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MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 RAJAB 1, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Minister 700 migrants IS executes Hamilton wins downplays feared dead in Ethiopian Bahrain GP, swine flu Mediterranean Christians third Formula 1 threat 5 shipwreck7 in Libya8 win18 of season Old banknotes to be Min 20º Max 35º High Tide withdrawn by Oct 1 00:40 & 12:40 Low Tide Four oilfields found • Kuveyt Turk first Islamic bank in Germany 06:45 & 19:30 40 PAGES NO: 16496 150 FILS

KUWAIT/BERLIN: The Central Bank of Kuwait has decided to withdraw all old Kuwaiti banknotes from trading by Oct 1, More than 30% of Arab youth jobless Governor Dr Mohammad Al-Hashel announced yesterday. The Central Bank’s board, with consent of the minister of By Nawara Fattahova and Agencies finance, has taken the decision to withdraw the fifth edition of the Kuwaiti currency. Hashel said yesterday the remaining KUWAIT: More than 30 percent of young Arabs are volume of these old banknotes constituted only seven per- jobless because of unrest in many Arab nations and cent of the original amount that had existed before the sixth not enough investment, a top labor official said yes- edition entered circulation on June 29, 2014, estimated at terday. “The unemployment rate among Arab youth KD 1.4 billion. until the age of 30 years exceeds 30 percent,” the The decision has been taken in line with Article 10 of the Director General of the Arab Labor Organization Law 32/1968, as well as its amendments, regulating the ban- Ahmad Mohammed Luqman said. “Unrest and a lack knotes’ withdrawal and banking, the governor said, indicat- of investments have boosted the number of jobless.” ing that the old notes must be out of trading during bank He said many graduates fail to find employment working hours on Thursday, Oct 1. Holders of the old notes because their specializations are not needed by pri- must exchange them for the new editions at local banks vate sector. ahead of the abovementioned date, he said, warning that “Due to unrest in several Arab nations, the number notes that are retained would lose their value as “legal ban- of Arabs without jobs has jumped two million since knotes” and would no longer be tradable. Nevertheless, 2011, making the total number of unemployed Arabs those who fail to exchange the old ones for the new ban- at 20 million,” Luqman said on the sidelines of the knotes as scheduled may do so solely at the Central Bank 42nd Arab Labor Conference at the Jumeirah within 10 years, but after this period, it would no longer be Messilah Beach Hotel, which also celebrated ALO’s possible to make the exchange. 50th anniversary. Luqman told the opening session of Meanwhile, four new oilfields have been discovered in the five-day gathering in Kuwait City that unemploy- the north and west of the country, a top oil official was quot- ment in the Arab world hit 17 percent last year, “three ed as saying by state news agency KUNA yesterday. Kuwait times higher” than the global average. plans to boost oil output capacity by a third by 2020. “It appears that jobless numbers will rise this year KUWAIT: Yemeni Foreign Minister Riyad Yassin (right), Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Hashem Hashem, the chief executive of state-run Kuwait Oil and the next,” Luqman added, without providing spe- Planning Hind Al-Subaih, and Kuwaiti deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Sabah Co (KOC), did not give production rates of the new oilfields, cific figures. Al-Khaled Al-Sabah (second left) attend the opening ceremony of the annual Arab Labor Conference yes- but said exploration activities have moved ahead despite oil Continued on Page 13 terday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat prices dropping nearly 50 percent since last June. Continued on Page 13 MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 LOCAL

GCC judicial ties praised

RIYADH: Kuwait’s Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice Bader Al-Zamanan yesterday praised positive outcome of the 6th annual GCC Justice Undersecretaries’ meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The participants expressed their will to enhance mutual cooperation in the field of judiciary and justice, Zamanan at the conclu- sion of the meeting yesterday. The Undersecretaries dis- cussed coordination among all GCC justice and judicial bodies to provide citizens working in this field with spe- cialized training courses, he noted. He added that the conferees also discussed a report by the technical committee on studying the constituent law of the judicial and economic authority and a report prepared by chiefs of judicial training institutes. Moreover, the topics that were debated included a report by the international cooperation commissions at KUWAIT: Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Khalid Al-Jarallah is pictured while touring an Khalid Al-Jarallah at Venezuela’s pavilion.— KUNA photos the GCC justice ministries, a draft treaty regarding extra- exhibition held as part of the Latin American Week at Kuwait University (KU). dition of accused and convicts among the Council mem- ber countries, a proposal by the Saudi Ministry of Justice to carry out a joint training program in the judicial field, Decisive Storm aims to reinforce Zamanan added. — KUNA legitimacy in Yemen: Jarallah

KUWAIT: The Saudi-led coalition’s ‘Operation the outcomes of the Yemeni National Dialogue, where we enjoy regular diplomatic presence,” Decisive Strom’ seeks to recover normality and as well as the UNSC resolutions, Jarallah noted. according to Jarallah. consolidate legitimacy in Yemen, a senior The senior diplomat expressed hope that the Kuwait has six diplomatic missions there, Foreign Ministry official said. attempt would bear fruits as the current situa- and in the meantime hosts 10 Latin American As it is, the situation in Yemen is grave, tion in Yemen “poses threats to security and sta- ones, a good signal of the size and nature of Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign bility of the region, not to mention, devastation bilateral ties, he said. Repeatedly exchanged Affairs Khalid Suleiman Al-Jarallah told of the country and people’s sufferings.” He visits between both manifest mutual keenness reporters yesterday on the sidelines of the ‘Latin pointed to serious moves on the GCC level to on promoting ties. The Latin American Week, America Week’ which he opened at Kuwait provide relief aid to the Yemeni people, refer- 19-23 April, aims to enhance students’ cul- University’s Faculty of Social Sciences. Several ring to a $274 million donation offered by ture bout the region, Dean of College of Latin American diplomats attended the event Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Social Sciences Professor Abdulredha Assiri together with the College’s professors and offi- Meanwhile, the exhibition held as part of said. This is part of the University’s message, RIYADH: Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of cials. the Latin America Week opens a window on namely reaching to other cultures, civiliza- Justice Bader Al-Zamanan is pictured during the meet- The campaign is an attempt to enforce the the “history and civilization” of the continent tions values and political, social and eco- ing. — KUNA Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) Initiative and “with which we have strong historical ties and nomic systems. — KUNA Khalid Al-Jarallah speaks to reporters. Kuwait reiterates support for NSA chief, envoys mull closer ties

Yemen’s constitutional legitimacy KUWAIT: National Security Apparatus (NSA) Chief Sheikh KUWAIT: Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh the visiting Singapore Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Thamer Al-Ali Al-Sabah held talks Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah yesterday reaffirmed Foreign Affairs Masagos Zulkifli bin Masagos Mohamad to cel- with ambassadors of France and Kuwait’s backing to Yemen’s constitutional legitimacy. ebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomat- Australia to Kuwait on coopera- Speaking at a meeting with visiting Yemeni Foreign ic relations between the two countries. During the meeting, tive relations. Sheikh Thamer dis- Minister Riyadh Yaseen, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also reiterat- the two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations cussed with Australian ed his country’s support for ongoing efforts to restore Yemen’s in all fields in addition to issues of common concern. Ambassador Warren Hauck bilat- security and stability and to safeguard its sovereignty and ter- Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also received Guy Ryder, the eral relations and several issues ritorial integrity in line with relevant UNSC resolutions, Gulf International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Director-General. of mutual interest, the NSA said Initiative and its Executive Mechanism. Several senior officials Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled’s Office Chief Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al- in a press statement yesterday. at the Foreign Ministry attended the meeting. Mohammad Al-Sabah and several other senior officials of the Sheikh Thamer and French In other news, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled received yesterday Foreign Ministry attended the meeting. — KUNA Ambassador Christian Nachle considered bilateral ties and ways of promoting them as well as key issues of common concern in the KUWAIT: National Security Apparatus (NSA) Chief Sheikh Thamer Al-Ali Al-Sabah region, it added. — KUNA meets Australian Ambassador Warren Hauck. — KUNA photos

KUWAIT: Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah meets Singapore Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs Masagos Zulkifli. — KUNA Kuwait hosts Arab-Turkish commerce meeting

KUWAIT: Kuwait hosts today the second meeting of the with a highlight on sectors available for public and private Ministers of Economy, Trade and Investment in the member investment on both sides. states of the League of Arab States and Turkey. The meeting It said that the meeting is an important opportunity to aims to shed light on the volume of the Turkish-Arab coopera- exchange ideas on increasing the volume of trade exchanges tion in various economic fields. and determine the best ways and means to enhance econom- The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a state- ic relations between Turkey and Arab countries, including the ment that the meeting aims to discuss aspects of cooperation exchange of experience in the field of small and medium in industry, tourism, energy, water and food security sectors enterprises development. and study proposals to encourage two-way trade and invest- The statement explained that the meeting will include ment between the Arab states and Turkey. suggestions and practical recommendations to encourage It added that the one-day meeting will determine the joint investments and raise the level of Turkish-Arab trade and advantages and shortcomings as well as future challenges of will work to promote the common dialogue and cooperation the joint Turkish-Arab investments and expand trade circle in global commerce platforms. — KUNA Help Wanted Copy editor & Proofreader Q Must be fluent in English QMust have transferrable Visa18 QPrevious experience required QOnly candidates in Kuwait will be considered.

Email CV and writing sample to [email protected] MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 LOCAL Kuwait to benefit from ‘Silk Road’ project: Chinese envoy Wang Di named new ambassador

By Ben Garcia end of the Arabian Gulf, and its strategic location is impor- Cui said the project’s major objectives would be to tant,” he said. “Now it is a question of how Kuwait and boost political relations and infrastructure and increase the The lioness pictured after it was killed. KUWAIT: The Chinese government has been actively pro- China can translate the Silk Road project into reality,” he flow of commercial commodities, which will generate moting the building of the ‘Silk Road and Belt’ to enhance told reporters. “We are currently preparing the project, lay- income and encourage people-to-people interaction. He communication and consultation and advancing practical ing the foundation and paperwork. The plan for the Silk also said Kuwait was the first Asian country to join the cooperation with countries along the route. This was City here is really excellent and very meaningful for Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which has 57 emphasized by outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Kuwait’s economy. The Kuwaiti side has prepared the gen- members now, and focuses on infrastructure projects in Cui Jianchun during a press conference yesterday at the eral plan of the project, and I think it will be ready by 2035,” Asian countries. embassy in Yarmouk. The Chinese envoy bid goodbye and he revealed. HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- thanked the people of Kuwait for a wonderful three and Hamad Al-Sabah visited China last June and attended the half years’ stay here as China’s representative. He noted the Sino-Arab Cooperation Forum. During the visit, Kuwait and Silk Belt and Road initiative project has been making China signed 10 cooperation agreements in different progress in all fronts, which can benefit and help promote domains like energy, finance, communications and culture. the economic prosperity of about 65 countries around it. Trade exchange between the two countries reached $13 The victim is carted away by paramedics. “Vision and actions on jointly building the Silk Road billion in 2014. economic belt and the 21st century maritime Silk Road has been making progress on all fronts. The project has started Friendly stay Man wounded in and the Silk Road economic belt will help as many as 3 bil- On his tenure as the eleventh Chinese ambassador to lion people around it,” the envoy said. The plan connects Kuwait, Cui emphasized the smooth and very friendly stay lioness attack Asia, Europe and Africa, linking vibrant East Asia and bring- in the country. “I have learned a lot from Kuwait as my ing together China, Central Asia, Gulf states and the country’s representative. This was my first assignment as an By Hanan Al-Saadoun and Meshaal Al-Enezi Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean and beyond. “Work ambassador and I am very happy and contented, having has started in China, and countries around it have their lots of cherished memories here that I will value and treas- KUWAIT: A shepherd was critically injured after he was individual plans on how to proceed. Like Kuwait, they can ure for life,” he added. “I am happy and proud of my contribute positively to the Silk Road and maritime route. achievements intended to boost bilateral relations. My attacked by a lioness before Jahra police killed the animal. China and Kuwait are working on how to move forward,” new successor will be Ambassador Wang Di and he will be A Taima police patrol rushed to a location in Salmi desert Cui asserted. here by the second half of next month. yesterday based on an emergency call reporting that a On Yemen, Cui said his country ‘understands’ the deci- man was under a wild animal’s attack. The officers were Boubyan Island sion by the GCC and the UN, but China favored a political given orders to rescue the man and kill the lioness if neces- The envoy said Kuwait could be the ‘intersection’ of this solution to all conflicts and was very concerned about the sary, which they did. An investigation revealed that the ani- project, and Boubyan Island could be the location of security threats posed by terrorism. Saudi Arabia is leading mal escaped from a Kuwaiti man’s property and ran into Kuwait’s new financial and commercial hub, honoring HH a coalition against the Houthi militias in order to protect the victim who was present nearby. The animal’s owner is the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s KUWAIT: Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun speaks during the Yemeni people and restore the legitimate leadership of being summoned for questioning. vision. “Kuwait has a lot of advantages because it is at the the press conference yesterday. — Photo by Joseph Shagra President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.

Stolen car found Opposition challenges A Saudi was recently arrested in Saad Al-Abdullah while driving a vehicle he admitted he had stolen four months earlier from Andalus. The man said that security law jailing activists in order to avoid being caught, he had the vehicle Govt, MPs differ on new payscale system repainted blue.

By B Izzak to delay its decision on them until a future meeting. Suicide bid thwarted Fintas rescue forces were recently dispatched to stop a KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti opposition yesterday filed a petition Wage system woman from committing suicide, said security sources. to the constitutional court challenging a major law that In another development, the national assembly human They noted that the woman had no ID on her and justified sent many opposition activists to jail and threatens dozens resources development committee yesterday discussed her attempt by saying she was having problems with her others, an opposition figure said yesterday. with the Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh details of the gov- ‘sponsor’. The attempt was foiled and a case was filed. Hakem Al-Mutairi, leader of the Islamic Ummah Party, ernment-proposed new wage system for government Musallam Al-Barrak said that the petition against the state security law was employees with the aim to remove discripancies between submitted by a lawyer and if the challenge is accepted, various employees. activists will no longer be sent to jail on state security Saleh said that he briefed the committee on the Fireworks smuggling Amnesty International crimes. improved system for government wages. But MPs spoke of attempt busted A large number of opposition and online activists have major differences between the government and the Shuwaikh port customs inspectors recently foiled demands Barrak’s release been tried and sent to jail on the basis of the state security national assembly on the issue. Head of the committee MP an attempt to smuggle in 1,722 cartons of fireworks law which considers scores of violations as state security Khalil Abdullah said that the government plans to amend arriving from China, said security sources noting that KUWAIT: In advance of a Court of Cassation hearing scheduled for offenses punishable by long jail terms. certain aspects of the civil service law in order to be able to the shipment was found inside a 40-feet container. today, Amnesty International calls on the government of Kuwait In the meantime, the National Assembly’s legal and leg- implement the new wage system. to release former parliamentarian, Musallam Al-Barrak and to drop islative affairs committee yesterday rejected amendments But he added that the committee still has many ques- charges against him relating to a speech he made in October to the election law calling to reduce the voting age from 21 tions about the new system and that the panel will not 2012. The organization also calls on the government to drop to 18 and for allowing servicemen and women to vote in vote on it before getting the full details to ensure that all charges against the approximately 67 others who have faced the parliamentary elections. employees are treated fairly and equally. charges or who have been convicted in connection with repeat- The committee however decided to delay taking any Abdullah said that the government is serious about the Former Malaysian ing parts or the entirety of the speech. decision on a number of other issues related to the elec- new system and MPs want to complete the issue before Amnesty International echoes repeated international recom- tion law including the voting system or voting when the the summer recess at the end of June. But rapporteur of PM to speak mendations for Kuwait to bring its laws and practices on freedom elections fall in the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and the committee MP Ahmad Al-Qhudaibi pointed out that of expression in line with the international standards the govern- the establishment of the election commission. Head of the the government is not serious about the wage system in ‘leadership’ ment has pledged to uphold, notably the International Covenant committee MP Mubarak Al-Harees said that because such because the government is still issuing and backing laws on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The government of Kuwait issues are important and sensitive, the committee decided that contradict the proposed wage system. conference should end the practice of criminal prosecution for defamation or insult and replace it with a legislative provision that allows the aggrieved person(s) to seek redress through a civil suit. KUWAIT: Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Business Amnesty International believes that the statement made by and Employment Services (Kani) Majid Al-Tarkeet Musallam Al-Barrak did not incite to violence or hatred and repre- said the keynote speaker at the “Leadership in sented his conscientiously held beliefs. He is a prisoner of con- Troubled Environment” conference to be held in science and must be released immediately and unconditionally. Kuwait on May 11 and 12 at the Sheraton Hotel Musallam Al-Barrak was arrested on 29 October 2012. He was will be former Malaysian Prime Minister deemed to have “insulted” and “undermined the status of the Mahateer Mohammad. Tarkeet said Dr Mahateer Amir”. The authorities released him on bail four days later, amidst will present his personal experience in leader- nationwide protests. On 15 April 2013, a lower Criminal Court handed down a five-year prison sentence in connection with his ship in troubled environments, through which speech. He remained on bail pending his appeal. On 17 April he succeeded to lead his country to achieve the 2013, a solidarity rally was held at his family residence where highest growth rate at the time and placed it some 67 people recited the speech before those assembled were among the economically advanced countries in dispersed. In January 2015, an appeal court reduced the sentence less than two decades. He said a delegation to two years. On 1 March 2015, Musallam Al-Barrak handed him- from Kani group including Chairman of the self to the authorities. He has been held since then as bail was Board Jamal Al-Shihab and himself visited refused. The Court of Cassation, Kuwait’s highest court, will deter- Mahateer last week and handed him the invita- mine whether the legal basis of the conviction will stand. tion and conference topics. He said Dr Mahateer Amnesty International calls on the authorities to likewise drop was the fourth prime minister of Malaysia from charges against the approximately 67 people who recited the 2012 speech at the rally held in support of Musallam Al-Barrak in 1981 until 2003, and transformed Malaysia from April 2013. The 67 people sought to assert their freedom of an agricultural country that relied on producing expression in Kuwait by taking part in the mass recitation of the and exporting raw material into an advanced speech. Those facing charges include members of a Kuwaiti industrial country where the industrial and serv- human rights group, the National Committee for Monitoring ice sectors contribute by 90 percent of the gross Violations (NCV), including Munther Al-Habib, Abdullah Al-Rafdi domestic product. The percentage of exported and Rana Al-Saadoun, who did not take part in the rally but manufactured products is 85 percent of total uploaded the recitation to a social media website. The 67 individu- exports, and the country produces 80 percent of als are being tried in at least five separate groups. NOTE: Parts of the report were edited out in compliance with the vehicles that are driven on Malaysian streets. Kuwait’s publication law.

KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait concluded its 4th Annual ‘Ya Zain Turathna’ (our beautiful heritage) cultural campaign, which targeted introducing the young generation to the Kuwaiti heritage and their ancestors’ simple lifestyle. Bank officials and staff visited several schools during the campaign. Storekeeper acquitted of child molestation

KUWAIT: The Court of Appeal recently The suspect’s defense, represented by acquitted an Asian man of child molesta- attorney Mohammad Kamal, pressed tion charges. The verdict overruled the that there was no clear evidence against Criminal Court’s ruling which sentenced the his client. He argued that the storekeeper suspect to five years in prison with labor. could never have committed his crime The suspect, a grocery storekeeper inside the store during the day as stated was accused of molesting the 12-year- in the police report. He further argued old Kuwaiti boy inside the store. The that the fact that the boy was accompa- teen’s father said in the police report that nied by his 13-year-old friend at the time the suspect molested his son seven of the alleged crime further supports his times, and added that the suspect client’s innocence plea. Eventually, the escaped when he came to the store and court ordered to overrule the storekeep- confronted him about the case. er’s jail sentence. Attorney Mohammad Kamal MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 LOCAL

In Brief Arab Media Forum set Aviation control Teacher wins KUWAIT: The Arab Media Forum’s 12th session is due center examined photo contest on April 25-27, to be held under sponsorship of His KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti teacher won a gold medal at Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak KUWAIT: A new complex housing offices of the the Vienna International Photo Awards contest, Al-Sabah. The forum will discuss electronic communi- Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s control and the in the category of trees images. Ma’aali Al- cations, and will include seminars dealing with various meteorological center is being equipped and Dbayyan said yesterday that the contest is one issues, namely ‘youth dialogue.’ Information and Youth designed according to international standards, said of the most prominent competitions in the field, Affairs Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Hmoud Al-Sabah and the Director General Yousef Al-Fozan. Fozan visited with a total of 70,000 photographs taken by par- envoy of the UN Chief for Humanitarian Affairs Dr the project’s construction site examining ongoing ticipants from various parts of the world were Abdullah Al-Maatouq will speak on reasons that led to work, including particulars and specifications, ensur- shown during the event. Dbayyan is the first the UN designation of HH the Amir as Humanitarian ing they match international standards, the authority female Arab photographer who wins an interna- Leader, and Kuwait as Humanitarian Center. — KUNA said in a statement yesterday. —KUNA tional photography competition. —KUNA Photo of the day

KUWAIT: The sign reads in Arabic: Assembly point for Ministry of Oil employees. It designates the spot where ministry workers would gather to be transferred from the ministry headquarters back to their lodgings. It was used during the 1970s and was located in Fahad Al Salem Street near the Kuwait Municipality Park. The Ministry of Oil used to be part of the Ministry of Finance and thus was housed along with the Finance Ministry until it was moved to its new headquarters in Shuwaikh. — Photo by Mahmoud Zakaria Abdulraheem Burgan Bank sponsors ‘Capital School Oral Health Program’

KUWAIT: As part of its comprehensive Corporate Ministry of Health officials. comprehensive school-based/linked program Social Responsibility Strategy, Burgan Bank Through this year-round partnership, the providing Oral health Education, Prevention and announced its year-long sponsorship of the bank will extend its full support to work along- Treatment to almost 270,000 Kuwaiti school chil- Ministry of Health’s ‘Capital School Oral Health side the Ministry of Health in spreading aware- dren. Such community interactions further rein- Program’. The announcement was made during ness of maintaining a healthy dental lifestyle forces Burgan Bank’s leadership and social dedi- the program’s opening ceremony held at Marina amongst school students. This will be imple- cation to the wellbeing of the society. The bank Hotel on 16 April 2015. The ceremony was held mented through a series of school visits, activa- has pledged to support initiatives that work on under the patronage of Minister of Health Dr Ali tion and awareness programs in clinics, hospi- familiarizing the public with the benefits of Al-Obaidi, and coincided with the sixth GCC Oral tals, and malls in efforts of enriching the entire maintaining a healthier lifestyle in an interactive Health Unified Week. The event was attended by community’s dental health knowledge. and informative manner in collaboration with several GCC’s Ambassadors and a number of The Capital School Oral Health Program is a governmental and recognized entities.

Burgan Bank announces Youth Account winner

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank recently announced Rand enjoy their multiple chances of winning. Ahmed Saud Al-Sumait as the 9th winner of the The bank’s Youth Account was launched for new Youth Account draw that entitles young cus- young individuals, around the ages of 15 to 25, tomers to double their student allowances and who seek to attain a successful future. There is win an additional KD 200 every month after trans- no KD limit to open an account, and no mini- ferring their allowance to the ‘Youth’ account. mum balance required to maintain it. With the introduction of the Youth Account Furthermore, account holders receive free pre- draw, customers transferring their student paid card and an ATM card which entitles them allowances to the bank will be automatically to discounts at selected merchants. To find out enrolled into a draw, whereby for every KD 20 in more about Burgan Bank’s Youth Account as their Youth Account, customers will be given a well as the latest promotions, customers are chance to win a cash prize of KD 200 every required to visit their nearest Burgan Bank month. Customers wishing to take part in this branch or contact the call center on 1804080. draw are advised to transfer their educational For more information, customers can visit the allowance to Burgan Bank’s Youth account and bank’s website on www.burgan.com. Hessa Al-Najadah, Senior Officer Public Relations at Burgan Bank, with the organizers during the opening ceremony. Kuwait Dive Team to exhibit marine protection activities

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Dive Team is plan- ning to exhibit its works, namely opera- tions to preserve and rehabilitate the marine environment. The project is to be launched in coordination with the Charitable Society for Social Solidarity in line with a previously-signed protocol, said Walid Al-Shatti, chief of marine oper- ations at the team. The program would feature cinematic shows, publications and some other various educational work- shops, he added. The team, which is affiliated with the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF), will exhibit diverse activities, such as saving marine creatures entangled in abandoned fishing nets, creation of coral reefs, lifting waste and various materials dumped into the sea. A hall has been pre- pared at the society headquarters to per- form the exhibitions, to be addressed to citizens of various occupations, including students. — KUNA MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 LOCAL

KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ali Al-Obaidi (second from right), Fahd Al-Mujil (third from right) and min- The Haya Abdulrahman Al-Mujil Kidney Center istry officials inaugurate the center. —Photos by Joseph Shagra Minister downplays swine flu threat

By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ali Saad Al-Obaidi yester- day said the incidence of swine flu in Kuwait is nothing to worry about, according to WHO global health estimates, stressing the ministry’s keenness to speak frankly with citi- zens and residents about all similar situations. Speaking after opening the Haya Abdulrahman Al-Mujil Kidney Center yesterday, Obaidi said the ministry is seeking to apply the strategies and protocols developed by World Health Organization (WHO) in order to ensure the safety and health of citizens and residents. He explained that swine flu has been widespread since 2009, adding that the number of casualties began to decline after a global fight against the virus. He said the ministry of health is taking all preventive precautions to halt the spread of infection, pointing to the success of the ministry’s efforts in dealing with more serious diseases such as Ebola and MERS. The minister said flu vacci- nations given in August and November have reduced much of the incidence of the disease.

KD 2 million Obaidi said that the total cost of the kidney center amounted to two million Kuwaiti dinars “It is a generous donation from the Al-Mujil family, and shows how the Kuwaiti people loyally support health projects and initia- tives. He pointed out that after the opening of this center, the total number of kidney centers in Kuwait has reached seven. He noted that the center includes doctors, nurses, technicians and administrators, adding that the ministry’s future plan includes bringing in specialists in kidney dis- ease through a fellowship program at the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialties and a scholarship plan for universi- ties and centers around the world. Fahd Al-Mujil, from the donor’s family, said: “This center has emerged from a Kuwaiti citizen’s responsibility and his role in contributing to nation-building institutions”. He added the Center is now receiving dialysis patients, pointing to other projects by the family of the late Abdulrahman Al-Mujil, with the Nasser Abdul Rahman Al-Mujil center for special needs in Khalidiya set to start its work. No fee hike for private schools in 2015/2016 By Meshaal Al-Enezi and A Saleh

KUWAIT: All private schools in Kuwait have been warned against collecting fee increases for the 2015/2016 school year. Fahad Al-Ghaiss, acting assistant undersecretary for private education at the Education Ministry, explained that a 3 percent increase approved last year was not collected by all schools due to the lateness of the approval and those schools would be free to add the 3 percent fee hike. Ghaiss also noted that schools would likely receive approval to hike fees again in 2016/2017. Ghaiss said that private school teachers’ salary hikes were suspended because they cannot be paid unless the tuition fees were increased. “I am not defending private schools here but only being fair,” he underlined.

Second session Meanwhile, Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa made a decision that could help eliminate the controversy surrounding the second session final exams. The new decision requires including topics taught in the second semester only in the second session finals. The second session exams are tests taken by students who fail a maximum of three subjects in the final, effectively giv- ing them a second change to pass. According to a decision circulated to all concerned MOE departments, students who had been regularly attending school since the begin- ning of the school year will have the opportunity to be examined in the third and fourth period topics whereas those who miss the fourth period exams would be tested in the whole curriculum. The ministry also set May 7th as the end of classes at public schools this year.

Contracts terminated The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) recently announced terminating the contracts of two companies for violating the terms of the contracts. One of the compa- nies is specialized in checking meters and calculating con- sumption, while the other is specialized in connecting and disconnecting the current. The ministry announced that the contracts would be given to other companies accord- ing to standard rules and procedures. Special discounts at Khairan Resort KUWAIT: The Touristic Entertainment City announced spe- cial offers at Al-Khairan Resort during Ramadan, including a 50 percent discount on weekdays and a 20 percent discounts on weekends. The offer is part of TEC’s special preparations for the 2015 summer season, Acting Public Relations and Marketing Manager Saqr Al-Badr said. More special recreational programs for visitors of TEC facilities will be announced throughout the summer, Badr Saqr Al-Badr added. MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Jarida Report Man breaks brother’s The people’s nose in Jahra minister

KUWAIT: A Gulf national who works at the Interior Ministry By Ali Khajah was beaten up by his brother. The man sustained a broken nose during the fight in Jahra area. The victim told Jahra e introduces himself as a people’s minister from police that his brother stormed the house and beat him the people who works for them, one who shares and submitted a medical report of his injuries resulting activities with them, and you see him suddenly from the attack. Police are investigating. H getting in the backseat of a police patrol and some oth- er times you may find him suddenly visiting service Airport taxi strike centers to help get people’s transactions done, in addi- tion to coming up with some outdated ‘moves’ that are Airport taxi drivers carried out strikes in protest against no longer fruitful in the age of electronic media that private cars owners who compete with them, bearing allows everybody to comment, criticize and even in mind that there were fights previously with those express dissatisfaction with behaviors many people see drivers. They demanded that authorities should ban as being fake or staged. private cars owners from carrying out this activity. I am talking here about Interior Minister Sheikh Airport taxi drivers are all Kuwaiti citizens and they Mohammed Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, who assumed the hold the monopoly on airport taxi rides, with fares same position after a long interval and believes Kuwait starting at not less than KD 8. did not change during his absence. He still believes printed journalism has the upper hand and thus keeps Son beats mother acting in the same old manner, having the press cover A man beat his mother in her Waha house and left her his tours as ‘sudden’ ones that no other minister makes. bruised over most of her body. The woman had to be taken Al-Jarida Well, I cannot understand how these visits are sudden to hospital for treatment. when a photographer or a reporter is always present around! However and regardless of the minister’s clearly Govt demands finalizing Silk City law exposed moves, I will never care for such moves if the Deportation threat minister was keen on law enforcement and committed A Syrian man threatened to deport an Egyptian KUWAIT: Well-informed sources said to it. Yet, it is clear that the minister, the ministry and national following a fight between the two over a that the Cabinet has urged the Supreme the government in general have a different law subject parking spot at Mubarak hospital. Both were detained Planning Council, the housing authority, to moodiness and fear - two elements that, once pres- over exchanging blows. the ministerial legal committee, the ent, are enough to break all laws and regulations. Fatwa and Legislations Department and Everybody is banned to enter Kuwait without due legal the initiatives apparatus to quickly finish reason the moment a Shiite shouts here, a Sunni shouts Indian hurt in fall a bill on Silk City so that it could be An Indian man who works for the Information Ministry fell there or they both shout together to ban a clergyman referred to the parliament, discussed from the roof of a mosque in Al-Seddeeq area while he was belonging to either doctrine or ban a thinker, a singer and passed. busy with live broadcast preparations. He suffered various or a painter from entering Kuwait. The minister would The sources added that the govern- fractures and internal bleeding. consequently fear such shouts and calls and ban the ment asked these bodies to get help concerned people! from local or foreign experts so that the Recently, a certain body had organized an activity Drug user arrested bill could be the first to be approved and titled ‘I Respect Life’ to boost traffic awareness, which Farwaniya police arrested a citizen with drugs and passed in the next parliamentary term. included a concert where Kuwaiti and a foreign singers paraphernalia as well as forged IDs, and was sent to Notably, Silk City is planned to be built would sing. The concert had already got all permissions detectives department for questioning. over an area of 250 sq km at an estimat- and licenses from the ministry of information and ed total cost of KD 25 billion. It will pro- unlimited support form MoI’s security media, until a vide 400,000 job opportunities, include tweet popped up demanding banning the concert two Boat rescue residential, investment, touristic and days before it was due, which made MoI and the infor- Sea rescue rescued a family of seven from drowning as recreational sectors and is planned to act mation ministry yield and ban the concert that had water leaked into their boat, and no injuries were as a global commercial hub. — Al-Jarida been approved! reported. — Al-Rai Would this concert be banned if the same happened in Dubai and would Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid New conditions for yield to similar calls? I believe the answer is known and that he would not fear any calls as long as all proce- Expats medical dures were legal. This is the difference because states appointing senior officials that respect their laws and are committed to imple- fees to increase menting them are more respected and attract the KUWAIT: Following the recent amend- whole world, whereas those that retreat in fear of ments of the civil services law which KUWAIT: Fees for medical services shouts or calls do not value or respect their own laws were passed by the parliament and and nobody will! for expatriates will significantly published in the official gazette Al- increase, and while the ministry We really need statesmen capable of confrontations Kuwait Al-Youm, new conditions for when enforcing the law - ones who do not ban an undersecretary refused to reveal appointing senior officials took effect the new amounts, he confirmed activity without due legal cause or insult a visitor yesterday. According to the new condi- because of some howling here and there. that the committee studying the tions, a minister should name three rise completed its work and sub- Unfortunately, we have lacked such type of statesmen, candidates for specific vacancies, each mitted a report to minister Dr Ali at least for the past two decades. Finally, Your Al-Obaidi. Dr Khalid Al-Sahalawi, candidate should present a full plan on Excellency the interior minister, have your tours pho- the ministry’s undersecretary, said how he/she would run the post and tographed as you wish and do as many staged ones as “medical services for expats in all Dr Khalid Al-Sahalawi develop it, set timelines for achieving you wish, but do enforce the law and be more commit- government sector facilities will be goals, have good command of English, ted to it without fear or moodiness. 20 percent less than the private sector, while there are services be computer literate, at least hold a — Translated by Kuwait Times that will be free including emergencies and accidents”. university degree and have a minimum He said current fees are much less than the private sector, of 22 years of experience (that matches which is a squandering of public funds and causes congestions in the degrees they hold) for those to be x-ray and laboratory departments. Sahalawi said the health insur- appointed in top positions, 20 years for ance hospitals company will care for expats and will build three undersecretaries, 16 years for assistant Al-Jarida hospitals and 15 health centers to treat them instead of going to undersecretaries and passing special health ministry hospitals, which will reflect positively on the serv- training courses to be qualified for ice given to Kuwaiti citizens. — Al-Rai each senior position. The Civil Service Commission’s building You’d better quit The new conditions also state that in the same ministry or body would Diwan, Crown Princeís Diwan, Prime in case two candidates identically be prioritized. The conditions exempt- Ministerís Diwan and the Cabinetís match the conditions, those working ed those appointed at the Amiri secretariat general. — Al-Jarida By Hassan Al-Essa Al-Jarida Kandari’s fate inger Marcel Khalife’s statement on his Facebook Tribes and policy News account, which was published by Al-Rai newspaper, in brief Swas as follows: “I was heading to Kuwait upon an determined soon invitation to sing in Kuwait but an extremist lawmaker muddling objected to my visit, and thus I was banned from enter- KUWAIT: Abdullah Al-Kandari, Firemen accused of using ing Kuwait. Therefore, I urge the Kuwaiti government, if it By Dr Bader Al-Daihani brother of Kuwaiti ‘artificial’ fingerprints has no objection to my visit, to apologize for what hap- Guantanamo detainee Fayez pened and welcome my visit”. s I have repeatedly mentioned, a tribe is a respectful Al-Kandari, said the periodical This is how a genuine artist who believes in his KUWAIT: Director General of Kuwait Fire Service social entity based on race, kinship and blood bonds. review session that will decide nation’s causes should act, that is, if Khalife insists on Directorate (KFSD) Lt Gen Yousuf Al-Ansari said that some AIt is not a political organization open to anyone who the fate of his brother has been demanding an apology to the very end. Art’s and cul- firemen used an artificial fingerprint device to check in for agrees to its line of ideology and political agenda regard- set for April 25, 2015, adding ture’s dignity cannot be subject to the authority’s moodi- work. He said all of the firemen in question received strict less of his origin and race, while he preserves the right to that this date can change like it ness, fears and worries that a sheikh minister will get punishment that varied between pay deduction and warn- quit whenever he wishes to do so. A man with tribal origins happened with Kuwaiti knocked out of the Cabinet because of a grilling motion ings, as per civil service laws. Ansari described this manipu- remains holding his tribe’s name and stays affiliated to it detainees before. Kandari said campaign that might possibly be launched by this or lation of systems as ‘strange,’ adding that KFSD will equip forever as it is the roots of his larger family. the review session will discuss that extremist lawmaker who wishes to custom-tailor the all fingerprint systems with cameras to picture the employ- In tribal life, there are followers and subjects of the tribe whether to recommend Fayez’s Fayez Al-Kandari whole state and its people according to his and his ee logging a fingerprint. — Al-Anbaa or clan chief while in a modern constitutional state, all return to Kuwait or to keep him group’s ideas regardless of their numbers and influence. tribes, sects and families integrate in one national body at Guantanamo, adding that it is not necessary for the Khalife conveyed a message to their excellencies where equal constitutional citizenship is the base and all meeting to come out with the decision during the same Jaber hospital here, that is, if they listened while bobbing from one are free constitutional citizens who are equal before the law session, and there may an addition session. — Al-Rai KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ali Al-Obaidi said there stance to another according to retrograde conservative in terms of rights and duties. Accordingly, none of them is is coordination between health and public works waves. The message stressed that an artist has as much superior to another except by powers of the law. Therefore, ministries for initial operation of Jaber Hospital, dignity and pride as your ego and snobbishness. That a we might see members of one tribe or even family belong Saleh to ‘sweep’ out adding that several dental activities will begin soon. free artist should not be considered a pawn in any politi- to different parties, professional societies, syndicates or He said dental clinics at Jaber Hospital will be cal games and that committed art has a supreme mes- NGOs that might also be competing against one another. ‘broke’ companies opened after receiving them from the public works sage that goes high above policy swamps in a country In modern states, individuals resort to the law and state ministry, adding that all equipment for the clinics are that is helpless to take any step forward towards moder- institutions in seek of protection and their rights. KUWAIT: Minister of finance in Kuwait. — Al-Rai nity, liberty and real human development. A country Therefore, a tribe’s role stays limited to optional social soli- and acting minister of com- that sums up all its policies to the old royal orders of darity amongst its followers. It has no political role. merce and industry Anas Al- ‘Give him a sack of money!’ Moreover, meddling in politics with all the maneuvering, Saleh said he has given clear Legislative flaw No, you government of phobias and eternal worry! deals, concessions and alliances this involves not only instructions to make an inven- KUWAIT: The criminal court revealed a critical legislative flaw Marcel is not a ‘poet laureate’ who would dance and jeopardizes a tribe’s solidarity, but also threatens national tory of all companies that have which may cause cancellation of punishment of many suspects jump on your desperate stages to please you in return coherence and unity. lost their capital or most of it, in various cases for breaking the public prosecutor’s ban on for a ‘sack of money’. Frankly speaking, we are fed up and So a tribe is a pre-state formation and social entity and or those who lost at least 75 publication. The court said after declaring five suspects inno- feel sick with your performance, incompetence and hesi- using it in political conflicts, be that by the authority, which percent of it and have not cent who appeared on a satellite channel and spoke about a tation. Except for deploying special forces out on yards has happened many times, or by any of the other parties as updated their data with the case that the part of the text to punish those who violated the to strike peaceful opposition members and prosecute what is currently happening for clear political reasons, is a ministry for over three years, so ban is not available in the audiovisual law with regards to satel- them, you are good for nothing, especially where eco- setback to pre-modern state times. It also harms the tribe that they could be subjected to Finance Minister Anas lite channels, and only available in the print and publication nomic reform is concerned and badly needed or when itself and contributes to create more division in a society the law by either liquidation or Al-Saleh law, which includes newspapers. The court said that in imple- talking about a real project to end the state of flabbiness that already has enough problems created by successive legalizing their statuses. “Doing mentation of the “no punishment without text” principle, inter- and indifference in your administrative bodies, when bad governments! so, we are imposing law number 25/2012 equally on all pretation of penal laws has to be accurate, and that when the talking about atavistic voices in a parliament that only It is true that there are developmental and democratic companies, especially after the ministry recently won law- law’s expression is very clear, then it must be considered a true setbacks, social injustice, exclusion of citizens with tribal naive people thought would be a bridge to progress and suits against companies that had entirely lost their capi- expression of the legislated will and cannot be deviated from origins, tyranny and selectiveness in law enforcement and development. What we only ended up with is banning tals,” he explained, pointing out that the commerce min- through interpretation regardless of the motive. The court sluggishness in democratization, and it is also true that thinkers like the late Nasser Hamed Abozaid and others istry intends to ‘sweep’ all such violating companies out of added that it is not possible to improvise towards the clarity of some substantial circumstances result from the state’s fail- by previous parliaments all the way to today’s ‘progres- the local market. — Al-Rai the law’s text that must be implemented. —Al-Qabas ure to do its basic duties and forming anti-constitution and sive’ parliament that banned Khalife! anti-democratization corrupt powers that are actually try- A word to NCCAL Chairman Ali Al-Youha who said ing to divide the society according to sects. Female mayors allowed that the concert was cancelled for administrative rea- Tribalism or sectarianism do not solve modern life sons: I would like to advise you to at least be as frank as problems and only get the tribe deeper into muddling KUWAIT: The Fatwa and The fatwa relied on article 29 of among them due to gender, origin, your predecessors, who were much more important and and games and eventually make things worse and hin- Legislation Dept allowed the the Kuwait constitution that states language or religion.” The depart- influential, and confess that “This is higher policy and der reform political and democratic demands to build a appointment of a woman as “may- “people are equal in human dignity ment said if a woman meets the orders and I have nothing to do with it”. What are you modern, just democratic state where all sociopolitical or” in an answer to a request for and are equal in front of the law in conditions of being a mayor, then still in your jobs for then? Do us all, and yourselves, a sects coexist. its opinion asked by the interior rights and public duties, and no there is no reason for not appoint- favor - quit and go home! — Translated by Kuwait Times ministry. discrimination should be made ing her in this post. — Al-Qabas — Translated by Kuwait Times MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 IS shows purported executions in Libya Enigmatic Gandhi fires up opposition at farmers rally of Ethiopian Christians Page 12 Page 8

MESSINA: Migrants are seated, surrounded by emergency relief workers aboard a vessel at the Italian port of Messina, Saturday, as migrants prepare to be processed at the quayside. UNHCR said yesterday, the search and recovery rescue operation is under way after a boat carrying migrants overturned north of Libya. — AP 700 migrants feared dead in Mediterranean Amnesty calls shipwreck ‘man-made’ tragedy

ROME: As many as 700 migrants were feared drowned The most serious incident prior to yesterday been rescued since the middle of last week and current year. yesterday after their packed boat capsized off Libya in occurred off Malta in September 2014. An estimated trends suggest last year’s total of 170,000 migrants Italy scaled back the mission after failing to persuade what was described as the deadliest such disaster to 500 migrants drowned in a shipwreck caused by traf- landing in Italy is likely to be at least match in 2015. its European partners to help meet its operating costs date in the Mediterranean. fickers deliberately ramming the boat in an attempt to of nine million euros ($9.7 million) a month amid divi- The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and Italy’s coast- force the people on board onto another, smaller vessel. Avoidable deaths? sions over whether the mission was unintentionally guard said only 28 people had survived the wreck. Their In October 2013, more than 360 Africans perished Pope Francis yesterday led calls for European Union encouraging migrants to attempt the crossing. testimonies suggested there had been about 700 peo- when the tiny fishing boat they were crammed onto leaders to act to stem the loss of life. Mare Nostrum has been partially replaced by a much ple on board the 20-metre (70-foot) fishing boat, offi- caught fire within sight of the coast of Lampedusa. “These are men and women like us, brothers seeking smaller EU-run operation called Triton which has a frac- cials said. That horrific tragedy was described at the time as a a better life,” he said in his weekly address to the Roman tion of the assets and specialist manpower previously “It seems we are looking at the worst massacre ever wake-up call to the world but 18 months later there is Catholic faithful in St Peter’s square, urging leaders to deployed by Italy. seen in the Mediterranean,” UNHCR spokeswoman no sign of a let-up in the numbers attempting the per- “act decisively and quickly to stop these tragedies from Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was expected to make a Carlotta Sami said. ilous crossing in search of a better life in Europe. recurring.” statement on the tragedy later Sunday following an The European Union announced an emergency The latest disaster comes after a week in which two Amnesty’s John Dalhuisen called yesterday’s acci- emergency meeting with ministers involved in manag- meeting of foreign and interior ministers to discuss other migrant shipwrecks left an estimated 450 people dent a “man-made tragedy of appalling proportions.” ing the migrant crisis. what Amnesty International blasted as an avoidable dead. “These latest deaths at sea come as a shock, but not The migrants seeking to reach Europe with the help “man-made tragedy”. If the worst fears about yesterday’s tragedy are con- a surprise.” of people smugglers are generally fleeing conflict or Coastal authorities in Italy and Malta picked up a dis- firmed, it will take the death toll since the start of 2015 Amnesty is among NGOs calling for the restoration of persecution in places such as Eritrea, Afghanistan and tress signal from the stricken vessel around midnight to more than 1,600. an Italian navy search-and-rescue operation known as Syria, or poverty and hunger in sub-Saharan Africa and (2200 GMT) on Saturday, when it was about 70 miles More than 11,000 other would-be immigrants have Mare Nostrum which was suspended at the end of last South Asia. — AFP (126 km) off the Libyan coast and 110 miles (177 km) south of the Italian island of Lampedusa. The Italian coastguard instructed a nearby merchant ship to go to the scene and it was when the Portuguese-registered King Jacob arrived at the scene that the fishing boat capsized, most likely as a result of the terrified passengers stampeding to one side in their desperation to get off, the UNHCR’s Sami said. A total of 17 boats scoured the area for survivors yes- terday but only 24 bodies had been recovered so far, the coastguard said.

Worst tragedy yet The disaster was the latest in a growing catalogue of mass drownings of migrants attempting to reach Europe on overcrowded, unseaworthy boats run by people smugglers who are able to operate out of Libya with impunity because of the chaos engulfing the north African state. INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 France provides first weapons to Lebanon for IS fight

PARIS: The first French weapons from a $3 of training for the 70,000-strong Lebanese ply the Lebanese army, argued analyst transport elite units by truck,” said Jaber. Nerguizian. “Compared with just three billion Saudi-funded programme will arrive army and 10 years of equipment mainte- Aram Nerguizian, because Saudi Arabia The Cougar helicopters and corvette war- years ago, it’s like night and day. They have in Lebanon today as allies seek to bolster nance. “This project is to help us re-estab- had been frustrated by US and British ships must first be built, and the first are gone from a constabulary police force to the country’s defences against the Islamic lish a Lebanese army capable of respond- refusal to attack the Syrian regime in 2013. not expected for at least 30 months. being the only military in the world that is State group and other jihadists pressing ing to new security realities,” said a French “It was good fortune for the French, but defending its frontiers against ISIS,” he said. along its Syrian border. defence official. they have a lot to prove. The momentum of ‘Night and day’ But working with Lebanon is never simple. Anti-tank guided missiles are set to Since the conflict in neighbouring Syria the US and UK defence programmes in A key problem has been France’s unex- The sharp divisions between its religious arrive at an air force base in Beirut, over- broke out in 2011, Lebanon has faced Lebanon is far more consolidated,” said plained reluctance to discuss the details of and ethnic communities have been deep- seen by French Defence Minister Jean-Yves mounting spill-over threats, first from the Nerguizian, a senior fellow at the Center for its modernisation programme with the US ened by conflicting views on the Syrian Le Drian and his Lebanese counterpart, millions of refugees pouring across the Strategic and International Studies in and Britain, said Nerguizian. war. Hezbollah, which is a powerful politi- Samir Mokbel. France is expected to deliver border and increasingly from jihadists. Washington. “They have perplexed their UK and US cal force in Lebanon, sent its fighters to 250 combat and transport vehicles, seven “There are an estimated 3,000 armed The challenge has been to find French partners by not being clear about what is support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Cougar helicopters, three small corvette militants based on our border, waiting for military equipment that Lebanon actually on the list,” he said. “They need to be com- last year, but many Lebanese still deeply warships and a range of surveillance and the moment to penetrate into the Bekaa needs, he said, and to ensure it can be inte- plementary or it becomes a problem.” resent the Assad regime which effectively communications equipment over four valley,” said Hisham Jaber, a former general grated with their existing weapon systems. Washington has provided around three- colonised the country up to 2005. years as part of the $3 billion (2.8 billion- now at the Middle East Centre for the Study Nerguizian said Lebanon had turned down quarters of Lebanon’s foreign military aid Meanwhile, Israel remains concerned euro) modernisation programme. of Public Relations in Beirut. “They haven’t France’s Gazelle attack helicopter, Leclerc over the past decade-some $700 million-as about any military assistance that might It is being entirely funded by Saudi come for tourism or to go skiing.” tank and larger warships, either because well as Special Forces teams to train its elite bolster a regional rival or fall into the hands Arabia, which is keen to see Lebanon’s they were too expensive to maintain or not units, according to IHS Jane’s, a London- of Hezbollah, which fought a short and army defend its borders against jihadist ‘Good fortune’ suited to the combat environment. Instead, based think tank. brutal war against Israel as recently as groups, particularly the Islamic State group Former colonial power France is actually the focus is likely to be on radar capabili- Britain has provided training facilities as 2006. “The Lebanese army is already well- and Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra, instead of a late-comer to the conflict, with almost all ties, and command-and-control systems, well as watch towers and forward operat- infiltrated by Hezbollah,” said an Israeli offi- leaving the job to Hezbollah militants, who Lebanon’s international support coming which the Lebanese army currently lack, as ing bases along the border with Syria. cial on condition of anonymity. “But we are backed by its regional rival, Iran. from the United States and Britain in recent well as transport aircraft. “We urgently This has led to a dramatic improvement understand the necessity of reinforcing the The contract also promises seven years years. France only won the contract to sup- need helicopters. We are currently trying to in the Lebanese army’s capabilities, said capacity of the Lebanese army.” — AFP IS shows purported executions in Libya of Ethiopian Christians Addis Ababa condemns reported killings

TRIPOLI: The Islamic State group yesterday released a video purportedly showing the exe- cution of some 30 Ethiopian Christians captured in Libya. Addis Ababa condemned the reported killings and said its embassy in Egypt was trying to verify the video to ascertain if those murdered were indeed Ethiopians. “We strongly condemn such atrocities, whether they are Ethiopians are not,” Ethiopian Communications Minister Redwan Hussein told AFP. The 29-minute IS video purports to show militants holding two groups of captives, described in text captions as “followers of the JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) walks in to the weekly cross from the enemy Ethiopian Church”. cabinet meeting escorted by government military secretary Eyal Zamir (L) in his A masked fighter in black brandishing a pistol Jerusalem office, yesterday. — AFP makes a statement threatening Christians if they do not convert to Islam. Israel PM to request extra The video then switches between footage of one group of about 12 men being beheaded by masked militants on a beach and another group time for forming new govt of at least 16 being shot in the head in a desert area. It was not immediately clear who the cap- JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Since the outset, Netanyahu has been tives were or how many were killed. Before the This undated image made from a video released by Islamic State militants, yesterday, Netanyahu is to make a formal request for expected to form a coalition which would killings, the video shows purported footage of appears to show the killing of a group of captured Ethiopian Christians in Libya. The 29- extra time to piece together a new govern- comprise his rightwing Likud (30 seats), the Christians in Syria, saying they had been given minute video released online yesterday purportedly shows two groups of captives. It says ment, the president’s office said yesterday. far-right Jewish Home (eight), the hardline the choice of converting to Islam or paying a one group is held by an IS affiliate in eastern Libya and the other by an affiliate in the south. After a surprise election victory, anti-Arab Yisrael Beitenu (six), the ultra- special tax, and had decided to pay. A masked fighter delivers a long statement before the video switches between footage that Netanyahu was on March 25 tasked by Orthodox parties Shas (seven) and United The video bore the logo of the IS media arm purportedly shows the captives in the south being shot dead and the captives in the east President Reuven Rivlin with forming the next Torah Judaism (UTJ, six) and the centre-right and was similar to past footage released by the being beheaded on a beach. — AP government and given four weeks to do so. Kulanu (10). jihadists, including of 21 Coptic Christians With the deadline fast approaching, the But as the talks have dragged on, there beheaded on a Libyan beach in February. could become a jihadist haven on Europe’s League official said. A US-led coalition of Israeli leader was to formally request an has been increasing talk about him turning to Feeding on the political chaos and unrest doorstep unless the violence stops and a nation- Western and Arab nations is already waging an extension of up to two weeks at a working the centre-left Zionist Union to form a nation- that has wracked Libya since the 2011 uprising al unity government is formed. air war against IS in Syria and Iraq. IS has carried meeting with Rivlin today morning, the presi- al unity government, although its leader, that toppled dictator Moamer Gaddafi, several Yesterday, UN envoy for Libya Bernardino out atrocities against minorities-including dent’s office said in a statement. “At the con- Isaac Herzog, has denied reports of a secret Libyan jihadist groups have pledged allegiance Leon said after weeks of brokering talks Christians and Yazidis-sparking fears for the fate clusion of the meeting, the prime minister meeting with Netanyahu, scotching rumours to IS. Addis Ababa says IS which seized chunks of between rival factions that they had reached a of vulnerable communities in mostly Muslim will request an extension of the time allocat- of a deal. “I said after the election results Syria and Iraq and won support of jihadist draft accord which is “very close to a final agree- nations. Yesterday, the head of the Church of ed to him to form the new governing coali- came in that we were headed to the opposi- groups across the region despite a reputation for ment”. Speaking to reporters in Morocco, Leon England, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, tion,” a statement said. tion. That’s not by default. That is our prefer- brutality, has also gained a foothold in Ethiopia. also said preparations were under way for armed was in Egypt to offer his condolences over the “According to the Basic Law: ... the presi- ence,” he said late Saturday in remarks widely “There are elements of IS around Ethiopia groups to hold direct talks to end the conflict. beheadings of the Copts in Libya. dent has the power to extend that (initial picked up by the Israeli press. “Netanyahu who are already carrying out operations, even Referring to the IS video and fighting in Libya, Almost two-thirds of Ethiopians are four-week) period for a maximum of a further needed to decide who he was forming a gov- though under a different name,” said Redwan, Leon said: “We know that the enemies of peace, Christians, mostly Orthodox Copts, who say they 14 days.” If he still cannot form a coalition, ernment with, and it is clear that he prefers a referring to the Shebab group. “We will keep on the enemies of the agreement, will be active and have been in the Horn of Africa nation since the Rivlin can assign another party leader to the rightwing-religious government ... Our place fighting them.” be even more active in the coming days and first century AD. There are also large numbers of task - again with a 28-day deadline. is in the opposition. We will replace the Likud weeks.” The IS execution of Copts in February protestants. Ethiopia is Africa’s second largest If that fails, he can select a third person government.” The coalition will have to hit the Fears for Christians prompted retaliatory air strikes from Egypt, with nation in terms of population, but large num- who has just 14 days to complete the task. If ground running in order to shore up shat- Since the 2011 revolt, Libya has been awash President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pushing for the bers of its more than 90 million people travel that does not work, the president calls a new tered ties with the administration of US with weapons, has rival governments and parlia- creation of a joint Arab military force to battle abroad to work in menial jobs so they can send election. Despite nearly four weeks of inten- President Barack Obama and address divi- ments and is on the edge of all-out war as armed jihadists. Arab military chiefs will meet on money home. Many go to Libya, using the North sive negotiations, Netanyahu has not yet sions at home. groups battle to control its cities and oil wealth. Wednesday in Cairo to discuss how the force will African nation as a stepping stone for the per- managed to reach agreement on the govern- It will also have to handle an emerging Officials have repeatedly warned that Libya be created, its role and financing, an Arab ilous crossing to Europe. — AFP ment he was hoping to form - which would nuclear deal with Iran, vehemently opposed comprise six rightwing and religious parties by Netanyahu, as well as the imminent threat and have a majority of 67 in the 120-seat par- of Palestinian legal action at the International liament. Criminal Court. — AFP Ex-Yemen leader’s party Morsi faces possible death welcomes cease-fire penalty in first verdict SANAA: The political party of Yemen’s former longtime autocrat said yesterday that it wel- CAIRO: Egypt’s ex-president Mohamed protesters were demonstrating against a Morsi faces being sentenced to death tomor- Morsi decree that put him above judicial comes a UN resolution calling for a cease-fire in row on charges of inciting the killing of pro- review when they clashed with his support- the country, urging all involved in the conflict, testors in the first verdict against him nearly ers. Defence lawyers say there is no proof including a Saudi-led Arab coalition, to observe two years after his fall from power. Morsi incited the clashes, and that most of it. In a statement issued yesterday on its website, He also faces the death penalty in two those killed were Brotherhood members. Ali Abdullah Saleh’s General People’s Congress other trials, including one in which he is said that it would “respond positively” to the UN accused of spying for foreign powers, and ‘Justice highly politicised’ Security Council resolution issued last week. escaping from prison during the 2011 anti- Even if Morsi escapes the death penalty, Pro-Saleh forces have been fighting alongside Mubarak revolt. Separate verdicts in those he could still face life in jail. “Justice is highly the Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, who have two cases are due on May 16. A death sen- politicised and verdicts are rarely based on tence on Tuesday against Egypt’s first freely objective elements,” Karim Bitar from the seized the capital, Sanaa, and other cities. elected president cannot be ruled out, Paris-based Institute of International and “(The party) welcomes the UN Secretary- experts say, especially since judges have Strategic Relations told AFP. Morsi’s support- General’s call to for a cease-fire from all sides already passed harsh verdicts against leaders ers were the target of a government “witch- and a return to dialogue under the auspices of of his blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood. hunt”, he added. If a death sentence is the United Nations,” it said. It added that it urged Morsi was toppled by the then army passed, it is unlikely to be carried out, said H parties “inside and outside” the country to chief-and now president-Abdel Fattah al-Sisi A Hellyer of the Washington-based respond to the call. The resolution demands that on July 3, 2013 after mass street protests Brookings Centre for Middle East Policy. “The all Yemeni parties, especially the Houthis, end against his year-long rule. execution of Morsi would represent an esca- violence and return swiftly to UN-led peace talks The new authorities then launched a lation by the Egyptian authorities that they aimed at a political transition. It makes no men- sweeping crackdown on his supporters in do not appear willing to engage in,” said which more than 1,400 people were killed Hellyer. tion of the Saudi-led airstrikes targeting the and thousands jailed. Hundreds have been “Internationally, it will be received badly rebels and pro-Saleh forces. sentenced to death after speedy mass trials that an elected president overthrown via a The combat intensified in late March when which the United Nations called “unprece- military incursion into politics, even if that the Saudi-led coalition of majority Sunni coun- TAEZ: Armed Yemeni tribal gunmen of the Popular Resistance Committees loyal to fugitive dented in recent history”. military is popular, is then dealt a harsh judi- tries began launching airstrikes against the President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, gather in a street of the southern city of Taez during The authorities have also targeted secular cial sentence.” The verdict is also open to rebels, who are battling forces loyal to exiled ongoing clashes with Shiite Houthi rebels yesterday. At least 27 people were killed in Taez in and liberal activists who spearheaded the appeal. A harsh sentence will nevertheless President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. clashes between loyalists and rebels and Saudi-led coalition air raids in a day that claimed 52 2011 uprising against long-time autocrat be a nail in the coffin of the Brotherhood, as Yesterday, fighting and Saudi-led airstrikes lives, medics said. — AFP Hosni Mubarak, Morsi’s predecessor. Sisi has vowed to “eradicate” the 85-year-old targeting Shiite rebels struck across Yemen, offi- In November, a court dropped murder movement that staged major electoral gains said. Rebel forces also made another push to The UN issued the urgent appeal last week, say- charges against Mubarak in his own trial over between Mubarak’s fall and Morsi’s presiden- cials said, as the United Nations said that Saudi take the Dar Saad area, just north of Aden, but ing it was needed to save lives and protect some the deaths of hundreds of protesters in 2011. tial victory in May 2012. Arabia had agreed to completely fund a $273.7 failed, the officials added, speaking on condition 7.5 million people affected by the conflict and in Sisi’s regime is widely popular among Almost all of its leaders face harsh sen- million appeal for emergency humanitarian aid of anonymity because they were not authorized dire need of medical supplies, safe drinking Egyptians tired of more than four years of tences, and in December 2013 the move- to the county. to brief journalists. water, food assistance, emergency shelter and political turmoil, but rights groups say it is ment was designated a “terrorist group,” with In the southern port city of Aden, Yemen’s Later in the day, pro-rebel television station logistical support. more repressive than under Mubarak. the authorities blaming it for near daily second largest, pro-Hadi forces regained control al-Masirah said that leader al-Houthi would Purnima Kahsyap, humanitarian coordinator Tom’s verdict involves a case in which attacks on the security forces. Sunday of part of the coastline that had been speak Sunday night, which would be his first for the UN aid effort in Yemen, said that the UN Morsi and 14 other defendants, seven of In a country where the army has been in held by forces loyal to rebel leader Abdul-Malek comments since the airstrikes began. was thankful to Saudi Arabia for covering the whom are on the run, are charged with the power for decades, Sisi’s May 2014 presiden- al-Houthi and former president Ali Abdullah Meanwhile in Amman, the United Nations entire appeal cost, but urged all other partners killing of three protesters and torturing sev- tial victory crushed hopes raised since the Saleh, the security officials said. The gained posi- eral more during clashes in front of the presi- popular anti-Mubarak revolt of a civilian said Saudi Arabia had agreed to fund completely to continue to provide assistance. A Saudi-led dential palace on December 5, 2012. The democracy. —AFP tions allow them to attack the rebel-held airport a $273.7 million appeal for emergency aid to coalition launched an air offensive against and cut off supplies to anti-Hadi forces, they avoid a humanitarian catastrophe inside Yemen. Yemen’s Shiite rebels on March 26. — AP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 Life or death? Boston bomber’s trial turns to sentencing

BOSTON: Convicted Boston Marathon bomber year-old Tamerlan, who died following a gunfight with While Tsarnaev’s parents returned to Russia before federal crimes in 1988 have been executed, according Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is set to return to court tomorrow police hours after the pair shot dead an officer. “You’re the attacks, his sisters, Bella and Alina, and Tamerlan’s to the Death Penalty Information Center. The three for the next phase of his trial, when prosecutors will going to see more emotion in the testimony” in the tri- widow, Katherine Russell, live in the United States. were Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, drug argue that he should be sentenced to death for his role al’s next phase, said David Weinstein, a lawyer in private Tsarnaev’s sisters visited him in prison, according to trafficker Juan Raul Garza and Louis Jones Jr., a Gulf War in the deadly attack in 2013. practice in Florida who brought death penalty cases in court filings, but no members of his family have attend- veteran convicted of raping and murdering a female In sharp contrast to the guilt phase of the trial, when prior work as a state and federal prosecutor. “You can ed his trial. soldier in 1995. lawyers for the ethnic Chechen defendant did not con- push the envelope a lot more in terms of what you’re One hint of the sort of witnesses Tsarnaev’s lawyers Carried out between June 2001 and March 2003, test that their client had killed three people and injured presenting during sentencing.” could call came in a court filing Thursday by federal those are the only federal executions the United States 264 in the bombing, the next four weeks are expected prosecutors objecting to a defense suggestion that the has seen in the past half a century. to feature emotional testimony from both sides as Who will they call? judge ask the jurors to “look deep inside” themselves While McVeigh was also found guilty of terror-relat- Tsarnaev fights for his life. Neither prosecutors nor defense lawyers have said when considering whether they believe the testimony ed charges, others who were convicted of politically The question of whether Tsarnaev, 21, should live or publicly who they will call as witnesses during the trial’s of foreign witnesses. Family members could testify in motivated violence have been sentenced to life in die is highly controversial around Boston. Polls have next phase. Prosecutors are likely to call more people person or by videotaped deposition, said Walter Prince, prison without the possibility of parole. They include shown that a plurality of area residents, 49 percent, who personally knew the victims, including the three a Boston defense lawyer. “Outside of the family mem- Zacarias Moussaoui, one of the conspirators in the prefer a life sentence, and family members of two of killed by the bombs, 8-year-old Martin Richard, Chinese bers, friends, relatives, neighbors and other experts Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and shoe-bomber Richard Reid. the people he killed have also spoken out against exe- exchange student Lingzi Lu, 23, and restaurant manag- could talk about the domineering influence of the old- Moussaoui and Reid are serving their sentences at cuting him. Citing Al Qaeda materials found on er Krystle Campbell, 29, as well as the Massachusetts er brother,” Prince said. “Just about anything that can the federal “Supermax” prison in Florence, Colorado, Tsarnaev’s computers, and a note suggesting the April Institute of Technology police officer shot dead by the shed light on why this young man should not be exe- where Tsarnaev will likely be sent if sentenced to life 15, 2013 attack was an act of retribution for U.S. military Tsarnaevs, Sean Collier, 26. cuted is going to be offered.” rather than death. campaigns in Muslim-dominated nations, prosecutors Richard’s parents and Collier’s sister have recently That suggests that even if the jury sentences contend Tsarnaev wanted to “punish America” in an spoken out publicly against the effort to put Tsarnaev Few federal executions Tsarnaev to death, he may still serve a life term in attack that showed a callous disregard for human life. to death. The defense is likely to call witnesses who are One thing that Tsarnaev has going for him is that prison while his lawyers appeal the sentence, said Defense attorneys have tried to paint Tsarnaev, who able to discuss the relationship between the two very few people are executed on federal charges in the Boston College Law School professor Robert Bloom. immigrated from Russia a decade before the attack, as brothers, whose family moved to the United States United States. Just three out of 74 people sentenced to “The likelihood of him actually getting death is mini- adrift and under the influence of his older brother, 26- when Dzohkhar Tsarnaev was 8 years old. death since the reinstatement of the death penalty for mal,” Bloom said. — Reuters Clinton patches relations with liberals at campaign’s outset Rivals jump to question Clinton’s record

WASHINGTON: This time, Hillary Rodham Clinton wants to be on liberals’ good side. As a presidential candidate in 2008, she opposed gay marriage, equivocated on granting driver’s licenses to people who were living in the US ille- gally and endured heavy criticism from rival Barack Obama over her stance on campaign finance. During the opening week of her second pres- idential campaign, Clinton showed she had retooled her positions to line up with the views of progressive Democrats. Today, she called for a constitutional amendment that would limit WILLIAMSBURG: In this photo taken March 19, 2015, golfers enjoy the 14th hole in “unaccountable money” in politics. Days later, front of a luxury home in the Kingsmill resort in Williamsburg, Va. John Hinckley Jr. she said through her campaign that she sup- the last man to shoot an American president now spends most of the year in a house ports same-sex marriage being recognized as a overlooking the 13th hole of a golf course in a gated community. He takes long walks constitutional right in a pending Supreme Court along tree-lined paths, plays guitar and paints, grabs fast food at Wendy’s. — AP case. After that, her campaign said she now sup- ports state policies awarding licenses to people Reagan shooter finds rejection, in the country illegally. Such do-overs are part of an effort by Clinton indifference in future home to rectify past missteps and assure the liberal wing of her party that in 2016, she will be WILLIAMSBURG: The last man to shoot an with his mom,’” Womeldorf said. change they’ve been waiting for. While Clinton American president now spends most of the The news has deterred maybe one or two enters the race in a dominant position, she faces year in a house overlooking the 13th hole of a buyers in the more than a decade he’s been an skepticism from some Democrats who question golf course in a gated community. agent in the community, he said. “It’s been a her commitment to tackling income inequality. MARSHALLTOWN: Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton, second from He takes long walks along tree-lined paths, non-issue.” Not so for others here. Some have “Equal opportunity and upward mobility right, visits with local residents at The Tremont in Marshalltown, Iowa. This time around, plays guitar and paints, grabs fast food at griped about Hinckley in the local paper, The have been very central to her political ideals Clinton wants to be on liberals’ good side. — AP Wendy’s. He drives around town in a silver Virginia Gazette, which has a section called from the start,” said Robert Reich, who was the room. When she returned to New York, shift in position. In her 2008 primary campaign, Toyota Avalon, a car that wouldn’t attract a “Last Word” containing anonymous comments President Bill Clinton’s labor secretary and has Clinton had words of praise in Time magazine for Clinton stressed the need to help families strug- second glance. Often, as if to avoid detection, about city life. Cabot Wade, a musician who known Hillary Clinton since college. “I just don’t Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a liberal gling economically and she criticized hedge he puts on a hat or visor before going out. once gave Hinckley guitar lessons and know how courageous she will be in fighting for stalwart some have hoped would challenge the fund investors, oil company profits, drug compa- These days, John Hinckley Jr. lives much of described his singing voice as Kenny Loggins- them.” Clinton devoted the first week of her cam- former secretary of state. “She never hesitates to ny subsidies and trade agreements. the year like any average Joe: shopping, eat- like, said he never personally felt that Hinckley paign trying to put such concerns to rest. She hold powerful people’s feet to the fire: bankers, “She’s been an advocate for these issues of ing out, watching movies at a local Regal was violent or dangerous. Nevertheless, he visits New Hampshire today and tomorrow, lobbyists, senior government officials and, yes, economic equality, fairness and playing by the Cinemas. Hinckley was just 25 when he shot said, “Nobody will touch him with a 10-foot returning to the state that handed her a 2008 even presidential aspirants,” Clinton wrote. rules for her whole career,” said Tom Nides, a President Ronald Reagan and three others in pole.” Hinckley’s doctors have said for years primary victory early in the bruising nomination News also leaked that Clinton had recruited Clinton confidant and Morgan Stanley vice 1981, and when jurors found him not guilty by that he is no longer plagued by the mental ill- struggle won by Obama. former federal regulator Gary Gensler as her chairman. Clinton is not in the clear with liber- reason of insanity they said he needed treat- ness that drove him to shoot Reagan outside a Aides spent much of the first 72 hours reach- campaign’s chief financial officer, a sign that she als yet. Liberal organizations say they plan to ment, not a lifetime in confinement. The ver- Washington hotel in an effort to impress ing out to union leaders, party officials and other may be preparing to take a tougher position continue their push to draft Warren, and dict left open the possibility that he would actress Jodie Foster, whom he grew obsessed interest groups. But for some who have met with toward regulating financial firms. Democrats in early voting states say Clinton has one day live outside a mental hospital. with after seeing her in the movie “Taxi Driver.” her campaign staff, they wonder not about Potential rivals have jumped at the chance to work to do if she wants to be assured of win- For the past year, under a judge’s order, Among those wounded was Press whether Clinton will tack to the left, but how far question Clinton’s record and say she has shifted ning the nomination. Hinckley has spent 17 days a month at his Secretary James Brady, who was shot in the her proposals will go. her positions on matters important to liberal Her decision to accept political donations mother’s home in Williamsburg, a small head and left partially paralyzed. When Brady voters. “I’m glad Secretary Clinton’s come around from lobbyists - something Obama refused - southeastern Virginia city known for its colo- died last year, the Virginia medical examiner’s Wage difference to the right positions on these issues,” said for- may undercut her efforts to change the cam- nial roots. Freedom has come in stages and office ruled his death a homicide, but prosecu- “There’s a big difference between a $9 or $10 mer Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who is con- paign finance system. Obama’s push for a trade with strict requirements: meeting regularly tors said legal barriers including the length of minimum wage versus a $15 wage,” said Adam sidering running for the Democratic nomination. pact with 11 Pacific nations will put Clinton while in town with both a psychiatrist and a time between the crime and Brady’s death Green, a liberal activist who has talked with the “Leadership is about making the right decision - between the centrist wing of her party and therapist, getting a volunteer job. It has all prevented them from pursuing additional campaign over the past months. “The big ques- and the best decision before sometimes it union leaders who oppose the deal. On Friday, been part of a lengthy process meant to rein- charges against Hinckley. tion we anticipate is, will they go big or will they becomes entirely popular. “ She’s faced this her campaign said she would be “watching tegrate Hinckley, now nearing 60, back into In hearings before US District Court Judge go small?” before. In 2008, Clinton’s hold on the nomination closely” efforts to negotiate a final agreement. society. On Wednesday, court hearings are set Paul L. Friedman, doctors have testified that So far, at least a few are encouraged. At her looked unshakeable. Then Obama captured “There’s probably been some modicum of to begin on whether to expand Hinckley’s Hinckley’s original diagnosis - psychosis and opening event in Iowa, Clinton took on CEOs Democrats’ imagination and proved a far more reassurance, but I wouldn’t push it too far time in Williamsburg further. His doctors’ rec- major depression - has been in remission for and hedge fund managers, saying the “deck is durable candidate than expected. because it’s just too early,” said Jared Bernstein, ommendation isn’t yet public, but the latest decades and that while he still has a narcissis- still stacked in favor of those already at the top.” former economic adviser to Vice President Joe plan could see him living here permanently. tic personality disorder, its effects have dimin- At the Statehouse, her support for universal pre- Comments Biden and now a senior fellow at the Center on It’s not unusual for most of the small num- ished. He takes Zoloft for anxiety and, before K earned some of the biggest applause from Clinton’s supporters say her recent com- Budget and Policy Priorities. Biden is considering ber of defendants found not guilty by reason bed, one milligram of the antipsychotic drug Democratic lawmakers, according to people in ments, particularly on inequality, do not reflect a a White House run. — AP of insanity to ultimately return to a communi- Risperdal. ty. Still, in Hinckley’s case, that leaves some in the place he’d call home wondering: Is he real- Not dangerous ly ready for life on the outside? And are they Psychological testing designed to predict Extremist past mars makeover really ready for him? violence shows Hinckley’s dangerousness risk is “decidedly low,” Hinckley’s longtime lawyer, Still an American citizen Barry Levine, said during the most recent set of France’s far-right party “We can’t prevent him from being here. He of hearings over his release that started in late is still an American citizen,” said Bryan J. Hill, 2011 and continued intermittently through PARIS: The timing could not have been worse. Today, Chatillon runs Riwal. He is among those fac- with Dieudonne and Robert Faurisson, convicted sev- administrator of James City County. On the 2013. “This man is not dangerous. The evi- Daggers were already drawn in a father-daughter duel ing preliminary charges in the case, prosecutor’s eral times for denying the Holocaust. job now for seven months, Hill was surprised dence shows that he is not dangerous,” Levine within the far-right National Front when a judicial spokeswoman Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre said. He, as Marine Le Pen, in turn, is seen in photos with when contacted by The Associated Press to told Friedman, who was assigned the case in investigation began circling closer and closer to the well as one other person under investigation, recycled Chatillon on official party business. Far-right experts learn that Hinckley is a frequent visitor. His 2001 after the previous judge overseeing it party leadership. himself from his GUD past into a successful business- say that Chatillon and Le Pen became acquainted at name hasn’t come up in meetings with public died. For decades, Hinckley spent all of his The probe, one of three currently targeting the man. His company has a branch in Syria, where he Assas University in Paris, where she attended law safety officials, although every time there’s a time at St. Elizabeths. Then, in 2003, Friedman National Front or its alliances, has reawakened images once hobnobbed with other figures from the extreme school. Also under investigation is Axel Loustau, hearing in Washington, D.C., about his poten- ruled he could have day visits with his parents of anti-Semitism and jack-booted followers that party right and the Syrian elite of Bashar Assad’s regime. another former GUD member. Loustau is treasurer at tial release, it does make the local news. outside of the institution, followed by leader Marine Le Pen has worked hard to scrub away. Two photos carried in the investigative online pub- an organization that raises funds for the National “I’m not saying that we should forgive or overnight visits within a 50-mile radius. She is hoping to transform the National Front from lication Mediapart show Chatillon in Syria with, Front. He also owns a security company used by the forget,” Hill said. “We have to monitor, and Starting in 2006, Hinckley was allowed a political pariah into a voter-friendly alternative to among others, Dieudonne, the French comic convict- National Front for major events such as the party’s traditional parties amid a fight for the movement’s hopefully it doesn’t happen again.” A two-and- three-night trips to Williamsburg. Eventually ed of anti-Semitism. Chatillon is seen again in Paris annual May Day march. —AP soul between Marine Le Pen and her father, Jean- that went to four nights, then more. In late a-half-hour drive south of Hinckley’s institu- Marie, whose anti-Semitic remarks set off the family tional home of St. Elizabeths Hospital in the 2013, the judge upped Hinckley’s time to the feud. These three investigations could end up outing nation’s capital, Williamsburg is both a tourist current 17-day stretches. Friedman said he professional and personal secrets and tarnish the Burundi charges 65 destination and a retirement mecca. It’s home was persuaded that Hinckley was not a dan- respectable veneer Marie Le Pen is applying to the to the College of William and Mary and the ger and that the longer duration might “pro- party she inherited in 2011. Under the elder Le Pen’s protesters with rebellion Busch Gardens amusement park. Nearby is vide new opportunities for employment and four-decade leadership, the National Front became Colonial Williamsburg, where on a recent structured community activities.” emblematic of France’s dark past, from anti-Semitic BUJUMBURA: Burundi has charged 65 protestors young activists for “armed insurrection” following weekday visitors could catch a reading of the In new hearings set to begin Wednesday, collaboration with the Nazis in World War II to the bru- with rebellion after they were arrested during clash- violent clashes with the police in Bujumbura. Declaration of Independence at 1 p.m. and St. Elizabeths and Levine are expected to urge tality of the French colonial war to keep Algeria. es with police while calling for the president not to Rights activist Pierre-Claver Mbonimpa, presi- see a military reenactment at 5. the judge to give Hinckley even more free- A truce of sorts between father and daughter may seek re-election, a prosecutor said. dent of Burundi’s influential campaign group Residents call it small-town living, the kind dom. That could mean 24 days a month, end the family bloodletting. But the justice system is Tensions are high with opposition parties con- Aprodeh, condemned the charges. of place where people wave at their neigh- which was previously requested, or full-time, beyond the National Front leader’s control as she sets cerned at incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza’s “It is political issue, because these people were bors. Whether it is also a place that will wel- year-round “convalescent leave” in town. her sights on the 2017 French presidential elections. expected bid for re-election in June despite the about to exercise a right under the constitution” to come a would-be assassin is less clear. Local Prosecutors have consistently opposed The investigations are uncovering a tangled web constitutional limit of two terms. Nkurunziza has protest Mbonimpa said. real estate agent John Womeldorf, who calls Hinckley’s release, arguing he has a history of of alleged illegal financing in Paris and at the not yet confirmed whether he intends to try stay in A large crowd of opposition activists gathered to power, but his supporters say he has every right to himself “Mr. Williamsburg,” always points out deceptive behavior. They have pointed to a European Parliament. The Paris case raises questions sing songs outside court to support those who do so. Police arrested scores of protestors on Friday, were charged. “All this is done to discourage us, but the street where Hinckley’s mother lives if he’s 1987 journal entry in which he claimed his about a more extremist side of the National Front under Marine Le Pen, who still works with old universi- and on Saturday charged 65 of them with “partici- we want to tell Nkurunziza we will not give up, we showing a house in the same resort communi- psychiatrists would “never know the true John pation in an insurrectionary movement”, state pros- will continue to protest until he says he will not run,” ty. He doesn’t want new homeowners to be Hinckley.” “Psychiatry is a guessing game and I ty acquaintances with unsavory backgrounds. Allegations of fraud, money laundering and illegal ecutor Arcade Nimubona said late Saturday. said one protestor, asking not to be named. surprised after they’ve moved in. do my best to keep the fools guessing about financing targeting National Front-linked communi- Some stones were thrown at police, who Burundi, a small landlocked nation in central “I just matter-of-factly ask them ‘Do you me,” he wrote. Prosecutors have also said cations company Riwal highlight Marine Le Pen’s long- stopped protests using tear gas and water cannon. Africa’s Great Lakes region that emerged in 2006 remember the guy that shot President Hinckley’s relationships with women remain standing ties with the principal target in that case, Those charged face a possible life sentence if found from a brutal 13-year civil war, holds general elec- Reagan?’ And usually they do. And I say, ‘Well troubling. They took issue with some of the Frederic Chatillon. He was a figure in the extreme- guilty of armed insurrection. tions in May to elect lawmakers before a presiden- his mother lives here and he gets released a romantic relationships he formed with a few right GUD, or Union Defense Group, known for vio- In April, a court handed life sentences to 22 tial poll in June. —AFP number of times a year and comes and stays patients at St. Elizabeths. —AP lence when it was active decades ago. INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, APRIL 20 , 2015

Bloodbath of the leaders at UK general election?

LONDON: The knives are already being sharpened for Democrats which was deeply unpopular with his par- The mayor, though, insists he has more chance of first time and became Cameron’s deputy prime minis- the leaders of Britain’s political parties, several of ty. “If Cameron is not prime minister, he will go,” said being “reincarnated as an olive”. ter. But “Cleggmania” did not last and the party’s sup- whom could see their careers brought to a brutal end Simon Hix of the London School of Economics (LSE). port plummeted as it was forced into a series of awk- if they fail to deliver at the May 7 election. He could even be pushed out if he has a chance of Ed Miliband ward compromises in power. Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, his remaining prime minister but would have to form a He became Labour leader in 2010 under circum- He is at serious risk of losing his own House of Liberal Democrat deputy Nick Clegg, leader of the new coalition or minority government to do so. stances which could be straight out of a Greek Commons seat in Sheffield, northern England, which main opposition Labour party Ed Miliband, Nigel “Cameron, I think, is unpopular-and of course, he tragedy. Miliband unexpectedly beat older brother would effectively put him out of a job. Even if he Farage of the anti-EU UK Independence Party-all run hasn’t won an election,” said Stephen Ingle, emeritus David to the job-or “stabbed his own brother in the keeps that seat, “I would have thought that if the party the risk of being kicked out. professor of politics at Stirling University. back”, in the words of Defence Secretary Michael does badly then he is almost certain to go,” said Ingle. “All four are fighting for their political life,” said “The Conservative party is always, always about Fallon this month. Whatever happens to Clegg, the Liberal Democrats Steven Fielding, professor of political history at winning. He had everything for him in 2010 and he But he has struggled to persuade the country and could still end up propping up a minority Nottingham University. In an unusually fragmented didn’t win. So I don’t think he’s secure.” some in his own party that he is prime minister mate- Conservative or Labour government-or even forming political landscape, it is no longer enough simply to Tony Travers of the LSE added: “The Conservatives rial. “If he doesn’t win a majority and Labour is still not a new coalition. win the most seats. After years of dominance by the are more ruthless than Labour in getting rid of their the largest party, many backbenchers will want to get Conservatives and Labour, Westminster these days is leaders.” rid of Ed Miliband. They will say he should have won Nigel Farage more complicated than that. Cameron has already raised the prospect of his this election after five years of austerity,” Hix said. The beer and tobacco-loving eurosceptic has been own departure in a few years, saying he would not Ingle added: “I think the great majority of MPs clearer than any of the other leaders about his future. David Cameron seek a third term in office and naming three possible would prefer his brother and they would have pre- If he fails to win the seat he is fighting in southeast He arguably has the most to lose. He became successors, including charismatic London Mayor Boris ferred his brother at the last leadership election.” England, Farage has promised to step down. prime minister in 2010 after 13 years of Labour gov- Johnson. “Was I supposed to brief UKIP policy from the ernment but the Conservatives failed to win enough BoJo, as Johnson is nicknamed, “is willing to do Nick Clegg Westminster Arms (a pub near Parliament)? No-if I fail House of Commons seats to govern alone. anything to be the leader of the Conservative party It all looked so promising for Clegg in 2010 — he to win South Thanet, it is curtains for me,” he wrote in The result: a coalition government with the Liberal and to be PM”, said Fielding. led the Liberal Democrats into government for the a book this year. — AFP Armenians to mark genocide centenary

YEREVAN: Armenians prepare to commemorate Around the globe Armenians in the large a hundred years since 1.5 million of their kin were diaspora-dispersed far and wide by the slaughter massacred by Ottoman forces, as a fierce dispute that followed-are planning to hold their own still rages with Turkey over Ankara’s refusal to memorials from Los Angeles to Lebanon. recognise the mass murder as genocide. A day ahead of the commemoration, Hundreds of thousands are expected to flock Armenia’s influential orthodox Apostolic Church to the towering genocide memorial in Armenia’s will hold a ceremony to officially canonise all the capital Yerevan on Friday for an emotional cere- victims of the killings. mony to mark the centenary of the start of a tragedy that still stirs deep divisions. Pope’s recognition Ex-Soviet Armenia and the huge Armenian In the run-up to the centenary, the potent diaspora worldwide have battled for decades to tensions over the century-old killings were laid get the World War I massacres at the hands of the bare as Pope Francis this month sparked blister- Ottoman forces between 1915 and 1917 recog- ing condemnation from Turkey after he referred nised as a targeted genocide. to the massacres as “genocide” at a Vatican mass. But for modern Turkey-the successor to the “We recall the centenary of that tragic event, Ottoman empire-hundreds of thousands died on that immense and senseless slaughter whose both sides as Ottoman forces battled Tsarist cruelty your forebears had to endure,” Francis Russia and describing the events as a “genocide” said. “It is necessary, and indeed a duty, to honour is a red line it cannot cross. Armenian President their memory, for whenever memory fades, it Serzh Sarkisian has said the centenary will be means that evil allows wounds to fester.” The used to remind the world of the struggle to European Parliament also urged Turkey to use CHATSWORTH: Hundreds of foreign nationals queue to board buses back to Zimbabwe, at a temporary refugee camp in Chatsworth, south of Durban, yes- recognise the massacre as genocide. the centenary of Ottoman-era massacres to terday. The repatriation of the 700 Zimbabwean refugees wanting to leave South Africa in the wake of xenophobic attacks is under way after President “This is an important date for the Armenian “recognise the Armenian genocide” and help Jacob Zuma said a day earlier that,” preparations for those wanting to leave the country will be made”. — AFP people and international community not only to promote reconciliation between the two peo- look back and think over historical facts but to ples. say ‘never again’,” Sarkisian said in a recent speech. Last year Turkish President Recep Tayyip Zuma vows crackdown against But the spotty guest list for the event high- Erdogan offered an expression of condolences to lights the lack of international consensus on the Armenians but this has not been followed by any issue. The presidents of Russia and France-two of further steps, with rhetoric sharpening even fur- anti-immigrant attacks less than two dozen countries to formally recog- ther. In Turkey a Turkish-Armenian advisor to nise the genocide-are expected to be among a Prime Minister Ahmet Davutogou “retired”, days handful of world leaders to join the crowds at the after he caused a furore within the ruling party 5,000 migrants seek refuge in makeshift camps memorial, but others are shying away for fear of by describing the mass killings as genocide. upsetting Ankara. For presidents in the United States-home to a PRETORIA: South Africa yesterday vowed to hunt Africa’s high crime rate and said they must “take their soaring to over 50 percent among young people. Meanwhile, Turkey has sparked ire by sched- large Armenian community the issue has always down those behind a wave of attacks targeting immi- bags and go”. Gigaba stressed that foreign companies were still wel- uling a major event for the 100th anniversary of been a particular thorny one. Barack Obama-who grants, saying 307 people had been arrested over vio- He has since said his words were misinterpreted. come to invest in South Africa. the Battle of Gallipoli, usually marked on April 25, pledged before he won the presidency to recog- lence that has left at least seven people dead. The South Africa’s economy grew by just 1.5 percent last “Everything is being done to restore peace and for the same day, in what Armenia says is an nise the genocide-has sidestepped the con- government stepped up its response to unrest in year and unemployment is at around 25 percent- order,” he said. — AFP effort to steal attention from what they call their tentious term by using the Armenian term Medz Johannesburg and the eastern coastal city of Durban, genocide commemorations. Yeghern, meaning great catastrophe. with Home Minister Malusi Gigaba resolving to end In Istanbul a small gathering will be held to The United States this month again called for “all acts that seek to plunge our country into anarchy”. mark the day now chosen to mark the start of the a “full, frank” acknowledgement of the facts sur- Rioting and looting over the last two weeks have Finns vote, expected atrocity when a hundred years ago Armenian rounding the mass murder of Armenians in exposed tensions between South Africans and immi- community leaders were rounded up in then World War I, but shied away from calling it “a grants from across the continent, including Constantinople. genocide.”—AFP Zimbabwe, Somalia, Ethiopia and Malawi. to oust government President Jacob Zuma on Saturday cancelled a state visit to Indonesia to deal with surge in violence, HELSINKI: Finns voted yesterday in legislative economy,” Jorma Mahonen, a 64-year-old voter and pleaded with foreigners to stay in South Africa. elections expected to oust the coalition left-right said after casting his ballot in central Helsinki. Heightening public concern over the attacks, the government after a campaign that focused on “I leave it to them to find a solution. I don’t Sunday Times published front-page pictures of a how to lift Finland from a three-year economic have the answer myself but there will be some Mozambican man being stabbed to death in broad slump. cutting involved,” he added. daylight in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra. Public opinion polls have predicted a resound- Rafael Donner, 25, was however less optimistic. The photographs showed Emmanuel Sithole being ing victory for the liberal-agrarian Centre Party “I don’t think this election is going to change attacked early Saturday by a man in jeans wielding a leader Juha Sipila, a 53-year-old IT millionaire and much. Society won’t accept that GDP can’t grow knife. newcomer to politics. forever,” he said. Sithole was taken to hospital but died of his Polling stations across the country opened at “I believe we in Finland have enough. I look at wounds, the paper reported. “Perpetrators are being 9:00 am, and were to close at 8:00 pm (1700 GMT) my friends and they all have iPhones, go on holi- arrested, charged and prosecuted,” Gigaba told a when the results of advance voting-by which day to nice places, and have brunches every week- press conference in Pretoria. “So far 307 suspects have more than one-third of the electorate cast their end,” he said. been arrested in connection with attacks on foreign ballots-were to be released. If a Centre victory is confirmed on Sunday, nationals and public violence. Campaigning heavily on his business know- Sipila’s first task will be to pick his coalition part- “We want to issue a stern warning to those who how, Sipila has vowed to get the economy back ners. Tradition dictates that the largest party takes lend themselves to acts of public violence. We will on track after three years of recession and stagna- the post of prime minister and forms a govern- find you-and you will be dealt with to the full might of tion, austerity and failed reforms. ment with the other largest parties to obtain a the law.” Sporadic violence erupted again overnight in “Our country deserves better,” Sipila wrote on majority in parliament. Johannesburg and Durban, where an AFP photogra- his blog Saturday. “Politics must be returned to a Several weeks of thorny negotiations are pher said that one Zimbabwean’s house had been NICOSIA: A woman receives a ballot paper before voting for the presidential elections in climate of trust.” expected before Sipila is able to present a coali- petrol-bombed and his two cars torched. the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) at a polling station yes- Elected to parliament in 2011, Sipila became tion. Faced with the country’s economic woes, “the The spate of attacks has revived memories of terday in the northern part of Nicosia. — AFP party leader in 2012 when he was still virtually government programme will be quite difficult to xenophobic bloodshed in 2008, when 62 people unknown to most Finns. In opposition since 2011, create,” Helsinki University political history profes- were killed in Johannesburg’s townships, shaking the Centre Party has recently been credited with sor Juhana Aunesluoma predicted. Turkish Cypriots South Africa’s post-apartheid image as a “rainbow around 24 percent of support. Three parties are fighting for second place, nation” of different ethnic groups. Voters interviewed at the polls agreed the hovering between 14 and 17 percent in the polls: economy was top priority. “The main point in this Prime Minister Alexander Stubb’s conservative vote for new leader Repatriation plans election is the bad economic situation in Finland, National Coalition Party, the Social Democrats and Immigrants are often the focus for anger among so I voted for people I believe are experts in the the right-wing eurosceptic Finns Party.—AFP NICOSIA: Turkish Cypriot voters in breakaway a union with Greece, Turkish troops invaded South Africans hit by a chronic job shortage and the northern Cyprus went to the polls yesterday to northern Cyprus, with the TRNC later unilaterally limited progress made by many poor blacks since elect a leader who will head peace talks with the declaring independence in 1983. Only Turkey white-minority rule ended in 1994. Greek Cypriots on the divided island. recognises the TRNC, which relies on Ankara to Regional relations have been strained by the Seven candidates including incumbent provide one third of its annual budget. Whoever unrest, with Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique Dervis Eroglu, president of the self-declared wins the election, Cyprus will be hamstrung by a organising for some worried citizens to return home. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), geopolitical snarl that generations of leaders Buses to Malawi were due to leave later, and were contesting the election. Polls have suggest- and successive UN chiefs have failed to untan- Zimbabwe said about 700 citizens were expected to ed no candidate will emerge with a clear majori- gle. be ferried out by bus within days. Zimbabwe has ty, sending the election to a runoff next Sunday The island has been split since 1974, with about one million mostly-illegal immigrants in South between the top two in the first round. about 1,000 peacekeepers monitoring a cease- Africa, many of them working in the service sector, on “I voted for someone who can resolve the fire line that cuts through the heart of Nicosia, construction sites and as casual labour. problem” of the four-decade division of Cyprus, Europe’s last divided capital. Decades of talks The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said said Hussein Ors, a 57-year-old civil servant have failed to unify the island, including a plan most victims of the xenophobic attacks were emerging from a polling station in northern by then-UN secretary general Kofi Annan which refugees forced to leave their own countries due to Nicosia. was approved by Turkish Cypriot voters in 2004 war and persecution. It said 5,000 migrants had “We hope every time but always end up but overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots sought refuge in makeshift camps, but local authori- being disappointed,” said another voter, Hulya in separate referenda. ties said the figure was lower. Tozake, also 57, blaming both the Greek Cypriot Cyprus joined the European Union that year Zuma on Saturday travelled to Durban to visit one side and Ankara. Eroglu’s main challengers are still a divided island and, although the north is camp, where he faced a hostile reception from the Sibel Siber-the sole woman candidate, the head technically part of the bloc, Turkish Cypriots are crowd, which yelled “go home, go home” and “too of parliament and a former prime minister-and denied nearly all of the benefits of EU member- late, too late”. He vowed to end the unrest and sought Mustafa Akinci, an independent and former ship. UN peace envoy Espen Barth Eide to assure the crowd there was a place for foreigners in mayor of northern Nicosia. announced on April 7 that peace negotiations South Africa. Polling stations opened at 8:00 am (0500 are set to resume after the vote. “Even those who want to go home, they must GMT) and were to close 10 hours later, with the But many Turkish Cypriots have lost faith in know that when we have stopped the violence they HELSINKI: Advance votes of the Finnish parliamentary elections are being counted in first results expected late on Sunday. About their leaders’ ability to reach a deal and open the are welcome to come back,” Zuma said. The violence Helsinki, Finland, yesterday. Finns voted yesterday in legislative elections expected to oust 176,000 people are eligible to vote in the break- TRNC to the rest of the world. “People have been has been largely blamed on a speech last month by the coalition left-right government after a campaign that focused on how to lift Finland from away TRNC, which occupies about a third of the born, lived, had children and families, and died King Goodwill Zwelithini, traditional leader of the a three-year economic slump. — AFP eastern Mediterranean island. In 1974, in waiting for them to resolve something,” said Zulus, in which he blamed foreigners for South response to an Athens-engineered coup seeking human rights lawyer Ermine Colak. — AFP

INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 Husband sets wife on fire in Pakistan

MULTAN: A Pakistani man and his father have been Muhammad Azam said. said. Suffering burns to 80 percent of her body, Bibi died Hundreds of women are murdered by their relatives arrested in the country’s latest so-called “honour killing” Siddique and his father then beat Bibi before dous- of her injuries in hospital on Saturday. “We have arrested in Pakistan each year through domestic violence or on after they set the son’s wife alight for leaving the house ing her with petrol and setting her on fire in Central the husband and father-in-law of the deceased woman the grounds of defending family “honour”. without asking his permission, police said yesterday. Pakistan’s Muzaffargarh district on Friday, Azam said. and charged them for murder and terrorism,” district The Aurat Foundation, a campaign group that works Muhammad Siddique became enraged on learning that Bibi had been married to Siddique for three years, police chief Rai Zameer-ul-Haq told AFP. The charge of to improve the lives of women in Pakistan’s conservative his wife, Shabana Bibi, 25, had visited her sister without during which time she had suffered repeated domestic “terrorism” is regularly applied in such cases so as to and patriarchal society, says more than 3,000 women first asking him if she could go out, her brother abuse for the couple’s inability to have children, Azam expedite the legal process. have been killed in such attacks since 2008. — AFP Chinese activist more determined after lockup

BEIJING: The most prominent of five recently “What I have done does not provoke trou- released Chinese women’s rights activists feels ble, but is mild advocacy that does not her dedication to the cause has grown amount to any crime,” Li wrote. “I demand stronger after spending 37 days in detention police dismiss the case immediately, remove with interrogators who blew smoke onto her coercive restrictions on me and return inno- face and insulted her sexual orientation, her cence to me.” girlfriend and her lawyer said. Li Tingting, 25, an openly lesbian cam- No interviews paigner for women’s issues, has been at the The lawyer said the demand that Li hold center of an international outcry over China’s no interviews has no basis under Chinese law. detention of activists. Her girlfriend, who “The activism by Li Tingting not only complies spoke to The Associated Press on condition with Chinese law, but should be lauded she be identified only by her English name of because she is promoting the law,” Wang said, Teresa, relayed comments from Li for the first referring to China’s law, policy and declara- time since the activist’s conditional release tions championing equal rights for women. from a Beijing jail last Monday. Teresa spoke in “She should not have been treated so ille- the presence of Li’s lawyer Wang Yu, who also gally by authorities. For a young woman who confirmed Li’s comments. is able to do what she’s done, I think she “‘Feminism is my soul,’” Teresa quoted Li as should be considered a hope for China,” Wang saying. “‘I thought a lot and came to believe said. Li will need some time to readjust but what I do cannot be wrong. My belief is firmer. has been in good spirits despite her ordeal, Feminism will surely be inseparable from me.’” her friend and the lawyer said. In the state- Li and four other women, ranging in age from ment, Li said she was deprived of sleep and 25 to 32, were detained in a criminal investiga- had cigarette smoke blown onto her face tion for their plans to hand out stickers and while she was restrained in an iron interroga- flyers denouncing sexual harassment, in a tion chair. “It made my nostrils and eyes dry case reflecting the Chinese leadership’s deep and uncomfortable,” Li wrote. “I could not distrust of any efforts to organize civil action move at all and felt my dignity was greatly in a group outside the ruling Communist insulted.” Interrogators shone strong light into Party’s control. her eyes and repeatedly called her homosexu- Known for colorful, high-profile protests - ality “sickening” and “shameless,” Li wrote. Her from “potty parity” sit-ins to street theater lawyer Wang said the acts by interrogators denouncing spousal abuse - the five women amounted to torture. drew what has been, for recent years, an Teresa, who also was briefly detained by unusual amount of attention overseas. police but said she didn’t want to give her full NEW DELHI: Indian Congress Party vice-president Rahul Gandhi (L), Congress President Sonia Gandhi (C) and former prime minister of India Foreign governments, rights groups and lumi- name out of fear for her personal safety, said Manmohan Singh wave to supporters during a rally in New Delhi yesterday. Beleaguered opposition leader Rahul Gandhi led a rally of thou- naries including U.S. presidential candidate Li was “delighted” to learn of the support she sands of farmers in the Indian capital, against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s controversial overhaul of laws on land-buying. — AFP Hillary Clinton criticized the arrests as an over- received from Clinton and from one of her reaction by a repressive Chinese government, idols, Eve Ensler. Author of the “Vagina and urged Chinese authorities to drop the Monologues,” Ensler called for people around Enigmatic Gandhi fires up investigations against the women. the world to protest in front of Chinese China’s Foreign Ministry has responded by embassies and consulates in support of Li and saying the detentions are an internal affair the four other Chinese women’s rights opposition at farmers rally being handled according to law, and urging activists. She and other rights advocates have foreign countries not to interfere. attributed the early release of the five to the The five were released, but remain under international pressure on the issue, which investigation and have been told not to travel threatened to embarrass China ahead of a key Modi seeks reform in parliament outside their home cities or meet journalists. anniversary in September of a high-profile AP reporters traveled to Li’s home village of women’s rights conference in 1995. Hongtongying, a community of wheat fields Born just weeks after Chinese troops NEW DELHI: India’s Rahul Gandhi led a large a mysterious eight-week foreign break that ment the new land rules. The government and willow trees on Beijing’s outskirts, but crushed student pro-democracy protests in farmers rally yesterday that focused rural led to rebellious grumbling from party col- must now pass the amendments in parlia- were trailed by unidentified vehicles. In a the heart of Beijing, Li grew up in a working- anger toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leagues that the great-grandson of India’s first ment, which convenes on Monday. nearby town center, the journalists were able class household. She came out early as a les- policies, in the first public appearance in prime minister was a part-timer with dulled “We are not against the land acquisition, to see Li with Teresa as they walked arm-in- bian to her parents, who reacted badly to the months for the elusive scion of the country’s political instincts. The rally was Gandhi’s but this should happen with the consent of arm from a tea house to a hospital, but could news. She found her tribe in college where she most famous political family. attempt to regain momentum and put the farmers at a good price” said Muktar Singh, a not interview Li. Her friend and the lawyer joined other activists working on HIV, gender In what seemed like a stage-managed government on the defensive about its sup- 66-year old farmer who came from Jhajjar dis- said Li would abide by state security officials’ equality and gay and lesbian issues. With her at appearance, the opposition leader spoke to port for farmers suffering after bad weather trict of Haryana, about 65 kilometers away demands that she grant no interviews. They the helm, the activists began staging tongue- thousands of villagers brought to New Delhi damaged crop. from the capital city. also released a written statement by Li, in in-cheek, media-friendly public protests, which on special trains and buses, vowing to block The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party hit back, which she pleaded innocence. she called performance art. —AP Modi’s plan to make it easier for business to Amendments with Ravi Shankar Prasad, communication and forcibly acquire farm land. “Modiji wants to Modi’s government is determined to push telecom minister at the Modi-led government, give your land to industrialist friends,” said a through amendments to a land acquisition saying the new land rules were pro-poor. hoarse-voiced Gandhi, addressing some law passed when the Gandhis were last in The government hopes the opposition 70,000 farmers in the large ‘Ram Lila’ ground. power, saying the law has made it almost Congress Party will agree to a middle path, Anger at the land bill, bad weather and low impossible to buy land for industrial develop- but the Gandhis vowed on Sunday to stand commodity prices have dented Modi’s popu- ment. Flanked on stage by his mother, party their ground, setting the stage for a bruising larity in the countryside, his first major politi- president Sonia Gandhi and former prime showdown in parliament that could slow the cal challenge since taking office last year. minister Manmohan Singh, Gandhi said Modi passage of a major tax reform bill also slated Gandhi, 44, landed in India on Friday after was undemocratic in using a decree to imple- for this session. — Reuters South Korea police clash with protesters over ferry disaster

SEOUL: South Korean police clashed with thousands of protesters, blocking their way to the presidential palace, where they hoped to demand a more vigorous government response to a ferry disaster that claimed more than 300 lives a year ago. About 13,000 police and 470 police buses were deployed in the area around Seoul’s main BEIJING: In this April 18, 2015 photo, Chinese activist Li Tingting, left, points as she ceremonial thoroughfare and 100 protesters holds hands with her girlfriend, who wished to be identified only by her English were arrested, an official of the Seoul name of Teresa as they walk along a street in suburban Beijing. Li, one of five recent- Metropolitan Police Agency said. ly released Chinese women’s rights activists feels her dedication to activism has Saturday’s rally, organised by a group repre- grown only stronger after spending 37 days in detention with interrogators who senting families of the victims, was the largest blew smoke onto her face and insulted her sexual orientation, her girlfriend and her in recent weeks as the country marked the first lawyer said. — AP anniversary of the April 16 disaster. Police said they used buses to barricade marchers’ route to the presidential Blue House, Iran, Afghanistan announce and deployed water cannon and pepper spray. Several police buses were damaged. security cooperation against IS A fire department official said nine protest- ers and three police were taken to hospital TEHRAN: Afghanistan and Iran announced Ghani said IS presented “a serious danger and while three protesters received first aid at the yesterday plans for enhanced security coop- different form of terrorism”. SEOUL: In this Saturday, April 18, 2015, photo, protesters struggle with police offices after a eration to combat threats from the Islamic “People die daily, we face barbarism,” he site. The rally began at midday, with a crowd demanding the government allow an inde- rally to commemorate the first anniversary of the Sewol ferry sinking in Seoul, South Korea. State group, including possible joint military said at a joint press conference, prompting South Korean police say they’re questioning dozens of protesters after violence broke out at a operations. Rouhani to nod in agreement. “And without pendent inquiry into the disaster and make an immediate decision to raise the Sewol ferry. rally denouncing the government’s handling of the ferry disaster that killed more than 300 Standing alongside visiting Afghan leader greater cooperation a macabre phenomenon people a year ago. — AP Ashraf Ghani, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani such as Daesh cannot be contained,” Ghani The ferry was on a routine journey from said the tumult hitting the region meant said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. Rouhani Incheon to the southern island of Jeju when it intelligence must be shared. His comments said: “We have agreed to cooperate further in capsized making a sharp turn and sank. came after IS, which holds swathes of Syria the fight against terrorism, violence and Among the 304 victims were 250 students on a Protesters burn Indian and Iraq, said it was responsible for a suicide extremism in the region, especially in border class trip. bombing in Afghanistan’s eastern city of regions. “We need intelligence sharing and, if It was later found to have been structurally flag in Pakistan Kashmir Jalalabad which killed 33 people. necessary, cooperation in operations because unsound and overloaded with cargo. Anger The attack on Saturday at a state-owned the problems that exist are not restricted and still runs high among the families of victims. MUZAFFARABAD: Hundreds of people in ratist strike shut down the Himalayan region on bank where government workers were draw- gradually spread throughout the region, They say the government let them down again Pakistani Kashmir burnt India’s flag and an effigy a second day of violent clashes. ing their salaries was the first in Afghanistan affecting everyone.” The two leaders did not this week, by failing to announce a plan to of its prime minister yesterday in protest at a Indian police said they had arrested two offi- claimed by IS. More than 100 people were specify further what they thought could be raise the ferry by the first anniversary of the crackdown on separatists in the Indian part of cers accused of shooting the teenager a few also wounded. done to confront IS, which swept into Iraq event. the divided region. Refugees from Indian-ruled hours after the incident. Ghani’s two-day visit to Iran is his first from Syria last June. The group holds Mosul, President Park Geun-hye said on Thursday Kashmir rallied under the banner of “Pasban-e- A preliminary investigation showed one of since taking over from president Hamid Iraq’s second city. Iran has been central in the the government would begin preparing to Karzai in September, and he was accompa- Baghdad government’s fightback against IS, Hurriyat” (Protectors of Freedom) in the officers fired his rifle on the directions of raise the 6,800-tonne ship, her clearest indica- nied on the trip by his foreign minister and coordinating Shiite militias and providing Muzaffarabad, the capital of the Pakistani side. another officer “in violation of laid down SOP tion yet of a retrieval plan, before she left on an minister for oil and mines. The Afghan leader military advisers from its powerful Many children also took part, displaying plac- (Standard Operating Procedure)”, a police state- 11-day trip to Latin America. has repeatedly raised the prospect of IS mak- Revolutionary Guards Corps. ards reading: “Go India Go back (from Kashmir)” ment said. The country’s umbrella labour federation ing inroads in his country, though the jihadist The largest such operation saw IS cleared and “Release Kashmiri leaders”. Security was heavy on Sunday in the western joined the rally and vowed to join forces with group has never formally acknowledged hav- early this month from Tikrit, a city north of Police in Indian Kashmir shot dead a 16-year- part of the Kashmir Valley where the shooting victims’ families to continue protests, calling ing a presence in Afghanistan. A former Baghdad and the childhood home of execut- old boy on Saturday during a demonstration on occurred, while shops were shuttered and few for more rallies next weekend, a federation finance minister and World Bank technocrat, ed Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein. —AFP the outskirts of its main city Srinagar, as a sepa- residents were seen on the streets. —AFP spokesman at the protest said. — Reuters NEWS MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 US seeking to allay Gulf fears amid regional chaos

WASHINGTON: With conflicts raging across the the broader international order,” former secretaries of Middle East, the US is seeking to reassure its Gulf state Henry Kissinger and George Schultz wrote in allies that it has a regional strategy which will be bol- The Wall Street Journal. “Absent the linkage between stered, not shredded, by any Iran nuclear deal. The US nuclear and political restraint, America’s traditional administration appears increasingly caught in a game allies will conclude that the US has traded temporary of whack-a-mole as it confronts a series of complex nuclear cooperation for acquiescence to Iranian challenges, with Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen just the hegemony.” latest complication in a regional tinderbox pitting While Obama has proved unwilling to commit Sunnis against Shiites, and even Sunni against Sunni. huge military resources to either Syria or Iraq, the US From the war in Syria, to the collapse of Libya’s gov- is leading coalition airstrikes against IS jihadists, pro- ernment, the battle against the Sunni Islamic State viding vast amounts of humanitarian aid and seeking militants and the conflict in Yemen, the so-called to train and shore up local security forces. Arab Spring has unleashed decades of pent-up sec- Washington is also giving intelligence support to the tarian and tribal tensions. Arab-led coalition seeking to dislodge the Iran- “The growing complexity of the various struggles backed Shiite Houthi militias in Yemen. Some believe the United States now faces have all the focus and Obama’s support was compensation for US indeci- simplicity of a kaleidoscope, and it is unclear that the siveness in Syria. Saudi-US ties frayed badly last year United States and its allies have any clear strategic amid dismay in the Sunni majority Gulf kingdom at RIYADH: In this photo taken April 15, 2015, shoppers stroll through a mall beneath an electronic billboard options that offer a credible response,” wrote the lack of US action in Syria. supporting the Saudi-led coalition’s military action in Yemen. -— AP Anthony Cordesman, expert with the Center for But analysts warn against “outsourcing” the fight, Strategic and International Studies. As a June 30 particularly against the IS militants, to “a hodge- deadline for a deal with Iran on its nuclear program podge” of non-state actors and militias, some backed nears, US President Barack Obama has convened a and openly guided by Iranian military forces. If the Saudi wartime climate puts summit of Gulf leaders seeking to allay their fears militias win in Iraq, “what it will have done is every- over any US rapprochement with the Shiite Islamic one, including the US, will have taken part in under- calls for reform on hold republic, and to brainstorm on how to tamp down mining the central state even further,” said Yezid regional fires. Sayigh, expert with the Carnegie Endowment for RIYADH: An electronic billboard at an upscale Saudi mall glue that keeps the country together. “From the day that The talks at the White House and the wooded International Peace. flashes an advertisement for a designer fragrance before (King) Abdulaziz unified the country there’s been security, presidential retreat of Camp David on May 13 and 14 switching to images of soaring F-16s and King Salman salut- until the final hour,” he said. will “discuss how we can further strengthen our secu- Regional Competition ing the troops. “The response has come to you who threaten rity cooperation while resolving the multiple conflicts Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, during a key vis- the nation,” the caption says. “To those who test me, take this Security that have caused so much hardship and instability it to Washington this week, demanded all military assis- war as a reply.” The message is directed at the Iranian-allied Saudi Arabia was largely spared from the popular upris- throughout the Middle East,” Obama said earlier this tance should go through his government, and Shiite rebels in Yemen who have been the target of a three- ings that swept the region starting in 2011, but has been month. The US administration contends that reining bemoaned what he called “a regional competition for week Saudi-led air campaign. The nationalist fervor whipped alarmed by the expansion of Iranian influence and the rise of in Iran’s suspect nuclear program will make the control” alluding to Saudi Arabia and Iran. Another up by the war has put calls for reform in the kingdom on radical groups like the Islamic State. It is taking part in US-led region inherently safer, removing an imminent threat Carnegie expert, Fred Wehrey, argued Obama should hold as people rally behind their king, the troops and the airstrikes against the IS group in Syria and is a leading backer of an atomic bomb, and perhaps bringing the regime press his Gulf allies to ensure real political reforms as an status quo. of Syrian rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar Al- a step closer to international reintegration. But it is “antidote to the Shiite-Sunni split”. “Identities flare up State-run newspapers, radio talk shows and TV programs Assad, a close ally of Iran. Riyadh says its aim in Yemen is to also taking a gamble that during the 10-15 year dura- when people feel they have no protection from the are almost entirely focused on the war against the Yemeni restore the internationally recognized president, who fled to tion of any comprehensive deal, there could be government,” Wehrey said. “Iran and Saudi Arabia... are rebels, known as Houthis, with local media portraying it as Saudi Arabia last month, and to halt the power grab by the domestic changes which may see a fundamental shift pouring the gasoline on that.” part of a regional struggle against Tehran and its allies in Houthis. Iran has provided political and humanitarian sup- in Iran’s regional ambitions. State Department acting spokeswoman Marie Harf Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. Saudi human rights activists who port to the rebels, but denies arming them. Friday acknowledged the Gulf countries’ concern. “This consistently speak out about the need for political and soci- As the kingdom has moved to counter perceived threats Restraint is their backyard. This is their neighborhood. But there etal reforms declined to speak to AP or did so only on condi- across the region it has increasingly cracked down on dis- It’s a claim viewed with skepticism by critics who are things we can do to reassure them of our capabili- tion of anonymity, saying they fear arrest in the current cli- sent at home. Last year, Saudi Arabia approved sweeping mate. In neighboring Bahrain, at least three people have anti-terrorism legislation that has been applied to civil rights believe a nuclear deal may just embolden Iran, ties and what we can do to help them feel more secure,” been detained for criticizing their country’s participation in activists, including human rights lawyer Waleed Abul-Khair, already blamed for meddling across the Middle East: she insisted. The question is whether any US strategy the Saudi-led campaign. who is serving a 15-year sentence on charges related to his backing Houthi Shiite rebels in Yemen, supporting may come too late, and whether it has already created a One Saudi rights activist said she and a group of academ- political activism. the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and huge “credibility gap” by “reacting tactically to the ics were planning to launch a campaign and release videos King Salman has made security his top priority since arming Hezbollah and Hamas militants. “For Iran to immediate pressure of events in the Middle East... with- this month challenging Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship assuming power three months ago. In keeping with tradi- be a valuable member of the international communi- out any clear goals or direction,” said Cordesman. The laws, which give men powerful sway over women’s lives and tion, he pardoned a number of prisoners after ascending to ty, the prerequisite is that it accepts restraint on its administration “cannot afford to simplify, spin or ignore” require females to seek a male relative’s permission to travel the throne, but not political activists. His late predecessor ability to destabilize the Middle East and challenge any of the challenges confronting it, he argued. — AFP abroad or undergo certain medical procedures. The project King Abdullah, after being crowned in 2006, had pardoned was indefinitely suspended, with those in charge of its three prominent reformers who had been serving lengthy research saying that it was inappropriate to talk about such sentences for criticizing the government. In one of his first More than 30% of Arab youth jobless issues while the country is in a state of war. moves as king, Salman named his nephew, Interior Minister Another political activist, who is facing trial, said people Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, to the post of deputy crown Continued from Page 1 health, social security, small businesses and many oth- fear being seen as traitors if they question aspects of the war prince, placing him second in line to the throne. The king ers,” said Subaih. or press for reforms. For average Saudi citizens like also named his son as defense minister. Both were given top This high percentage is greater than the abilities of Saqer Ghabash, Labor Minister of the UAE and the Mohammed Abu Ali, a man in his 60s selling traditional posts in a powerful council in charge of all political and secu- the governments to face it, he warned. ALO is playing a Chairman of ALO, noted that paying attention to both swords in an open-air Riyadh market, the royal family is the rity affairs. — AP great role in this and other issues and has issued many the employer and employee when issuing recommen- resolutions to improve the development process, in dations has supported the joint work and brought ben- Old banknotes to be withdrawn by Oct 1 addition of establishing a fund to support small busi- efits to all parties. “After 50 years since its founding, ALO nesses, he added. has a leading role in dealing with the changes taking Continued from Page 1 become the first-ever Islamic financial institution in Guy Ryder, director general of the International place in the Arab world and to preserve the interests of Germany from July as a first step intended at offering sharia- Labour Organisation, warned that the youth unemploy- people,” he said. “The (new) fields will be developed and production will compliant retail banking services. The bank, which recently ment problem is a threat to stability. “Arab countries Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, representative of the Arab start briefly,” he said, adding that the new discoveries had got the license from German competent authorities, will face the urgent and unavoidable task of responding to League, said that the region is facing many challenges, been announced after two years of exploration activities operate in the cities of Frankfurt, Berlin and Mannheim. The an acute crisis of unemployment,” he told the confer- out of which poverty and unemployment are the most had proved positive. bank, which operates under guidelines that conform to ence. “Failure to provide them with opportunities for serious. “Poverty and unemployment are phenomena in Two reservoirs for unconventional oil in the north of the Islamic sharia, already has a branch operating in Mannheim. decent work is a potent threat to the stability of our the Arab community. We will have sessions on these country were also discovered, Hashem said. The grades But the regulator’s approval would allow it to work as a fully societies.” subjects and we hope that this conference will reach found in the fields were both light and heavy oil, with pre- operational bank. Hind Al-Subaih, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor solutions to decrease the negative effect of these prob- liminary results showing “huge commercial volumes”, KUNA As for success opportunities, the bank’s Managing and State Minister for Planning and Development, said lems. We will also discuss solutions such as establishing quoted Hashem as saying. Kuwait plans to boost its oil and Director Kemal Ozan told KUNA: “We want to show that the Kuwait is paying attention to regional and international institutes and support small projects that will provide gas drilling rigs by 50 percent by early 2016 as it seeks to banks can make profits on the one hand and abide by ethi- organizations that are working for people’s welfare. She job opportunities and others,” he added. boost crude and gas production despite low oil prices, cal values on the other”. He added that the bank seeks to gave a speech on behalf of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Since 2011, uprisings have swept over Tunisia, Hashem said in February. Most of Kuwait’s production is attract Muslims and non-Muslims in the country, noting that Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, saying Kuwait is commit- Egypt, Libya and Yemen, forcing out veteran strong- from Burgan, the world’s second largest, which is in the the size of economic trade between Germany and the Gulf ted to its responsibility to joint work that respects mem- men. Protests calling for change have also shaken southeast of the country. Cooperation Council (GCC) countries would boost opportu- ber countries and counters the challenges facing Arab Bahrain in the Gulf. In Syria, the uprising aimed at oust- Kuwait’s current output potential is around 3 million bar- nities to help the bank make profits. The bank intends to countries in all fields. ing President Bashar Al-Assad has become a civil war rels per day, but the country wants to lift this to 4 million open up to 10 branches in Germany within 2015, he made “The ALO has many achievements during its func- that has killed more than 220,000 people. Arab bpd by 2020. The country expects a big boost from its clear. The bank set up a financial service branch in Germany tioning since it was founded in 1965. The results of economies are estimated to be growing at between 2-3 northern fields, planning later this year to invite internation- in 2010 and applied for a full banking license last March. The these achievements are visible in the Arab and interna- percent, but annual growth of around 6.0 percent must al oil firms to bid for technical service agreements in the Kuwait Finance House (KFH) owns a 62 percent stake in the tional markets, in Arab international relations, in the be achieved if unemployment and poverty are to be area. Separately, the Kuwait Turk Bank (Kuveyt Turk) is set to bank. — Agencies rights of the disabled and many other fields such as contained. MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Issues IS or Taleban? Either way, fear stalks Afghans

By Anuj Chopra

laims that the Islamic State group carried out a dead- ly suicide bombing in Afghanistan raise questions Cabout whether the culprits are the real deal or Taleban turncoats now waving the IS black flag. Either way, war-weary Afghans seem to be in for the bloodiest fighting season in a decade. The bomb on Saturday ripped through a crowd of government officials waiting to draw their salaries outside the Kabul Bank in the eastern city of Jalalabad, killing at least 34 people and wounding more than 100. It was the most lethal bombing in the country to be claimed by insurgents allegedly allied with IS, which has captured swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq but never formally acknowledged having a presence in Afghanistan. Thai top cop graft-buster or hatchet man? Afghan President Ashraf Ghani repeated the claim by the attackers in a speech on Saturday, intensifying fears that the IS’s brutal reign of terror was creeping into Afghanistan, By Aidan Jones busy severing that alliance. Amid an immediate Money, Money, Money entertainment venue”, he explains. already in the grip of a fierce Taleban insurgency. purge of senior officers, Prayut made Police- Whatever the motivation, police reform is an Thaksin also still draws loyalty from the police But analysts - and even some officials within the Ghani hailand’s top cop says his task is to revive General Somyot Poompanmoung his commission- often-heard refrain which never sticks, according rank-and-file as well as a large portion of the elec- administration - view the claim with caution. It remains trust in a graft-tainted force, but observers er, sweeping aside an incumbent picked by to Chuwit Kamolvisit, a former massage parlour torate. The role of Thai police chief is a famously unclear whether the self-styled IS attackers have the official Tbelieve his real brief is to be a hatchet man Yingluck Shinawatra - Thaksin’s younger sister, impresario who named and shamed cops on his precarious given the kingdom’s fast-changing sanction of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed for a junta trying to tame the police - and their who led the administration felled by last year’s payroll before turning to politics. The cash-for- political winds. Somyot is already scheduled to caliph of the Islamic State. “There are two type of IS,” deputy patron, billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. coup. Somyot, who has continued to sideline jobs culture within the police is too deep to retire in September when he hits 60, although Afghan intelligence chief Hesamuddin Hesam told parlia- For decades the fortunes of the Thai police and Shinawatra loyalists, bemoans the “shadow of poli- uproot, he says, alleging low-rank officers earn- there are rumours he may not last that long. And ment yesterday. “One that operates in Syria and one that is military have waxed and waned depending on tics” historically cast over the 200,000-strong force ing just $460 a month tap the public for bribes, the merry-go-round of Thai politics - the country in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan they are the same old who is in government, with money, rank and pow- - although he now sits in Thailand’s junta-selected or solicit protection money from dodgy busi- has seen 19 successful or attempted coups since Taleban who have swapped their white flag with black, er bestowed upon the institution of the hour. National Legislative Assembly. “Political parties nesses, to top up their salaries and buy promo- 1932 - dictates that some form of Shinawatra and have become more swift and deadly.” interfere with the police and some police officers tions. “Rank and status is everything in Thailand... comeback cannot be ruled out, and with it The Taleban, which distanced itself from Saturday’s have served politicians in the hope of progressing,” when you are a small policeman to go up, you rewards for loyalists and retribution for enemies. attack, have seen defections in recent months - with some the 59-year-old Somyot told AFP from behind a need to have the right boss,” and preferably one “Police are politicians... they always survive,” insurgents apparently adopting the IS flag to rebrand hulking wooden desk at police headquarters in at a “golden police station - near a casino or Chuwit adds. —AFP themselves as a more lethal force as NATO troops depart. Bangkok. “We are ready for a change.” “We’ve known that IS has been in Afghanistan for some time. (Saturday’s) attack... may just reflect IS’s desire to Good Cops, Bad Cops Reagan still reference appear active while it is under pressure in Iraq and Syria, Thais routinely complain that their police are but if we see follow-on attacks, a pattern may emerge,” said better at hoovering up streetside bribes than J M Berger, analyst and co-author of “ISIS: the State of detective work. Somyot, who declares his assets at point for GOP hopefuls Terror”. “However, I think caution is in order until we get a over $11.5 million - including income from advis- statement from one of IS’s official media foundations,” ing companies as well as property holdings and By Ivan Couronne Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul all use - and Berger told AFP. investments - has vowed to transfer, arrest or pros- sometimes overplay - the Reagan card, calling In February a US-led NATO drone strike killed Mullah ecute all graft-tainted officers. True to his word, he arack Obama is weak and Ronald for a return to the “shining city on a hill” that Abdul Rauf Khadim, a former Taleban commander and a has nailed several senior policemen, including the Reagan exuded power, Republicans say. Reagan invoked a generation ago. Guantanamo detainee who led around 300 men suspect- head of Thailand’s elite Central Investigation BBut while conservative White House Unconcerned with sounding anachronistic, ed of links to IS in the volatile southern province of Bureau - jailed with his deputy in January for hopefuls revere the 1980s president as a for- they say they want to counter Iran, push back Helmand. And in March Hafiz Waheed, a successor to defaming the royal family while running a criminal eign-policy icon, oversimplifying Reaganism against Russia and defeat the Islamic State Khadim, was killed along with nine others in the Sangin empire from inside the police. “In any big organisa- may mask nuances of his diplomacy. extremist group much like Reagan brought district of Helmand, according to the Afghan defence min- tion there are good and bad people,” Somyot says. Appreciation for the ex-president, who died in the Soviet Union to its knees. istry. It is not known whether the men had the official sanc- “My aim is to improve the public’s feeling towards 2004, is nothing new. Buttons and posters tion of IS, which announced its presence in South Asia a the police. If I can do it, even a little bit, I will have bearing his countenance are common at con- Negotiating with the Enemy year ago but has struggled to expand its footprint as it did been a success.” But analysts say Somyot’s focus is servative gatherings. Nostalgia peaks at the The Reagan who entered the White House in the Middle East. to do the bidding of an army that craves control of launch of each presidential campaign, as can- during the Cold War was an unrepentant anti- the police and, by extension, the Shinawatras - a didates jostling for prime position invoke his Communist. He pledged a strong military, “Afghanistan is both geographically - and ideologically - Somyot Poompanmoung far away from the Islamic State,” said Graeme Smith, a sen- family whose pro-poor policies won them every popular legacy. sweeping aside the “detente” strategy ior analyst with the International Crisis Group in Until last May’s coup, the stock of the police Thai election since 2001, along with the hatred of Reagan is the most admired Republican embraced by predecessors in order to repel Afghanistan. Islamic State espouses a brand of Salafism at force had soared under successive elected the Bangkok elite. Somyot’s task is “to redesign the leader of the post-Second World War period. the Soviet threat in nations like Nicaragua and odds with the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam in Afghanistan, Shinawatra governments, vexing an army whose police in a way that will long make it into a mecha- According to pollster Gallup, 61 percent of Afghanistan, where his administration Smith pointed out. “It’s not clear how high Afghanistan fig- primacy is normally assured by its massive budget, nism of the military”, according to Paul Chambers, respondents in 2013 rated him as outstanding financed the Contras and the mujahideen, ures in the Islamic State’s priority list,” he said. ties with the royalist establishment and penchant director of research at the Institute of Southeast or above average, behind only Democrat John respectively. But after his 1984 reelection, for seizing power when things are not going its Asian Affairs in Chiang Mai. “And (to) eliminate F Kennedy who received 74 percent. “Reagan’s Reagan changed. He met with Soviet leader ‘Psychological Warfare’ way. Now it is in charge, the junta appears deter- influence from local politicians such as Thaksin,” he election and my grandfather’s allegiance to Mikhail Gorbachev and negotiated a historic Ghani has repeatedly raised the ominous prospect of IS mined to bring the police to heel. adds. him were defining influences on me politically. US-USSR agreement to reduce nuclear arse- making inroads into Afghanistan, without offering evidence. After sweeping the 2001 election, Thaksin, a To do so, Somyot has called for the restructur- I’ve been a Republican ever since,” wrote Marco nals. Some local observers accuse him of grabbing world atten- former mid-ranking police officer turned business- ing of the Royal Thai Police board, currently Rubio, who last Monday launched his presi- “He was inflexible about ends, but flexible tion by playing up the IS threat in the face of dwindling for- man, dropped his pointmen into key policing chaired by the prime minister, to prevent premiers dential campaign along themes emblematic about means,” Philip Hughes, briefly a member eign aid and as international troops depart. Barely 12,000 posts. Those appointments buttressed his family’s selecting future police chiefs. The police are also of the man long known as “the Gipper”. of Reagan’s National Security Council, told AFP. NATO troops remain in Afghanistan - from a peak of 130,000 political base - especially in the country’s north - about to be sheared, according to a draft of a new “Ronald Reagan was... arguably one of the “Despite his deceptively simple exterior, - to train and support local security forces. “IS in Afghanistan reaching deep into local communities, where even junta-backed constitution, with marine and forest best presidents for foreign policy,” opined Ronald Reagan is a very complicated figure,” he is more psychological warfare, more myth than reality,” said low-ranking police wield substantial authority. His police among the units to be moved to govern- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker who is added. “Ronald Reagan isn’t a religion,” and former Afghan intelligence chief Amrullah Saleh. enemies say Thaksin crafted a network of police ment departments. On April 8 the junta further exploring a White House run. Ex-Florida gover- candidates should not claim the “definitive “Has Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi claimed the Jalalabad fiefdoms fuelled by corruption and indebted to his tightened the screws, empowering soldiers to car- nor Jeb Bush, who could become the third interpretation” of the man. It would also be bombing? No. Apart from the statement (from insurgents) billionaire family, wedding the force’s fortunes to ry out the routine police work of searches, investi- Bush to win the White House, said when he cut dangerous to compare the 1980s to 2015, does Afghanistan have anything to back up that IS was his own long after he was toppled by the army in gation and arrest. The order allows “military offi- his political teeth in the 1980s it was the Hughes warned. The monolithic Soviet men- behind it?” But whatever the colour of the flag, the brands 2006. cers to interfere in the work of the police”, says Reagan doctrine of “peace through strength” ace was different from the current nature of of terrorism remain the same, said Saleh. Saturday’s attack Junta-leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who marked Puangthong Pawakapan, a Thai politics expert at that dominated. multiple and decentralized threats, often bore chilling similarities to a Taleban suicide attack on six months as prime minister on April 17, has been Chulalongkorn University. Bush, Rubio, Walker and 2016 candidates tinged with Islamist radicalism. —AFP Kabul Bank in Jalalabad in 2011, which killed nearly two dozen people as police officials were collecting their pay- checks. “So we have mass murder exhibit A and mass mur- Pro-regime Syrians dodging draft der exhibit B. It shows the same dirty and lethal tactics by insurgents operating with different brand names and flags,” Saleh said. By Maya Gebeily ‘Comb through Neighbourhoods’ Druze Resistance An upsurge in attacks has taken a heavy toll on ordinary Faced with a “war of attrition... the government must use To avoid the draft, some have fled the country while oth- Afghans, bracing for the Taleban’s annual spring offensive - oung Syrian men in regime-controlled areas are using considerable coercion” to replenish its ranks, said Joshua ers have paid exorbitant bribes to officials. In Damascus, which security analysts expect to be the bloodiest in a any means necessary, including violent protests, to Landis, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the “young men enrol in university just to get a waiver”, said decade. Already in the first three months of 2015 civilian Yavoid military conscription - even if they support the University of Oklahoma. “The rebels speak about being able George. Others, including Sunnis, join local pro-government casualties as a result of ground fighting were eight percent government. More than 80,000 soldiers and other pro- to outlast the Alawites and kill their young men. They proba- militias like the National Defence Forces to avoid being sta- higher than during the same period last year, a recent UN regime fighters have been killed in the four-year-old conflict, bly can if the war goes on long enough,” Landis said. Sunni tioned in distant provinces, Jeblawi said. He said young men report said. —AFP out of a total of roughly 220,000 dead, according to the Muslims make up about 80 percent of Syria’s population, in Latakia had also set up guards around houses they Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. “I’m with the regime while Alawites constitute roughly 10 percent. Syrian men by thought may be raided by security forces. but I am a deserter, because military service in Syria means law are required to serve a two-year military service, which But the most significant resistance took place in Sweida, a death,” said George, a Christian student from Damascus. can be extended for much longer. southern bastion of Syria’s Druze minority. In April, in the All articles appearing on these “Very few young men accept to enlist because at our age, no Hit by defections and desertions, Syria’s 300,000-strong town of Salkhad, Abdallah Abu Mansur was arrested by local pages are the personal opinion of one wants to die.” military has halved in size since 2011, according to Aram police for deserting the armed forces, a resident said. As the territory that has fallen out of regime control is Nerguizian, a military affairs expert from the Centre for Relatives and friends then held a violent protest outside the the writers. Kuwait Times takes no predominantly Sunni Muslim, the government is heavily Strategic and International Studies. To reverse the trend and police station. It was the latest of many similar incidents in responsibility for views expressed recruiting from among the Druze, Christian, Alawite, and snare draft dodgers, military police have redoubled their the province. In December, residents of another town took a therein. Kuwait Times invites read- Ismaili minorities. Now these communities feel they have efforts. “They set up checkpoints at the entrances to cities man hostage and broke into the office of local security paid a heavy price to defend President Bashar Al-Assad’s rule and check the buses coming through them for young men,” forces and released a relative. In November, a mob attacked ers to voice their opinions. Please against deadly opponents including Al-Qaeda-linked mili- said Omar Al-Jeblawi, an activist from Jeblah in Latakia a military patrol after it had forcefully recruited someone. send submissions via email to: opin- tants and the Islamic State jihadist group. province. And in the summer of 2014, Druze religious leaders [email protected] or via snail “Even if they support the army and the regime, they’re He said security forces also stand guard at university stopped a military patrol from arresting another young mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. not willing to serve its flag,” said Sema Nassar, a human gates to screen male students and teachers. “They comb deserter. In all these cases, the deserter being held was rights activist from the northwest province of Latakia, a through neighbourhoods and take all of the guys, 18 and released - some say due to political considerations. “The gov- The editor reserves the right to edit heartland for the Alawite sect from which Assad hails. up,” Jeblawi told AFP by phone. According to George, desert- ernment doesn’t dare respond brutally, as it fears that the any submission as necessary. “Everyone without exception is discontent. After four years ers are also caught when they seek a government service, Druze will change sides and join the opposition,” the resi- of an ugly war, who isn’t unhappy?” like getting married. dent said. —AFP MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 SPORTS

PSV end title drought Merritt leads RBC Heritage Toure targeted by City AMSTERDAM: An emphatic win for PSV Eindhoven to clinch the Dutch league HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Unheralded American Troy Merritt moved one step LONDON: Yaya Toure is being made a scapegoat for Manchester City’s poor sea- title on Saturday confirmed their dominance this season and brought a great closer to his maiden PGA Tour title by claiming a three-stroke lead after son and underfire boss Manuel Pellegrini is a “weak manager”, according to the sense of relief to the club. PSV beat Heerenveen 4-1 at home to move out of Saturday’s third round of the RBC Heritage in South Carolina. Merritt, ranked Ivorian midfielder’s agent Dimitri Seluk. reach of second-placed Ajax Amsterdam and reclaim the crown they last won 249th in the world and making his 86th tour start, followed his course record- Champions City have faded dramatically since the turn of the year, falling to in 2008. The victory ended a frustrating run of six season without success and tying 61 in the second round with a 69 for a 54-hole total of 14-under-par 199 fourth in the Premier League, and were knocked out of the FA Cup, League Cup on the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island. was heartily celebrated in Eindhoven yesterday, with the city again able to and Champions League without reaching the quarter-finals. Toure, a dominant proclaim to be the capital of Dutch football following a 22nd league title for The 29-year-old began the round with a four-shot lead and birdied the sec- ond and third before running into trouble at the par-four eighth. force in City’s title march last season, has borne the brunt of the criticism and PSV. Although the achievement of taking a largely home-grown squad of inex- Pellegrini said last week he was unhappy with the 31-year-old’s performances. perienced youngsters to the title was cause to celebrate, the post-match focus “I was hitting the ball just fine all day and then I tugged a six-iron and “Some people at City are trying to blame Yaya for what has has been on the club ending a long period of under achievement. watched it sail into the water and make a sensational splash,” said Merritt, who “PSV shake off years of frustration,” said the website of the made double-bogey. happened this season,” Seluk told the Sunday Mirror. “The Algemeen Dagblad newspaper while the De Volkskrant said “I felt good over the putts and I hit some good ones that didn’t go in. It was problem is that City want Yaya to do everything. They want pretty stress free for the most part.” Tied for second on 11 under par were there was “intense relief after seven years’ drought”. PSV coach him to score goals, they want him to assist goals, and they defending champion Matt Kuchar, who shot a 68, and fellow Americans Phillip Cocu engineered this success less than two years after want him to defend. Brendon Todd (63) and Kevin Kisner (67). “It is also interesting that City could not win a match initiating risky change. Kuchar, who made six birdies, was held back by a bad ricochet at the par- At the start of last season he adopted a policy of using as when Yaya was away at the African Nations. He cannot do it three seventh. “I played some pretty good golf but got a bad break,” he said. “I all on his own. It seems the answer for everything at City is many players as possible who were developed within the hit a beautiful shot in but it caught a limb and it ended up costing me a dou- club’s youth structures. The move threatened to ble bogey.” One more shot back were 2010 winner Jim Furyk (68), Brice to blame Yaya.” implode as PSV struggled but suddenly they Garnett (65) and Branden Grace of South Africa (66). Seluk said some blame for City’s struggles, which gelled and the team finished last season strongly, Masters champion Jordan Spieth stayed in the hunt, shooting a 68 for a have brought just four wins from their last 10 league even after Cocu had to take the final months off 204 total, five shots off the pace along with Bo Van Pelt (67), despite starting matches, should be attributed to the club’s senior man- to undergo surgery on a back tumor. —Reuters the tournament with a 74. — Reuters agement. —Reuters Cubs edge Padres, Phillies roll

CHICAGO: Kris Bryant drew a standing ovation after hitting an RBI single for his first major league hit, and reached base five times Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 7-6 in 11 innings. A day after the Cubs’ prized prospect went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts in his Major League Baseball debut, Bryant went 2 for 3 with three walks. Bryant let Wil Myers’ bouncer leading off the game to kick off his glove at third base for his first major league error. In the 11th, Bryant reached on an infield single against Craig Kimbrel (0-1), moving Anthony Rizzo to third with one out. Pinch-hitter David Ross walked to load the bases, bringing up Starlin Castro. San Diego brought in Myers from center field as a fifth infielder and, with all five playing in, Castro singled past third baseman Will Middlebrooks. Zac Rosscup (1-0) allowed one hit in two score- less innings.

PHILLIES 5, NATIONALS 3 Odubel Herrera had three hits and scored MESA: Michael Phelps competes in the 200m Individual Medley Final during day four twice, Aaron Harang pitched six innings and the of the Arena Pro Swim Series at the Skyline Aquatic Center. — AFP Philadelphia Phillies ended a six-game losing streak, beating Washington. Phelps, Lochte win at Mesa Freddy Galvis had two RBI singles for Philadelphia, which had scored 13 runs over its MESA: Michael Phelps closed out the ond behind Phelps in the 100 free. last six games. Bryce Harper hit a long home run Arena Pro Swim Series meet with a win in “Tonight was the best night of racing I for Washington, which had won three straight. the 100 meter freestyle on Saturday, and think I’ve had since I was here (a year ago),” Ian Desmond added three hits, but the short- also finished third in the 200-meter individ- said Phelps. Phelps is competing for the stop continued to struggle in the field, making ual medley behind fellow Olympic champi- first time since last August with an eye his eighth error. on Ryan Lochte. toward returning to glory at the 2016 Harang (2-1) gave up three runs and seven Phelps, competing for the first time this Olympic Games in Rio. CHICAGO: Kris Bryant No. 17 of the Chicago Cubs†hits his first MLB hit during the fifth inning hits. Jonathan Papelbon pitched the ninth for his against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. — AFP week following a six-month ban for a drunk In the 200 individual medley, he finished third save. Jordan Zimmermann (1-2) allowed driving conviction, finished strong over the third, behind Lochte and Conor Dwyer. two earned runs and four hits over 6 1-3 innings. METS 5, MARLINS 4 first 12 game. Yordano Ventura (2-1) gave up all final 50 meters of the 100 to finish in 49.72 Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of Jacob deGrom (2-1) struck out eight in seven five runs in the fourth inning, right before hitting seconds at the Mesa, Arizona meet. Lochte, all time, with 18 golds and 22 total medals, CARDINALS 5, REDS 2 shutout innings, Travis d’Arnaud and Wilmer Brett Lawrie with what appeared to be a retalia- who won the 200 individual medley in while Lochte has eleven medals, five of Carlos Martinez pitched six strong innings Flores homered and New York won its seventh tory pitch for an incident the previous night. 1:58.70, finished five-hundredths of a sec- which are gold. — Reuters and Jason Heyward hit his first home run, lead- straight, the Mets’ longest since an eight-game Lawrie slid hard and late into second base and ing the St. Louis Cardinals over Cincinnati for run in June 2010. Juan Lagares and Eric wiped out Alcides Escobar. their fourth straight win. Campbell each had an RBI single to help the The Royals shortstop sprained his left knee in Davis gives Ding Zack Cozart homered for the Reds, who have Mets (9-3) open their home schedule with six the collision and said before Saturday night’s lost three in a row and six of seven. Billy wins in a row, equaling the club record set in game that he thought the slide was dirty. The A’s Hamilton left in the eighth inning after beating 1985. Alex Torre struck out Christian Yelich with a have outscored their opponents 47-1 in their six world title advice out an infield single, and is day-to-day with runner aboard for his first major league save. victories. groin irritation. Dee Gordon went 5 for 5 with three RBIs for Martinez (1-0) gave up one run on three hits. the Marlins, who lost their third straight and DODGERS 6, ROCKIES 3 LONDON: Snooker great Steve Davis you,” Davis said yesterday. “He could do dropped to 3-9. Mat Latos (0-3) gave up two runs Zack Greinke (2-0) won his 14th straight deci- believes China’s Ding Junhui can become with having a mate with him, like me and Trevor Rosenthal picked up his fourth save in as many opportunities. He struck out Joey Votto and six hits in five innings. sion against a National League West division Asia’s first world champion, provided he Barry, having a good laugh as much as with two on to end the game. rival, allowing three runs and five hits in 6 2-3 has a friendly face by his side. you can between matches, and trying to Homer Bailey (0-1) allowed five runs and nine PIRATES 6, BREWERS 2 innings. He is 20-1 with a 1.95 ERA in 30 starts Ding, still only 28, begins his ninth enjoy the challenge rather than try too hits in 5 2-3 innings. He made his first start after Starling Marte homered for the second game against NL West teams since signing with the attempt to win snooker’s most presti- hard.” “With Ding, you felt he was going to opening the season on the disabled list while in a row and drove in a career-high five runs. Dodgers in December 2012. Adrian Gonzalez gious prize when he faces Mark Davis at go from strength to strength and push recovering from surgery on a torn flexor tendon. Milwaukee lost its fourth straight game and is off drove in three runs Gonzalez, who led the Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in northern the barriers up, but you don’t know when to their worst start since also going 2-9 in 2002. majors last season with 116 RBIs, has 14 in his England on Monday. you’re going to hit a brick wall or a ceiling WHITE SOX 12, TIGERS 3 Marte hit a two-run single to cap a three-run first 11 games and is batting .523 (23 for 44). Joel Although he has twice won the UK and he’s hit a ceiling where he hasn’t Jose Abreu hit a grand slam, Adam LaRoche first inning that included an RBI double by Gregory Peralta pitched a hitless ninth for his third save. Championship, the sport’s second-most been able to dominate.” Ding has suffered added a three-run homer and four RBIs and the Polanco. Marte’s three-run fifth-inning homer Jordan Lyles (1-1) gave up four runs, five hits and important tournament, Ding’s best run at several first-round defeats this season, Chicago White Sox beat the Detroit Tigers. made it 6-1. Jeff Locke (2-0) tied a career-high by five walks in six innings. the World Championship was a semi-final although there were signs of a return to Chicago, which set a season high for runs, pitching eight innings, allowing one run. Kyle appearance back in 2011. form when he reached the semi-finals of scored 11 runs in the third and fourth innings Lohse (0-3) was tagged for six runs and six hits in GIANTS 4, DIAMONDBACKS 1 six innings and has lost his first three starts of a sea- Chris Heston (2-1) gave up five hits in 7 2-3 Despite snooker’s growing popularity the recent China Open. combined and collected a season-high 17 hits son for the first time in his 15-year MLB career. innings, Brandon Crawford hit a two-run homer in Asia, the bulk of the sport’s top players “When he beat me in the 2005 UK for the game. Abreu and LaRoche had three hits apiece, and Melky Cabrera matched a career and the World Series champions stopped an are still from Britain and Ireland. As a Championship final, I did feel he was ASTROS 4, ANGELS 0 eight-game losing streak on the night players teenager, Ding uprooted himself from his going to become the player that every- high with four hits and knocked in two runs. JD Martinez homered for Detroit, which lost Dallas Keuchel (2-0) allowed two hits in six received their championship rings. Joe Panik had native China in order to forge his profes- one couldn’t beat,” Davis said. innings and combined with three relievers on a three hits and drove in a run as the Giants sional career in England. “What I would say in his defence is that for the second time in 11 games this season. Chris Sale (2-0) cruised to the win, allowing two three-hitter. Chad Qualls struck out the side in stopped their longest slide since losing nine in a And Davis believes a lack of support is unlike other sports like golf or tennis the seventh, Pat Neshek followed with a one-hit row from July 23 to Aug. 1, 2006. Santiago Casilla the only thing holding back Ding from where they don’t have a World runs on four hits in six innings. Anibal Sanchez (1-2) gave up nine runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 eighth and Luke Gregerson struck out his first pitched the ninth for his fourth save. Rubby De realising his world title dream. Davis won Championship as much as majors or innings. two batters in a 1-2-3 ninth. La Rosa (2-1) gave up four runs - three earned - six world titles in the 1980s with manager grand slams, we have one tournament a George Springer homered off C.J. Wilson (1-2) and nine hits in 6 2-3 innings. Barry Hearn, now world snooker’s top year called the World Championship, and INDIANS 4, TWINS 2 and Robbie Grossman hit a three-run drive off administrator, by the Englishman’s side. to be able to try to guarantee victory in Danny Salazar matched his career high with Mike Morin. Angels batters struck out a season- MARINERS 3, RANGERS 1 But not even Davis carried the hopes one event is quite difficult. You can’t real- 10 strikeouts while pitching into the seventh high 13 times. Collin Cowgill was ejected after Felix Hernandez (2-0) struck out 12 in seven of as many millions as Ding, one of the ly.” Davis added: “It might be that he’s inning of his season debut, leading the he was called out on strikes, ending the seventh. innings to reach double digits for the 34th time starts of modern-day Chinese sport. under too much pressure from back Cleveland Indians over Minnesota. in his career. He allowed one run and two hits. Ding’s career has contained plenty of home. He’s never got the balance right, Roberto Perez had a home run among his ATHLETICS 5, ROYALS 0 Mike Zunino hit his first home run this sea- highlights-only Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark so we all keep waiting for it to happen.”I three hits for the Indians, and Jason Kipnis Josh Reddick hit a three-run homer, and Jesse son, a fifth-inning drive off Colby Lewis (1-1) that Williams and John Higgins among cur- would still be astonished if the first stopped an 0-for-16 slide with a two-out, RBI sin- Hahn (1-1) and Jesse Chavez combined for a sev- gave Seattle a 2-1 lead. Brad Miller added a two- rent competitors at the Crucible have Chinese world champion wasn’t him, but gle in the seventh that prompted the Twins to en-hitter. Chavez pitched 3 2-3 innings for the out RBI triple in the sixth. Fernando Rodney won more major ranking events-but he it could happen. “The trouble is that the pull starter Phil Hughes (0-3). Salazar (1-0) gave save, completing Oakland’s fifth shutout in its worked a perfect ninth for his third save. — AP has unable to match the trio’s achieve- harder you try, the worse it gets. The up two runs and six hits. Cody Allen pitched a ment of lifting the World Championship modern-day way is to go down the road hitless ninth for his third save in as many trophy. “Sometimes you can complicate of sports psychologists with a view to attempts. MLB results/standings things by over-analysing, doing too getting yourself ready for it, mind, body much, having too many people around and soul.” —AFP BLUE JAYS 6, BRAVES 5 Josh Donaldson hit his third home run in two Philadelphia 5, Washington 3; Toronto 6, Atlanta 5 (10 Innings); Chicago White Sox 12, Detroit 3; days, a leadoff shot in the 10th inning that lifted Cleveland 4, Minnesota 2; St. Louis 5, Cincinnati 2; Chicago Cubs 7, San Diego 6 (11 Innings); the Toronto Blue Jays over the Atlanta Braves. Baltimore 4, Boston 1; Pittsburgh 6, Milwaukee 2; NY Mets 5, Miami 4; Oakland 5, Kansas City 0; Donaldson’s drive into the second deck of the Houston 4, La Angels 0; NY Yankees 9, Tampa Bay 0; San Francisco 4, Arizona 1; Seattle 3, Texas 1; left-field stands was his third hit of the after- LA Dodgers 6, Colorado 3. noon. He hit 29 homers last year with Oakland, American League National League was traded to Toronto in the offseason and Eastern Division Eastern Division launched his first two home runs Friday night in W L PCT GB NY Mets 9 3 .750 - an 8-7 loss. Donaldson connected on the second Boston 7 4 .636 - Atlanta 7 4 .636 1.5 pitch from Sugar Ray Marimon (0-1), handing Baltimore 6 5 .545 1 Washington 5 7 .417 4 Atlanta its first road defeat of the season. Tampa Bay 6 6 .500 1.5 Philadelphia 4 8 .333 5 Toronto reliever Brett Cecil (1-1) picked up the Toronto 6 6 .500 1.5 win after working a scoreless 10th. Miami 3 9 .250 6 NY Yankees 5 6 .455 2 Central Division Central Division St. Louis 7 3 .700 - YANKEES 9, RAYS 0 Detroit 9 2 .818 - Chicago Cubs 6 4 .600 1 Masahiro Tanaka (2-1) allowed two hits over Kansas City 8 3 .727 1 Cincinnati 5 6 .455 2.5 seven innings, struck out eight and walked none Chicago White Sox 4 6 .400 4.5 in his best start this season. Tanaka gave up a Cleveland 4 6 .400 4.5 Pittsburgh 5 6 .455 2.5 single to David DeJesus leading off the first, then Minnesota 4 7 .364 5 Milwaukee 2 9 .182 5.5 retired 15 in a row before Brandon Guyer’s dou- Western Division Western Division ble opening the sixth. David Carpenter and Oakland 6 6 .500 - LA Dodgers 8 3 .727 - Branden Pinder completed a three-hitter. Houston 5 6 .455 0.5 Colorado 7 4 .636 1 Brian McCann hit a go-ahead, two-run triple LA Angels 5 6 .455 0.5 San Diego 7 5 .583 1.5 in the sixth off Jake Odorizzi (2-1), and Chris Texas 5 7 .417 1 Arizona 6 6 .500 2.5 Young hit grand slam against Grant Balfour in a Seattle 4 7 .364 1.5 San Francisco 4 9 .308 5 China's Ding Junhui lines up a shot in this file photo. seven-run seventh. MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 SPORTS

Kuwait defeat Singapore in Challenge Cup

KUWAIT: Kuwait national hockey team defeated Singapore 5-3 in the Division I of the Asian hock- ey tournament, Challenge Cup of Asia, on Saturday. Kuwaiti player Abdulaziz Al-Shutail scored three goals, his teammates Ahmad Al- Ajmi and Abdullah Al-Maraghi each scored one each. The tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) kicked off yesterday and will run until April 24, with the participations of six teams. Oman beat India 6-5, while Kyrgyzstan defeat- ed Malaysia 6-5. Three games will be played on late yesterday. With these results, Kuwait takes the pole position for the championship. The tour- ney is held under the auspices of Director General of the Public Authority for Youth and Sport Sheikh Ahmad Mansour Al-Ahmad Al- Sabah. Dr. Hamoud Fulaiteh, deputy of Sheikh Ahmad, said that hosting this event shows Kuwait’s support to sports and reflects its distin- guished position on the sports map in Asia. Being aware of its responsibility towards backing sports, the authority has a strategy to by him during the inauguration ceremony on Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah and Sheikh games have been developed, thanks to sincere Ice Hockey Challenge Cup of Asia tournament, support all sports games, including the ice hock- behalf of Sheikh Ahmad. Ahmad to all members of the participating efforts of the lovers of these games, lauding the organized during the 2014-15 season and held ey, in collaboration with the Kuwait Winter Fulaiteh conveyed all greetings of Minister of teams. For his part, Chairman of Kuwait Winter authority’s efforts aiming to support this game. on the Russian island of Sakhalin, Taipei City and Games Clubs, Fulaiteh said in a speech delivered Information and Minister of State for Youth Games Clubs Fehaid Al-Ajmi said that all winter The Division I matches in Kuwait are part of the Kuwait City. — KUNA Kiradech captures Shenzhen title

SHENZHEN: Thailand’s Kiradech ments on the PGA Tour of China last Aphibarnrat captured the inaugural year to earn a card on the U.S.-based Shenzhen International yesterday Web.com Tour, where he has made after rallying in regulation with an five cuts this year. He’s also risen to eagle on the 17th hole and beating No. 194 in the world rankings - sur- Chinese teenager Li Haotong in a passing established players Liang playoff. Kiradech and Li shared the Wenchong and Wu Ashun to become lead after the turn, but the 19-year- the highest-ranked Chinese player. old Chinese player looked to be head- Fleetwood played steady all week, ing for the biggest title of his career carding 70, 69, 69 and 69 in his four when he birdied the 17th and rounds. The 24-year-old Englishman, Kiradech bogeyed the par-4 15th to who had been aiming for his second open up a two-stroke lead. European Tour title, pulled within a Kiradech rebounded, however, stroke of Li with a birdie on the 17th, with an eagle on the par-5 17th to but could get no closer. France’s pull even with Li again and force the Julien Quesne also had an eagle on playoff. He had a chance to win on the 17th and a birdie on the 18th to the 18th, but his birdie putt skirted to shoot a 65. the right of the hole. On the playoff “My long game was very good. I’ve hole, Kiradech hit his approach shot got some trouble with putting, but I CHICAGO: Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (right) and guard Derrick Rose (left) bat- to the middle of the 18th green and made some putts at the end. So, it’s a tle for the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Cartre-Williams (center) dur- good week for me,” he said. “I do my ing the first half in Game 1 of the NBA basketball playoffs. — AP made a birdie, while Li two-putted for par. The 19-year-old Li shot a 5-under best to make the birdie at the end to 67 in the final round, while Kiradech, be minus-10, to be maybe top 5 or Bulls charge past Bucks the overnight leader, had a 72. Both top 10.” Quesne finished in a tie for finished at 12-under 276. Kiradech fourth with Marco Crespi, Huang CHICAGO: Derrick Rose had 23 points and sev- points in the fourth quarter, to make the con- said he couldn’t have pulled through Wenyi, David Howell, Tom Lewis, Y.E. en assists in his first postseason game in three test seem closer than it really was. Game 2 of without the encouragement if his Yang, and Peter Uihlein. years, Jimmy Butler scored 25 points, and the the series is tonight in Oakland, where the caddie. “When we were two behind Two-time Masters champion Chicago Bulls opened the playoffs with a 103- Warriors have won 19 straight. on the last two holes, he said you Bubba Watson finally seemed to accli- 91 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on have not lost, we have not signed the mate to the conditions after three Saturday night. WIZARDS 93, RAPTORS 86 scorecard yet and he was completely subpar rounds, making eight birdies Rose was at his fearless best, driving hard to Paul Pierce scored five of his 20 points in right and I just got the job done,” he to shoot a 7-under 65. It was the first the rim in the early going, and mixed in three overtime, Nene had 12 points and 13 said. Tommy Fleetwood was third at time he’d broken 70 this week. “I wish 3-pointers in the second half. The Bulls believe rebounds, and Washington beat Toronto in 11-under 277. Kiradech had only won I would have putted better the first they are poised to make a run now that they Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. one previous title on the European three rounds,” he said. “I putted good finally have Rose playing in the postseason. Pierce hit a 3-pointer, his fourth of the game, to Tour at the 2013 Malaysian Open. He the last round, but all in all, it was a The last time they had him for the duration of begin the extra session, further tormenting a was coming off a joint-sixth place fin- good test. It shows what I need to the playoffs in 2011, he led them to the Raptors team he eliminated with Brooklyn in ish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational work on. It shows me that I can play Eastern Conference finals. last year’s playoffs, then derided this week by last month on the U.S. PGA Tour. outside the US, especially today.” The Bulls won despite committing 19 saying, “I don’t feel they have the ‘It’ that makes Li has been improving over the SHENZHEN: Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand holds his trophy after Watson finished in a tie for 29th place turnovers. They outrebounded Milwaukee 52- you worried,” in an interview with ESPN. past year. He won the last two tourna- winning the inaugural Shenzhen International golf tournament. —AP at 5-under 283. — AP 41, with Pau Gasol grabbing 13 and Joakim Bradley Beal scored 16, while John Wall and Noah and rookie Nikola Mirotic 11 apiece. Kevin Seraphin each had 10 for the Wizards. Chicago hosts Game 2 today. Khris Middleton Amir Johnson scored 18 points and DeMar scored 18 points and Zaza Pachulia had 15, but DeRozan had 15 for the Raptors, who have yet Kim triumphs in Hawaii Michael Carter Williams finishing with nine on to win the opening game of a first-round series 4-of-13 shooting as the sixth-seeded Bucks in seven postseason appearances. Toronto KAPOLEI: Sei Young Kim holed out from 154 yards chipped in from 18 feet to force the playoff. She held did you get that in? And congratulations.” It was an came up short after jumping from 15 wins to hosts Game 2 on Tuesday night. for eagle to win the LPGA Tour’s Lotte Championship both hands high, stared into the sky and grinned for astonishingly quick ending to a draining day. Kim 41 this season. on the first hole of a playoff Saturday with Inbee the first time after 5 hours of immense pressure, slap- closed with a 1-over 73 in wind gusting to 30 mph to ROCKETS 118, MAVERICKS 108 Park. “This is probably the second most memorable ping hands with her caddie. “I just focused on getting match Park at 11-under 277. Park finished with a 71. I. WARRIORS 106, PELICANS 99 James Harden had 24 points and Corey shot for me,” Kim said through a translator. “In 2013, I it to the hole because that was my only chance,” Kim K Kim bogeyed the final two holes for a 74 that left Stephen Curry scored 34 points and Golden Brewer scored 13 of his 15 points in the fourth won a tournament, which had the biggest prize recalled as she was interviewed on TV - so excited her two strokes back. The three players were tied for State went up big before holding off New quarter to lead Houston past Dallas in Game 1 money on KLPGA. I won that tournament by making that for the first time all week she spoke to the media the lead with two holes left in regulation. I.K. Kim, try- Orleans in their playoff opener. Klay Thompson of the Western Conference series. a hole-in-one on 17, so that was probably my most in English. In the playoff, staring into the setting sun ing to win an LPGA event for the first time since added 21 points, and Draymond Green and Brewer made three 3-pointers in about 3 memorable shot. Sorry.” Her third most memorable at breezy Ko Olina, Kim hit an approach that barely 2010, bogeyed the 17th, three-putting after convert- Andrew Bogut dominated down low as the minutes in the fourth to keep the Mavericks at shot might have come on the 18th in regulation. got over the water again, then bounced twice and ing clutch putts all day. Park sank her par putt from Warriors looked every bit like the NBA’s top bay. He added another three points when he Moments after sinking a sneaky par putt on 17 to dropped into the hole for eagle. 20 feet to get up and down from a bunker, and Sei seed - at least for three quarters. made a layup and a free throw to give Houston stay even with Park, Kim hit her drive into the water. “I was thinking I was between a 7- or 8-iron,” Kim Young Kim drained a twisting downhill 16-footer to They smothered Anthony Davis and the a 109-95 lead with 3 minutes left. Houston “I saw the ball go into the hazard and I thought, said. “And then I was choosing between a cut or a keep pace. “I told myself, ‘This is probably the last Pelicans with the league’s best defense, won the opener in the best-of-seven series ‘What have I done to deserve this fate?’” Kim said. normal shot, so I chose 8 normal, and it was good opportunity I have to stay in this tournament,’” Sei thrilling a gold shirt-wearing sellout crowd of after losing both home games last season in a “Then the gift came right back after that. I still can’t choice.” Kim couldn’t see the ball go in and neither Young Kim said. It turned out to be the next-to-last 19,596. The Warriors led by 15 after the first first-round loss to Portland. Game 2 is Tuesday believe what just happened.” Kim’s approach shot in could Park, but the roar from the crowd made it obvi- opportunity, and when she saved par on the 18th to quarter, 18 at the half and 25 late in the third. night in Houston. Dirk Nowitzki had 24 points regulation barely cleared the water, but stayed in the ous. Park’s attempt to match Kim’s shot, and win her force the playoff, she wasted no time taking the The Pelicans pulled within four in the final for the Mavericks. They are in the playoffs for fringe fronting the green. After Park hit a brilliant lag 14th LPGA title, came up short. $270,000 first prize that bumped her to No. 1 on the minute behind Davis, who scored 20 of his 35 the 14th time in the last 15 seasons. — AP putt to inches for a par to stay at 11 under, Kim “Inbee said two things to me,” Kim grinned. “How money list. —AP Matthysse wins decision in lightweight bout

VERONA: Lucas Matthysse won a majority deci- advantage to keep Provodnikov at bay, giving Provodnikov landed several punches in the “To me, he was better today,” Provodnikov for the vacant WBO junior welterweight title in sion against Ruslan Provodnikov in a 12-round him room to dodge the Russian’s powerful left later rounds but couldn’t knock down his said through a translator. “He was the better man Austin, Texas. WBO president Paco Valc?rcel super lightweight bout Saturday night. hook. Argentine opponent down, although he did in the ring and, you know, it was a close fight but tweeted he would like to see Crawford defend Matthysse landed the majority of the punches in Provodnikov (24-3) put Matthysse on the stagger Matthysse in the 11th. he won and I hope everybody enjoyed it.” his title against Matthysse, but the Argentinian the first round and opening a cut near ropes late in the third round and landed two “He did, he hurt me,” Matthysse said through The night’s undercard was quickly decided had his sights set higher. Provodnikov’s left eye early in the second. hard right hook-left hook combos in the fourth a translator. “But I was able to withstand the when Patrick Teixeira (25-0, 21 KOs) won with a “For right now I just want to rest,” Matthysse Provodnikov (24-3) put Matthysse on the before Matthysse (37-3) regained control in the onslaught. He’s a very tough fighter. He’s very second-round knockout of Patrick Allotey (30-2) said. “I got my daughter, my family waiting for ropes late in the third round and landed two fifth. He continued to use his three-inch reach strong. He just keeps coming forward.” in their middleweight bout. me back home. I want to rest. I want to go back hard right hook-left hook combos in the fourth advantage to keep Provodnikov at bay, giving Don Ackerman scored the fight as a draw The sellout crowd then had to wait more than there and see them so much and let’s see what before Matthysse (37-3) regained control in the him room to dodge the Russian’s powerful left 114-114, but Glenn Feldman and John McKaie an hour for the main event, watching the TV feed happens with (Manny) Pacquiao and (Floyd) fifth. He continued to use his three-inch reach hook. both scored it 115-113 in favor of Matthysse. of Terence Crawford beating Thomas Dulorme Mayweather.” — AP MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 SPORTS Tamin stars in Bangladesh historic win over Pakistan

DHAKA: Tamim Iqbal smashed a second consecu- tive century to steer Bangladesh to their first ever one-day series win over Pakistan with an emphat- ic seven-wicket victory in Dhaka yesterday. The left-handed opener hit an unbeaten run-a-ball 116 as the hosts, chasing Pakistan’s 239 for six, cruised home in the 39th over to take an unbeat- able 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The new-look Pakistan, with just four World Cuppers in their ranks and led for the first time in a series by Azhar Ali, needed a massive improve- ment after their 79-run defeat in Friday’s opening match. But a top-order collapse pushed them in a corner and left the tourists seeking a consolation win in the third and final match at the same Sher- e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday. Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who had missed the opening match due to a one- match ban for his team’s slow over-rates at the VALKENBURG: Michal Kwiatkowski celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the 50th World Cup, wanted his team to push for a 3-0 edition of the Amstel Gold race. — AFP whitewash. “The boys are obviously very happy, but the Kwiatkowski wins job is not done yet because we have one more match to go,” he said. “This one was almost a per- fect match for us and we want to continue like Amstel Gold Race this. “Tamim and Rahim have been brilliant with the bat in this series and Shakib has led from the front with the ball.” Pakistan’s Ali said the two VALKENBURG: World champion Michal Avermaet and Tony Gallopin of France, games so far were were a learning exercise for his Kwiatkowski of Poland claimed his first while last year’s winner Philippe Gilbert, a young, inexperienced team. “I don’t think 240 was one-day victory of the year in winning the three-time Amstel champion, could man- enough on this good wicket and that was first of three Ardennes Classics, the Amstel age only 10th. because we did not bat well at the top,” he said. Gold Race yesterday. But 2014 Tour de France winner Kwiatkowski finished the 258km race Vincenzo Nibali created some excitement “But as everyone knows, Pakistan are in the from Maastricht to Valkenburg ahead of 30km from home when he broke away with process of rebuilding. The boys will learn from this Alejandro Valverde of Spain and Australia’s three-time world timetrial king Tony Martin and help them come back strongly. We have to Michael Matthews. and Australians Simon Clarke and David trust the younger players and be patient with It was the 24-year-old’s first win in a Tanner. They were caught with 15km left, them.” Saad Nasim and Wahab Riaz hit unbeaten major Spring Classic race, this the first of although Clarke battled on for a further half-centuries to lift Pakistan to a seemingly com- three Ardennes Classics in the space of a 7km before the inevitable happened. petitive score after they were reduced to 77-5 by single week. His only previous victory this Belgian Gilbert, who won all three the 22nd over of the day-night international. year had been in the Pris-Nice stage race Ardennes Classics in 2011, briefly distanced Tamim, who made 132 in the previous match, prologue. Kwiatkowski was fifth at Amstel, all but Matthews on the Cauberg climb but made a mockery of the target after racing to his the biggest race in the Netherlands, last although the pair crested it clear, a small half-century off just 31 balls. year, also securing third-placed finishes at group caught them in the run-in to the fin- Junaid Khan removed fellow-opener Soumya both Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne- ish. Matthews and Van Avermaet, whose Sarker cheaply for 17, but Tamim calmed the Liege. build-up had been blighted by his implica- home supporters’ nerves with three successive He was part of a small group that broke tion in a doping scandal and the disap- DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal celebrates after scoring hundred runs during the second boundaries off both Saeed Ajmal and Wahab Riaz. one-day international cricket match against Pakistan. —AP clear on the final Cauberg climb, the apex pointment of third-placed finishes at both By the time Ajmal bowled Mahmdullah for 17 to of which came 1.8km from the finish. ‘Monument’ cobbled classics-Paris Roubaix give Pakistan their second wicket, Bangladesh Portugal’s Rui Costa, whom Kwiatkowski and the Tour of Flanders opened their had taken control of the game by reaching 100 in SCOREBOARD succeeded as world champion, came sprints first but Kwiatkowski powered just 14 overs. fourth ahead of Belgium’s Greg Van through to take the win. — AFP Mushfiqur Rahim, who also hit a century in the first game, continued his good form with 65 off 70 DHAKA: Scoreboard of the second one-day international between Bangladesh and Pakistan Toulon in European final balls as Bangladesh ended their series drought at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka yesterday: against Pakistan with 71 ball deliveries to spare. Pakistan: 51-2, Mahmudullah 2-0-6-0 (1w). MARSEILLE: Two-time defending champi- minutes with a penalty as blue skies Shakib Al Hasan hit the winning run soon after Azhar Ali c Rahim c Shakib 36 ons Toulon will bid for an unprecedented replaced the rain of the first half. It was Tamim, who struck 17 fours and six, completed Sarfraz Ahmed c Soumya b Rubel 7 Bangladesh: hat-trick of European titles against then Madigan’s turn to miss a penalty, his sixth one-day century by gliding Junaid to Mohammad Hafeez b Sunny 0 Tamim Iqbal not out 116 Clermont after beating Leinster 25-20 fol- Toulon immediately into action as Guilhem fine-leg. Earlier, Nasim was unbeaten on 77 in Haris Sohail c & b Mortaza 44 Soumya Sarkar c Sarfraz b Junaid 17 lowing extra-time in yesterday’s Guirado charged down Madigan’s clear- only his second international and Riaz struck 51 Fawad Alam b Nasir 0 Mohammad Mahmudullah b Ajmal 17 Champions Cup semi-final. ance kick, with only desperate defence off 40 balls as Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark Mohammad Rizwan lbw b Shakib 13 Mushfiqur Rahim c Fawad b Rahat 65 Toulon’s Welsh full-back Leigh stopping the red surge towards the white- on the slow pitch. Saad Nasim not out 77 Shakib Al Hasan not out 7 Halfpenny kicked six penalties and convert- wash. Nasim began the rescue act by adding 77 for Wahab Riaz not out 51 Extras (lb2, w15, nb1) 18 Extras (b2, lb2, w5, nb2) 11 Total (for three wickets, 38.1 overs) 240 ed a Bryan Habana interception try for a Gopperth was penalised for not rolling the sixth wicket with Haris Sohail, who made 44. Total (for six wickets, 50 overs) 239 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Sarkar), 2-100 personal haul of 20 points in an ultimately away a minute later, Halfpenny kicking his Ali and Sarfraz Ahmed put on an opening stand of 36 before the top-order crumbled in dramatic Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Sarfraz), 2-37 (Hafeez), 3- (Mahmudullah), 3-218 (Rahim). thrilling match that went to extra-time fourth three-pointer to take the lead. But 58 (Azhar), 4-59 (Fawad), 5-77 (Rizwan), 6-154 Bowling: Junaid 9-0-61-1 (4w), Rahat 7-0-57-1 after finishing 12-12 after regulation time. Toulon’s Juan Fernandez Lobbe committed fashion. Mortaza, playing his 150th one-day inter- national, claimed one wicket when he took a (Haris) (2w), Wahab 8-0-36-0 (7w, 1nb), Ajmal 9.1-1- Leinster had Ian Madigan to thank for a stupid infringement in front of referee Bowling: Mortaza 8-0-52-1 (1nb), Taskin 8-1- 49-1 (1w), Azhar 3-0-20-0 (1w), Nasim 2-0-15-0 return catch to end Sohail’s resistance. Pakistan five penalties, while Sean O’Brien scored a Wayne Barnes’s eagle eye, toe poking the 41-0 (1w), Sunny 10-0-41-1 (1w), Rubel 7-2-27- Bangladesh won by seven wickets, lead three- late try that made for a nerve-racking cli- ball out of a ruck. Madigan made no mis- will also play a Twenty20 match and two Tests on 1 (1w, 1nb), Nasir 5-0-17-1 (1w), Shakib 10-0- match series 2-0 max. Man-of-the-match Halfpenny heaped take from long range to draw the scores their month-long tour of Bangladesh. —AFP praise on his teammates. “The character of level again. the boys was outstanding,” Halfpenny told With two minutes to play, Gopperth Sky Sports. “To close the game out and win sent a snap drop-goal just wide, and Rob Kearney sent one just short from the result- Ducks get past Jets as it is a fantastic feeling. “As a player you want to be involved in the big games and ing 22 kickout in a nerve-racking finish. the latter stages of competitions, and to be Delon Armitage then had a chance to end involved in the European semi-final and to the game with a 55-metre penalty, but his effort fell well short, meaning extra-time. Rangers down Penguins have won is great.” Toulon’s Australian playmaker Matt Two minutes in, the Toulon scrum destroyed their Irish counterpart and Giteau said the French giants had “made it ANAHEIM: Jakob Silfverberg scored the Halfpenny booted his fifth penalty to put tough” for themselves. “But in the big tiebreaking goal with 21 seconds to play as the pressure on Leinster. But once again, games you’ve just got to find a way to win the Anaheim Ducks rallied from another third- Madigan came straight back with one of and we did just that,” Giteau said. Leinster period deficit for a 2-1 victory over the his own after dangerous play by replace- No.8 Jamie Heaslip said his team had Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, taking a 2-0 lead ment lock Jocelino Suta. Suta’s boilerhouse proved many pundits wrong. “A lot of peo- in their first-round NHL playoff series. partner Ali Williams was then shown a yel- ple didn’t give us a shout,” he said. “100 Patrick Maroon scored the tying power- low card for making contact with Devin minutes of rugby, that rarely happens and play goal midway through the third period Toner in the air. But Toulon did not sit back we went right to the wire. and Frederik Andersen made 28 saves for the despite being down to 14 men, Halfpenny “You get punished for slight errors top-seeded Ducks, who came back from a nailing his sixth penalty as the irrepressible throughout the game... and we’ve come final-period deficit for the second straight Chris Masoe tried to force a turnover. out second best today.” Turnovers, ruck game and the 14th time this season. And then Springbok winger Habana penalties and handling errors saw out a Silfverberg sealed it moments before over- intercepted Madigan’s long looped pass tight if uninspiring, pressure-laden first-half time, taking a puck off the boards and wheel- and sprinted away for a try converted by during which Toulon failed to convert their ing into the faceoff circle for a shot past Halfpenny. territorial domination into points. Ondrej Pavelec, who stopped 37 shots in an But Leinster heads did not go down, Halfpenny bagged two penalties to outstanding performance. Game 3 tonight Sean O’Brien being driven over for a try three from Madigan in the opening 40 min- will be the first NHL postseason game in Gopperth failed to convert to make for a utes at Marseille’s packed Stade Velodrome. Winnipeg since 1996. Halfpenny missed a third penalty effort ear- shaky end to the game. On Saturday, Australian Brock James was the architect of ly in the second period, but was then on RANGERS 4, PENGUINS 3 Clermont’s 13-9 victory over Saracens in hand to snuffle out a Jimmy Gopperth Sidney Crosby scored twice and Pittsburgh the first semi-final, sweet revenge for the charge-down in Toulon’s 22m area as evened its first-round playoff series with New 46-6 thumping the English club handed Leinster pressed. York. The Rangers won Game 1 by making the Top 14 side at the same stage of the The Wales and British Lion full-back Crosby virtually invisible and keeping Evgeni competition last season. — AFP eventually pulled the scores level after 56 Malkin out of the danger zone. On Saturday, the Penguins forced turnovers in the decisive second period, shut down the Rangers’ power play and generally controlled the pace to get even. Game 3 is tonight in Pittsburgh. Marc-Andre Fleury finished with 23 saves ANAHEIM: Winnipeg Jets center Mathieu Perreault (left) knocks Anaheim Ducks right wing for the Penguins, while Henrik Lundqvist had Jakob Silfverberg to the ice during the first period of Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey play- 18. Brandon Sutter and Chris Kunitz also off series. — AP scored for Pittsburgh, and Derek Stepan, Detroit’s Tomas Tatar scored at 5:49 of the first period and then had an empty-netter for Derick Brassard and Rick Nash (with 5.1 sec- third period. Despite the loss, the Red Wings his first career playoff hat trick, leading St. onds to go) had goals for New York. return home for Game 3 tomorrow feeling for- Louis to a victory over Minnesota that evened tunate the series is tied. They did not play par- the Western Conference series at a game LIGHTNING 5, RED WINGS 1 ticularly well in either of the two games in apiece. Tampa Bay’s Ben Bishop stopped 24 shots Tampa Bay, but escaped with the opener Tarasenko had an assist and no shots in a 4- for his first NHL playoff victory, a win over thanks to an outstanding playoff debut by 2 loss in Game 1, but responded with an Detroit that evened their opening-round young goalie Petr Mrazek. impressive performance more in line with his Eastern Conference series at one game apiece. The 23-year-old Mrazek was pulled play in the regular season. The dynamic Tyler Johnson had two goals for the Saturday after Tampa Bay’s three-goal second winger ran his playoff total to seven goals in Lightning, who dropped Game 1 while out- period, replaced by the struggling, but much nine games. Patrik Berglund’s unassisted goal playing the Red Wings for most of a 3-2 loss. more experienced Jimmy Howard, who gave past Devan Dubnyk made it a two-goal cush- Alex Killorn and Andrej Sustr scored in second up Tampa Bay’s final goal to Valtteri Filppula ion with 1:58 to go for the Central Division period before Johnson’s breakaway goal fin- on a power play in the closing minutes. champions, who will carry momentum to ished a three-goal flurry that put Tampa Bay Minnesota for Game 3 tonight. Jake Allen up 4-0. BLUES 4, WILD 1 made 24 saves for St. Louis.Marco Scandella FRANCE: Leinster’s and Toulon’s forwards take part in a scrum during the European Bishop lost his bid for a shutout when Vladimir Tarasenko scored two goals in the scored for Minnesota. — AP Champions Cup rugby union semi-final match. — AFP MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 SPORTS Djokovic adds another Masters to his series

MONTE CARLO: Novak Djokovic continued his serve. His form then nosedived as Djokovic awe-inspiring run of form to claim the Monte raced to a 4-0 lead in the decider, but Berdych Carlo Masters title yesterday with a 7-5 4-6 6-3 then clawed back one of breaks and even had win over Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych. another chance to break in the seventh game. The Serbian world number one became the But once again, the Czech made unforced errors first player to clinch the opening three Masters and was powerless to stop Djokovic from clos- titles of the season after he triumphed in Indian ing it out on his serve. Meanwhile, although Wells and Miami, notably seeing off nine-times comprehensively beaten by Novak Djokovic on French Open champion Rafa Nadal in Saturday’s the Monte Carlo semi-finals, claycourt king Rafa semi-final. Nadal believes he is on the right path as his Berdych, however, was no pushover in the beloved French Open looms. final of the first tournament of the European The Spaniard, looking to clinch a record- claycourt season, which will culminate at Roland extending 10th title at Roland Garros, lost 6-3 6- Garros from May 24-June 7. Coming into the 3 to the world number one in the European clay- match with a 2-18 win-loss record against court season opener. Djokovic, Berdych had little to lose and he start- The third seed’s defence was sometimes ed brightly, stealing the Serbian’s serve in the impressive but he never managed to take con- first game with a nice backhand winner down trol of the contest. But Nadal, who has had an the line, allowing his opponent only two points below par start to the season, notably losing to in the first two games. Fernando Verdasco in the third round at the But the Czech started to make unforced Miami Masters, was not worried. “The way that I errors and in no time Djokovic had moved from played yesterday (against David Ferrer) and for 3-1 down to 5-3 up. Berdych kept battling and moments today is the way that I want to play,” levelled for 5-5 after reeling off six points in a he told a news conference. “Just with more row in a see-saw contest that left Djokovic’s matches playing like this, I will be enough confi- coach, Boris Becker, sliding back into his seat. dent to play. “I go into the next tournament with The Serbian’s rhythm, however, was too the feeling that I made a big improvement in my much to handle for Berdych, who saved two set game. I hope this tournament is a key moment points before cracking on the third, sending a for my season.” backhand into the net after Djokovic had sent Nadal, who usually wears down his oppo- him chase the ball in every corner of the court. nents, especially on clay, the slowest surface, Berdych had his chance in the fifth game of admitted he had trouble coping with the physi- the second set as he set up three break points cality of the game. He took a great start, enjoy- but he wasted two of them with unforced errors ing a 2-0 lead in the opener and setting up a and Djokovic saved the third with a service win- break point in the third game, before gradullay ner. He won that game and the match was inter- fading away. BAHRAIN: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain (left) holds the trophy after winning the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Formula rupted by rain for about 70 minutes. Berdych “I get a little bit tired and a little bit too early. One Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. At his right is third place Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany. — AP broke for 4-3 on his third opportunity after put- Then when you get little bit tired, you play a lit- ting Djokovic on the back foot and he took the tle bit shorter. Then it is impossible against him, set after winning 15 of 19 points on his first no?” he explained. —Reuters Hamilton wins Bahrain GP

MANAMA: Defending world champion Lewis ing a perfect departure from the 42nd pole posi- Hamilton pushed to extend his lead to 3.9 sec- Hamilton extended his lead in this year’s title race tion of his career. At the other end of the grid, onds by lap 30 with Vettel a further 4.3 adrift and yesterday when he drove to a near-flawless victory Briton Jenson Button’s wretched weekend was Raikkonen, 4.1 seconds further back, holding a in the Bahrain Grand Prix. completed by his failure to start the race, McLaren- strong fourth on mediums ahead of Bottas. The 30-year-old Briton, starting from the 42nd Honda having been unable to resolve their elec- Vettel made his second stop to switch to the pole position of his career, led from lights to flag tronic problems. medium tyre after 33 laps. Hamilton followed a lap apart from two spells around the pit-stops to claim Brazilian Felipe Massa started from the pit lane later for the same and then Rosberg, who lost his the 36th win of his career and his third in four races after failing to start the formation lap in his place to Vettel, who clocked a fastest lap of this year. Hamilton came home 3.3 seconds clear of Williams, but he made light of that in the opening 1:37.547 to regain second. All this left Raikkonen, Finn Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari who stole second laps behind a field led in confident fashion by the running a different strategy, out in front of ahead of Nico Rosberg when the second Mercedes Mercedes of world champion Hamilton. Hamilton with one more stop due, as Rosberg driver suffered a braking problem on the penulti- Raikkonen made a fast start, as did Rosberg fought back against Vettel, taking second again as mate lap. who attacked Vettel, and this lifted him into third Vettel ran wide at Turn 14, damaging his front It had seemed that the 29-year-old German when the Mercedes’ man slipped back after his wing. Vettel had to pit for a new nose and re-joined would hold off Raikkonen’s late challenge, but both failed assault on seizing second place. fifth. As Raikkonen struggled on his worn tyres, Mercedes lost their brakes in the final laps, But Rosberg fought back to regain third and Hamilton swept past to lead at the start of lap 40, Hamilton just hanging on to win. squeeze inside Vettel’s Ferrari at turn one on lap both men avoiding an incident with Hulkenberg’s Hamilton’s victory lifted him to 93 points in the nine. Hamilton opened up a six-second lead before Force India as the German came out of the pits. championship, giving him a clear lead ahead of Vettel was the first of the leading group to pit for Ferrari finally called Raikkonen in for lap 41, put- Rosberg, on 66 points. new rubber after 14 laps, swiftly followed by ting him on soft tyres for a closing dash after the Finn Valtteri Bottas of Williams finished fourth Rosberg. When Hamilton pitted, two laps later, Mercedes men and a potential podium finish. after resisting a late attack from German Sebastian Raikkonen led until he followed suit on lap 18. This With 15 laps to go, Hamilton led Rosberg by Vettel in the second Ferrari. gave the lead back to Hamilton, but Mercedes’ nearly five seconds and Raikkonen, clocking fastest MONACO: Novak Djokovic of Serbia (right) holds his cup after defeating Tomas Australian Daniel Ricciardo finished sixth for need to give Rosberg the first stop had clearly laps, was adrift by 18 seconds in third. Berdych of Czech Republic (left) in their final match of the Monte Carlo Tennis Red Bull, his engine blowing up as he crossed the reduced the Briton’s control and lead at the front. The Finn cut into Rosberg’s advantage as the Masters tournament. — AP line ahead of Frenchman Romain Grosjean of Lotus This was shown when Hamilton rejoined from laps unfolded with Hamilton staying ahead of and Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India. his first stop just ahead of Vettel as Rosberg passed them both as the leading trio cut their way Russian Daniil Kvyat in the second Red Bull was the Ferrari to take second. through lapped traffic on the closing laps. Seeking Kvitova takes Czechs ninth and Brazilian Felipe Massa, was 10th in the By lap 24, a lead that was six seconds was his first podium finish for 26 races, Raikkonen second Williams. After another sweltering day at trimmed to just 2.2 with Vettel less than a second became ever more animated. “Come on! Blue flags!” past France into final the Sakhir Circuit, the race began as the floodlights adrift and Raikkonen, on the ‘harder’ medium tyre, he shouted over the team radio. “They just don’t replaced the sunshine with a calm Hamilton mak- closing. move those people.” — AFP OSTRAVA: Petra Kvitova sent holders the Czech so she would have to run and wouldn’t have Republic into their fourth Fed Cup final in five time to dictate the pace,” she added, praising years after breezing past France’s Caroline Garcia Garcia’s “very solid performance.” Garcia said the in straight sets here yesterday. game was “a high-level one”. “It was close today, On the hardcourt of the CEZ Arena in the she handled her chances a bit better than I did. I eastern Czech city of Ostrava, the left-handed tried to do my best,” she said. world number four beat 29th-ranked Garcia 6-4, In the dead doubles rubber on Sunday, 6-4 in an hour and 32 minutes to give the hosts France’s Kristina Mladenovic and Pauline an unbeatable 3-0 lead. The Czechs, who won Parmentier beat Lucie Safarova and Barbora the Fed Cup title in 2011, 2012 and 2014, will Strycova 0-6, 6-3, 10/8 to round off the final score take on either Russia or Germany in the final. In at 3-1. On Saturday, world number 13 and Czech yesterday’s clash of the teams’ number one play- number two Safarova beat Garcia 4-6, 7-6 (7/1), ers, the 25-year-old Kvitova showed she was 6-1. Kvitova then saw off 58th-ranked back in shape after a month-long break from the Mladenovic 6-3, 6-4.”I saw Garcia play with Lucie sport as she won the 25th of her 31 Fed Cup sin- on Saturday and I could see she gave her a hard gles rubbers. The first set offered aggressive ten- time on the court so I’m happy I managed a bit nis with Kvitova earning two breaks against one faster and without the nerves that Lucie had,” for Garcia who tossed her racket and slammed said Kvitova. the ball into the ground in frustration. Czech captain Petr Pala, who has been with In the second set, the 2011 and 2014 the team since 2008, said the tie with France was Wimbledon champion showed her dominance far from easy. “You may say it was 3-0, but it was over the 21-year-old French youngster, taking a terribly close,” he said. “Lucie made a great come- 5-1 lead which Garcia only managed to narrow. back from five match points against her in the ARGENTINA: Spain’s biker Marc Marquez rides his Honda during the MotoGP of the Argentina Grand Prix. — AFP “It was definitely hard,” Kvitova said after the first rubber and Petra had to play great today to game. “I knew what to expect, I played against succeed. It’s tough on Caroline, but she has her last year so I knew how to play and it worked. played two great rubbers. “Petra did a great job, Marquez takes pole in Argentina “She likes to play fast, long balls into the body so she must have been terribly nervous on Saturday the rival wouldn’t have time. “I tried to play the because her break (from tennis) was quite long, same, go for it from the first ball after the serve but she handled it like a great player.” — AFP ARGENTINA: Reigning double world champion what happens, we expect a pretty tough race on the second row. Italian legend Valentino Marc Marquez stormed to his 24th pole position with even higher temperatures than today.” Rossi, who won the first race of the season, could in just 39 MotoGP races in Argentina on Iannone may be on the front row but he admit- manage only eighth fastest on a Yamaha. Even Saturday. ted to having concerns about his tyres for the so, Marquez identified the seven-time world The Spanish Honda rider will line up along- race. “I am pleased because the front row was champion and two-time laureat Lorenzo as his side compatriot Aleix Esparago (Suzuki) and one of our aims and we managed to achieve it, two main rivals for the race. Italy’s Andrea Iannone (Ducati) on the front row but together with my team we still have to try Rossi said: “I am very upset for the qualifying of the grid. and find a solution to get the best out of the soft because I feel I could do better. Our strategy was The 22-year-old flew around the scorching tyre,” he said. not perfect, we arrived in traffic and unfortu- Thermes de Rio Hondo circuit in 1min 37.802sec “For sure tomorrow it will be important to get nately it was not possible to improve. to snatch pole for the second year in a row here. a good start and I must try not to stress the rear “On the other side, with the hard tyres the “I am happy today, because we were able to tyre too much, in particular because we do not bike works well and I have a good pace, that is fight for pole and eventually got it,” said have the extra-hard compound.” most important for the race. “We have to work Marquez. “It was important to start from the Britain’s Carl Crutchlow (Honda), Spain’s for- in some places as we still have some issues to front tomorrow, because the track is quite dirty mer world champion Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) solve, we will try to improve and do the best we and that makes it harder to overtake. “We’ll see and Italian Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) will start can in the race.” — AFP Russia storm Fed Cup into final SOCHI: Elena Vesnina and Anastasia the first as the Russians broke their opponents me,” Petkovic said. “I don’t know how I would have Pavlyuchenkova beat Sabine Lisicki and Andrea serve on three more occasions sealing their victo- played yesterday, but I know that two (successive) Petkovic in the deciding rubber of the Fed Cup ry with an ace by Pavlyuchenkova. days of play for me is not possible. World Group semi-final against Germany on Earlier yesterday, Germany’s Angelique Kerber “The score tells nothing about this match. Sunday to put Russia into the final. Vesnina and beat Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 6-0 to level the match Some games in the first set were very close. Both Pavlyuchenkova won 6-2, 6-3 in one hour 24 min- at 2-2. “I was obliged to win. Therefore I was nerv- of us showed very good clay court tennis during utes to earn a pass into the title match against the ous at first. But then I started winning my points,” the first set.” Petkovic, who is 11th in the WTA Czech Republic, who beat France in the other Kerber said. “The title which I won last week rankings, started confidently, breaking her oppo- semi-final. allowed me to feel confidence. That victory came nent’s serve on three occasions to take the open- “I was a bit nervous at the start but I knew that at the right time.” The 27-year-old Kerber, winner ing set in 41 minutes. together with Nastia (Pavlyuchenkova) we’re a of the Charleston WTA event last week, looked in In the second Petkovic underlined her good team,” Vesnina said. “I watched Lisicki and command from the start, breaking supremacy on the red clay court of Sochi’s Adler Petkovic playing at Indian Wells last month and Pavlyuchenkova’s serve twice to take the opening Arena as she produced two more breaks to chalk was ready for some of their moves. set in just 25 minutes before starting the second up her team’s first point. “I failed to adjust myself “Besides, Nastia also played well even though with yet another break before sending the tie into completely for the clay courts, that’s the main rea- she came on court right after her singles match.” the decisive fifth rubber. son for my defeat today,” Kuznetsova said. On The Russian duo looked confident from the start, In yesterday’s opening match Petkovic Saturday Kuznetsova beat Goerges 6-4, 6-4 to put producing three breaks in the opening set, which reduced the arrears with a straight-sets victory 6- Russia into the lead, while Pavlyuchenkova battled was over in 38 minutes. 2, 6-1 over Svetlana Kuznetsova. back from a set down to defeat Sabine Lisicki to OSTRAVA: Petra Kvitova from Czech Republic celebrates after defeating Caroline The second set was almost a carbon copy of “Yesterday’s rest really played a big role for give her country a comfortable 2-0 lead. —AFP Garcia from France during the Fed Cup semifinal tennis match. — AP MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 SPORTS Tevez chicken dance fuels Boca move rumors MILAN: Carlos Tevez has left doubts hanging over June 2016, to return to Boca, where he came my family’s.” But a return to Argentina at this stage goals in all competitions this season. his future at Juventus despite coach Massimiliano through the youth ranks. would be surprising for a player who, at 31 years “Talking about transfers right now doesn’t make Allegri’s belief the Argentinian star will honor his He was quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport as saying old, “still has plenty to offer to European football”, sense,” said Allegri after Saturday’s win. “Tevez is contract with the Turin giants. that Tevez’s “idea is to return, after so many years according to Juventus coach Allegri. focused, I think we will stay with us because he likes Tevez took his Serie A goals tally to 18 for the away, wear our shirt and play for two or three years” Since joining the Old Lady in time for the 2013- it here and he still has so much to offer football in season with Juve’s opening goal in a 2-0 home win Angelici added: “He wants it and his family want 2014 season, Tevez has revived his career having Europe.” The Argentinian claimed his celebratory over Lazio which stretched their lead to 15 points at it. In the space of a year and a half, a lot of things endured a turbulent end to his three-year spell at chicken dance on Saturday was a “promise to the top of the table with seven games remaining. can change. But right now, that’s his idea.” Manchester City. While piling up the goals for Juve, friends” but it did little to quell rumours of his return But a celebratory ‘chicken dance’-which he first Tevez told reporters after the game: “There’s a lot Tevez has earned a recall to the Argentina squad. to Boca. Tevez performed it 11 years ago after scor- performed while playing for Argentinian giants of talk about me right now, but all I want to focus He has also been instrumental as Juventus continue ing for Boca against River Plate in the semi-final of Boca Juniors against bitter rivals River Plate in 2004 on is Juve. We are in great form and it’s not the right their quest to reach the latter stages of the the Copa Libertadores-South America’s Champions as well as comments by Boca president Daniel time to discuss my future.” Champions League for the first time in over a League equivalent-and both clubs will soon face Angelici earlier this week claiming Tevez wanted to But he added: “When I make a decision about my decade. On Wednesday, Juventus will book their each other in the last 16 of the competition. return to the club ahead of next season, have left future, the fans will be the first to know.” place in the semi-finals if they secure a draw away Tevez said the celebration “had nothing to do fans wondering. Angelici set the rumour mill spin- Tevez has already admitted he will finish his to Monaco in the second leg of their quarter-final. with the upcoming game. “I celebrated like that ning earlier this week when he claimed Tevez would career at Boca, saying: “I’ve already said I want to Juventus have been keen to keep a lid on any because I had made a promise to some friends, and quit Juventus a year before his contract expires, in retire wearing a Boca shirt, it’s my dream as well as transfer talk concerning Tevez, who has scored 26 I’ll do the same if I score at Monaco.” — AFP Atalanta draw dent Roma’s CL hopes

MILAN: A third-minute penalty by Francesco Totti failed to make the difference as depleted Roma’s Champions League hopes suffered a blow in a 1-1 draw with Atalanta yesterday. Roma knew a win would hoist them back up to second place after Lazio’s 2-0 defeat at leaders Juventus on Saturday. But despite dominating throughout, Roma failed to break down a stubborn defence, Atalanta hanging on for a valuable point that left them seven points clear of the relegation zone. Along with city rivals Lazio, Roma are 15 points behind Juventus. Coach Rudi Garcia was furious at his side’s failure to seize, at least tem- porarily, the league’s second automatic Champions League qualifying spot. “Today, I can’t be anything other than unhappy. We didn’t play well at all, especially in the first half,” said Garcia. “As soon as we scored the penalty, we went to sleep.”Roma’s GERMANY: Wolfsburg’s Andre Schuerrle (right) and Schalke’s Roman Neustaedter players before the game drove past dozens of fans (left) challenge for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match. — AP demonstrating against club president James Pallotta’s decision to ban several “racist and violent supporters” from the stadium. To make matters worse, Garcia was also without Daniele De Rossi Wolves’ stumble and Kostas Manolas, both suspended, while Miralem Pjanic, Gervinho, Douglas Maicon, Kevin Strootman and Leandro Castan were all missing to Schalke through injury. Totti was handed the chance to give the hosts an early lead when Adem Ljajic was fouled by BERLIN: Bayern Munich could wrap up a Bremen are one of the league’s success Guglielmo Stendardo, who also handled the ball in ITALY: Roma’s forward Victor Ibarbo from Colombia (right) vies with Atalanta’s midfielder third straight Bundesliga title next week- stories this season having gone from last the area, and the Roma captain stepped up to send Giulio Migliaccio during the Italian Serie A football match. — AFP end after second-placed Wolfsburg needed place in December to finish the weekend goalkeeper Marco Sportiello the wrong way. with a move to Juventus, Manchester United, late them.” Napoli, meanwhile, had no trouble clos- a late Kevin de Bruyne equaliser to seal yes- four points adrift of a Europa League spot. But barely 20 minutes later, Atalanta were back Arsenal and Liverpool, with club president Mauro ing the gap on Lazio and Roma to five points after terday’s 1-1 draw against Schalke. In contrast, hapless Hamburg have just on level terms, German Denis firing past Morgan Zamparini declaring last week the 21-year-old Jose Callejon, an own goal from Antonio Balzano Pep Guardiola’s Bayern finished the five games to close the four-point gap to De Sanctis from the spot after Davide Astori had would be “sold before the end of April”. Palermo and a Manolo Gabbiadini strike secured a 3-0 win weekend 12 points clear after their 2-0 win safety as Bruno Labbadia suffered defeat in tripped Dutch midfielder Urby Emanuelson. coach Giuseppe Iachini, meanwhile, said: “Paul’s a away to relegation-threatened Cagliari. Inter Milan at Hoffenheim and with five games left his first game since being appointed as Roma were jeered off the pitch at half-time after young lad who has come on leaps and bounds this host AC Milan in the city derby in yesterday’s late they could have their title confirmed with a Hamburg’s fourth coach this season on missing several chances to restore their lead, and season. “He did great to set up the two goals... but game, while Fiorentina are in action today when home win over Hertha Berlin on Saturday if Wednesday. “To lose a game with a penalty the fans’ mood didn’t improve after the break as the whole team played great, I can only congratu- they host Verona in Florence. — AFP other results go their way. like that is bitterly disappointing,” said Stendardo stopped Totti from reaching Alessandro At Wolfsburg’s Volkswagen Arena, Labbadia, who is in his second stint as Florenzi’s low cross in front of goal before Radja defender Ricardo Rodriguez hit the cross- Hamburg boss. Nainggolan’s long range effort was charged down Italian League results/standings bar early in the second-half from a free-kick “For me that was never, ever a red card.” as Atalanta held on for a share of the spoils. in the hosts’ best clear chance. The only side to have never been relegated Elsewhere, Fabio Quagliarella struck from the But Schalke took a spectacular lead from Germany’s top flight, Hamburg only spot as Europa League-chasing Torino grabbed a Sassuolo 1 (Berardi 45pen) Torino 1 (Quagliarella 59-pen)+ADs- Chievo 1 (Pellissier 39) Udinese 1 against the run of play as Germany under- avoided the drop last season by winning a precious point from a 1-1 draw away to Sassuolo, (Cesar 71-og)+ADs- Empoli 2 (Maccarone 32, Tonelli 45) Parma 2 (Lodi 19, Belfodil 73)+ADs- 19 left winger Leroy Sane won the ball on play-off. who opened the scoring through a Domenico Palermo 2 (Chochev 9, 30) Genoa 1 (Falque 52)+ADs- Roma 1 (Totti 3-pen) Atalanta 1 (Denis 23- the edge of his own area, then sprinted Meanwhile, leaders Bayern sealed a Berardi penalty on the stroke of half-time. pen)+ADs-Cagliari 0 Napoli 3 (Callejon 24, Balzano 45og, Gabbiadini 59) away before beating two Wolves defenders hard-fought win at Hoffenheim, but have A Cesar Bostjan own goal secured a point for Playing later (GMT) Italian Serie A table ahead of yesterday’s late to fire home on 53 minutes. fresh injury worries for Tuesday’s crucial Udinese in a 1-1 away draw at Chievo, who had Inter Milan v AC Milan (1845) game (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, Having also earlier gone close with a Champions League quarter-final, second- Sergio Pellissier’s sliding back post effort to thank goals against, points): free-kick, Belgium international De Bruyne leg against Porto as they look to over-turn for their 39th minute opener. Algerian international rescued the hosts when he hit the bottom a 3-1 deficit. Left-back Juan Bernat had to Ishak Belfodil came off the bench to net a 73rd Juventus 31 22 7 2 59 15 73 Palermo 31 10 11 10 44 45 41 right-hand corner from 20 metres out to be helped off after a bone-crunching first- minute leveller as crisis-hit basement side Parma Lazio 31 18 4 9 58 30 58 Sassuolo 31 8 12 11 37 46 36 claim his 10th Bundesliga goal of the sea- half tackle in Hoffenheim, but coach Pep grabbed a point from a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Roma 31 15 13 3 42 23 58 Chievo 31 9 9 13 23 32 36 son on 78 minutes. Wolfsburg could have Guardiola said the Spaniard was only taken Empoli, although Roberto Donadoni’s men, docked Napoli 31 15 8 8 53 37 53 Udinese 31 8 11 12 34 42 35 snatched the three points at the death as off as a precaution. a further four points in midweek for financial irreg- Sampdoria 31 12 14 5 38 31 50 Empoli 31 6 16 9 32 38 34 France midfielder Joshua Guilavogui blast- “We didn’t want to take any risks,” he ularities, look doomed to relegation. The only win Fiorentina 30 13 10 7 43 34 49 Verona 30 8 9 13 36 53 33 ed a late volley over the bar. added. Borussia Dortmund enjoyed a 3-0 of the day so far came at Palermo, where Genoa 31 11 11 9 43 36 44 Atalanta 31 6 12 13 27 42 30 Earlier, bottom side Hamburg suffered victory at home to Paderborn to climb to Argentinian sensation Paulo Dybala turned creator Torino 31 11 11 9 36 33 44 Cesena 31 4 11 16 28 53 23 their fifth straight defeat and are heading ninth in their first game since coach Jurgen twice to set up Ivaylo Chochev for a brace of goals AC Milan 30 10 12 8 44 37 42 Cagliari 31 4 9 18 35 61 21 towards an historic relegation from Klopp announced he would be leaving at in a 2-1 win over Genoa. Dybala has been linked Inter Milan 30 10 11 9 46 37 41 Parma 31 5 5 21 26 58 13 Germany’s top flight after their 1-0 defeat the end of the season to be replaced by ex- to Werder Bremen in the north German Mainz boss Thomas Tuchel next season. derby. Bremen’s Argentine striker Franco di After Borussia Moenchengladbach’s goal- Santo claimed his 13th goal of the season less draw at Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday, Lille, Montpellier keep by netting an 84th-minute penalty just Bayer Leverkusen took Gladbach’s place in after Hamburg’s Swiss midfielder Valon third, and amongst the automatic Behrami was sent off-on his 30th birthday- Champions League berths, with a 4-0 maul- for pulling down Werder’s Zlatko Junuzovic. ing of Hanover 96. — AFP European dreams alive

German League results/standings PARIS: Nolan Roux was on target as Lille by beating Nice 3-1 in their bid for a hat-trick of Juventus in the second leg of their Champions grabbed their third consecutive Ligue 1 victory Ligue 1 titles. PSG temporarily moved a point League quarter-final in midweek. Werder Bremen 1 (di Santo 84-pen) Hamburg 0; VfL Wolfsburg 1 (De Bruyne 78) with a 2-0 win over Bordeaux yesterday to close ahead Lyon at the top of the table ahead of But crucially, they failed to fully exploit Schalke 1 (Sane 53) German Bundesliga table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, on European places. Sunday’s derby against Saint-Etienne. Monaco fourth-placed Marseille’s continued slump as drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Montpellier also climbed back into con- remain in third place as they refocus on over- Marcelo Bielsa’s side went down to a 1-0 defeat tention with a rain-soaked 1-0 home win over turning a 1-0 first-leg deficit at home to at Nantes on Friday night. — AFP Bayern 29 23 4 2 76 13 73 Cologne 29 8 10 11 29 35 34 Caen, where increasingly large puddles came Wolfsburg 29 18 7 4 63 31 61 Hertha 29 9 7 13 34 45 34 close to seeing the match called off. Leverkusen 29 15 9 5 56 31 54 Freiburg 29 6 11 12 29 39 29 If Paris Saint-Germain win the French Cup M’gladbach 29 15 9 5 44 22 54 Hanover 96 29 7 8 14 32 49 29 then the fourth to sixth placed sides in Ligue 1 Schalke 04 29 11 9 9 38 32 42 Paderborn 29 6 9 14 25 56 27 will all qualify for the Europa League, which Augsburg 29 13 3 13 36 37 42 Stuttgart 29 6 8 15 32 53 26 right now would be Marseille, Saint-Etienne and Bremen 29 10 8 11 44 57 38 Hamburg 29 6 7 16 16 44 25 Bordeaux. But Montpellier are just two points Hoffenheim 29 10 7 12 43 4737 back in seventh, and resurgent Lille are a further Dortmund 29 10 6 13 38 37 36 Note: Parma deducted three-point and two back in eighth with fifteen points still to Frankfurt 29 9 9 11 51 57 36 four-point penalties for financial irregulari- play for. Lille’s 27-year-old forward Roux headed Mainz 05 29 7 13 9 40 41 ties and non-payment of salaries. in his fifth goal of the season, benefiting from an incisive run by Sofiane Boufal and a defen- sive mistake by Mariano after just 13 minutes of play. Sevilla slip-up at Granada Boufal was once again key in the dying min- utes of the game, the young midfielder picking MADRID: Sevilla’s push for a Champions escaped the attentions of Grzegorz off Bordeaux on the break and playing in League place suffered a major blow as they Krychowiak from Daniel Candeias’s free- Adama Traore to calmly slot home. could only manage a 1-1 draw at relega- kick. Granada have only won one of their “We’ve had a positive momentum for a while tion-threatened Granada. last 11 La Liga games to slip into the rele- now and it was important to keep it up,” said Diego Mainz scored at both ends as he gation zone, but they were nearly gifted a Lille coach Rene Girard. “We produced some headed the hosts in front after just 15 min- second when Diogo Figueras sliced a cor- interesting football and we’re not giving up. We utes, but could only turn Aleix Vidal’s cross ner onto his own post. Mainz’s eventful had 20 difficult minutes at the start of the sec- into his own net 21 minutes from time. afternoon continued when he turned ond half but we gave away nothing. We need to The result leaves Sevilla six points adrift Carlos Bacca’s goalbound header off the continue like that.” of third-placed Atletico Madrid and still two line. However, the defender was desper- It was Bordeaux’s second league defeat since points behind Valencia in fourth with just ately unlucky when neat interplay between January 16, a 12-game run that includes tri- six games remaining. Jose Antonio Reyes and Vidal released the umphs over PSG and Marseille. Sevilla boss Unai Emery made six latter down the right and Mainz deflected Montpellier can thank their 37-year-old changes to the side that beat Zenit St his cross beyond Roberto in the Granada Brazilian defender Vitorio Hilton, who followed Petersburg 2-1 in the Europa League on goal. Earlier, Rayo Vallecano maintained up his goal, a powerful near-post header on the Thursday and, possibly fatigued by their their outside hopes of a Europa League fourth minute, by sliding joyously and chest efforts in midweek, the visitors started place by moving up to 10th as goals either down through a huge puddle. On Saturday, sluggishly. side of half-time from Antonio Amaya and Paris Saint-Germain bounced back from their FRANCE: Lille’s Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye (right) vies with Bordeaux’s Uruguyan Mainz nodded home the opener as he Miku sealed a 2-0 win over Almeria. —AFP Champions League humbling against Barcelona forward Diego Rolan during their French League football match. —AFP Djokovic adds Atalanta draw another Masters dent Roma’s CL to his18 series hopes19 MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Tevez chicken dance fuels Boca move rumors Page 19

LONDON: Liverpool’s English midfielder Steven Gerrard heads towards goal during the FA Cup semi-final between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Wembley stadium. — AFP Villa end Gerrard’s FA Cup dream

LONDON: Fabian Delph destroyed Steven can’t win this cup with an easy route. If you “You can always lose a game, but you the path of the onrushing Coutinho, who back-heeled the ball to Jack Grealish, Villa’s Gerrard’s hopes of a fairytale Liverpool send- win it, you have to beat the best, and Arsenal hope you play well and give yourselves an stole into the box and scored via a deflection apparently nerveless 19-year-old playmaker, off by scoring the winner as Aston Villa are right up there.” opportunity. But we were second-best,” off Okore’s knee. who rolled a pass into the box for Delph, and reached the FA Cup final with a 2-1 victory It is 15 years since Villa last reached an FA Rodgers said. “We looked as if the occasion Rodgers’s tactical switch had brought the England man stepped inside Dejan yesterday. Cup final and 58 years since they achieved got to us. Sometimes you can want to win too immediate dividends, but his side’s lead Lovren before scoring with his right foot. Liverpool captain Gerrard, who turns 35 on the last of their seven successes in the tourna- much.” Villa’s tactic of looking to hit Benteke would not last long. It should have been 3-1 just after the hour, the day of the final, had hoped to bring down ment, but victory was just reward for a side at the earliest opportunity quickly forced With Liverpool still readjusting to the new but when the ball rolled into Kieran the curtain on his Anfield career with a third who have been transformed since Sherwood Liverpool back and Simon Mignolet was system, Delph raided into space down Villa’s Richardson’s path after Lovren had slid in to FA Cup winner’s medal, but instead it is Tim succeeded Paul Lambert as manager on forced to tip over a shot from Charles left and cut the ball back for Benteke to steer thwart Grealish, the former Manchester Sherwood’s Villa who will tackle holders Valentine’s Day. N’Zogbia, who was deputising for the injured home his ninth goal in seven games. United man miscued his shot. Arsenal on May 30. Liverpool, without a trophy since Brendan Gabriel Agbonlahor. Liverpool’s play was crying out for an Gerrard has made a habit of producing Philippe Coutinho gave Liverpool the lead Rodgers became manager in 2012, could Mid-way through the first half, both teams attacking focal point and at half-time Rodgers Hollywood endings, but this time the occa- at Wembley with a deflected finish in the 30th have few complaints about the outcome. made changes that contributed to the open- sent on Mario Balotelli for Lazar Markovic, sion proved beyond him, with his goal-bound minute, but in-form Villa striker Christian And with seven points now separating ing goal, with Jores Okore replacing the which saw Gerrard repositioned in front of header cleared off the line by Richardson four Benteke equalised six minutes later before them from the Champions League places in injured Nathan Baker at the back for Villa and the back four in another re-shuffle. But it was minutes from time. Delph snaffled a 54th-minute winner. “I’m the Premier League, Gerrard’s farewell before Liverpool reverting to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Villa’s football that bristled with attacking Liverpool might yet have snatched an delighted. We were underdogs, but we he joins the Los Angeles Galaxy would appear Minutes later, Okore’s failure to deal with intent and nine minutes into the second half equaliser, but Balotelli saw a goal ruled out believed we could win it,” Sherwood told BT to be the last significant occasion on their cal- Jordan Henderson’s tame square pass they went in front with a neatly worked goal. for a marginal offside call and with that, Sport. “The final will be a great occasion. You endar this season. enabled Raheem Sterling to roll the ball into Benteke cantered down the left flank and Gerrard’s dream evaporated. — AFP

Kane strikes sink Newcastle EPL results/standings Aguero stars in City win Manchester City 2 (Collins 18-og, Aguero 36) West Just to make doubly sure, Aguero increased City’s advantage in the 36th minute with anoth- and distributed among Newcastle supporters Ham 0; Newcastle 1 (Colback 46) Tottenham 3 (Chadli 30, Eriksen 53, Kane 90). Man City 2 er goal on the counter-attack, although this one calling for a boycott of the fixture and, as well as was far better worked. those that stayed away, it did make for a more Newcastle 1 English Premier League table after yesterday’s Yaya Toure intercepted a badly-hit Stewart subdued atmosphere. But after a bright start from matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals Downing pass deep in City territory and sent Tottenham, Newcastle created the game’s first against, points): Aguero racing away. The Argentinian fed Navas real chance. Chelsea 32 23 7 2 65 26 76 West Ham 0 out on the right, receiving the return pass in his Spanish striker Ayoze Perez forced a near post Tottenham 3 Arsenal 32 20 6 6 63 32 66 stride and sweeping home an unstoppable fin- save from goalkeeper Michel Vorm following Man Utd 33 19 8 6 59 31 65 ish. In between the two City goals, there had French forward Yoan Gouffran’s low cross from Man City 33 19 7 7 67 34 64 been glimmers of hope for the visitors, with Joe the right. Liverpool 32 17 6 9 47 36 57 MANCHESTER: Sergio Aguero moved to the top of the Premier League goalscoring charts as Hart racing smartly off his line to close down Mike Williamson also went close for Newcastle Tottenham 33 17 6 10 53 47 57 his effort in a 2-0 win at home to West Ham yes- Carlton Cole as he threatened just inside the NEWCASTLE: Harry Kane made it 20 goals for the when he headed over Ryan Taylor’s free-kick from Southampton 33 17 5 11 45 24 56 Swansea 33 13 8 12 38 42 47 terday bolstered Manchester City’s hopes of area before the England goalkeeper dealt com- Premier League season as he capped a 3-1 win for the same flank and a failure to take advantage Stoke 33 13 7 13 38 41 46 securing a top-four finish and Champions fortably with a routine, low 20-yard shot from Tottenham Hotspur away to Newcastle United proved costly. West Ham 33 11 10 12 42 42 43 League football. Enner Valencia soon afterwards. Those minor yesterday that kept the London club in the hunt Tottenham had looked dangerous when they Crystal Palace 33 11 9 13 42 45 42 The Argentina international claimed his 20th concerns aside, West Ham were perfect oppo- for European football. Newcastle, still not safe moved forward at pace and when Gouffran daw- Everton 33 10 11 12 41 43 41 goal of the season, after a James Collins own- nents for under-pressure City to face as the from the threat of relegation, had to contend with dled in his own half in possession, the yellow West Brom 33 9 9 15 32 46 36 goal had gifted last season’s English champions London club arrived in Manchester with just Newcastle 33 9 8 16 34 54 35 their lowest Premier League crowd of the season shirts quickly swarmed him and that led to the the lead, thus ending a run which had seen him one league win from their previous 11 matches. as a result of a planned protest against owner opening goal. Aston Villa 33 8 8 17 24 45 32 David Silva threatened the Hammers’ goal Sunderland 32 5 14 13 25 48 29 fail to score a goal from open play at Eastlands Mike Ashley and those home fans who did turn Chadli, making the most of the freedom he since November 2. twice in the opening 10 minutes while, before Hull 32 6 10 16 29 45 28 the opener, Aguero first tested Adrian with a up witnessed the club’s sixth straight league was afforded, darted at the Newcastle defence, Leicester 32 7 7 18 34 51 28 After a run of just four victories from their defeat. rolled the ball on to his left foot and picked out QPR 33 7 5 21 38 59 26 last dozen league games, culminating in last shot on the turn then fired over from a scrappy The Magpies threatened to stop the rot when the bottom right corner of Tim Krul’s net with a Burnley 33 5 11 17 26 51 26 weekend’s embarrassing 4-2 derby defeat at corner. The first half concluded with another Jack Colback cancelled out Nacer Chadli’s 30th- crisp finish from 25 yards. That was the first goal a Manchester United, the win was sorely needed flowing City move, and a drilled Aleksandar minute opener just after half-time. Tottenham player had scored away from his club’s Kolarov cross which Collins did well to scramble initial shot was blocked and fell invitingly for by a City side looking to hold off Liverpool in But Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen curled White Hart Lane ground in 232 minutes. out of the six-yard area. Colback to side-foot powerfully beyond Vorm’s the chase for the top four. in a free-kick seven minutes later before Kane Newcastle, particularly winger Remy Cabella, City had already carved out half a dozen Nor did matters improve for West Ham after diving right hand. completed the win in stoppage-time to lift looked to push forward even though Krul still had chances of note by the time they took a fortu- the break and it required a superbly-timed tack- Tottenham though took just seven minutes to Tottenham back up to sixth and level on points to deny England striker Kane shortly before half- nate 18th minute lead thanks to a helping hand le from Carl Jenkinson to halt Aguero as he reclaim the lead. Colback brought down Eriksen with fifth-placed Liverpool. Newcastle, on the time. from Collins. appeared certain to convert from the corner of near the touchline and the Dane’s inswinging the six-yard box. Silva, similarly, looked capable other hand, are now just seven points above the That proved a particularly important stop in Jesus Navas’s counter-attack down the right free-kick appeared to evade team-mate Nabil of extending the lead for Manuel Pellegrini’s drop zone and have played an extra game more view of what happened after the restart. ended with him crossing towards the far post, Bentaleb’s head and then bounced beyond Krul. team only for Jenkinson to fling himself in the than three of the teams below them including Newcastle coach John Carver made a double sub- his pass being intercepted by Collins who sent After that the Dutchman made several good path of his shot, although the Spaniard’s after- north-east rivals Sunderland. There was a surreal stitution and Sammy Ameobi-brought on along the ball looping high over goalkeeper Adrian saves to keep Newcastle in the game. The best noon was brought to a premature end after 67 atmosphere inside St James’ Park, with, unusually, with Gabriel Obertan-had an immediate impact and into the goal via the underside of the cross- was when he somehow stopped Kane’s close- minutes when he was stretchered off after visiting fans the noisiest given the large numbers by creating the equaliser inside 20 seconds. bar. It was a lucky, if deserved, lead for the range volley from crossing the line seconds Cheikhou Kouyate caught him in the face with a of empty seats dotted around the ground. Ameobi charged into the box and squared home team and one which killed off any sug- before he also rushed out to stop Erik Lamela flailing elbow, the West Ham man earning a More than 20,000 leaflets had been printed towards the penalty spot, where Daryl Janmaat’s gestion of Sam Allardyce’s out-of-sorts side tak- from scoring. —AFP ing anything from the game. caution in the process. — AFP Saudi SABIC’s Q1 profit plunges 39% over low oil

Page 22 Business China cuts bank reserve ratio requirement as growth slows MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 Page 23 Zain makes strategic Dollar slides as Fed rate hike hopes fade investment with MEVP Page 25 Page 26

SHANGHAI: A worker cleans a Ferrari ahead of the 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai yesterday. China is crucial to foreign carmakers as the world’s biggest auto market, but slowing economic growth and a corruption crackdown are denting its appeal as they gather for the country’s premier industry show. — AFP (See page 23) Global economy faces threats: G20 US, EU perturbed Greece may default on debt

WASHINGTON: The world’s financial leaders shifts to Riga, Latvia, where European Union spillover effects. Seeking to assure financial European authorities to receive the final 7.2 the voting power of such emerging economic see a number of threats facing a global econ- finance ministers meet next week. markets, which fluctuated considerably on billion euro ($7.8 billion) installment of its powers as China, Brazil and India. Agustin omy still on an uneven road to recovery with The head of the European Central Bank, Friday over the possibility of a Greek default, financial bailout. Creditors are demanding Carstens, the head of Mexico’s central bank US and European officials worrying that Mario Draghi, said it was “urgent” to resolve Sapin said nothing had changed on the issue that Greece produce a credible overhaul and chair of the IMF policy panel, said “pretty Greece will default on its debt. The finance the current dispute between Greece and its as a result of the weekend meetings. He said it before releasing the money. The country has much all of the members expressed deep dis- ministers and central bank governors ended creditors. He said that while the international was up to the Greek government to present relied on international loans since 2010. appointment” that a failure of Congress to act three days of meetings in Washington deter- finance system had been strengthened since credible, assessable solutions to its economic Without more bailout money Greece could is blocking implementation of the reforms. mined to work toward “a more robust, bal- the 2008 crisis, a Greek default would still put problems. miss payments due to the IMF in May and run The IMF panel directed IMF officials to explore anced and job-rich economy” while admitting the global economy into “unchartered waters” “The solution to the Greek debt crisis is in out of cash to pay salaries and pensions. whether interim solutions could be put in there are risks in reaching that objective, the with its effect hard to estimate. Greece,” he said. The head of the IMF, Christine The negotiations over Greece’s debt have place until Congress acts. steering committee of the International Draghi told reporters he did not want to Lagarde, who had rejected suggestions that proved contentious, but all sides have The finance ministers urged central banks Monetary Fund said in its communique even contemplate the chance of a Greek the IMF might delay Greek debt repayments, expressed optimism that the differences can including the US Federal Reserve to clearly Saturday. default on its debt. But French Finance said she had constructive talks with be resolved. A number of countries directed communicate future policy changes to avoid Seeking to resolve Athens’ debt crisis, Minister Michel Sapin said he thought any Varoufakis and that the objective remained criticism toward the US for the failure of triggering unwanted turbulence in financial Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis held a damage would be confined to Greece the same: to restore stability for Greek Congress to pass legislation needed to put markets. The annual meetings of the IMF and series of talks with other finance officials on because euro-zone countries had established finances and assure an economic recovery. into effect reforms that would boost the its sister organization, the World Bank, take the sidelines of the meetings. The focus now measures to protect themselves from any Greece is negotiating with the IMF and agency’s capacity to make loans and increase place Oct 9 10 in Lima, Peru. — AP Saudi surges ahead of market opening How China is upsetting the old global economic order MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS WASHINGTON: With its huge new infra- and Japan dominate. structure bank and its ambitions for a Critics fear the new development banks DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s bourse surged yesterday ly to start the process of incorporating Saudi gave up most of those gains and closed just 2.1 globalized renminbi currency, China is will challenge the World Bank in lending to after the kingdom’s securities regulator said it Arabia into major equity indexes such as those percent higher at 2.96 dirhams. leading the upending of a 70-year-old poorer countries by offering them easier would open the market to direct foreign invest- run by MSCI, which will eventually attract tens of Abu Dhabi and Qatar edged down 0.7 percent global order built on American economic terms and fewer restrictions governing the ment from June 15, while many other markets in billions of dollars. each in broad declines. Kuwait added 0.7 percent power. social and environmental impacts of large the Middle East were weak. The main Saudi index Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC), which is and Oman’s bourse inched up 0.05 percent. Some Beijing’s rise was confirmed this week at projects, undermining standards estab- rose 4.0 percent, its biggest gain this year, to expected to be a major target of foreign investors Gulf investors may be cashing out of the UAE and the Spring meetings of the World Bank and lished to protect vulnerable populations. 9,620 points on its highest volume in 11 months. as the country’s biggest listed firm, surged its dai- Qatar in order to invest in Saudi Arabia’s bourse. International Monetary Fund in The Chinese approach is more pragmat- It broke minor technical resistance at the late ly 10 percent limit yesterday. It reported a 39 per- According to Doha bourse data, for instance, Gulf Washington, the two institutions by which ic though, with each institution filling a March high of 9,377 points and stood above the cent drop in first-quarter net income yesterday investors sold almost twice as many stocks as the economic vision of the United States need, said Christophe Destais of CEPII, the 200-day average, now at 9,572 points. that was not as large a fall as analysts had fore- they bought yesterday. has been propagated across the world French international economics think tank. It has not stayed above the average on a sus- cast. Unlike other foreigners, Gulf investors can tained basis since last November; a clean break SABIC made a net profit of 3.93 billion riyals already trade Saudi stocks freely, so they may try since their founding in 1944. Countries are searching for new opportu- above it would be longer-term bullish technically. ($1.05 billion); analysts polled by Reuters had to profit from front-running foreigners, as they The US-selected president of the World nities in public works and energy, and also The kingdom announced last July that it would predicted, on average, that SABIC would make did in the UAE and Qatar last year when the two Bank, Jim Yong Kim, applauded China’s for their banks, he said, the latter possibly permit direct foreign purchases of shares in the 3.50 billion riyals. Low oil and petrochemical countries were upgraded to emerging market “bold step in the direction of multilateral- explaining why US ally Britain rushed to first half of 2015, as a way to expose companies prices dragged down its revenues. Shares in sev- status by major index compilers. ism” for its new Asia Infrastructure join the AIIB, he said. For its part, China is to market discipline, diversify the economy eral other petrochemical firms such as Saudi Egypt’s bourse fell 1.4 percent and Juhayna Investment Bank, even as many view it as a seeking “an outlet for its industrial overca- beyond oil and create jobs. Kayan, Yanbu National and Saudi Industrial Food Industries was the biggest loser, tumbling rival to the Bank. Kim stressed though that pacity” while at the same time aiming “to The Capital Market Authority announced after Investment Group also rose their daily 10 percent 5.4 percent. Egypt is considering a 20 percent tar- he expects the World Bank and the AIIB weaken US influence,” said Destais. the close on Thursday that qualified foreign insti- limits yesterday. iff on white sugar imports as it bolsters its own will work “very closely” together. But China is not abandoning the US and tutions would be able buy shares from mid-June Banking heavyweights Al Rajhi and National sugar industry with a subsidized export push, a That appeared to pull the World Bank Europe-dominated Bretton Woods system and that the final rules covering this would be Commercial Bank jumped 3.7 and 3.4 percent ministerial statement and a filing at the World away from its major shareholder: together of multilateral development banks set up published on May 4. Up to now, foreigners have respectively. Trade Organization said on Thursday. with ally Japan, Washington has refused to in 1944, however imperfect it is, he said. been restricted to buying Saudi shares indirectly In the short term at least, the move would join the AIIB even as nearly five dozen oth- “China finds it useful. It has the means to through swaps or exchange-traded funds. UAE, EGYPT probably hurt local food makers which use sugar er countries have applied to Beijing to be influence it, though still not to shape it,” Fresh fund flows into Saudi Arabia in the initial Several other Gulf markets fell as the United as a key ingredient. Most other Egyptian stocks part. Beijing moved on the AIIB, which especially since the US dollar remains the months may be moderate - perhaps only hun- Arab Emirates and Qatar pulled back after a few were also weak but El Arabia For Investment & aims to support infrastructure develop- world’s core currency. dreds of millions of dollars a month - partly strong sessions. Dubai’s index fell 1.4 percent Development rose 6.5 percent after last Thursday because share valuations are currently quite high. after surging 8.1 percent in the three previous asking its shareholders to approve the sale of its ment across the Asia region, as another But China’s growing power keeps Saudi Arabia’s forward price-to-earnings ratio of sessions, though property developer DAMAC subsidiary Cairo for Development and Car China-backed project announced in 2014, Washington nervous. Even as new institu- 16.2 is on a par with those of the Dow Jones extended gains in its highest daily trading vol- Manufacturing to a strategic investor at a meet- the BRICS bank, has stalled. tions like the AIIB emerge, US Treasury Industrial Average and FTSE 100, and well above ume on record. ing on April 25. It did not disclose the price of the But that institution, planned with fellow Secretary Jacob Lew said in a statement other Gulf markets. The stock, which listed in Dubai in January, potential deal. According to Prime Holding bro- emerging economic powers Brazil, Russia, Saturday: “I would like to underscore that But the announcement nevertheless buoyed surged as much as 7.2 percent during the day, kerage, the unit is the exclusive agent for the India, and South Africa, was designed as the IMF remains the foremost international investor sentiment, as the market opening is like- hitting a new all-time high of 3.11 dirhams. But it Peugeot car brand in Egypt. — Reuters well as a challenge to the World Bank and institution for promoting global economic IMF, where the old powers the US, Europe stability.” — AFP MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 BUSINESS Saudi SABIC’s Q1 profit News in brief

US dollar at KD 0.301, plunges 39% over low oil euro up to 0.325 KUWAIT: The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Kuwaiti dinar was stable yesterday exchanging at Company postpones non-vital spending, sees upturn KD 0.301 while the euro went up to KD 0.325 com- pared to Thursday’s exchange rates, said the daily RIYADH: Saudi Basic Industries Corp faces chemical product prices was “out of control”, higher than the average forecast of analysts chemical industry, which authorities had bulletin of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK). The ster- heavy pressure on its profits due to cheap and that his company was continuing to polled by Reuters, who had predicted 3.50 always supported. ling pound exchange also went up to reach KD oil but will keep investing globally to boost look at its cost base with a view towards billion riyals. “I am pretty sure and confident that the 0.450, as well as the Swiss franc to KD 0.316 and the capacity in key areas, its acting chief exec- postponing non-vital spending. The company’s shares soared their 10 government of Saudi Arabia will continue to Japanese Yen remained unchanged at KD 0.002. utive said yesterday after the company But he also insisted SABIC would not cut percent daily limit yesterday after the stock provide the policy and regulations that will Forecasts indicate that the United Stated Economy is reported a 39% plunge in first-quarter back investments in strategic projects market regulator announced that it would support this direction,” he said. pursuing stability during the second half of year profit. around the world, because it was looking open the bourse to direct foreign invest- “It may have a different flavor, a different 2015, along with stability in the crude oil prices. SABIC, one of the world’s largest petro- ahead to an eventual upturn. He said areas ment from June 15. As a top blue chip, tweak, but I am confident it will remain with chemicals groups and Saudi Arabia’s biggest of opportunity were chemicals in China, SABIC is expected to attract a substantial the same spirit. I don’t see any changes at listed firm, said net profit sank to 3.93 billion shale gas in North America, economic chunk of the new foreign money. this point.” Saudi’s Mouwasat riyals ($1.05 billion) in the three months to growth in Africa, and gross domestic prod- Saudi Arabia, its state budget hit by low Benyan said the company had no plans Medical Q1 profit falls March 31 from 6.44 billion riyals a year earli- uct growth of about 4 percent expected in oil prices, has pushed ahead with some con- at present to tap the debt market, and was er. Its sales values were slashed by the Saudi Arabia this year. troversial economic reforms since King not planning to refinance a $1 billion loan DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Mouwasat Medical Services Co, plunge of oil prices, which has dragged “We always don’t change the key strate- Salman took the throne in January. Some maturing in June. The company is not in the one of the Kingdom’s largest healthcare providers, down petrochemical product prices. gic projects, because we understand this is a officials have suggested raising subsidized business of hedging currencies and that is reported a 3.5 percent drop in first-quarter profit yester- Revenues in the first quarter shrank 28 per- cyclical market. We understand this is not energy prices; a hike in ultra-low domestic not on its radar, but it does its best to main- day that the firm blamed on losses from a Riyadh hospi- cent from a year earlier and 18 percent from going to stay forever, and we do not want to prices of natural gas may also become possi- tain cash to meet its needs in Europe and tal it opened in November. Mousawat made a net profit the previous quarter to 35.56 billion riyals. be left behind when the market bounces - ble at some stage. Such reforms, if they went minimize its exposure to swings in the euro of 55.9 million riyals ($14.90 million) in the three Yousef Abdullah Al-Benyan, who took we want to be the first player ready to enjoy ahead, would probably hurt SABIC’s bottom exchange rate, he said in answer to a ques- months to March 31, down from 57.9 million riyals in over from longtime CEO Mohamed al-Mady the upcycle.” line. But Benyan said he did not expect any tion about the impact of the euro’s weak- the prior-year period, it said in a bourse statement. EFG in February, said the fall in oil and petro- SABIC’s first-quarter profit was actually policy change that would hurt the petro- ness. —Reuters Hermes forecast Mousawat would make a quarterly profit of 57.8 million riyals. Mousawat said the slight drop in quarterly profit was due to a net loss of 6.8 mil- lion riyals from a Riyadh hospital it opened in Bayt.com weekly report November 2014. How to be a Saudi PetroRabigh Q1 lifelong learner profit falls by half DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s PetroRabigh posted a 50.3 he illiterate of the 21st century will not be percent drop in first-quarter net profit yesterday, those who cannot read and write, but those blaming the fall on shrinking margins. The firm, a “Twho cannot learn, unlearn and relearn,” said writer Alvin Toffler. Are you committed to lifelong learn- joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Japan’s ing? Here the career experts at Bayt.com - the Middle Sumitomo Chemical, made 205.4 million riyals East’s #1 job site - offer 5 tips for getting on the journey ($54.8 million) in the three months to March 31, it towards building new skills and interests that may even said in a bourse statement. This compares with a help you in the workplace: net profit of 413.1 million riyals in the year-ago peri- od. PetroRabigh said lower quarterly profit was due 1. Read job-related literature to lower profit margins on its petrochemical prod- 77.9 percent of respondents to a Bayt.com poll indi- ucts. Saudi petrochemicals producers benefit from cated they read constantly, and 69.6 percent indicated subsidized oil, while product prices are closely they believe reading is vital to career progress. Many linked to those of crude so the slump in oil prices books are absolute business classics in a general sense; has narrowed margins at the kingdom’s various others may be very specific to your chosen domain. manufacturers. Last month, PetroRabigh signed Consult book reviews and industry journals when uncer- loans worth 19.4 billion riyals ($5.2 billion) for the tain, and always aim to stay ahead of the curve in your expansion of its petrochemicals complex. career reading.

2. Develop interests in non-job related areas You would be surprised at the value you can derive Qatar’s Nakilat Q1 both in your career and in your life in general from grow- profit rises 7.7% ing your knowledge and skills and becoming an expert in a matter you are passionate about, even if it seems DUBAI: Qatar Gas Transport Co (Nakilat), one of the unrelated to your career. Most skills are transferable, and RIYADH: The headquarters of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) in Riyadh. Saudi petrochemi- world’s largest shippers of liquefied natural gas, posted you are sure to find some way to incorporate your learn- cals giant SABIC yesterday posted a 39 percent decline in net profits in the first quarter of 2015 com- a 7.7 percent rise in first-quarter net profit yesterday. ing in your job at some point. Even if you don’t, by pared with a year ago before global oil prices plunged. —AFP The company made a net profit of 222.4 million riyals indulging your learning interests you will become a ($61.1 million), it said in a statement. This is up from much more satisfied and fulfilled professional. 206.5 million riyals a year earlier. QNB Financial Services Mashreq posts UAE telecoms forecast Nakilat would make a quarterly net profit of 3. Attend seminars and workshops 233.5 million riyals. Nakilat’s quarterly revenue was It’s great to sit back and listen to experts’ perspectives company Etisalat’s 873.2 million riyals, up from 860.2 million riyals in the and join in healthy classroom discourse in a structured 13% profit rise corresponding period in 2014. environment every now and then. If you cannot physical- Q1 profit up 7.6% ly attend courses, you may want to try online courses. A DUBAI: Mashreq, Dubai’s third-biggest bank by assets, yes- Bayt.com online education poll showed that almost 4 in terday posted a 13.2 percent rise in first-quarter net profit Egypt to impose 8% 10 of professionals in the Middle East region say they DUBAI: Abu Dhabi-listed Etisalat reported a 7.6 percent rise as a rise in income from lending helped to offset a slight import tariff on steel rebar would consider pursuing an online course if given a dip in returns from fees. in first-quarter profit yesterday, with its acquisition of a chance. It is the second bank in the United Arab Emirates, after majority stake in Maroc Telecom having helped to lift rev- CAIRO: Egypt will impose an eight percent import enue by nearly a third and its subscriber base by a fifth. Dubai Islamic Bank, to release earnings for the quarter, tariff on rebar - reinforced steel bars - for three Etisalat, which operates in 19 countries across the Middle 4. Join discussions with both lenders reporting double-digit profit growth. years, the trade ministry said yesterday, extending Try not to be a passive learner all the time; ask and “The banking industry and Mashreq in particular has East, Africa and Asia, made net profit of 2.18 billion dirhams ($593.6 million) in the three months to March 31, the compa- temporary tariffs introduced last year to protect the answer questions, participate in discussions, and aim to displayed a remarkable immunity to the resultant econom- domestic industry. A ministry statement said Egypt truly understand and aid in the defining of best practice. ny said in a statement, against 2.02 billion dirhams a year ear- ic turmoil in the region,” Mashreq Chief Executive Abdulaziz would also impose a 20 percent tariff on white sug- Take advantage of the energies and synergies around Al-Ghurair. The banking sector has so far managed to with- lier. Two analysts polled by Reuters had forecast that the ar for 200 days, following a filing to the World Trade you, and aim to find and contribute to innovations and stand much of the impact from lower oil prices, with evi- Gulf’s No.2 telecoms operator by market value would post solutions. Bayt.com Specialties is a great platform to dence of a significant liquidity squeeze yet to emerge. quarterly profit between 2.16 billion dirhams and 2.47 billion Organization last week in which it sought to safe- engage with like-minded professionals on industry-relat- Mashreq made a profit of 651.1 million dirhams ($177.3 dirhams. guard domestic producers from a damaging surge ed discussions. million) for the three months to March 31, it said in a state- The United Arab Emirates’ former monopoly generated in imports. The tariffs come at a critical time for ment, up from 575.2 million dirhams for the same period quarterly revenue of 12.91 billion dirhams, up from 9.9 billion Egypt’s steel industry, which is recovering from four 5. Find a mentor last year. The main contributor was net interest income, dirhams a year earlier. Domestic revenue rose 11 percent to years of political and economic turmoil, and for a A mentor or coach can be invaluable sources of which climbed 17.2 percent year on year to 804 million 7.2 billion dirhams, while international revenue jumped by 69 global market struggling with low prices and over- knowledge, as well as sounding boards and advisors. Pick dirhams. Contributing to the rise was a 6.4 percent percent to 5.6 billion dirhams. The international increase was capacity due to lackluster demand. Egyptian steel someone who has sufficient quality time for you. A men- increase in loan volume and an improvement in the net because of Etisalat’s consolidation of Maroc Telecom after it companies have been further pressured by energy bought a 53 percent stake in the African operator for 4.14 bil- tor should share your interests and have opinions and interest margin, the bank said. Net fees, commission and costs and availability in a country where energy lion euros last May, plus rising income from Etisalat’s opera- ideas you really respect and value. other income dropped by 1.1 percent to 688 million shortages have hit output and profitability. dirhams. —Reuters tions in Nigeria and Afghanistan. —Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Jordanian Dinar 426.763 US Dollars Mint 0.298800 0.303000 20 gram 243.470 Egyptian Pound 39.550 10 gram 124.430 Asia ASIAN COUNTRIES Sri Lankan Rupees 2.264 5 gram 62.900 Bangladesh Taka 0.003543 0.004143 Japanese Yen 2.543 Indian Rupees 4.845 Indian Rupees 4.858 Pakistani Rupees 2.978 Chinese Yuan 0.047398 0.050898 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036904 0.039654 Pakistani Rupees 2.977 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Bangladesh Taka 3.885 Srilankan Rupees 2.261 Philippines Pesso 6.822 Indian Rupee 0.004693 0.005094 Nepali Rupees 3.036 Cyprus pound 742.159 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Singapore Dollar 225.670 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Japanese Yen 3.539 Japanese Yen 0.002465 0.002645 Hongkong Dollar 39.010 Australian Dollar 229.39 Syrian Pound 2.599 Kenyan Shilling 0.003355 0.003355 Bangladesh Taka 3.885 Canadian Dollar 242.57 Nepalese Rupees 4.028 Korean Won 0.000270 0.000285 Philippine Peso 6.820 Swiss Franc 316.56 Malaysian Ringgit 84.045 Malaysian Ringgit 0.079458 0.085458 Euro 327.51 Thai Baht 9.351 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 49.187 Nepalese Rupee 0.003063 0.003233 US Dollar 301.30 Thai Bhat 10.329 Pakistan Rupee 0.002817 0.003097 Sterling Pound 449.47 GCC COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 113.136 Philippine Peso 0.006739 0.007019 Japanese Yen 2.56 Saudi Riyal 80.672 Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073 Bangladesh Taka 3.868 Qatari Riyal 83.111 Singapore Dollar 0.222032 0.228032 Indian Rupee 4.820 Omani Riyal 786.596 South African Rand 0.019417 0.027917 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.251 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 803.510 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001857 0.002437 Nepali Rupee 3.015 UAE Dirham 82.375 Taiwan 0.009617 0.009797 Pakistani Rupee 2.954 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Thai Baht 0.009006 0.0009556 UAE Dirhams 81.91 ARAB COUNTRIES Europe Bahraini Dinar 799.72 Belgian Franc 0.007888 0.008888 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.155 Egyptian Pound 39.38 Arab Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.558 British Pound 0.446550 0.455550 Bahraini Dinar 0.795659 0.803659 Jordanian Dinar 428.11 Czech Korune 0.003911 0.015911 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.412 Egyptian Pound 0.039285 0.042385 Omani Riyal 781.40 Danish Krone 0.039874 0.044874 Tunisian Dinar 155.720 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 Qatari Riyal 82.97 Euro 0.322646 0.330646 Jordanian Dinar 426.700 Iraqi Dinar 0.000191 0.000251 Saudi Riyal 80.26 Norwegian Krone 0.035085 0.040285 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.030 Jordanian Dinar 0.422509 0.430009 Romanian Leu 0.086745 0.086745 Syrian Lira 2.156 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Slovakia 0.009007 0.019007 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Morocco Dirham 30.920 Swedish Krona 0.031313 0.036313 Lebanese Pound 0.000151 0.000251 Swiss Franc 0.310945 0.321145 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021710 0.045710 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Turkish Lira 0.114665 0.121665 Nigerian Naira 0.001246 0.001881 US Dollar Transfer 302.400 US Dollar 302.350 Omani Riyal 0.779442 0.785122 Euro 329.310 Canadian Dollar 247.406 Australasia Qatar Riyal 0.082350 0.083563 Sterling Pound 455.110 Sterling Pound 451.816 Australian Dollar 0.228080 0.239580 Saudi Riyal 0.080003 0.080703 Canadian dollar 247.870 Euro 326.933 Syrian Pound 0.001281 0.001501 Swiss Frank 288.209 New Zealand Dollar 0.226912 0.236412 Turkish lira 112.950 Tunisian Dinar 0.152135 0.160135 Swiss Franc 319.490 Bahrain Dinar 801.346 America Turkish Lira 0.114665 0.121665 Australian Dollar 236.780 UAE Dirhams 82.645 Canadian Dollar 0.242295 0.250795 UAE Dirhams 0.081351 0.082500 US Dollar Buying 301.200 Qatari Riyals 83.875 Saudi Riyals 80.803 US Dollars 0.298300 0.303000 Yemeni Riyal 0.001367 0.001447 BUSINESS MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

SHANGHAI: A man cleans a Cadillac ahead of the 16th Shanghai International Workers clean a Rolls-Royce ahead of the 16th Shanghai International Three women stand next to Maserati cars ahead of the 16th Shanghai Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai yesterday. — AFP photos Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai yesterday. International Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai yesterday. Foreign automakers double down on China bets SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW

SHANGHAI: Foreign automakers continue to plough money cent capacity and the international joint ventures at 80-85 into factories in China, the world’s largest car market, even as percent. It’s a big difference,” Chao said. the biggest economic slowdown in a quarter of a century Anthony Lau, Shanghai-based research director for consul- crimps sales growth. Market leaders Volkswagen AG and tancy TNS Sinotrust, said even strong single-digit growth in General Motors show no sign of letting up on their planned car sales in China is much better than in markets elsewhere. investments, while Toyota Motor and Ford Motor are also pur- China accounted for more than half the total industry spend- suing new China expansion plans. ing on new or expanded capacity last year, with plant invest- That’s in spite of the economic slowdown further depress- ments worth $12.7 billion, according to an annual Canadian ing the car market in January-March, when sales grew only 3.9 study of automakers’ outlays. percent, compared to 9.2 percent a year ago and way below the 7 percent growth that the China Association of ADDING CAPACITY Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) predicts for this year. Foreign automakers are likely to hoover up more idle Foreign automakers, many of which are expected to unveil capacity from smaller domestic firms, said Chao at IHS, as Ford new products for China at this week’s Shanghai autoshow, did in acquiring a factory from Harbin Hafei Automobile that including Ford’s redesigned Taurus sedan, aren’t fretting over will add 200,000 vehicle per year capacity when upgrades are the first quarter slowdown. But if the fallout from the broader finished in 2016. economic slowdown bleeds into the rest of the year, global That follows Ford’s launch last month of a new factory in automakers may need to reconsider their China expansion eastern China’s Hangzhou, with annual capacity for 250,000 plans, said James Chao, Asia chief of IHS Automotive. vehicles. By the time these expansions come on-line, the A handful of foreign automakers are still outperforming years of breakneck double-digit growth will likely be long the market, with Ford, for example, posting 9 percent sales gone: economists predict 7 percent GDP growth this year and growth in the first quarter.“It’s still a tale of two worlds, with a further notching down to 6.8 percent in 2016. — Reuters SHNGHAI: A woman poses in front of a billboard for the 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in domestic manufacturers probably hovering around 60 per- Shanghai yesterday. Central banks creating asset bubbles! DIMAH CAPITAL WEEKLY REPORT

By Hayder Tawfik What the central banks are doing is simply unemployment is a record 12.2 percent. This creating a wall of liquidity that might ultimately year’s economic growth is anticipated to be ver the last few years most central banks lead to asset inflation and finally to a bubble. just below 1 percent. Deflation is not immi- have been indirectly pushing up stock Global inflation has hit the lowest in living mem- nent, but it has to be on the mind of central Oand property prices but have failed to ory, amid high unemployment in developed bankers. The central bank still needs to do stop inflation from falling short of their targets. nations and slowdowns in emerging markets, much more because if its Quantitative Easing While declining costs for everything from gaso- including China and India. Deflationary tensions does not work then a Japan like deflation line to food prices can be good news for con- have been building over the past 20 years is more likely to hap- sumers, disinflation makes it harder for borrow- up for a while and in pen. Avoiding that fate may be hard. ers to pay off debts and businesses to boost prof- the absence of real The fall in inflation has not been bad for its. The greater danger comes when disinflation demand growth in the emerging economies. Emerging mar- turns into deflation, which leads households to the marketplace, kets, which have been in danger of over- delay purchases in anticipation of even lower everyone has been heating, mostly have welcomed the fall in prices and companies to postpone investment busy fighting for global inflation. It enabled most of their and hiring as demand for their products dries up. their market share. central banks to take action to boost their The recent small uptick in headline inflation The more inflation economies. Most have started cuts in inter- numbers in few places might be quite mislead- falls the more aggres- est rates. China, India the biggest ones have SUZHOU: A woman works in front of reeling machines at a silk factory in Suzhou in ing. The trend for inflation has been on the sive central banks will done so and most likely will continue to cut east China’s Jiangsu province. China’s Central Bank said yesterday that it will cut its downside. We cannot deny the fact that there is be in their monetary their rates. The fall in inflation in emerging bank reserve requirement ratio by 1 percentage point to stimulate more lending into definitely a whiff of disinflation taking place stimulus. Some markets also allows for more policy flexibili- a slowing economy. —AP globally. Central banks are trying to avert the economies like the ty. Something they need urgently to create deflationary danger by pumping up their US has been saved by the aggressive policies of faster economic growth. China cuts bank reserve ratio economies with lower interest rates and mone- the Federal Reserve but the one that is most at While the aggressive actions that central tary stimulus. They are betting on higher stock risk is the euro-zone economy. Euro-zone banks banks have taken haven’t done all that much requirement as growth slows and home prices that will ultimately feed are still deleveraging and wages are falling in for global growth, they have boosted asset through to the real economy and hopefully nations including Spain. The European Central values worldwide, pushing stocks, bonds BEIJING: China’s central bank announced yes- helps to boost economic activity. boost consumer and corporate confidence and bank already is turning more aggressive after and home prices throughout the world to terday it would cut the level of funds that Besides the RRR cuts, the central bank has spur faster growth and higher inflation. The lat- inflation slumped to a five year low of 0.3 per- levels that may turn out to be unsustainable. commercial banks must hold in reserve by lowered benchmark interest rates twice since est fall in oil and commodity prices might delay cent. It is way below its target of 2 percent. Could another asset bubble be about to one percentage point, the second such move November as the Asian giant’s economic any inflation hope for a while. Prices may not pick up any time soon and burst? this year to boost lending. The move, effective growth slowed last year to a 24-year low. today, comes days after the world’s second China’s economy expanded an annual 7.4 largest economy reported its worst quarterly percent in 2014, its worst performance since growth figure for six years. In a statement on 1990. Economic data have continued to dis- its website, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) appoint this year, raising alarm bells that British election focused said it will give an additional one-percentage- growth is weakening too quickly, despite point RRR cut to banks for agricultural services authorities’ acceptance of a more sustainable and a further two-percentage-point cut to the growth model that places greater emphasis on health of economy Agricultural Development Bank of China. It on consumer spending to drive expansion. will also give a 0.5 percent cut to certain banks The PBoC carried out targeted RRR cuts that give agricultural or small-business loans. last year, part of a series of “mini-stimulus” LONDON: Prime Minister David Cameron and his Kingdom forward from the weakest recovery said. “But let me tell you: The next five years are The cuts will “further enhance the ability steps introduced from April when growth main opponent agree on one thing going into since World War II. much, much more important. The next five years of financial institutions to support restructur- began to slow. Last month China lowered its Britain’s May 7 election: Voters should choose the are about turning the good news in our economy ing,” the PBoC said. The reduction in the GDP growth target to “approximately seven next leader based on the health of the economy. Hard choice into a good life for you and your family.” Cameron reserve requirement ratio (RRR) — the percent” for this year from last year’s objective The question is whether the patient is recover- “Voters will be choosing between the so far has struggled to convince voters this is a amount of cash banks must keep on hand- of about 7.5 percent. The PBoC cut bench- ing or is still on life support after the global finan- Conservatives, who are seen as being a bit mean real prospect, given that real wages are almost 10 follows a similar move in early February, mark deposit and lending interest rates earli- cial crisis. After five years of budget cuts, Cameron but efficient and effective, and the Labor Party percent below pre-crisis levels and newspapers which was the first across-the-board cut since er this year for the second time in three is focusing on the headline numbers. Inflation is that is more caring but possibly less competent,” are filled with stories about rich people and inter- May 2012. China’s gross domestic product months, citing “historically low inflation”. down, employment is up and the economy is Page said of the perceptions. Complicating this national companies avoiding taxes. (GDP) growth slowed to 7.0 percent in the Consumer inflation held steady at 1.4 percent growing at the fastest rate among large industrial- equation is the rise of smaller parties, which could By contrast, Labor’s poll numbers rose after first quarter from 7.3 percent in the final three in March from February. It struck a more- ized nations. The Conservatives need five more force Cameron or Miliband to form a coalition Miliband pledged to eliminate a loophole that months of last year, marking the worst result than-five-year low in January of 0.8 percent, years to cement the gains and ensure that bene- government that would pull them toward the allows people with permanent homes abroad to in six years. but a further 4.6 percent plunge in factory fits trickle down to everyone, Cameron says. economic extremes. trim their British tax bills, even though some econ- Growth in industrial output and retail gate costs-a leading indicator for retail prices- The opposition Labor Party is urging voters to The right-wing UK Independence Party prom- omists said the proposal actually would reduce sales slowed in March, while the figure for compounded nagging worries that China look behind the headlines. Real earnings are ises to leave the European Union and end inheri- income for the Treasury. fixed asset investment also weakened in could face debilitating deflation. Leaders in below pre-crisis levels, employment figures are tance taxes. At the other end of the scale, the left- Page said Labor “might win not because they the first three months of the year, raising March also set the consumer price index inflated by low-skill jobs, and the safety net that leaning Scottish National Party, Greens and Welsh are brilliant at running the economy, but because expectations of further efforts to shore up objective at “around three percent” for this protects the poorest in society has been gutted, nationalist Plaid Cymru party all oppose budget what they are deemed to be doing is fair.” the economy. Reducing the RRR is a stimu- year, down from last year’s target of about 3.5 Labor leader Ed Miliband says. The use of food cuts. Complicating the picture, some economists latory measure as it increases the amount percent. Actual consumer prices rose 2.0 per- banks has soared as economic insecurity The Liberal Democrats, Cameron’s current warn that even the headline economic figures of money banks can lend out and thus cent in 2014. — AFP increased under Cameron’s government. coalition partners, are positioning themselves as may not be as good as they appear. While Britain While politicians are crisscrossing the country the moderate alternative, arguing they would is in a stronger financial position today than in promising to control immigration, protect the soften austerity in a second Conservative-led gov- 2010 when Cameron rose to power, the recovery Australia, Britain to take National Health Service, build homes and improve ernment and enforce economic discipline in a has been weak because of dismal productivity education, the election boils down to a simple Labor-led coalition. growth and lower wages, according to Erik question: Did the Conservative-led government While Cameron has succeeded in turning Nielsen, an economist at UniCredit. He said on firms avoiding taxes chart the right course through the worst recession around the economy, he has been less successful Britain’s economy has grown faster than its SYDNEY: Australia is to work together with firms that use complex corporate structures since the 1930s? in changing the perception of his party among European peers chiefly because it has deferred Britain to pursue multinational firms shifting to lower their tax bills. “It’s about austerity and globalization,” said uncommitted voters, according to Michael many of the spending cuts deemed necessary to profits offshore to avoid paying taxes, going “The OECD (Organization for Economic John Curtice, a professor of politics at the Ashcroft, a pollster and former deputy chairman bring its budget deficits in line. “further and faster” than OECD plans, Cooperation and Development), through its University of Strathclyde. “It is particularly, per- of the Conservative Party. Growing numbers of The government cut the primary structural Treasurer Joe Hockey said yesterday. Hockey, base erosion and profit-shifting program, is haps, about the consequences of austerity in the voters see Labor as the party that’s “on the side of deficit - the measure that excludes the nation’s who was in the United States for the G20 trying to set up consistent global definitions context of a globalized world.” While both parties people like me,” he said in a report last month. position in the business cycle - to 3.2 percent of meeting of finance ministers and central and rules in relation to companies,” Hockey pledge to continue cutting budget deficits, which Miliband emphasized this contrast when he GDP in 2011 from 6 percent in 2010. But annual bankers, said the two nations announced a told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. ballooned during the financial crisis, the released the Labor Party’s election program. “The structural deficits have fallen only 0.9 percentage joint working group during the multilateral “We are going for the next stage, which is to Conservatives are focused on spending cuts. Tories would have you believe low pay is neces- points since then. “Although there’s been a lot of forum in Washington on April 16-17 that go after those companies, particularly indi- Labor says it will cut less and compensate by rais- sary for Britain to succeed,” he said. “Friends, that is talk of austerity in the UK, there hasn’t really been would build on London’s so-called “Google vidual companies, that are not paying the ing taxes on the wealthy. wrong. Low pay and insecurity stop us succeed- much of it since 2011,” Nielsen wrote in a note to tax” on companies that divert profits over- proper amount of tax where they earn the Ben Page of the IPSOS-Mori polling firm said ing. They hold back working people and hold investors. “This matters because the big cuts - and seas. income. “We obviously want to go further and people aren’t focused on the specifics of deficit back our country.” The next day, Cameron prom- the associated fiscal drag - therefore lie ahead, The new initiative came amid increased faster (than the OECD),” the treasurer added, reduction. They are looking for someone to trust - ised that good times were just around the corner. which is the opposite of what you see in most of efforts by governments around the world, without elaborating on what measures were to decide who is better suited to lead the United “We have put our country on solid ground,” he the euro-zone.” — AP including Australia, to crack down on global being considered.—AFP MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 BUSINESS Another crunch week in Greek bailout saga

GLOBAL ECONOMY WEEK AHEAD

LONDON: The threat posed by Greece beyond they will pull off a deal. tem and labor markets and a privatization pro- payments or meeting upcoming debt The latest evidence of the global state its borders may have diminished but efforts to Germany said last week it was unrealistic to gram to which his predecessor had agreed. bills. Greece must pay almost 1 billion of play will be provided by flash April pur- agree an economic reform program to free up expect euro-zone countries to be able to pay Athens is dangerously close to running out euros in May to the International chasing managers surveys for the United bailout funds and avert default will capture out a new tranche of aid this month. “No one of cash. Officials told Reuters it will need to tap Monetary Fund, which has made clear it States, China, the euro zone, Germany world attention this week. Euro-zone finance has a clue how we can reach agreement on an all the remaining cash reserves across its public will accept no delay. and France. ministers meet in the Latvian capital Riga on ambitious program,” Finance Minister Wolfgang sector-a total of 2 billion euros-to pay civil serv- “We now put a 40 percent probability With the money-printing presses Friday with both sides saying time is running Schaeuble said. ice wages and pensions at the end of the on a Grexit, coupled with a sense that this turned on full by the European Central short to keep Greece afloat. But with Athens Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, elected month. is still rising with no clear sign of a rever- Bank, euro zone prospects are gradually yet to produce a program of reforms that is on a promise to end austerity, is balking at Without a deal in Riga, Athens could soon sal,” Nomura senior political analyst starting to turn up. “We believe that the deemed acceptable, there is little confidence politically sensitive reforms of the pension sys- be forced to choose between making those Alastair Newton said. combined stimulus from low oil prices, “The main reason is what we see as the weaker euro and easing credit conditions continuing propensity for rhetoric not just in the periphery will support steady, to dominate, but to overwhelm substance above-potential expansion at a pace of in the exchanges between Greece and its approximately 2 percent annualized,” euro zone partners.” economists at Unicredit said in a note. Emerging markets have certainly felt a SHIFTING SANDS squeeze from the dollar’s rise. Turkey’s Soft economic indicators in the United central bank meets on Wednesday and is States and China last week buoyed finan- still under political pressure to cut inter- cial markets, with a weak Chinese GDP est rates more dramatically despite high reading boosting expectations of mone- inflation and a tumbling currency which tary stimulus by Beijing while lackluster hit a record low this week. Investors are US data dampened prospects of an early worried about political meddling in mon- interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve. etary policy, the make-up of Turkey’s eco- The International Monetary Fund said a nomic team after June elections and the surging dollar-and weaker euro and yen- possibility that the ruling AK Party may should help the global economy by not be able to form a government on its boosting Japan and Europe, where own. growth has been weak. In its World Hungary has the opposite problem- Economic Outlook, the Fund kept its a strong currency-so its central bank is global growth forecasts unchanged, with expected to trim interest rates by a faster expansion in the euro zone and further 15 basis points to a new low of India offset by diminished prospects in 1.8 percent on Tuesday, responding to other key emerging markets such as sub-zero inflation and a buoyant Russia and Brazil. forint. —Reuters BUSINESS MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 Dollar slides as Fed rate hike hopes fade

NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT MENA economies seen growing KUWAIT: The US dollar started the week on a up to 7.0 in April. Additionally, Industrial produc- At the ECB press conference, President Mario strong footing continuing to feed off expectations, tion fell by 0.6 percent in March, worse than the Draghi said he was “not ready to discuss” a poten- fuelled by the latest Federal reserve minutes, that expectations for a drop of 0.3 percent and previous tial Greek default. He noted that there is currently at 2.7% in 2015, 3.7% in 2016 the central bank might raise rates as soon as June. 0.1 percent increase in February. Meanwhile, man- no end date to the emergency liquidity assistance The currency then reversed its gains and pushed ufacturing activity in the Philadelphia-region (ELA) the central bank has extended to Greece. The KAMCO EVENT UPDATE ON Economic Outlook lower against its major counterparts. The release of expanded at the fastest pace in four months in ECB recently increased its ELA to Greek banks to disappointing US data initiated concerns over the April, easing slightly concerns over the country’s 73.2 billion from its previous 1.2 billion. KUWAIT: The latest IMF World Economic January-15 estimates; however, it is down strength of the economy, fuelling uncertainty over economic outlook. The Federal Reserve Bank of Outlook (WEO) released in April-15 high- by almost 150 bps relative to the October- the timing of a rate hike. Philadelphia said that its manufacturing index Inflation remains unchanged lights the uneven regional economic 14 WEO half of which is due to the rebasing Additionally, the International Monetary Fund improved to a reading of 7.5 in April against last Consumer price inflation in the UK held at the growth underlying the overall global of real GDP data whereas the remaining kept its forecast for global growth unchanged at month’s reading of 5.0. Analysts had expected the lowest level since records began in March, fuelling growth expectations that remains change is due to oil price weakness which 3.5 percent for the current year, but warned that index to rise to 6.0 in April. concerns over deflationary pressures. In a report, unchanged for 2015 at 3.5 percent and a could also result into fiscal deficit in 2015 the recovery is “moderate and uneven”. That also the UK Office for National Statistics said that the slightly higher 3.8 percent for 2016. and 2016 for the Kingdom. Estimates for helped subdue the greenback in the market. Unemployment claims rate of consumer price inflation held steady at a According to the new estimates, the out- the remaining GCC economies have also Although the dollar regained some of its losses by The number of people who filed for unemploy- seasonally adjusted 0.0 percent last month, in line look for advanced economies is improving been revised downward relative to the end of the week, it remained under pressure ment assistance in the US last week rose more than with expectations and unchanged from February. but there is no change in the growth October-14 WEO, with the steepest GDP after the release of soft inflation data. expected, dampening optimism over the strength expectations for 2015 and 2016. revision for UAE that is down by 130 bps for The Euro started the week on a soft footing as of the labor market. In a report, the US Department UK employment rises On the other hand, growth expectation 2015 and 2016 to 4.5 percent and 4.4 per- the European Central Bank’s bond buying stimulus of Labor said the number of individuals filing for The number of people in work in Britain within the emerging markets and develop- cent, respectively. Meanwhile, Qatar is program continued to pressure the currency lower. initial jobless benefits in the week ending April 11 jumped by its biggest amount in almost a year in ing economies has changed drastically expected to be the fastest growing econo- Additionally, uncertainty over Greece’s bailout con- increased by 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted the three months to February and the unemploy- from the January-15 expectations. The my on the back of infrastructure invest- tinued to weigh on the currency pushing it to a 294,000 from the previous week’s total of 282,000. ment rate fell to its lowest in nearly seven years. biggest change is recorded for ments. On the other hand, Kuwait is one-month low. However, a dollar sell-off com- Continuing jobless claims fell to 2.268 million from The last official data on employment and earnings Commonwealth of Independent States expected to see slowest GDP growth in the bined with positive remarks from the ECB 2.308 million in the previous week. Analysts had before a national election on May 7 also showed (CIS) that are now expected to contract at a GCC at 1.7 percent in 2015 down by 10 bps President helped the euro close the week higher expected continuing claims to rise to 2.312 million. the pace of growth in workers’ pay generally higher rate of 2.6 percent in 2015 followed from previous estimates, and 1.8 percent in slowed in the three months to February. The report against the greenback. The euro reached a high of Meanwhile, the four-week moving average was by a marginal growth of 0.3 percent in 2016 in-line with the previous estimates. 1.0848 and closed at 1.0806. 282,750, an increase of 250 from the previous also stated that the number of people employed 2016. Similarly, the sterling pound extended losses week’s total of 282,500. The monthly average is rose by 248,000, the biggest increase in a three- MENA economies are expected to grow Oil price key factor against the dollar at the start of the week, sliding to considered a more accurate gauge of labor trends month period since April 2014, to a record 31.049 at a slower pace of 2.7 percent this year and OPEC oil price has declined by almost 50 fresh five-year lows as uncertainty ahead of next because it reduces volatility in the week-to-week million. It said that the employment rate of 73.4 3.7 percent in 2016 led by weaker activity percent from its 2014 peak primarily due to month’s elections combined with unchanged con- data. percent showed an unusually big jump to hit a in some major oil exporters because of the demand/supply factors further affected by sumer prices continued to weigh. By the end of the The Consumer Price Index increased 0.2 percent new all-time high. geopolitical tensions. According to the IEA, week, the sterling rose back to a high of 1.5053 as in March on a seasonally adjusted basis, came in Additionally, the UK’s unemployment rate fell to sharp drop in oil prices. Meanwhile, positive data from the labor market joined with line with the expectations at 0.2 percent. Over the 5.6 percent, its lowest level since July 2008 and Emerging and Developing Asia is expected even with aggregate demand develop- lower data from the US. The currency closed the last 12-months, the all items index dropped 0.1 down from 7.9 percent at the time of the last elec- to grow at a slightly faster pace whereas ments taken into account, oil demand has week at 1.4962. percent before seasonal adjustment, beating the tion. Finally, total average weekly earnings in the Latin America & Caribbean are expected to fallen short of expectations. Oil prices are The Yen started the week on a very volatile forecasts of 0.00 percent. The annualized decline three months to February, including bonuses, rose decelerate. Nevertheless, emerging mar- expected to remain well below the October note, first strengthening on across the board USD was mainly due to the energy index, which 1.7 percent compared with the same period a year kets and developing economies continue 2014 WEO baseline into the medium term buying and then dropping sharply on comments dropped 18.3 percent, more than offsetting earlier, slowing from 1.9 percent in January. to account for more than 70 percent of (projected prices for 2019 declined from from Koichi Hamada, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo increases in the indexes for food up 2.3 percent global growth in 2015. $93 to $73 a barrel). At the same time, Abe’s advisor. Hamada has been reported stating and all items less food and energy up 1.8 percent. Australia unemployment lower In addition to legacy issues from the uncertainty about the future path of oil Australian unemployment unexpectedly fell in financial and the euro area crises that led to prices adds to the significant downside risk March, indicating the central bank’s effort to shore weak banks and high levels of public, cor- to expected economic growth. up confidence with record-low interest rates is porate, and household debt, two major fac- The significant movement in exchange showing signs of paying off. The local currency tors i.e. the decline in oil price and rate over the past several months high- surged. The jobless rate dropped to 6.1 percent exchange rate movements, that have been lights the changes in expectations about from a revised 6.2 percent. Similarly, the number of lingering since the second half of 2014, growth and monetary policy across major people employed advanced by 37,700. continue to dominate current economic cli- economies as well as the large decline in oil mate. Lower oil prices are expected to pro- prices. Movements in real effective China slows vide a boost to growth globally and in exchange rates in recent months have China’s economy expanded at the weakest pace many oil importers but will weigh on activi- broadly reflected changes in growth fore- since 2009 last quarter, with output, investment ty in oil exporters whereas the swing in casts as well as differences in the exposure and retail data pointing to a deepening slowdown. exchange rates across major currencies to lower oil prices. Among major curren- Gross domestic product rose 7 percent in the three that came as a result of lower oil prices and cies, the USD has appreciated remarkably months through March from a year earlier. the subsequent changes in monetary poli- against the currencies of major advanced Additionally, data for the month of March showed cies, should be beneficial to the global out- economies implying that most countries industrial production was also weaker than expect- look especially for countries with more dif- experienced a somewhat smaller decline in ed. In recent months, the government has relaxed ficult macroeconomic conditions and less oil prices relative to the headline USD fig- home-purchasing rules, cut interest rates twice policy space. ure. The renminbi and the Swiss franc have and reduced the reserves banks must set aside in appreciated substantially whereas the euro an effort to stimulate growth. the data fuels expec- Subdued growth and the yen have both depreciated. tations that the People’s Bank Of China might ease The IMF expects modest improvement policy further. in economic growth in the MENA region in Inflation expectations 2015 as against a backdrop of tepid growth Inflation is projected to decline in 2015 China exports drop in 2014 due to declining oil prices, raging in both advanced economies and most Last month’s trade performance left China with conflicts, and continued policy uncertainty. emerging market and developing a surplus of $3.1 billion, much smaller than the However, estimates for oil exporters has economies, reflecting primarily the impact expected $45.4 billion. China’s export sales con- seen substantial downward revision due to of the decline in oil prices. In fact, headline tracted 15 percent in March while import ship- the large losses from lower oil prices, which inflation turned negative in the Euro area in ments fell at their sharpest rate since the 2009 requires most oil exporters to recalibrate December-14 stabilizing somewhat after global financial crisis, a shock outcome that deep- their medium-term fiscal consolidation the ECB’s recent actions. With regard to ens concern about sputtering Chinese economic plans. Across the region, lower oil prices emerging markets, lower prices for oil and that the Yen is weak at 120 given purchasing pow- Furthermore Core CPI came in line with the fore- growth. The tumble in exports - the worst in about create conditions for continuing subsidy other commodities (including food, which er parity and would be appropriately valued at cast at 0.2 percent. a year - compared with expectations for a 12 per- reforms to build fiscal space for growth has a larger weight in the consumer price around 105. The comments helped push the pair cent rise and could heighten worries about how a enhancing spending. Moreover, as seen index of emerging market and developing below the 120 level at mid-week. The US dollar Consumer Sentiments Index rising Yuan has hurt demand for Chinese goods from recent budget announcements, we economies) have generally contributed to continued to drop against the yen as sentiments The University of Michigan’s Survey of and services abroad. Meanwhile, imports into the don’t expect the region’s oil exporters to reductions in inflation, with the notable Consumers confidence increased in April to the world’s second-biggest economy shrank 12.7 per- remained vulnerable pushing the greenback to a drastically cut their spending plans in the exception of countries suffering sizable three-week low. The Japanese Yen closed the week second-highest level in more than 8-years as cent last month from a year ago, a sign that near term. More specifically, the GCC exchange rate depreciations, such as at 118.90. Americans held more favorable views of the eco- domestic demand was also slow. economies are expected to rely on their Russia. Similarly, in the GCC, as highlighted The Australian dollar initially dropped as disap- nomic outlook and inflation. The University of large buffers of fiscal surpluses made dur- in our recently published Quarterly pointing trade data emerged from China, the Michigan index of sentiment climbed to 95.9 this Kuwait ing the last five years. Economic Report, inflation seem to be country’s biggest trade partner. The Aussie month from 93.0 in March, above the forecasts of Kuwaiti dinar at 0.30155 Forecasts for Saudi Arabia has been moderating amid cooling of prices of dropped to 0.7580, closing in on a 6-year low of 93.8. The gain is also likely a sign that relative job The USDKD opened at 0.30155 yesterday morn- essential commodities in the region. 0.7534. Data showed China exports tumbled 15 market weakness in early March did not persist ing. revised up by 20 bps as compared to percent in March, missing forecasts of a rise of 12 into early April. percent. Additionally, the report adds speculation that the Reserve Bank of Australia might cut rates ECB acknowledges improvements sooner than expected. Similar to other majors, the Last week, the European Central Bank kept its currency gained against the US dollar as employ- monetary policies unchanged, as widely expected EU dreams of Iranian gas to ment data from Australia pushed the currency in the market. Almost six weeks into its EUR1.1 tril- higher. The Aussie reached a high of 0.7830 and lion bond-buying program, the ECB is claiming closed the week at 0.7783. some early successes as the economy picks up and break reliance on Moscow lending recovers. In a press conference after the Retail sales meeting, the ECB president said, “there’s clear evi- BRUSSELS: The EU is hoping future gas Gazprom, with half that amount going take it through Greece and Albania into Italy Retail sales rose at a slower than expected pace dence that the monetary policy measures we’ve imports from Iran can break its dependence through pipelines that cross Ukraine, which are further behind with the first pipes to be in March, signaling consumers are not ready to put in place are effective.” In addition, he expressed on Russia as prospects grow for a nuclear provides the country with a major source of laid only next year. spend despite the savings resulting from cheaper optimism for “the economic recovery to broaden deal that would include lifting sanctions on revenue. Greece has expressed interest in the fuel prices. Purchases increased 0.9 percent, the and strengthen gradually.” He also pledged to con- Tehran. But transit through Ukraine has become Turkish project but “nothing has been signed first gain in four months, after a 0.5 percent drop in tinue with the current quantitative easing program The European Union is betting on so- increasingly unpredictable because of the yet, no contract has been concluded,” a February whereas expectations were for a 1.1 per- until September 2016 or until there is “sustained called Southern Corridor pipelines to supply endless financial disputes between Gazprom spokesman for the European Commission cent advance. The figures show Americans remain adjustment” in inflation. gas to southern Europe via Turkey from fields and Naftogaz, the Ukrainian operator. said. The investment needed will be “consid- focused on shoring up savings even as employ- in Azerbaijan and nearby countries, includ- The war pitting Kiev government troops erable,” a European official added. ment and confidence firm and inflation remains Greek credit rating ing Iran. against pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Experts said Iranian and European gas low. Previous figures were subdued after unusually Greece continues to be burdened with debt “It’s one of our priorities,” EU commission- Ukraine has only increased tensions. interests converge if Iran seals a deal in June harsh weather slowed the economy in the first payments from its 240 billion euro rescue loan er for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Gazprom chief Alexei Miller is threatening to with the United States and five other powers quarter. Core retail sales, which exclude autos, rose from creditors including the International Arias Canete said Wednesday in the Latvian put an end to the supply of gas through to curb its nuclear program in return for a 0.4 percent in March as economists expected a 0.7 Monetary Fund, European Central Bank and capital Riga when referring to the gas route. Ukraine in 2019. lifting of years of sanctions, but expressed percent rise. European Commission. As part of a February Due to be operational in 2019, the project He had bet on the South Stream pipeline, guarded optimism. “Actually the Iranians are extension of Greece’s bailout, the cash-strapped is expected in an initial stage to deliver 10 which would have skirted Ukraine to supply desperate for investment. They are desperate Mixed data from housing market nation needs to submit economic reforms for billion cubic metres of gas per year to gas to Bulgaria under the Black Sea, but for hard currency. They are desperate to The number of building permits issued in the finance ministers of the currency bloc to consider Bulgaria and Greece. Russian President Vladimir Putin scrapped modernize the infrastructure,” Judy US fell sharply in March, while housing starts issues whether to release more funds to keep the country “That will not be enough,” conceded a the plan in December as relations with Dempsey, a Berlin-based analyst for the missed expectations. The number of building per- afloat when they meet on April 24.The ongoing source in the European Commission, the Brussels nose-dived. Carnegie Europe think tank, told AFP by tele- mits issued in March declined by 5.7 percent last issues have fueled fears that Greece will default on executive of the 28-nation EU. But with phone. month to a seasonally adjusted 1.04 million units its obligations, prompting a possible “Grexit,” or Iranian gas flowing after an eventual lifting Avoid new dependence “And the Europeans are desperately eager from February’s total of 1.10 million. Analysts departure from the euro-zone. of the sanctions, “capacity could be increased He then launched what is known as to go into Iran to get a share of the pie,” she expected building permits to fall by 2.0 percent to The deterioration in the Greek debt situation to 40 billion cubic metres of gas per year and Turkish Stream, a pipeline to replace South said. 1.080 million units in March. The report also has prompted Standard & Poor’s to cut the coun- that would be substantial,” a European offi- Stream with capacity of 63 billion cubic “It’s definitely an alternative but the showed that US housing starts rose by 2.0 percent try’s credit rating to “CCC+” from “B-” with negative cial told AFP on Friday on condition of metres-the same volume as transits Ukraine. Europeans need to be very careful not to put in March to hit a seasonally adjusted 926,000 units outlook, saying it expected Greece’s debt to be anonymity. The Europeans will have to assume the all their eggs in the Iranian basket,” Dempsey from February’s 908,000 units, below expectations “unsustainable.” The ratings agency cited the Europe is desperately seeking to diversify costs to connect with Turkey and lay the added. Daniel Gros, director of the Brussels- for an increase of 15.9 percent to 1.05 million. potential for dissolving liquidity in the Greek gov- its energy suppliers and supply routes as the infrastructure needed to deliver purchases based Center for European Police Studies, ernment, banks and economy. S&P wrote that out- Ukraine crisis strains ties with Russia to from this country. told AFP “it will take a long time before Iran Mixed signals look for full-year economic growth looked “highly breaking point. The Russian side is convinced that the becomes a ‘solid’ alternative to Gazprom” if The New York Federal Reserve’s index of manu- uncertain.”“Without deep economic reform or fur- The 28-nation bloc depended on imports Southern Corridor will never be viable for and when sanctions are lifted. It will take facturing conditions contracted unexpectedly in ther relief, we expect Greece’s debt and other for more than half its needs at a cost of some lack of gas, while the EU believes that Turkish time to build new pipelines and other infra- April, adding to concerns over the strength of the financial commitments will be unsustainable,” S&P 400 billion euros ($430 billion) in 2014. Stream will never materialise. Construction structure for Iranian gas, while, through its economy. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York wrote in a release. Greek bond yields were under Russia alone supplies about a third of its began last month of the section of the existing pipelines, “Russia will remain the said that its general business conditions index pressure, with yields soaring on short and medium requirements-it bought 125 billion cubic pipeline that will deliver gas from Azerbaijan cheapest supplier for the EU for some time to decreased to -1.2 this month from a reading of 6.9 term bills. The 10-year yield on Greek debt reached metres from Russia’s state gas operator to Turkey, but plans for the pipeline that will come,” he said. — AFP in March. Analysts had expected the index to inch as high as 12.8 percent. BUSINESS MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan inaugurates Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ 131st outlet in Mussafah

KUWAIT: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the Precia- Precious Gem Jewellery, and Starlet- on diamond jewellery until 25 April 2015. leading jewellery retailers opened its 131st Kids Jewellery will also be available in the Keeping the convenience of their customers outlet in Abu Dhabi. Bollywood Actress showroom. in mind, they also offer advance booking Kareena Kapoor Khan inaugurated this Their branded jewellery segment includes facility, where the customers can book their showroom on 16 April 2015 in the presence Ethnix - Handcrafted Designer Jewellery, Era ornaments in advance by paying a certain of Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director- - Uncut Diamond Jewellery, Mine - percentage of the total cost. They also give International Operations; Abdul Salam K P, Diamonds Unlimited, Divine- Indian Heritage their customers a unique opportunity to buy Group Executive Director; other Directors; Jewellery, Precia - Precious Gem Jewellery diamond jewellery of their choice and get personalities from media and other well- and Starlet - Kids Jewellery. free home delivery in UAE on Akshaya Tritiya wishers. Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan will inaugu- Day. The customers also get a fabulous Conveniently located in Shabia, Mussafah, rate three more showrooms in Qatar at Lulu chance to buy 8 gm gold coins with this new showroom will take the total num- Hypermarket, D Ring Road, Doha on 23 April absolutely no making charges from any of ber of Malabar Gold & Diamonds showroom 2015 at 6.30 pm. She will be inaugurating Malabar Gold & Diamonds outlets in GCC Zain makes strategic in UAE to 25. Apart from this showroom, the two more showrooms in Malaysia and during this period. jewellery group already operates 4 outlets in Manama- Bahrain on 9 May 2015 and 14 May Moreover, any old ornaments purchased Abu Dhabi and this showroom was opened 2015 respectively. from GCC can be updated with the brand investment with MEVP owing to the consistent increase in the num- Like all their outlets in GCC and new enticing collection of Malabar Gold & ber of customers, especially family cus- Singapore, their new outlet in Abu Dhabi will Diamonds without any loss during this peri- Investment marks Zain’s first foray into venture capital funds tomers. The customers will surely be delight- also take part in their festive campaign- ‘The od. Any 22ct old gold ornaments purchased ed to have another Malabar Gold & Great Gold Rush’, giving their customers a life from GCC can be exchanged with Malabar KUWAIT: Zain Group, a leading innovator of mobile portfolio companies are looking to leverage telecom Diamonds outlet in this locality, which will changing opportunity to win a whopping 25 Gold & Diamonds designs by paying only communications in eight markets across the Middle operators’ infrastructure and customer base to acti- offer them more comfort and convenience. kilos of gold until 30 June 2015 with special making charges ensuring they don’t lose any East and Africa, announces its first foray in venture vate new markets and scale, and so the synergies This new showroom will showcase metic- facilities such as free home delivery, advance value on the rate of gold. capital investment through a strategic anchor partici- expected are significant with Zain.” ulously crafted unique collection of classic, booking etc. Malabar Gold & Diamonds operates 54 pation in Middle East Venture Partners’ (MEVP) latest MEVP’s investment philosophy is to back superior contemporary and stylish designs in gold, With every purchase of gold jewellery international showrooms in GCC and fund. The Dubai based MEVF II fund will invest in early entrepreneurs in solving sizable pain points using diamonds and precious gems to suit the spe- with AED 500, the customers get a chance to Singapore. They are planning to come up stage technology companies with proven traction in technology. The Fund has already identified four cific budget of every customer. The astound- enter raffle draws to win 1 kg of gold each in with more showrooms in UAE, Qatar, the MENA region and will focus its investment on prime opportunities that it will invest in: ing creation of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ every 10 days. Those who buy diamond jew- Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in three verticals: Web and mobile digital plays; e-mar- • YouGotAGift.com (YGAG) is the leading online branded jewellery segment; Era- Uncut ellery worth AED 500 will get 2 raffle the coming months. They are also all set to ketplaces; and B2B companies. marketplace specialized in digital gift cards in the Diamond Jewellery, Ethnix- Hand Crafted coupons and double the chance to win. expand their presence in the Far East market This investment by Zain builds on the establish- MENA region. Based in Dubai, YGAG offers e-gifts Designer Jewellery, Mine- Diamonds The customers can also avail a free one by opening their first outlet in Malaysia next ment of the Zain Digital Frontier and Innovation that are redeemable at 100s of stores to con- Unlimited, Divine- Indian Heritage Jewellery, gram gold coin for every AED 5,000 spend month. (ZDFI) business unit in 2014, which is charged with sumers and businesses across the region. launching Zain into the digital space with the view to • AlTibbi.com is the largest Arabic medical website growing the company through new innovative busi- and mobile app that provides users with easy and ness streams that add to Zain’s customer service offer- free access to medical information as well as ings. ZDFI focuses on the areas of innovation; digital direct e-connections to more than 5,000 doctors. services; corporate venturing; and smart cities. Based in Amman, Al Tibbi reaches over4 million Founded in 2010, MEVP is the Arab world’s leading unique Arab users per month. independent venture capital firm with more than 25 • TheLuxuryCloset.com is the region’s largest and investments in the digital space since inception. fastest growing online market place where users MEVP’s assets under management have reached in buy, sell, and consign pre-owned luxury bags and excess of $100 million, conducting business across accessories at a heavily discounted price. Based in three offices in Beirut, Dubai, and Silicon Valley. Dubai, The Luxury Closet provides customers with Commenting on the strategic investment, Zain thousands of pre-owned high-end luxury items Group CEO Scott Gegenheimer said, “By investing in and offers up to 70% discounts, authentication MEVP’s latest fund, Zain is increasing its exposure to and instant item return guarantees. the digital economy and becoming an active partici- • Lamsa World is a leading interactive educational pant in this new digital age. We believe there is signifi- smartphone and tablet app providing quality cant growth potential for digitally-focused companies Arabic e-content to children aged between 1-7 and this investment showcases our intention to years of age. Based in Abu Dhabi, Lamsa offers remain at the forefront of innovation.” children more than 100 e-books and educational On his part Emre Gurkan, Zain Group Chief e-content all updated on a regular basis. Strategy and Business Development Officer said, With more than 25 investments in the tech space “MEVP’s fund will invest in promising Arab entrepre- since inception, MEVP has pioneered venture capital neurs dedicated to building the region’s best technol- investments across the Middle East and has backed ogy companies, and we aim to leverage the develop- some of the region’s best web and mobile companies. ment of these start-ups in several ways, which Recently, MEVP announced its first successful invest- includeZain bringingunique and life-enriching digital ment exit by selling Shahiya.com, the leading Arabic products and services to its customers.” recipe website, to Japanese-based Cookpad, the Walid Hanna, Founder and Managing Partner of world’s leading online recipes service. The exit reflect- MEVP said, “Our portfolio companies will be thrilled to ed a 600% return for MEVP validating the venture know that telecom operators, with Zain at the fore- capital firm’s strategy of investing in companies with front, are finally investing and becoming actively the potential to become MENA leaders in their own involved in MENA’s digital start-up scene. Most of our vertical markets.

Al-Tijari announces winners of the Al-Najma Account

KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the Al- The Commercial Bank of Kuwait announces the be eligible for the daily draw provided that the money Najma Account draw yesterday. The draw was held biggest daily draw in Kuwait with the launch of the is in the account one week prior to the daily draw or 2 under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce & new Najma account. Customers of the bank can now months prior to the mega draw. In addition, for each Industry represented by Abdulaziz Ashkanani. enjoy a KD 7,000 daily prize which is the highest in KD 25 a customer can get one chance for winning The winners of the Al-Najma daily draw are:- the country and another 4 mega prizes during the instead of KD 50. Razqeiah Khaierallah Farhani — KD 7000, year worth KD 100,000 each on different occasions: Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this opportunity Awatef Ateeq Al-Salem — KD 7000, The National Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al-Adha and on the to congratulate all lucky winners and also extends Omran Hafeez Mohammad— KD 7000, 19th of June which is the date of the bank’s establish- appreciation to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ali Abdullah Al-Merry— KD 7000, ment. for their effective supervision of the draws which were Ali Morad Qasem— KD 7000. With a minimum balance of KD 500, customers will conducted in an orderly and organized manner. Markaz launches UK’s bank tax jump threatens to Mawazeen push HSBC, StanChart to new home International Fund LONDON: HSBC and Standard Chartered are “TOO MANY MOVING PARTS” looking at the viability of quitting London for a HSBC says it has two “home” markets, Britain KUWAIT: Kuwait Financial Centre in the medium to long term with less new home in Asia because a big jump in a tax on and Hong Kong. It moved from Hong Kong to The winner receives the iPhone 6 from Haneen Al-Rumaihi, “Markaz” has launched, in a press volatility rate compared to tradition- UK banks makes staying in Britain increasingly London in 1993 when it bought Midland Bank Burgan Bank Head of Marketing Management. conference held yesterday at Four al stock markets”. painful. Several investors told Reuters they want and its most likely move would be back to its for- Points Hotel, Mawazeen Markaz is one of the first institu- the two banks to do a thorough analysis on mer home, one of the few places that could han- Burgan Bank International Fund, a globally diversi- tions to invest in ETFs in the region. whether it makes sense to move after Britain dle its $2.6 trillion balance sheet. fied open-ended investment fund In 2005, Markaz launched its Atlas raised the bank tax by a third last month. The bank began life in Hong Kong 150 years announces 9th winner that seeks to achieve capital growth ETFs portfolio, giving our Clients Some are expected to quiz bosses on it at ago, with roots as a financier of trade between while maintaining a low risk profile. access to a new low-cost, diversified, shareholder meetings, including at an investor Europe and Asia. It issues most of the territory’s in monthly SMS draw Mawazeen will invest in licensed and highly liquid asset class. Since gathering in Hong Kong today. “There is a very bank notes and has made $24 billion in profits clear risk that HSBC and StanChart reach a pain there over the last three years, compared to a $4 investment funds in international then, Markaz has incorporated ETFs KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the winner of its monthly threshold where they think it is no longer worth billion loss in Britain over the same period. stock exchanges and will distribute into several of our new and pre- SMS draw Majdy Naseraldin Azeb Mohammed who won the new staying in the UK,” said Richard Buxton, head of London has been home to Standard its investments between equity and existing products in order to reduce iPhone 6 for subscribing to the bank’s SMS service. equities at Old Mutual Global Investors, which Chartered since it was formed in 1969 and its fixed income instruments. risk, maximize returns, and gain The selection of the prize came to offer customers the latest smart- owns HSBC shares and who said the bank was most likely new home would be Singapore, from Mawazeen is an actively man- access to previously inaccessible phone device available in the country as a symbol of gratitude for their reflecting on a move. The tax has increased eight where most of its businesses are already run. aged fund that may be suitable for markets, sectors, and strategies. trust in the bank’s services. Burgan Bank’s customer-centric strategy times since being introduced in 2010 to ensure Analysts said the cost of moving could be investors looking to make an asset In 2014, Markaz received “Best was designed to provide customers with far beyond than financial banks make a “fair contribution” after the finan- between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion per bank. allocation into global equity and Asset Manager in Kuwait” award solutions and services, thus, the bank continuously works towards cial crisis. The latest rise was seen as a popular HSBC told UK lawmakers in February, before the fixed income markets, and benefit from Global Investor Magazine for accommodating customers’ needs in all possible ways. The Bank urges move ahead of Britain’s May 7 election. levy increase, the best location was still Britain. It from potential enhanced risk adjust- the fifth consecutive year, as well as customers who are interested to take part in the monthly draw, to sub- Aberdeen Asset Management, the second had postponed a review in 2011 because Chief ed returns. Investors in this fund from EMEA Finance. Markaz also scribe to the bank’s SMS service for KD 10 per year, and enjoy multiple biggest shareholder in Standard Chartered, with Executive Stuart Gulliver said there were too should have a medium risk profile won two “Best Investment Bank in chances of winning the latest iPhone 6 device. an aggregate 9.4 percent stake, said the bank many moving parts to make a rational decision. with at least a three to five year Kuwait” awards from Euromoney, Burgan Bank’s SMS service is the quickest way for customers to stay should consider the option. Industry sources said that could still be the investment horizon. Mawazeen Global Finance and EMEA Finance. ahead and be informed about their latest transactions. With Burgan Senior management are already assessing case for both banks. They are trying to improve offers investors the opportunity to These awards were based on Bank’s SMS service, customers can choose between signing up for one the situation, people familiar with the matter profitability, cut costs, sell businesses, deal with diversify their assets from local mar- demonstrated breadth of capabili- or more automatic alerts or for pulling the information they need to said. Four years ago, HSBC said it would review old misconduct issues and simplify. Standard kets that are highly dependent upon ties and excellence in execution of their mobile devices in Arabic or English languages. its domicile in 2015, although the bank declined Chartered also gets a new CEO next month, Bill the price of a single commodity. client mandates across debt market For detailed information and subscription, customers are advised to to comment if or when any review might occur. Winters, who may want to raise capital. Gopal Menon, Executive Vice transactions, equity transactions, call Burgan Bank’s call center on 1804080 or visit the nearest Burgan “It’s a live conversation internally because it’s “On a 10 or 15 year view, I’d be surprised if President - International Investments mergers and acquisitions, and advi- Bank branch to fill in an application with the required details. an issue being raised by investors and sell-side both of them are still here. But I don’t think it’s Department at Markaz stated: “We sory work. Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the youngest commercial Bank analysts,” said a person close to one of the banks, an issue for the short-term, they have bigger would like to draw our investors’ In December 2014, Capital and second largest by assets in Kuwait, with a significant focus on the who asked not to be named as the discussions priorities,” John-Paul Crutchley, UBS banking attention to the international mar- Intelligence, the international rating corporate and financial institutions sectors, as well as having a growing are private. The banks, who make most of their analyst, said. Yet it could be worth it. JPMorgan kets with a view to diversify their agency, affirmed the rating of retail, and private bank customer base. Burgan Bank has five majority profits in Asia, face a combined $2 billion bill this analyst Raul Sinha estimated the higher UK investments and obtain better Markaz debenture bond at ‘BBB’. The owned subsidiaries, which include Jordan Kuwait Bank, Gulf Bank year under the annual UK bank tax, up from $1.5 bank levy will cut Standard Chartered’s earn- returns at an average risk level, and rating reflects Markaz’s well estab- Algeria, Burgan Bank - Turkey, Bank of Baghdad, Tunis International billion last year and almost double what they ings by 13 percent in 2017, while a move away so we are keen to offer balanced lished franchise and its conservative Bank, in which Burgan Bank owns a majority stake. Burgan Bank Group paid in 2013. The opposition Labour Party plans from Britain could lift its return on tangible investment solutions ranging business model, supported by has one of the largest regional branch networks with more than 231 to increase it by 800 million pounds to 4.5 billion equity, a key profitability measure, by 1.6 per- between equities and fixed income Markaz’s good liquidity position, its branches across Kuwait, Turkey, Jordan, Algeria, Iraq, Tunis, Lebanon pounds ($6.8 billion) a year for the banking centage points to 12.7 percent. Britain is also instruments”. low leverage and its improved earn- and Palestine. industry as a whole, if it wins power, to pay for forcing banks to separate domestic retail oper- Abdullatif Waleed Al-Nusif, Vice ings in both 2013 and for the nine The Bank has continuously improved its performance over the years childcare for three and four year olds. Labour is ations by 2019, so if HSBC is serious about mov- President - Private Banking months to end Q3 2014. The agency through an expanded revenue structure, diversified funding sources, neck and neck with Prime Minister David ing, it could spin off its UK business at the same and a strong capital base. The adoption of state-of-the-art services and Department at Markaz added: classified the outlook on the rating Cameron’s Conservatives in polls. time, analysts said. But the complexity of all the technology has positioned it as a trendsetter in the domestic market “Markaz always seeks to provide the as ‘Stable’, based on Markaz’s track Another hefty rise could be the final catalyst issues in the mix make a decision difficult. and within the MENA region. Burgan Bank’s brand has been created on best investment solutions that fit the record of building solid performing and force banks to move, Bernstein analyst These include Europe’s pay rules for staff, the a foundation of real values - of trust, commitment, excellence and pro- local and international needs of the funds across asset classes and the Chirantan Barua said. HSBC, which has described risk of losing staff, how capital and leverage gression, to remind us of the high standards to which we aspire. investors. Mawazeen International reputation for being the best per- the levy as a tax on staying in London, faces a bill rules in places like Singapore compare, access ‘People come first’ is the foundation on which its products and services Fund is perfectly suitable for forming fund manager on a risk- of $1.5 billion this year, about 7 percent of to capital, political stability, credit ratings and are developed. investors who are looking to invest adjusted basis. expected profits. Standard Chartered is set to the risk of regulatory change in any new juris- pay $500 million, or about 9 percent of earnings. diction.—Reuters technology MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 Netflix enthralls viewers with original programs

SAN FRANCISCO: Netflix is enthralling viewers and ter, we had some amazing content,” Netflix CEO Reed investors alike as popular original programming Hastings said in a video review of the company’s such as “House of Cards” lure subscribers at a quick- first-quarter financial results. “All of that compound- ening pace. Netflix said that it gained 4.9 million ed to push us forward.” subscribers in the first three months of the year, Original programming is becoming increasingly more than any other quarter since the video important for Netflix as it faces more competition streaming service’s debut eight years ago. About 2.3 from other services, including an Internet-only million of the new customers were in the US, where option that pay-TV channel HBO recently started sell- Netflix’s subscriber count surpassed 40 million for ing this month for $15 per month. That price is well the first time. above Netflix’s streaming service, which typically The results were far better than management had costs $9 per month. Hastings said HBO’s price under- anticipated. Netflix had been hoping to add about 4 scores what a bargain Netflix is. All told, Netflix end- million subscribers in the quarter, which typically is a ed March with 62.3 million subscribers in more than busy period because winter weather keeps people 50 countries. They watched more than 10 billion indoors more frequently. The company is on such a hours of video collectively during the first three roll that it now expects to add another 2.5 million months of the year - an average of nearly two hours subscribers during the April-June quarter, traditional- a day for each subscriber. ly its slowest time of year. Netflix’s big quarter coin- Despite the growth, Netflix missed analyst’ earn- cided with the return of “House of Cards,” an Emmy- ings targets as the company invested in an ongoing winning political drama starring Kevin Spacey as a international expansion that is supposed to be com- conniving US president. The February release of the pleted by the end of next year. Netflix also was hurt SHANGHAI: This picture taken on March 17, 2015 shows a Tesla Model S car on display at a showroom. — AFP series’ third season attracted more viewers than ever, by the stronger dollar, which lowered its revenue Netflix said, though the company didn’t provide spe- outside the US Investors didn’t seem to mind. cific audience sizes. Netflix’s stock soared $53.04, or 11 percent, to Tesla struggling to kick $528.50 in extended trading after the numbers came Attracting new customers out. If the shares follow that trajectory in Thursday’s Two other made-for-Netflix series, “The regular trading session, the stock will break the $500 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Bloodline,” also barrier for the first time. start China car market helped the company retain existing subscribers and The price may not stay that high much longer attract new customers curious about the programs. because Netflix is getting ready to split its stock for Electric cars proving to be tough sell Netflix plans to spend more money advertising its the first time since 2004. A split lowers the trading expanding lineup of original programs while also price of a stock by issuing more shares. Netflix is hop- SHANGHAI: Serial entrepreneur Elon Musk has launched When he drove it the thousands of kilometers from the using its recommendation system to pinpoint more ing the split will drum up even more interest in its spacecraft into orbit, but popularizing his Tesla electric cars northern capital Beijing to the southern boomtown of subscribers likely to enjoy certain series that are stock by making it more affordable to a wider pool of in China is proving to be tougher than rocket science. Shenzhen, he said refueling every 350 kilometers was a unavailable on other services. “In this particular quar- investors. — AP PayPal billionaire Musk-co-founder and chief executive offi- “headache” and he had to turn to hotels along the way to cer of Tesla as well as chief of rocket maker SpaceX-visited help. “The biggest concern about an electric car for most China last month, and admitted sales in the world’s largest people is charging and the distance it can go,” he told AFP. auto market were below expectations. “Electric cars cannot develop if the charging service is insuf- “China is the only place on Earth that we have excess ficient.” At a Tesla “experience centre” in Shanghai, nearly inventory,” Musk told Chinese media, blaming “speculators” empty on a weekday, a staff member explained: “People for ordering cars amid the early media hype and then not have a lot of questions about electric cars.” taking delivery. When China’s premier auto show opens on Monday in commercial hub Shanghai, Tesla will be among Hybrid vigor the 2,000 exhibitors vying for the eyes-and wallets-of the Ahead of its launch, Tesla stressed that the base price for massive market. its cars would be the same around the world, with retail dif- ferences only due to shipping costs and tax issues. Even so ‘World’s biggest polluter’ the Model S costs from 685,000 yuan to 953,000 yuan China is the world’s biggest polluter, but analysts say ($112,000 to $156,000) in China, according to Tesla’s official electric vehicles face key challenges: consumer reluctance website, significantly more than in the United States. While due to perceived problems with safety, reliability and access the Chinese government offers subsidies to electric car buy- to charging facilities. Tesla has never announced sales tar- ers, they do not apply to imported vehicles such as Teslas. gets for China, but the launch of its cars generated wide- Musk alluded to the issue when visiting last month, say- spread media coverage and an enthusiastic initial response. ing Tesla plans to localize production in the country in Now, though, it has more than 2,000 unsold vehicles, three years-which will require a Chinese partner. Stricter according to Chinese media reports, and confirmed last emission and fuel consumption standards, along with free month that it was cutting jobs in the country. plates in some areas that limit conventional cars-including “Elon Musk and his team had a very limited understand- Shanghai, where vehicle licenses can fetch as much as ing of the China market,” said Professor Gong Yan of the $12,000 at auction-have potential to support electric vehi- China Europe International Business School. “The fanatical cle sales. But the market remains small for now. Electric and reaction at the time caused a misjudgement of the China hybrid vehicle sales in the country reached 26,581 in the market by his team. For example, sales targets were raised first quarter of this year, three times the same period in too quickly,” he said. 2014 but still accounting for less than one percent of total To help sales, Tesla is giving every buyer a free charging sales, according to the China Association of Automobile device and free access to its mainland China network of Manufacturers. more than 50 “supercharging” facilities — the equivalent of “There is always a niche in the market for certain prod- a petrol station, although they take an hour to do the job. ucts,” said Namrita Chow, London-based principal analyst Beijing is keen to promote the use of “new energy” vehicles, for IHS Automotive, but added that Tesla’s high-end vehicles out of both concerns over pollution and as part of a broader face competition from German automaker BMW, which LOS GATOS: This file photo shows the Netflix company logo at Netflix headquarters. — AFP policy to build up the domestic auto industry. offers the electric BMW i3 and hybrid BMW i8. Hybrids com- State-backed power companies are building charging bine an electric engine along with a conventional combus- stations around the country, but even Neo Wang, the tion one. Data analyst Shen Zhe, who already owns a “Qin” founder of Chinese charging facility network builder hybrid made by Chinese automaker BYD, said he plans to ChargerLink, admits it is an issue. Formerly an Intel execu- upgrade to a fully-electric Tesla in the future. “Conventional Apple Watch tive, he bought his first Tesla because “in the eyes of people cars cause noise and pollution,” he said. “I’m considering in my industry, technology is fashion”, but liked his car so buying a Tesla within the next two years. Tesla is a hi-tech still limited much he joined forces with the manufacturer. product that I’m happy to accept.” — AFP SAN FRANCISCO: If you’re planning on buying the new Apple Yahoo chooses Watch, don’t expect to walk into a store and leave with one next week. Apple, which began accepting advance orders for the watch last week, had previously said it would be “avail- to stay with able” for sale in stores on April 24, at least for customers who made reservations to come in for a personal demonstration. Microsoft in But with supplies limited, Apple’s retail chief has told store workers that the watch will continue to be sold only through online orders for at least the next several weeks. updated deal That’s a departure from the way the way Apple has launched other new products, such as its popular iPhones, SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo and Microsoft will keep working which have been offered for sale in stores to customers who together on Internet search, but Yahoo is getting more control often arrived hours early and lined up outside before the first over the how the search results are presented. An agreement day of a new release. But Apple has adopted a new strategy announced Thursday extends a search partnership that Yahoo for the watch, which Apple executive Angela Ahrendts Inc. and Microsoft Corp forged in 2009 while they were being described this week as “not just a new product but an entirely led by different CEOs. Current Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer had new category for us.” Apple stores have had watches on dis- the option of terminating the relationship under a clause trig- play since last week, and the company is offering in-person gered earlier this year. demonstrations for customers who want to try different mod- The two are trying to chip away at Google’s dominance of els. Internet searches. They haven’t had much success so far. Google Ahrendts wrote in a memo to workers this week that, “due still controls two-thirds of the US search market and holds an to high global interest, combined with our initial supply, we even larger share in Europe. Mayer spent 12 years helping are only taking orders online right now. I’ll have more Google build its lucrative lead in before becoming Yahoo’s CEO updates as we get closer to in-store availability, but we in 2011. As has been the case since the companies formed their expect this to continue through the month of May.” The alliance, Microsoft’s technology will power most of the search memo was first obtained by the tech blog 9to5Mac and its results on Yahoo’s sites. In return, Yahoo will receive most of the authenticity was verified by The Associated Press. Apple has revenue from the ads posted alongside the search results on its not said how many watches have been ordered to date. The sites. The original deal called for Microsoft to pay 88 percent of market research firm Slice Intelligence estimated nearly 1 mil- the search revenue to Yahoo. The ad commission rose to 90 per- lion people placed orders on April 10, the first day Apple cent in late February, according to regulatory filings. The com- began accepting them. Apple says customers who placed panies said their economic arrangement won’t change under early orders will have their watches delivered starting Friday. the revised agreement. Watches ordered in recent days may take several weeks to The revised contract gives Yahoo more control over the how arrive. Ahrendts said the company can fill orders more quickly its search page looks and works. There will be a few differences online. That doesn’t mean the company will start using this in how the companies sell ads under the new agreement. approach with all new products, Ahrendts said. She wrote: Investors evidently don’t think much is going to change. SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo President and CEO Marissa WASHINGTON DC: This file photo shows a customer try- “We all love those blockbuster Apple product launch days - Yahoo’s stock gained 5 cents to close Thursday at $45.78 while Mayer delivers the keynote address at the first-ever ing on an Apple watch. — AFP and there will be many more to come.” — AP Microsoft shares shed 10 cents to close at $42.16. — AP Yahoo Mobile Developer Conference. — AP Apple turns green with solar forest projects

PALO ALTO, California: In a quest to be greener, Apple where we are,” Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for envi- Apple’s California offices, a computer center and 52 retail Environmental Protection Agency administrator during says it is investing in Chinese solar power and preserving ronmental initiatives, told The Associated Press. “When stores. President Barack Obama’s first term. Apple and other tech forests that make environmentally friendly paper. The ini- you talk about China, you’re talking about manufacturing Still, the Chinese project will produce more than the companies have drawn criticism in the past for use of toxi- tiatives come as the tech giant this year met a self- partners. We’re looking to bring the same innovation amount of energy consumed by Apple’s 19 corporate cs in manufacturing and data centers powered by electric- imposed goal of powering all its US operations with there. This is the start.” offices and 21 retail stores in China and Hong Kong, ity from coal. But Apple’s moves away from those practices renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions - initiatives Jackson said. She added that Apple uses renewable ener- in recent years have won accolades from groups like that have won high marks from environmental groups. Powering everything gy for 87 percent of the power at its facilities worldwide. Greenpeace, which issued a statement praising the On Thursday, Apple announced a new focus on using The new solar project in China has a capacity of 40 That figure, however, doesn’t include substantial power Chinese project Thursday. paper from trees harvested under environmentally sound megawatts, which is smaller than some projects Apple has consumption by contract manufacturers. With the new Jackson declined to say how much Apple is investing in conditions. It’s also promising to use more renewable announced in the United States. By comparison, Apple is project in China, Apple is looking to improve its own oper- the Chinese project, which is being built in partnership power overseas, where Apple relies heavily on contract spending $850 million for rights to nearly half the output ations first. with US energy company SunPower and four Chinese manufacturers - and where a top executive acknowledged of a 280-megawatt solar facility planned for construction “Before we go somewhere else and start asking and firms. Although China is known for heavy reliance on coal, the company can do more. south of Apple’s Cupertino, California, headquarters. That eventually requiring clean energy, you want to make sure its government has set aggressive goals for solar, wind “It’s important to us to tackle climate change every- project will produce enough energy to power all of you show folks how to do it,” said Jackson, who was US and hydroelectric power.—AP MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE Planet’s record heat to continue rising in 2015

WASHINGTON: There’s been no break the average for the 20th century. It broke of 2015 were nearly a tenth of a degree year, while New York and Vermont set temperature 7.5 degrees warmer than from the globe’s record heat - the first a record set in 2010. higher than the old record and four- records for the coldest start of a year. The normal, it smashed the old record, which three months of 2015 have set new high For the first three months of 2015, the tenths of a degree warmer than January northeastern United States has been one was set just last year, by 1.8 degrees. temperature marks. The National globe was 55.6 degrees (13.1 degrees through March of last year, which turned of the few colder-than-normal spots on Blunden blames the record heat on a Oceanic and Atmospheric Celsius), breaking the record set in 2002. out to be warmest year recorded. the globe with entire continents of Asia, combination of El Nino, a blob of record Administration said last month’s average Records go back to 1880. NOAA climate Much of the most abnormal heat has Europe, Africa and Australia coming in hot water in the Northeast Pacific Ocean temperature of 56.4 degrees (13.6 scientist Jessica Blunden said 2015 prob- been in the Pacific Ocean and places near solidly warmer than normal. California and human-caused climate change. degrees Celsius) was the hottest March ably will break 2014’s hottest year mark if it. Seven western US states set records for was a special hot case. Not only was the None of them show signs of slowing on record, averaging 1.5 degrees above conditions persist. The first three months their hottest first three months of the state’s January through March average down, she said. —AP

Intersex surgeries spark move away from drastic treatment

CHICAGO: She was born to a young activists advise against it and urge toler- Chicago couple, named Jennifer, and grew ance for affected kids. There’s even an into a beautiful long-lashed child with intersex character on television, intro- wavy dark hair, big brown eyes and a duced on this season on MTV’s “Faking It” yearning, youthful desire to be just like all series. It’s a fitful evolution and a sign of the other girls. Only she wasn’t. Doctors the times, perhaps the natural next step in first noticed her slightly enlarged genitals, the gender-blurring evolution, with femi- and then discovered she had testes inside nism and the gay- and transgender rights her abdomen and male chromosomes. movements helping pave the way for And so began a series of surgeries to make more acceptance of people who don’t fit things “right.” Jennifer Pagonis was born the typical male or female mold. intersex, an umbrella term for several con- Intersex conditions are often confused ditions in which an infant’s reproductive with gender identity issues, but they’re dif- anatomy doesn’t conform to standard def- ferent. Gender orientation refers to initions of male or female. The physical whether someone identifies as male, effects can be subtle, or very obvious. female, or something else; intersex A century ago, intersex adults were top involves reproductive anatomy. Some draws at circus sideshows. Then, as surgi- affected children have typical male or cal techniques for ambiguous genitals female chromosomes, but genetic glitches evolved, doctors began performing sur- and hormonal problems that begin in the geries on affected infants and encouraged womb, cause genitals to resemble those of parents to raise children as the sex they the opposite sex. Others have a male- visibly resembled. Many families kept the female blend of sex chromosomes and conditions hidden, fearing stigma and reproductive organs. Prevalence estimates shame. Pagonis’ parents knew nothing vary, from more than 1 in 1,000 newborns, about the conditions - or about the surger- which includes conditions that involve ies’ troubling risks, including damage to mildly atypical genitals, to about 1 in 5,000 sexual function, satisfaction and psyche for more obvious cases. Experts say there’s later on. no evidence numbers are increasing, KANNAUJ: In this photograph taken on April 13, 2015, a young Indian laborer packs bidis into colorful conical packets and boxes Now, efforts are underway to change although rising awareness has led more at The New Sarkar Bidi Factory. —AFP the way intersex children are treated. “The families to seek treatment at specialty cen- way that we took care of things in the past ters like the one in Chicago. ... where there was a fair amount of secre- The new treatment approach stems India’s bidi workers suffer cy, where there was surgery done in the partly from a 2006 consensus statement infant state, and potentially irreversible on intersex disorders by US and European surgery, is probably not the best way to go medical specialists who advocated against at the hands of politicians about things,” said Dr Earl Cheng, who runs knee-jerk surgeries and said older patients the 2-year-old sex development disorders should be involved in some decisions. That program at Chicago’s Ann & Robert H Lurie year the American Academy of Pediatrics 900,000 Indians die annually from tobacco use Children’s Hospital. retired an old surgery-focused policy. The evolution is part of a trend in US medicine KANNAUJ: Zainab Begum Alvi and her band of Gupta argue they can be more dangerous than India (VHAI), which has researched the plight of Gender-blurring evolution toward better communication and more young helpers hunch over baskets filled with normal cigarettes as they are smoked in greater rollers. Laws enacted in the 1960s and 70s to The program is one of several nation- patient-focused treatment. With intersex tobacco flakes and dried leaves, trying to roll a quantities, with more frequent and deeper improve the welfare of workers only encour- wide that employ a team of specialists conditions, these interactions can be thousand dirt-cheap cigarettes a day at the puffs. “The bidi industry has huge political aged manufacturers to fragment production including surgeons, hormone experts, fraught with emotion and controversy, behest of India’s powerful bidi barons. “I have clout. Bidi industrialists are in political circles at into smaller units to escape regulation, cam- to do it, no matter what, even if I’m not well. I very high levels in all parties,” said Gupta, a paigners say, with the added benefit of tax genetic counselors, psychologists and and not all families are ready to embrace have no other choice,” says Alvi, who earns 70 leading researcher into the health impact of exemption for producers who report output of ethicists. The team helps families weigh the change. Some still choose surgery, rupees a day, a little over a dollar, for her 12 tobacco. fewer than two million bidis a year. Only a few their options, including whether surgery fearing that without it, their children will hours of toil hand-rolling the bidis. “There is no Up to 900,000 Indians die every year from work in factories while the vast of majority of should be considered at all. Intersex be considered freaks. —AP other work than this, so if I don’t do it, I can’t do causes related to tobacco use, according to workers being home-based and dependent on anything else,” added Alvi, a tiny and gaunt government figures, and researchers have a sprawling network of small-scale contractors woman from the impoverished northern state warned that figure could reach 1.5 million by from the major brands. While the set-up com- of Uttar Pradesh who says she is in her 50s. the end of the decade without more deter- plicates calculations of the industry’s economic Around 70 million Indians smoke the hand- rence. While a packet of 20 normal cigarettes might, estimates of annual production range rolled bidis, which are nimbly bound together can cost in excess of 150 rupees, a bundle of 15 from 750 billion to 1.2 trillion sticks, suggesting by workers such as Alvi and her young relatives bidies can sell for as little as five rupees, their a sector worth billions of dollars. with khaki-colored tendu leaves and cotton price kept low by favorable tax rates. In backroom factories such as Alvi’s home in thread. The bidis outsell their filtered, paper- Most bidi smokers are poor men living in Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj district, children often bound rivals by eight to one, giving the indus- rural areas, but they are not alone in risking work alongside relatives to help them meet try’s bosses a financial and political clout that their health for the small sticks. Up to 90 per- quotas. “I don’t like it,” said Alvi’s 14-year-old critics say accounts for the recent shelving of cent of the roughly 5.5 million bidi rollers are niece Seema, pitching in after a morning at plans for larger health warnings on packets. female, according to the All India Bidi, Tobacco school. “I want to go to school for longer, but I and Cigar Workers Federation, with the govern- can’t because of bidi rolling,” said Seema, who ‘No link to cancer’ ment estimating up to a quarter are children. dreams of becoming a teacher. Three lawmakers from the ruling Bharatiya Most of the rollers are non-smokers. But Nearby at the New Sarkar Bidi Factory-a rag- Janata Party on a parliamentary committee continuously exposed to tobacco dust, many tag operation in a derelict shell of a building- looking into the issue were widely condemned suffer from high rates of respiratory diseases men and young boys work in near darkness when they cited a lack of evidence that smok- including tuberculosis and asthma, as well as packing bidis at lightning speed, first into ing caused cancer as a reason for stalling the skin and postural problems, studies have mountains of colourful packets and then into measure. shown. A 2010 study of bidi rollers in the state boxes. General manager Quazi Naseem Ahmed, “There is no medical evidence that bidis of Bihar found that more than 70 percent of the who says his company turns over 400 million cause cancer,” said Shyama Charan Gupta, one workers suffered from eye, gastrointestinal and rupees ($6.4 million) a year from 16 factories, of the three lawmakers on the committee and nervous problems while more than half suf- insisted the boys only appeared underage as who heads a company that produces one of the fered from respiratory problems. they had been weakened by years of hard industry’s best-selling brands. “It is misinforma- work. Speaking in his office, Ahmed acknowl- tion created by NGOs, a few doctors and the ‘Back-breaking work’ edged it was a tough life but also rejected talk anti-bidi lobby.” “It’s back-breaking work with a huge num- of a link to cancer. “They are weak, they are Bidis have long been marketed as a “natural” ber of health hazards and the compensation for dirty, they get tired, so they have low immunity CHICAGO: Pidgeon Pagonis poses for a photo at her home. She was raised as product, wrapped in a leaf with no additives or that is a pittance,” said Alok Mukhopadhyay, but they don’t get diseases like TB or cancer,” he a girl but has male chromosomes and now works as an activist opposing processing. But campaigners such as Prakash C head of the Voluntary Health Association of said. —AFP drastic genital surgery for intersex children. —AP

High school smoking falls Colorado law changes memo to safe pot use as e-cigarette usage rises DENVER: Breaking from decades of “Just Say No”-type marijuana holiday. Here are a few things to know about and then drive, according to surveys. That’s men aged 21 messaging about marijuana use, Colorado law enforce- the new effort, along with some backstory. to 34. The agency will be at cannabis festivals, concerts NEW YORK: Teen smoking hit a new low last high school students. CDC Director Dr Tom ment officials are starting a new campaign designed to and celebrations this weekend. But instead of handing out year while the popularity of electronic ciga- Frieden this week described the findings as promote safe marijuana use. The revised campaign start- Going to the source warnings, they’re handing out snacks branded with rettes and water pipes boomed, a govern- “alarming.” He said the decline in use of most ed this weekend, when tens of thousands were expected The Colorado Department of Transportation is taking reminders to munch, not drive, after smoking pot. The ment report shows. The number of high tobacco products was more than offset by at public rallies and concerts in observation of the 4/20 its campaign to the demographic most likely to use pot state Department of Transportation also installed free school students who tried e-cigarettes tripled the growth in nicotine-laden e-cigarettes arcade games at dispensaries loaded with messages not in one year - to more than 13 percent. Water and hookahs. to drive after smoking. pipes or hookahs were used by 9.4 percent. But smoking of traditional cigarettes plum- ‘Is it a fad?’ Problem is still unclear meted to 9.2 percent from more than 13 per- Some public health experts say the CDC is It’s far from certain whether legalizing marijuana cent. That means smoking in high school is taking an unusually hard stand against e-cig- leads to more stoned drivers on the road. The data is so now less common than e-cigarette or hookah arettes, at a time when scientists still trying to limited that both opponents and supporters of legaliza- use. The decline in cigarette smoking “is very determine how harmful they are. They started tion are forced to make generalizations. Colorado didn’t dramatic and very encouraging,” said Robin selling in the US in 2006 and are often track marijuana-related impaired driving arrests before Koval, president of Legacy, an anti-smoking described as a less dangerous alternative to the drug was made legal in 2012. Twelve percent of DUIs organization. The report released Thursday by cigarettes. “The CDC has been very one-sided issued statewide last year were for marijuana impairment, the Centers for Disease Control and on the e-cigarette issue,” said Kenneth Warner, not alcohol or other drugs, according to the Colorado Prevention mirrors the results of another gov- a University of Michigan public health profes- State Patrol. And of the 440 automobile fatalities in ernment-funded study issued in December. sor who is a leading authority on smoking Colorado, 54 drivers tested positive for marijuana. (A posi- The CDC report is based on a national sur- and health. tive result meant the driver had used marijuana recently, vey of about 22,000 students at middle E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices but not necessarily that they were driving while impaired. schools and high schools, both public and that produce an odorless vapor that typically Pot can be detected by drug tests for weeks, whereas private. Similar trends were found for middle contains nicotine and flavorings. Scientists water-soluble alcohol dissipates in the blood within school but at lower levels of use. Students say nicotine is harmful for the developing were asked whether they had smoked or brain. Frieden said e-cigarettes are a new way hours.) Nationally, more drivers appear to be using mari- used a tobacco product in the previous 30 of introducing kids to nicotine - and poten- juana and other drugs. In the nationwide 2013-14 days; those who said yes were deemed cur- tially hooking them on tobacco products in Roadside Survey for the National Highway Traffic Safety rent smokers Besides cigarettes, the report the future. “The idea that kids are better off Administration, 8.6 percent of weekend nighttime drivers found continuing declines in the use of using e-cigarettes is just the wrong way of DENVERF: Partygoers prepare an oversized joint from pot donated by members of tested positive for marijuana’s psychoactive ingredient, cigars, chewing tobacco and snuff among thinking about it,” he said. —AP the crowd on one of several days of the annual 4/20 marijuana festival, in Denver’s THC. That was a 48 percent increase from 2007. State-by- downtown Civic Center Park. —AP state data was not available. —AP MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE 2.5 million facing food shortage in Niger

NIAMEY: More than 2.5 million people situation has been aggravated by the is suffering chronic insecurity but this is harvesting the new lasts several government has already launched a in Niger are suffering from food insecu- presence of some 200,000 refugees who still very common,” said Vigno months in Niger. The presence in program to irrigate 130,000 hectares of rity because of a shortfall in the cereal had fled attacks by Boko Haram and Hounkanli, a spokesman for the World southeast Niger of more than 150,000 land to produce 500,000 tons of food, harvest due to bad weather and crop other militants. Food insecurity in the Food Program in Niamey, which has refugees who fled attacks by Boko he said. A poor and arid country with pests, the agriculture minister said poor Sahel country, which is plagued by helped some 480,000 people since Haram and more than 50,000 refugees rapid population growth, Niger is often Saturday. “A survey conducted since recurring food crises, is linked to a cereal June. “We are distributing food from in the west of the country, from north- plagued by food crises. In June, more December 2014 indicated that 15.7 per- deficit of more than 230,000 tons at the the lean period onwards, when the ern Mali that is beset by a Tuareg insur- than one million children aged under cent of the population, or 2,588,128 end of the 2014 crop year, he explained. granaries are empty and there is noth- gency and jihadist violence, was having five years, or 14.1 percent of that age people, are in a situation of food insecu- The government attributed the ing to eat,” he said. a further negative impact on the food group, were suffering from acute mal- rity, including 410,297 in severe insecu- shortfall to drought, floods and cater- The lean period between the deple- situation, Allambeye said. In an nutrition, according to a government rity,” Maidagi Allambeye told MPs. The pillar attacks. “We cannot say that Niger tion of the previous year’s crops and attempt to reduce the cereal deficit, the study. —AFP

Measles outbreak traced to Disneyland is declared over

LOS ANGELES: California health authorities tracking down thousands of people poten- on Friday declared an end to a large tially exposed to measles-stricken patients measles outbreak that started at and isolating the sick until they were no Disneyland and triggered a national debate longer contagious. “It’s a lot of work, and about vaccinations. Disease detectives for it’s very expensive,” said Dr James Cherry, months raced to contain the highly conta- an infectious disease specialist at the gious disease, which surfaced at Disney University of California, Los Angeles, who theme parks in December and spread to a had no role in the measles investigation. half-dozen US states, Mexico and Canada. While the Disneyland outbreak is over in The outbreak sickened 147 people in the US, it’s still a problem in the Canadian the US, including 131 in California. There province of Quebec, where 159 people were no deaths. Officials at the California were sickened after someone visited the Department of Public Health said no new theme park and returned home. Most infections have been reported for the past belong to a tight-knit religious community 42 days - or two incubation periods - mean- with a low vaccination rate. ing the outbreak is over in the US. Measles has been eliminated in the US “Having this measles outbreak behind for more than a decade, but outbreaks still us is a significant accomplishment,” said Dr occur when travelers become infected Gil Chavez, state epidemiologist. Many who abroad and spread the virus among unvac- fell ill were not immunized against measles. cinated populations in their home country. Some cited personal reasons for refusing Authorities said they may never know who shots, and others were too young to get sparked the Disneyland outbreak but the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. The believe it was someone who caught the Disneyland episode prompted state law- virus overseas and visited the theme park makers to introduce a bill that would bar while contagious. parents from seeking vaccine exemptions Forty-two people were exposed to for their children because of personal measles while visiting or working at beliefs. The proposed legislation has stirred Disneyland or Disney California Adventure heated debates, and a committee delayed Park in Orange County in December. They a vote until next week. then spread the illness to dozens of family members, health officials said. Others Isolating the sick caught the virus in the community, includ- Doctors said the outbreak could have ing at hospitals, schools, malls and air- been worse if it wasn’t for the aggressive ports. About 20 percent had to be hospi- public health response, which included talized. —AP

In this image from NASA-TV shows the SpaceX Dragon-6 resupply capsule Friday April 17, 2015 as it holds at the grapple point, 10 meters from the International Space Station as they cross over Asia. —AP Espresso maker designed for astronauts arrives at SpaceX ‘Lots of science and even coffee’

CAPE CANAVERAL: The SpaceX supply ship ence and even coffee’s in there, so that’s pretty Scott Kelly, who is just a few weeks into a one- arrived at the International Space Station on exciting.” Within 2 1/2 hours of its capture, the year mission, which will be a record for NASA. Friday, delivering the world’s first espresso Dragon was bolted securely to the space station. SpaceX, meanwhile, released a video show- machine designed exclusively for astronauts. The espresso machine is three months late ing its first-stage booster landing on an ocean Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti cap- because of the backlog created by last year’s loss platform shortly after Tuesday’s liftoff, then tip- tured the Dragon capsule, which arrived three of a supply ship in a launch explosion. Much lat- ping over in flames. It was the California compa- days after its Florida launch, with the help of a er and the espresso machine would have missed ny’s third attempt to fly a booster rocket to the giant robot arm. The cargo carrier holds more Cristoforetti, who returns home next month. She platform stationed off Florida’s northeastern than 4,000 pounds of much-needed groceries, says she can’t wait to try some space espresso. coast. SpaceX chief Elon Musk said the platform - experiments and equipment. Italy provided the The Dragon will remain at the orbiting lab dubbed “Just Read the Instructions” - endured espresso maker for Cristoforetti, who’s been until around May 21, when it will be released full just minor damage. The next try will be in June stuck with instant coffee since her mission of experiments and discarded equipment for on the next SpaceX supply run for NASA. Musk, began in November. return to Earth. It’s the only supply ship capable a billionaire entrepreneur who also runs the ANAHEIM: In this Jan 22, 2015, file photo, people walk toward Sleeping “It’s been just amazing,” Cristoforetti said after of bringing items back. Among the newly arrived Tesla electric car maker, wants to reuse his rock- Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland. —AP snaring the Dragon over the Pacific. “Lots of sci- research are experiments for American astronaut ets to bring down the cost of spaceflight. —AP WHAT’S ON MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 GUST and AUK students win debate league semi-finals

hrouded under a competitive atmosphere, the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) and the SAmerican University of Kuwait (AUK) students won the semi-finals of the Debate League for Institutions of Higher Education (DLIHE) in English, after competing against KU and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training students last Wednesday. The teams corresponded on the subject “The Council believes that one vote should be applied to all elections”. The winning teams will compete in the Final Championship Debate League for Higher Institutions in English under the patronage of KU’s Acting President, Prof Hayat N Al-Hajji with the support of the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs and the Qatar Debate Center, amidst the presence of a num- ber of educational institutions in Kuwait, under the slogan “Express Yourself and Persuade Others” Furthermore, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Abdulraheem Al-Theyab explained that KU, represented by the Deanship of Student Affairs, has always been keen on developing the Debate League initiative in English and Arabic clarifying that the launch of the first edition of the league was met with broad participation by institutions of higher education who not only demonstrated their exten- sive skills in the English language but also signified their mature communication skills. Moreover, he explained that a university education should not be confined to the classroom, but must run par- allel with the development of creative skills. Nevertheless, the Head of the Higher Committee for the first DLIHE in English, Makkeya Al Sayegh, explained that the Deanship of Students Affairs is keen on organizing such activities to allow students’ to showcase their capabilities as well as pro- viding a chance for them to express themselves in many lan- guages. The FCDLHI in English will be held Wednesday, April 22nd 2015, in Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber Theater at Shuwaikh campus Swiss Belhotel Plaza Kuwait hosting Ice Hockey Challenge Cup of Asia 2015

wiss Belhotel Plaza Kuwait will be the hosting accommodation of Sthe Ice Hockey Challenge Cup of Asia 2015. Teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Oman, Kyrgyzstan, India and Kuwait will be participating in the 2015 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia, an annual international ice hockey tournament held by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This year’s tourna- ment will be held from 18 to 25th of April at Kuwait City’s ice skating rink. “We are extremely proud to have been chosen to host the teams during this edition of the tournament. Being the official hotel for multiple sporting events in Kuwait city, the Swiss Belhotel Plaza Kuwait will be working with the organizing committee to provide the best service and accommodations to keep up the good reputation of Kuwait and its importance on the Asian map for hosting such big sports events” said the Public Relation Manager of Swiss Belhotel Plaza Kuwait Mohammad Jawhar.

Palestinian Culture Exhibition at Bayt Lothan

he Palestinian Culture Center holds the become while becoming economically inde- their transportation (from the camps). We and assisting Gaza area hospitals that were Palestinian embroidery using needle and first of its two annual exhibitions for 2015 pendent and to sustain the needy Palestinians motivate the ladies by granting bonuses for bombarded by Israel, such as Alshefa Hospital, silk thread is a manifestation of the Palestinian Tat Bayt Lothan. The show includes a large in their homeland and in the Diaspora. excellent quality work. We also provide sup- to produce and store oxygen for medical pur- identity as it has evolved over the ages. An age collection of textile-based traditional hand- This year was an active year for the center port to Palestinians in the homeland by provid- poses. old art, Palestinian ladies, young and old, made cross-stitches as well as pottery from due to the effects of the global financial crisis ing financial aid to needy families, health care, would spend hours embroidering their Hebron, posters and books about Palestine in which placed a further strain on the poor. and university scholarships. Exhibition Highlights trousseau, dresses, shawls and cushions. The English and Arabic. It aspires to reaffirm the Furthermore, the on-going violence and war- Some of the Center’s past accomplishments Traditional cross-stitch embroidery of dress- dresses are famous for their flowery designs Palestinian national identity by its handicrafts fare in Gaza, Jerusalem and the rest of occu- include the support of some of the vital insti- es, linens, shawls, cushions, table runners, and bold natural colors of indigo and red. and support education and families. pied Palestine, have made the situation in tutes such as Al-Maqased hospital in Jerusalem cards, frames, coasters, belts, purses, book- Symbols of the ubiquitous cypress trees sur- The Palestinian Culture Center is a non-prof- Palestine dire, and the need for aid even more which was established in 1968 with substantial marks and more like a Food sale of traditional rounding the orange groves, roses, jasmine it organization that was established in Jordan urgent. financial support from The State of Kuwait. The Palestinian food such as thyme, sumaq, baked and the famous olive tree are typical motifs in in 1993. It aims to preserve the rich heritage As a result, the center has worked to Center is also working on providing the neces- goods and other traditional plates and a recital these dresses. The exhibition will be held at and culture of Palestine, help empower women increase the salaries of the 550 or so women sary financing of the Water Desalination of Palestinian folklore “Dabkah” will be per- Bayt Lothan, Salmiya for 4 days starting and their families in the refugee camps who do the embroidery work as well as pay for Project in Gaza for producing potable water formed on and Thursday at 6:30 PM Monday the April 27th till the 30th. First K-Pop Youth Festival in Kuwait he Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kuwait is organizing the first K-Pop Youth Festival in Kuwait as Tpart of the K-Pop World Festival 2015. ‘K-Pop World Festival 2015 invites all K-pop fans around the world to par- ticipate. Preliminary rounds will be held in each region, including Kuwait to award one vocalist(s) and one perform- ance team. Selected 2 finalists in Kuwait could be invited to Korea in Oct for the final competition if they pass addition- al rounds.

What’s On - Submission Guidelines

All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will not be published. Quality Net sponsors Math contest Please send them to [email protected] uality net, the top provider of internet and information technology services in Kuwait, announced its sponsorship of Al-Khawarizmi Mathematics contest for fifth grade for school that was held on April 16, 2015 at Lubabah bint Al-Hareth, in Hitteen area. The event was organized by the mathematics technical supervision in Hawally educational area. QQuality net sponsored the event for the fourth consecutive year. WHAT’S ON MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

IWG holds African night celebration

By Nawara Fattahova tries that participated in this event. The spouse tional dances, which was followed by various wife of the Ahmadi Governor. Also Josephine country. This month will be related to the issue of of each country’s ambassador presented some arts from Egypt representing different areas, Cole, the spouse of the Maltese Ambassador to nutrition,” Narjis Al-Shatti, Member of IWG and he International Women’s Group (IWG) traditional handcrafts from her country while the including the popular skirt dance. Kuwait, and the President of IWG, Narjis Al-Shatti, the PR and Media told the Kuwait Times. held a cultural, traditional and entertain- spouse of the ambassador of Tunis displayed a As food is always an integral part of culture, PR and Media, and Jameela Al-Linqawi were The IWG Kuwait chapter is a branch of the Ting African night on Thursday evening at visual presentation about the history and culture different African dishes were served during this awarded as well. International Women’s Association residing in the Radisson Blu Hotel. This is one of the of the African continent. special night. Dessert was headlined by tradi- The members meet regularly and hold differ- Denmark and has branches all over the world, Groups monthly events, and was attended by The event also included a fashion show dis- tional sweets presented by the spouses of the ent events and activities. “These activities include where they organize similar programs and activi- most of the IWG’s members. playing some African traditional customs from Tunisian and the Algerian ambassador. The cele- different celebrations and events such as visiting ties. In Kuwait, the new wives of ambassadors Senegal, Somalia, Algeria, Tunis, Chad, Liberia, each of the participating countries, followed by bration was concluded by awarding the spouses traditional places, and others. In addition, it will meet with the other members to exchange Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Djibouti, an African musical performance from Senegal. of the ambassadors by the sponsor of this includes other cultural activities such as those information about their country, tradition, food, Swaziland, and Benin were the 13 African coun- After, a group from Benin presented their tradi- evening Sheikha Mudhi Mubarak Al-Sabah, the presented by the diplomat women from their culture and others. MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

13:30 Dukes Of Haggle 18:40 Liv And Maddie 03:25 Who’s Doing The Dishes 13:55 Storage Wars Canada 19:05 H2O: Just Add Water 04:20 Love And Marriage: A 20th 14:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 19:30 Violetta Century Romance 15:10 Kindig Customs 20:20 Binny And The Ghost 05:15 The Chase 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 20:45 H2O: Just Add Water 06:00 Midsomer Murders 00:25 Pride And Prejudice 16:50 How It’s Made 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 07:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 01:15 The Lady Vanishes 17:15 How It’s Made 21:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 08:25 Love And Marriage: A 20th 02:45 DCI Banks: Aftermath 17:40 Close-Up Kings 22:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place Century Romance 03:30 DCI Banks: Aftermath 18:30 Gold Rush 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 09:20 Harry At 30 04:15 The Weakest Link 19:20 Gold Divers Teenage Witch 10:15 May The Best House Win 05:00 Show Me Show Me 20:10 Dallas Car Sharks 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 11:10 Emmerdale 05:25 Teletubbies 20:35 Storage Wars Canada Teenage Witch 11:35 Emmerdale 05:50 Cbeebies Stories 21:00 Gold Rush 23:10 Wolfblood 12:00 Coronation Street 05:55 Gigglebiz 21:50 Gold Divers 23:35 Wolfblood 12:30 The Chase 06:10 Boogie Beebies 22:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier 13:25 May The Best House Win 06:25 Show Me Show Me 23:30 Close-Up Kings 14:20 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 06:50 Teletubbies Of Dogs 07:15 The Weakest Link 14:45 Big Star Little Star 08:00 The Impressions Show With 15:30 Eggheads Culshaw... 00:00 The Soup 16:05 Eggheads 08:30 Come Fly With Me 00:30 The Drama Queen 16:30 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 09:00 Doctors 01:25 The Drama Queen 17:25 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 09:30 My Family 00:05 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 02:20 E! News 18:20 The Chase 10:00 Casualty 00:30 Sport Science 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 19:00 Coronation Street 10:50 Friday Night Dinner 01:20 How Do They Do It? 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 19:30 Eggheads 11:15 Friday Night Dinner 01:45 How Do They Do It? 04:10 THS 20:00 Eggheads 11:40 The Weakest Link 02:10 Through The Wormhole With 05:05 Beyond Candid With 20:30 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 12:25 Come Fly With Me Morgan Freeman Giuliana 21:25 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 12:55 My Family 03:00 Moon Machines 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 22:20 Coronation Street 13:25 Roger & Val Have Just Got In 03:48 The World’s Strangest UFO Miami 22:50 Emmerdale 13:55 The Impressions Show With Stories 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 23:15 Emmerdale Culshaw... 04:36 Space Pioneer Miami 23:45 May The Best House Win 14:25 Friday Night Dinner 05:24 Alien Encounters 07:50 Style Star 14:50 Friday Night Dinner 06:12 How The Universe Works 08:20 E! News 15:15 Doctors 07:00 Prank Science 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 15:45 Casualty 07:25 Gadget Show - World Tour 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 16:35 My Family 07:50 Superships 11:10 Eric And Jessie: Game On 17:05 My Family 08:40 Food Factory 11:35 Eric And Jessie: Game On 17:35 Roger & Val Have Just Got In 09:05 Food Factory 12:05 E! News 00:00 D-Day Sacrifice 18:05 New Tricks 09:30 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 01:00 Inside World War II 19:00 Doctors 09:55 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 13:35 Pop Innovators 02:00 Situation Critical 19:30 Eastenders 10:20 How The Universe Works 14:30 Style Star 03:00 Air Crash Investigation 20:00 Blackout 11:10 How Do They Do It? 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 04:00 Wild Indonesia 20:50 Watson & Oliver 11:35 How Do They Do It? The Hamptons 05:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 21:20 Only Fools And Horses 12:00 Game Changers 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 06:00 America’s Lost Treasures 21:50 Pride And Prejudice 12:25 Gadget Show - World Tour The Hamptons 07:00 Money Meltdown 22:40 Mistresses 12:50 Superships 17:00 Who Wore It Better? 07:30 Money Meltdown 23:30 The Weakest Link 13:40 How It’s Made 17:30 Who Wore It Better? 08:00 D-Day Sacrifice 14:05 How It’s Made 18:00 E! News 09:00 Inside World War II 14:30 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 19:00 Keeping Up With The 10:00 Situation Critical 14:55 How It’s Made: Dream Cars Kardashians 11:00 Wild Indonesia 15:20 Through The Wormhole With 20:00 House Of DVF 12:00 Wild Russia Morgan Freeman 21:00 Fashion Bloggers 13:00 Banged Up Abroad 16:10 How Do They Do It? 21:30 Fashion Bloggers 14:00 D-Day Sacrifice 00:40 Bargain Hunt 16:35 How Do They Do It? 22:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 15:00 Megastructures 01:25 Bargain Hunt 17:00 How The Universe Works 22:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 16:00 Money Meltdown 02:10 Extreme Makeover: Home 17:50 Sport Science 23:00 E!ES 16:30 Money Meltdown Edition Specials 18:40 Food Factory 17:00 Family Guns 03:30 Come Dine With Me 19:05 Food Factory 18:00 Years of Living Dangerously 03:55 Come Dine With Me 19:30 Battle Factory 19:00 Megastructures 04:20 Come Dine With Me 19:55 Battle Factory 20:00 Money Meltdown 04:50 Come Dine With Me 20:20 Moon Machines 20:30 Money Meltdown 21:10 How Do They Do It? 05:15 Come Dine With Me 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 Family Guns 21:35 How Do They Do It? 05:40 New Scandinavian Cooking 00:30 Siba’s Table 22:00 Years of Living Dangerously 22:00 Battle Factory 06:10 Come Dine With Me: South 01:00 Siba’s Table 23:00 Wild Indonesia 22:25 Battle Factory Africa 01:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:50 Through The Wormhole With 07:00 Bargain Hunt 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Morgan Freeman 07:45 Extreme Makeover: Home 02:30 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers 23:40 How It’s Made Edition 03:00 Siba’s Table: Fast Feasts 08:25 Beat My Build 03:30 Best In Chow 09:15 Antiques Roadshow 04:00 Best In Chow 00:00 Enlisted 10:05 Come Dine With Me 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 10:55 Masterchef: The 05:00 Chopped Stewart Professionals 06:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 01:00 Hot In Cleveland 11:45 Bargain Hunt 00:00 Violetta Basics 01:30 Getting On 12:30 Come Dine With Me 00:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 06:30 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 02:00 Getting On 12:55 Beat My Build Teenage Witch Basics 02:30 Friends With Better Lives 13:45 Antiques Roadshow 01:15 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 03:00 Cristela 14:35 Come Dine With Me Teenage Witch 07:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 15:25 Masterchef: The 01:40 Wolfblood 08:00 Chopped Jimmy Fallon Professionals 02:05 Wolfblood 09:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 16:15 Bargain Hunt 02:30 Violetta Basics 09:00 Cristela 17:00 Come Dine With Me 03:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 09:30 Farm Kings 09:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine DARKNESS FALLS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 17:25 Beat My Build Teenage Witch 10:30 The Big Eat... 10:00 Men At Work 18:15 Beat My Build 03:45 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 11:00 Mexican Made Easy 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 08:00 Foodfight! 14:00 Badges Of Fury-PG15 January’s Next Chapter Pirates 19:05 Food Glorious Food Teenage Witch 11:30 Chopped Jimmy Fallon 10:00 Son Of The Mask 16:00 Vamps-PG15 22:40 Long Island Medium 11:35 Limon And Oli 19:50 Come Dine With Me 04:10 Wolfblood 12:30 Siba’s Table 14:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 12:00 Last Vegas 18:00 Closed Circuit-PG15 23:05 Too Ugly For Love? 11:45 Loopdidoo 20:40 Masterchef: The 04:35 Wolfblood 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 15:00 Men At Work 14:00 See Spot Run 20:00 The Heat-PG15 23:55 Breaking Amish 12:00 Justin Time Professionals 05:00 Violetta 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 16:00 The Life Aquatic With Steve 22:00 The Possession-PG15 12:15 Sofia The First 21:10 Antiques Roadshow Zissou 05:50 Mouk 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Stewart 12:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:05 Come Dine With Me 18:00 Imogene 06:00 Dog With A Blog 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:00 Hot In Cleveland 13:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 22:30 Baking Made Easy 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 20:00 Life 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 15:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 13:35 Zou 23:00 Beat My Build 16:00 Chopped 18:00 Cristela 22:00 Go 03:00 Live NHL 06:50 Girl Meets World 13:50 Jake And The Neverland 23:45 Food Glorious Food 17:00 Guy’s Big Bite 19:00 About A Boy 07:00 Golfing World 03:00 True Crime With 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water Pirates 07:40 Jessie 17:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 20:00 Mulaney 08:00 Snooker World Aphrodite Jones 14:15 Doc McStuffins 08:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:00 Siba’s Table 20:30 Enlisted Championship 03:45 Extreme Forensics 08:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:30 The Big Eat... 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 12:00 Live NRL Premiership 04:30 Solved 14:45 Limon And Oli Stewart 14:00 Golfing World 14:55 Loopdidoo 08:55 Austin & Ally 19:00 Chopped 01:00 Diana-PG15 05:20 Forensic Detectives 21:30 Last Week Tonight With John 15:00 Volvo Ocean Race 15:10 Sofia The First 09:20 Austin & Ally 20:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 03:00 The Citizen-PG15 06:10 Forensic Detectives Oliver 16:30 Live Snooker World 15:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 00:45 Railroad Alaska 09:45 Gravity Falls 20:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 05:00 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 07:00 Deadly Affairs 22:05 Girls Championship 01:35 Railroad Alaska 10:10 Gravity Falls 21:00 Barefoot Contessa - Specials 07:00 Seven Days In Utopia-PG15 07:50 Fatal Encounters 16:00 Cars Toons 22:30 Silicon Valley 20:00 PGA Tour Highlights 02:25 Railroad Alaska 10:35 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 22:00 Jonathan Phang’s Caribbean 09:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle 08:40 Murder Shift 16:05 Lilo & Stitch 23:00 Togetherness 21:00 Live Snooker World 03:15 Railroad Alaska Teenage Witch Cookbook 11:00 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 09:30 I Was Murdered 16:30 Adventures Of The 23:30 Mulaney Championship 04:05 Railroad Alaska 11:00 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 22:30 Jonathan Phang’s Caribbean 13:00 There Be Dragons-PG15 09:55 Stalked: Someone’s Gummi Bears 05:00 Deadly Dilemmas Teenage Witch Cookbook 15:00 Stolen Child-PG15 Watching 17:00 Chip n Dale Rescue 05:30 Deadly Dilemmas 11:25 Jessie 23:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 17:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle 10:20 Forensic Detectives Rangers 06:00 Alaska: The Last Frontier 11:50 Jessie 23:30 Chopped 19:00 Every Day-PG15 11:10 True Crime With 17:25 Ducktales 06:50 Wheeler Dealers: Top 5 12:15 Austin & Ally Aphrodite Jones 21:00 McCanick-PG15 03:00 Snooker World 18:00 Art Attack 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 12:40 Austin & Ally 08:00 Rake 12:00 Blood Relatives 23:00 American Hustle-18 Championship 18:30 Sofia The First 08:30 Storage Hunters 13:05 Good Luck Charlie 12:00 Emmerdale 12:50 On The Case With Paula 10:00 Golfing World 18:55 Cars Toons 08:55 Dukes Of Haggle 13:30 Good Luck Charlie 12:30 Coronation Street Zahn 12:00 Live Snooker World 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 13:55 Gravity Falls 14:00 Rake 13:40 Who On Earth Did I 19:00 The Adventures Of Disney Championship 09:45 How It’s Made 14:20 H2O: Just Add Water 00:35 Mr Selfridge 16:00 Emmerdale Marry? Fairies 18:00 Golfing World 10:10 How It’s Made 14:50 Evermoor 01:30 Celebrity Exposed: Photos 16:30 Coronation Street 14:05 Who On Earth Did I 19:30 Jake And The Never Land 19:00 WWE Experience 10:35 Fast N’ Loud 15:20 Spooksville Of Richard Young 18:00 Rake Marry? Pirates 20:00 WWE Afterburn 11:25 Misfit Garage 15:45 Girl Meets World 02:00 Emmerdale 19:00 Red Band Society 00:00 Close Encounters Of The 14:30 True Crime With 19:45 Doc McStuffins 21:00 WWE This Week 12:15 Wheeler Dealers 16:10 Violetta 02:25 Emmerdale 20:00 Revenge Third Kind: Directors Cut Aphrodite Jones 20:00 Adventures Of The 21:30 Volvo Ocean Race 13:05 Storage Hunters 17:00 Jump In! 02:55 Coronation Street 21:00 Helix 02:30 Heart Of The Country 15:20 Great Crimes And Trials Gummi Bears 22:00 Game Of Thrones 04:00 The Portrait Of A Lady 15:45 Stalked: Someone’s 20:30 Sofia The First 06:30 As Good As It Gets Watching 20:55 Cars Toons 09:00 Quiz Show 16:10 Murder Shift 11:30 Tales Of The Night 21:00 Chip n Dale Rescue 17:00 Blood Relatives Rangers 13:30 The Portrait Of A Lady 17:50 Fatal Encounters 01:30 Indian Premier League RPT : 21:30 Ducktales 16:00 As Good As It Gets RCB v MI 18:40 Forensic Detectives 18:30 The Fifth Estate 19:30 On The Case With Paula 22:00 Lilo & Stitch 17:30 Live Indian Premier League : 22:25 Art Attack 02:00 Good Morning America 21:00 Prisoners DD v KKR Zahn 22:55 Limon And Oli 06:00 Good Morning America 21:00 Indian Premier League H/L : 20:20 The Will: Family Secrets 07:30 Coronation Street RCB v SH Revealed 23:05 Zou 09:00 Royal Pains 22:00 Indian Premier League RPT : 21:10 Who On Earth Did I 23:20 Mouk 10:30 Coronation Street DD v KKR Marry? 23:35 Jungle Junction 12:00 Covert Affairs 01:00 House Of Versace-PG15 21:35 Who On Earth Did I 23:50 Art Attack 02:45 The Butler-PG15 14:00 Live Good Morning America Marry? 00:15 Julius Jr. 16:00 Royal Pains 05:00 Grace Unplugged-PG 22:00 True Crime With 07:00 Return To Nim’s Island-PG 00:30 Calimero 17:00 Covert Affairs Aphrodite Jones 00:45 Henry Hugglemonster 19:00 Royal Pains 09:00 Planes: Fire And Rescue-PG 22:50 Extreme Forensics 11:00 Moms’ Night Out-PG 01:00 Zou 20:00 Covert Affairs 23:40 Dates From Hell 01:15 Jungle Junction 22:00 Bates Motel 13:00 The Pretty One-PG15 00:05 Dates From Hell 01:25 Art Attack 23:00 The Assets 15:00 Muppets Most Wanted-PG 00:30 I Faked My Own Death 17:00 Planes: Fire And Rescue-PG TLC HD 01:20 Nightmare Next Door 01:50 Julius Jr. 18:30 Captain America: The Winter 00:45 Secrets Of The High Street 02:10 True Crime With 02:00 Calimero Soldier-PG15 01:10 Secrets Of The High Street Aphrodite Jones 02:15 Henry Hugglemonster 21:00 Escapee-PG15 01:35 America’s Worst Tattoos 02:25 Zou 23:00 Riddick-18 02:00 Too Ugly For Love? 00:00 Shaft 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 02:00 Darkness Falls 03:15 Something Borrowed, 04:00 Prisoners Of The Sun Something New 06:00 Tactical Force 03:40 What Not To Wear 08:00 Recoil 04:30 Cake Boss 10:00 Brave 01:00 Quest For A Heart 05:00 Little People, Big World 03:00 Art Attack 12:00 Tactical Force 02:45 Eleanor’s Secret 05:30 Extreme Couponing 03:25 Julius Jr. 00:20 Bear Nomad 14:00 Shadow Conspiracy 04:30 The Olsen Gang In Deep 06:00 18 Kids And Counting 03:35 Calimero 01:10 World’s Deadliest 16:00 Recoil Trouble 06:25 Randy To The Rescue 03:50 Henry Hugglemonster 02:00 Built For The Kill 18:00 Fatal Instinct 06:00 Barbie And The Magic Of 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress 04:00 Zou 02:50 The Phantom Cat 20:00 Brave Pegasus 07:40 Something Borrowed, 04:15 Mouk 03:45 Bear Nomad 22:00 A Good Day To Die Hard 08:00 Krazzy Planet Something New 04:25 Jungle Junction 10:00 Fred 2: Night Of The Living 08:05 Say Yes To The Dress: The 04:40 Planet Carnivore Fred Big Day 04:35 Art Attack 05:35 Built For The Kill 11:30 Garfield’s Pet Force 08:55 Kate Plus 8 05:00 Julius Jr. 06:30 The Phantom Cat 13:00 Eleanor’s Secret 09:45 Cake Boss 05:10 Calimero 07:25 Bear Nomad 14:30 Barbie As The Island 10:10 Little People, Big World 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 08:20 Fish Tank Kings 00:00 Darkness Falls-PG15 Princess 10:35 Extreme Couponing 05:35 Zou 09:15 Wild Case Files 02:00 Prisoners Of The Sun-PG15 16:00 Space Dogs 11:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 05:50 Mouk 10:10 Evolutions 04:00 Tactical Force-PG15 18:00 Fred 2: Night Of The Living 11:50 Randy To The Rescue 06:00 Jungle Junction 11:05 Yukon Vet Fred 12:40 Randy To The Rescue 06:00 Recoil-PG15 06:10 Art Attack 12:00 Shark Men 08:00 Brave-PG15 20:00 Back To The Sea 13:30 The Next Great Baker 06:35 Julius Jr. 12:55 Built For The Kill 10:00 Tactical Force-PG15 22:00 Barbie As The Island 14:20 Secrets Of The High Street 06:45 Calimero 13:50 Sumatra’s Last Tiger 12:00 Shadow Conspiracy-PG15 Princess 14:45 Secrets Of The High Street 07:00 Jungle Junction 14:00 Recoil-PG15 23:30 Space Dogs 15:10 Cake Boss 07:15 Zou 14:45 Animal Intervention 16:00 Fatal Instinct-PG15 15:35 Little People, Big World 07:30 Calimero 15:40 Fish Tank Kings 16:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 18:00 Brave-PG15 07:45 Loopdidoo 16:35 Invasion Of The Killer 20:00 A Good Day To Die Hard 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress 08:00 Limon And Oli Whales 22:00 Escape Plan-PG15 17:15 Something Borrowed, 17:30 Evolutions Something New 08:10 Jake And The Never Land 00:00 Celeste And Jesse Forever- 17:40 18 Kids And Counting Pirates 18:25 Yukon Vet PG15 18:05 Extreme Couponing 08:35 Doc McStuffins 19:20 Animal Intervention 02:00 Maleficent-PG 18:30 What Not To Wear 09:05 Art Attack 20:10 Fish Tank Kings 04:00 Europa Report-PG15 00:00 Ghost Dad 19:20 Secrets Of The High Street 09:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:00 Invasion Of The Killer 06:00 Turbo-PG 19:45 Secrets Of The High Street 10:00 Sofia The First Whales 02:00 Last Vegas 08:00 Vamps-PG15 20:10 Your Style In His Hands 10:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 21:50 Evolutions 04:00 The Life Aquatic With Steve 10:00 Quartet-PG15 21:00 Breaking Amish 10:55 Calimero Zissou 12:00 The Monuments Men-PG15 22:40 Yukon Vet A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 06:00 Admission 21:50 Born Schizophrenic: 11:10 Jake And The Never Land 23:30 Shark Men Classifieds

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Kuwait Kncc Programme From Thursday To Wednesday (16/04/2015 To 22/04/2015)

SHARQIA-1 PRESERVATION 12:45 AM FAST & FURIOUS 7 10:15 PM CHILD 44 12:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:45 AM CHILD 44 2:45 PM FANAR-4 KILL ME THREE TIMES 5:30 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:00 PM AVENUES-5 CHILD 44 7:30 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 2:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 11:30 AM KILL ME THREE TIMES 10:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 4:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 1:30 PM KILL ME THREE TIMES 12:15 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 6:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 3:45 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 8:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 6:00 PM SHARQIA-2 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 10:15 PM NO THU PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 1:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:15 AM Special Show “PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2” 6:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 3:00 PM LAST KNIGHTS 8:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 5:00 PM FANAR-5 Special Show “BIG GAME” 8:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 7:30 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 1:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 10:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 10:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 3:00 PM LAST KNIGHTS 1:00 AM FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:30 AM FAST & FURIOUS 7 5:00 PM MR. X -Hindi 5:00 PM AVENUES-6 SHARQIA-3 NO THU+FRI+SAT PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:30 PM LAST KNIGHTS 11:45 AM FAST & FURIOUS 7 7:30 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 2:45 PM LAST KNIGHTS 2:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 10:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 5:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 4:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:30 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 7:15 PM LAST KNIGHTS 6:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 9:30 PM ASWAR AL QUMAR- Arabic 8:30 PM MARINA-1 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 11:45 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 10:45 PM CHILD 44 12:15 PM LAST KNIGHTS 12:45 AM BIG GAME 3:00 PM 360º- 1 CHILD 44 5:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 11:30 AM MUHALAB-1 BIG GAME 8:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 1:30 PM Tamilnadu 600019 had BIG GAME 12:15 PM CHILD 44 10:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 3:45 PM MATRIMONIAL embraced Islam and BIG GAME 2:15 PM BIG GAME 12:45 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 6:00 PM BIG GAME 4:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 8:15 PM changed the name as PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 6:15 PM MARINA-2 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 10:30 PM Parents invite suitable pro- MOHAMMED JAVID. ASWAR AL QUMAR- Arabic 8:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 1:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:45 AM posals for their daughter (C 4969) PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 10:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 3:45 PM (RCSC, 24yrs, 163cms, fair, 15-4-2015 BIG GAME 12:30 AM FAST & FURIOUS 7 6:30 PM 360º- 2 B.Com, MBA) hailing from FAST & FURIOUS 7 9:15 PM BIG GAME 11:45 AM ancient family, MUHALAB-2 FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:15 AM BIG GAME 2:00 PM Changanacherry archdio- BIG GAME 4:15 PM CHILD 44 11:30 AM cese, and working in Kuwait FOR SALE CHILD 44 2:15 PM MARINA-3 BIG GAME 6:30 PM LAST KNIGHTS 5:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:45 PM BIG GAME 8:45 PM - from parents of well set- CHILD 44 7:15 PM LAST KNIGHTS 3:00 PM BIG GAME 11:00 PM tled BE/B.Tech RCSC boys of Mitsubishi 2009 LAST KNIGHTS 10:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 5:30 PM BIG GAME 1:15 AM reputed family working in Registration til Jan 2016 CHILD 44 12:15 AM LAST KNIGHTS 7:30 PM India or abroad. Email: 103,000km PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 9:45 PM 360º- 3 [email protected] KD 1300 negotiable MUHALAB-3 LAST KNIGHTS 12:05 AM CYMBELINE 11:30 AM Deepika matrimonial.com Call 9694-2874 after 5pm PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:30 PM CYMBELINE 1:30 PM 20-4-2015 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 2:30 PM AVENUES-1 CAKE 3:30 PM ID: DM - 26205 Bethlehem FAST & FURIOUS 7 4:30 PM BIG GAME 12:00 PM CYMBELINE 5:45 PM matrimonial.com ID: FAST & FURIOUS 7 7:00 PM BIG GAME 2:30 PM CAKE 8:00 PM BETH53863 Cherokee Liberty, 6 cylin- FAST & FURIOUS 7 9:30 PM CINDERELLA 5:00 PM CYMBELINE 10:15 PM der, white color, model FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:05 AM CINDERELLA 7:30 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:30 AM 2003 in good working con- CINDERELLA 10:00 PM dition. KD 850, call CHANGE OF NAME FANAR-1 FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:30 AM AL-KOUT.1 60982737. (C 4970) CHILD 44 11:30 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:45 PM CHILD 44 2:15 PM AVENUES-2 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 3:15 PM JAGADESH, son of PERU- CHILD 44 5:00 PM KILL ME THREE TIMES 11:45 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 5:15 PM MAL bearing an Indian Pajero 2007 for immediate ASWAR AL QUMAR- Arabic 7:45 PM KILL ME THREE TIMES 1:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 7:30 PM Passport No. G0846093 sale, V6, metallic gold, good ASWAR AL QUMAR- Arabic 9:45 PM JUNGLE MASTER 3:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 10:00 PM condition and well main- having an address No.28/13 CHILD 44 12:05 AM KILL ME THREE TIMES 5:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:30 AM tained, expected price KD Pillaiyar Kovil Street, KILL ME THREE TIMES 7:45 PM 2,600, please contact: Sathuma Nagar, FANAR-2 KILL ME THREE TIMES 9:45 PM AL-KOUT.2 66832848. (C 4971) BIG GAME 11:30 AM KILL ME THREE TIMES 11:45 PM CHILD 44 12:00 PM Thiruvottiyur, Chennai, LAST KNIGHTS 1:30 PM CHILD 44 2:45 PM 19-4-2015 BIG GAME 3:45 PM AVENUES-3 CINDERELLA 5:30 PM CINDERELLA 5:45 PM LAST KNIGHTS 11:45 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 7:45 PM Prayer timings LAST KNIGHTS 8:00 PM LAST KNIGHTS 2:15 PM ASWAR AL QUMAR- Arabic 9:45 PM BIG GAME 10:30 PM LAST KNIGHTS 4:45 PM CHILD 44 12:05 AM Fajr: 03:54 LAST KNIGHTS 12:30 AM LAST KNIGHTS 7:15 PM LAST KNIGHTS 9:45 PM AL-KOUT.3 Shorook 0517 FANAR-3 LAST KNIGHTS 12:15 AM BIG GAME 11:45 AM KILL ME THREE TIMES 12:45 PM LAST KNIGHTS 1:45 PM Duhr: 11:48 PRESERVATION 2:45 PM AVENUES-4 BIG GAME 4:00 PM KILL ME THREE TIMES 4:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 11:30 AM BIG GAME 6:00 PM Asr: 15:22 KILL ME THREE TIMES 6:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 2:00 PM LAST KNIGHTS 8:00 PM PRESERVATION 8:45 PM CHILD 44 4:45 PM SKIN TRADE 10:15 PM Maghrib: 18:17 KILL ME THREE TIMES 10:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 7:30 PM LAST KNIGHTS 12:15 AM Isha: 19:37

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 20/4/2015 KNE 460 Riyadh 14:10 Arrival Flights on Monday 20/4/2015 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 Airlines Flt Route Time GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 Airlines Flt Route Time THY 767 Istanbul 14:10 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 FDB 057 Dubai 14:20 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 THY 772 Istanbul 00:15 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:55 UAL 981 IAD 00:25 FDB 058 Dubai 15:05 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 538 Sohag 14:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:25 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 DLH 637 Dammam 00:35 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 KNE 481 Taif 15:10 FDB 068 Dubai 00:55 OMA 645 Muscat 15:05 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 JAI 574 Mumbai 01:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 DLH 637 Frankfurt 01:35 KAC 673 Dubai 15:20 JZR 539 Cairo 01:30 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:05 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 ETH 3403 Addis Ababa/Riyadh 01:35 RJA 640 Amman 15:55 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 02:55 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:55 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:40 FDB 051 Dubai 16:10 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:00 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 QTR 1072 Doha 16:20 ETH 3403 Addis Ababa 03:05 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 KAC 118 New York 16:30 OMA 644 Muscat 03:35 OMA 646 Muscat 16:05 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:50 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 OMA 643 Muscat 02:35 KAC 792 Madinah 16:50 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 QTR 1076 Doha 03:05 KAC 562 Amman 17:00 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:05 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 QTR 1077 Doha 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:10 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 FDB 067 Dubai 03:15 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 SYR 342 Latakia 04:20 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:40 SYR 341 Latakia 03:20 FDB 065 Dubai 18:05 JZR 560 Sohag 05:00 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 1544 Cairo 03:35 GFA 048 Istanbul 18:20 MSC 406 Sohag 05:00 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:00 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:35 THY 765 Istanbul 05:05 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 THY 770 Istanbul 04:40 KAC 502 Beirut 18:35 QTR 1085 Doha 05:20 JZR 538 Cairo 18:40 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 SYR 343 Damascus 18:45 RJA 643 Amman 06:35 JZR 238 Amman 18:45 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 KAC 542 Cairo 18:55 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 FDB 066 Dubai 18:55 BAW 157 London 06:35 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 GFA 048 Bahrain 19:05 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:30 KAC 618 Doha 18:55 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:20 KAC 382 Delhi 07:40 KAC 104 London 19:00 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 SYR 344 Damascus 19:45 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:55 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 BAW 156 London 08:35 QTR 1081 Doha 19:55 KAC 344 Chennai 08:15 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 QTR 1087 Doha 08:55 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 KAC 352 Kochi 08:15 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 361 Colombo 20:00 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:30 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 KAC 362 Colombo 08:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:40 KAC 619 Doha 09:30 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 FDB 061 Dubai 19:50 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 FDB 062 Dubai 20:35 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:05 AGY 684 Sohag 19:50 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 AGY 681 Alexandria 20:50 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:10 OMA 647 Muscat 20:00 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 KAC 1543 Cairo 20:55 KAC 284 Dhaka 09:25 KAC 674 Dubai 20:00 IRA 666 Esfahan 10:05 OMA 648 Muscat 21:00 GFA 047 Bahrain 09:35 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 GFA 047 Istanbul 10:20 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:00 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 FDB 056 Dubai 10:40 KAC 351 Kochi 21:05 KAC 350 Kochi 09:40 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:20 KAC 501 Beirut 11:00 KAC 283 Dhaka 21:05 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:30 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:25 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 UAE 873 Dubai 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:15 KAC 561 Amman 11:25 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:30 IRC 6521 Lamerd 10:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 FDB 073 Dubai 21:30 IRC 6522 Lamerd 11:40 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:05 MSC 405 Sohag 11:20 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 FDB 074 Dubai 22:10 JZR 561 Sohag 11:25 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 791 Madinah 12:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 AGY 680 Alexandria 11:40 THY 764 Istanbul 22:10 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 UAE 874 Dubai 12:10 KAC 349 Kochi 22:30 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 12:15 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:15 KAC 103 London 12:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:30 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 AIC 975 Chennai 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 KAC 381 Delhi 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 FDB 059 Dubai 22:50 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:20 QTR 1075 Doha 22:40 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 AGY 685 Sohag 12:40 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:45 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 23:00 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 KAC 620 Doha 13:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:05 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 23:40 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:25 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 AXB 890 Mangalore 13:15 FDB 060 Dubai 23:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 CROSSWORD 878 STAR TRACK

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

Today you may think you are inspired! A community organization has your Stay in touch with your own sense of direction. Because of distractions from your- attention. You can demonstrate a great understanding and sensitivity about the needs of self or others, you could lose touch with what you really want to accomplish. You will find inspira- others. You are usually good about making yourself available to help others. You may want to tion from the words of a friend. Some will be making plans to sign up for a course, a lecture or a encourage a friend to volunteer with you. Consider merging this volunteer work into your life seminar. You enjoy learning and creating opportunities to grow wise. You have a natural urge to more often-your service will be returned many times. A romantic interest and such creative get serious about taking care of yourself at many levels. This means diet, exercise and work are pursuits as hobbies are outlets for much of your energy this afternoon. You may find yourself needed to help bring about a balance in your life; you may consider a health group. Your at a hobby store or an art exhibit. You may decide to do a little shopping and add to your art thoughtful ways have been noticed. Someone extends you a nice favor and you could even be or music supplies. A good book or movie is also a possibility. You are the attention tonight! receiving something nice from a relative. If you are shopping this evening, compare prices.

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

A co-worker may call or drop by to visit with you today. A request for your You may find yourself somewhat at odds with those around you today. You may advice or conversation would be best met with enthusiasm. There could be some banter and be unable to get the support you require or find that some of your supply lines have been dimin- something witty will certainly make the two of you laugh. This visit may instigate the need ished or cut off for now. This is a good time to see just how self-reliant you can be. Someone may for research. Perhaps you will spend time in research this afternoon-perhaps the library. You challenge you-we are not talking dares, however. Don’t be afraid to say no. You can move past will want to feel good about yourself and have energy to do the things you want to do. If you old habits and encourage others through your example. You are in a serious but good frame of show off your creative side you will find much pleasure from the results. Your talents are mind and find yourself dealing with matters of much responsibility when it comes to decision many and if you gain a focus on some project you might want to tackle, your talent will be so making. Later today you can take the opportunity to give yourself a break and go to the library, a obvious that others will gain a totally new view of you. Romantically speaking, the outlook bookstore, or a video store. Just try to sit back and let your mind have some relaxation time. promises a deep love. Laugh a little.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Charisma, self-transformation and the development of personal power are the One of your greatest teachers is your own power of observation. Your power to things that play a bigger role in your life. Remember that tiny causes can lead to absorb impressions of the world around you gives you wonderful intuitive insights. When you big effects. This is a time of profound changes in many areas of your life. New ideas and an inde- ACROSS 4. Childcare during the day while parents listen, your intuitive abilities will guide you toward successful opportunities. Timing is every- pendent or pioneering mental orientation take on importance. Sales in real estate can soon be 1. (informal) A bunch. work. thing. Travel is favorable now and you may find yourself in a part of town that you had always prosperous-yes, even though sales have been slow lately. Work in import-export can be produc- 5. On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle. 5. An organization of countries formed in wanted to investigate. Your energy is focused to succeed in matters pertaining to the family or tive and you may find sources on the internet a positive venue for a short while. You find yourself 12. One millionth of a gram. 1961 to agree on a common policy for home. There may be a piece of property that benefits you and your family or a tourist attrac- in a very practical mood and working with, instead of against, yourself. A book review with a 15. Type genus of the family Arcidae. the sale of petroleum. tion that you kept putting off before today. A project around the home front will end success- friend is fun this evening. Fun conversations and what-if scenarios may leave you wanting to 16. Taxonomic kingdom comprising all liv- 6. The branch of information science that fully. You may find yourself and a friend or part of the family enjoying a science fiction movie chat about a few more books. this evening. ing or extinct plants. deals with natural language information. 17. A river in north central Switzerland that 7. African tree having an exceedingly thick runs northeast into the Rhine. trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd 18. The mother of Jesus. and has an edible pulp called monkey Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 19. A period marked by distinctive charac- bread. ter or reckoned from a fixed point or 8. Belonging to some prior time. You may feel that you have grown by leaps and bounds lately. Progress in your life This is a good time to sway others to your cause through speeches or clever argu- event. 9. Essential oil or perfume obtained from is easy to see. The habits and negative feelings of the past are truly behind you. Progressive peo- ments. Your thinking is most lucid and grasping. Be careful, though, of taking it to the extreme in 20. An oil port in southern Iraq. flowers. ple and idealistic groups or concepts play a more important role in your life now, as this new cycle trying to find a logical reason for every event that occurs, especially the actions of a loved one. You 22. A medicinal drug used to evoke vomit- 10. An intensely radioactive metallic ele- begins. This is a concern for something bigger than any one person-the good of the many out- are filled with energy that is best enjoyed through the company of friends this afternoon. There may be an opportunity for a party or other type of social gathering-like a reunion. Go for it! ing (especially in cases of drug overdose ment that occurs in minute amounts in weighs the needs of the few. You are coming into a time of experimenting with new mentally entertained propositions-putting aside the old tried and true. This is certainly a good time to vol- Marriage and other close relationships give rise to great expectations, as a new cycle gets under- or poisoning). uranium ores. unteer. You are at your most practical when it comes to dealing and working with others. You way in your life. This is a time to enjoy and appreciate your ties to others and to seek and promote 24. A small ball with a hole through the 11. A young woman making her debut into know what to do and can act without haste. You are asked to make use of your many talents. harmony in the interaction between people. Everything seems to be working favorably. middle. society. 26. A baton used by a magician or water 12. An independent group of closely relat- diviner. ed Chadic languages spoken in the area 27. A radioactive element of the actinide between the Biu-Mandara and East Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) series. Chadic languages. 29. Avatar of Vishnu. 13. (Old Testament) Cain and Abel were the Do not shorten the morning by getting up late-this will be a busy day. Your mag- Honeysuckle or orange-blossom scents can be enjoyed in your home this morn- 31. A cut of pork ribs with much of the first children of Adam and Eve born after netic personality is showing and you could charm anyone you wanted. You may be dressed in ing. These scents can be purchased if you do not have the plants available. Your energy works meat trimmed off. the Fall of Man. your best spring frock for a social occasion with your friends this afternoon. You can enjoy reveal- well with these scents and can help you to relax. You are in the mood to beautify your surround- ings and may be looking at some ideas in magazines for new wallpaper or wall hangings. Your 35. Capital and largest city of Lebanon. 14. One-hundredth of a right angle. ing that inner child in you today and through the ongoing fun you may discover parts of you that have been hidden for a long time. Engaging in serious conversations between you and a sibling friends may want you to join them in some group gathering later today. General good feeling and 39. An airfoil that controls lateral motion. 21. Look forward to the probably occur- or a close relative may create a healing now. Make it a point to find the appropriate opportunity a sense of support makes this a happy time. Your feelings are most positive today. Socially, you 41. The use of nuclear magnetic resonance rence of. to change the conversation around to a lighter mood. Your ties to others are good and you seek will be meeting with more than one opportunity for good times. A business contact is an asset of protons to produce proton density 23. Type genus of the Aceraceae. to promote harmony in the interaction between people. This evening brings dreams and visions. and you may be pleasantly surprised at the results of a little networking during these social gath- images. 25. A Chadic language spoken south of erings. 42. The month following February and pre- Lake Chad. ceding April. 28. Assets in the form of money. 44. Injured by bites or stings. 30. Australian operatic soprano (1861- Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 45. Perennial plant of Europe and America 1931). having racemes of white or purplish 32. (Russian) Small fruit or meat turnover You are able to get to the heart of a disturbing matter today with simple ques- You will be putting a great deal of energy into family matters early this day. Be flowers and intensely bitter trifoliate baked or fried. tions. Revealing the cause of an underlying problem can bring about a clear message toward willing to compromise and all sorts of positive things will happen. Do not take chances or risks just leaves. 33. Lighted up by or as by fire or flame. future steps. You could be stubborn about a matter today and it may be wise to think about your now. Be satisfied with the ordinary and usual. Novel ideas or insights could be more damaging 47. (astronomy) The angular distance of a 34. Capital and largest city of Italy. own motives. You could find a hidden meaning in more than one thing today-careful. An abun- than useful. You and your partner should concentrate on relaxation and garden-filled opportuni- celestial point measured westward 36. Humorously vulgar. dance of motor skills is available for some form of team sports or group exercise this afternoon. ties this afternoon. This is a good time for your love life. If you are single, be prepared for a new along the celestial equator from the 37. A plumbing fixture (usually attached to Later in the day you just can’t seem to help becoming involved with lending a helping hand to love. Children will want much attention over the next few months so, if there is any chance to give zenith crossing. the wall) used by men to urinate. care for young people. Your expression is creative and you may find yourself teaching arts and over your afternoon to an energy filled youth-you may be pleased with the fun. Some special cui- 48. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan 38. Clinical neurological syndrome charac- crafts to these young people. Everything seems to be working in a most positive way. sine later this evening will bring everyone together with words of appreciation. River. terized by muscular twitching and 50. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- cramps and (when severe) seizures. cially in Turkey). 40. A painful emotion resulting from an 51. A device (used by carpenters) that awareness of inadequacy or guilt. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution holds things firmly together v 1. 43. A wad of something chewable as tobac- 54. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in co. favor of a person or cause). 46. A shop where a variety of goods are 55. Swiss hotelier who created a chain of sold. elegant hotels (1850-1918). 49. Do something that one considers to be 57. In an idle manner. below one's dignity. 58. Lower in esteem. 52. Towards the side away from the wind. 60. 10 grams. 53. A tricycle (usually propelled by ped- 62. Strike with disgust or revulsion. alling). 70. A party of people assembled in the 56. Polish labor leader and statesman (born evening (usually at a private house). in 1943). 72. The longer of the two telegraphic sig- 59. A short high tone produced as a signal nals used in Morse code. or warning. 73. A pass between mountain peaks. 61. Sluggish tailless Australian arboreal 74. Surpassing what is common or usual or marsupial with gray furry ears and coat. expected. 63. A Russian unit of weight equal to 76. A religious belief of African origin approximately 36 pounds. involving witchcraft and sorcery. 64. Something that resembles a pill in 77. A lipoprotein that transports choles- shape or size. terol in the blood. 65. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill. 78. A river in northeastern Brazil that flows 66. Being one more than seven. generally northward to the Atlantic 67. A material effigy that is worshipped as a Ocean. god. 79. Infectious disease caused by a species 68. Open-heart surgery in which the rib of chlamydia bacterium. cage is opened and a section of a blood vessel is grafted from the aorta to the DOWN coronary artery to bypass the blocked 1. The language of the nomadic Lapp peo- section of the coronary artery and ple in northern Scandinavia and the Kola improve the blood supply to the heart. Peninsula. 69. A knife used as a weapon. 2. Cloak that is folded or wrapped around a 71. A writing implement with a point from person. which ink flows. 3. A unit of area (4840 square yards) used in 75. A soft yellowish-white trivalent metallic English-speaking countries. element of the rare earth group. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 LIFESTYLE36 MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 Gossip

Henderson and O’Donoghue collaboration lla Henderson and Danny O’Donoghue’s collaboration is an “emotional power ballad”. Last week, it was announced that The Script frontman and the 19-year-old ‘Ghost’ singer recently met to work Eon a musical collaboration and it’s now been revealed that the song is going to be a “gushy” ballad. Ella’s band member, Josh, told BANG Showbiz: “We listened to the song the other day and it is the per- fect emotional power ballad.”It sounds really good, it’s very pop but still soulful - You could say it’s pretty gushy. “They are the perfect people to do a song together and it looks like this song will probably be the first in a few that they will do together. They really enjoyed it and they got on well.” The former ‘X Factor’ contestant is currently working on her studio album, while the Irish pop singer, 34, recently admitted he is becoming more heavily involved in the song-writing side of the music industry. Danny said he is enjoying working with a variety of acts and producers behind the scenes. And speaking prior to hook- ing up musically together, Danny admitted: “[Ella is] an amazing vocalist.” Al Pacino Evans asks Marvel doesn’t shop bosses to be more l Pacino hasn’t done his own grocery shop- ping for 50 years. The 74-year-old screen leg- Aend - who has a grown-up daughter, Julie sympathetic Marie, with an ex-partner and 14-year-old twins Anton and Olivia with former girlfriend Beverly hris Evans thinks Marvel bosses “need to sympathize” with D’Angelo - admits he hasn’t been able to lead a nor- the pressure of muscle gain. The ‘Captain America’ actor mal life since finding fame several decades ago. He confessed that a “body can only take so much” and in said: “I haven’t been in a grocery store or ridden a C Hollywood, it’s tough to achieve the ultra buff body that Marvel subway in 50 years.” The ‘Godfather’ star insists he producers desire when a body may not naturally become that doesn’t mind being recognized when he is out and big. The 33-year-old star revealed: “One of the things I’ve always about, though his kids find it harder to deal with. He said to the higher-ups at Marvel, is they have to sympathize with said: “I don’t mind [fame] but my kids have a difficult the fact that we’re all trying to put on as much muscle as we time going out with me publicly.”I’m fine not having possibly can, but these suits are so counterproductive.” What’s anonymity, I’ve sort of learnt how to live with it.” The more, Chris revealed the specific problems with trying to main- ‘Danny Collins’ star will support his children if they tain his physique. He told Gay Times magazine: “Once you start decide to follow in his footsteps because he thinks filming you’re only losing weight. It’s so hard to maintain your they are already showing signs of talent. Asked if he size, that’s why you try and get as big as you possibly can prior would encourage his kids into showbiz, he told to filming because by the time you finish shooting you’re gonna Britain’s HELLO! magazine: “If there is talent - which be about ten pounds lighter. “The second we’ve finished filming there is - I will. Who else is going to hire me when I I don’t even think about the gym for months. I’m actually just get old? “My youngest daughter made a video the getting back into it right now. I started picking up some weights other day - just like that - put it together, edited, did around February. It takes about three months to get back where the whole thing. Amazing.” you were.” Stallone wants to be Jane Bond ylvester Stallone wants to play Jane Bond. The 68-year-old actor doesn’t think he has what it Stakes to play iconic British spy James Bond - who is currently portrayed by Daniel Craig - but would like to try a new take on the famous franchise. Asked if he wants to play Bond, he said: “Oh my God, maybe Jane Bond. I don’t think James would work. My English accent is not worthy of the kingdom.” The ‘Expendables’ star thinks actors are not like “regular folk” because they have such extreme mood swings and big egos, but he thinks that masks low self- esteem. He said: “All actors are a little off-centre. They’re not regular folk - they’re very sensitive, mal- leable and impressionable. “They have mood swings at times. The beauty of a good actor is that you can swing these moods when the camera requires. “Actors have big egos but quite often it’s in a ‘he doth protest too much’ kind of way.” Though he has never won an Oscar, the actor thinks his time will come one day. He told Britain’s OK! magazine: “It depends on the mood of Hollywood, it’s a cyclic thing. “Eventually, if you’re around long enough, you get appreciated for longevi- ty, which to me is the greatest Oscar of all - working and providing entertainment.” —Bang Showbiz Mumford and Sons wanted name change umford & Sons hate their name. The ‘I Will Wait’ hitmakers share songwriting duties and frontman Marcus Mumford doesn’t like the fact their moniker sounds like he is their driving force and he admits they considered re-Christening themselves. He said: “I definitely regret the band name. If I’d known it was going to go this way I would have wanted Mto call it anything other than my last name. “It’s a ball-ache. We thought about changing it but it’s a bit late now.” The group have moved away from the folk sound of their first two albums on new record ‘Wilder Mind’ and are relieved to have shed their tweed waistcoats and bow ties in favor of leather jackets, in keeping with their new image. Keyboard player Ben Lovett said: “I think it would be fair to say that we’ve noticed that in some of our old photos we look like absolute idiots. “There were so many car crashes. We look like us in our pho- tos now. I don’t even want to describe how we used to look.” However, Marcus insists they haven’t made a calculated attempt to change their style. He told NME magazine: “We didn’t sit down and say, ‘Let’s wear leather guys’. Over an eight-year period you behave differently. You go to different places, you probably have different friends. You wear different clothes. “We didn’t hire a stylist and say, ‘Let’s rebrand ourselves.’ “ Get sun-kissed and summer-ready: Al-Jothen introduces Luxura tanning sunbeds

ith the onset of summer, (the season ful natural tan without damaging the skin with al features. Customers can enjoy their favorite of parties, travel, events), it’s that its certified technology. Tanning beds use fluo- music in surround sound through 4 hi-fi Wtime of year when a lot of people rescent bulbs that emit mostly UVA, with speakers a sub-woofer. The Q-SENS technolo- gear up to hit the beach and get a nice tan smaller doses of UVB. The UVA radiation is up gy ensures that the whole experience is natu- going for nice looking. Which also means to three times more intense than the UVA in rally refreshing, with a gentle mist of fragrance being exposed to the sun for prolonged peri- natural sunlight, and even the UVB intensity sprayed across the body at regular intervals. ods of time. As it is the case with most things, may approach that of bright sunlight. This not Other features include ambient lighting sys- too much of the sun’s rays can prove to be only ensures in an even tan, but also quicker tem, SLi facial tanner, a balanced power sys- harmful for us in the long run. So what can a results. Indoor tanning helps your skin in tem and much more. Some models even have person do to get that sun-kissed glow without building a base that eventually protects you a built-in changing room facility. exposure to the sun’s damaging rays? from sunburn. It does so with a sunscreen rat- “Luxura is a revolution in sunless tanning. The demand for indoor tanning has been ed SPF4. This way, tanning with Luxura But we must keep in mind that overuse of this at a constant rise since the past few years. Sunbeds is an excellent way to stimulate your technology has its drawbacks”, said Especially amongst the younger audiences. skin’s natural production of Vitamin D. Vitamin Mohammed Madi, President of Al-Jothen Not only is it a quicker and safer alternative, it D is essential to skin and bone health and has Group. “To truly enjoy the benefits and ease of also ensures that you can flaunt yourself in a been known to help reduce risk for several sunbed tanning, one must insure that it is shade of your choice. types of cancer. done in moderation.” Apart from being one of Along with its range of the world’s finest The attractive range of Luxura sunbeds is the safest ways to get a tan, Luxura Sunbeds beauty products, Al-Jothen offers series of available in various versions, from basic mod- also make it easy to achieve the perfect tan Luxura tanning beds. Using some of the most els for smaller spaces to bigger ones offering and will help customers looking their best innovative methods and advanced technolo- absolute luxury. There are horizontal and verti- when they want to hit the beach, or celebrate gy in the industry, Luxura, one of the leading cal models and even some fabulous color vari- a big event, or even just looking good and brands in the world, gives customers a beauti- ants. Luxura also offers a wide range of option- feeling better every day. LIFESTYLE37 MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015 Music & Movies

Joan JettJoan speaks at the Rock andJett Roll Hall of Fame emotional Induction Ceremony Saturday. —AP photoson inductionJoan Jett & the Blackhearts perform into on stage. Rock Hall

Gary Ryan of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, speaks at the Rock and Billie Joe Armstrong, Joan Jett, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Miley Cyrus presents Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. perform on stage.

oan Jett couldn’t keep her rough rocker mony is being held at Cleveland’s legendary height of his blossoming career. Armed with a former drummer enshrined. Starr put out a Idiot,” a punk-infused rock opera that later edge for long. Once she was inducted into Public Hall, where thousands of fans were signature Stratocaster, the Texas bluesman string of pop hits, including “It Don’t Come became a Broadway hit. Withers was inexplica- Jthe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jett was already on their feet when Jett, wearing black was a dynamo on six strings. Best known for Easy,” “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen.” bly left off the hall’s ballot for years, perhaps overcome by the moment and moved to tears. leather, opened the evening with a rip-roaring songs like “Pride and Joy” and “Look At Little an unfortunate oversight. But the 76-year-old, “I tried not to cry and be tough,” she said, her version of “Bad Reputation.” She was then Sister,” he won a Grammy for his mesmerizing Grunge sound who walked away from the music industry in black mascara starting to run. Jett and other joined by Foo Fighters frontman and former cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.” He didn’t have the musical chops or artistry the 1980s, is now part of musical royalty with a music legends were welcomed into the Rock Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl for a blistering John Mayer called it the “honor of a life- of McCartney or the late John Lennon or catalog of timeless songs like “Lean On Me” and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday night, an “Cherry Bomb,” one of her hits with The time” to induct Vaughan, whom he called “the George Harrison, but Starr managed to stay in and “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Stevie Wonder will evening made special with two of the Beatles Runaways, a band that broke down barriers for ultimate guitar hero.” “Stevie used his guitar to the limelight and still tours with his All-Star induct the 76-year-old Withers, who may per- set to come together and play. Ringo Starr, women in rock. Miley Cyrus inducted Jett, say- lead him out of town,” said Mayer. “He gave me Band. Brash and belligerent, Green Day blast- form publicly for the first time in decades. previously enshrined with the Beatles in 1988, ing “she’s what Superwoman really should be. hope because heroes give you hope. While ed onto the music scene just as Seattle’s Reed was both daring and provocative as a is being inducted along Jett and The The first to do many things, not just as a Jimi Hendrix came down from outer space, grunge sound was growing stale. Lead songwriter and lyricist, pushing boundaries Blackhearts, pop punks Green Day, soul woman, but as a badass babe on the planet.” Stevie came up from below the ground. He singer/guitarist Billy Joe Armstrong, bassist with ballads about forbidden subjects like singer-songwriter Bill Withers, underground- Jett said music is what has always moved was the ultimate guitar hero, and heroes live Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool borrowed drugs, prostitution and suicide. Reed’s songs rock icon Lou Reed, bluesy guitarist Stevie Ray her. “I come from a place where rock and roll forever.” Adored by fans, Starr was the steady took riffs from punk pioneers like The Stooges like “Walk On The Wild Side,” “Vicious” and Vaughan and Double Trouble, The Paul means something,” she said. “It’s more than beat behind the world’s most celebrated and Sex Pistols, flavored them with some pow- “Heroin” remain vibrant today. Although he Butterfield Blues Band and The “5” Royales. music, more than fashion, more than a pose. group and the 74-year-old is the last of the er chords and pop hooks and helped redefine died in 2013, Reed continues to influence a It’s a subculture of rebellion, frustration, alien- Beatles to have his work outside the band rec- a genre. young generation of musicians touched by his ‘Bad Reputation’ ation and the groove. ... Rock and roll ethic is ognized. Starr is being inducted by Paul The trio’s album “Dookie” won a Grammy rebel ways. HBO will broadcast the event on For the third time, the star-studded cere- my entire life.” Sadly, Vaughan died at the McCartney, whose influence helped get his and Green Day went on to make “American May 30.—AP

Affleck asked PBS to not reveal Big turnout on store day slave-owning ancestor shows rebirth of vinyl en Affleck requested that the PBS ments from last year’s Sony hack that ing Ken Burns. We’ve never had anyone ever usic lovers lined up for blocks percent since 2009, according to indus- unlimited on-demand digital music-has documentary series “Finding Your WikiLeaks put into a searchable online try to censor or edit what we found. He’s a and sellers reported bumper try tracker Nielsen. While much smaller witnessed the biggest growth, Roots” not reveal he had a slave-own- archive on Thursday. megastar. What do we do?” Gates wrote on Mtrade on Record Store Day, a in total, Australia witnessed the fastest although it remains controversial with B growth in vinyl among major markets some artists who charge that the pay- ing ancestor, according to emails published July 22, 2014. Lynton replies that it all sign of the rebirth of vinyl in one bright online by whistleblower site WikiLeaks, and What do we do? depends on who knows that the informa- point for the long-troubled recording last year, with revenue jumping 127 out is paltry. the information never appeared on the pro- In their email exchange, Gates asks tion was in the documentary already. industry. Some 3,000 independent percent since 2013, according to the gram. PBS and Harvard scholar Henry Louis Lynton for advice on how to handle “I would take it out if no one knows, but stores Saturday in nearly two dozen International Federation of the ‘Experiencing’ vinyl Gates, host of the show that traces the Affleck’s request. “Here’s my dilemma: confi- if it gets out that you are editing the materi- countries put out new and reissued Phonographic Industry. Many audiophiles swear that vinyl ancestry of well-known guests, said in sepa- al based on this kind of sensitivity then it records specially for the day, which was Reissues have helped fuel the offers a greater sound quality and are rate statements that they didn’t censor the gets tricky. Again, all things being equal I conceived in 2007 to support business- growth. The top-selling vinyl LP in the willing to pay prices than run signifi- slave-owner details. Instead, more interest- would definitely take it out,” Lynton wrote es facing a twin onslaught from instant United States since 2010 has been a cantly higher than CDs or digital music. ing ancestors of the actor emerged and that same day. After going back and forth, digital music and corporate chains. reissue of the Beatles’ “Abbey Road.” The Vinyl also offers an aesthetic value in an Gates chose to highlight them in October’s the two seem to decide censoring the infor- To mark the occasion, rock giants boom has had an economic impact, age where virtually all music can be segment featuring Affleck, they said in the mation is a bad idea, with Gates writing lat- the Foo Fighters-accustomed to filling with some 200 new record stores open- found instantly online. “Music isn’t statements posted on the PBS website. er on July 22 that if the public learned of it, arenas-played a concert for 150 people ing last year in the United States and quantifiable, but when you have vinyl “For any guest, we always find far more “It would embarrass him and compromise at a store in a strip mall of tiny Niles, Canada, according to an industry you can hold it and see it. It turns into stories about ancestors on their family trees our integrity. I think he is getting very bad Ohio, near the home of the grandmoth- group. Despite the rapid expansion multiple media,” said Amy Barenboim than we ever possibly could use,” Gates said advice” and adding: “Once we open the er of frontman Dave Grohl. Third Man vinyl still counted for just two percent as she waited outside Other Music, one in an emailed statement to The Associated door to censorship, we lose control of the Records, a Nashville store run by rocker of the $15 billion global recording of New York’s best-known independent Press. He said finding slave-owning ances- brand.” Affleck is never mentioned in the Jack White, put on sale a reissue of Elvis industry. Streaming-which allows record stores. —AFP tors was very common in the series, and exchange of emails between Gates and Presley’s rare first single, “My noted Ken Burns and Anderson Cooper Lynton; instead he’s referred to as a “megas- Happiness,” in packaging resembling were two guests with slave-owner relatives. tar” and “Batman.” He was filming “Batman v. the 1953 original. In Affleck’s case, “we decided to go with the Superman: Dawn of Justice” in Detroit at the On one of the year’s first summery story we used about his fascinating ances- time. days in New York, several stores had tor who became on occultist following the When the segment aired Oct 14, Gates waits of more than an hour as fans Civil War. This guy’s story was totally unusu- focused on the occultist, a Revolutionary sought to buy some of the 400 special Ben Affleck testifying before releases on sale in the United States. al: we had never discovered someone like the House Foreign Affairs, War relative and Affleck’s mother, who was him before,” he said. a “freedom rider” in 1964. A PBS spokes- Kim Gordon of alternative rock icons Affleck’s rep did not immediately Africa, Global Health, and woman said in an emailed statement Sonic Youth and classic English punks respond to an email request for comment Human Rights Subcommittee Saturday that PBS did not know of the the Buzzcocks held signings at the New Saturday. The award-winning actor and hearing in Washington. —AP exchanges between Gates, Sony and York branch of Rough Trade, which also filmmaker (“Good Will Hunting” and “Argo”) Affleck and wasn’t part of editorial decisions put on artist events at its original British has also organized humanitarian work in dentially, for the first time, one of our guests made by Gates and his producers. “It is clear locations and in Paris. Vinyl-only store Africa. The email chain between Gates and has asked us to edit out something about from the exchange how seriously Professor In Living Stereo, which opened several Sony Pictures co-chairman and chief execu- one of his ancestors-the fact that he owned Gates takes editorial integrity,” PBS said in years ago in Manhattan’s stylish Noho tive Michael Lynton was part of a trove of slaves. Now, four or five of our guests this the statement posted on its website. —AP neighborhood, welcomed shoppers hundreds of thousands of emails and docu- season descend from slave owners, includ- with free cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and live bands as special editions sold quickly. “We are selling everything. This is bigger than any other year,” said Mark Hamill said he was ‘suspicious’ of JJ Abrams co-manager David McDaniel. ark Hamill knew he had to say yes when George Lucas told Hamill admitted he was caught off guard when Lucas invited Major growth, but still niche him about the plans to move forward with a new “Star Wars” him to lunch. When Hamill’s wife surmised that perhaps there was a Led by impassioned audiophiles trilogy. “It’s not like a choice. It’s like I was drafted,” Hamill new film in the works, Hamill laughed. Lucas had told him specifi- rather than casual listeners, vinyl- M declared dead by many after the told a massive crowd Saturday night at Star Wars celebration of his cally that he was done making “Star Wars” movies after the pre- decision to reprise his role as Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars: The quels. He assumed Lucas was going to announce a 3-D release or advent of CDs and digital music-has Force Awakens.” “Could you imagine if for some reason I said ‘I don’t roll out another box set of the films, laughing about the number of soared in recent years in Western coun- think I want to do it?’ I would have all of you surrounding my house versions that have been made available. Still, his interest was tries and Japan. The United States is by like villagers, angry villagers with lightsabers instead of torches,” piqued when Lucas disinvited Hamill’s daughter. He knew that far the largest vinyl market and saw 9.2 Ian Frances browses through records at the shop In Living Stereo in joked the 63-year-old “Star Wars” veteran. meant it must be big. —AP million records sold last year, up 260 New YorK. lifestyle MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Fashion ‘Gone with the Wind’ dress

fetches $137,000 at auction An outfit worn in sev- eral scenes of the 1939 film ‘Gone With the he gray and black dress worn by Vivien Leigh when by Margaret Mitchell that was then made into the multi- picnic at the start of the film fetched $52,500 and one of Wind’ by Vivien Leigh she played Scarlett O’Hara in the 1939 movie clas- ple Academy Awards winning movie. O’Hara’s dress was her blouses went for $32,500. Among the other items on as she played Scarlett Tsic “Gone with the Wind” has been sold at auction part of an extensive collection of memorabilia from the sale were a gray suit worn by the character Rhett Butler, O’Hara. — AP for $137,000. According to Heritage Auctions in Beverly film gathered by James Tumblin, a former makeup artist played by Clark Gable, which fetched $55,000.-AFP Hills, California the embroidered dress went for more from Universal studios. than double its starting price of $60,000 on Saturday. In all, about 150 items were up for auction. The straw “Gone with the Wind” is a 1936 Civil War-era epic novel hat with green ribbons worn by O’Hara on the day of a

Models walk the runway wearing Houghton Bridal Spring/Summer 2016 at Industria Superstudio.

Models walk the runway at Oscar De La Renta Bridal Spring/Summer 2016 Runway Show at Oscar de la Renta Boutique in New York City. — AP/AFP photos Bridal Spring/Summer 2016 Runway Show lifestyle MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Features

Cambodian artists during a circus performance. A Cambodian artist doing a balancing act. Circus troupe captures Cambodia’s contorted history

alancing on her hands, a young contortionist throws her the 15th Century, with acrobatic performances etched into legs over her head and slowly draws back a bow with her carvings on the walls of temples at Siem Reap. Civil war and the Btoes, before loosing off an arrow into a balloon covered Khmer Rouge destroyed the art and today performers like by a black shroud. The balloon bursts and the audience erupts Phunam are determined to revive it. “The circus changed my into applause in recognition of the artistry of the feat, but also life... I can do difficult things that normal people cannot do,” said at the symbolic puncturing of the terrors of the murderous the contortionist, adding it was not only her livelihood but a Khmer Rouge era that eviscerated Cambodia in the late 1970s. medium to help her understand her own country. Pin Phunam, 23, who plays the title role in the circus show Nearly 170 kilometers away at Phare’s circus school in “Sokha”, says every movement aims to tell the story of a period Battambang, where Phunam first started her journey, dozens of of recent history she did not live through, but that hangs over aspiring young artists are beginning their own. Perfecting som- her country. An estimated two million Cambodians died under ersaults or balancing their entire body weight on one hand, a the Khmer Rouge between 1975-1979. “People don’t talk about new cohort are practicing mind-boggling tricks they hope will the Khmer Rouge, I don’t know why. Maybe it is too painful,” change their lives. “I came here because I want to become a Phunam says before the show, which explores the country’s professional circus artist,” said 17-year-old orphan Phat Sreyleak. bloody past using a group of jugglers, acrobats and contortion- “I want to perform abroad... I want to show foreigners my tal- ists in the northwestern tourist town of Siem Reap. ent,” she said before returning to her trapeze. — AFP On April 17 the nation marked the 40th anniversary of the triumphant march of communist soldiers into the Cambodian capital, ending a bloody civil war with a US-backed general. But the date also signaled the start of a hardline rule that turned Cambodian artists the nation into a workhouse where starvation, murder and posing with for- overwork killed a quarter of the population. While the perform- eign tourists fol- ers from the circus troupe were born long after the regime fell, lowing a circus they have mesmerized audiences with their recreation of that performance. period since first staging Sokha two years ago. “Even though we don’t have any experience of the Khmer Rouge regime, we can tell the story through our artistic skills,” Phunam told AFP.

From poverty to big top Instead, like many of the artists from the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus School, she draws on difficult experiences of her own. Phunam was born to a poor family in western Battambang province and spent her childhood scavenging for junk to sell. “I had a drunken and violent father... I saw my father fighting with my mum every night after he came back from drinking and gambling with friends,” she said. Then, when she was just seven, Phunam joined the nearby Phare Ponleu Selpak school run by former Cambodian refugees to help disadvan- taged local youngsters through art. It was there she discovered her passion for contortion and the expert help to hone her extraordinary skill. A free public school founded after the art centre now teaches 1,200 pupils. Just under half of them attend the specialist music, art, theatre and circus schools providing rare opportunities to children from poor families in one of Southeast Asia’s least developed coun- tries. In 2013 Phare opened a circus in the tourist hub of Siem Reap, home to Cambodia’s famed Angkor temple complex, to give its graduates a global stage. “We decided to open this Big Top (circus tent) as a professional venue for the artists who graduated from Battambang to earn a living,” said circus opera- tion manager Xavier Gobin.

‘Circus changed my life’ Gobin, a former ballet dancer from France who moved to Cambodia eight years ago, has also taken the troupe on tour around the world from Japan to Italy. Tackling “social issues or themes profound in Cambodian society” lies at the heart of their shows, he said. Circus performance in Cambodia dates back to the Angkorian period, which lasted from the ninth to A Cambodian artist drawing a bow and arrow using her feet. Cambodian artists doing a balancing act.—AP photos NY woman tackles pothole problem by planting pansies there

n upstate New York woman has taken she drove past on her way to work, most of on the post-winter pothole problem in the holes had been patched over with black- Aher hometown by filling in the eye- top, she said. “I knew something would hap- sores with pansies. After months of severe pen to them,” she said. “Either people would weather left the streets of Schenectady take the flowers or they would be filled in.” pocked with pavement craters and city public Santore, the director of a local not-for-profit works crews scrambling to fix them, some organization that helps retirees remain in residents began filling in the holes them- their homes, said she wanted to do some- selves. Elaine Santore decided to take it a step thing different to address her city’s annual Italian chef Paolo Sari cooking.— AFP photos Sari, the only Michelin star awarded chef in France which prepares a 100% further by dumping dirt and pansies into pot- pothole problem, one that has been particu- organic food. holes on two streets. She told The Daily larly widespread thanks to a harsh winter. Gazette of Schenectady that she decided to “The winter was so hard on everybody and so plant the flowers to make a statement about depressing,” she said. “I wanted to do some- the problem and to make people smile after thing creative to solve a problem we have Michelin-starred chef takes what she called “a horrible winter.” every year and bring a smile to people’s Of the 10 holes she filled with flowers over faces.” — AP three days starting Monday, Santore told The Associated Press on Friday that she believed organic quality to ‘fanatic’ extremes all have now been fixed by city crews. When rance has many restaurants claiming the “bio” then adds his own “little touches”. Three years of of land in San Remo, a town just over the Italian label, but only one to earn a star in the fabled that approach earned Elsa-which is part of a resort border 20 kilometers away. FMichelin Guide: Elsa, a Riviera eatery run by called Monte-Carlo Beach its Michelin star last year. Sari, 45, said his experience working in restau- an Italian chef, Paolo Sari. Sari boasts he takes the rants in Japan, South Korea, China, Switzerland, credo to such lengths that his 40-seat restaurant Higher prices London, New York, Los Angeles, Moscow and barely outside Monaco’s border is “the only certi- Maintaining the all-bio standards, though, does- Venice gave him a broad range of influences, but fied 100-percent bio establishment in the world”. n’t come cheap. Supplier costs are 20 percent high- he preferred an Asian “simplicity” in the presenta- Certainly he is inflexible in ensuring his er than for food coming from traditional sources tion of his dishes. Among his fare is an entree of Mediterranean cuisine, mixing French and Italian using industrial techniques. “In the beginning, it green asparagus with generous slices of black truf- recipes, is entirely organic and sourced from local was expensive. Scarcity makes for expense,” said fle on a bed of potatoes. There is also a risotto and near-local producers. Daniele Gercelon, the director of Monte-Carlo made golden with saffron and a touch of bone That means his asparagus comes from a village Beach. “Then we expanded the range of suppliers marrow, and roast lamb ribs coated with acacia in Provence, his saffron from a mountaintop village for greater reliability, choice and volume.” Now, she honey and accompanied by knob celery. near Nice, and seafood direct from fishermen. His added, she is looking to implement the bio The drink, naturally, is all bio as well, with nearly almonds come from Sicily and go to make a diabol- approach to the other eateries at the resort, which 100 choices to match the meals. Diners have a ically delicious souffle. Beef, though, is one ingredi- is part of a bigger, Monaco-based group managing choice of desserts: a tarte tatin/creme brulee ent that doesn’t feature on his menu because there several restaurants and hotels. fusion, mini is no organic cattle farm nearby. “Each ingredient, The winter closure of the Elsa restaurant crepes Suzette with caramelized pears, or- each supplier, even each transporter needs to have between October and March means Sari only France and Italy united-a Saint-Honore puff pastry a certification,” Sari told AFP. needs to find fresh seasonal produce in the warmer cake married with tiramisu. — AFP Organization is key, with records provided on months, when it is at its most abundant. He also every menu and the percentage of dishes sold, has access to a three-hectare small, private farm in “because an inspector could come to check at any Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the French village where moment”. “I let the ingredients be the star, after a the restaurant is located which butts up against Elaine Santore fills a pothole in the middle of North Center St with pansies in fanatic search for good products,” the chef said. He Monaco. It also relies on another two-hectare plot Schenectady. — AP photos Circus troupe captures Cambodia’s 39contorted history MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

A woman takes a photo of a garden of tulips during the first day of a tulip festival in Binzhou city in eastern China’s Shandong Province. — AP Climbing high in the occupied West Bank

ripping tightly with her hands, her feet searching for a foothold, Salwa Khashan edges along a sheer rock face Gin the Israeli-occupied West Bank, urged on by friends below. She and her fellow climbers are the first group of Palestinians to win climbing certificates after graduating from a three-day “Wadi Climbing” course just north of Ramallah. “It taught me a lot,” said Khashan, who lives in Arab-dominated east Jerusalem, which Israel occupied with the rest of the West Bank in 1967. “I learned to push myself and to use my mental strength to find the way up, to deal with the physical pain and push myself to the top,” she said. For the 23-year-old and her small group of fellow climbers it has been a voyage of discovery thanks to two young Americans with a love of climbing and a determination to share their pas- sion with others. Will Harris of Chicago and Tim Bruns from Connecticut, both 23, travelled to the West Bank with one objective in mind. “Tim and I came to Palestine to develop a climbing community here,” Harris said.

the basics of knot tying, repelling and belaying, a key safety donors they are seeking to make it accessible to all, charging 60 technique by which a person on the ground is linked to the shekels ($15/14 euros) for a day’s instruction - including shoe climber by rope and can support his or her weight in the event hire. of a fall. But the bolting-installing the metal pins into rock faces Rami Zughayer, 27, from east Jerusalem, said he heard about so that ropes can be attached to them-is only done by the train- the project from his sister, who had done the course. “The first ers. “It’s really scary,” admitted 22-year-old Omar Abu-Arra who time she went, I thought it was just another stupid activity,” he comes from Jenin, a town in the northern West Bank. “But you said. “Then I saw photos of her climbing a cliff 15 or 20 meters force yourself to do something you have never done before, high and I told her: next time I’m coming too!”— AFP especially in this country.”

“We were exploring a lot of Palestine and saw a huge poten- A sport for all tial for outdoor climbing,” he said. They started off by doing a Finding locations to climb in the West Bank brings its own few test climbs with friends in the Ramallah area. After that, challenges. “Bolting in Palestine is kind of tough because you they organized several short excursions for Palestinians and for- are confined to certain areas,” Bruns said. “So we wanted to eigners living in the area, and then decided to launch their develop new areas that are accessible for Palestinians because “Wadi Climbing” project. They now work in two outdoor climb- you have to take into account kind of access and where (the ing areas near Ramallah and are developing the first Palestinian Jewish) settlements are and where Israel parks are,” he said, indoor climbing and fitness facility. referring to nature reserves where bolting is forbidden. Eventually, the Wadi Climbing project established two A climber’s high places for itself, one in Ain Qiniya and one in Yabrud, which are For Nadine Abu-Rmeileh, another 23-year-old from east in an area of the West Bank under Palestinian civil control and Jerusalem, it was her first time climbing and it affected her Israeli security control. What motivated them to travel to the deeply. “I can’t describe the feeling you have when you reach West Bank and set up the project was a glaring shortage of the top,” she said. “You feel a great sense of achievement. At first accessible leisure activities in the Palestinian territories. “We when I saw the cliff, I thought it would be impossible to climb it. were shocked and saddened by the lack of recreational oppor- But then when I raised my foot and I started to climb, I found tunities,” Bruns said. myself at the top.” Under scudding clouds on an unseasonably The two teach the course largely in English but with a smat- cold and damp Friday morning, the group of 12 gathered at the tering of Arabic which they learned in Jordan where they also foot of the rock face and separated into three teams according spent some time climbing. It was there they found that high to ability: beginners, intermediate and those taking a test. costs had made rock-climbing a sport for a small clique of the Beginners are given specialist shoes after which they learn rich. In the West Bank, they are hoping to broaden the sport’s appeal. With the backing of US, Palestinian and other private

A group of Palestinians climb during a three-day ‘Wadi Climbing’ course in the West Bank village of Yabrud, just north of Ramallah. — AFP photos