JAMADA ALAWWAL 26, 1439 AH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018

Max 27º 32 Pages Min 12º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 17455 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

S Korea’s Moon watches Rouhani calls for ‘year Touting ‘transformation’, French Millennium man makes history 9 concert with Kim’s sister 11 of unity’ after protests 17 PM seeks investment in Dubai 13 as wind pummels Pyeongchang

FM underlines importance of twin meetings to support Iraq Extensive participation in conferences to rebuild Iraq and combat IS

By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Panel rejects Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah underlined the importance yes- terday of hosting the Kuwait International Conference for the anti-expat Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) and the coalition conference against the so-called Islamic State (IS), which reflects Kuwait’s commitment in supporting Iraq. He confirmed the participation of 74 regional proposals and international organizations and 1,850 international companies By B Izzak in the reconstruction conference. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled told a press conference held on the KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s interior and sidelines of the opening of the KICRI media center that Kuwait’s defense committee yesterday rejected a string of pro- hosting of these events is an interpretation of the directives of HH posals targeting expatriates, including calls to sharply the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to support raise fees on driving licenses and stop the issuance of Iraq and stand by its side, and called on all friendly countries as well dependent visas. The committee unanimously rejected as international organizations, including non-governmental organi- a proposal submitted last month calling to raise zations and the private sector, to meet in Kuwait and support charges for obtaining a new driving license for expa- Kuwait’s efforts in rebuilding Iraq. triates from the current KD 20 - for all - to as much as The minister added that this comes in line with the principled stance of Kuwait to stand by neighboring Iraq, congratulating Iraq KD 1,000. The proposal also called for raising the at the same time on its recent victories in liberating its territory renewal fees of the license from just KD 1 to KD 500 from the grip of IS, which was a danger not only to the region but annually, and to raise expats’ vehicle registration fees also to the whole world. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said that such a to KD 500 annually from the current KD 5. broad participation in these events gives them great importance The committee said that although the intent of the and is a message from the international community regarding its proposal is to help resolve the traffic problem in the commitment to the security and stability of Iraq and its commitment country, the proposed fees are too steep and will to the reconstruction of liberated areas. KUWAIT: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah speaks during a press Continued on Page 11 Continued on Page 11 conference yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat (See Page 2)

On Thursday, a copy of the new pricelist issued fines on violating stores. They also Smokers fume issued by the company importing some brands slapped fines for hiding the cigarettes as it con- of cigarettes circulated on social media. The let- stitutes illegal hoarding of goods,” the inspector ter said that the prices of the listed brands will told Kuwait Times. as some cig be increased from Sunday (yesterday). Many Customers can complain if they find prices smokers dismissed the move as rumors, as simi- have increased. “Our inspectors haven’t reached prices hiked lar announcements were made last year and two all stores, so if a consumer finds increased years ago, but were never applied. But most prices, they can report this by visiting any of our By Nawara Fattahova supermarkets and shops yesterday were selling consumer protection centers in different areas these brands at the new prices. Some had even by taking the invoice with them, and our inspec- KUWAIT: The prices of some popular brands hidden other popular brands of cigarettes so tor will go to the store and issue a fine to the of cigarettes were hiked - as much as 60 per- people wouldn’t buy them. violating store,” he added. cent for some brands - despite the move being Kuwait Times contacted the consumer pro- The supervisor at a supermarket in Hawally labeled as illegal by the ministry of commerce tection department of the ministry of commerce governorate confirmed the new price list. “I and industry. A supplier is not allowed to to clarify the increase in prices. An inspector wasn’t sure of this price hike, and early in the increase the price of any item unless they obtain who preferred to remain anonymous confirmed morning we were still selling cigarettes accord- an approval from the ministry, which is usually that the increase is illegal, as the ministry didn’t ing to the old prices, but the price changed given for imported goods whose prices have give any approval. He also noted that the depart- automatically in our systems at all the branches increased in their country of origin. If the suppli- ment has received hundreds of complaints from a few hours later. I believe they have an er increases the price without this approval, they consumers regarding the price hike. approval, or else they wouldn’t have issued this will be sanctioned. For the past few days, the “Our inspectors are working for the past 48 new price list,” he told Kuwait Times. Kuwait shelves of most cigarette kiosks at supermarkets hours and checking various stores including Times visited two baqalas in Salmiya that were have been empty and many brands were not baqalas and supermarkets to check if they have still selling cigarettes according to the old KUWAIT: Packs of cigarettes and a poster announcing a hike in prices (left) are available, especially the brands whose prices increased the prices. They started working after prices, and denied applying any price hike on seen at a supermarket yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat were to be hiked. the news of the hike spread on Thursday, and any brand of cigarettes.

transport investigations said in a statement. 71 killed in Russia The flight was operated by the domestic Saratov Hunt on for maid’s Airlines and was headed for Orsk, a city in the Ural mountains. President Vladimir Putin offered “his plane crash; Amir profound condolences to those who lost their rela- killers; 2,200 Pinoys tives in the crash,” his spokesman Dmitry Peskov sends condolences said. The crash site was enveloped in heavy snow, want out; MoI denies making it difficult to access, with emergency work- STEPANOVSKOYE, Russia: A Russian passen- ers forced to park their vehicles and access the ger plane carrying 71 people crashed near Moscow wreckage by foot. arresting Filipinas yesterday minutes after taking off, killing everyone HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber on board in one of the country’s worst ever aviation Al-Sabah yesterday sent a cable of condolences to By Ben Garcia and Agencies disasters. Investigators said the Antonov An-148 Russian President Vladimir Putin on the plane plane crashed in the Ramensky district on the out- crash. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- KUWAIT: Kuwait’s min- skirts of Moscow at 2:48 pm (1128 GMT) after tak- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Prime istries of interior and for- ing off from the capital’s Domodedovo airport. Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- eign affairs assured the “Sixty-five passengers and six crew members were Sabah also sent similar cables to Putin. MOSCOW: Russian emergency vehicles arrive near the site of a plane crash yesterday. — AFP Philippine Embassy in on board, and all of them died,” Russia’s office of Continued on Page 11 Kuwait following a meet- ing yesterday with the ambassador that a man- ordered the detention of princes, ministers and hunt is underway to Ritz reopens tycoons, in a campaign that sent shock waves arrest the perpetrators in through business circles. Many of the high-pro- the death of Joanna after stint as file suspects, including flamboyant billionaire Daniela Demafelis. The Joanna Demafelis is seen Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal - dubbed the Warren 29-year-old Filipina in this image taken from Buffett of Saudi Arabia - were released in recent domestic helper’s body her Facebook profile. gilded prison weeks in exchange for what officials called finan- was found inside a freez- cial settlements. er in an apartment in RIYADH: Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton welcomed back As service resumed at the hotel yesterday Maidan Hawally last week. Her body was reportedly guests with Arabic coffee and dates yesterday, as staff appeared to have been instructed not to talk kept in the freezer for more than a year and was it reopened for business more than three months to journalists about the purge. “Everything is only discovered when police entered the apartment after becoming a gilded prison for Saudi elites in normal,” said a smiling hotel employee. “We after a court order to open the apartment was an unprecedented anti-graft purge. Liveried staff served guests then, we are serving guests now. issued and it was searched. The renters, a Lebanese milled around under the ornate chandeliers of the The only difference is the front gates are open.” man and his Syrian wife, left Kuwait in Nov 2016. hotel lobby, greeting a trickle of arrivals as they The opulent hotel, originally built for guests of “The assistant minister for consulate affairs and checked into rooms ranging from 2,489 riyals the royal family, is a far cry from a gritty prison the department of security affairs of the interior ($664) a night. cell - boasting instead majestic suites and pastel- ministry has assured us that arrests will be made, The polite welcome was a far cry from the hued hallways awash with bronze statues and especially of the prime suspects. scene on Nov 4 when police cars surrounded the glittering chandeliers. A source inside the hotel, which hosted US President Donald Trump during RIYADH: A picture taken yesterday shows the main entrance of the Continued on Page 11 five-star hotel and its imposing gates clamped Ritz-Carlton hotel in the Saudi capital yesterday. — AFP shut as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Continued on Page 11 2 Established 1961 Local Monday, February 12, 2018 FM opens KICRI media center

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah inaugurates the media center for the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) at Courtyard (From left) Fatima Al-Ayyar, Jassim Mohammed, an attendee, Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Rahman Marriott yesterday. Al-Alyan, Faris Al-Enezi, Manal Al-Qadhi and Abeer Busido. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah inaugurated the media center for the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) at Courtyard Marriott in Kuwait City yesterday. During the inaugura- tion, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled was accompanied by Minister of Information Mohammad Al-Jabri, President of the Media Higher Committee and Amiri Diwan Advisor Mohammad Abulhassan, Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah and senior state officials. During his tour of the center, the foreign minister was briefed on readiness of the center, media figures and various media outlets covering KICRI. Sheikh Sabah Al- Khaled also toured the booths of various participating organizations and met their representatives, including from the United Nations, International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO), Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Ministry of Information, Amiri Diwan Advisor Mohammad Abulhassan, also head of the higher media com- National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature mittee of KICRI, and Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- (NCCAL). — KUNA Sabah speak during a press conference yesterday. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister touring the media center. Defense Minister receives French Louvre delegation

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Sabah meets with a French delegation from Louvre Museum. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime the ministry’s Directorate of Moral Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Guidance and Public Relations said in a Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah statement yesterday. The minister not- received yesterday a French delegation ed that the museum is a destination of from Louvre Museum. Sheikh Nasser arts lovers as it contains several artistic welcomed the 26-member delegation pieces and antiques made by the most and described the museum as one of important painters across the globe, it the most artistic museums in the world, added. — KUNA Sudan, Kuwait to boost military cooperation

KHARTOUM: Kuwait’s Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Mohammad Al-Khudher (left) is greeted by Sudanese army officials during his visit to Khartoum. — KUNA

KHARTOUM: Sudan and Kuwait agreed Sudanese capital on Saturday on a two- yesterday on boosting military coopera- day official visit. tion and holding joint personnel training. Lt Gen Khuder is accompanied by Military relations between Kuwait and Head of the Military Training Institute Sudan are constantly developing, said Maj Gen Anwar Al-Mazeedi and Kuwait’s Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Commander of Ali Al-Sabah Military Mohammad Al-Khudher, after speaking College Maj Gen Bader Al-Awadhi. The with his Sudanese counterpart, Lt Gen military delegation will take part in Emad Al-Din Adawi. Lt Gen Adawi Sudan’s Military College’s graduation declared that Khartoum and Kuwait ceremony for new batches of officers, planned joint military drills to enhance including a number of Kuwaitis who com- combat readiness of the two countries’ pleted their training. The Kuwaiti chief of forces. A Kuwaiti military delegation, staff will also visit educational and voca- headed by the chief of staff, arrived in the tional institutions in Sudan. — KUNA Established 1961 3 Local Monday, February 12, 2018

1,337 arrested in statewide Politicians involved in multimillion crackdowns dinar transactions: Turaiji By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: General security police carried out several campaigns in all Kuwait gover- norates from Feb 4 to 10, resulting in the Union demands return of shrimping by trawling arrest of 1,337 persons. The campaign was under the supervision of Acting Assistant By Meshaal Al-Enezi and A Saleh shrimping by trawling and called for the mechanism of employment in the public equivalents pending using international Undersecretary for General Security announcing the date of allowing shrimping sector as sought within the Kuwait 2035 codes and terms. MoCI also noted that it Affairs Maj Gen Ibrahim Al-Tarrah. KUWAIT: Former MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji in Kuwaiti regional waters. Sowayyan added vision has asked the Civil Service recently issued a decision on commercial Meanwhile, 247 persons wanted over filed a report with the Public Anti- that the union has been invited to a meeting Commission (CSC) to temporarily reduce activities that can be practiced in Kuwait felony, civil and absconding cases and 676 Corruption Authority yesterday including a with a committee formed by the Cabinet the number of citizens nominated to work in and the capital required. “The minimum violators of residency law and without IDs list of the names of 20 current and former including representatives from the Public ministries and other state departments in capital needed for individual companies is were arrested, 31 wanted vehicles were lawmakers who he alleges have been Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish order to encourage youth to join the private KD 1,000, KD 10,000 for closed share- impounded and 86 were held on drugs involved in financial transactions of at least Resources (PAAAFR), Environment Public sector, said informed sources. holding companies and KD 25,000 for cases and two over liquor cases, in addi- KD 100 million each. Authority (EPA), the Ministry of Commerce The sources added that the company general shareholding ones,” MoCI tion to arresting 38 loose laborers. Police Meanwhile, MP Mohammed Al-Huwailah and Industry (MoCI) and Kuwait Institute found citizens have been leaving the private explained. also dealt with 288 fights, 1,779 calls for announced filing a parliamentary inquiry for Scientific Research (KISR) to introduce sector to work for the government, and it assistance and 1,209 vehicle accidents. asking Health Minister Sheikh Dr Bassel Al- its vision, along with those of Kuwait managed to identify several reasons for this Information Technology Humoud Al-Sabah about delays in extension University (KU) and fish companies on mak- reversal, including having secure jobs, unlike Health Minister Sheikh Dr Bassel Al- Airport traffic projects of major hospitals and the percent- ing a report about Kuwait’s fish Sabah issued ministerial resolution Statistics indicate 2,171,961 passengers age of achievement and obstacles facing resources and reserves. number 32/2018 pertaining the departed and arrived through Kuwait each project. He added that the meeting dis- conditions of contracting to supply International Airport during Jan 2018, In other news, the financial and econom- cussed studying shrimping by trawl- the ministry with automated sys- according to the Interior Ministry’s ic affairs committee at the National ing and the decision to ban shrimping Study to push tems, computers, networks and Relations and Security Information Assembly yesterday approved amendments in national waters until further notice, printers and hiring technicians or Department. It said 536,142 GCC citizens to the civil service law (1979/15), allowing as recommended by EPA. He added Kuwaiti youth computer consultants without the arrived and departed, while the number of second and third degree leaders to extend that trawling has been used for over written approval of the ministry’s arriving and departing citizens reached service. The commission approved inclusion 50 years and that the union insists towards private Information Technology 922,433. Meanwhile, the number of pas- of 14 new provisions to the civil service law, that fishermen continue using it. He Department. Sheikh Bassel also sengers from other nationalities reached concerning in particular undersecretaries also promised that the union will pre- sector issued resolution number 33/2018 759,619. and their assistants. MP Salah Khorshid, the pare a full report about the method pertaining reviewing all tenders The number of visas issued at the air- committee’s chairman, speaking after a including statistics about shrimps currently offered for bidding, port was 14,319, while 85 people were meeting, said the new articles “will be fair caught in the 2017 fishing season. requesting a list of them within two found to have been previously deported for the leaders in the future. “It will also be “Our fleets provided local market weeks so that they could be dis- after they were fingerprinted. Five people fair for the current senior personnel with with 2,380 tons of shrimps that were suffi- in the private sector, and lack of allowances cussed with relevant ministry sectors and were arrested with forged passports, while respect of evaluating their status and cient for local consumption,” he underlined. and incentives. The sources said the compa- decide whether they could be adjusted, 112 fugitives were sent to concerned renewing their terms.” ny aims at increasing the number of citizens have their costs cut or even cancelled in authorities. Fourteen people were allowed One of the introduced provisions stipu- Farmers’ union working for the private sector to 100,000 case of a presence of alternatives. The reso- into the country after removing deporta- late forming a special panel to judge the The Manpower Public Authority’s official by 2021, which will be difficult unless more lution also called or not offering any future tion restrictions on them, while 11 were not leaders, determine whether their mandate spokesperson Aseel Al-Mezyad stressed citizens are encouraged to join the private tenders for bidding unless urgently needed allowed to enter. should be renewed. According to the that the authority is always open for com- sector. by ministry divisions. amendments, an assistant undersecretary plaints or suggestions that will enhance its Stores closed can apply for extending his or her service development policy, improve the level of Private schools Oil sector officials Kuwait Municipality’s public relations for two more terms, each lasting for four services and achieve the best interests of all The Ministry of Commerce and Industry Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s (KPC) department said inspection campaigns by years. An undersecretary is entitled to parties. Responding to rumors about closing (MoCI) rejected requests made by the board of directors issued a decision its Farwaniya emergency teams resumed extend the service for a third mandate registration of membership for the farmers’ Ministry of Education (MoE) to impose appointing Bader Ahmad Al-Munaifi as recently to check for violations, adding lasting for four years. The bill will be union and closing the farmers’ diwaniya, stricter conditions on issuing licenses for deputy CEO for West Kuwait at Kuwait Oil that campaigns in Hasawi resulted in clos- included into the parliament agenda, as Mezyad stressed that the authority is fully private schools and institutes, such as Company (KOC), Suleiman Ali Al-Marzouqi ing 14 stores administratively. The tour was soon as possible. committed to enforcing the law and prom- increasing the minimum capital. “This pro- as deputy CEO for olefins and aromatics at carried out by inspectors to enforce the ised to study and discuss all complaints posal is legally against the companies’ law the Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) rules and regulations set forth by the Shrimping season according to standard legal measures. and against improving the business envi- and Nadia Bader Al-Hajji as deputy CEO for municipality on violators, Team Leader Kuwait Fishermen Union’s Chairman ronment,” MoCI stressed. MoCI said that it gas and petrochemicals at Kuwait Ahmad Al-Shareeka said. Thaher Al-Sowayyan stressed that the union Private sector recently finished preparing a list of interna- Integrated Petrochemical Industries insists on fishermen’s right to continue A company hired to conduct a study on tionally classified activities and their local Company (KIPIC). 4 Established 1961 Monday, February 12, 2018 Local Canada’s former deputy prime minister visits Kuwait to promote investment Canada ranks as easiest country to start a business By Ben Garcia want to invest in banks, pensions and insur- tem, combined with low business costs, world ance. We have a vast opportunity for busi- class innovation and a stable, progressive KUWAIT: Canada’s former deputy prime min- nesspeople in Canada, and want to welcome democracy, render Canada the investment ister Jean Charest is in Kuwait to promote them in our country,” he added. destination of choice for Kuwaiti institutions Canada and meet businesspeople. Yesterday, Charest lauded Canada’s approach to edu- and individuals alike. he hosted a seminar to introduce Canada to cation. “You want to study in the best univer- Charest also participated in individual Kuwaiti businesspeople and present- meetings with Kuwaiti investors, includ- ed business proposals for mutual ing the Kuwait Investment Authority benefit. “We want to connect to the (KIA) and Petrochemical Industries Middle East firmly. Canada is a trad- Company (PIC). His meeting with PIC ing nation - we depend heavily on Joint venture included discussions regarding the trade. We are reliable trade partners. company’s recent joint venture with Just like Kuwait, we also believe in with Pembina Canada’s Pembina Pipelines and oppor- business diversification. Kuwait is tunities in the petrochemical sector in hosting the reconstruction conference Pipelines Canada generally. In addition, Charest for Iraq, which is very significant. met with members of the Canadian Kuwait has a place in the Middle East discussed business community in Kuwait in order as an honest broker - a country with to gain their perspectives on Canada- great similarity to Canada,” Charest Kuwait commercial relations. Finally, said. Charest availed himself to speak with Kuwait and Canada enjoy strong media, during which he further empha- and growing bilateral relations, which are sities abroad, and Canada is the best place for sized the strengths of the Canadian economy founded on fundamental principles and values excellent education programs. We host many and the competitive advantages of investing in shared by the two nations. Canadians con- Kuwaitis who are studying medicine and other Canada. tribute to Kuwait’s economy with a wide subjects,” he said. Charest possesses a wealth of expertise KUWAIT: Canada’s former deputy prime minister Jean Charest speaks during a range of services and products in fields such and experience not only in government, but seminar in Kuwait yesterday. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat as engineering, aerospace, education, medical Investment climate also in the private sector, where he is now a consultancy and architecture. “We both have More than 100 people attended the event, senior partner in the Montreal-based law firm the capacity to invest in our countries’ oppor- during which Charest highlighted Canada’s McCarthy Tetrault. An impassioned promoter ment of Canada’s message that Canada offers enhanced by low taxes and business costs, tunities. The oil and gas industries are com- welcoming investment climate and the fact of Canada, Charest is also a staunch advocate a strong and stable business climate that is together with a government committed to plementary areas in which we can work that it is ranked as the easiest country in the of global trade and investment, as well as a open for business, investment, and trade. investment in an economy that is hallmarked together as we have lots of expertise in this G7 and OECD to start a business. He further champion of environmental protection. His Furthermore, Canada benefits from a by innovation, inclusiveness and responsible regard. We are also looking for partners who noted that a sound and effective financial sys- visit to Kuwait serves to reinforce the govern- sound, efficient financial system that is environmental stewardship.

ed to telecommunications technology. During Zain hosts the seminar, Zain provided students with a rich overview of how technical departments Telecommunications operate within a major telecom company, including telecom and billing systems, NGN Technology seminar an IP Network solutions, Core Mobile Solutions, Zain’s website and app, as well as for ACK students marketing communications. Zain hosts informative seminars, student field trips, workshops, and development pro- KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunica- grams regularly for students of different age tions company in Kuwait, recently hosted a groups to further increase their knowledge of Telecommunications Technology seminar for the telecom industry in Kuwait. Such pro- students from the Australian College of grams are targeted at students in collabora- Kuwait (ACK) as part of a field visit to its tion with public and private educational insti- main headquarters in Shuwaikh. tutions in Kuwait, reflecting Zain’s ongoing Zain held this visit as part of its strategy to efforts in promoting the education and devel- contribute to the development of the youth opment of the country’s youth. As a leading national company, Zain firmly and education sectors in Kuwait, through believes in the advancement of young people’s which the company is keen on enriching the skills and capabilities, and looks to empower knowledge and skills of college students in and prepare them for the important roles they KUWAIT: ACK’s students at Zain’s headquarters. various fields, especially technical fields relat- will play in the further progress of Kuwait.

British warships visit Kuwait for joint training

KUWAIT: British Warships, HMS Blyth and HMS Middleton, Sandown-class and Hunt-class mine hunters, are visiting Kuwait to undertake joint training with the Kuwait Naval Forces (KNF) in the Arabian Gulf. Lt Commander Louise Ray (Captain HMS Blyth) described the visit as very “successful” and “a great privilege to have Kuwaiti naval offi- cers onboard.” “The visit provides the founda- tions for future operations and will be followed by further Royal Navy - KNF operations later in the year. UK armed forces continue to work KUWAIT: Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Kuwait Arushya Kaandee Pan closely with their Kuwaiti counterparts to British Royal Navy crew on board of HMS Blyth with members of the Kuwait hosted a reception recently on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of underpin regional security. HMS Blyth and Naval Force. independence day at his residence. Senior officials, diplomats, and Middleton are in the Arabian Gulf undertaking media representatives attended the event. —Photos by Joseph Shagra operations as part of the multi-national Combined Task Force 152 (CTF152),” he said. Four of the Royal Navy MCMVs, and a dedi- world due to its importance in world oil cated RFA support ship, maintain a permanent transportation. Established in March 2004, HMS Middleton presence in the Gulf demonstrating the UK’s CTF 152 is one of three task forces operated HMS Middleton is a Royal Navy Mine continued commitment to enduring peace and by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). CTF Counter Measures Vessel (MCMV). She has stability in the region. HMS Middleton was 152 enhances regional naval cooperation in been deployed to the Gulf for over 2 years, hav- launched in April 1983. the Arabian Gulf. CTF 152 operates in the groups of employees; 21 for branches and ing set sail from her hometown port of Arabian Gulf where it coordinates Theatre KFH holds 15 for Call Center. It included training Portsmouth in November of 2015. HMS Blyth Security Cooperation (TSC) activities with courses and workshops on banking prod- HMS Middleton’s primary role is to protect HMS Blyth is one of seven Sandown-class regional partners, conducts Maritime training program ucts, such as; banking cards, bank vital sea lanes and ensure access to regional sea Mine Countermeasures Vessels (MCMV) Security Operations (MSO), and remains accounts, deposits, letters of guarantee, bases in order to protect global security of based at Clyde Naval Base in Faslane, prepared to respond to any crisis that may for new recruits and KFH eservices. In addition, the pro- energy supply and to provide wider security at Scotland. She is the second vessel to bear the develop. gram tackled training courses on Islamic sea. HMS Middleton detects, investigates, and name -the first being a Bangor-class CTF 152 consists of ships, aircraft and per- economy, sharia basics, counterfeiting destroys sea-bed threats with the use of high minesweeper of the Second World War. She sonnel from a range of nations including Saudi KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) and fraud, GFS Ethix, not to mention the powered sonar, remote underwater vehicles and was launched in July 2000. Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, UK held a comprehensive training program call center; its equipment, role, and the divers. She works as part of a multi-national and US, and has also included participation from for 36 new recruits in an attempt to services it renders. coalition and alongside other regional partners CTF152 Italy and Australia. Command of CTF 152 is improve their proficiency in banking Such training programs contribute to seeking to promote UK interests and to expand Today the Arabian Gulf is one of the most rotated between participating nations on a three transactions and financial services to bet- raise the bar of employees, enrich their UK influence abroad. strategically important waterways in the to twelve month basis. ter serve customers and meet their aspi- banking knowledge and put them on track rations. The program was tailored to to be well equipped and prepared to qualify employees to commence work at assume the responsibility of serving cus- KFH Call Center department and the tomers and face any obstacle and chal- branches. lenge according to the highest interna- The 5-week program encompassed 2 tional standards of service quality.

KUWAIT: A group picture of the recruits with KFH officials. HMS Blyth HMS Middleton Established 1961 5 Local Monday, February 12, 2018 Kuwait International Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq kicks off today Kuwait sees better inter-Arab ties through conference

KUWAIT: The three-day Kuwait International Conference the Amir, the Iraqi Prime Minister, UN Secretary General, for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) kicks off today World Bank chief and European Union policy chief coor- amid great aspirations by the Iraqis who are eager for a dinator, will see the declaration on the overall contribu- positive outcome and tangible contributions that will help tions to Iraq. The conference also coincides with other rebuild their war-torn country. major events, including a NGOs conference and the ‘Invest The conference, which is under the auspices of His in Iraq’ meeting, which will be attended by representatives Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- of hundreds of companies, including a large qualitative Sabah, will bring together a number of economically pow- exhibition in which a group of public companies affiliated erful countries, as well as regional and international organ- to the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals, will partici- izations that will focus on coming up with needed contri- pate to highlight investment opportunities in this regard. butions to rebuild Iraq after many years of war and con- Also in Kuwait, a ministerial meeting of the Anti-IS flicts that ripped through various parts of the country. Coalition group will take place on February 13. The 73- The conference will also touch on several developments member Coalition was established in September 2014. and vital aspects pertaining to Iraq, including the partici- pation of the private sector in the reconstruction process. Better ties The World Bank, as a major contributor to the event, will The conference represents an unprecedented opportu- provide the required investment guarantees for private nity to take ties between Arab nations to new levels, an companies and institutions to participate in the develop- official said yesterday. The “Kuwait International ment of Iraq. Meanwhile, France announced yesterday that Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq is a path its Foreign Minister Jean-Yves towards a brighter future in Le Drian is set to visit Kuwait the Arab region,” the Chairman IRBIL: This picture released by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) yesterday shows aid tomorrow to attend the con- of the Kuwait Chamber of ference. The conference will Commerce and Industry workers distribute relief support offered by Kuwait to displaced Iraqis in coordina- be co-chaired by Kuwait and NGOs (KCCI) Ali Al-Ghanem said tion with Barzani Charity Foundation. Iraq, as well as the United during his meeting with a con- Nations, European Union and conference tingent of Iraqi journalists. from healthcare and education to the tourism industry. izations in the face of the humanitarian challenges in Iraq. the World Bank. It comes in He pointed out that the Around 70 humanitarian organizations, including 25 from the aftermath of liberating all slated for today conference aims to rebuild a Humanitarian situation Iraq and 15 from Kuwait, will partake in the conference. Iraqi soil from the grips of the nation that lies in tatters after Today also witnesses the start of the Non- IICO President Abdullah Al-Matooq, in recent state- so-called Islamic State (IS); a years of warfare, citing a Governmental Organizations’ (NGOs) Conference to ments, said that the conference aims also at tackling means war that left human and mate- separate meeting over invest- Support the Humanitarian Situation in Iraq, which will of cooperation and the importance of international com- rial losses. Iraq and its people ment in Iraq, where a number focus on the latest developments and relief aid efforts in munity in alleviating the humanitarian complications of are eager to rebuild the affected areas and establish of development projects in Baghdad are expected to be the war-torn Arab country. Upon directives from His disasters and conflicts, especially in Iraq. humanitarian and developmental projects that will protect promulgated. On the ‘Invest in Iraq’ conference, Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- He shed light on Kuwait’s keenness on aid and support and rehabilitate the country’s infrastructure. Ghanem revealed that some 1,850 companies from 50 Sabah, the Kuwaiti Cabinet has tasked the International through its charitable societies, and affirmed that Kuwait The Iraqi delegation participating in the conference will nations are set to participate, a testament to the magni- Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) with organizing will continue cooperating with the United Nations to sup- have a working agenda on three main topics: reconstruc- tude of the event. “the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations port afflicted people suffering from the scourge of home- tion and investment, supporting stability in the country, Meanwhile, Wafa Al-Qatami, a KCCI official, said the (NGOs) to Support the Humanitarian Situation in Iraq” lessness and displacement. and promoting peaceful coexistence among the different conference proves Kuwait’s commitment to serving the today. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Higher Committee and segments of Iraqi society. The first day of the conference best interests of the Arab region. Addressing a panel dis- The conference aims at mobilizing efforts locally, IICO Director General Bader Al-Sumait highlighted the will deliberate and assess the overall damage caused by cussion involving Kuwaiti companies that plan to invest in regionally, and globally for NGOs to support the humani- role of the Kuwait-based Organization in the conference. the war and issues that need to be addressed, as well as Iraq, Al-Qatami noted that the conference could usher in tarian situation in the Iraqi areas affected by recent armed Sumait expressed readiness to host the conference and to projects to support stability, community reconciliation and an epoch of stability and peace for the entire region. conflicts. IICO will host various sessions that will include support the humanitarian situation in Iraq, noting that such peaceful coexistence. Dr Sami Al-Araji, Chairman of the National Investment prominent speakers from around the world to highlight effort comes within the framework of Kuwait’s pioneering The second day tackles procedures for creating a suit- Commission of Iraq, thanked Kuwait for the initiative, say- their experiences on the humanitarian field. The IICO will humanitarian stance. Sumait also pointed out that IICO, able environment for investment, through the showcasing ing his country now has the chance to lure foreign invest- also review the humanitarian situation in Iraq and has sent invitations to more than 100 local, regional and of 212 projects in all sectors of the Iraqi economy, includ- ment after its military victory over the so-called Islamic announce pledges and contributions by participants. international organizations and many leading figures and ing projects in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. State. He went on to tout the ample investment opportuni- IICO will also attempt to strengthen the humanitarian active international organizations in the humanitarian field The third day, which will be attended by His Highness ties Baghdad has to offer, in sectors running the gamut partnership among local, regional and international organ- for the one-day conference. —KUNA Established 1961

InternationalMONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 Friend or foe? Syria ‘quietly’ aids Kurds S Korea’s Moon watches concert with Kim Jong Un’s sister Page 9 Page 8

PRISTINA: Kosovo Albanians wear face masks as they take part in a protest against heavy pollution in Pristina. Every winter morning workers wrap scarves around their faces and emerge from the pea soup fog that engulfs their town of Obiliq, stuck between two coal-fired power stations on the outskirts of Kosovo’s capital. —AFP In Kosovo’s capital, ‘breathing harms health’ ‘This place will become a new Chernobyl’ OBILIQ: Every winter morning workers wrap scarves young country, one of the poorest in Europe. Minister of remains suspended in the air, he adds. No epidemiolo- one there who has not been affected by cancer.” around their faces and emerge from the pea soup fog Economic Development Valdrin Lluka told AFP that gists have come to calculate the full health impact of Jashari said he registered 88 new cancer cases in that engulfs their town of Obiliq, stuck between two Kosovo lacked other energy options such as hydropower the two plants that relentlessly belch out smoke. 2017, also noting cardiovascular diseases and various coal-fired power stations on the outskirts of Kosovo’s facilities. “We don’t have gas, we cannot create nuclear Kosovo A is originally a Soviet design that has been other conditions. capital. If nothing is done, “this place will become a power plants. We have coal,” said Lluka, who emphasized refurbished many times, while the more modern “Those who can, leave, to get away from disease and new Chernobyl.... We will have to leave”, said Agim the importance of energy independence in Kosovo. Haki Kosovo B used ex-East German technology for coal protect their children,” he said. Minister Lluka has Ibrahimi, 46, a manual worker who lives in the town. Jashari, director of the small hospital in Obiliq, tells AFP mining during the Cold War era. In 2013, the World announced plans for swift improvements. With the help “Three members of my family have died of cancer... that, while he obviously Bank estimated that the of the European Union, the filters at the Kosovo B plant It’s a cancerous land.” Regardless of the wind’s direc- understands the importance annual cost of pollution for are to be changed. In December, Kosovo signed a deal tion, the pungent smell of burnt coal permeates Obiliq, of electricity, “we can’t violate My family Kosovo and its 1.8 million with a US power generator for a 1.3 billion-euro plant where 30,000 residents live between and around the people’s right to good health inhabitants came to 223 mil- to replace Kosovo A, which Lluka said would ensure 25 plants, known as Kosovo A and Kosovo B. Built and a proper environment”. members have lion euros ($275 million) times fewer dust emissions and four times less carbon between 1965 and 1975, the plants produce more than equivalent to 5.3 percent of dioxide. “We are not only faced with the current chal- 95 percent of Kosovo’s electricity but, combined with Premature deaths died of cancer; its gross domestic product. lenges, but with accumulated pollution,” said Edmond the coal heating of individual homes and busy urban Kosovo’s national elec- “Air pollution is estimated Nulleshi, a manager at KEK, which invested 60 million traffic, heavily impact the air quality. tricity company KEK owns It’s a cancerous to cause 852 premature euros in the environment between 2012 and 2015. No monitoring takes place in Obiliq. But in the capi- 72 percent of the land in deaths, 318 new cases of Under a law passed in 2016 but as yet not imple- tal Pristina, 15 kilometers away, the US embassy meas- Obiliq and employs 4,700 land chronic bronchitis, 605 hos- mented, KEK will pay Obiliq 20 percent of the value of ures pollution levels, publishing data on its website, people in the power plants pital admissions and 11,900 the coal it mines, which will triple the town’s budget. and places it high among the most polluted cities in the or its mines, according to emergency visits each This could help to measure the air quality, clean the soil world. Residents of Pristina, who often go out wearing the mayor. Sahit Zeqiri, year,” said the report. and strengthen medical prevention, according to Mayor a mask, don’t need official data to voice their concerns head of the local technical school, says everything is Xhafer Gashi. For Kosovo B to introduce brand new about the pollution. “Breathing seriously damages contaminated: “The air that we breath, the soil that we International aid? technology and meet EU standards it would take 300 health,” read a placard at a recent protest. On cultivate, the water which we drink”. Every day in win- Retired librarian Ruzhdi Mirena, 63, chants a litany million euros, said Nulleshi, who hopes for the help of February 17, Kosovo will mark 10 years since its decla- ter, he says, five to 10 students are missing, victims of of the dead and sick, pointing a finger at the houses of international donors. “It is not that we lack environ- ration of independence from Serbia. bronchitis. Outside sports are banned, and this year, Hade, a hamlet backing on to a coal mine. “There are mental awareness, but we are not at the level of west- But pollution remains a huge stumbling block for the owing to a lack of snow or rain, particulate matter 85 families here, and believe me or not, there is not ern Europe in terms of capabilities,” he said. —AFP Police shoot a man Egypt’s army kills 16 during sword attack jihadists, arrests 34 at Indonesia church CAIRO: Egypt’s army said yesterday it had killed JAKARTA: Indonesian police shot and wounded a man 16 jihadists and detained 34 more in the Sinai who attacked a church congregation with a sword during Peninsula since launching a major operation Sunday Mass, seriously injuring four people including a against them on Friday. The security sweep in the priest and destroying Christian imagery. Around 100 peo- Sinai, heart of a persistent Islamic State group ple were attending the service in the town of Sleman in insurgency, comes as President Abdel Fattah Al- Yogyakarta province on Java island when a man barged in Sisi seeks re-election next month. Army wielding a one-meter-long sword and began attacking ter- spokesman Tamer Al-Rifai said 16 jihadists had ror-stricken people, seemingly indiscriminately. “Four peo- been killed and 34 detained during a “sweep and ple have been injured in the incident-quite seriously-but raids... in northern and central Sinai”. The army we still cannot determine the perpetrator’s motive,” destroyed 66 jihadist hideouts, 11 pickup vehicles Yogyakarta police spokesman Yulianto said. and 31 motorbikes, he said in a statement. Extremists in the world’s most populous Muslim-majori- It also discovered and destroyed an explosives- ty country have mounted a series of attacks against making laboratory and a communications centre, Christians and other minorities. A few minutes after the as well as six cannabis and opium fields, he said. service started, a congregation member ran into the church with a bleeding head chased by a young man holding a Egypt’s security forces have been increasingly tar- sharp weapon, said worshipper Andhi Cahyo. “Everybody geted by jihadists since the army in 2013 over- started panicking and screaming. I was scrambling to save threw Sisi’s predecessor, Islamist president SLEMAN: Indonesian police examine the scene after a knife attack at a church during a Sunday mass in my wife and children,” Cahyo said. People fled through Sleman, Yogyakarta province yesterday. —AFP Mohamed Morsi. In November, Sisi ordered his another door as the attacker ran amok inside the church. armed forces chief of staff to restore security in He destroyed some books and a Virgin Mary statue with Sinai within three months after militants killed his sword, said Cahyo, and attacked 81-year-German cop before being subdued,” Cahyo said. All victims have not questioned, Yulianto said. Indonesia is home to signifi- more than 300 worshippers at a mosque. No priest Edmund Prier who was standing at the altar. been taken to hospital for treatment. Police said the man cant numbers of Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. In group has claimed responsibility for that attack. Prier, who has been living in Indonesia for decades, is was a university student in his early 20s but could not con- 2016 several children were injured after a man threw “Operation Sinai 2018”, which involves the air now an Indonesian citizen. Police arrived soon after the firm if the incident was related to terrorism. Molotov cocktails at a church during a Sunday service. force and navy, is also to target jihadists in the attack and fired a warning shot but the attacker refused to “For now we cannot conclude this is related to terror- On Christmas Eve 2000 the Al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Nile Delta and Western Desert near the border surrender. “After the warning shot was fired, the attacker ism. We need to dig out more details and question the Islamiyah group staged coordinated bombings of church- with Libya. —AFP charged towards the officer with his sword. The officer then perpetrator,” said spokesman Yulianto. The man was cur- es in Jakarta and eight other cities which killed 18 people shot him below his stomach, but he managed to injure the rently being treated at Bhayangkara hospital and could and injured many more. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Monday, February 12, 2018 Questions surround prison death of Iranian-Canadian environmentalist

Authorities claim Emami committed suicide in prison

TEHRAN: Questions surrounded the death of a respond and to provide the public with information prominent Iranian-Canadian environmentalist yester- concerning his death,” the statement said. A source day after authorities claimed he committed suicide in close to the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation told prison a fortnight after his arrest. Iran’s academic AFP that the other seven were still in jail. Among them community was in shock over the death of Kavous was Hooman Jokar, who headed a program to save the Seyed Emami, 63, one of the country’s most revered endangered Asiatic cheetah. professors and head of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Morad Tahbaz, an Iranian-American businessman Foundation. who was a member of the Persian Wildlife Heritage He was arrested along with seven colleagues from Foundation board, was also in detention. In November, the wildlife NGO on January 24, and his death was the conservative-linked Tasnim news agency accused announced by the family on social media late on Tahbaz of being a big-game hunter who was trying to Saturday. “The news of my father’s passing is impossi- seize control of national park land in northern Iran. ble to fathom,” wrote his son Ramin Seyed Emami, a Tahbaz comes from a wealthy family who made their well-known singer, on his Instagram page. He said fortune before the 1979 revolution and once owned security officials had informed his mother on Friday. the renowned Kayhan newspaper, which is now con- “They say he committed suicide. I still can’t believe trolled by the Islamic authorities. this.” Asked about the Emami’s death follows case on Sunday, reports of at least two Tehran’s chief prosecu- other “suicides” in tor Abbas Jafari detention that were Dolatabadi confirmed linked to the week-long the death. protests in late “This person was one Iran’s academic December and early of the accused and giv- community January. Mahmoud en that he knew there Sadeghi, an outspoken were many revelations in shock lawmaker, had claimed a against him and that he 23-year-old protester himself had made con- named Sina Ghanbari fessions, unfortunately died in Tehran’s notori- This handout photograph released by the family of Iranian-Canadian environmentalist Kavous Seyed he committed suicide in ous Evin Prison, but the Emami shows him at an unidentified location. Iran’s academic community was in shock yesterday fol- prison,” he told the judiciary said he was a lowing the death of renowned environmentalist Kavous Seyed Emami, who authorities claimed commit- reformist ILNA news agency. Dolatabadi had said on drug-trafficker who had committed suicide. Another ted suicide in prison a fortnight after his arrest. —AFP Saturday that several people linked to environmental man died after being arrested during protests in the causes had been arrested on espionage charges, with- city of Arak in central Iran. Local officials said he had out giving further details. “A number of individuals stabbed himself to death. the reformist Islamic Union Party, tweeted that the brain haemorrhage caused by a beating”. who collected information and gave it to foreigners death “has caused a wave of questions and concerns The case overshadowed relations with Canada for were identified, some were arrested and some may be ‘Loved Iran, the environment’ among the public”. years. Canada severed diplomatic relations with Iran arrested in the future. The case is at its initial stage “Everyone is in shock,” an academic who knew “The Tehran prosecutor’s incomplete and vague in 2012, after its government criticized the Islamic and details cannot be disclosed,” Gholamhossein Emami well told AFP on condition of anonymity. “He information has added to these concerns. What is republic’s support for the Syrian regime, its “incite- Esmailie, the head of Tehran’s judiciary department, was one of the best professors. He was very profound, going on in this country? Why doesn’t the judici- ment to genocide” against Israel and its leaders’ fail- told ILNA yesterday. very composed, not at all political. He loved Iran and ary give out information in time and transparent- ure to account for their nuclear program. Iran does the environment. “He came back recently from Canada ly?” he wrote. Emami is the second Iranian- not recognize dual nationality and treats those Multiple ‘suicides’ where he was doing research. On his return, he was Canadian citizen to die in Iran’s prisons following arrested as Iranian citizens only. After a landmark The Iran Sociology Association, of which Emami called in several times” by the authorities. Emami had the murder of 54-year-old Zahra Kazemi in 2003, nuclear deal between Iran and world powers in 2015, was an active member, released a statement yesterday taught at the Imam Sadegh University, where many of who had been arrested for taking photos outside Canada announced the lifting of economic sanctions questioning the claims. “The information published the regime’s leading figures were educated including Evin Prison. The vice-president at the time, on the country and said it was reviewing its wider about him is not believable and we expect officials to nuclear negotiator Said Jalili. Ali Shakourirad, head of Mohammad Ali Abtahi, stated she died from “a relations. —AFP

Cameroon imposes curfew in troubled anglophone regions YAOUNDE: Cameroon imposed a week-long night curfew from Saturday in its restive English-speaking west citing fears of an “imminent” attack by separatists but long-serving President Paul Biya claimed the volatile situation had “stabilized”. Dozens of people have been killed in the two English-speaking regions since October after a violent crackdown on protests BASHU: Cameroonian refugees stand in front of their home against the mainly French-speaking government. in Bashu, Boki district of Cross Rivers State, southeast Many English-speakers have accused the Nigeria. Nigeria has assured Cameroon that it is deter- Francophone majority of discrimination and that has mined to deal with secessionist forces attempting to use fuelled a separatist movement. Army spokesman its territory to destabilize its West African neighbor. —AFP Colonel Didier Badjeck said the curfew would come into force Saturday. It will last from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am and is due to concerns of an “imminent attack” in violence has prompted an estimated 30,000 “several cities” by separatists, backed by “mercenar- Cameroonians to flee to neighboring Nigeria. ies” from neighboring Nigeria, a defense ministry Biya, 84, who has held power since 1982, on memo said. The curfew can be renewed, said a note Saturday called on young Cameroonians to be “patri- from the governorate of the English-speaking north- otic internet users” and said the situation in the anglo- west region, seen by AFP. phone areas had improved after “troubles which Cameroon’s southwest and northwest regions are sometimes sparked acts of violence.” It comes after a home to an English-speaking minority that accounts string of grisly video clips circulated online alleging for about a fifth of the population. In October, sepa- atrocities against separatists by Cameroonian soldiers. ratists declared the two regions as the self-proclaimed On Friday, the Cameroonian army denied its troops republic of “Ambazonia”, prompting a forceful reac- were responsible for the alleged gruesome killings in tion by the government. Police say 22 police and sol- English-speaking regions in the unverified video. diers have been killed in the violence but officials in “These accusations of atrocities are dreamt up. We the capital Yaounde have not released figures for the are victims of disinformation and fake news,” said number of separatist or civilian losses. The spiraling army spokesman Colonel Didier Badjeck.—AFP Israel’s forces to press ahead with Syria operations JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yes- terday that Israeli forces would press ahead with Syria oper- ations despite their loss of an advanced warplane to enemy fire for the first time in 36 years. Syrian anti-aircraft fire downed the F-16 as it returned from a bombing raid on Iran- backed positions in Syria early on Saturday. The Iran-backed forces are supporting President Bashar Al-Assad in Syria’s KAOUKABA: Photo shows the remains of a missile that near seven-year civil war. landed in the southern Lebanese village of Kaoukaba, near Israel then launched a second and more intensive air raid, the border with Syria, after Israel’s military attacked 12 hitting what it said were 12 Iranian and Syrian targets in Syrian and Iranian targets inside Syria. —AFP Syria, including Syrian air defense systems. However, Israel and Syria have both signaled they are not seeking wider con- Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, flict and yesterday their frontier was calm, though Netanyahu said Israel’s strikes on Saturday had killed at least six people struck a defiant tone yesterday in remarks to his cabinet from Syrian government and allied forces. Syrian state media broadcast by Israeli media. “Yesterday we landed hard blows have yet to disclose any casualties or damage. on the forces of Iran and Syria. We made unequivocally clear The downing of the F-16 over northern Israel - as the air to everyone that our modus operandi has not changed one force struck back for what it said was an incursion by an bit,” he said. Iranian drone launched from Syria - was a rare setback for a Iran’s involvement in Syria, including the deployment of country that relies on regional military supremacy. Security Iran-backed forces near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, cabinet minister Yuval Steinitz told Israel Radio the Iranian has alarmed Israel, which has said it would counter any drone was modeled on the U.S. RQ-170 drone that was threat. Israel also has accused Iran of planning to build pre- downed in Iran in 2011. The US Embassy did not immediately cision-guided missile factories in Lebanon. The Syrian comment. —Reuters 8 Established 1961 International Monday, February 12, 2018 Friend or foe? Syria quietly aids Kurds against Turkey Assad likely to gain while doing little ALEPPO: Syria’s US-backed Kurds are getting indirect help control. A commander in the military alliance fighting in from an unlikely source in their war against Turkey in the support of Assad said “the Kurds have no option but coor- northwestern region of Afrin: President Bashar Al-Assad. dination with the regime” to defend Afrin. “The Syrian Pro-government forces and Kurdish-led forces have fought regime is helping the Kurds with humanitarian support and each other elsewhere in Syria and Damascus opposes the some logistics, like turning a blind eye and allowing Kurds’ demands for autonomy. But in Afrin they have a com- Kurdish support to reach some fronts,” said the command- mon enemy and a mutual interest in blocking Turkish er, who spoke on condition of anonymity. advances. Turkey, which regards the Kurdish YPG militia in Afrin as a threat on its southern border, launched an assault Turkish campaign on the region last month. Seeking to shield Afrin, the Kurds The Turkish military is making slow gains nearly three asked Damascus to send weeks into the operation forces into action to defend it calls “Olive Branch”. the border. Ankara views the YPG as The government shows an extension of the no sign of doing so, but it is Syrian soldiers Kurdistan Workers’ Party providing indirect help by (PKK), which has fought a allowing Kurdish fighters, fight Kurdish three-decade insurgency civilians and politicians to in Turkey and is regarded reach Afrin through territo- YPG militia as a terrorist group by the ry it holds, representatives United States and the of both sides told Reuters. European Union. The Assad stands to gain while elsewhere United States has relied doing little. The arrival of on the YPG as a vital reinforcements is likely to ground component of its sustain Kurdish resistance, war against Islamic State, bog down the Turkish forces and prolong a conflict that is and has backed the group in other Kurdish-run regions in sapping the resources of military powers that rival him for northern Syria along the border with Turkey. But US forces control of Syrian territory. For the United States, it is yet are not in Afrin, so have been unable to shield Afrin from the another complication in Syria’s seven-year-old war, and a attack by Turkey, its NATO ally. The Kurds meanwhile reminder of how its Syrian Kurdish ally must at times make accuse Russia of giving a green light for the Turkish attack ISTANBUL: Turkish soldiers carry the coffin of Koray Karaca, a Turkish soldier who was killed in cross-border clashes with deals with Assad even as it builds military ties with the by withdrawing observers it deployed in Afrin last year. Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) forces in Afrin, Syria, during a funeral ceremony in Istanbul yesterday. —AFP United States. The Afrin war marks another twist in the complicated Lacking international protection, the Kurdish-led forces story of relations between Assad and the Syrian Kurdish in northern Syria say they have reached agreements with groups, spearheaded by the YPG, that have carved out forces attacked the SDF in the eastern province of Deir al- form of federalism that is at odds with Assad’s determina- Damascus to allow reinforcements to be sent to Afrin from autonomous regions in northern Syria since the war began Zor, drawing coalition air strikes overnight that killed more tion to recover all Syria. Each side has allowed the other to other Kurdish-dominated areas-Kobani and the Jazeera in 2011. The YPG controls nearly all of Syria’s frontier with than 100 of the attackers, the coalition said. “The regime maintain footholds in its territory. In Kurdish-held region. “There are different ways to get reinforcements to Turkey. But Afrin is separated from the bigger Kurdish- has allowed the YPG to bring people into Afrin, while Qamishli, the government still controls the airport. In the Afrin but the fundamental route is via regime forces. There controlled region further east by a 100 km-wide zone con- attacking it east of Euphrates (River). I think that is indica- Sheikh Maqsoud district of Aleppo, a government city, are understandings between the two forces ... for the sake trolled by the Turkish military and its Syrian militia allies. tive of the state of relations right,” said Noah Bonsey, Kurdish security forces patrol the streets. of delivering reinforcements to Afrin,” Kino Gabriel, For much of the war, Damascus and the YPG have avoided International Crisis Group’s Senior Analyst on Syria. He Scores of Kurds from Sheikh Maqsoud have gone to spokesman for the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic confrontation, at times fighting common enemies, including added: “There is still a significant gap between the YPG Afrin to support the fight, Kurdish officials there said. The Forces (SDF), said. the rebel groups that are now helping Turkey attack Afrin. and regime positions on the future of northeastern Syria.” short journey requires movement through areas held by While the Kurds depend on Assad to reach Afrin, But tensions have mounted in recent months, with the government or its Iran-backed Shiite militia allies. “Of Kurdish sources say they also enjoy leverage over Damascus threatening to march into parts of eastern and Fighting for Afrin course people went from Sheikh Maqsoud - in the hun- Damascus because it needs their cooperation to source northern Syria captured by the SDF with support from the The main Syrian Kurdish groups remain wedded to dreds to bear arms and defend Afrin,” said Badran Himo, a grain and oil from areas of the northeast under Kurdish US-led coalition. Underlining that, pro-Syrian government their vision of a Syria where they enjoy autonomy in a Kurdish official from Sheikh Maqsoud. —Reuters

than 120 workers for Britain’s leading charities were News in brief Britain warns charities accused of sexual abuse in the past year, “fuelling fears paedophiles are targeting overseas aid organizations”. Beijing knife rampage Oxfam-which employs around 5,000 staff and has 23,000 over sex misconduct as more volunteers-recorded 87 incidents last year, referring BEIJING: A man motivated by personal grievances 53 to the police or authorities and dismissing 20 staff or killed a woman and injured 12 others in a knife attack Oxfam scandal widens volunteers, according to the paper. in Beijing yesterday, police said. The rampage unfold- The Charity Commission, which regulates the sector ed at a busy shopping mall in the heart of the Chinese and will meet this week with Mordaunt, has asked Oxfam capital before officers quickly subdued the attacker, LONDON: The British Government said yesterday it is to urgently provide fresh information on the scandal in according to the authorities. Three men and 10 women warning all charities that receive UK aid to step up efforts Haiti. Meanwhile the Department for International were injured, but one victim later died. None of the to tackle sexual misconduct among staff or face having Development (DFID) said Friday it was reviewing its rela- remaining victims are suffering from life-threatening their funding cut, amid further fallout from a prostitution tionship with the UK-based charity, to which it gave nearly injuries, police added. Violent incidents are extremely scandal involving Oxfam workers in Haiti in 2011. The £32 million (36 million euros/$44 million) last year. It said rare in Beijing, which is tightly policed, particularly in International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt Oxfam’s leaders had “showed a lack of judgment” in their the run-up to the Chinese New Year holiday that starts revealed she was writing to the charities to insist they spell handling of the matter and their level of openness with the this year on Friday. “After a preliminary investigation out what steps they are taking on the issue and confirm government and commission. the suspect named Zhu, 35, from Xihua County in they have referred all concerns about specific cases and Henan Province, confessed to injuring people in order individuals to the relevant authorities. ‘No cover-up’ - to satisfy personal grievances,” police said.—AFP “With regard to Oxfam and any other organization that Oxfam Chief Executive Mark Goldring said Saturday it has safeguarding issues, we expect them to cooperate fully receives less than 10 percent of its funding from DFID and with such authorities, and we will cease to fund any organi- hoped to continue working with the department while Four elephants killed zation that does not,” she said in a statement. Mordaunt rebuilding trust with the public. He admitted Oxfam did not added she will also demand all donors and development give full details of the scandal to the commission in 2011 but NEW DELHI: A passenger train collided with a herd of organizations show leadership and take action on the mat- insisted it “did anything but cover it up”. “With hindsight, I elephants crossing the tracks in India’s northeast, an ter at the global End Violence Solutions Summit in would much prefer that we had talked about (the) sexual official said yesterday, killing four of the endangered Stockholm next week. “I am very clear: we will not work misconduct,” Goldring told BBC radio. “But I don’t think it animals in the high-speed accident. The impact of the with any organization that does not live up to the high was in anyone’s best interest to be describing the details of collision in Assam state late Saturday derailed the standards on safeguarding and protection that we require.” the behaviour in a way that was actually going to draw engine but no passengers were injured, regional rail- The hardening stance follows reports in The Times that extreme attention to it.” Oxfam is also accused of failing to ways spokesman PJ Sharma said. Another elephant young sex workers were hired by Oxfam’s senior staff in warn other aid agencies about the staff involved, which was seriously injured in the accident, he added. The Haiti after the 2010 earthquake which devastated the island allowed them to get jobs among vulnerable people in other elephants were part of a larger herd migrating through and left up to 300,000 people dead, and that the UK- disaster areas. Roland van Hauwermeiren, 68, whom GLASGOW: A poster in seen in the window of an Oxfam the hilly forest state, where train tracks cut across ele- based charity tried to cover up the scandal at the time. Oxfam said was forced to resign as Haiti country director bookshop in Glasgow. The British Government said it was phant corridors that act as transit routes for the wan- in 2011 after allegedly admitting hiring prostitutes, went on reviewing all work with Oxfam amid revelations the chari- dering animals. India has nearly 30,000 elephants and ‘Lack of judgment’ to become head of mission for Action Against Hunger in ty’s staff hired prostitutes in Haiti during a 2011 relief effort Assam is home to its largest population of the Asian In the latest revelations, the Sunday Times reports more Bangladesh from 2012 to 2014. —AFP on the earthquake-hit island. — AFP variety, an endangered species. Railway authorities have introduced speed restrictions on some routes that are designated elephant corridors. —AFP Trump laments CIA denies report on Three tourists dead ‘shattered’ lives mystery Russian who WASHINGTON: At least three people were killed and four others injured Saturday when a helicopter carry- promised Trump info ing tourists in Arizona went down in the Grand Canyon, after aides quits authorities said. The accident took place at around 5:20 pm in Grand Canyon West, located in northwest- WASHINGTON: The CIA has categorically denied WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said Saturday ern Arizona, said Hualapai Nation police chief Francis reports that it was fleeced by a mystery Russian who that lives were being “shattered” by allegations that may be Bradley. Local media reported the Eurocopter EC130 promised compromising information on US President false after two of his White House aides quit over domestic helicopter, whose operator was unknown, was travel- Donald Trump. The secretive agency rarely issues any abuse accusations. Trump’s White House has been heavily ing on a tour. “The investigation is ongoing,” Bradley kind of comment, but came out to deny the report in told AFP, noting that there was no information immedi- criticized for its handling of the allegations, which come amid a national debate over sexual misconduct and the The New York Times and a similar one in The ately available on the circumstances surrounding the Intercept, an online journal focusing on national secu- tragedy. Allen Kenitzer, of the Federal Aviation #MeToo movement that has seen an avalanche of claims fell towering figures across various industries. US President Donald Trump rity issues. “The fictional story that CIA was bilked out Authority’s Office of Communications said the aircraft of $100,000 is patently false,” the Central Intelligence sustained “substantial damage.” The FAA and the Critics say the president’s chief of staff, John Kelly, has badly mishandled the matter and that his future at the White who since has died, as he faced harassment allegations. And Agency said in a statement sent to AFP. National Transportation Safety Board will investigate “The people swindled here were James Risen and the crash, he added.—AFP House hangs by a thread. “Peoples lives are being shattered after Fox fired popular talk show host Bill O’Reilly amid and destroyed by a mere allegation,” Trump tweeted. “Some reports of payouts over harassment claims, Trump called him Matt Rosenberg,” the CIA said, referring to Times are true and some are false. Some are old and some are new. “a good person.” The president, meanwhile, has vociferously reporter Rosenberg, who wrote the story, and Risen, a Two Ohio police killed There is no recovery for someone falsely accused - life and denied charges from more than a dozen women that he is former Times reporter who authored The Intercept’s career are gone. Is there no such thing any longer as Due guilty of sexual harassment or abuse. Trump made no men- article. Both reports appeared on Friday. The presi- dent tweeted approvingly that The Times article WASHINGTON: Two Ohio police officers were shot Process?” The remark by the president-himself the target of tion of the women or the abuse allegations when he spoke shows a need to “drain the swamp” in Washington. In and killed while responding to an emergency call dur- numerous harassment claims-came after White House about Porter at the White House on Friday. ing a possible domestic violence incident Saturday, speechwriter David Sorensen resigned on Friday, even while “The President has shown through words and actions that a story worthy of a John le Carre novel that included authorities said. Officers Anthony Morelli, 54, and Eric denying his former wife’s claims of abuse. he doesn’t value women. It’s not surprising that he doesn’t secret USB-drive handovers in a small Berlin bar and Joering, 39, were “immediately met with gunfire” when And staff secretary Rob Porter stepped down believe survivors or understand the national conversation coded messages delivered over the National Security they arrived around noon at an apartment in Wednesday after abuse allegations from two ex-wives that is happening,” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat, Agency’s Twitter account, CIA agents spent much of Westerville, Police Chief Joe Morbitzer told reporters. became public that he too denied. Trump not only accepted wrote on Twitter. “The lives of survivors of sexual assault last year trying to buy back from the Russians hacking Morelli had served on the force for 29 years, while Porter’s claim of innocence but praised him for doing “a very and domestic abuse are being shattered every day. If he programs stolen from the NSA, the Times reported. Joering had been with Westerville police for 16 years. good job” and offered his wishes for “a wonderful career” wants due process for the over dozen sexual assault allega- The seller, who was not identified but had suspect- The officers responded after police received a 911 call ahead. The president has stood by other men-including Roy tions against him, let’s have Congressional hearings tomor- ed links to both cyber criminals and Russian intelli- and the caller hung up. “These were two of the best we Moore, the Alabama Republican who ran unsuccessfully for row. I would support that and my colleagues should too.” gence, tantalized the US spies with an offer of the have. This was their calling, and they did it right,” the US Senate-when they faced allegations of abuse or Trump’s latest tweet comes at a time when many NSA hacking tools that had been advertised for sale Morbitzer said, choking back tears. A procession was harassment, while rarely expressing sympathy for the Republicans would prefer to see Trump keep the spotlight online by a group called the Shadow Brokers. Some held in honor of the fallen officers. The suspect, who women who accused them. on a generally healthy economy and December’s big tax of the tools, developed by the NSA to break into the was wounded and taken to a local hospital, is now in cuts. With key midterm elections approaching in November, computers of US rivals, were used by other hackers police custody. —AFP ‘A good person’ they would also like to move away from the narrative of a last year to crack or infect computer systems around He supported former Fox News executive Roger Ailes, White House in disarray. —AFP the world. —AFP Established 1961 9 International Monday, February 12, 2018 Afghan war intensifies in 2018 ‘game changer’

Relentless airstrikes pummel Islamist militant groups

KABUL: Fighting in Afghanistan has escalated with US the war-torn country, including in Kabul, in a devastat- and Afghan officials tipping 2018 to be a “game-chang- ing display of defiance. The Taleban, by far er” as relentless airstrikes pummel Islamist militant Afghanistan’s biggest militant group, claimed 472 groups-but others warn the 16-year war has simply attacks last month alone, the Washington, DC-based become a more violent stalemate. A traditional easing in terrorism research group TRAC said, describing the fighting during the freezing winter months has been number as “unprecedented” for January. Combined absent this year as the Taleban and Islamic State group with increased activity by relative newcomers IS, which respond to intensifying US and Afghan air assaults. has been expanding beyond its eastern stronghold, the Since US President Donald Trump announced his new country appeared to be “at a flashpoint almost to the strategy for Afghanistan in August, giving the US Air point of no return”, TRAC warned in a new report. The Force more leeway to go after militants, American pilots escalation of the conflict foreshadows a “particularly have been bombarding Taleban and IS fighters, their bloody year”, Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center training camps and drug-making laboratories. in Washington, DC told AFP, forecasting more Afghan “The gloves are off,” Brigadier General Lance Bunch, and US casualties. who directs future air operations in Afghanistan, told Afghanistan’s so-called “fighting season” traditionally reporters recently. The new policy has “definitely been starts in the spring before easing over the winter when a game-changer and the freezing temperatures Taleban is definitely and heavy snow make feeling it”, he added. The combat more difficult. US is deploying more But in recent years troops and aircraft to Taleban, IS Taleban militants have Afghanistan, which has respond to continued to carry out become the main theatre attacks throughout the of operations for the US intensifying US, colder months. This win- Air Force following a ter has been worse than drawdown in Syria and Afghan air ever, Borhan Osman, a Iraq. At the same time it senior analyst with the is beefing up assaults International Crisis Afghanistan’s fledgling Group, said in a report. air capabilities. “Afghanistan is suffering NANGARHAR: An Afghan commando keeps watch during ongoing US-Afghan military operations against US aircraft dropped more intense violence Islamic State militants in Achin district of Nangarhar province. —AFP 4,361 munitions across the country in 2017 - including now than during any other winter... since 2001,” Osman more than 2,300 since August, which exceeded the said, highlighting last month’s attacks in the Afghan cap- adapt to the new tactics of the other, Afghanistan Taleban anytime soon. combined total for 2015 and 2016. With the help of ital that killed more than 130 people in less than 10 days. Analysts Network senior analyst Kate Clark said. Trump ruled out talks last month after the spate of huge B-52 bombers, the US has expanded its campaign The fighting this winter has been fuelled by more attacks, an apparent reversal of the position set out in to far northeastern Afghanistan near the China and ‘Escalating stalemate’ Taleban fighters remaining on the frozen battlefield his Afghanistan strategy. But Washington is still hoping Tajikistan borders where it is also targeting the East Among the worst of the attacks was an assault on instead of regrouping in Pakistan, which has long been to bring the Taleban to the negotiating table, Deputy Turkestan Islamic Movement, which neighboring China Kabul’s luxury Intercontinental Hotel on January 20, a accused of providing safe havens to the militants- Secretary of State John Sullivan said last week follow- blames for launching attacks on its soil. “The days of terrifying hours-long ordeal which saw Taleban insur- charges Islamabad denies. Former general and military ing a trip to Kabul. Sullivan’s comments come as the old where you had fighting seasons are gone,” Major gents armed with Kalashnikovs and suicide vests analyst Attiqullah Amarkhil said that Taleban fighters Afghan capital gears up for the Kabul Process meeting General James Hecker, head of NATO’s Air Command in charge from room to room searching for foreigners. had been ordered to “move forward instead of going at the end of February, where the central government is Afghanistan, told AFP in Kabul last week. That was followed a week later by a devastating bomb- back and forth” across the border. “I have not been to under pressure to present a framework for peace talks. ing involving an explosives-packed ambulance in a Pakistan for a year and I will not go there,” Mawlawi But expectations for progress are low. “There’s no way ‘Point of no return’ crowded street that killed more than 100 people, most- Ahmad, a Taleban commander in the restive southern Kabul, or Washington for that matter, would agree to Militants have reacted violently to the increased ly civilians, and also claimed by the Taleban. “This province of Helmand said. The escalation in fighting has extend an olive branch to an outfit that is placing airstrikes, launching a wave of deadly attacks across looks like a mutually escalating stalemate” as both sides all but dashed hopes for peace negotiations with the explosives in ambulances,” Kugelman said. —AFP

Moon watches concert with Kim Jong Un’s sister SEOUL: South Korean President Moon Jae-in sat next to the powerful sister of the North’s leader Kim Jong Un at a concert in Seoul by musicians from Pyongyang, as conservative protesters burned the North’s national flag outside yesterday. The show was the final set-piece element of the North Korean delegation’s landmark visit, the diplomatic highlight SEOUL: North Korea’s ceremonial head of state Kim Yong of the Olympics-driven rapprochement between the Nam (left) wipes tears next to South Korean President two halves of the peninsula. They have shared kimchi Moon Jae-in (right) and North Korean leader Kim Jong and soju, sat in the same box at the Olympics open- Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong (center) as they watch a concert ing ceremony and cheered a unified women’s ice of Pyongyang’s Samjiyon Orchestra. —AFP hockey team. Kim on Saturday invited Moon to a summit in the North, an offer extended by his sister and special “Having these red communists in the heart of Seoul envoy Kim Yo Jong, who made history as the first is an utter humilation!” one shouted near the venue as member of the North’s ruling dynasty to visit the South dozens of others waved banners condemning both since the Korean War. Pictures showed Yo Jong seated Moon and Kim Jong Un. “We are against the ugly between Moon and the North’s ceremonial head of political Olympics!” read one banner. Some set a state Kim Yong Nam, who is officially leading the North Korean flag on fire before police intervened, North’s delegation, and applauding at yesterday’s con- and others chanted “Let’s tear Kim Jong Un to death!” cert. The show was given by some 140 members of as they ripped up posters bearing his portrait. The Pyongyang’s Samjiyon Orchestra as part of a cross- North’s presence has dominated the headlines in the border deal in which the isolated nuclear-armed North early days of the Olympics, with all eyes turning to sent hundreds of athletes, cheerleaders and others to Swiss-educated Kim Yo Jong, believed to be 30, who the Pyeongchang Winter Games in the South. is among her brother’s closest confidantes. At a dinner beforehand with senior Seoul officials, Yo Jong said she found the two Koreas still had much Political divide in common despite decades of separation. Before fly- The concert-the orchestra’s second and final show- ing south, she said, she had expected “things would be was expected to feature South Korean pop songs as very different and unfamiliar”, according to a state- well as North Korean music, with the diplomatic dele- ment from Moon’s office. “But it turned out that there gation due to fly home afterwards. Public interest in were many things similar and in common,” she went the show was huge, with nearly 120,000 people on. “I hope that the day we become one will be applying for just 1,000 tickets. Civilian contact is brought forward.” But the rapprochement pushed by strictly banned between the two Koreas, which have the dovish Moon has angered conservatives, who been divided by the heavily fortified Demilitarized accuse him of being a North Korea sympathiser and Zone since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an undermining the security alliance with the US. armistice instead of a peace treaty. —AFP

and a helicopter hovering overhead as the attack unfolded. Police 10 killed in attack said the assault began around 4:55 am on Saturday (2325 GMT Friday) when guards came under a hail of bullets near the base’s boundary wall. The intruders took positions inside a residential on India military complex meant for soldiers’ families as the army launched a counter-offensive to drive them out. It is still unclear whether any gunmen remain on the com- camp in Kashmir pound. Hindu-majority Jammu, located in the foothills of the mountainous region, is relatively peaceful but has repeatedly SRINAGAR: The death toll from a militant attack on an army seen militant assaults on military bases close to the frontier with base in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir climbed to 10, Pakistan. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan police said, as a siege at the compound stretched into a second since their independence from Britain in 1947. Both claim the ter- day. A firefight erupted Saturday when an unknown number of ritory in full and have fought two wars over the region. Tens of heavily-armed militants stormed the base in Jammu, the second- thousands of people, mostly civilians, have died in an armed largest city in the disputed Himalayan region bordering Pakistan. insurgency that erupted in 1989 by militants demanding that Authorities initially said four people were killed in the brazen Kashmir be granted independence or merged with Pakistan. pre-dawn strike, but updated the death toll as elite Indian com- Saturday’s attack comes 18 years after a similar militant mandos flanked by armored vehicles searched the sprawling attack on the base in 2003 that killed 12 soldiers. Seven soldiers compound. “Five soldiers, one civilian and four terrorists have were killed in an attack in Jammu after suspected Pakistani mili- been killed so far,” police chief Shesh Paul Vaid told AFP. tants in police uniforms stormed a major army base in November Nine others, including women and children, were injured in 2016. New Delhi accuses Islamabad of sending armed militants, the attack that the Indian army blamed on Pakistan-based mili- including JeM, across the border to attack the roughly half a mil- tant group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). Local broadcasters lion soldiers stationed in the Indian-administered part of the showed tanks rolling into the Sunjawan army camp late Saturday divided territory, a charge denied by Pakistan. —AFP 10 Established 1961

Monday, February 12, 2018 Analysis

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Lesson in endurance: Syrian refugee teacher enters German school

orking at a German school is not just about reading and writing, maths and singing Wsongs, says newly minted Syrian assistant teacher Hend Al-Khabbaz. She was surprised to dis- cover there is also a mountain of paperwork and administrative tasks to perform. The school “is better for the children, but it’s a lot of work for the teachers,” the 35-year-old says with a laugh, speaking in German which she has learnt since fleeing her war-torn home- land less than three years ago. Khabbaz’s new workplace is the Sigmund Jaehn primary school in Fuerstenwalde, a town of drab pre- fabricated housing blocks in Germany’s formerly com- munist east, 60 km from Berlin. That’s around 3,500 km from the home she left in Homs, Syria, where she taught English before boarding an overcrowded boat UN envoys take on mission impossible for her escape to Europe. After a gruelling trek along the Balkans route, she requested asylum in Germany in hey often go by the description of jack of all trades Keeping a lid the Syria file, has been walking a tightrope between Russia Sept 2015, at the peak of a mass influx that has since and have a reputation for being thick-skinned, per- Success for a peace envoy hinges not just on diplomatic and Western countries who are sharply at odds over a brought more than a million refugees and migrants. Tseverant, experienced and willing to take on a mis- acumen, but also on the willingness of the parties involved peace settlement. While Germany has struggled to integrate many of sion impossible. The men and women who take on the job and, in some instances crucially, on the support of the big But success for an envoy is not just about ending vio- the newcomers, Khabbaz got a lucky break and of UN special envoy to the world’s trouble spots seem to powers at the UN Security Council. In Colombia, these lence. Containing a crisis or “keeping a lid” can also be through her hard work now be drawn to the challenge of confronting horrors in considered a diplomatic achievement. The UN’s top has a full-time job in her pro- places like Syria, Libya or the Democratic Republic of envoys appointed for Libya, Syria or Yemen earn about fession. She is one of the first Congo. The United Nations has about 20 special envoys, $12,000 per month, but in exchange they agree to put graduates of Potsdam some of whom take on short-term missions, others who their personal lives on hold, travel almost constantly and University’s pioneering plod on for decades. “It’s a tough job and a bit of a dog’s Many threw report to UN headquarters on their advances and set- Refugee Teachers life,” said a diplomat. “They get upbraided by one side backs. Candidates to the posts must obtain approval from Programme, which readies and then the other, they are the focus of any frustration.” in the towel, the five permanent council members - Britain, China, foreign teachers to enter the Some missions may not be dangerous, such as reunit- France, Russia and the United States - and the parties German school system. Of the ing Cyprus, finding a name for Macedonia that will sat- some paid the themselves. Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh initial 700 applicants in 2016, isfy Greece or resolving decades of disagreement over Ahmed, who is stepping down as Yemen envoy at the end Hend Al-Khabbaz 85 percent were Syrians. the status of Western Sahara, but these can be just as ultimate price of the month, fell out with Houthi rebels, which contributed “These are people who have intractable. “They have to show so much humility and to the failure of his mediation efforts. had a good university educa- patience and know when to jump at an opportunity to Many envoys have thrown in the towel. “My dream is to tion,” says Miriam Vock, the professor who initiated create conditions for dialogue,” the diplomat said. “It’s be the last special envoy for Libya,” said Ghassan Salame the program. “We want to give them the chance to be like being a master chess player and asking others to in an interview with AFP late last year. “I don’t want my able to work again here.” move the pieces on the board.” A UN official, who also conditions are all met and UN work to support the peace role to drag on.” Some envoys have paid the ultimate price asked not to be named, said the envoys are “civil servants deal with the FARC rebels is often singled out as an exam- in the job. Brazilian diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello, con- Memories of war - with convictions and a healthy ego.” For most UN ple of a peace mission that is working. Italian-Swedish sidered one of the UN’s most gifted emissaries, was killed In the corridors of the Fuerstenwalde school, a bell envoys, the job is seen as “a big privilege”, he said. diplomat Staffan de Mistura, the third UN envoy to take on in a Baghdad attack in 2003. —AFP cuts through the hubbub of recess and signals the return to class. Among the children flocking to their desks in a classroom with paper butterflies on the green walls are four Syrian children - Yasmine, Zaid which usually take place between February squad medals and a trip to Pyongyang”. “He’s and two boys named Mohamed. Their colorful pencil N Korea winner and March, until after the Olympics. “Now is Hard road a liberal, not an idiot or a traitor.” cases in front of them, the pupils, aged nine to 11, listen not the time to postpone US-South Korea intently to the lesson. “What is this man doing?” asks a military exercises. It is important to move for- Joint drills teaching assistant at a cinema workshop as the class of Olympics ward with the drills as planned,” Abe said, ahead for Moon carefully avoided either accepting watches a video. according to South’s presidential Blue House. or declining Kim’s invitation, calling for Mohamed, wearing sweatpants, raises his hand and diplomatic gold Moon replied that it was not appropriate for Korea detente efforts to create “the right conditions” for a says eagerly in his newly-acquired language: “He is Abe to have raised the issue, which he trip, and urging Pyongyang to seek an opening the door.” Standing beside the Syrian pupils described as an internal affair. “absolutely necessary” dialogue with the is Khabbaz, ready to help out in those moments when orth Korea has emerged as the early Japan does not participate in the military n Sept 3, 2017 North Korea detonated United States. There have been summits the four youngsters need some extra help. Yasmine, favorite to grab one of the Winter exercises, but it is within reach of North Korean its most powerful nuclear blast to between the two Koreas before. South with long brown braids that fall down her back, turns NOlympics’ most important medals: missiles and relies heavily on US forces and Odate, sending tensions on the penin- Korean presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh to the young woman and whispers a question in The diplomatic gold. That is the assessment their readiness to deal with that threat. “This sula higher than a mushroom cloud. Less than Moo-hyun went to Pyongyang in 2000 and Arabic. “There are words they don’t understand yet, or of a former South Korean government minis- development could have been anticipated, but six months later the two sides’ heads of state 2007 respectively to meet the current sometimes the teacher speaks too quickly,” says ter and political experts who say the North for Japan it’s a nightmare scenario,” said cheered a joint ice hockey team. The speed of leader’s father and predecessor Kim Jong Il. Khabbaz. has used the Games to drive a wedge Takashi Kawakami, a professor of international the Olympics-driven rapprochement across Similarly many high-profile joint cultural School principal Ines Tesch explains that the between South Korea and its US ally and to politics at Takushoku University in Tokyo. the Demilitarized Zone that has divided or sporting events were mounted, but the refugee children “still struggle with the specialized potentially ease pressure on its sanctions- “North Korea is skilfully driving a wedge North and South since the end of the Korean effort failed to stop the North’s weapons language of biology or physics”. “When there’s no crippled state. In barely a month since North between the US, Japan and South Korea.” war has been extraordinary. But how deep it push. To ensure the North’s participation at other way, the children speak their mother tongue,” Korean leader Kim Jong Un surprised the A senior Japanese defense official said runs, how far it will go and how long it will the Games, this time Seoul persuaded says Tesch. It means precious support for the children world and said his nation was ready to join North Korea’s Games charm offensive could last once the Games are over remain very Washington to delay annual joint military who, aside from having to find their way in an the Games, South Korean President Moon “simply be a way to gain time” until it com- open to question, analysts say. drills that always infuriate Pyongyang. It unknown country, carry the memories of war, upheaval Jae-in has delayed military exercises, feted pleted its nuclear and ballistic missile devel- The North has sent its athletes to secured a UN exemption to allow one black- and exodus. Kim’s sister at the Pyeongchang Olympics opment. In a January interview with Reuters, Pyeongchang, along with cheerleaders and listed official to travel, and a waiver from US and given conditional consent to a bilateral US President Donald Trump said North performers, and dispatched a diplomatic del- sanctions to enable an Asiana Airlines plane egation led by Kim Yong Nam, its ceremonial ‘Building bridges’ summit in the North. Korea is close to having the capability to to fly North, while granting one of its own for head of state, technically its highest-level The Sigmund Jaehn School, named after the first “North Korea clearly appears to be win- deliver a nuclear-tipped missile to the United a North Korean ship that came south. But official ever to visit the South. Its key mem- East German cosmonaut in space, is currently hosting ning the gold,” said Kim Sung-han, who States, and vowed to prevent that. analysts expect the momentum to prove frag- ber, though, was leader Kim Jong Un’s sister 92 refugee children, including 45 Syrians, among its served as Korea’s vice foreign minister in ile and unsustainable once the drills - habitu- and key confidante Kim Yo Jong, who total of 350 pupils. Tesch says that Khabbaz “has 2012-2013 and who now teaches at Seoul’s Sanctions biting? ally slammed by the North as a practice for brought a personal message from her brother allowed us to build bridges” with foreign-born parents Korea University. “Its delegation and athletes North Korea is under a heavy UN sanc- invasion, to which it often responds with mis- and his invitation to South Korean President who are often overwhelmed by the demands of a are getting all the spotlight, and Kim Jong tions regime which was originally targeted at sile tests - resume after the Paralympics. stopping the proliferation of arms and Moon Jae-in to a summit in Pyongyang. German bureaucracy ever hungry for official stamps Un’s sister is showing elegant smiles before nuclear and missile technologies, but has The offer puts Moon in a quandary, and documents. Khabbaz says the biggest obstacle to the South Korean public and the world. Even ‘Treasured sword’ become more all-encompassing after its observers say - accept and he risks alienat- resuming her profession was learning the new language, for a moment, it appears to be a normal state.” Kim Yo Jong is the first member of the US Vice President Mike Pence, who accelerated missile testing. After years of ing key ally and protector Washington, North’s ruling family to set foot in the South which made up the bulk of the Potsdam training course. ineffective implementation, those sanctions decline and his lifelong hopes for engage- “It’s very demanding because the participants have attended Friday’s opening ceremony along since the 1950-53 Korean War, and was in with the North Koreans, said “no daylight” may have begun to finally bite, which, accord- ment could wither. “The Olympic outreach is the stands with Moon and Kim Yong Nam to to acquire the level of German that is essential for ing to a Japanese government official and existed between the United States, South likely intended to widen the already obvious support the two sides’ unified women’s ice teaching,” says program founder Vock. It is the main experts, helps explain why Kim Jong Un Korea and Japan on the need to isolate North rift between the US (under Trump the ultra) hockey on Saturday - their first joint team at reason that out of the first batch of 26 graduates in agreed to send a national team and his sister Korea. He said the North was using the and SK (under Moon the committed any Olympics. But it lost 8-0, and the 2017, only 12 have so far joined a school. The others to the Olympics. A foreign resident living in Games for crude propaganda. But it was engager),” Robert Kelly of Pusan National chances of the dazzling but largely symbolic will have to sit their German exams again. Still, the the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, told University wrote on Twitter. program has been hailed a success, and other German Pence who cast one of the loneliest figures at moves leading to a tangible political break- Reuters he had seen fewer people in restau- Washington insists that Pyongyang must through are almost as remote, analysts say. universities are now following suit, at a time when the event. He remained seated when the joint rants and luxury goods in shops in recent take concrete steps towards denuclearization The North is a notoriously tough nego- some rural regions suffer a critical lack of teachers. “It Korean team entered the stadium, in contrast months. Fuel prices have risen and more before any talks can begin, while Moon - tiator, adamant that it needs its “treasured is clear that in the end they will all find a job in a to Moon who stood along with Kim Jong wood-fired Soviet-era trucks have been seen whose parents escaped from the North in a sword” of nuclear weapons to defend itself school,” says Vock. Un’s younger sister, Kim Yo Jong, to applaud. on the outskirts of the capital, said the resi- US evacuation during the war - has long against the threat of invasion by the United However, the hurdles are higher for those who want dent, speaking on condition of anonymity. argued for closer involvement to bring it to States, and will never give them up. Just a day to obtain the privileged status of civil servant, because Nightmare for Japan? Seafood, once a major North Korean export, The warm North-South body language the negotiating table. Visiting US Vice before the opening ceremony it held a mili- “most of them are only licensed to teach one subject,” was now more widely available at home after not only fanned talk of a split between Seoul President Mike Pence did not engage with tary parade in Pyongyang, putting its inter- Vock adds. “In Germany you need a master’s degree UN sanctions banned these exports in August. and Washington, it contrasted with a cold the North Korean representatives just a few continental ballistic missiles - which can and two teaching subjects.” For now, Khabbaz is hap- When a ferry carrying North Koreans to encounter between South Korea and Japan, seats away at the opening ceremony, and did reach the US mainland - on display. Easing py to be building a new life in the town where the the Games docked in South Korea last week, an ally in US-led efforts to pressure North not get up to cheer when athletes from the the deadlock is a daunting if not impossible Sputnik bakery and Yuri Gagarin Street, named after a the North asked its hosts for the fuel needed Korea to end its nuclear program. Japanese to get it home, Seoul’s Unification Ministry host nation and its neighbor entered the are- challenge for Moon, said Seoul National Russian cosmonaut, recall the Cold War past. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who looked na together behind a unification flag. University professor Kim Byung-yeon, liken- Although the region has seen an upsurge in anti- said. The North then withdrew its request uncomfortable at times during the opening after it asked for more fuel than Seoul was But Kelly did not expect the alliance ing him to an estate agent trying to broker a foreigner sentiment since the mass migrant influx, ceremony, irritated his hosts by telling the willing to provide, a Seoul official added. between Washington - which has 28,500 deal. “For now the North is asking for a price Khabbaz says she has been spared open discrimina- South Korean leader that joint South Korea- In Pyeongchang, though, the two Koreas troops stationed in the South to defend it that is too high, and the US is not willing to tion and racism. “No-one has ever dared to say a US military drills should be promptly avoided talk of sanctions and basked instead from the North - and Seoul to be put at risk. buy at that price,” Kim told Seoul’s JoongAng thing about Ms Al-Khabbaz,” says Tesch, the ener- resumed after the Games. in Olympic goodwill, which was nowhere It “has had way worse ups-and-downs than Ilbo daily. “If the broker tries too hard to getic school principal. “But I know I would probably To pave the way for the North’s participa- more evident than on Saturday night when a the ‘lipstick diplomacy’ of the ‘propaganda convince both sides when the price gap is have problems with some parents if she wore a tion at Pyeongchang, South Korea had joint Korean women’s ice hockey team took Olympics’”, he wrote, and Moon was unlikely simply too high, he will end up getting criti- Muslim face veil.” —AFP delayed the annual exercises with US forces, to the ice. —Reuters to be “seriously bowled over by some united cized by them both.” —AFP Established 1961 11 News Monday, February 12, 2018

ease civil liberties. He has tried to use cessful and victorious train of the rev- Rouhani calls for ‘year protests that hit dozens of cities over olution. All Iranian races, all Iranian the new year as a way to convince religions, Shiites and Sunnis, Muslims, conservatives that they must follow Christians, Jews and Zaroastrians - of unity’ after protests his calls for reform. whoever believes in the constitution, “We should trust the people. We that is our criteria. He is a revolution- TEHRAN: Iran’s President Hassan ing year, be the year of unity. I ask must allow all inclinations to partici- ary and he must be respected,” Rouhani yesterday called for a “year conservatives, reformists, moderates pate in elections,” he said in an Rouhani said. of unity” after recent protests as Iran and all parties and all people to come apparent swipe at the conservative- He raised a controversial demand celebrated 39 years since the Islamic and be together,” he said in a speech dominated Guardian Council, which to use referenda, which are allowed revolution. Rouhani said conservative before a huge crowd in Tehran. regularly blocks hundreds of under article 59 of the constitution officials should not block candidates Rouhani, a long-time regime insid- reformist candidates from standing in that was passed after the 1979 revo- they dislike from future elections, and er who won power in 2013 and again presidential and parliamentary votes. lution, but have not been used for that there should be greater trust in in 2017 with the backing of “Our revolution was victorious when decades. “If there are differences of the people, including the use of refer- reformists, has faced tough criticism we were all together,” he said. “And opinions on a couple of issues... bring enda on key issues. “I request that the from conservatives over his efforts to today we must once again invite the ballot box and according to the TEHRAN: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani delivers a speech at Azadi 40th year of the revolution, the com- rebuild relations with the West and everyone to get on board the suc- article 59 of the constitution, whatev- Square in the capital during a ceremony to mark the 39th anniversary of the er people say, act accordingly,” said Islamic revolution. — AFP Rouhani. His words immediately trig- The panel said that although the proposal will help in gered support on social media, ing an imposed headscarf for women, enforce. “We should leave people Panel rejects rectifying the imbalanced demographic structure, it will add including tweets with the hashtag which has triggered unprecedented alone and not interfere in their private a huge financial burden on expatriates. It said limiting the #referendum. protests by a small number of people sphere,” said Rouhani. He referred to stay of expats to 10 years will create shortages in certain Rouhani did not specify which in recent weeks. Rouhani’s office an order from revolutionary founder anti-expat... jobs in the local market. The committee however approved issues could be put in question, but issued a study last month saying half Ruhollah Khomeini, which banned the Continued from Page 1 a third proposal calling on the government to force contrac- his comments come amid growing of Tehranis did not support mandato- authorities from intruding in people’s tors of government projects to ensure the departure of their debate over social freedoms includ- ry hijab, making it very difficult to private lives. — AFP overburden expatriates, many of whom receive low manpower after the completion of the project. salaries, and it will be extremely difficult for them to pay In a related development, the Assembly’s human rights equating the crackdown to a power grab, saying that the increased charges. The committee also rejected defense committee approved a proposal calling on the Ritz reopens many of those detained at the opulent Ritz-Carlton had another proposal calling to ban expatriates from obtain- government not to pay contractors any money before already pledged allegiance to him. ing family dependent visas except for their parents and to they submit evidence that they have paid their employees. Just weeks before the campaign, the hotel hosted a double the fees for the recruitment of expatriates, in Head of the committee MP Adel Al-Damkhi said the pro- after stint as... glittering investment summit - dubbed “Davos in the addition to limiting the stay duration of expatriates in the posal aims to end strikes by workers who complain of not Continued from Page 1 desert” - which Prince Mohammed used as a platform country to just 10 years. being paid. to pledge a “moderate” Saudi Arabia and to showcase a visit last year, earlier told AFP that all detainees his ambitious reform drive. “The Ritz Riyadh certainly had been removed from the property. The hotel’s exec- is symbolic with Prince Mohammed’s new Saudi Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said the first day of the utive chef has created a new menu this week for its Arabia,” Andrew Bowen, a scholar at the American FM underlines three-day KICRI will be devoted to the Iraq recon- restaurants, with a “grand buffet” planned next week- Enterprise Institute, told AFP. “From lavishly hosting struction program, international assistance in this regard end around its large indoor swimming pool, the local President Trump and then the ‘Davos in the desert’ to and development work led by civil society organizations Arab News daily reported. becoming a prison for ‘corruption’, it became the place importance... in Iraq. The second day will talk about opportunities for Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mojeb said in late to be ironically.” the private sector available in Iraq, organized by the January that after completing inquiries into 381 high- The purge exposed the kingdom’s once-untouch- Continued from Page 1 Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of profile corruption suspects, he would keep 56 in cus- able elite to rare public scrutiny, but Saudis on social the reconstruction conference. The third and final day of tody and free the rest. It was unclear if the remaining media have quipped that the Ritz-Carlton was not the The minister hoped these conferences and efforts the conference will be allocated for a meeting of foreign suspects had been moved to a prison facility. Total set- worst place to be trapped. It prompted light-hearted and activities will achieve their intended objectives, ministers. The conference will issue a final statement tlements with the suspects had topped $107 billion in banter on social media, with jocular speculation on adding that since “they have made tremendous efforts to that will include new financial support for Iraq, consist- various forms of assets handed over that included who would be added to the “Ritz guest list”, and some win in time of war, we all must exert greater efforts to ing of grant programs and development loans, in addi- property, securities and cash, he said. Another high- quipping “take us with you” to be incarcerated in the win in time of peace.” tion to private sector investments. profile detainee, former National Guard chief Prince lavish hotel. Miteb bin Abdullah, was released following a “settle- A handful of smart-suited businessmen, forced to ment” with the authorities that reportedly exceeded $1 decamp to other hotels since November, returned to Secretary Silvestre Bello III told Reuters, adding that billion. the Ritz yesterday. “It’s an honor (to be back),” said one Hunt on for maid’s some of them had overstayed their visas and applied Prince Mohammed, the 32-year-old son of the king, foreign consultant as he waited for a luxury car to take for an amnesty. has spearheaded the crackdown on corruption among him to work. He said the purge had not left any trace on The airlines have arranged free charter flights, and members of the government and royal family over the the 492-room hotel. “You forget about it as soon as killers; 2,200 Pinoys... Bello said almost 500 Filipino workers were due to past three months. Some critics have labelled Prince you’re in your room and you get lost in your own bub- arrive soon. The government would help repatriated Mohammed’s campaign a shakedown and power grab, ble.” Ahmed Al-Safer, a Yemeni-American businessman Continued from Page 1 workers look for jobs, Bello said. “We are into a reinte- but authorities insist the purge targeted endemic cor- who regularly stays at the Ritz, stopped in yesterday to gration program, we have a program in place for them,” ruption as the country prepares for a post-oil era. In an have tea with friends. Asked if the purge had affected They are looking into leads of the whereabouts of he told the ANC news channel. “They will be given a interview with The New York Times in November, the hotel’s reputation, he said: “Right now it’s famous. the Lebanese man and his Syrian wife. They told me livelihood. We are now in the process of looking for Prince Mohammed described as “ludicrous” reports Everyone will visit just to take a picture.” —Agencies that if the suspects are in Lebanon, they can be extra- alternative markets. One of them is China and even dited to Kuwait probably within two weeks,” Russia,” he said, without elaborating. Philippine Ambassador Rene Villa told Kuwait Times. Informed sources at the Civil Aviation Directorate on board the plane were from the region. Prosecutors “However, if the suspects are in Syria, the interior min- stressed that Filipinos who departed from Kuwait inter- 71 killed in Russia opened an investigation into Saratov Airlines following the istry has admitted that it will be very hard for them to national airport yesterday were mainly illegal residents crash. Russia’s Investigative Committee will consider all pos- make any arrests since Syria is currently in the midst of who chose to leave without paying any fines during the sible causes, RIA Novosti news agency reported. Saratov a civil war. We pray for the quick arrest of the perpe- ongoing amnesty. The source explained that 410 plane crash; Amir... Airlines was founded in the 1930s and flies to 35 Russian trators,” he added. Filipinos left yesterday and that 350 of them were illegal cities. Its hub is Saratov Central Airport in southern Russia. The remains of Demafelis are still at the forensic residents, while the other 60 departed for their annual Continued from Page 1 Local media website Ural56.ru in the Orenburg region department of the interior ministry. “We are trying our holidays and not in response to the calls made by showed footage of distressed relatives at Orsk airport, best to return the body back to her family, as requested Duterte to leave Kuwait. “Philippines Airlines flights are Russia has experienced record snowfall in recent where the plane was due to land. Andrei Odintsov, the by them. The body has signs of torture and broken still scheduled for every three days,” the sources added. weeks and investigators said they would not rule out poor mayor of the city of Orsk, told Russian state television that bones. So, definitely she was killed before she was The news of Demafelis’ gruesome murder comes weather as a possible cause of the disaster. A regional six psychologists and four ambulances with medics were placed in the freezer,” Villa said. Demafelis came to amid a growing dispute between Kuwait and the official said the aircraft’s black box had been retrieved. working with the relatives in the small airport. Orsk is the Kuwait in 2014 to work as a domestic helper. She spoke Philippines over widespread abuse and mistreatment of The Russian-made plane was reportedly seven years old second biggest city in the Orenburg region, near Russia’s with her family on a few occasions in the first year, but Filipina domestic workers here. Manila, at the request and bought by Saratov Airlines from another Russian air- border with Kazakhstan. there were no further contacts. Reports allege that of Duterte, recently implemented a ban on new recruits line a year ago. Russia has suffered numerous plane crashes, with air- Joanna’s employer Nader Essam Assaf is a Lebanese from working in Kuwait. Currently, there are approxi- Emergency services said in a statement that more than lines often operating ageing aircraft in dangerous flying national wanted over cases related to falsified cheques. mately 265,000 Filipino workers in Kuwait, with around 150 rescue workers were deployed to the site. The trans- conditions. A light aircraft crashed in November in The Philippine labor minister said yesterday more 165,000 working as domestic helpers. port investigations office said the plane disappeared from Russia’s far east, killing six people on board. In Dec 2016 a radar screens around four minutes after take-off. The than 2,200 Filipinos are ready to take up President Meanwhile, the interior ministry categorically denied military plane carrying Russia’s famed Red Army Choir Russian transport minister was on his way to the crash Rodrigo Duterte’s offer to repatriate workers from rumors circulating on social media claiming that police crashed after taking off from the Black Sea resort of Sochi, site, agencies reported. The transport ministry said several killing all 92 people on board. The choir had been due to Kuwait due to reports of abuse. Duterte asked are arresting Filipina domestic workers from their causes for the crash were being considered, including give a concert to Russian troops operating in Syria. Pilot Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific on Friday to pro- sponsors’ homes and sending them to the Philippine weather conditions and human error. Peskov said Putin error was blamed for that crash. In March 2016, all 62 pas- vide flights for Filipinos who want to leave Kuwait Embassy to be deported later. The ministry described had ordered the establishment of a special commission to sengers died when a FlyDubai jet crashed in bad weather after the body of Demafelis was found. “We have been the rumors as ‘baseless’ and reiterated its respect for all probe the crash. during an aborted landing at Rostov-on-Don airport. The informed that as of Friday there were 2,200-plus expatriate communities in Kuwait, as well as its com- The governor of the Orenburg region, where the plane Antonov An-148, released in 2004, has a range of 3,600 Filipinos who are willing to go home,” Labor mitment to adhering to the law. was flying to, told Russian media that “more than 60 people” km and can carry 80 passengers. — AFP

Established 1961 13 Sports Monday, February 12, 2018 Kramer sets Olympic record of 6:09.76, claims third straight 5,000m gold

Canada’s Bloemen wins silver GANGNEUNG: Dutch speed skater Sven Kramer down to two laps in a positive way.” Kramer is the raced into the record books yesterday by winning his second male speed skater to win four Olympic medals third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the men’s in a single event, following in the footsteps of compa- 5,000 metres. Kramer, the first man to win three golds triot Bob de Jong, who got four medals in the men’s in the same speed skating event at the Winter Games, 10,000m. set an Olympic record of six minutes 09.76 seconds, Bloemen, the world record holder in both the finishing ahead of Canada’s Ted-Jan Bloemen with 5,000m and 10,000m, edged out Pedersen for silver Norway’s Sverre Lunde Pedersen claiming bronze. in a dramatic photo finish. Dutch-born Bloemen, who The 31-year-old, who won silver in the 5,000m at is eligible to race for Canada through his father, the Games in Turin in 2006 as well as gold in switched allegiance in 2014 and is only the second Vancouver and Sochi, Canadian to win an started well and settled Olympic medal in the into a steady rhythm as 5,000m, after William he glided to victory in Logan won bronze in the Gangneung. Experience event in 1932 Olympics Experience made the at Lake Placid. difference for Kramer, made the “It wasn’t the perfect who started in the sec- race where you get into ond-last pair of the difference a flow and just fly to the evening and adapted his finish,” he said. “It does- strategy based on how for Kramer n’t always happen and it the other skaters were didn’t happen today but faring. “To be honest I I made the most out of it changed my strategy a and I got everything out bit because I saw every- of myself that I had. body blowing up their legs,” he said, pointing out how “I’m a little bit disappointed that I didn’t have he had noticed his rivals, including Bloemen, slowing more to give today but overall I’m really happy and down in the final laps. really proud to be on the podium.” Kramer and GANGNEUNG: Netherlands’ Sven Kramer (C), Canada’s Ted-Jan Bloemen (L) and Norway’s Sverre Lunde Pedersen cele- “I started a bit slower... but I really could continue. Bloemen will face each other again in the men’s brate winning gold, silver and bronze in the men’s 5,000m speed skating event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter That brought me a lot in the end. Halfway during the 10,000m on Thursday in what promises to be a fas- Olympic Games at the Gangneung Oval in Gangneung yesterday. — AFP race I was one second slower but I could bring it cinating battle. — Reuters

Love on ice: Skating and dating at Olympics US teen nails gold, first Winter Games GANGNEUNG: The next time you have a ‘domes- tic’ with your nearest and dearest spare a thought medallist born for love on ice couple Chris and Alexa Knierim. The US figure skaters competing at the Olympics are partners on the ice, and married off it. this century They say you should never take your work home with you, but for the two-time former US champions it’s unavoidable. A heated exchange PYEONGCHANG: Teen sensation Red Gerard nailed a ten- over the cornflakes needs to be quickly forgotten if sion-packed final jump yesterday to win the slopestyle snow- like Alexa you have to put your total trust in the boarding and become the first Winter Olympic medallist born man you would have happily throttled a short time this century. earlier. He’s the one throwing you up in the air, Aged 17 and 227 days, Gerard handed the US their first spinning, and then catching you - all the while hav- gold of the Pyeongchang Games with his slopestyle win, mak- ing to wear a smile. ing him the youngest US Winter Olympic champion since “Yeh, you can get that kind of situation, with any 1928. Gerard, born on June 29, 2000, also set a record for the relationship whether you’re married or just work youngest gold medallist in any snowboarding event that was partners,” Chris told AFP. Alexa nods in agreement: held previously by Kelly Clark, the 2002 women’s halfpipe “We’re human, so we still run in to that sometimes.” champion at age 18 years and 199 days. “I think it’s easy for us in our situation and GANGNEUNG: USA’s Alexa Scimeca Knierim and USA’s Chris Knierim compete in the figure skating team event The first medallist born in the 2000’s, Gerard is also the maybe its different for other people that it’s an pair skating free skating during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Ice Arena in youngest US man to win Winter Olympic gold since 16-year- asset for us,” Chris adds, “we know what works and Gangneung yesterday. — AFP old bobsled driver Billy Fiske piloted a five-man crew to the what doesn’t, talking, you know how to say some- title 90 years ago. “I cannot believe it,” Gerard said. “I’m thing the right way. ion added: “We practically do not have these situa- “Yep sickness, death in the family, we hit it all, shaking right now, maybe from the cold, or the excitement. I “It’s a lot of communication, we’ve learned tions, honestly! Maybe that’s our power.” those things changed us on the ice,” added Alexa. don’t know. But I’m ecstatic. I can’t believe it. throughout the years of being together what But love on and off the ice does not conquer all. “Just to land a run would have been plenty for me and to works and what doesn’t. “We switch off the ‘LIFE OBSTACLES’ The Knierim’s fellow Americans, ice dance pair get on the podium, but to get first is crazy.” The 17-year-old minute you get in the ring-yeh for sure.” Rink With all the athleticism, artistry, and emotional Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue ended their landed a backside triple cork-a triple-twisting trick with a flip romance in Pyeongchang is by no means confined intelligence required in their sport, the Knierims two-and-a-half year romance but kept the day job — to score 87.16 points on his final run to snatch victory to the Knierims. say that life off the ice is by far the easy part. and remain a couple on ice. from Canadians Max Parrot, who took silver, and Mark Russians Vladimir Morozov and Evgenia “Outside the rink life is easy,” explains Alexa. “To work harder and do all of these things McMorris, who picked up a second bronze after Sochi four Tarasova, the two-time European champions, are “I mean skating’s our job, that’s our income, right, we just realised that to date and be with years ago. rarely out of step whether are on or off. “We had that’s our livelihood, that’s the stress. each other 24-7 with our particular personalities “I’m super-psyched!” said Gerard, who wants to attend film mutual understanding from the very beginning,” “When we go home it’s play time, it’s easy.” It was just explosive,” Donohue said. “We had to ask school for the next two years. “I’d have to guess people are Tarasova said. was not always like that, they say. “Right after we ourselves what was more important, our on-ice pretty surprised,” Gerard said. “I had a lot of fun and all I “I decided to listen to Vladimir in everything, he got married we had a lot of life obstacles,” she partnership or our off-ice relationship? “And we really want to do is just land runs.” is older, but I do not remember him ever raising his said, with Nick agreeing: “We really hit the mar- were both very clearly said the on-ice partnership Gerard was off the pace after the first and second runs, voice at me.” Her red-haired work and life compan- riage hard.” is No. 1,” added his ex. — AFP scoring 43.33 and 46.40, before somehow summoning up an enormous last effort. “After I landed the second jump I was like, ‘Come on, don’t blow it on the last one, let’s just make it through’,” Gerard said. “The wind was really bad and the first two runs it was Norway display pretty tough, but we got a nice little break on the third and strength in I’m just happy I got it to land.” ‘JUST SO HAPPY’ The only younger individual event Winter Olympic cham- skiing depth pion than Gerard was Finnish 16-year-old ski jumper Toni Nieminen in 1992. “It feels incredible. I’m just really happy that I got to land a run and I’m just really excited right now,” PYEONGCHANG: Norway put on a dominant said the Colorado native, who came fourth in the X-Games show as they swept the board in the first men’s last month. Gerard tried the sport as a toddler then took it up cross-country skiing race at the Pyeongchang with a passion aged eight when his family moved closer to Olympics yesterday, and coach Tor Arne Hetland the snow. He built his own snowboarding training ground said they have more top-class skiers waiting in with his brother at the back of his family home as his ambi- the wings. tions grew. Seventeen family members are in Pyeongchang Simen Hegstad Krueger broke from the pack in supporting him. the penultimate lap of the men’s 15km + 15km “It’s definitely crazy having a group of 17 people on the skiathlon and went on to take the gold medal, slope run-in, knowing that they are there,” he said. “They with team mates Martin Johnsrud Sundby and helped with everything in the build-up... and they smack me Hans Christer Holund taking silver and bronze back into place when I get all cocky.” respectively. Appearing at an Olympics was top of his career targets World Cup leader Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo after joining the World Cup circuit in 2015. And it lived up to was the only Norwegian not to get a medal today, all his expectations. “It was awesome. I just told myself that I but Hetland was in no way worried, as his charges want to land a run and I was a little bummed on my first two will have plenty of chances to win medals during PYEONGCHANG: (L-R) Norway’s silver medallist Martin Johnsrud Sundby, Norway’s gold medallist Simen Hegstad Krueger and Norway’s bronze medallist Hans Christer Holund pose on the podium during the medal runs because I fell a couple of times,” he said. the Games. “I’m just so happy that it all worked out.” Canada’s Parrot, “I’m super happy for the good results from the ceremony for the cross country 15km + 15km skiathlon at the Pyeongchang Medals Plaza during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang yesterday. — AFP who won the X-Games Big Air this year in Aspen, Colorado, team, and the team effort was brilliant. Tactically, also had a disappointing first two runs but hoisted himself into everything worked out well,” he told Reuters fol- silver on his last attempt, and threatened for more. lowing Krueger’s superb display. “Every one of the race entered its decisive phase. “I felt they were Sundby and Holund was great, when they were “I saw Red landing his run,” Parrot said. “It was just clean Norwegian racers has their own plan, and we know waiting a little bit too long to do that, Holund did it waiting, waiting, waiting behind, and then when from top to bottom and that’s what the judges wanted to see.” that everyone who is starting for Norway has a on one lap and maybe he made the other nations a they know the gap is big enough, then they escape Third placed McMorris said the bronze medal was just like gold chance, that’s the reason it works so well when little bit tired, then Krueger was doing it over again for the second spot.” winning gold for him following a near-fatal accident 11 months everything comes together,” he added. and then it finally went well,” he explained. The Norwegians blazed away from the field, ago. McMorris was fighting for his life after breaking 17 bones The Norwegians were dominant throughout, The 44-year-old former skier praised Sundby sending a warning to the rest of the nations and suffering a collapsed lung and ruptured spleen in a snow- racing almost as a pack at times, but Hetland felt and Holund for not jeopardising Krueger’s chances involved in one of the most physically demanding boarding accident. — AFP they could have been even more aggressive as the by chasing him down too hard. “The discipline form winter sports. — Reuters 14 Established 1961 Sports Monday, February 12, 2018 Medvedeva sets world record, Canada leads in team event

GANGNEUNG: Evgenia Medvedeva set a new world and Scott Moir produced a sizzling routine to bolster an record yesterday in the women’s figure skating short pro- already strong Canadian team performance. gramme with a brilliant skate that lifted the Olympic The reigning world champions and three-time Olympic Athletes from Russia into second place in the team com- medallists dazzled with an impressive midline step petition behind Canada. sequence that earned them 80.51 points. Medvedeva, the reigning world champion who is com- American brother and sister Maia and Alex Shibutani’s peting in her first Olympics, was awarded 81.06 for her energetic performance that included smooth twizzles and performance, sparking cheers from Russian fans in the an impressive rotational lift, finished second with 75.46 crowd. The 18-year-old overcame a number of hurdles to points. “It was our strongest performance that we were make it to Pyeongchang, including a broken foot that looking to put out, I think we made a lot of big steps com- forced her to drop out of the Grand Prix Final last year ing out of Nationals,” Alex told reporters, referring to the and a doping scandal that cast doubt on whether Russia U.S. competition last month. would be allowed to partici- “The programme felt great. pate at all. We went out there with a job Medvedeva said her injury and we’re very happy that we and the uncertainty surround- did it,” he said, although he ing Russian Olympians had Five top added they were a little disap- just made her and her team pointed at their score. mates stronger. nations Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri “I competed to feel the Soloviev, part of the Russian magic of the Olympics,” she move on team that won gold at the 2014 said. Italian veteran Carolina Sochi Games, were third with Koster hung on for her open- 74.76 points. ing triple flip and triple “We had trouble with our toeloop combination, earning rumba,” Soloviev told 75.10 points and second place. reporters. “Of course we’re disappointed because we Canada’s Kaetlyn Osmond of Canada, skating to Edith worked on this element more than on the others.” Piaf’s “Sous le ciel de Paris” and “Milord”, took a step out The first day of the team competition, which included of her triple flip before under rotating a triple toeloop at the men’s and pairs short programmes, were marked by the start but regained her composure to finish third with falls by Canada’s Patrick Chan and American jumping ace 71.38 points. Nathan Chen, although the overall team scores were lifted PYEONGCHANG: Russia’s Evgenia Medvedeva competes in the figure skating team event women’s single by the later pairs results. Only the top five teams, Canada, skating short program during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Ice Arena in CANADIAN ICE DANCERS DAZZLE the OAR, the U.S., Japan and Italy, have advanced to the Gangneung yesterday. —AFP Earlier on Sunday, Canadian ice dancers Tessa Virtue free section of the competition.

Wind to pose Earthquake, wind, ‘challenge’ for fire: Extreme Shiffrin, rivals

conditions hit PYEONGCHANG: American ski sensation Mikaela Shiffrin and her rivals will face a “challenge” when they take to the slopes for today’s Olympic giant slalom, Winter Olympics according to FIS race chief Atle Skaardal. The men’s downhill was postponed yesterday PYEONGCHANG: An earthquake triggered an because of high winds and an unfavourable weather alert and high winds disrupted competition at the forecast which also saw the cancellation of today’s Pyeongchang Winter Olympics yesterday, as offi- downhill training for the men’s combined event. The forecast for the Yongpyong course, where the women’s cials warned of a severe freeze and urged fans to giant slalom will be held, was for another bitterly cold wrap up warm. After a bitterly cold first night of day today, with temperatures of -16 degrees Celsius competition, a shallow 4.6-magnitude earthquake (3.2 Fahrenheit) at the start of the first leg. That will be jolted the eastern portion of South Korea accompanied by winds gusting at up to 18m/s, lending overnight, prompting warnings on mobile phones. a truly glacial chill to proceedings. Early yesterday, ski officials were forced to post- “Tomorrow’s weather forecast is not great in terms pone the showpiece men’s downhill until Thursday of wind,” said Skaardal, chief race director for women’s as buffeting winds made the high-speed slope too FIS races. “It will be, for sure, a challenge for the rac- dangerous for competition. ers... for everybody. “We will do everything possible” Later, the women’s slopestyle snowboarding to make sure the race goes ahead, including lowering also fell victim to the wind, as the qualifying ses- the start if required, said the former Norwegian racer, sion was scrapped with riders going straight into twice a super-G world champion. the final today. It comes after the first ski jumping Racers were able to train despite the strong winds. final finished more than an hour behind schedule, “Today was good in the morning hours... and the wind past midnight on Saturday, as competitors were also calmed down in the afternoon hours again,” said held up by swirling winds. As if to complete the set Skaardal. At the Jeongseon course used for speed of extreme conditions, an alert warning of a high events, the winds were so strong that the gondola used Mikaela Shiffrin risk of fire-given the dry, windy weather-also to take racers and officials up the mountain could not flashed up on mobile phones yesterday. run for safety reasons. Organizers gave assurances that the Games The women are also reliant on a gondola, the 3.7km- gondola hasn’t stopped for a single day. Even today it medals, but she will face tough opposition from the were at no risk from earthquakes, with venues built long Rainbow lift, but Skaardal was confident it would was fine”, he said. The women’s giant slalom promises likes of reigning world champion Tessa Worley of operate effectively. A FIS team has been based in to be one of the closest races on the Olympic alpine France and 2010 Olympic gold medallist Viktoria to withstand even strong tremors. Sunday’s quake Pyeongchang for several weeks of preparation “and the skiing programme. Shiffrin, 22, is bidding for multiple Rebensburg of Germany. — AFP was measured at magnitude-4.7 by the US Geological Survey and was about 260 kilometers away. “All the facilities in the Games area are built so they can withstand strong earthquakes over PYEONGCHANG WINTER 7.0... so I assure you there was no issue regarding OLYMPICS MEDAL TABLE these facilities,” said Sung Baik-you, spokesman for the Games organizers. Of more concern for the PYEONGCHANG, South Korea: Medals after the sec- sparse crowds at the outdoor events will be the ond day of competition at the Pyeongchang Winter biting cold, which has already made Pyeongchang Olympics yesterday (gold, silver, bronze, total): one of the chilliest Olympics on record-and which is set to dramatically worsen. Germany 3 0 1 4 Netherlands 2 2 1 5 ‘WEAR HATS AND GLOVES’ Norway 1 4 3 8 Temperatures are forecast to plunge to -14 United States 1 1 0 2 degrees Celsius (6.8 Fahrenheit) today, will feel Austria 1 0 0 1 like a shivering -25C in the strong, mountainside France 1 0 0 1 wind. “People are advised to dress warmly and South Korea 1 0 0 1 wear hats and gloves to keep themselves warm,” Sweden 1 0 0 1 warned Sung. The wind has made life tough so far Canada 0 3 1 4 for competitors, with several athletes complaining Czech Republic 0 1 1 2 of difficult conditions. “The conditions were pretty Finland 0 0 1 1 crazy today just because of the wind,” said Italy 0 0 1 1 Canada’s Max Parrot, after finishing second in the Kazakhstan 0 0 1 1 Oly Ath from Russia 0 0 1 1 men’s slopestyle snowboarding on Sunday. “Sometimes we have front winds, sometimes we have tailwinds. I think we could all see the difficul- ty today in the runs.” The men’s ski jumping was particularly unpleas- Bad day turns ant, as the athletes had to contend with freezing PYEONGCHANG: Germany’s Arnd Peiffer is carried by team members as they celebrate his gold win during the victory ceremony following the men’s 10km sprint biathlon event during the Pyeongchang cold at the top of the hill as well as their nerves as golden for 2018 Winter Olympic Games yesterday, in Pyeongchang.— AFP the delayed competition dragged on. “It was cold as ice up there,” said Austria’s Michael Hayboeck, who finished 17th, while Poland’s Dawid Kubacki said the Germany’s Peiffer my rifle storage,” he told reporters. course the fastest guys are in front,” he explained. wind made the competition “a lottery”. “It was real- “Then in the afternoon I almost fell down the stairs “Today, not so many guys shot clean so it was good ly bad for me, what I can do?” he asked. “It’s some- PYEONGCHANG: German biathlete Arnd Peiffer had a in the wax cabin and I hit my elbow quite a lot, so it for me. I think Martin (Fourcade) and Johannes thing I have no influence on. I need to jump in the terrible start yesterday but his luck turned once he was hurts like hell now. Then this part of the rifle broke, part (Thingnes Boe) had good ski times... so I think it was an conditions when they let me go.” However, the out on the course at the Alpensia resort and he ended of the bolt, and I thought, that’s a good day-everything advantage for me that it was so windy.” Peiffer was International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the ski up winning Olympic gold in the men’s 10km sprint. goes well.” delighted to finally break the dominance of Frenchman jumpers were never in danger. “Athlete safety is our Quick around the course, Peiffer was a perfect 10 for 10 Things would get a lot better when he went out on Fourcade and Norway’s Boe. the course as the 22nd athlete in the race and, when “Martin and Johannes, they are dominating the number one concern,” said spokesman Mark in the shooting and, with the rest of the field bothered favourites Martin Fourcade and Johannes Thingnes Boe whole season. They are dominating their season with Adams. “All these venues are organized in very by the wind and the cold, he managed to hang on to take a victory that was as much a surprise to him as it both missed three of their first five shots, the door was the ski time, they were dominating the whole season on close contact with the federations. “We’re very, was to everyone else. open for an outsider. “I think that it was so windy was the range as well so I didn’t expect that it is possible to very confident the federations and athletes know “I had not the best feeling. Today I was running this quite an advantage for me, because I could reach a be in front of them,” he said. “I’m quite surprised but what they can and can’t do.” —Agencies morning and I wanted to do some dry shooting, and I good result with good shooting. When we have quite sometimes the Olympic results are quite different,” got to the stadium when I realised I forgot the key to good conditions, a lot of guys shoot clean and then of Peiffer added. — Reuters Established 1961 15 Sports Monday, February 12, 2018 Huddersfield beat Bournemouth 4-1 for a vital three points Pritchard struck early with his first Huddersfield goal

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN: Huddersfield Town start where Bournemouth were strong but after that we snapped a five-match losing sequence to beat in-form played superb football. It was one of the performances Bournemouth 4-1 and move out of the Premier League’s of the season,” manager Wagner said. relegation zone yesterday. Goals by Beninese striker “It was our idea to press the opponent high up the Steve Mounie either side of halftime put Huddersfield pitch and win the ball. It was a fantastic afternoon for into a deserved two-goal lead after Bournemouth’s us.” While Bournemouth look relatively safe after Junior Stanislas had cancelled out Alex Pritchard’s early recent wins against Arsenal and Chelsea in a seven- strike for the hosts with a precise finish. match unbeaten streak, manager Eddie Howe knows Mounie headed in they cannot afford any Aaron Mooy’s free kick loss of form. in the 27th minute to put “We should look as the hosts back in front hungry if not hungrier and Mounie struck again than them, that’s no in the 66th minute with a Mounie struck excuse for us. Every superb finish after more game should be treated good work by Mooy. either side of as a cup final,” Howe, Rajiv van la Parra tucked whose side are four away a stoppage time the interval points ahead of penalty to complete a Huddersfield, said. satisfying afternoon for Pritchard swept in David Wagner’s side. Mounie’s pass after sev- Victory did come at a en minutes for his first cost for Huddersfield goal since joining the with Australian midfielder Mooy leaving the pitch on a club but the home jitters returned when Stanislas took stretcher in the second half after a clash of knees. The a touch before slotting an equaliser. Mounie raised the Premier League basement has taken on a revolving mood and could have iced a fine individual display with door feel with so many clubs involved in the relegation a hat-trick had he been given the ball for the late penal- battle. Huddersfield began their first Premier League ty, but watched as Van la Parra took responsibility. HUDDERSFIELD: Bournemouth’s English midfielder Lewis Cook (L) vies with Huddersfield Town’s English midfielder season impressively but have struggled to replicate “The most important was the win, even if I wanted to Jonathan Hogg during the English Premier League football match between Huddersfield Town and Bournemouth at the their early verve and had not won for eight games take the penalty. I leave it for Rajiv (van la Parra),” he John Smith’s stadium in Huddersfield, northern England yesterday. — AFP before yesterday. “We needed a few minutes at the said. — Reuters Festival of 10m air rifle to be held on Qatar, UAE matches Feb 25 and 26 become political

By Abdellatif Sharaa footballs in Gulf crisis

KUWAIT: A festival of DOHA: An Abu Dhabi football ground may seem an 10m air rifle will be unlikely venue for a rare let-up in a protracted diplo- organized on Feb. 25 and matic crisis, but a match between Qatari and Emirati Feb. 26 at Sheikh Sabah clubs marks a first since Doha’s neighbours imposed a Al-Ahmad Heritage vil- crippling blockade. lage at the rate of 8 com- Today, the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium will see petitions per day for men Lotus leaves its mark the United Arab Emirates’ Al Jazira take on Qatar’s Al- and women, while gifts, Gharafa in the group stage of the AFC Champions prizes and medals will be in GulfRun at League. That will be the first time since the bitter dis- distributed to the win- Obaid Al-Osaimi pute began on June 5 that sports teams from rival ners. This is being held as sides face each other on their respective territory. Kuwait is celebrating its national days. Bahrain International “It’s the one and only breach of the diplomatic and Secretary General of Arab and Kuwait Shooting political boycott of Qatar since June,” said James Federation Obaid Al-Osaimi congratulated HH the Amir Dorsey, a specialist in Middle East football and poli- Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Circuit tics and a senior fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the School of International Studies. Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah BAHRAIN: One of the stars of the regionally recognized Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut all and the Kuwait people on the occasion of national days. GulfRun event that was held at the Bahrain International ties with Qatar over its alleged support for Islamist Al-Osaimi invited the Shooting Sports lovers to join in Circuit on February 8 and 9, 2018 is Lotus, one of the extremists and proximity to Shiite Iran-charges Doha the competition on the above mentioned days, adding that sponsors of the annually anticipated event. During the denies. Kuwait Shooting Sports Club Board of Directors is keen two-day event, both participating drivers and the event’s Simon Chadwick, a professor of Sports Enterprise on providing the necessary administrative and technical attendees had the opportunity to test drive the Lotus at the United Kingdom’s Salford University and a assistance to ensure the best service for the village With a heavier mid-mounted engine one might expect the Evora 400 in the inner, outer and GP circuit. member of a Qatari government sport think tank, said patrons. He said trainers on the 10m air rifle and pistol will Lotus made itself seen and heard with the Lotus Evora Evora to feel tricky on the limit, but on wet roads it would be on hand, besides archery coaches to answer any ques- swing progressively either with a lift or by keeping one’s Monday’s game and others “won’t just be a football 400. The new Lotus Evora 400 is the latest pure and match, it will be a geopolitical episode”. tion about the shooting sport. focused supercar from Lotus, combining high performance foot in. Last but not least, the Evora 400 sounds great - Gold Medal Winners of the fifth week 26/1/2018 of there is something of the historic racecar about its rich Asian football’s governing body, the AFC, last with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. With a month refused Saudi and Emirati requests to play competitions are as follows: maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour and an accel- growl and there is no overpowering supercharger whine group stage matches on neutral turf. Matches Nouf Al-Azmi, Reetaj Al-Dhafiri, Sarah Ahmad, Shaima eration of 0-100 kilometers in 4.2 seconds, the new Evora either. Lotus’ sponsorship and participation of GulfRun is between “clubs from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Yousuf, Siham Salem and the sixth 2/2/2018 week gold is a more agile and involving drive that enables it to lap the ideal as the annual event encompasses a friendly motor- United Arab Emirates should be played on a home medal winners are: Hanna Hussein, Kholoud Al-Dhafiri, challenging test track at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, sport competition that is open to all track-capable cars and away basis in 2018 as per the AFC regulations,” it Fatima Saad and Mariam Faisal. Norfolk at a scintillating six seconds faster than previous and drivers who compete in multiple events in the course insisted. The Saudi and Emirati football associations models. Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, of two days. The overall objective of GulfRun is to promote including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mount- car racing and training in a safe and professional environ- reluctantly agreed. That was in contrast to the ed 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces a horsepower of 400 ment while at the same time educating drivers on proper December Gulf Cup, in which Saudi Arabia, the UAE and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminum chassis incorpo- racing techniques, a process that is monitored by track- and Bahrain refused to play matches in Qatar, forcing rates a new interior and the lightweight composite body certified marshals who ensure the event’s safety and secu- a last-minute switch of venue to Kuwait. has changed significantly both in the front and rear of the rity. Anyone above the age of 18 who has a valid driver’s Gas-rich Qatar’s neighbours imposed a blanket miracle car. The new Evora is 22 kilograms lighter, an license and a track-capable car was welcome to partici- travel ban that has been rigidly enforced by Saudi, accomplishment that has been achieved through careful pate in the event. UAE and Bahrain. Last month Qatar and the UAE and clever design and attention to detail. This weight Lotus’ sponsorship and presence at GulfRun reaffirms traded accusations of airspace violations by planes reduction is even more impressive considering that the Alghanim Motors’ commitment to only providing cus- from each others’ countries. supercar has more power and a higher standard specifica- tomers with the best driving experience. Apart from its The hostile context has turned the Champions tion than before. community outreach especially toward car aficionados, League into a political football. The AFC decided to Registered drivers were welcome to test-drive this Alghanim Motors is also dedicated to providing customers keep the traditional home-and-away format of the impeccably fast car! The quicker steering is exactly what with superior products, outstanding service and other fea- tournament’s group stages after “an independent one would expect from Lotus - full of feel as it dances in tures that have positioned the company as a leader in the safety and security assessment” in Qatar, which is one’s hands as the car follows the cambers of the road. automotive market. preparing to host the 2022 World Cup.—AFP Mercedes-Benz, Al Mouj Golf sign deal Matches on TV (Local Timings) to elevate Oman’s ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Lokomotiv Tashkent v Al Wahda SCC 14:00 golfing offering beIN SPORTS HD 2 MUSCAT: Al Mouj Golf, the award-winning signature Duhail SC v Zob Ahan Isfahan 16:15 course at Al Mouj Muscat, has signed a partnership agree- beIN SPORTS HD 4 ment with Mercedes-Benz Oman for 2018 bringing together two of the Sultanate’s leading luxury and lifestyle AlJazira v AlGarrafa 18:30 icons. In its sixth year, this renewed partnership will drive Lawrence Good, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz Oman and Mubarak Hill, Club. beIN SPORTS HD 1 new experiences for golfers and Mercedes-Benz enthusi- asts alike, as they enjoy the outstanding leisure and sport- Tractor Sazi Tabriz FC v Alahli 18:30 ing amenities of Al Mouj Golf. members will be able to enjoy the Mercedes-Benz riences both on the course and during their down time at beIN SPORTS HD 2 Commenting on the partnership, Mubarak Hill, Club Member Guest event as well as the popular ‘She’s this exceptional golfing destination.” Manager of Al Mouj Golf, said: “We are delighted to wel- Mercedes’ ladies coffee mornings. The latest models of the Voted Best Golf Course of the Year at the 2016 Middle come back Mercedes-Benz Oman as our exclusive auto- Mercedes-Benz cars will also be on show at the club for East Golf Awards, and Ranked No.2 in the Middle East by ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE motive partner for 2018. All of our golfers, our members in guests and members to admire. Golf Digest, Al Mouj Golf is an 18 hole Par 72 links style Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion 23:00 particular, are great fans of the annual Mercedes-Benz According to Mercedes-Benz Oman CEO Lawrence course running alongside a 2-kilometre stretch of Muscat’s beIN SPORTS HD 2 tournaments and will be thrilled to have these events back Good: “For us, our philosophy of ‘The Best or Nothing’ is pristine coastline. The 7,342-yard course of lush green in our calendar. Our longstanding relationship with truly epitomized and brought to life through the wonderful grass is peppered with bunkers, water hazards and natural SPANISH LEAGUE Mercedes-Benz Oman has been instrumental in the game of golf. Our renewed partnership with the award- dunes. Al Mouj Golf is also home to the Academy, Muscat’s Deportivo La Coruna v Real Betis 23:00 increasing recognition of Al Mouj Golf as a thriving golfing winning Al Mouj Golf allows us to reconnect with our cus- first golf academy offering unrivalled levels of world-class destination.” Over the next 12 months, guests and club tomers through the medium of sport, elevating their expe- golf tuition for all ages and backgrounds. beIN SPORTS HD 3 Established 1961 Sport

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12، 2018

Kramer sets Olympic record of 6:09.76, Wind to pose ‘challenge’ Huddersfield beat Bournemouth 13claims third straight 5,000m gold 14 for Shiffrin, rivals 15 4-1 for a vital three points

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE: Newcastle United’s Slovak goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (L) claims the ball in front of Manchester United’s English defender Chris Smalling (C) during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England yesterday. — AFP Ritchie strikes to stun lacklustre United United’s second defeat leaves them 16 points behind leaders

NEWCASTLE: Jose Mourinho is still waiting to win a After only five minutes, David De Gea made an excel- the other end, De Gea had made another save from the touchline mixed anger with disbelief. The Spaniard Premier League game at Newcastle after Matt Ritchie’s lent save from Jonjo Shelvey after Dwight Gayle’s free- Kenedy by the time the visitors finally tested Dubravka as was more impressed by Pawson’s judgement eight minutes goal sentenced Manchester United to a shock 1-0 defeat kick rebounded to the midfielder off the United wall. Ayoze he turned away a 32nd minute shot from Jesse Lingard. into the second-half when the official decided - correctly - yesterday. This was Mourinho’s seventh attempt to steer a Perez drove a shot nar- that Romelu Lukaku had pushed a defender as he rose to team to victory on Tyneside and the United manager was rowly wide from the edge CLUMSY CHALLENGE head past Dubravka. Lukaku, like the majority of his destined for more misery at St James’ Park thanks Ritchie’s of the area and a superb Four minutes later teammates, had been anonymous. One exception was second-half goal. clearance from Smalling Dubravka showed why Alexis Sanchez and he almost put them ahead in the 57th Adding to Mourinho’s frustration, the goal stemmed snuffed out another This was an Benitez was so eager to minute when he rounded Dubravka before his goal-bound from a free-kick awarded for a needless dive by United Newcastle threat as sign him. Anthony Martial shot was blocked by Florian Lejeune. defender Chris Smalling. But Mourinho could have no United struggled to retain appeared certain to score Mourinho was already preparing to send on substitutes complaints about second placed United’s second defeat in possession. It all added unimaginative when Nemanja Matic’s Michael Carrick and Juan Mata in place of the ineffectual their last three league games. up to a hugely encourag- measured pass sent him Paul Pogba and Lingard when his side went behind from a This was an unimaginative performance lacking drive ing start for Newcastle performance clear, but the keeper nar- free-kick awarded for Smalling’s dive. The defender was and desire and leaves them 16 points behind leaders manager Rafa Benitez, rowed the angle and cautioned and further punishment was to follow when Manchester City. United couldn’t match the aggression of who gave a debut to lacking drive kicked away the shot. Shelvey delivered the free-kick. a Newcastle team fighting for survival and there were wild Slovak goalkeeper Martin United might have gone Lejeune headed it towards goal, Gayle touched it back celebrations at full-time as the hosts moved out of the rel- Dubravka following his in behind if referee Craig into the path of Ritchie and he stroked his shot inside the egation zone. arrival on loan last month. Pawson had not rejected post from 10 yards. It proved to be enough to earn Mourinho must have feared the worst early on. United In his first half-hour of justifiable penalty claims Newcastle three invaluable points, but only after two arrived with seven clean sheets in their last eight games, Premier League football, Dubravka was only required to when Gayle went down under a clumsy challenge from goalline clearances from Gayle denied Martial in the clos- but proved to be surprisingly vulnerable. make two routine clearances from the edge of his area. At Smalling in the 40th minute. Benitez’s furious reaction on ing moments. — AFP

Jurgen Klopp’s men made a fast start by scoring ner for his 22nd league goal of the campaign to Liverpool heap inside 10 minutes for the ninth time this cam- close back to within one of Harry Kane in the paign. Van Dijk began the move as he cut out a golden boot race. cross with his head before Liverpool ‘keeper Salah missed a huge chance to move level more misery on Loris Karius freed another former Southampton with the Englishman when he side-footed into player, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. His pass to the side-netting with the goal at his mercy after Salah was turned inside by the Egyptian for Alex McCarthy had saved Firmino’s initial effort Southampton Firmino to apply the finishing touch for his 20th 20 minutes from time. Van Dijk had been sub- goal of the season. jected to criticism following shock defeats by SOUTHAMPTON: Virgil van Dijk celebrated his Southampton responded well to going Swansea and West Brom and conceding a last- first Premier League win as the world’s most behind, but lacked a clinical touch as their wait gasp penalty as Spurs snatched a draw at expensive defender on his return to for a first home league win since November Anfield in his previous three outings. Southampton as Roberto Firmino and Mohamed continued. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had the hosts’ But the former Saints captain will scarcely Salah ensured Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners at best chance for an instant reply when he fired have had an easier 90 minutes at St Mary’s as St Mary’s yesterday. too close to Karius at the back post. Southampton failed to muster any danger after Van Dijk was jeered by the home support The German goalkeeper was then put to the break. More of Liverpool’s former following his £75 million ($104 million) move to work by headers from Guido Carrillo and twice Southampton contingent, Sadio Mane and Adam Anfield last month, but got his revenge by shut- by James Ward-Prowse but wasn’t unduly trou- Lallana, should have rubbed salt in the home ting out a toothless Saints side who drop into bled. And Liverpool showed why the sides are side’s wounds when they both fired wide when the relegation zone. battling at different ends of the table with a clean through. However, the visitors were able to By contrast, Liverpool moved back above stunning move to double their lead three min- coast through the final stages with Firmino and SOUTHAMPTON: Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino (C) jumps a chal- Tottenham into third and to within two points of utes before half-time. Salah even replaced in perfect preparation for lenge from Southampton’s Spanish midfielder Oriol Romeu (R) during the English bitter rivals Manchester United in second fol- Firmino returned the favour from the first their return to Champions League action at Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary’s lowing the Red Devils’ defeat at Newcastle ear- goal with an audacious backheel into Salah’s Porto in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Stadium in Southampton, southern England yesterday. — AFP lier. In a recurring theme of Liverpool’s season, path and he slotted the ball into the bottom cor- Wednesday. —AFP Established 1961

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 Business

Bahrah Trading joins Kuwait US Congress approves two-year Al-Khamis wins Kuwait’s largest 18Construction Week 2018 expo 19 budget plan as crisis blows over 21 salary cash prize of KD 250,000

DUBAI: French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, meet ahead of the opening of the World Government Summit in Dubai yesterday. — AFP France inks $16bn Airbus deal in Dubai French PM oversees major deal with Emirates

DUBAI: French Prime Minister Edouard no new orders were received. The economics Philippe promised lower taxes and a business- Government Summit. The prime minister Nahyan. “What I felt was their continued inter- Philippe yesterday hailed the signing in Dubai of the 853-seat, four-engine A380 have friendly France at a global summit in Dubai pledged a “favorable framework for business est in what we were doing and prospects avail- of a $16 billion purchase by Emirates Airlines proved daunting, with airlines having to oper- yesterday, seeking investment from the oil-rich and investment” and a drop in corporate taxes able in France,” he said. No concrete agree- of the Airbus A380 superjumbo commercial ate every flight at full capacity in order in France. The annual summit, often ments have yet been announced. With sover- airliner. to make a profit. dubbed the Davos of the Middle East, eign funds worth more than $800 billion, but “This is obviously excellent news for the The Emirates order was in question brings together a cosmopolitan lineup only a fraction of that-around $3 billion-invest- French aerospace industry and for the after the November Dubai Airshow, of business and political figures-with ed in France, Paris is working to capture a larg- European industry as a whole, as it allows when the UAE airline inked a deal with Philippe seeks Indian Premier Narendra Modi as this er share of UAE petrodollars. “We must make Airbus to consider continuing production of competitor Boeing to buy 40 year’s guest of honor. our country more attractive to foreign the A380,” the visiting premier told reporters Dreamliners for more than $15 billion. investment Philippe sought to contrast the poli- investors, and there is work to be done,” on the sidelines of the World Government Yesterday’s closing of the deal repre- cies of President Emmanuel Macron Philippe told members of the French communi- Summit. The deal was signed by Sheikh Ahmed sents a lifeline for Airbus. A major from UAE with the isolationist trends of other ty living in the United Arab Emirates late bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, the Emirates chairman transcontinental air routes transit hub, Western nations, including Britain leav- Saturday, speaking on board a French military and CEO of Emirates, and Mikhail Houari, Dubai is one of several Gulf-based air- ing the European Union and the elec- vessel docked in Dubai harbor. president of Airbus Middle East. ports to have experienced prodigious tion of US President Donald Trump. On The United Arab Emirates hosts three In December, Emirates agreed to buy 20 of growth in recent years. Saturday, the French premier met the French military bases. It has also become a the double-decker aircraft with an optional 16 Dubai airport was the world’s busiest for Gulf region. “France is undergoing great trans- heads of the two largest sovereign funds in the major contributor to the French-backed coali- more, just days after the European manufac- international passengers in 2017 for the fourth formation”, Philippe said, addressing a thou- United Arab Emirates, as well as Abu Dhabi tion fighting jihadists in Africa’s Sahel region, turer said it would have to halt production if year running, with 88.2 million travellers. sand-strong audience at Dubai’s World Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al- pledging $30 million in December. — AFP

Oil majors strike in investments in different Iraqi ventures World Bank’s including banks, cement plants and telecom- it rich on rising munications, and is preparing to announce a $250 million investment in a telecommunica- crude prices IFC urges tion venture, he said. The Iraqi National Investment Commission PARIS: The world’s leading oil companies pub- investment (NIC) last week published a list of 157 proj- lished a bumper crop in profits last year as rising ects it will seek investment for at the Feb. 12- crude prices helped turn their fortunes around, 14 International Conference for but they remain cautious and are unlikely to rush in Iraq Reconstruction of Iraq, estimated to cost out on a new spending spree just yet. In a flour- about $100 billion in total. The projects ish of earnings reports over the past week, the reconstruction include rebuilding destroyed facilities like picture painted by majors ranging from Mosul’s airport and new investments to ExxonMobil and Chevron to BP, Royal Dutch KUWAIT: The World Bank’s private sector strengthen and diversify the economy away Shell and Total has been a very rosy one. arm urged international companies yesterday from oil sales, by developing transport, agri- French giant Total saw its bottom line jump by to overcome concerns about funding recon- culture and industries based on the nation’s more than a third, Shell’s net profit tripled, energy wealth, including petrochemicals and In this file photo, the sun sets over the Total refinery on the Loire River off Donges, western France. The struction projects in Iraq and seize high-yield ExxonMobil’s fourth-quarter earnings rose near- oil refining. world’s leading oil companies published a bumper crop in profits last year as rising crude prices investment opportunities in the country. ly five-fold, Norway’s Statoil swung back into the Rebuilding homes, hospitals, schools, helped turn their fortunes around, but they remain cautious and are unlikely to rush out on a new The International Finance Corporation’s black and BP’s profits soared. In fact, “2017 was roads, businesses and telecommunications is spending spree just yet. — AFP (IFC) country manager for Iraq, Ziad Badr, one of the strongest years in BP’s recent history,” was speaking in Kuwait ahead of an interna- key to providing jobs for the young, ending the British group’s chief executive Bob Dudley tional conference this week for donors and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of told his annual earnings news conference. majors have raised dividends and announced always works on the assumption that oil prices investors to rebuild and revive Iraq’s economy people and putting an end to several decades Key to this success was the steady rise in share buy-back programs, eager to make it up to would remain “lower forever”. as the country emerges from a devastating of political and sectarian violence. crude prices in recent months, driven by a land- their shareholders who have become restive after “We’re sticking to the cost-cutting programs, three-war against Islamic State. About 1,900 delegates have registered having to do with meager payouts for years. But despite the rise in crude prices,” said Total chief mark deal between oil-producing countries “I don’t think that in any other part of the to attend the conference, representing for- it’s still a far shot from the heady days of old. executive Patrick Pouyanne. Such prudence is both inside and outside the OPEC cartel to world there are such investment opportuni- eign governments, private sector compa- Companies have learned to live with low oil evident in the only modest uptick in investment in reduce the worldwide glut in supply by throt- ties,” Badr said in a speech at the Kuwait nies and international organizations, NIC prices, slashing costs and investment to become upstream exploration and production activities. tling output. Correspondingly, after falling from Chamber of Commerce and Industry, giving head Sami Al-Araji told the gathering at the $115 per barrel in 2014 to under $35 at the start leaner and fitter, and said they have little inten- Globally, these investments rose by four per- as an example a Lebanese firm making a 24 Kuwait Chamber of Commerce. “We are at of 2016, oil prices have been rising, from an tion of abandoning that regime any time soon. cent to $389 billion last year and should increase percent return on its stake in a luxury hotel in the crossroads, the world now is support- average $44 in 2016 to $54 in 2017 to nearly by a modest two-to-six percent again this year, Erbil, the capital of the Kurdish region of ing us, we have to seize the opportunity,” $70 this month. ‘Lower forever’ according to estimates published by IFP northern Iraq. The IFC has about $1.2 billion he said. — Reuters Flush with their new-found profits, the oil Shell’s CEO Ben van Beurden said he now Energies Nouvelles this week. — AFP 18 Established 1961 Business Monday, February 12, 2018 Bahrah Trading joins Kuwait Construction Week 2018 expo

KUWAIT: Bahrah Trading Company (BTC), a sub- Exhibition, Interior Design Show and Kitchen & Bath has been built on premium brands, a wide range of high sidiary of Al-Sayer Holding participated in “Kuwait Show, turned out to be a most viable platform for inter- quality industrial and transportation solutions and reli- Construction Week” Exhibition which was recently held action among suppliers, buyers, decision-makers and able aftersales support.” at Kuwait International Fair Grounds. The participation end-users from Kuwait’s building, design and construc- featured well-known premium brands including Hino Exhibition tion industries. BTC product range Trucks, Toyota Forklifts, BT material handling, Ashok Hamza Melakandy, General Manager, BTC, * Trucks and Buses Leyland Buses, Daewoo Buses, Bobcat, Doosan, Sakai, viable Mohammad Nasimi Senior Manager After-sales * Heavy earthmoving equipment for the construction Astra etc at the exclusive BTC display stand and platform for Marketing and Biju Gangadhar, Manager Heavy industry including Excavators, Loaders, Rollers etc, attracted very good attention of the public. Equipment Sales BTC, attended the opening ceremony * Industrial and Utility equipment including Ali Mohammed Al-Habil, Deputy General Manager buyers and representing Al-Sayer Group. Generators, Compressors, Light towers, Light for planning and design at the General Organization for According to Hamza “BTC has evolved into a major Compactors, Site Dumpers, Club Cars etc., Housing Welfare was the Chief Guest at the event. suppliers source for serving a wide spectrum of clients in con- * Material handling equipment - Forklifts and Cranes The mega event consisted of 6 industry shows: struction, oil, industrial and distribution sectors in * Special vehicles for firefighting, civil defense, dis- Kuwait Build, Electrical & Mechanical Exhibition, Kuwait, in effect being a “One stop shopping” where aster management and accident emergency rescue Power Kuwait, Skyline - Architecture & Real Estate most of the customers’ needs are met. Our reputation tools.

Children fly free to Dubai with flydubai between February 8 New engine glitch and March 31 delays Airbus KUWAIT: Dubai-based flydubai has A320neo delivery announced the launch of a special offer for families visiting Dubai from Kuwait. The offer PARIS: A new glitch causing in-flight shutdowns of the Pratt & Whitney engines is valid for booking before midday on that power the Airbus A320neo has prompted some airlines to postpone delivery Thursday 15 February to fly between 08 of the aircraft, the aviation giant said Saturday. “We are in discussions with the February and 31 March 2018. airlines and responding on a case-by-case basis,” an Airbus spokesperson told flydubai passengers can book an adult AFP. “Some have decided to put off their delivery and others have not.” return ticket in Economy Class from Kuwait The European aircraft manufacturer and Pratt & Whitney said late Friday that to Dubai and get a free child ticket excluding a new problem had emerged with the Geared Turbo Fan (GTF) engine whose taxes; while OPEN members can enjoy an cause was still under investigation. Last year, other problems with the GTF extra 5 percent discount off one-way or engine also caused delays in deliveries of the twin-engine A320neo, a more fuel- return fares in economy and business when efficient version of the Airbus company’s best-selling airliner. they log-in before making a booking. On Friday, Europe’s air safety authority EASA issued an “emergency airwor- The carrier, which has been operating from thiness directive” saying that “several occurrences of inflight shutdown and the convenient Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah rejected takeoff have been reported” with the single-aisle aircraft. It warned that potentially both engines could shut down simultaneously. An Terminal in Kuwait since 2013, offers Kuwaiti flying experience. dubai also offers visa facilitation services to citizens a flexible flight schedule to Dubai. industry source said 11 A320neos have been grounded to replace the engines. A Flights between Kuwait and Dubai can be passengers travelling to the UAE. Details of total of 113 planes in the A320neo family, used by 18 airlines, are currently in The exclusive terminal offers passengers a purchased from flydubai’s website (www.fly- the carrier’s car rental, insurance and other convenient check-in area, reduced queuing service that are equipped with the engines. Airbus also uses LEAP engines co- dubai.com), through its local office (+965 22 third-party services are also available on its produced by General Electric and Safran on the planes. —AFP time at immigration and a more personalized 41 44 00) and accredited travel agents. fly- website.

EXCHANGE RATES

Euro 374.910 Japanese Yen 3.735 Asia Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Sterling Pound 421.960 Syrian Pound 1.585 Bangladesh Taka 0.003255 0.003839 Canadian dollar 241.290 Nepalese Rupees 2.940 Chinese Yuan 0.046258 0.049758 ASIAN COUNTRIES Turkish lira 80.500 Malaysian Ringgit 78.045 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036612 0.039362 Japanese Yen 2.752 Swiss Franc 324.500 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.075 Indian Rupee 0.004180 0.004821 Indian Rupees 4.695 Australian Dollar 239.620 Thai Bhat 10.530 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Pakistani Rupees 2.720 US Dollar Buying 299.450 Turkish Lira 80.000 Japanese Yen 0.002687 0.002867 Srilankan Rupees 1.946 Korean Won 0.000267 0.000282 Nepali Rupees 2.957 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.073423 0.079423 Singapore Dollar 228.630 20 Gram 260.52 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Nepalese Rupee 0.003004 0.003174 Hongkong Dollar 38.448 10 Gram 133.18 Pakistan Rupee 0.002526 0.002816 Bangladesh Taka 3.604 5 Gram 67.43 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 0.005816 0.006116 Philippine Peso 5.842 Europe Singapore Dollar 0.221717 0.231717 Thai Baht 9.524 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd British Pound 0.411655 0.419155 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001693 0.002273 Czech Korune 0.006647 0.015947 Taiwan 0.010331 0.010511 GCC COUNTRIES Danish Krone 0.045633 0.050633 Thai Baht 0.009145 0.009695 Saudi Riyal 80.227 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Euro 0. 363441 0.370941 Qatari Riyal 82.630 US Dollar 300.100 Georgian Lari 0.134107 0.134107 Arab Omani Riyal 781.315 Canadian Dollar 242.420 Hungarian 0.001134 0.001324 Bahraini Dinar 0.792106 0.800606 Bahraini Dinar 798.860 Sterling Pound 425.125 Norwegian Krone 0.034219 0.039419 Egyptian Pound 0.014106 0.019824 UAE Dirham 81.932 Euro 375.360 Romanian Leu 0.064339 0.081189 Iranian Riyal 0.000083 0.000085 Swiss Frank 280.865 Russian ruble 0.005202 0.005202 Iraqi Dinar 0.000198 0.000258 ARAB COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 798.075 Slovakia 0.008946 0.018946 Jordanian Dinar 0.420066 0.429066 Egyptian Pound - Cash 19.700 UAE Dirhams 82.110 Swedish Krona 0.033357 0.038357 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.985 Qatari Riyals 83.335 Swiss Franc 0.314769 0.325769 Lebanese Pound 0.000154 0.000254 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.207 Saudi Riyals 80.920 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021944 0.045944 Tunisian Dinar 126.860 Jordanian Dinar 424.545 Australasia Omani Riyal 0.775760 0.781440 Jordanian Dinar 424.050 Egyptian Pound 17.024 Australian Dollar 0.227363 0.239363 Qatar Riyal 0.078415 0.083355 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.004 Sri Lankan Rupees 1.948 New Zealand Dollar 0.212391 0.221891 Saudi Riyal 0.079207 0.080507 Syrian Lira 0.000 Indian Rupees 4.685 Syrian Pound 0.001275 0.001495 Morocco Dirham 33.406 Pakistani Rupees 2.715 America Tunisian Dinar 0.121218 0.129218 Bangladesh Taka 3.640 Canadian Dollar 0.234267 0.243267 Turkish Lira 0.073882 0.084182 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Philippines Pesso 5.830 US Dollars 0.297000 0.301420 UAE Dirhams 0.080553 0.082253 US Dollar Transfer 300.650 Cyprus pound 17.865 US Dollars Mint 0.297500 0.301420 Yemeni Riyal 0.000978 0.001058 Established 1961 19 Business Monday, February 12, 2018

NBK Money Markets Report US Congress approves two-year budget plan as crisis blows over Higher treasury yields, lower equities

KUWAIT: Last week had multiple market moving events, Trump’s ability to rewrite the American trading relation- from the drop in equities market to the 2-year budget deal ship with the world as the trade deficit increased. US approved by the Congress to keep the US government exports grew 5.4 percent to 2.3 trillion while imports running. The bill was passed with 71 in favor versus 28 in reached a record 2.9 billion in 2017. It is worth mentioning the Senate and 240 approvals in the House of that the trade deficit was widening slightly each year since Representatives against 186. The package is said to include 2014, but the deterioration in 2017 was steeper than the an increase in US government spending by $300 billion over previous years. the next two years. Economists expect the deal to further boost the US economic growth alongside the recent passage US non-manufacturing PMI of tax reform legislation at the end of last year. Additional The ISM non-manufacturing index came at 59.9, a jump support to the economic above the expected 56.5. growth is due to Fed offi- Fifteen out of eighteen cials saying the plan to non-manufacturing indus- raise interest rates will tries reported growth this only happen gradually. month. It needs to be noted Looking at the debt US trade deficit that the services sector is market, US treasury an essential component of yields had a bull-run last widens to the US economy account- week, rising up to 80 ing to 80 percent of the basis points since $53.1 billion private-sector’s GDP. The September 2017 lows. rate of growth in the econ- Government debt sales omy’s service sector are set to more than dou- perked up in January after ble in 2018, lifting net its pace eroded in the prior issuance to $1.3 trillion, two months. While the the most since 2010, according to estimates. With the index of 17 non-manufacturing industries, such as real Federal Reserve shrinking its bond holdings and deficits estate and food services, showed slowing growth in the poised to swell even before taking into account the tax past two months, the service sector has still seen contin- overhaul, all signs point to higher financing costs. The chal- ued expansion for eight consecutive years. lenge going forward for Treasury Secretary Mnuchin is that some analysts expect buying by central banks may be Hawkish BoE meeting reduced as reserve growth stabilizes; which makes the case The MPC voted unanimously to keep interest rate at for the more price sensitive buyers to play a role here such 0.5 percent and QE unchanged by consensus. Yet the tone as private-equity firm, hedge funds and wealthy individuals. of the language was perceived as hawkish by the market as Globally, the RBA and BoE had their monetary meetings the MPC stated “monetary policy would need to be tight- last week. Both policy makers kept benchmark interest ened somewhat earlier and by a somewhat greater extent ... rates unchanged. A hawkish tone from BoE supported the than anticipated”. The committee also raised the annual sterling’s level after a disappointing service PMI at the growth forecasts by 0.2 percent and 0.1 percent in 2019 beginning of the week. Similarly, the Australian dollar and 2020 to be 1.8 percent in both years. This BoE’s fore- found support from the meeting as weak economic data cast is the first for many years where there is a clear story surfaced last Tuesday. of inflation being driven above target by domestic price On the currency front, the dollar index opened the pressures and excess demand. The market is currently pric- best since March 2011. Growth also improved in Italy and Year celebration in mid-February. It was also pushed by week at 89.347 and gained 1.49 percent as further clarity ing a near 70 percent probability of an interest rate hike in Spain (to 126 and six-month highs respectively), but the government supporting the services sector in an on the status of the US government after the Senate deal the UK, up from 42 percent at the beginning of the week. eased in Ireland. Although the rate of expansion in France attempt to reduce the reliance on heavy industry and announcement pushed the currency higher. The dollar was slightly below that signaled by the earlier flash esti- exports, as we saw on Thursday when the manufacturing index closed the week at 90.563. The euro started the UK PMI disappoints mate, it was still faster than in December and one of the activity came below expectations at 51.3. week with a bearish move and broke the 1.2300 level to The services PMI came at 53 against the forecasted sharpest registered since mid-2011. The level of new busi- reach a low of 1.2204 towards the end of the week. The 54.1. This figure is at 16 months low that was not seen ness placed with euro area service providers rose at the RBA keeps rate steady single currency eased as the greenback appreciated since the blowback of the Brexit in September 2016. It quickest pace in over a decade in January. This exerted The Reserve Bank of Australia decided to keep interest across the board, and closed the week at 1.2237. The cable shows a slowdown in the British economy as four fifths of pressure on capacity, leading to a further solid increase in rates at 1.5 percent. “The low level of interest rates is con- traded sensitively prior to the BOE meeting, the cable UK’s GDP is derived from the services sector. outstanding business. This combination of higher new tinuing to support the Australian economy. Further moved in-line with a strong dollar and lost 1.72 percent orders and rising backlogs of work encouraged firms to progress in reducing unemployment and having inflation but remained supported after a hawkish Bank of England Eurozone growth take on additional staff. return to target is expected, although this progress is likely meeting. The pair closed the week at 1.3835 At a near ten-and-a-half year high of 58.0 in January, to be gradual.” said Lowe, the governor of RBA. The the final IHS Markit Eurozone PMI Services Index sig- China’s service sector shines Australian dollar was 0.1 percent lower against the green- US trade deficit naled a marked increase in output and came in above the The Chinese services sector started the year with the back following the central bank’s meeting. US trade deficit widened reaching $53.1 billion, its earlier flash estimate of 57.6. The upward revision in the highest reading since May 2012 coming at 54.7, and higher highest level since 2008. The driver to this increase was headline index mainly reflected stronger contributions than the forecasted 53.6. Economists are attributing the Kuwait higher commodity prices in addition to higher domestic from Germany and (on average) those nations outside of swell in services to better access to bank loans and the Kuwaiti dinar at 0.30025 demand. Analysts are commenting on President Donald the ‘big-two’. The rate of expansion for Germany was the Chinese market being energetic before the Chinese New The USDKWD opened at 0.30025 yesterday morning.

Stocks’ drop brings idly. As a consequence, core inflation scrutiny of complex Inflation data for ought to remain around 1 percent, at least this year, providing the ECB with big economies the arguments to maintain its expansion- low-volatility bets ary stance.” Spanish Inflation data on Thursday NEW YORK: Wall Street’s plunge this week has may test nervy will broaden the picture out to those brought scrutiny to complex niche products to countries where unemployment is at its trade on volatility that market experts believe markets again highest, while fourth-quarter growth data were poorly structured and exacerbated swings for the bloc as a whole - and individually in stocks. Only days before markets began to go for the likes of Germany, Italy and the haywire, Barclays chief executive Jes Staley DUBLIN: A surprise surge in US wage Netherlands - are set to show an ever warned about the risky investments at the World growth has rocked global stock and bond broadening recovery. Economic Forum in Davos. Many investors were markets in the past week, and inflation using the exchange-traded products to place figures from three of the world’s biggest Market over-reaction possible bets that volatility would stay low or go down, a economies could dictate whether In Britain, where consumers have “very smart” wager during a period of persist- investors are in for another rollercoaster been facing price pressures for far longer ride in the coming week. after the 2016 Brexit vote pushed down ently low volatility, Staley said. NEW YORK: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Stocks have had their worst week the value of the pound, the Bank of “But if this thing turns, hold on to your hat,” Friday in New York City. —AFP he added. That change took place on Monday since the height of the euro zone crisis in England said on Thursday that it sees a as the Dow Jones Industrial Average was in the 2011 after jobs data a week ago posed growing need to keep a grip on inflation. midst of a more than 1,000 point drop that worked really well for a long time.” But the prospectus that the “long-term expected value” the question markets are now grappling That means raising interest rates sooner included a violent 800-point dive in the blue- investment suddenly went south when markets of the investment is “zero.” “The main purpose with: Is long-absent inflation returning to and by more than it flagged only three chip index over 10 minutes. turned sharply on February 2, when a surpris- was to be an insurance but people started buy- the strengthening world economy? months ago, as central banks move During that period, the CBOE Volatility ingly strong US jobs report sparked worries ing and selling it in sort of a casino fashion,” said Some hints of what the answer to that towards tightening monetary policy a Index, known as the “VIX” index, also shot about inflation. “Everybody was on the same FTN Financial chief economist Chris Low. is - and what it may mean for the era of decade after the financial crisis. Data on higher. That shift spelled instant losses for side of the trade,” said Manning. “Hedge funds low interest rates - could emerge with Wednesday will show whether inflation “short-vol” trading vehicles, including exchange started to move out and people started to panic More scrutiny the latest consumer price snapshots from continues to hold steady at 3 percent traded products by Japanese bank Nomura and to cover these investments.” Conditions wors- Regulators are now looking more closely at Britain on Tuesday and Germany and the where it has spent three of the last four Credit Suisse that had predicted volatility would ened this week, leading both Credit Suisse and the vehicles. Swiss regulators are following up United States a day later. German infla- months, and if November’s 3.1 percent go down, known as a “short” investment. Nomura to liquidate their funds amid heavy with Credit Suisse, and New York Federal tion, a barometer for how prices are far- reading can be considered a post-Brexit Because the VIX is known unofficially as Wall losses. In the aftermath of the turbulence, Reserve President William Dudley pledged ing across the euro zone, should be of peak. That will leave markets squarely Street’s “fear” index over possible bad future Fidelity Investments halted trading on exchange more scrutiny of the products. least concern, assuming the final figures fixed on the US inflation report later that outcomes, a sudden surge likely contributed to traded funds that bet on low volatility. Asset manager BlackRock called for a “reg- for January match weak provisional data day, alongside retail sales figures also the brutal losses in the equity markets. While it’s impossible to know the exact loss- ulatory classification system that would label that showed annual consumer price infla- due out for January. — Reuters es, the market was estimated at between $3 bil- levered and inverse exchange traded products tion slowing to 1.4 percent. Although a Economists polled by Reuters see Popular bet lion and $4 billion, a small part of the overall differently than plain-vanilla (ones) in order to landmark wage deal and a purse-string core inflation - which excludes the Short bets on volatility had become a popu- market for exchange traded products, a growing clarify for both regulators and investors the loosening coalition agreement will likely volatile food and energy components - lar stance, outnumbering trades that anticipated type of investment that is traded on exchanges risks associated with those products.” One add to inflation over time, the current rising by 0.2 percent month-on-month, a a rise in volatility and in one case earning a and based on assets, such as stocks, commodi- consequence of this week’s shakeout is that moderate price pressures - even in touch slower than December when con- return of almost 200 percent in 2017, according ties or indices. the products in question have been “signifi- booming Germany - shows the euro zone sumer prices recorded their largest to a note from Goldman Sachs. “Hedge funds, The investments were widely known in the cantly defanged,” making a repeat perform- outlook is quite different to the United increase in 11 months. prop traders, retail investors... everybody was financial world as failure-prone because of the ance of the February 5 chaos unlikely anytime States. That should nevertheless hold the on the same exposure,” said Brett Manning, tendency of markets to eventually become soon, said a note from Bank of America Merrill The number of Americans filing for annual rate steady at 1.8 percent, accord- senior market analyst at Briefing.com. “It volatile. Credit Suisse even warned in its Lynch. —AFP unemployment fell to a near 45-year low ing to the poll, given the tough compari- last week, but the jobless rate in the euro- son with a year ago when consumer zone is still at almost 9 percent - and the prices jumped at the fastest rate in nearly The China Securities Regulatory Commission fore also serve to strengthen internationalization broader slack in the jobs market, including four years. China to launch (CSRC) said the contracts would be launched on of the yuan, as Beijing seeks to make it a world part-time and temporary workers, could “While there is likely to be signifi- March 26 on the Shanghai futures market. It is benchmark currency, even if drastic restrictions be twice as high, economists say. cant focus on this report, the reality is the culmination of a long-standing ambition of on its convertibility are holding back its expan- “Although the labor markets in some that the inflation narrative is not poised own oil futures China, which for a quarter century has nursed sion. The new Shanghai-based contracts would countries such as Germany seem to be to gather any real momentum until Q2 plans to launch its own oil contracts in order to offer an alternative to dollar-denominated Brent running dry, which will be reflected in when the idiosyncratic effects from last exert greater influence on the market for the and WTI contracts traded in London and Wall stronger wage growth, the unemployment year - wireless price wars, etc. - finally BEIJING: China will launch its own crude oil black gold. Street which dominate the global crude market. rate in the other euro countries is, on roll off the year-on-year calculation,” futures in March, the securities regulator said The brief statement from the CSRC did not While the Chinese contracts may become a average, still very high,” said RBC Capital Markets’ analysts wrote in Friday, as the energy-hungry giant looks to offer any details but Chinese press reports said regional barometer of supply and demand in Commerzbank economist Ralph Solveen. a note. “But the potential for the market wield greater influence on the international mar- the contracts would be open to foreign investors Asia, it seems unlikely that they will unthrone “In the euro area as a whole, wages are to overreact to an inflation scare is ket by offering an alternative to the Brent and and denominated in yuan. Brent and WTI in the short term as international therefore unlikely to rise particularly rap- non-trivial.” WTI benchmarks. Launching its own oil contracts would there- benchmarks. —AFP 20 Established 1961 Business Monday, February 12, 2018

Wall Street Week Ahead US investors brace for more swings

NEW YORK: The inflation bogeyman has Salt Lake City, Utah. The equity market has ness of equities, and unnerving investors fearful Traders are currently putting the over the past 50 days of 265.76 points, reared its ugly head and sent US stock become highly sensitive to inflation this month. inflation will force the US Federal Reserve to chances of a 25 basis point hike by the Fed the highest since March 2016. While investors racing for the hills in recent days. A selloff in US stocks earlier this week was in raises short term interest rates at a faster pace at its March meeting at 84.5 percent, volatility has subsided a little from the Next week, coming off one of the most volatile large part sparked by the Feb 2 monthly US than is currently priced into the market. according to Thomson Reuters data. heights touched earlier this week, it is far stretches in years, two important readings on employment report which showed the largest The current earnings yield for the S&P 500 Benchmark 10-year note yields this from an all clear, Nigol Koulajian, chief US inflation could help determine whether the year-on-year increase in average hourly earn- index companies stands at 5.4 percent, below week rose to a four-year high of 2.885 executive of Quest Partners, a New York- stock market begins to settle or if another bout ings since June 2009. the 6.4 percent average of the past 20 years. As percent. On Friday, benchmark 10-year based systematic commodity trading of volatility is in store. If the January’s US con- Recent US tax cuts that may spur economic bond yields rise the spread between the two notes last fell 1/32 in price to yield 2.853 advisor with $1.4 billion in assets under sumer price index due next Wednesday from growth, the prospect of more government bor- narrows, prompting asset allocation changes percent. management, said. the US Labor Department, and the producer rowing to fund a widening fiscal deficit, and ris- between equities and fixed income. While many analysts were predicting Koulajian pointed to the fixed income price index the next day, come in higher than ing wages, have all pushed up benchmark US Investor concerns over inflation was reflect- bond yields to rise this year as global market as the main catalyst right now for the market anticipates, brace for more selling Treasury yields to near four-year highs. ed in Lipper funds data on Thursday, which economies improve, the suddenness of the near-term moves in the stock market. and gyrations for stocks. “This is how we started, go back to Friday showed US-based inflation-protected bond move was a large factor in the recent stock “Investors need to keep a very, very close US consumer prices rose 2.1 percent year- and this is exactly where we were,” said Art funds attracted $859 million over the weekly market selloff. eye on fixed income,” he said. “The cata- on-year in December and is forecast to stay Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley FBR in period, the largest inflows since November The 10-day correlation between the lyst needn’t be big. When the market is this around that pace this month. “If we get a hot New York. “The conversation about equity risk 2016. On Thursday, New York Federal Reserve S&P 500 index and yields on the 10-year levered, even tiny events can trigger a big CPI print it will insert additional uncertainty, premium, interest rates and inflation, we are President William Dudley said the central note was at a negative 0.79, as of late avalanche.” but if we get a quiet, below-consensus print, coming full circle.” The jump in wage inflation bank’s forecast of three rate hikes still seemed a Thursday. On Friday, both the Dow Jones But analysts also caution yields are not you may see yields down and equities rally,” pushed yields on the benchmark 10-year US “very reasonable projection” but added there Industrial Average and S&P 500 index at levels that should be alarming to said Jason Ware, Chief Investment Officer & Treasury note closer to the 3.0 percent mark was a potential for more, should the economy closed out their worst two-week perform- investors, and in fact are at levels that sig- Chief Economist at Albion Financial Group in last seen four years ago, denting the attractive- look stronger. ance since August 2011. nal a healthier global economy, and the “The pace really does matter,” said Ron performance of some stocks this week Temple, Head of US Equities and Co-Head points to a belief the consumer is also get- of Multi Asset Investing at Lazard Asset ting healthier. Management in New York. “If we see 3.0 The average yield on the 10-year percent next week that is going to spook Treasury note over the past 30 years is people more - the equity market psyche is 4.834 percent, still well above current lev- fragile at this point.” els. “Fundamentals are still positive, there The fragile investor psyche is likely to is strong economic growth and strong lead to continued volatility coming off a earnings growth - those will help stocks week that saw the Dow suffer its largest move higher over time,” said Kate Warne, intraday index point decline in history on investment strategist at Edward Jones in Monday, nearly 1,600 points. The Dow St. Louis. “But it doesn’t do much for pre- currently has an average intraday swing dicting short-term moves.” —Reuters Established 1961 21 Business Monday, February 12, 2018 Al-Khamis wins Kuwait’s largest salary cash prize of KD 250,000 Gulf Bank announces winner of its Kuwaiti salary account draw

Activities for kids. The winner is being announced.

The crowd Fahad Al-Salem and the concert. Catch the cash.

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank is pleased to announce the lucky fle by the event hosts. Introduced last year, this game has winner of its Kuwaiti salary account draw. Fayeza Ahmad proven to be a crowd favorite. The game is simple, once Jasem Al-Khamis, won Kuwait’s largest salary cash prize selected to play, you enter the box and have 10 seconds to of KD 250,000 and her name was announced during the catch as many notes of different denominations as you draw event held at The Scientific Center located in can. These notes are then exchanged for cash on the spot Salmiya, Kuwait’s premier science and educational organi- with the total prize amount being KD 2,000. zation, on Thursday. Laila Al-Qatami, Assistant General Manager for The winner’s name was also announced live on 88.8 Corporate Communications at Gulf Bank noted: “This FM Kuwait Pulse radio station, on the ‘Diwaniyat Al- event was truly fun and lively, we thank everyone who Yaqout and Al-Ansari’ show, whose presenters were came out to participate and watch the show. We strongly broadcasting live at the event and interacting with the thank our friends at the Scientific Center who hosted our audience. event, and are happy to be The event kicked off at working with them during 4 pm with a range of chil- the month of February. dren’s activities. Then, the The Bank also extends its growing crowd of atten- Next annual best wishes to the Kuwaiti dees were treated to a Salary account draw win- draw for grand The Gulf Bank team. special musical perform- ner, Fayeza Ahmad Al- ance by Fahed Al-Salem, prize of KD Khamis and thanks her for who sang a medley of banking with Gulf Bank. It 15 years, or a consumer loan up to KD 15,000, plus an Kuwaiti songs, mixing 250,000 to be was exciting to hear from automatic membership in the best and fastest rewards between new and old her directly on the night of program in Kuwait with Gulf Bank Credit Cards. Gulf ones, accompanied by on 7 Feb 2019 her win.” Bank customers will also get the best services and facili- Mohamad Al-Sarraf of Gulf Bank’s salary ties when financing their vehicle through Gulf Bank repre- The Concert. account is tailored for sentatives who are available in all major car showrooms. Then the exciting Kuwaiti customers, and In addition to these exciting benefits, all existing and main event began with Mijren Al-Mijren and Nawaf Al- allows them to benefit from many unique offers by trans- new customers who transfer their salaries to Gulf Bank are Jazzaf from Corporate Communications; in addition to ferring their salaries to Gulf Bank, including the opportu- automatically enrolled into quarterly and annual salary Ahmad Al-Matari, from Human Resources serving as the nity to either receive a KD 100 cash gift upon transferring account draws. Existing customers will get one chance hosts of the evening and energized the crowd. They also their salaries to Gulf Bank or an interest free loan. while new customers will get three chances to win valu- held a special crowd-pleasing activity for children to Customers must have a minimum salary of KD 500 and able cash prizes, including three quarterly prizes of KD end the event. are fully eligible for the offer following their first salary 25,000, and the annual draw for Kuwait’s largest salary Hundreds of people also registered for a chance to transfer to Gulf Bank. prize of KD 250,000. Customers also can take part in Al- enter Gulf Bank’s exclusive and wildly popular “Catch the Additionally, customers can also enjoy a one year free Danah quarterly and yearly draws by opening Al Danah Cash” money box game. Once the main event started, par- of charge Visa or MasterCard credit card, as well as a account to get the chance to become the next Al Danah ticipants’ names were selected live through a random raf- chance to apply for loan up to KD 70,000 payable over millionaire. The MCs at the event

Al Mulla Exchange holds seminar on CBK announces Indian budget 2018 winners of Al-Najma KUWAIT: Al Mulla Exchange along with the Kuwait Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India hosted a seminar on the Indian budget 2018 at account draw the Crowne Plaza, Farwaniya on 05th Feb 2018. KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the daily draw on “Al- Tushar Arora, Senior Economist at HDFC Bank Najma Account” yesterday at the Bank’s Head Office to select 5 win- and CA Kirit Mehta Tax Expert and Senior Partner ners to win a cash prize of KD 7,000 for each. The draw was held in at G.P. Kapadia & Co were the keynote speakers at the presence of Abdulaziz Ashkanani, representative of the Ministry of the event presenting details and insights on the Commerce & Industry. The following names were announced as win- Indian Budget. ners of the prizes: The event started sharp at 06:00pm with a wel- 1. Khalifa Zarif AbdulHafez Sayed come speech by Hormuzda Davar, Managing 2. Abdulaziz Naeem Ageel Keridyi Director of Trading, Manufacturing and Financial 3. Abid Ali AkbarAli Services, Al Mulla Group. Tushar Arora took the 4. Khames Abdullah Yasen Musalam audience through the broad features of the budget 5. Areej Qasem Mohammad Haidar vis-a-vis the global economy. Kirit Mehta on the Al-Najma Account allows its customers to win a daily prize of KD other hand gave a detailed analysis on how the 7,000 which is the highest daily prize in Kuwait. In addition, the budget affects the different sectors and more Account offers quarterly draws that provide customers with opportu- specifically from the perspective of the NRIs. As a nity to get their dreams turned to reality by winning great prizes start- tax expert he also dwelled on tax amendments, ing from KD 100,000 for the first quarter escalating thereafter by KD directions to the Indian Economy, Economic and 50 thousand for each quarter to reach KD 250,000 in the last quarter. Customers can enjoy additional benefits including obtaining ATM card Financial Impact for the NRIs as well as the Other and a credit card against the customer’s account along with enjoying all Tax Issues Including Planning for Managing Wealth. other banking services. The Bank congratulates all the lucky winners The seminar was followed by a lively question and draws their attention that the cash prizes will be credited into their and answer session where the queries of the atten- accounts with the Bank. Further, the Bank appreciates the Ministry of dees were answered in full satisfaction by the Commerce and Industry’s significant role and its continuous coopera- speakers. Following the Q&A was the vote of thanks tion and effective supervision on the draw that was smoothly and trans- given by Shakir Kaizar of the Institute of Chartered parently organized. Accountants (ICAI), Kuwait Chapter. 22 Established 1961 Monday, February 12, 2018 Technology Stereo vision: Mantises see 3-D differently, study says ‘Current machine stereo algorithms require a lot of computing power’ PARIS: Praying mantises sporting tiny 3-D glasses lot of computing power,” she said. “Reducing the that were held in place with beeswax have revealed a amount of computer power necessary means smaller, new kind of “stereo” vision that may help improve lightweight robots could use mantis stereo algorithms robot sight, researchers said Thursday. With two to detect depth.” teardrop-shaped, light-filtering lenses perched on their heads, the insects lashed out in lab experiments ‘Fundamentally’ different at images of tempting prey in a special 3-D film, a Also known as “stereopsis”, 3-D or stereo vision team of scientists said. Scientists then observed the helps humans and other creatures determine the dis- insects’ reaction to more complex images, and learnt tances to objects we see. Each eye sees an object at a that mantis vision works very differently to ours. slightly different angle, but the brain merges the two “Mantises only images together and uses attack moving prey, so the difference to calcu- their 3-D doesn’t need late how far something is. to work in still images,” Other animals with this said Vivek Nityananda ability include monkeys, of Newcastle cats, horses, owls and University, one of the An ability toads, said the research authors of a study pub- team. lished in the journal humans The mantis is the only Current Biology. “We insect known to have found mantises don’t don’t share stereo vision, but given bother about the its tiny brain, scientists details of the picture, have long suspected it but just look for places must involve a simpler where the picture is process. To test this, the changing,” he said in a video explaining the experi- team created special, tiny 3-D glasses out of blue and ment. This was the case even when each eye looked at green-colored filters, and used beeswax to fit them to two completely different images-an ability humans 10 adult insects. The experiment revealed that mantis don’t share. stereopsis “uses a fundamentally different computa- According to fellow researcher Jenny Read, this tional algorithm”, they said. “Thus, while there is no was a simpler method of 3-D vision, and could have evidence that mantis stereopsis works at all with NEWCASTLE: This handout picture received on February 7, 2018 from Newcastle University shows Dr. implications for building lighter machines, such as static images, it successfully reveals the distance to a Vivek Nitanyanda holding aloft a praying mantis fitted with miniature 3D glasses, in a research facility drones. “Current machine stereo algorithms require a moving target.”—AFP at Newcastle University. —AFP

Marathon Kim Researchers Dotcom case team up with back in New cities to make Zealand court

resilience a reality WELLINGTON: Internet mogul Kim Dotcom’s legal case returns to court in New Zealand today for what may be the Megaupload founder’s final chance of avoiding extradition to the United States. Dotcom’s epic extradition battle has KUALA LUMPUR: A multi-million dollar project dragged on for more than six years, starting in January launched yesterday aims to connect urban offi- 2012 when armed police acting on an FBI request raided cials with researchers to drive forward projects his Auckland mansion. The 44-year-old German national is that will help cities adapt to growing pressures - accused of industrial-scale online piracy via his from climate change to migration and unemploy- Megaupload empire, which US authorities shut down ment. Funded by $3.7 million from The Rockefeller when the raid took place. Foundation, the Resilience Accelerator will match If sent to the United States he will face charges of rack- on-the-ground needs identified by the 100 eteering, fraud and money laundering carrying jail terms of Resilient Cities (100RC) network with expertise in up to 20 years. Dotcom and his three co-accused-Finn architecture and urban design at New York’s Batato, Mathias Ortmann, Bram van der Kolk-maintain Columbia University. their innocence and will challenge the legitimacy of their Michael Berkowitz, president of 100RC which arrests this week at the Court of Appeal in Wellington. If is backed by The Rockefeller Foundation, said the appeals court rules Dotcom is eligible for extradition, a AUCKLAND: This file photo taken on December 23, 2015 shows Internet mogul Kim Dotcom (front R) cities had made progress in creating an “enabling process that could take months, he will have limited sitting in court to hear the judge’s decision for his extradition case. —AFP environment” for the transformation required to options for overturning the decision. Theoretically, he deal with modern-day shocks and stresses, and could go to the Supreme Court, but his legal team would many of the files shared were copyright-protected films the wealth generated from his website to fund a lavish were now at a “pivot”. “It’s actually about exploit- need compelling new evidence that he was facing a mis- and music. It alleges Megaupload netted more than $175 lifestyle of racing cars and luxury yachts before moving to ing that enabling environment and helping cities carriage of justice. million in criminal proceeds and cost copyright owners New Zealand in 2010. move the needle and ... really doing the projects,” $500 million-plus by offering pirated content. While such With his penchant for black clothing and Teutonic he said at the World Urban Forum, a global con- Cloud pioneer cloud technology is now commonplace, emerging alterna- accent, Dotcom has likened himself to a James Bond villain, Megaupload was an early example of cloud computing, ference on urban issues. “Cities are going to tives such as online streaming means the problem of con- arguing that is why he has been pursued so vigorously. allowing users to upload large files onto a server so others spend trillions and trillions of dollars on infra- tent piracy remains a live one for US authorities. “I’m an easy target, they needed a villain who’s rich, flam- could easily download them without clogging up their structure to meet growing urbanisation over the As such, a high-profile scalp such as Dotcom would still boyant and over-the-top like me,” he said on 2013. He has email systems. At its height in 2011, Megaupload claimed be viewed as a powerful deterrent by the FBI and US remained outspoken throughout his legal battle and last first half of this century,” Berkowitz added. “The to have 50 million daily users and account for four percent opportunity here is how we infuse infrastructure Department of Justice. Born Kim Schmitz in Kiel, northern month marked the sixth anniversary of the Auckland raid of the world’s internet traffic. Germany in 1974, Dotcom changed his name in 2005, by announcing a multi-billion dollar damages claim against with social capital.” The problem, according to an FBI indictment, was that around the same time he established Megaupload. He used the New Zealand government. —AFP Multiple challenges The challenge facing cities around the world is to build infrastructure - whether flood defenses Tesla reported a record loss for the quarter of $675 or new transport systems - that involves commu- Tesla aims to calm million on revenues of $3.3 billion. But Tesla shares rose 1.7 Top Brazilian paper nities while providing solutions to multiple chal- percent in after-hours trade, on the upbeat assessment of lenges, from preventing disasters to providing production efforts. In the quarter, Tesla delivered 29,967 clean water and energy, and adding green space, fears over Model 3 vehicles including 1,542 Model 3 vehicles. The Model 3, to stop publishing Berkowitz said. Of the world’s 7.4 billion people, priced starting at $35,000, is key to Tesla’s effort to about 4 billion live in urban areas, the World production becoming a mass producer and reshaping the automotive on Facebook Bank says. By 2045 it expects that figure to rise market. Its other cars sell for around twice that price. to 6 billion. On Tuesday, Musk’s other major company SpaceX As populations around the world grow and NEW YORK: A day after launching one of its cars into launched a Tesla Roadster into space aboard a Falcon SAO PAULO: One of Brazil’s top newspapers, the Folha de more people migrate from rural to urban areas, an space, Tesla moved Wednesday to ease concerns on earth Heavy rocket. At Tesla, Musk has announced plans for an S. Paulo, announced Thursday it would stop publishing on estimated $94 trillion of infrastructure investments over production delays for its Model 3, the key to future electric semi-truck, boosted production of batteries for its its Facebook page after the social network announced it will be needed by 2040, the G20-backed Global growth for the star electric carmaker. In its quarterly earn- electric cars and for other uses and has expanded its net- would give personal content more visibility. Facebook Infrastructure Hub said last year. Inequality is ings update, the carmaker led by entrepreneur Elon Musk work of charging stations. It is also planning an founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg had announced the rampant in many cities, where infrastructure is said it is moving ahead toward its goal of producing 5,000 autonomous coast-to-coast drive to “showcase a major shift in the configuration of what the News Feed would struggling to keep pace with rapid urbanization, Model 3 vehicles per week by the end of the second quar- leap forward for our self-driving technology,” according to allow last month, saying it would foster more “meaningful leaving them ill-equipped to deal with the effects ter. In a letter to shareholders, Musk said it has been diffi- Musk. The California-based company last month social interactions” for users. But the Sao Paulo-based of climate change. The 100RC initiative has spent cult to get accurate forecasts for the car, a more affordable announced an unusual executive compensation plan that paper said the change would simply “promote the spread the last four years bringing together local experts, model for the automaker known for expensive vehicles. would enable Musk to be paid only if Tesla hits certain of fake news.” appointing and training chief resilience officers, “What we can say with confidence is that we are taking milestones. Compensation for Musk, 46, will be based on a “The disadvantages of Facebook as a way to send infor- new 10-year performance stock award that could give him and pinpointing challenges and solutions in cities. many actions to systematically address bottlenecks... and mation to readers became more obvious following the social these actions should result in our production rate signifi- billions worth of company shares, or nothing at all if the network’s decision to reduce the visibility of professional The Resilience Accelerator will connect urban cantly increasing during the rest of Q1 and through Q2.” company fails to meet its targets. —AFP journalism on the pages of its users,” the newspaper said in leaders working on projects with academics and a statement. The newspaper also said its proportion of others who can help them find funding, map cities, readers accessing content via Facebook had dropped to 24 collect data, test and evaluate different strategies, percent in December from about 39 percent in early 2017. and “fine-tune” resilience plans. Academics at the Facebook has been under fire for months for the prolif- newly formed Center for Resilient Cities and eration of Russian-created “fake news” on the platform Landscapes at Columbia University will use the that may have affected the 2016 US presidential election. Accelerator to fast-track eight 100RC projects The daily stressed it would maintain its Facebook page but over the next two years, with the selection not update it with new information. Readers would still be process beginning in the spring. able to share articles from the paper on their personal Private-sector and other experts will also be accounts. Brazilian media group Globo temporarily consulted as needed, officials told the Thomson stopped publishing content on the leading social network Reuters Foundation, which partners with The in 2013, before reversing course the following year. Rockefeller Foundation on resilience coverage. Online media specialist Renato Cruz said Folha’s deci- The Columbia University centre will run work- sion comes in a new media landscape, in which newspa- shops combining global expertise and local pers rely on digital subscriptions. The measure will change knowledge to propel projects forward, said the way in which readers access the newspaper’s content, Thaddeus Pawlowski, its managing director. “We he said, but does not necessarily deal Facebook a blow. hope to have major impact in driving these proj- “By focusing on personal content, the social network has ects and policies and plans so that they are better strengthened its business strategy: if a company wants to attuned to the stresses and challenges of the 21st gain visibility, it must pay, whether it is a media outlet or century,” he said. —Reuters not,” Cruz said. Founded in 1921, Folha is the country’s largest newspaper based in Brazil’s economic capital, and BRUSSELS: A Tesla Model S car by US car maker Tesla is displayed at a store. —AFP boasts 5.95 million followers on Facebook. —AFP Established 1961 23 Health Monday, February 12, 2018 Scores of monkeys killed in Rio yellow fever panic Mostly being beaten to death and some poisoned

RIO DE JANEIRO: Fears of spreading yellow fever are mosquitoes will come to attack people,” she said. behind the illegal killing of scores of monkeys in Rio de “Monkeys serve as sentinels-they show us where the virus Janeiro, complicating efforts to fight the virus, authorities has gone,” she said. “To have a more effective vaccination say. Locals, mistakenly believing that the animals can campaign, we have to identify the zones where monkeys spread yellow fever to humans, are blamed for the surge in are dying from yellow fever. When people kill them, the killings. Just this year, 238 monkeys have been found dead virus is harder to trace.” in Rio state, compared to 602 in all of 2017, said the city A dozen small dead monkeys lay on a table at the lab in sanitation service, launching a campaign against the preparation for examination. “Here, you see multiple frac- killings. Of those, 69 percent showed signs of human tures to the jaws, cervical area, as well as numerous skull aggression, mostly being beaten to death and some poi- traumas,” she said, showing a primate’s head. Some of the soned. Last year, the proportion found killed by humans victims are found right in Rio city, where monkeys are was 40 percent. The rest died of natural causes. commonly seen in forested areas. The mayor’s office has Yellow fever numbers have spiraled in parts of Brazil, set up a hotline for reporting monkey corpses. “At the time causing 25 deaths in Rio state since the start of the year. of the first human deaths from yellow fever in mid-January, The government has launched a mass vaccination program we’d sometimes get 20 monkeys found dead in a day, with but does not have enough vaccine to give everyone the 18 of them showing signs of attack,” Lucena said. full, lifetime dose. The monkeys’ bodies are collected at an Samples will sometimes be sent to the Osvaldo Cruz autopsy lab at the Rio Veterinary Center, where coordina- research center to be tested for yellow fever and other tor Fabiana Lucena said panicking residents were making diseases. Similar attacks on monkeys have been registered a big mistake by attacking the animals. in Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais states, which have seen the worst impact of yellow fever this year. The latest toll from Effective vaccination campaign the Brazilian health ministry is 353 people contracting yel- “People should understand that it’s the mosquito trans- low fever in January and 98 dying between early July and mitting the yellow fever virus. The monkey is a victim and February 6. —AFP if there are no more monkeys in the countryside, then RIO DE JANEIRO: Veterinarians examine dead monkeys at the Municipal Institute of Veterinary Medicine. —AFP

“Agreeing to refund the used doses of Dengvaxia Sanofi tells Philippines would imply that the vaccine is ineffective, which is not the case,” Sanofi Pasteur said in a statement. The refund no refund for used offered for unused Dengvaxia doses was not due to safety the Queen Mary University of London told AFP. Grigg or quality concerns but simply to show that the company Vaping may boost and a team conducted three types of experiment. One was cooperating with Manila, it added. Dengue or hemor- exposed human nose lining cells to e-cigarette vapour in dengue vaccine rhagic fever, the world’s most common mosquito-borne pneumonia risk the lab, another involved mice inhaling vapour and then virus, infects an estimated 390 million people in more than being exposed to pneumococcal bacteria, the main cause 120 countries each year, killing more than 25,000, accord- of pneumonia. A third trial studied the nose lining of 11 e- MANILA: French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi on Monday ing to the World Health Organization. PARIS: Vaping may help pneumonia-causing bacteria cigarette users compared to six non-vapers. told the Philippines it would not refund the cost of used The Philippines has one of the highest dengue fatality stick to cells lining the airways, likely boosting disease The team noticed a sharp increase in the amount of doses of a dengue vaccine after the vaccination program rates in the world, with 732 deaths last year, the country’s risk, researchers said Thursday. A study published in the bacteria sticking to airway cells after e-cigarette expo- was suspended over health concerns. The Philippines had health department said. The country launched the world’s European Respiratory Journal did not directly compare sure. Such adhesion has previously been shown to asked Sanofi to refund a total 3.2 billion pesos ($62 mil- increase susceptibility to disease. “Some people may be first public dengue vaccination program in 2016, but sus- vaping’s effect to that of smoking tobacco cigarettes. But lion) spent on the public vaccination program after the vaping because they think it is totally safe, or in an pended it and stopped the sale of Dengvaxia in December the findings did suggest that users of electronic ciga- company said the vaccine could worsen symptoms in some attempt to quit smoking, but this study adds to growing after Sanofi warned that the injections could make symp- rettes may be at higher risk of lung infection than people cases, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said. Sanofi last evidence that inhaling vapour has the potential to cause toms worse for vaccinated people who contracted the dis- who do not vape, the research team reported. “If you month agreed to reimburse the Philippine government 1.6 adverse health effects,” said Grigg. “By contrast, other ease for the first time. The announcement caused panic choose to take up e-cigarettes... this indicates a red flag billion pesos ($31 million) for leftover doses of Dengvaxia. aids to quitting such as (nicotine) patches or gum do not among parents of some 830,000 school children vaccinat- that there may be an increased susceptibility” to pneu- But it said Monday it would not pay for doses that were result in airway cells being exposed to high concentra- ed under the public dengue immunization programme in mococcal bacteria, study co-author Jonathan Grigg of already used. 2016 and 2017, the health department said. —AFP tions of potentially toxic compounds.” —AFP 24 Established 1961 What’s On Monday, February 12, 2018 Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa takes Valentine’s Day to new heights

ith love in the air and hundreds of the occasion, with the finest international- romantic options to choose from, ly-inspired and locally sourced seafood WJumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & treasures with live music. The main all-day Spa is taking care of all the romance this dining venue, Garden Cafe, welcomes cou- year. Spoil your partner with a one-night ples with a lavish love-themed buffet stay in the beautifully adorned Deluxe Suite accompanied by the soothing sounds of including a romantic dinner for two in Olio live jazz tunes. Italian Restaurant and a hearty breakfast Couples who are looking for a more served to the room the next morning. Or, relaxed way to celebrate their love, Mint surprise your loved one with a memorable Cafe on the poolside is hosting a ‘Valentine dining experience featuring an ornate Red & White Night’ with a fun evening in Italian 5-course set menu in Olio Italian store. A live DJ will entertain the crowd and Restaurant served in the romantic private all guests are encouraged to dress in red or seaside gazebo. white, the perfect chance for couples to be The premium restaurant Pepper each other’s match. Finally, couples looking Steakhouse has also curated a mouth- to immerse themselves in sheer relaxation watering 5-course meal perfect for sharing can do so in the luxurious Talise Spa’s desig- this Valentine’s Day, serving a taste of the nated private suites. And, on February 13th, finest steaks complimented by live music Kuwaiti Fashion Illustrator Abrar Zenkawi entertainment. Meanwhile, Salt Restaurant will personalize Valentine’s Day greeting offers its own 5-course culinary artistry for cards for guests from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Cafes in Kuwait participated in various excit- Edition of HORECA Kuwait for the incredible Marina Hotel ing competitions to showcase their astonish- business opportunities it provides.” ing skills. The competitions were evaluated by This year, HORECA added a new category international judges from Europe, Middle for housekeeping members so that they can Kuwait wins 5 East, Far East etc. prove their arduous work and expertise to a Three of Marina Hotel Kuwait valued chefs jury of highly talented and experienced medals at Horeca received 2 Gold medals, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Housekeeping Executives. In the awards cer- after taking part in some of the competitions emony, one of Marina Hotel housekeeping which included; best Plated Dessert, Petit staff won a bronze medal in the Horeca - Inter Kuwait 2018 Fours competition, the 6-course menu compe- hotel bed making competition, which was tition and the Fresh Pasta competition. Marina presented for the first time in the show. arina Hotel Kuwait received five Hotel Kuwait General Manager, Mr. Nabil HORECA Kuwait 2018 is organized by awards at the Horeca Kuwait 2018, Hammoud expressed his pride and happiness Leaders Group in collaboration with Mthe largest international trade show for the new awards, saying: “We believe in our Hospitality Services Company at Kuwait for hotels, restaurants, catering, food and chefs’ culinary skills and we are very proud of International Fair Grounds in Mishref, under hospitality services in the region. During the this outstanding achievement, these awards the auspices of Minister of Commerce and event, there was a Culinary Art Show, where only prove we have been doing it right.” He Industry and Minister of State for Youth chefs from several Hotels, Restaurants and added: “We are delighted to be part of the 8th Affairs Khaled Al-Roudhan.

IWG revisits Naif Palace he Governor of the Capital Governorate, Retired The members of the International Women’s Group were This was reflected through the paintings that tell this hospitality of Kuwait and the means they took to pre- Lieutenant General, extended an invitation to represented by ambassadors’ wives and diplomats history of Kuwait. It also contained the Kuwaiti revolu- serve and celebrate that heritage. There was also a dis- TIWG for the second time to visit Naif Palace. accredited to Kuwait. tion, and the presentation of the social, craftsman and play of old cars from one of Kuwait’s best known car This was among the celebrations of the Governorate The visit was very distinctive with its program and professional life of the people of Kuwait and the pres- collectors. The members of the group enjoyed the pro- with the National Day of State of Kuwait and the glori- showed the history of the State of Kuwait through the entation of the facilities of Naif Palace in the beautiful gram and the outstanding show of the history, heritage, ous liberation of Kuwait, and the ruling of His Highness history of this edifice, which was taken by ruling and past. There was a show of how Kuwaiti women distin- customs and traditions that are the basis of civilization the Amir took over the government for the twelfth year. rulers of Kuwait, which was built between 1919/1920. guished themselves with the customs, traditions and and identity of developed societies. Established 1961 25 TV Monday, February 12, 2018

20:35 Friends 22:35 Girl Meets World 03:40 Botched 13:05 Places We Go 13:50 The Day Henry Met 06:35 The Portrait Of A Lady 21:00 The Daily Show - Global 23:00 Star Wars Forces Of Destiny 04:35 Botched 13:35 Restoration Man 13:56 Blaze And The Monster 09:00 I’ll See You In My Dreams Edition 23:05 Rolling With The Ronks 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 14:30 Fearless Chef Machines 10:40 Calendar Girls 21:30 Teachers 23:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 06:00 Hollywood Medium With 15:25 John Torode’s Malaysian 14:19 Blaze And The Monster 12:30 The SpongeBob Movie: 22:00 Martha And Snoop Potluck And Cat Noir Tyler Henry Adventure Machines Sponge Out Of Water 01:10 Life On The Line Dinner Party 23:45 Lolirock 06:55 E! News Middle East 15:50 John Torode’s Asia 14:42 Paw Patrol 14:05 Dan In Real Life 02:50 Independents’ Day 22:25 Comedy Central Presents 07:25 Hollywood Medium With 16:20 John Torode’s Asia 14:54 Kid-E-Cats 15:45 I’ll See You In My Dreams 04:30 Eagle Eye Comedy 3alwagef Tyler Henry 16:45 The Shelbourne 14:59 Kid-E-Cats 17:25 The Fountain 06:30 Life On The Line 22:50 Detroiters 08:20 Hollywood Medium With 17:15 My Restaurant In India 15:04 Shimmer And Shine 19:05 We Bought A Zoo 08:15 Virtual Revolution 23:15 Real Husbands Of Hollywood Tyler Henry 17:40 One Man & His Campervan 15:27 Nella The Princess Knight 21:10 Dangerous Minds 09:55 Star Wars: Episode IV - A 23:40 The Daily Show - Global 09:15 Hollywood Medium With 18:10 Places We Go 15:38 Paw Patrol 22:50 Boys Don’t Cry New Hope Edition 00:15 PJ Masks Tyler Henry 18:35 Places We Go 16:01 The Day Henry Met 12:05 The Call Up 00:40 Vampirina 10:10 E! News Middle East 19:05 Restoration Man 16:07 Max & Ruby 13:40 Eagle Eye 01:05 Vampirina 10:40 Celebrity Style Story 20:00 Fearless Chef 16:29 Dora The Explorer 15:40 The Huntsman: Winter’s War 01:30 Art Attack 11:10 Revenge Body With Khloe 21:00 John Torode’s Malaysian 16:52 Sunny Day 17:35 Star Wars: Episode v - The 01:55 Henry Hugglemonster Kardashian Adventure 17:13 Nella The Princess Knight Empire Strikes Back 02:05 Loopdidoo 12:10 Revenge Body With Khloe 21:30 John Torode’s Asia 17:36 Shimmer And Shine 00:40 Alien Encounters 19:45 Street Fighter 02:20 Henry Hugglemonster Kardashian 22:00 John Torode’s Asia 17:59 Wallykazam! 01:30 Alien Encounters 21:30 Terminator Genisys 00:30 Ultimate Survival 02:35 Calimero 13:05 Revenge Body With Khloe 22:25 The Shelbourne 18:21 Zack & Quack 02:20 Alien Encounters 23:40 Under Siege 2 01:20 Prehistoric 02:50 Henry Hugglemonster Kardashian 22:55 My Restaurant In India 18:32 The Day Henry Met 03:10 Alien Encounters 02:10 Prehistoric 03:05 Art Attack 14:00 Revenge Body With Khloe 23:20 One Man & His Campervan 18:38 Blaze And The Monster 04:00 Mythbusters: The Search 03:00 Prehistoric 03:30 The Hive Kardashian 23:50 Places We Go Machines 04:48 Mythbusters 03:50 Destroyed In Seconds 03:40 Loopdidoo 15:00 E! News Middle East 19:00 Rusty Rivets 05:36 Mythbusters 04:15 Destroyed In Seconds 03:55 Henry Hugglemonster 15:30 My Fabulous Me 19:14 Paw Patrol 06:24 Mythbusters 04:40 Destroyed In Seconds 04:10 Art Attack 16:00 My Fabulous Me 19:37 Dora The Explorer 07:12 Mythbusters 00:50 Lone Star Law 05:05 Destroyed In Seconds 04:35 Loopdidoo 16:30 My Fabulous Me 20:00 Nella The Princess Knight 08:00 How Do They Do It? 01:45 Treehouse Masters 05:30 Destroyed In Seconds 04:50 Calimero 17:00 Keeping Up With The 20:12 Kid-E-Cats 08:26 Nextworld 02:40 Treehouse Masters 05:55 Destroyed In Seconds 05:05 Art Attack Kardashians 20:16 Kid-E-Cats 09:14 Mythbusters 03:35 Treehouse Masters 06:20 How It’s Made: Sports 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 18:00 WAGs Atlanta 20:22 Bubble Guppies 10:02 Alien Encounters 04:25 Treehouse Masters Equipment 05:45 Henry Hugglemonster 19:00 WAGs Atlanta 00:20 Little Monkey House 20:45 Blaze And The Monster 10:50 How Do They Do It? 05:15 Treehouse Masters 06:40 How It’s Made: Sports 06:00 Art Attack 20:00 WAGs Atlanta 01:10 Savage Kingdom: Uprising Machines 11:14 Food Factory 06:02 Bad Dog Equipment 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 21:00 WAGs Atlanta 02:00 When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs 21:08 Paw Patrol 11:38 Strip The Cosmos 06:49 Bad Dog 07:00 Ultimate Survival 06:45 Loopdidoo 22:00 The Platinum Life 02:50 World’s Deadliest 21:19 Paw Patrol 12:26 Nextworld 07:36 Meet The Orangutans 07:50 How It’s Made 07:00 Henry Hugglemonster 23:00 E! News Middle East 03:45 Ultimate Animal Countdown 21:30 Shimmer And Shine 13:14 Mythbusters 08:00 Meet The Sloths 08:15 How It’s Made 07:15 Calimero 23:15 Hollywood Medium With 04:40 The Miracle Cheetah 21:53 Nella The Princess Knight 14:02 How Do They Do It? 08:25 Going Ape 08:40 Destroyed In Seconds 07:30 PJ Masks Tyler Henry 05:35 When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs 22:14 The Day Henry Met 14:26 Food Factory 08:50 Going Ape 09:05 Destroyed In Seconds 08:00 P-King Duckling 06:30 World’s Deadliest 22:21 Paw Patrol 14:50 Alien Encounters 09:15 Treehouse Masters 09:30 Tanked 08:25 Jungle Junction 07:25 Ultimate Animal Countdown 22:43 Rusty Rivets 15:38 Nextworld 10:10 Bad Dog 10:20 Prehistoric 08:40 Special Agent Oso 08:20 The Miracle Cheetah 23:06 Wallykazam! 16:26 Strip The Cosmos 11:05 North America 11:10 Finding Bigfoot 09:00 Handy Manny 09:15 World’s Weirdest Animal 23:30 Bubble Guppies 17:14 Mythbusters 12:00 Going Ape 12:00 Atlas 4D 09:15 PJ Masks Faces 23:54 Team Umizoomi 18:02 Alien Encounters 12:28 Going Ape 12:50 How It’s Made 09:30 Puppy Dog Pals 01:00 Emmerdale 10:10 Safari Brothers 18:50 Nextworld 12:55 The Bronx Zoo 13:15 How It’s Made 10:00 Mickey And The Roadster 01:30 Emmerdale 11:05 Animal ER 19:40 Mythbusters 13:50 Life On Earth: A New 13:40 Destroyed In Seconds Racers 02:00 Coronation Street 12:00 Amazon’s Electric Fish 20:30 Mythbusters Prehistory 14:05 Destroyed In Seconds 10:25 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 02:30 Couples Come Dine With Me 12:55 Hyena Queen 21:20 How Do They Do It? 14:45 Bad Dog 14:30 Tanked 10:55 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 03:25 Dancing On Ice 13:50 World’s Deadliest 00:15 The Drew Carey Show 21:45 Food Factory 15:40 North America 15:20 Ultimate Survival 11:20 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 05:15 Don’t Tell The Bride 14:45 Ultimate Animal Countdown 00:40 The Drew Carey Show 22:10 Alien Encounters 16:35 Lone Star Law 16:10 Prehistoric 11:50 The Lion Guard 06:15 Masterpiece With Alan 15:40 Gardeners Of Eden 01:05 The Middle 23:00 Mythbusters 17:30 Treehouse Masters 17:00 Finding Bigfoot 12:15 The Lion Guard Titchmarsh 16:35 World’s Weirdest 01:30 The Middle 23:50 Nextworld 18:25 Attack Of The Giant Jellyfish 17:50 Atlas 4D 12:45 Sofia The First 07:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 17:30 The Invaders 01:55 Saturday Night Live 19:20 Intruders 18:40 Destroyed In Seconds 13:10 Sofia The First 08:05 Dancing On Ice 18:25 Savage Kingdom: Uprising 03:10 Late Night With Seth Meyers 20:15 Bad Dog 19:05 Destroyed In Seconds 13:35 PJ Masks 09:55 Don’t Tell The Bride 19:20 Ultimate Animal Countdown 04:00 American Housewife 21:10 Going Ape 19:30 How It’s Made 14:00 PJ Masks 11:00 Masterpiece With Alan 20:10 Gardeners Of Eden 04:25 The Mick 21:38 Going Ape 19:55 How It’s Made 14:30 Doc McStuffins Titchmarsh 21:00 World’s Weirdest 04:50 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 22:05 Attack Of The Giant Jellyfish 20:20 Tanked 14:55 P-King Duckling 11:50 Couples Come Dine With Me 21:50 The Invaders 05:40 Malcolm In The Middle 00:30 Mighty Fine 23:00 Intruders 21:10 Finding Bigfoot 15:20 Vampirina 12:45 Emmerdale 22:40 Savage Kingdom: Uprising 06:05 Gary Unmarried 01:45 Heartlands 23:55 Wild Iberia 22:00 Atlas 4D 15:45 Sofia The First 13:15 Coronation Street 23:30 Amazon’s Electric Fish 06:30 The Orville 03:15 Hard Candy 22:50 How We Invented The World 16:10 Puppy Dog Pals 13:45 Coronation Street 07:20 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:00 Hyde Park On Hudson 23:40 Ultimate Survival 16:40 Mickey And The Roadster 14:15 Masterpiece With Alan 08:10 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:30 The Battle Of Shaker Heights Racers Titchmarsh 09:00 American Housewife 07:45 Fifteen And Pregnant 17:05 Mission Force One: Connect 15:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 09:25 The Mick 09:15 Frailty And Protect Shorts 16:00 The Voice UK 2018 09:50 The Mindy Project 10:50 Sleepwalking 00:00 Call The Midwife 17:10 PJ Masks 17:25 Royal Stories 00:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:15 The Good Place 12:25 Get Over It 01:00 Liar 17:35 Miles From Tomorrow 17:50 Don’t Tell The Bride 00:36 Rabbids Invasion 10:40 Malcolm In The Middle 13:45 The One 01:50 Line Of Duty 18:00 The Lion Guard 18:50 Emmerdale 01:00 Rabbids Invasion 11:05 Gary Unmarried 15:15 Mighty Fine 02:50 Father Brown 00:50 Murder Online 18:30 Puppy Dog Pals 19:15 Coronation Street 01:24 Sanjay And Craig 11:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 16:30 An Ideal Husband 03:40 The Coroner 01:45 Kindred Spirits 19:00 Sofia The First 19:45 Coronation Street 01:48 Sanjay And Craig 12:20 The Orville 18:15 Employee Of The Month 04:30 Eastenders 02:40 A Haunting 19:30 Mickey And The Roadster 20:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 02:12 Winx Club 13:10 The Drew Carey Show 20:00 That’s What I Am 05:00 Call The Midwife 03:35 Once Bitten: People Magazine Racers 21:00 The Voice UK 2018 02:36 Winx Club 13:35 The Drew Carey Show 21:45 Bad Santa 06:00 Doctors Investigates 20:00 The Lion Guard 22:25 Royal Stories 03:00 Harvey Beaks 14:00 The Middle 23:15 House Of D 06:30 The Musketeers 04:30 Murder Online 20:30 P-King Duckling 22:50 Emmerdale 03:24 Harvey Beaks 14:25 The Middle 07:30 Call The Midwife 05:25 Killer Confessions 21:00 Vampirina 23:15 Coronation Street 03:48 The Loud House 14:50 Malcolm In The Middle 08:30 Father Brown 06:20 Murder Book 21:30 PJ Masks 23:40 Coronation Street 04:12 The Loud House 15:15 The Mindy Project 09:25 Doctors 07:10 Disappeared 22:00 PJ Masks 04:36 Breadwinners 15:40 The Good Place 09:55 Eastenders 08:00 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 22:30 Sofia The First 05:00 Breadwinners 16:05 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:30 The Coroner 08:25 True Crime With Aphrodite 23:00 P-King Duckling 05:24 Get Blake 17:00 Making History 00:00 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 11:20 The Musketeers Jones 23:30 Puppy Dog Pals 05:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 17:30 Baby Daddy 00:30 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 12:20 Call The Midwife 09:15 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:12 SpongeBob SquarePants 18:00 The Drew Carey Show 01:00 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 13:20 Father Brown 09:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 18:30 The Drew Carey Show 01:30 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 14:10 Doctors 10:10 Evil Stepmothers 01:00 The Lost Evidence 07:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 19:00 The Middle 02:00 Mistresses 14:40 Eastenders 11:05 Florida’s Craziest Crimes 02:00 Pirate Treasure Of The 07:24 Rabbids Invasion 19:30 The Middle 03:00 House Of DVF 15:10 The Coroner 12:00 Reasonable Doubt Knights Templar 07:48 Get Blake 20:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 04:00 Married At First Sight: The 16:00 The Musketeers 12:55 True Crime With Aphrodite 03:00 The Universe: Ancient 08:12 Harvey Beaks 20:30 Marlon First Year 17:00 Casualty Jones 00:20 Alaska Monsters Mysteries Solved 08:36 Sanjay And Craig 21:00 Alone Together 05:00 Project Runway 17:55 Casualty 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 01:05 Heavy Rescue 03:50 The Universe: Ancient 09:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 21:30 LA To Vegas 06:00 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 18:45 The Coroner 14:45 Evil-In-Law 01:50 Railroad Australia Mysteries Solved 09:24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 22:00 Hit The Road 06:30 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 19:40 Call The Midwife 15:40 Florida’s Craziest Crimes 02:35 Abandoned Engineering 04:40 D-Day: The Lost Films 09:48 Henry Danger 22:30 Hit The Road 07:00 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 20:40 The Level 16:35 Grave Secrets 03:20 Street Outlaws 06:20 Modern Marvels 10:12 Game Shakers 23:00 Ballers 07:30 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 21:35 The Coroner 17:30 True Crime With Aphrodite 04:05 Alaska Monsters 07:10 The Lost Evidence 10:36 Regal Academy 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 08:00 Mistresses 22:25 Casualty Jones 04:50 Dirty Jobs 08:00 The Universe: Ancient 11:00 Winx Club 09:00 House Of DVF 23:20 Call The Midwife 18:25 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 05:35 How Do They Do It? Mysteries Solved 11:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 10:00 Married At First Sight: The 18:50 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:00 Backroad Bounty 09:00 The Universe: Ancient 11:48 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles First Year 19:20 I Almost Got Away With It 06:45 Backroad Bounty Mysteries Solved 12:12 The Loud House 11:00 Project Runway 20:15 Evil-In-Law 07:35 Alaska Monsters 10:00 Modern Marvels 12:36 Rabbids Invasion 12:00 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 21:10 Florida’s Craziest Crimes 08:20 Backroad Bounty 11:00 Engineering Disasters 13:00 Breadwinners 01:00 Deck The Halls 12:30 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 22:05 Fatal Encounters 09:10 Dirty Jobs 12:00 United Stuff Of America 13:24 Massive Monster Mayhem 02:35 The Great Gilly Hopkins 13:00 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 23:00 Deadline: Crime With Tamron 09:55 Heavy Rescue 13:00 The Universe: Ancient 13:48 Hunter Street 04:15 Chilly Christmas 13:30 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 00:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos Hall 10:45 Railroad Australia Mysteries Solved 14:12 I Am Frankie 05:45 The Dog Lover 14:00 Mistresses 01:00 The Menendez Murders: Erik 23:55 Once Bitten: People Magazine 11:30 Abandoned Engineering 14:00 The Universe: Ancient 14:36 The Thundermans 07:30 Deck The Halls 15:00 House Of DVF Tells All Investigates 12:20 Backroad Bounty Mysteries Solved 15:00 Rabbids Invasion 09:05 Pet Pals In Windland 16:00 Married At First Sight: The 02:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 13:05 Backroad Bounty 15:00 In Search Of Aliens 15:24 School Of Rock 10:30 The Great Gilly Hopkins First Year 03:00 Jo Frost On Britain’s Killer 13:55 Dirty Jobs 16:00 Engineering Disasters 15:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 12:10 A Miracle On Christmas Lake 17:00 Project Runway Kids 14:40 Yukon Men 17:00 Modern Marvels 16:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 14:10 Santa Claws 18:00 Devious Maids 04:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 15:30 Heavy Rescue 18:00 United Stuff Of America 16:36 The Loud House 15:50 The Little Rascals 19:00 Devious Maids 05:00 The Menendez Murders: Erik 16:15 Railroad Australia 19:00 United Stuff Of America 17:00 Massive Monster Mayhem 17:15 The Kids From 62-F 20:00 Mistresses Tells All 17:05 Abandoned Engineering 20:00 UFO Files 17:24 I Am Frankie 19:10 Jem And The Holograms 21:00 House Of DVF 06:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 00:10 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 17:50 Alaska Monsters 21:00 Engineering Disasters 17:48 Hunter Street 21:10 A Miracle On Christmas Lake 22:00 Married At First Sight: The 07:00 It Takes A Killer Witch 18:40 Dirty Jobs 22:00 Ancient Aliens 18:12 Henry Danger 23:10 Santa Claws First Year 07:30 It Takes A Killer 00:35 Binny And The Ghost 19:25 Yukon Men 23:00 10 Things You Don’t Know 18:36 Rabbids Invasion 23:00 Project Runway 08:00 The First 48 01:00 Hank Zipzer 20:15 Street Outlaws About... 19:00 School Of Rock 09:00 Escaping Polygamy 01:25 Alex & Co. 21:00 Gold Rush 19:24 Game Shakers 10:00 Leah Remini: Scientology And 01:45 Disney Mickey Mouse 21:50 Treasure Quest: Snake Island 19:48 The Thundermans The Aftermath 01:50 Evermoor Chronicles 22:40 Junkyard Empire 20:12 Regal Academy 11:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 02:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 23:30 Alaska Monsters 20:36 SpongeBob SquarePants 12:00 Nightmare In Suburbia Witch 21:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 00:15 Broken Flowers 00:20 Cake Boss 13:00 The First 48 02:40 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 21:24 Sanjay And Craig 02:05 Fear Inc 00:42 Cake Boss 14:00 Crimes That Shook Britain Witch 00:20 Swamp People 21:48 Rabbids Invasion 03:40 Boomerang 01:05 Separated At Birth 15:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 03:05 Binny And The Ghost 01:10 Swamp People 22:12 Breadwinners 05:40 7 Chinese Brothers 01:50 Katie Price: My Crazy Life 16:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 03:30 Binny And The Ghost 02:00 American Pickers Best Ofs 22:36 Harvey Beaks 07:00 A Date With Miss Fortune 02:35 Say Yes To The Dress UK 17:00 Homicide Hunter 03:55 Hank Zipzer 06:00 Supa Strikas 02:50 Pawn Stars 23:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 08:40 Holiday Joy 03:20 Sister Wives 18:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 04:15 Disney Mickey Mouse 06:25 Milo Murphy’s Law 03:15 Storage Wars 23:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 10:20 Hearts Of Spring 04:05 Little Miss Atlanta 19:00 It Takes A Killer 04:20 Hank Zipzer 06:50 Right Now Kapow 03:40 American Pickers 23:48 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:55 7 Chinese Brothers 04:50 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints 19:30 It Takes A Killer 04:45 Alex & Co. 07:15 Mech-X4 04:30 American Pickers 13:20 A Date With Miss Fortune 05:35 Say Yes To The Dress 20:00 Monster In My Family 05:10 Alex & Co. 07:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 05:15 Swamp People 15:00 Once I Was A Beehive 06:00 Say Yes To The Dress UK 21:00 Monster In My Family 05:35 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 07:45 Walk The Prank 06:00 Mountain Men 17:00 Six Dance Lessons In Six 06:45 Cake Boss 22:00 Monster In My Family Witch 08:10 Walk The Prank 06:50 Forged In Fire Weeks 07:07 Cake Boss 23:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 06:00 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 08:35 Right Now Kapow 07:40 Pawn Stars 18:50 Are We Done Yet? 07:30 Hodges Half Dozen Witch 09:00 Right Now Kapow 08:05 Storage Wars 00:16 Kid-E-Cats 20:25 Surviving Christmas 08:15 Sister Wives 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 09:25 Mighty Med 08:30 American Pickers 00:22 Shimmer And Shine 22:00 Middle Men 09:00 Cake Boss 06:45 Disney Mickey Mouse 09:50 Mighty Med 09:20 American Pickers 00:45 Sunny Day 23:55 Nina Forever 09:25 Little Miss Atlanta 06:50 Rolling With The Ronks 10:20 Star Wars: The Freemaker 10:10 Ax Men 01:06 Max & Ruby 10:10 Say Yes To The Dress UK 00:05 Sean Lock - Purple Van Man 07:00 Jessie Adventures 11:00 Forged In Fire 01:29 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:55 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints 00:55 Another Period 07:25 Tangled: The Series 11:10 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 11:50 Pawn Stars 01:40 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 11:40 Cake Boss 01:20 Another Period 07:50 Tsum Tsum Shorts Much Everything 12:15 Storage Wars 01:50 The Day Henry Met 12:25 Hodges Half Dozen 01:45 Tosh.0 07:55 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 11:35 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 12:40 American Pickers 01:55 Blaze And The Monster 13:10 Little People, Big World 02:10 Chappelle’s Show 08:20 Elena Of Avalor: Realm Of The Much Everything 13:30 Duck Dynasty Machines 00:20 Hostile Border 13:55 Little Miss Atlanta 02:35 Real Husbands Of Hollywood Jaquins 12:00 Kid vs. Kat 14:20 American Pickers 02:19 Blaze And The Monster 01:55 The Last King 14:40 Sister Wives 03:00 The Daily Show - Global 09:10 Stuck In The Middle 12:25 Two More Eggs 15:10 Mountain Men Machines 03:40 African Safari 15:25 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints Edition 09:35 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 12:30 Kid vs. Kat 16:00 Forged In Fire 02:41 Paw Patrol 05:15 A Country Called Home 16:10 Cake Boss 03:25 Tosh.0 And Cat Noir 12:55 Kirby Buckets Warped 16:50 Pawn Stars 02:53 Kid-E-Cats 06:55 The Shamer’s Daughter 16:35 Cake Boss 03:50 Chappelle’s Show 10:00 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 13:20 Kirby Buckets Warped 17:15 Storage Wars 02:58 Kid-E-Cats 08:40 The Last King 17:00 Say Yes To The Dress UK 04:15 Kroll Show And Cat Noir 13:45 Supa Strikas 17:40 American Pickers 03:04 Shimmer And Shine 10:30 A Country Called Home 18:50 Say Yes To The Dress 04:40 Key And Peele 10:25 Lolirock 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 18:30 Mountain Men 03:26 Nella The Princess Knight 12:15 XV: Beyond The Tryline 19:15 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints 05:05 I Live With Models 10:50 Lolirock 14:15 Supa Strikas 19:20 Forged In Fire 03:38 Paw Patrol 14:00 Days Of Heaven 20:10 Cake Boss 05:30 Impractical Jokers 11:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 14:40 Right Now Kapow 20:10 American Pickers Best Ofs 04:00 The Day Henry Met 15:45 Christine 20:35 Cake Boss 05:55 Disaster Date Witch 15:05 Right Now Kapow 21:00 Hunting Hitler 04:06 Max & Ruby 17:55 Roger Waters: The Wall 21:00 Hodges Half Dozen 06:20 Ridiculousness Arabia 11:40 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 15:30 Milo Murphy’s Law 21:50 Barbarians Rising 04:29 Dora The Explorer 20:20 Big Night 21:50 Married By Mum And Dad 06:50 Catch A Contractor Witch 15:55 Two More Eggs 22:40 Forged In Fire 04:51 Sunny Day 22:20 A Late Quartet 22:40 Return To Amish 07:40 The Jim Gaffigan Show 12:05 Hank Zipzer 16:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & 23:30 Mountain Men 05:13 Nella The Princess Knight 23:30 90 Day Fianc?: Happily Ever 08:05 Impractical Jokers 12:30 Alex & Co. Cody 05:36 Shimmer And Shine After? 08:30 Disaster Date 12:55 Alex & Co. 16:25 Lab Rats 05:59 Wallykazam! 08:55 Workaholics 13:20 Lolirock 17:15 Mech-X4 06:22 Zack & Quack 09:20 Kroll Show 13:45 Lolirock 17:40 Marvel’s Spider-Man 06:33 The Day Henry Met 09:45 Key And Peele 14:10 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 18:05 Supa Strikas 06:38 Blaze And The Monster 01:05 Emilie Jolie 10:10 I Live With Models And Cat Noir 18:30 Marvel’s Ant-Man 00:45 Ariana’s Persian Kitchen Machines 02:30 Simba The King Lion 10:35 The Jim Gaffigan Show 14:35 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 18:35 Walk The Prank 01:10 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour 07:00 Rusty Rivets 04:40 Bunny Tales 11:00 Impractical Jokers And Cat Noir 19:00 Gravity Falls 01:40 Places We Go 07:13 Paw Patrol 06:00 Micropolis 00:00 Chopped 11:25 Disaster Date 15:00 The Zhuzhus 19:25 Milo Murphy’s Law 02:05 Places We Go 07:37 Dora The Explorer 07:25 Zodiac: The Race Begins 01:00 Iron Chef Gauntlet 11:50 Ridiculousness Arabia 15:15 Jessie 19:50 Marvel’s Rocket And Groot 02:35 Restoration Man 08:00 Nella The Princess Knight 09:00 Two Buddies And A Badger 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 12:15 Impractical Jokers 15:40 Bunk’d 19:55 Mech-X4 03:30 Fearless Chef 08:12 Kid-E-Cats 10:20 Funny Little Cars 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 12:40 Framework 16:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 20:20 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 04:25 John Torode’s Malaysian 08:17 Kid-E-Cats 11:30 Gamba 03:00 Man Fire Food 13:30 I Live With Models 16:10 Elena Of Avalor 20:45 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty Adventure 08:22 Bubble Guppies 13:05 Simba The King Lion 04:00 Chopped 13:55 Friends 16:35 Bizaardvark Much Everything 04:50 John Torode’s Asia 08:45 Blaze And The Monster 15:10 Bunny Tales 05:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 14:20 Friends 17:00 Tangled: The Series 21:10 Kid vs. Kat 05:20 John Torode’s Asia Machines 16:30 An American Tail: Fievel Goes 06:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 14:45 Workaholics 17:25 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 21:35 Marvel’s Rocket And Groot 05:45 My Restaurant In India 09:08 Paw Patrol West Basics 15:10 Key And Peele And Cat Noir 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 06:15 Places We Go 09:30 Shimmer And Shine 17:55 Funny Little Cars 06:50 Anna Olson: Bake 15:35 Kroll Show 17:50 Stuck In The Middle 21:45 Lab Rats 06:40 Places We Go 09:53 Nella The Princess Knight 19:05 Monkey King: The Hero 07:15 The Kitchen 16:00 Comedy Central Presents 18:15 K.C. Undercover 22:10 Lab Rats Elite Force 07:10 Places We Go 10:15 The Day Henry Met 20:40 Song Of The Sea 08:05 The Pioneer Woman Comedy 3alwagef 18:40 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 22:35 Phineas And Ferb 07:35 Places We Go 10:21 Paw Patrol 22:20 An American Tail: Fievel Goes 08:30 The Pioneer Woman 16:30 Ridiculousness Arabia 19:05 Bunk’d 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am 08:05 Restoration Man 10:44 Rusty Rivets West 08:55 Siba’s Table 16:55 Friends 19:30 Austin & Ally 09:00 Fearless Chef 11:07 Wallykazam! 23:45 Two Buddies And A Badger 17:20 Friends 19:55 Descendants Wicked World 09:55 John Torode’s Malaysian 11:30 Bubble Guppies 09:25 Siba’s Table 17:45 Disaster Date 20:00 Liv And Maddie Adventure 11:53 Team Umizoomi 09:55 Cooking For Real 18:10 Ridiculousness Arabia 20:25 Jessie 10:20 John Torode’s Asia 12:16 Kid-E-Cats 10:25 Cooking For Real 18:35 Punk’d (Bet) 20:50 Tangled: The Series 10:50 John Torode’s Asia 12:22 Shimmer And Shine 10:55 The Kitchen 19:00 Punk’d (Bet) 21:15 Disney Mickey Mouse 00:55 Hollywood Medium With 11:15 My Restaurant In India 12:45 Sunny Day 01:30 Calendar Girls 11:45 Cooking For Real 19:25 Impractical Jokers 21:20 K.C. Undercover Tyler Henry 11:45 Places We Go 13:07 Max & Ruby 03:20 Dan In Real Life 12:10 The Pioneer Woman 19:50 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 21:45 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 01:50 E! News 12:10 Places We Go 13:29 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 05:00 Alvin And The Chipmunks: 12:35 The Pioneer Woman 20:12 Friends 22:10 Bizaardvark 02:50 Botched 12:40 Places We Go 13:40 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom The Road Chip 13:00 Siba’s Table 26 Established 1961 Stars Monday, February 12, 2018

CROSSWORD 1833 STAR TRACK

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

Aries, you re restless and unhappy with the way things are now; this could Libra, your independence is highlighted today as an opportunity arises that indicate either work or home. This could call for a change in residence or job; changes could make a difference in your life. This is an awesome time! All aspects of your life work in location are definitely likely. A person states that he or she likes what you have done together to form a perfect situation to prosper. Stepping out of the routine into a new envi- with your home or wardrobe. Your ability to convince people is at a high point; this ronment with new methods is just what you have wanted, and here it is! You shut emotions could serve you well when attempting to sell a large item. Your affectionate side rules as out and distance yourself from anything that could stir them; actually, recharging yourself is you plan something special this evening. You could find yourself involved with an sometimes best done alone. Your down to earth logic is called upon to straighten out some impromptu opportunity for a walk or perhaps a Sunday yoga class. Your body longs to confusion; you re able to get right to the heart of the matter and clear this up. Reorganizing move, stretch and bend! You could come across as angry or unmotivated later this personal legal documents takes center stage this evening; enjoy a delicious dinner after a evening; let fresh air and natural beauty surround and heal your tired spirit, Aries. long, very busy but productive weekend, Libra.

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

Taurus, you have an occasion to make decisions regarding big changes in Scorpio, your mental clarity is much better as you re called on to make some the home; painting, remodeling or new furniture could be indicated. You appear as con- serious decisions. The career front has opened up to new opportunities and successes; fident and in control to those around you. Positive attitudes and energies are active as decisions in this area come easily and are definitely positive. You express your thoughts you spend the day with loved ones. Your romantic or emotional situation is up and and ideas to others that agree to support your direction. Your approval of an interesting down, it seems as though you can’t make progress in this area. Sit back and let things new method is given today. You could consider investing in new real estate or stocks. unfold as they will; you can only control your behavior, no one else s. A strong desire to Something you read gives you an interesting idea for making money. Your sexual needs are escape the ordinary or mundane could be felt very strongly. You could find relief this prominent at this time; you could gain much emotional depth from your love life if you evening by pursuing pleasurable things with a like-minded person. A good attitude allow it. You could feel a super need to be in control and call all the shots; remember, works to help you see things from a different viewpoint that s very helpful, Taurus. respect for others creates an atmosphere of peace and abundance, Scorpio.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Gemini, energy is available for you to enrich your environment or the cir- Sagittarius, you may want to believe the unbelievable instead of reality and cumstances in your life. Your goal of creating a certain aura in your home is what s really going on; you could collapse yourself into a new interest or close at hand; you understand how to pull things to you! Time spent with those younger romance and cause damage to yourself and others. Ideas of how to realize enormous ACROSS 7. Someone who asks a question. than yourself pays off in extremely positive outcomes. Your personal life provides the achievements could be misleading and should be investigated. Circumstances come 1. A change in the electrical properties of 8. (informal) An instance of deliberate happiness and security you require to feel successful. You could feel as though you pre- together to create a need for new planning and organization regarding a group effort such as a garage sale or fundraiser. You could suffer from low energy levels. You come to the aid the skin in response to stress or anxiety. thinking. fer spending more time at home than away. You may discover a new website to shop for certain items. In your mind you revisit where you grew up and the people you knew back of friends that are dealing with a frightening problem; you fight back tears as you do your 4. Showing empathy or ready compre- 9. A form of energy that is transferred by best for these beloved people. Take a quick minute to gather your tax papers for process- hension of others' states. a difference in temperature. then. A deep discussion with someone dear reveals good news. You re able to focus and understand a new look or design you might want to work on this week, Gemini. ing. A respectful younger person shows up asking for advice this evening, Sagittarius. 12. Gone by. 10. Being nine more than forty. 15. A flat wing-shaped process or wing- 11. Soil that is plastic when moist but like part of an organism. hard when fired. ) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. The shell of a marine organism. 12. A Hindu goddess who releases from Cancer (June 21-July 22 17. The last (12th) month of the year. sin or disease. Cancer, you have an opportunity to take part in classes on a topic of inter- Capricorn, your rebellious streak demands to be acknowledged. An inner 18. A rapid escape (as by criminals). 13. Small genus of hairy herbs with yel- est to you for years; this could be difficult to accomplish but you’ll find the struggle between going your own way and conforming is hard but you make 19. Small genus of tropical South African low flowers. time and excel. You let your determination and will lead the way. Vibrations of accom- the right decision in favor of whatever promotes success. You shine in an exchange trees and shrubs. 14. A large body of water constituting a plishment are strong and readily available to you. Some tasks are finished with ease, oth- between yourself and someone who s difficult. Put your ideas for something new and ambi- 20. Lighted up by or as by fire or flame. principal part of the hydrosphere. ers not so much, but mainly you re on top of things today. Family and friends are of the tious on paper. You appreciate the circumstances of your life, even if they re not the perfect 21. A genus of Indriidae. 22. United States industrialist who manu- utmost importance now as you have entered a new cycle ushering in changes. Looking scenario; there s nothing more powerful than a grateful heart. Much to your surprise, some- one tells you that you re respected, even treasured, by many; this is something you never 23. A Uralic language spoken by a factured and sold processed foods for new techniques and habits are at the fore. These new ways bring encouragement and (1844-1919). change that create positive results; you no longer go through life the way you did before even suspected. Take your blessings where ever you can find them! Enjoy the comfort of Samoyed people of northern Siberia. because of major growth and evolution. You have reached a special goal, Cancer. your surroundings this evening as you spend time with loved ones, Capricorn. 25. A beverage made by steeping tea 24. A complete metric system of units of leaves in water. measurement for scientists. 27. Divulge information or secrets. 26. Go on board. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 29. Small circular or square cases of 28. Being one more than ninety. dough with savory fillings. 30. A port city in southwestern Turkey Leo, a new and improved attitude with your work takes place. You step Aquarius, getting away from your old routine seems likely now. Someone on the Gulf of Antalya. into your routines and tasks with a desire to work smarter, not harder; you could feel left out of your new plans if you re not careful; should you want to separate your- 34. Chief port of Yemen. self from this person, now is the time. You could feel trapped or unable to express your 35. A loose sleeveless outer garment 31. Toxin secreted by animals (by certain re determined to make positive changes and behaviors a permanent part of your life. snakes and poisonous insects (e.g., spi- Reorganization and re-thinking is on your agenda for a good part of your day. Your confi- thoughts clearly today, but this is temporary. If someone wants to pick a fight or pull you made from aba cloth. ders and scorpions)). dence is high as you plan to investigate a risky investment. If a certain group of people into a debate, resist the urge to put them in their place. A tender subject could prick your 37. United States chemist (1839-1903). heart and mind when it s brought up later; handle this with care. Over analyzing yourself and 32. A software system that facilitates the seem to be intent upon irritating you, stay clear of them and tend to your own affairs. Your 41. An island in the Indian Ocean off the temper could cause problems as you want to tell someone what you really think; remem- others may cause problems; relax, this will pass. Avoid making decisions that could affect creation and maintenance and use of an your life long-term; you could feel confusion and be foggy headed just now. Focus on the east coast of Africa. electronic database. ber that even when you tell this person the truth, it might not sink in. You feel completely happy and healthy as you enjoy the night sky with someone special this evening, Leo. positive and send out grateful vibrations, Aquarius. 43. Informal terms for a mother. 33. A soft white precious univalent metal- 45. A statement that deviates from or lic element having the highest electrical perverts the truth. and thermal conductivity of any metal. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 46. The United Nations agency con- 36. Bristlelike process near the tip of the cerned with the interests of labor. antenna of certain flies. Pisces, there s an energy of high challenge in the work place. You don’t have 47. A gonadotropic hormone that is Virgo, an abundance of new discovery is available to you at any time you 38. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue. wish. As it s been said, the world is your oyster, and you find yourself taking full advantage the interest in your job you use to; there s a need for a short break and secreted by the anterior pituitary. 39. Cause a floating log to rotate by of these unconstrained openings. Be wise in your good fortune and this time of very pro- thoughtful consideration of what has changed. Your home and family strengthen your spirit 49. False sabertoothed tigers. treading. ductive energy; guard against losing all that you have worked and believed so hard to cre- and you savor the positive vibes you receive; this helps you recover your positive feeling 52. Far away from home or one's usual 40. A small hard fruit. ate and gain. You look to the future to use something you have had in mind for a while, about your work. You long for the finer things in life which bring joy and fulfillment to your surroundings. 42. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in something that s nearing completion and is ready to use. Everything starts with you today circumstances. You are required to look more closely at a situation you have ignored for some time; these are harsh realizations. You continue to rid yourself of investments of time 54. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) a mosque. as new domestic projects become realities you welcome with vigor. You re hands on and front and center this evening as the fun begins; you could find yourself using a new cook or money that don t create gain. You discover a way to fix a problem that had seemed metallic element. 44. According to the Old Testament he impossible; this could indicate something relating to real estate, Pisces. 55. A benevolent aspect of Devi. was a pagan king of Israel and husband top or grill to feed a rather large group of people who love you, Virgo. 56. An inhabitant of ancient Thebes. of Jezebel (9th century BC). 59. Someone who works (or provides 48. Occurring at or forming an end or Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution workers) during a strike. termination. 61. The capital of Morocco. 50. Not very intelligent or interested in 65. One species. culture. 70. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot 51. An ACE inhibitor (trade name palm used in India for writing paper. Vasotec) that blocks the formation of 71. A poisonous crystalline alkaloid angiotensin in the kidney and so results extracted from the nightshade family. in vasodilation. 74. Piece of solid food for dipping in a 53. A Scandinavian language (closely liquid. related to Icelandic) that is spoken on 75. A room equipped with toilet facilities. the Faroe Islands. 76. A genus of Phalangeridae. 57. A hemoprotein composed of globin 77. A metal-bearing mineral valuable and heme that gives red blood cells their enough to be mined. characteristic color. 78. A nucleic acid consisting of large 58. An anti-TNF compound (trade name molecules shaped like a double helix. Arava) that is given orally. 60. A list of dishes available at a restau- 79. Cause to be bitter or resentful. rant. 80. (informal) Roused to anger. 62. Very close in friendship or affection. 63. 100 agorot equal 1 shekel. DOWN 64. Written on a typewriter. 1. Offering fun and gaiety. 66. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually 2. Speaking a Slavic language. in favor of a person or cause). 3. Avatar of Vishnu. 67. Plant with an elongated head of 4. A member of a people inhabiting the broad stalked leaves resembling celery. Arctic (northern Canada or Greenland or 68. A genus of Mustelidae. Alaska or eastern Siberia). 69. King of Denmark and Norway who 5. Japanese ornamental tree with fragrant forced Edmund II to divide England with white or pink blossoms and small yellow him. fruits. 72. An implement used to propel or steer 6. A river in northeastern Brazil that flows a boat. generally northward to the Atlantic 73. (British) Tavern consisting of a build- Ocean. ing with a bar and public rooms.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution ClassifiedsMonday, February 12, 2018

Sabah Hospital 24812000 Amiri Hospital 22450005

DAAYY: 6XXQQGD\  99DDOLG )URP  30 77RR  $0 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Expected WWeeather for the Next 24 Hours Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Chest Hospital 24849400 %< 1,*+7 &ROG ZLWWKK OLJKW  YDULDEOH  ZLQG  WR OLJKW  WR PRGHUDWH  VRXWK  HDVWHUO\ ZLQG  ZLWK  VSHHG  RI     NPKK ZLWWKK D FKDQFHIIRRU IIRRJ IIRRUPLQJ  RYHU  VRPH  DUHDV  DQG  VRPH  VFDWWHUHG  FORXGV  ZLOO  DSSHDU Farwaniya Hospital 24892010

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 12/2/2018 QTR 1078 Doha 14:20 Departure Flights on Monday 12/2/2018 JZR 124 Bahrain 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 672 Dubai 14:25 Airlines Flt Route Time KNE 382 Taif 15:00 MSC 501 Alexandria 00:01 KAC 412 Bangkok 14:35 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Chennai 00:05 KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 JZR 185 Dubai 00:05 KAC 286 Dhaka 14:35 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 JAI 572 Mumbai 00:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 FDB 072 Dubai 00:35 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 JZR 607 Kochi 00:10 KAC 364 Colombo 14:40 PIA 206 Lahore 01:00 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:25 KAC 504 Beirut 00:30 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:45 MSC 502 Alexandria 01:00 QTR 1079 Doha 15:30 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 14:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 01:05 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 JZR 539 Cairo 00:50 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:30 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:45 KAC 102 London 00:50 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 JZR 502 Luxor 01:30 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:50 PGT 858 Istanbul 00:55 KAC 304 Mumbai 15:10 JZR 142 Doha 01:45 THY 772 Istanbul 00:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 KAC 677 Dubai 01:50 KAC 283 Dhaka 15:50 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 KAC 502 Beirut 15:30 KAC 285 Dhaka 01:55 KAC 743 Dammam 16:05 DLH 625 Bahrain 01:45 JZR 787 Riyadh 15:30 KAC 363 Colombo 02:00 KAC 563 Amman 16:10 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 KAC 417 Manila 02:00 KAC 619 Doha 16:10 JZR 555 Alexandria 02:15 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:15 QTR 1072 Doha 15:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:30 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 QTR 1086 Doha 02:20 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 DLH 625 Frankfurt 02:45 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:40 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 16:00 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 KAC 615 Bahrain 16:40 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:30 KAC 118 New York 16:00 QTR 1087 Doha 03:40 SAW 706 Damascus 16:55 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:25 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:15 KKK 1268 Istanbul 02:55 TRQ 230 KRT 16:30 KKK 1269 Istanbul 03:55 JZR 240 Amman 17:15 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 FDB 051 Dubai 16:40 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 TRQ 231 KRT 17:30 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 WAN 135 Doha 17:30 QTR 1076 Doha 03:50 KAC 542 Cairo 17:05 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:40 KAC 382 Delhi 04:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KAC 1544 Cairo 04:25 WAN 954 Baku 17:15 QTR 1077 Doha 05:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 418 Manila 04:25 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 KAC 303 Mumbai 05:30 KAC 331 Trivandrum 18:00 UAE 873 Dubai 04:25 JZR 125 Bahrain 17:35 FDB 070 Dubai 05:45 KAC 784 Jeddah 04:35 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:40 UAE 874 Dubai 06:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 284 Dhaka 04:50 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 560 Sohag 06:25 JZR 538 Cairo 18:15 FDB 069 Dubai 04:55 FDB 063 Dubai 18:10 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 JZR 609 Hyderabad 05:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:15 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 184 Dubai 18:30 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:20 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 608 Hyderabad 18:40 JZR 143 Doha 05:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 WAN 115 Bahrain 18:50 THY 770 Istanbul 05:25 KAC 744 Dammam 19:10 KAC 413 Bangkok 07:20 KAC 381 Delhi 18:50 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 05:30 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:20 KAC 167 Paris 07:35 JZR 266 Beirut 19:05 KAC 344 Chennai 05:50 ABY 123 Sharjah 9:25 KAC 501 Beirut 08:00 FDB 064 Dubai 19:10 KAC 302 Mumbai 06:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 161 Geneva 08:20 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 KAC 362 Colombo 06:25 KAC 156 Istanbul 19:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:35 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 KAC 678 Dubai 06:30 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 787 Jeddah 08:40 QTR 1081 Doha 20:00 WAN 338 Alexandria 06:40 BAW 156 London 08:50 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 BAW 157 London 07:10 KAC 691 Muscat 08:50 KAC 616 Bahrain 19:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 332 Trivandrum 07:25 KAC 117 New York 09:00 KNE 381 Taif 20:00 KAC 357 Kochi 20:30 KAC 354 Bengaluru 07:35 KAC 620 Doha 20:15 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 FDB 053 Dubai 07:35 KAC 671 Dubai 09:45 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 JZR 503 Luxor 07:45 KAC 101 London 09:45 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 20:40 QTR 1088 Doha 20:45 KAC 384 Delhi 08:00 UAE 856 Dubai 10:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 20:50 DLH 624 Frankfurt 20:45 KAC 358 Kochi 08:05 KAC 541 Cairo 10:00 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:50 KAC 162 Geneva 21:00 UAE 855 Dubai 08:35 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 KAC 353 Bengaluru 20:55 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 RSB 1071 Baku 09:00 KAC 773 Riyadh 10:10 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 KAC 617 Doha 10:15 KAC 1543 Cairo 21:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 QTR 1071 Doha 10:20 DLH 624 Bahrain 21:30 KAC 168 Paris 21:20 QTR 1070 Doha 09:10 KAC 155 Istanbul 10:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:25 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 10:30 QTR 1089 Doha 22:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:35 IRA 667 Esfahan 10:00 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:05 WAN 342 Sohag 10:15 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:40 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:50 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ZAV 4101 IQA 11:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 AXB 890 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:10 WAN 116 Bahrain 21:50 IRA 666 Esfahan 11:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 QTR 1074 Doha 11:20 KAC 564 Amman 22:00 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 JZR 786 Riyadh 11:55 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:35 WAN 134 Doha 11:55 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 RSB 1071 IQA 12:00 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:00 KAC 383 Delhi 22:40 RBG 553 Alexandria 12:15 SVA 514 Riyadh 22:30 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:10 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 JZR 241 Amman 22:40 QTR 1075 Doha 12:30 UAE 860 Dubai 23:00 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 SVA 502 Jeddah 22:45 JZR 606 Kochi 12:45 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 KAC 774 Riyadh 13:40 JZR 1851 Dubai 23:10 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:15 RBG 554 Alexandria 13:00 SVA 515 Riyadh 23:30 KAC 692 Muscat 14:15 MSC 405 Sohag 23:30 ZAV 4101 IQA 13:00 WAN 337 Alexandria 23:45 KAC 618 Doha 14:15 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:40 SVA 503 Jeddah 23:45 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 MSC 411 Asyut 23:55 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 1285 Dhaka 23:55 28 Established 1961

Lifestyle Gossip Monday, February 12, 2018

Faith wants Jay-Z pays tribute to outspoken musicians Trayvon Martin

ay-Z paid a touching tribute to Trayvon Martin at the sixth annual Peace Walk and Talk in Miami on Saturday . The ‘99 Problems’ hitmaker spoke about the legacy of the late 17 year old - who was shot Jand killed by neighbour George Zimmerman in 2013 - and said he would be a “beacon of light” alongside the likes of Martin Luther King and Ghandi. He told the crowd gathered at the Betty T. Ferguson Amphitheatre: “Trayvon serves as a beacon of light to all the people out here so you guys would never have to go through the pain and the hurt these guys went through. “His name will sit along- side some of the greats whom lost their life to push our culture forward. “The Martin Luther Kings, the Ghandis, that’s the intention that we set, that his name serves as a beacon of light and hope and push us in a better direction.” Trayvon’s death sparked outrage and debates on gun laws and racial profiling after Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges over the teenager’s death because of Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground law, which meant he could protect himself from what he perceived to be a threat. And Trayvon’s loved ones were pleased to have Jay - whose real name is Shawn Carter - turn out to offer support at the rally. Brenda Martin Providence, a friend of his mother, Sybrina Fulton, told Complex: “It means a lot to the community when you see people like Jay Z who come out to support your cause. “With everything going on, we all need to support the cause because our youth are dying in the streets. A lot of mothers are missing their children. For me, personally, my son will be 40 in a couple of days, and I have two grandsons. We all need to come out and show our support and walk for the community.” The 48-year-old rapper previously announced plans to team up with the Weinstein company for a movie and docuseries about the murdered teenager, but because of the Harvey Weinstein sexual misconduct scan- dal, it is unclear what will happen to the project now.

Cardi B proud of hip-hop Mulligan cried ardi B is proud that hip-hop is “always” in the charts. The ‘Bodak Yellow’ hitmaker is thrilled to after red Csee her genre of music “controlling the music industry”. She said: “In America, I always look at the charts. Hip-hop is always there. We are controlling the music industry. We control the fashion world. I don’t carpet events care if the fashion comes from a runway or if a Caucasian woman is walking it, once a coloured person arey Mulligan used to cry after red carpet wears something, that’s when everybody wants to wear events. The 32-year-old actress felt incredi- it. “We always influence. When you see the Olympics, Cbly uncomfortable in the spotlight and was who always wins? Coloured folks. We win everything. terrified of the awards circuit, but these days she We are a big influence and people want to take that tries to just see it as “fun” and enjoys them much aloma Faith thinks it’s “worrying” when musi- s∗∗t away. People like Donald Trump, they’re always cians don’t share their opinions in their work. more. She said: “I hated all of it - the interviews, going to make us feel like we’re less. But it’s okay, the red carpets. “I used to get to the end of a red The 36-year-old singer admitted she “had a ∗∗∗ P because a b h like me knows the truth. It don’t mat- carpet and start crying - I felt so uncomfortable. lot to say” on her fourth LP, ‘The Architect’ because ter if the government and the Republicans try to make “It took a lot out of me and it was an alien environ- she is concerned about modern society and thinks us feel like we’re not, cos we is. I know the truth ... We it’s important to use her music to address issues ment that I felt completely out of kilter with. run the s**t! We influence. We run everything.” And “These days it’s all fun, that’s the only way to take and problems. Paloma - who has a 13-month-old the 25-year-old rapper opened up about being bullied child with partner Leyman Lahcine - said: “I’ve got it. Something like that would never scare me now in the past. She added to i-D magazine: “I was getting in the way it did then.” The ‘Mudbound’ actress - a lot to say on my new album - I think it’s worrying you ain’t in a gang. People influence you and tell you picked on for the way I dressed. I got jumped in the who has two-year-old daughter Evelyn, and a when artists don’t. “There aren’t enough people that you should join this or you should join that. Then sixth grade real bad and after that, it changed me. It three-month-old child whose name and gender are singing about what’s going on in the world - class again, it’s a great experience. I wouldn’t be able to rap really, really did change me. In middle school and high unknown, with husband Marcus Mumford - has and financial and political divisions between peo- about the things that I rap about now [if I hadn’t grown school, it doesn’t matter how tough you are, or it also grown to embrace her celebrity status as a ple, the leader of the US being on a massive ego doesn’t matter if you stand for s**t, you ain’t nobody if up there].” trip and potentially plunging us into war... “I platform to bring attention to causes close to her despair at the state of the society I’ve brought a heart. Carey said she likes to take on movies that child into. I know this sounds like something Miss draw on uncomfortable topics. She explained to World would say, but I want my child to live in a Psychologies magazine: “Film has an extraordinary society where people are kind.” The ‘Stone Cold Bay previews ability to make us look at the things that make us Sober’ hitmaker thought a lot about what she want- uncomfortable. “I like that, but it can also be terri- ed her child and even her future grandchildren to fying.” When she isn’t working, Carey loves the hear when she was making the record because she new album peace and quiet of life at home with her family in wants her music to send a positive message to Devon, England. She said: “We have a farm, but we them. She told You magazine: “I thought about are not farmers. “It’s just that we enjoy the peace what kind of message I wanted to send to my child ames Bay’s new album is a “departure” from his usual and beauty of living in the countryside.” with this album. “I was pregnant when I was writ- music. The ‘Let It Go’ hitmaker is gearing up to release his ing it and realized that they will probably listen to it Jnew LP and says it is drastically different from his previous and one day they’ll play it to their kids. “So it had music. He said: “It’s a departure from what I’ve done. If I’m not to be about kindness, empathy and compassion. moving forward I’m standing still and standing still is pretty They’re the most valuable qualities I can instill as a boring. The first album for me was everything from Ryan parent - above academia or success. “I don’t care Adams to Bruce Springsteen and Kings Of Leon, but I loved if my child works on a supermarket checkout forev- Prince and Michael Jackson and LCD Soundsystem but it was- er as long as they’re kind. That’s how my mum n’t as relevant to that music. “So coming out of touring ‘Chaos raised me, too.” Paloma is currently preparing to And The Calm’, one of the most exciting things for me was head out on tour and she’s feeling “nervous” about being able to really dive head first into those influences and taking her child on the road with her in case sleep- more. I know I’m late to this party but Frank Ocean’s ‘Channel less nights cause vocal problems. She said: “I’m Orange’ is an incredible album, that did loads for me.” And the nervous about the baby coming on tour with me 27-year-old singer has dramatically changed his look too. He because if I’ve been up all night, it affects my voice. added to NME magazine: “When you make a certain sound But it does mean we get to spend daytimes togeth- and look your thing, it makes it all the more impactful to drop er. “There will be compromises, though. I come off that and start with a new thing. So I cut my hair off and lost stage at 11 and I’ll have to wake up by 7am, so I the hat. It felt only natural to me to tear that canvas down and won’t be able to stand outside venues signing put a new one up. That’s where so many of my favorite artists, things for two hours afterwards like I used to.” from Bowie to Michael Jackson, they were chameleons and liked to reinvent themselves.” Ronan sobbed at Lady Bird Chris Hemsworth singed his eyebrows during filming aoirse Ronan “sobbed hysterically” when she watched ‘Lady Bird’ for the first time. The 23-year-old actress was “so nervous” hris Hemsworth “singed” his eye- S brows while filming ‘12 Strong’. The about seeing her leading role in the coming-of- age drama and she thinks director Greta Gerwig C34-year-old actor did his own has made a “beautiful” movie. She said: “I stunts in the new military drama and has watched the film for the first time with my best admitted that sometimes things got a little friend in October. We had a couple of glasses of too close for comfort. He said: “You could beverages before we went in because I was so feel the heat [from the pyrotechnics] on nervous, but we had our arms wrapped around your neck. “I think a few hairs got singed. each other. “Even though I knew what was One of my eyebrows is slightly shorter going to happen in the film, I was laughing one than the other.” The Australian star found it moment and sobbing hysterically the next. It’s most scary being on horseback during the about the beautiful struggle of being a teenager, movie, because he and his co-stars had no growing and changing and getting to know idea how the animals would react to yourself, and having the realization that relation- explosions. He told heat magazine: ships change.” And Saoirse admitted she identi- “Nicolai [Fulsgig, director] wanted this to fies a lot with her titular character in the film. be as real as possible. But how much can Speaking to the director in conversation for the you ever prepare an animal for an explo- Sunday Times, she said: “I identify with a lot in sion? “We were all prepared, with our ‘Lady Bird’. The great thing about how you’ve earplugs and all that, but we’re on these written the character is that she doesn’t know horses, some of whom were surprisingly how great or special she is. And there’s a huge chilled, but some were definitely unnerved sense of the importance of belonging, belonging and freaked out. “I certainly had this ongo- to a place, a time in your life.” The award-win- ing fear of my horse just, all of a sudden, ning actress admitted it was unusual for her to bolting and breaking my neck in the enjoy the finished film so much because she nor- process. “We were prepared for that but it mally works on a project to hang out with “bril- added a very authentic layer of fear - for liant” people. She said: “The crew are the peo- me anyway.” Chris’ on-screen wife in the ple I want to hang out with when I’m working, movie is played by his real life spouse, Elsa Pataky - the mother of his kids India, five, and that’s why, usually, I actually don’t get any- and three-year-old Tristan and Sasha - and not only did they find it easy to work thing out of watching the final cut of a film. Most together, they enjoyed having a break from their kids. He said: “It was certainly one of of the time, as cheesy as it sounds, I’m not doing the easiest working relationships I’ve encountered, but we’ve had a lot of preparation. a movie for that, I’m doing it because I get to Seven years of marriage, so we were prepared. “We knew what we were doing - it work with these brilliant people. I think there’s wasn’t about working together, it was about getting some enforced alone time. Three definitely an Irish thing in my head that tells me kids under six is not easy. “We spend very little time together as a twosome and par- not to take up all the oxygen in the room, too.” ents need that. “We need that space, if only for the briefest of moments, which I know sounds bad, but it’s the truth. We did it to get a break!”— Bang Showbiz Established 1961 29 Lifestyle Features Monday, February 12, 2018 Abused S Korea actress slams ‘hypocritical’ Berlin filmfest

South Korean actress has accused the Berlin film tainment figures, such as movie mogul Harvey Weinstein ‘Obscure, powerless’ festival organizers of hypocrisy for inviting a and actor-director Kevin Spacey. Kosslick said Tuesday Kosslick told AFP that the Berlinale was aware of the Adirector who assaulted her to this year’s event he had disqualified some productions from the festival accusations against Kim, and that he had been convicted while promoting it as a forum to tackle abuse in the because a director, screenwriter or star was facing cred- and fined, but that the sexual harassment allegations had industry. The actress, who has refused to be publicly ible sexual misconduct allegations. been dismissed for lack of evidence. It was seeking identified, last year accused renowned Seoul director more information about an appeal in the case, he added. Kim Ki-duk of physical and sexual abuse, saying he beat ‘Acting lesson’ “Obviously the Berlinale condemns and opposes any her and forced her into unscripted, unwanted sex and The actress spoke out in December about the abuse form of violence or sexual misconduct,” he said. Kim has nude scenes while shooting his 2013 film “Moebius”. she suffered at Kim’s hands on the set of the 2013 film, kept a low profile and refused to talk to the media in Kim, 57, is one of South Korea’s top directors whose where she was eventually replaced by another actress. South Korea since the scandal sparked nationwide fury awards include Berlin’s Silver Bear for “Samaritan Girl” in Her allegation is a rarity in the South’s lucrative, male- last year. But his return to the Berlinale-one of Europe’s 2004 and the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for dominated film industry. But she still spoke behind a top three film festivals has been widely reported in the “Pieta” in 2012. white screen during her press conference for fear of country as something of a status restoration, with head- His latest work “Human, Space, Time and Human” will online bullying and shaming in a nation that remains lines such as the Ilgan Sports tabloid’s reading: have its world premiere in the Panorama Special section patriarchal despite its economic and technological “Troubled at home, loved overseas”. of this year’s Berlinale, which begins Thursday. “I find the advances. “One day, Kim said ‘I’ll set your emotion’ and It took four years for the actress to come forward decision to invite Kim deeply sad and extremely hypo- suddenly slapped my face really hard three times in a after being told by industry figures that she had “no critical,” the actress told AFP, adding she had been left row in front of everybody, before turning the camera Director Kim Ki-duk chance” of winning a legal case against Kim, whose “devastated” by the experience. “Kim admitted and was towards me and filming,” she said then. career would “hardly suffer a dent” even if she spoke found guilty of physically assaulting me on the film set. “I was so shocked... but had to start acting right business, both on screen and behind the camera, fear out. “And the Berlin film festival proved that those people Yet the Berlinale rolled out a red carpet to him while away,” she went on, adding that none of the crew said “a making public accusations against prominent figures, were right,” she told AFP, urging the festival organizers boasting about their support for the #Metoo move- single word to stop him”. Seoul prosecutors dropped said Hong Tae-Hwa, secretariat director of the to pay more attention to “obscure, powerless” members ment,” she said. Berlinale chief Dieter Kosslick said last sexual abuse charges citing a lack of evidence but fined Federation of Korea Movie Workers’ Union. “They are so of the industry. “Unlike the famous Hollywood actresses week that this year’s festival would shine a light on sexu- Kim 5 million won ($4,600) under a procedure where afraid of having their career practically terminated in this who spoke out for #Metoo campaign, I’m just an al misconduct and serve as a “forum” to bring “concrete minor cases can be handled without going to court. Kim industry, from which you can be banned for life for obscure actress in a small Asian country,” she said. “But changes” to the treatment of women in the film industry. admitted slapping the actress for the purposes of an speaking out about the slightest abuse by directors or that does not mean that my suffering is something that Some of the most high-profile cases revealed by the “acting lesson” but denied the other allegations of producers,” he said. can be ignored and forgotten.”— AFP global #MeToo phenomenon have involved top enter- wrongdoing. Women in the South’s tight-knit movie

Brazilian women say Johann Johannsson, composer of haunting ‘No Means No’ at carnival film scores, dead at 48

o means no” is a new battle cry for Brazilian women mobilizing Nagainst assault at carnival, a rau- cous party whose free-wheeling atmos- phere leaves women particularly vulnera- ble to unwanted sexual contact. In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein episode that triggered the #MeToo campaign against harassment in the United States, Brazilian women are out in full force-with some even sporting temporary tattoos with the message emblazoned across their shoulders, arms and chests. Rio’s carnival-the world’s largest-falls during This file photo shows Icelandic composer Johann the city’s pre-Lenten blowout which Johannsson on the red carpet for the BAFTA British draws millions of near-naked revelers Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in dancing as the alcohol flows, and flows. London. — AFP The feast of excess is also often the backdrop for a slew of sexual assaults, ohann Johannsson, the award-winning Icelandic particularly against women. Luka Performers at a street party promote the sexual harassment campaign “Nao e Nao” or “No Means No” during carnival season in Rio de composer whose haunting yet minimalist scores Borges therefore is tirelessly distribut- Janeiro. — AFP photos instilled depth in films full of abstraction, has ing the temporary “No Means No” tat- J died, his manager announced Saturday. He was 48. toos as part of a street parade-known Johannsson was found dead Friday at his apartment as a “bloco”-set to samba tunes in Rio’s Political act “A lot of the time, at past carnivals, we in Berlin, where authorities were investigating the center. “There is a lot of machismo in cause of death, said Tim Husom, his Los Angeles- Brazil-so doing this for carnival is really were harassed and did not even realize it,” said Anna Studard, a 27-year-old the- based manager. “I’m so very sad. Today, I lost my pressing,” the 28-year-old project man- friend who was one of the most talented musicians ager told AFP. “We women spend much ater producer. “We thought it was nor- mal! But I think in the past couple of and intelligent people I knew,” Husom said in a more time out in the streets, wearing statement. less clothing-then this is their pretext years we’ve started to realize that ‘no means no.’” Carnival, with its totally unin- Johannsson, who blended classical form and for aggression.” electronic instrumentation, had become an increas- Borges created with four friends “No hibited and ultra-sexy atmosphere is widely seen as a moment partiers can kiss ingly in-demand musician for directors whose films Means No” tattoos, and began distribut- probed more theoretical ideas. He won the Golden ing them to women last year during some and touch strangers without concern. Yet far from taking a puritanical turn, the Globe for Best Original Score for “The Theory of of the city’s blocos, after one of them was Everything,” about physicist Stephen Hawking. harassed. Thanks to social media and a women behind this campaign simply say they’re simply trying to bolster the “my Johannsson was nominated again for “Arrival,” for crowdfunding campaign, some 27,000 which he altered human voices to create amor- tattoos have been produced for the 2018 body, my rules” concept already familiar to many in Brazil. —AFP phous, otherworldly sounds to dramatize the story carnival, in Rio as well as cities including Revelers at a street party hold fans which read “Nao e Nao” or “No Means No” at a street party. of a linguist seeking to communicate with an extra- Salvador, Sao Paulo and Olinda. terrestrial visitor. He scored several films out in 2018, including “Mary Magdalene,” a biblical drama about the much-debated female follower of Jesus. OSN renews While Johannsson won acclaim outside of the film Tensions between ‘Sex and the world as an avant-garde composer, he was careful never to make his music needlessly convoluted or longstanding overbearing. He kept strong, repeated melodies and City’ stars burst into the open said that many movies had far too much music, not allowing silences that were also crucial. “I think my partnership with music is a way of communicating very directly with people and with people’s emotions. I try to make STAR TV music that doesn’t need layers of complexity or obfuscation to speak to people,” he told the online SN, the region’s leading entertainment interview magazine The Talks in 2015. provider, today announced the renewal of its Opartnership with STAR Asianet Middle East, ‘Always pushing boundaries’ ensuring OSN Pehla customers will continue to Daniel Pemberton, the composer for films includ- enjoy the latest and most popular shows and movie ing Danny Boyle’s biopic “Steve Jobs,” said he sat premieres across STAR’s bouquet of channels. Additionally, the introduction of the new movie transfixed when he heard Johannsson’s music for Underpinning OSN’s commitment to providing a channel, as part of this renewed agreement, adds “Sicario,” which showed “you could still do some- more engaging viewer experience and addressing increased value for customers.” Sudhir Nagpal, thing radically new in mainstream film music.” “He customer demand, the renewed agreement with the Business Head, STAR Middle East, Africa and APAC, was always pushing the boundaries, creating works major South Asian network sees the addition of pop- added: “The renewal of STAR’s long-standing asso- of art so unique and exciting it becomes hard to ular movie channel, Asianet Movies, delivering a total ciation with OSN is a testament to STAR’s commit- imagine they didn’t exist before,” Pemberton wrote of ten STAR channels to OSN Pehla customers, with ment towards delivering world-class entertainment on Twitter. fter years of reported behind-the-scenes friction, tensions key shows also available on OSN Play to watch any- to South Asian audiences in the region. STAR, with The experimental DJ Flying Lotus tweeted that between two “Sex and the City” stars erupted into public time, anywhere. its multilingual portfolio, will continue to drive local he was in “disbelief” over his death, calling Aview Saturday. The star of the popular HBO series, Sarah The addition of Asianet Movies, India’s first 24- relevance and be the one-stop solution of South Johannsson a major influence and hailing his score Jessica Parker, had long been known to have a difficult relationship hour Malayalam TV channel, brings hit Malayalam Asian Entertainment.” for the new thriller “Mandy.” Growing up in with one of her three co-stars, Kim Cattrall. There were reports, blockbusters in addition to Tamil, Telugu and Hindi The very best South Asian shows and Bollywood Reykjavik, Johannsson said he listened to everything regularly denied by Cattrall, that she was the one holding up plans movies dubbed in Malayalam to OSN Pehla’s prime Blockbuster movies will be available on Star chan- from John Philip Sousa marches to deafening for a possible second sequel to the original movie version of “Sex pack. As part of the renewed deal, the new movie nels including favourites India’s Next Superstar on shoegaze rockers The Jesus and Mary Chain, but and the City.” When the TV series began in 1998, Parker was channel adds to STAR Asianet ME’s bouquet of STAR Plus, the biggest Hindi Movie Blockbusters was transformed when he discovered ambient music already friends with Cynthia Nixon, who played one of her three popular channels which include flagship Hindi chan- such as Kalaakandi starring Saif Ali Khan, Aiyaary pioneer Brian Eno. Largely self-taught as a musi- “best friends” as they bounced through their Manhattan adven- nels STAR Plus, STAR Gold, STAR Bharat, ABP starring Siddarth Malhotra and Baaghi 2 starring cian, Johannsson studied literature and took inspira- tures. She later drew close to the fourth star, Kristin Davis. News and leading regional channels STAR Jalsha, Tiger Shroff on STAR Gold, Super Singer 6 on tion from the French Oulipo school of writers such Relations with Cattrall were another matter. Early Saturday, STAR Pravah, STAR Vijay, Asianet News and STAR Vijay, and International super-hit format, Big as Georges Perec who aimed to stir up fresh ideas Cattrall posted on Instagram: “I don’t need your love or support at Asianet Middle East; covering Hindi, Malayalam, Boss for the 1st time on Malayalam Television on by imposing constraining rules on their composi- this tragic time @sarahjeessicaparker.” “My Mom asked me Marathi, Tamil and Bengali languages. Emad Asianet Middle East to name a few. Be the first to tions. Johannsson co-founded Kitchen Motors, the today, ‘When will that @sarahjessicaparker, that hypocrite, leave Morcos, Chief Content Officer at OSN, said: “The hear about OSN news by following @OSNnewsME influential Icelandic artist collective that also helped you alone?’ Your continuous reaching out is a painful reminder of extension of OSN’s long-term partnership with on Twitter. To download press material including launch experimental rockers Sigur Ros, and in 2002 how cruel you really were then and now,” Cattrall added. She STAR reinforces our commitment to continue to releases, images, videos and more, please visit the released his first album, “Englaborn,” set to a the- included a link to a New York Post article titled “Inside the mean- deliver leading content from the Subcontinent for OSN Media Hub at www.osn.com/media. atrical piece. — AFP girls culture that destroyed ‘Sex and the City.’” — AFP South Asian expatriates in MENA, on OSN Pehla. 30 Established 1961 Monday, February 12, 2018 Lifestyle Fashion

Models walk the runway at the Christian Siriano fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Grand Lodge in New York City. — AFP photos

hristian Siriano, a plus-size diversity “We’ve been dressing women of shape since advocate and red carpet designer who day one,” Siriano told Fashionista.com in an Chas dressed leading Hollywood ladies interview ahead of his show. “Some of my early and Michelle Obama, celebrated 10 years in the red carpet moments were Whoopi and Oprah business Saturday with a masterclass in the art (Winfrey), and we were always getting requests of dressing women of all shapes and colors. for all these different types of people.” He says Actresses Whoopi Goldberg and Meg Ryan sat his client base is global, with a “huge” business in the front row for a fall/winter 2018 collection in the Middle East and a lot of Orthodox Jewish that showcased diversity in all shapes, sizes and customers, and spoke of the importance of rep- colors under a theme dubbed the “ultimate roy- resenting those with clothing restrictions as well. al dinner party.” Men, women and trans models Siriano, who studied under Vivienne walked the red carpeted runway at the hallowed Westwood and the late Alexander McQueen, environs of New York’s Masonic Hall for the has also championed cross-gender dressing “to London-trained designer’s collection inspired show that it really doesn’t matter if you’re shop- by late 18th century British art. ping men’s or women’s anymore. “It should just Curve poster model Ashley Graham opened matter if you like your outfit... clothes and fash- the show dressed in a floor length red faux fur ion shows and all of that, it isn’t such a serious coat. Trans model Evie Acosta also walked. thing. Getting dressed should be a fun thing in There was plenty of black-Siriano dressed 10 the morning.” Alexander Wang, the wunderkid women for the Golden Globe awards when whose fashions effortlessly embody downtown Hollywood wore black to protest sexual harass- New York cool and off-duty supermodels, is ment in the workplace-and plenty of bright red. still to come on day three of Fashion Week-his There were hints of leopard print and male swansong before going off piste and choosing models in iridescent shorts and blazers. Red, to show in June-December outside the tradi- yellow and blue dresses shimmered and tional calendar. sparkled. His departure follows the exit of top talent such as Proenza Schouler and Rodarte for cou- ture week in Paris on the same schedule and there is widespread speculation that the new timetable could catch on. “Why do something that’s not working?” Stephanie Horton, chief strategy officer at Alexander Wang told a recent industry event. “The business model needs to change because the consumer has changed.” German-born fashion bad boy Philipp Plein is throwing the mother of all parties at the Duggal Greenhouse in the Brooklyn Naval Yard-an enormous venue favored in the past by the likes of Lady Gaga and Hillary Clinton-for his own late-night show Saturday. — AFP Established 1961 31

Monday, February 12, 2018 Lifestyle Fashion

Wang in the office, Plein in outer space at NY Fashion Week

lexander Wang, the designer who embodies the downtown New York Acool so beloved of off-duty models, and Philipp Plein offered contrasting per- spectives on the point of Fashion Week Saturday. Is it about the clothes or the mother of all stunts? For Wang, the US wunderkind and ex-creative director of Balenciaga, the clothes spoke for them- selves, giving fall/winter 2018 an ode to power dressing and the working woman in his trademark black. His models, including Kaia Gerber, powered out under strip light- ing on an office-cubicle set-the kind of dull grey space that no one who can afford his clothes would ever get paid enough to work in. For his final shebang before going off piste and showing in June and December, outside the traditional Fashion Week calen- dar, Wang’s woman is very much post- #MeToo and the sexual harassment water- shed. She is no nonsense, zipped up and dressed for business, predominately kitted out in leather, and a sprinkling of hot pink- the same color of the hats worn by women marching against the Trump administration. Hair was swept back by banana clips, skirts short, tights black sheer and eyes hidden behind dark glasses. Silver studs covered backpacks and gloves, almost like armor. There was little cleavage, but high necklines, sporty anoraks and digital bank account-style numbers printed onto leg- gings. Wang did a victory lap of the runway at the end, his long dark hair flying, grin- ning from ear to ear and blowing a kiss to the audience.

Space ship “The business model needs to change because the consumer has changed,” Stephanie Horton, chief strategy officer at the label has said of the forthcoming Models walk the runway at Alexander Wang during New York timetable switch that some expect to catch Fashion Week at 4 Times Square. on. But for Plein, the so-called bad boy of fashion whose flamboyance, bling and make-believe space ship, writhing in aluminum colored flashiness has had the style establishment puffer pants, sequined tracksuits and fur coats with trans- up in arms, the point is the experience, the parent overlay. “In fashion, we’re all playing with the same buzz and the chaos. The German-born, weapons,” the 39-year-old designer told BBC News in an Swiss-based designer put on a futuristic interview. display at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, fake snow falling from the ceiling and coating his ‘Black cowboy’ guests, many of whom were soaked by “The difference is brand positioning and imaging,” he heavy rain and infuriated by bouncers’ added. “People in the luxury fashion industry buy brands, seemingly chaotic policy on opening the and when you buy a brand you buy a dream, an emotion, a doors. name.” Other highlights saw designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, Known for his extravagant staging, the known for his political approach to fashion, debut his Pyer show kicked off an hour late with hip hop Moss collaboration with Reebok by paying homage to black trio Migos, Plein-branded snow mobiles cowboys and the history of minorities. “What I wanted to do roaring on the runway, a smoke-spewing, is start talking about subcultures of America, different peo- deafeningly loud space ship coming down ple who were left out,” the 30-year-old told AFP. “We start- to land and a Transformers-style robot ed,” he explained, with “the story of the American cowboy, walking hand in hand with a cat-suited which was rewritten and whitewashed. But the original cow- model. The backdrop was aluminum-foil boy was a black man,” he added. — AFP style mountains, the room bathed in blue light and the music anything from hip hop and body-jarring thumping bass to Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon.” His models wore skin-tight ski suits and giant knee-high fur boots, kicking up the fake snow with pink hair and silver teddy bear bags, while his men wore Philipp Plein-emblazoned leather jackets and Playboy hoodies. At the end the models danced under the red strobe lighting of the Designer Custo Dalmau walks the runway at the Custo Barcelona show.

Models walk the runway at the Custo Barcelona show during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Pier 59 in New York City. — AFP photos Established 1961 T

Lifestyle MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018

A man poses for a picture on the “Ponton du ciel”, a 12-meter-long platform atop the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, one of France’s tallest mountains, in the French Pyrenees, during its inauguration on February 10, 2018. — AFP British illustrator Quentin Blake surprised at 70-year success espite creating tens of thousands of draw- ings in a career spanning nearly 70 years, DBritish illustrator Quentin Blake is still sur- prised at his success ahead of his latest exhibi- Bizarre news tion. Most well-known for his work with children’s bid to find out why the tea wasn’t grown in author Roald Dahl, Blake has illustrated more than Japanese primary school the north of England and claimed the soil 250 books by different authors and turned his asks parents to buy £525 uniform was perfect for growing the leaves. The attention to large-scale works. At the age of 85, Twitter user claimed Yorkshire Tea was a he has slowed his schedule but has definitely not A primary school in Japan has demanded patriotic company in his social media tirade put down his pencil. “I draw every day, yes, if I parents buy their children Giorgio Armani and his rant caught the attention of other possibly can,” he told AFP at the sidelines of an uniforms costing £525. The Taimei users. Terry said it was “It is disgraceful” auction of literary classics with illustrated covers. Elementary School, in Tokyo, has been criti- that Yorkshire Tea wasn’t grown in the UK. Dressed in white trainers and with bushy eye- cised for the amount of money they are Yorkshire Tea’s senior brand manager Laura brows and a mischievous look, Blake resembles expecting parents to fork out on a uniform Burton said in a statement: “Believe it or not, one of his famous characters. Matilda, the BFG in a place where tuition fees are already a we’re often asked if Yorkshire Tea is grown and the Twits are just some of Dahl’s creations burden, the Metro reported. The school in Yorkshire. Terry’s strongly worded brought to life by the illustrator. Ahead of a new announced their plans to introduce the response to the news that it isn’t has caused exhibition at London’s House of Illustration of option uniform by the Italian designer and quite a stir on social media today! “We’re education officials said that they are free to very proud to source our tea from set the rules and uniform choices. In Japan, Rainforest Alliance Certified farms in Africa uniforms are considered to be durable and and India. It is then lovingly blended and thrifty and are worn at most secondary packed at our HQ in Harrogate, North schools as well. Yorkshire before being shipped across the UK and beyond.” Brits reportedly consume around 165 million cups of tea every day - Council under fire after that’s 60 billion per year, according to the In this file photo British cartoonist and illustrator, Quentin Blake poses for photographers during the press UK Tea and Infusions association. preview of his exhibition entitled ‘Quentin Blake’s Inside Stories’ at the House of Illustration in London on failing to empty bin because July 1, 2014. — AFP photos of cold weather “Inspiration is a funny thing... You find your imag- AFP. The upcoming exhibition of Blake’s work will ination working but you can’t turn it on, you just feature pencil drawings of women and cupid’s A council refused to empty wheelie Sloth breaks into bar to have to start drawing,” he said. arrow and will open on February 14, Valentine’s bins in Scotland because it was too search for snacks Day. Blake describes illustration as an art form cold. The Renfrewshire Council apolo- in middle of the night ‘Loved by generations’ which is often overlooked, despite there being a getically revealed they were unable to A sloth broke into a restaurant in the Blake’s vast collection of original illustrations “great tradition” in his home country and across carry out the collections this week middle of the night. The mammal beat — 35,000 works in total are kept at the House of the Channel. His enthusiasm for French culture because of the freezing temperatures. the security gates at Cafe Milagro in British illustrator and artist Quentin Blake poses at Illustration which he founded in 2014. His drawings has seen the illustrator included in the South On a Facebook post, the council wrote: Costa Rica and was seen climbing up Sotheby’s auction house. are filled with a sense of humanity, humor and Ken Kids Festival, organized by the French “Brown bins could not be collected to the counter before playing with a enthusiasm for life, according to the centre’s Institute in London. “He has a love of French today as their contents froze in the icy spinning display in the hope of nab- Blake’s rarely-seen nudes, he said he still cannot director Colin McKenzie. culture. He’s a true francophile,” said festival weather. They will now be collected on pinpoint the secret of his success. “It is hard for bing a snack. However, the sloth landed “I think he is a wonderful illustrator, there is a director Lucie Campos. “He’s a person loved by the next scheduled date. Apologies for itself in hot water when it accidentally me to say. It always comes (as) a little bit of a sur- fluidity to his work that is just unique,” he told generations of readers.” — AFP any inconvenience.” The council prise to me,” said Blake. lost its footing and fell to the floor with revealed they will be emptying the a bang which, in turn, alerted the secu- ‘Carefully planned’ drawings bins on the next collection date which rity guards to the break in. Co-owners Born in Sidcup, south-east of London, he first will be in two weeks’ time. Across Travis Day and Adrienne Pellizzari began drawing around the age of six. After a Renfrewshire, temperatures dropped were called out in the middle of the childhood interrupted by World War II saw him as low as -4C, although climbed to night to relocate the intruder and they evacuated to the English countryside, he returned 2.3C on Wednesday afternoon. Many watched the footage in the morning. home in 1943 and soon had his drawings pub- took to social media to express their Travis is quoted by the Metro newspa- lished in the school magazine. The budding young dismay that the council failed to do per as saying: “The sloth must’ve artist earned his first fee at the age of 16, when his their basic job. Zeb Harris responded slipped through the gates after we’d cartoon was published by Punch magazine, and to the post saying: “As an ex pat living already closed - they’re very common he continued to draw while studying literature at in Mid Norway, our bins are emptied in the area. “It was funny to see that it Cambridge. During the following decades, Blake every two weeks. “The temperature was all caught on video, but most taught at London’s Royal College of Art, curated here are between -10 and -30c. during importantly that we had been able to exhibitions at institutions including the National the winter months. “They don’t have relocate the sloth back outside in the Gallery, while continuing to inspire children with problems. P.S we even have snow for middle of the night. “We didn’t realize his drawings. about five months of the year...... (sic)’. just how hilarious it was until we “They seem to like them,” he said modestly, shared it with family and friends. although noting people are often unaware of the While we have sloths that can be reg- level of preparation which goes into his work. “In Man loses plot after ularly seen in nearby trees, this was fact they are very carefully planned, the whole finding out Yorkshire Tea the first invasion of our actual restau- book is organized, but they appear to be sponta- rant. “We have a resident sloth named neous and so in a sense they have very sort of isn’t grown in Yorkshire Terrance who can regularly be found direct reactions,” he said. Blake, who has visited A man went crazy after he found out that behind our restaurant but this one was schools across England and France, advises chil- Yorkshire Tea isn’t grown in Yorkshire. Terry a new visitor.” —Bang Showbiz dren to “start drawing and draw a lot”. British illustrator and artist Quentin Blake poses with some of his work at Sotheby’s auction house. Robinson got in touch with the company in a