They we wish them well in the future on a per- hailed return as coach. “The best thing for us is Betis back into Europe, he has increased tude to Setien and his coaching staff for have contributed to the improvement of sonal and professional level.” — Reuters that it’s over and we can think about next year,” he said afterwards. “Because things will change, for sure.” As the players saluted the fans at the end, they groups of under 12 (U-12) & under 14 (U-14). The tour- and scorers, our unseen strength, year after year. were greeted by a chorus of whistles. By then, nament is open to Schools, Clubs and independent In the U-12 category teams at the league stage were: FOCC 20th Bale was already off down the tunnel, perhaps teams and is completed in a single day, with two match- CCC, MG Warriors, Dashing Knights, Winning XI, aware that any attempt at a farewell could be giv- es being played simultaneously. MG Tigers, SCA AmericanTourister, RCA Strikers, en an even colder reception. anniversary, ABK This year, the “Dashing Knights” clinched the win- Rising Superstars, 22 Yards Cricket Academy, 664 “I’m sorry, I didn’t give Bale minutes today,” ners’ trophy in the U-14 category for the second suc- Hitters, RCA Warriors and Salmiya Riders. Zidane said. “But I don’t know what’s going to cessive year and MG 7 Warriors were the Runners Up. In the U-14 category, teams at the league stage CRYcket 2018 held happen, I have to make decisions based on today The winner’s trophy in the Under-12 was clinched by were: and the match.” Zidane will rightly not be held MG 7 Warriors and Runners Up was CCC. The best CCC, Fresh Starz, Magnificient XI, Dashing Knights, KUWAIT: Friends of CRY Club, Kuwait (FOCC) cele- culpable for most of Madrid’s failings this season, player awards were claimed by Anirudh S of Dashing SCA American Tourister, 664 Hitters, RCA, Rising Stars, brated their 20th Anniversary of conducting school including finishing third in La Liga, 18 points Knights in the U 14 Category & Aryan Siju of MG 7 22 Yards Cricket Academy, IPS Stars, MG U14 cricket tournament in Kuwait on January 18, 2019 at the behind Barcelona and eight adrift of Atletico Warriors in the U 12 category. FOCC is proud to be partners with CRY - in our lush green Kuwait Oil Company stadium, Al Ahmadi. In Madrid, not to mention crashing out of the Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) continued their event joint mission to help the underprivileged children. fact, the FOCC organized tournament is very the first of Champions League in the last 16. sponsorship for the “ABK CRYcket 2018” for the third Those interested in joining hands with FOCC may its kind to promote grass root level cricket in Kuwait He will also not be blamed for their league successive year and FOC would like to extend their please visit www.focckuwait.org, or contact any of the providing school children an opportunity to play com- total of 68 points, their lowest in 17 years, nor gratitude to ABK Management for their support. Our volunteers. With CRY, everybody wins. petitive and organized level cricket. Having established the 12 defeats. Real Madrid have not had more in thanks to Arab Times, Kuwait Times, Times Kuwait, and in 1998, FOCC successfully hosted the “ABK CRYcket” a single league campaign since 1974. But even if Indians in Kuwait.com for giving us wide publicity. tournament which was sponsored by Ahli Bank of few expected the deep-rooted problems to van- We had new CRY buddies who joined us this year. Kuwait. Matches on TV ish after Zidane’s arrival in March, most Madrid The KID’S CORNER, raffle tickets sale, BUY for CRY As seen last year, the venue was perfect to launch fans would have hoped at least for signs of was under their charge. As usual toys, books and many (Local Timings) the much awaited tourney as the facility had all the improvement. household items were available at amazing bargain required amenities and ambiance to conduct a tourna- Instead, they have now won five of his 11 prices. The Raffle draw was as usual a huge success ment. The weather though, was quite chilly - especially games in charge this season and out of the last and featured 13 prizes to be won. in the morning session but otherwise the entire day ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE five have won one and lost three. Some of the This year we had a record registration of 23 teams, was brilliant and the enthusiasm of the participants, displays, including this one, were as bad as any- out of the 24 available slots. A big thank you to all the parents and friends, so high. SS Lazio v Bologna FC 21:30 thing seen under either Julen Lopetegui or Players, Team Managers, Coaches and the Parents. “CRYcket” is an annual softball cricket tournament, beIN SPORTS HD 4 Santiago Solari. —AFP played in 7-over match format, for children in two age Most importantly, we highly appreciate the umpires

first team regulars. As they look ahead to next season, Golden era to Bayern are not only on the verge of a generational shift, but also of what club president Uli Hoeness has called “the biggest investment programme in our history”. brand new dawn: Bayern have already completed the signings of World Cup winning French defenders Benjamin Pavard Bayern set for and Lucas Hernandez for 35 million euros ($39.3m) and a club record 80 million euros ($89.9m) respectively. RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, Ajax defender major overhaul Matthijs De Ligt and Schalke goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel have all also been linked to the club in recent months. Though Hoeness said on Saturday that BERLIN: Bayern Munich’s seventh successive Bayern would not break any more transfer records, Bundesliga title win on Saturday marked both the end they are expected to make several more signings, of a golden era and the dawning of a new age. The with CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge setting his sights 2019 title crowned what has been a glistening decade on a new winger. of success for Bayern, as iconic players such as Franck “Because we are losing Robben and Ribery, we need Ribery and Arjen Robben picked up yet another gong another good alternative alongside (18-year-old in their final season at the club. Canadian) Alphonso Davies,” Rummenigge told Bild Yet it also heralded the emergence of a new genera- newspaper last month. That alternative could be tion under coach Niko Kovac, with the likes of Leon Chelsea talent Callum Hudson-Odoi, for whom Bayern Goretzka and Serge Gnabry establishing themselves as made an unsuccessful bid last January. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2019

Astros beat Boston Red Sox World champ Gatlin edges ‘It’s a sky blue world’: City 25to extend winning streak to 10 26 Kiryu to win 100m in Osaka 27 hailed as England’s best ever

ROME: Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova (R) poses with the trophy after winning against Britain’s Johanna Konta (L) the WTA Masters tournament final tennis match at the Foro Italico camp in Rome, yesterday. —AFP Pliskova ousts Konta to win Italian Open

First Czech woman to win Rome tournament since Regina Marsikova

ROME: Czech fourth seed Karolina Pliskova swept previous appearances in Rome. Last year she exited in Marsikova in 1978. be seeded at the French Open later this month. past Britain’s Johanna Konta 6-3, 6-4 to win the WTA disgrace after smashing a hole in the umpire’s chair in “I’m definitely pleased with this week. This is my Italian Open yesterday. Pliskova, the 2017 French a temper tantrum after losing in the second round. ‘UPHILL BATTLE’ second final in three weeks. That’s still quite an Open semi-finalist, clinched her 13th career title, in the Pliskova, the highest remaining seed, got an early For Konta, who has won three WTA titles, it was achievement,” said Konta. “I’m looking forward to final major warm-up tournament on clay before break in the final and swept 3-0 up in just eight minutes her second straight defeat in a final on clay after the Paris.” Top seeds Naomi Osaka and Petra Kvitova Roland Garros starts on May 26. on the red clay of the Foro Italico. A double fault when Morocco Open earlier this month. “It’s always tough pulled out injured during the Rome event, while A break in each set was enough for the former serving for the set handed Konta a break point but the playing Karolina,” said former world number four Roland Garros champion Simona Halep crashed out in world number one to get past Konta, sealing victory British number one squandered the chance with a Konta, who has slipped to 42nd. her opening match in Italy. on her third match point after 85 minutes on court. “It smash into the net with the entire court open to her. “There’s rarely really a rhythm to the match. She Four-time Rome winner Serena Williams also with- was a great week for me and my team,” said the 27- Konta then hit a weak forehand shot into the tape plays with big shots, quite flat, and big serves. “It can drew before the second round as her return after a year-old, now coached by former Rome champion and the ball bounced wide, allowing Pliskova to wrap feel sometimes you’re fighting an uphill battle. That two-month layoff was cut short when her knee injury Conchita Martinez. up the first set in 36 minutes. Pliskova broke in the was the case today.” flared up. In the men’s competition, world number one “There were a couple of tough matches so I was seventh game of the second set, despite Konta saving “She didn’t really have a letdown throughout the Djokovic-winner at the Madrid Open last weekend- happy to fight through them. I was a little bit nervous two break points, with the Czech world number seven match. “She played very consistently. I found it quite will meet defending champion and eight-time winner today, but it was my first final in Rome, so that’s to be powering through for the biggest title of her career hard to get a footing into the match, which is credit to Rafael Nadal. It will be the 54th clash between the expected.” since Cincinnati in 2016. She becomes the first Czech her. The 28-year-old Konta, the first British woman in world’s top two men’s players who have won 12 of the She had never gone past the semi-finals in her four woman to win the Rome tournament since Regina the Rome final since Virginia Wade in 1971, will now last 14 Rome titles between them. — AFP

seize control of the contest and the series. ‘Draymond, get to the hole, be aggressive’,” Green Moda Center, quickly built a 10-point lead before the Green triple-double No team has come back from an 0-3 deficit to win said of his mindset. Warriors trimmed it to two — 29-27 — at the end of an NBA playoff series. The Trail Blazers will try to “We’ve got guys out there, Steph, Klay and those the first quarter. fend off elimination when they host game four today. guys who draw a lot of attention, so it’s on me to do But the Blazers kept the pressure on, stretching the fuels Warriors’ Green scored 20 points with 13 rebounds and 12 my job and come through for those guys.” CJ lead to 18 in the second quarter. A steal by Lillard assists, keeping the Warriors afloat in the first half McCollum led Portland with 23 points. Damian produced a thunderous dunk from Leonard, then comeback win before superstar Stephen Curry came alive with 21 of Lillard, relentlessly double-teamed by the Warriors, Portland’s Seth Curry stole the ball from his superstar his 36 points after the interval. added 19 points. brother Stephen and raced for a three-pointer that “I don’t even know what to say about Draymond,” Center Meyers Leonard, making just his third start made it 60-42 with 2:28 remaining in the first half. LOS ANGELES: Draymond Green exploded for a said coach Steve Kerr. “He was like a wrecking ball of the season, finished with 16 points. “We’re going to Portland took a 66-53 lead into the locker room, seventh career playoff triple-double Saturday as the out there, destroying everything in his path.” His give it our best effort on Monday. That’s all that mat- but the Warriors responded with a monster third Golden State Warriors rallied for a 110-99 victory intensity was on display on both ends of the court, ters,” Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. “We’re going to quarter, using a 22-6 scoring run to take their first over the Trail Blazers in Portland and a 3-0 lead in the and on the sidelines as he exhorted teammates to give it our best effort and whatever happen, happens.” lead of the game, 77-76 on a lay-up by Kevin NBA Western Conference finals. keep pushing. Leonard made the most of his opportunity early, Looney-assisted by Green. The two-time defending champion Warriors trailed Klay Thompson added 19 points for the Warriors, connecting on five of seven shots from the field in the Golden State out-scored Portland 29-13 in the by 18 in the second quarter, but with Green driving who were again without injured star Kevin Durant. “All first half on the way to 13 points. The Trail Blazers, quarter to lead by three heading into the final frame them they produced another dominant third period to my teammates, my coaches have been telling me, energized in front of a rowdy home crowd at the and pushed the lead to 11 with 4:51 remaining. — AFP