attended theinaugurations.—PhotosbyYasserAl-Zayyat largest jewellerychains,openedthreeshowroomsinRai,Maliya andFahaheelyesterday.(Right)TelugustarNagarjuna,Tamilac KUWAIT: (Left)IndianBollywoodsuperstarAmitabhBachchan wavestothecrowdduringopeningofaKalyanJewellersstorein 28), whenallexemptedtransactionswould exemption wouldtakeeffecttomorrow(Dec torate MajGenAnwarAl-Barjas,saidthe director ofthecitizenservicecenters’direc- port informationoninteriorministrysystems. fines leviedforfailingtoupdatetheirpass- holding article22residencyvisasfromthe and citizens’expatriatespouseschildren tic workersholdingarticle20residencyvisas issued adirectiveexemptingcitizens’domes- KUWAIT: co-op societies claim theftat Bitter shoppers racies andthat’s whywehavedecidedtobanit.” gives aZionistview ofhistoryandcontainshistorical inaccu- historical facts,”Asfoursaid.“It isaZionistfilm,”hesaid.“It the Jewsbuiltpyramids”.“This totallycontradictsproven with mistakes,includinganapparent claimthat“Mosesand Gaber AsfourtoldAFPRidley Scott’sblockbusterwasrife ing theRedSeatoletthemcross safely.CultureMinister flee persecutioninEgyptunder thePharaohRamsesbypart- Morocco. Thefilmrelateshow Moses (PBUH)helpedIsraelites culture ministersaidyesterday,adayaftersimilarmoveby “Exodus: GodsandKings”citinghistoricalinaccuracies,the CAIRO: The directive,issuedandsignedbythe SUBSCRIPTION Egy Egypt hasbannedtheHollywoodbiblicalepicmovie The interiorministeryesterday 2 150 Fils AUDY EEBR2,21 AIAAWL5 46A No:16385 SATURDAY, 1436 AH RABI DECEMBER27,2014 ALAWWAL 5, maids exemptfromfines Kuwaitis’ spouses,kids, pt axes Egyptian whohitembassyclerktobedeported as aclerkattheircountry’sembassyon Egyptian whoattackedacompatriotworking trative deportationmeasuresagainstan said securityauthoritiesaretakingadminis- zenships. Kuwaiti womenholdingarticle1,5and7citi- ed includethechildrenandhusbandsof cle 22dependantvisaholderstobeexempt- directorate. Thedirectiveexplainedthatarti- ters withouthavingtosendthemthe be immediatelyprocessedattheservicecen- Meanwhile, theInteriorMinistryyesterday ‘E xodus’ fi 10 yearson tsunami dead Asia mourns ing beenapproved bythestate-runMoroccan Cinema miracle. in themovieasa“tidalphenomenon” ratherthanadivine Furthermore, hesaid,theparting oftheRedSeaisexplained seen holdinga“sword”like warrior,insteadofa“stick”. prophet reveredbyJews,Christians andMuslimsalike-is showing thepartingofRed SeainwhichMoses-a fessors, saidAsfour.Afifi hetookissuewiththescene the headofcensorshipcommitteeandtwohistorypro- head ofthesupremecouncilforculture,MohammedAfifi, Morocco hasalso bannedthefilm,despiteit already hav- The banwasdecidedbyacommitteecomprisingthe 7 ment saidinapressstatement. right, theministry’ssecuritymediadepart- istrative deportationdecisionasapublic measures againstthesuspectwithanadmin- security bodiesaretakingdeterrentlegal prosecute theattacker,interiorministry’s rules accordingtotherelevantlaw. they werefoundinviolationofresidency the embassytorenewtheirpassportsafter Thursday. ScoresofEgyptianshadthronged The decisionhasbeentakenaspartofthe Although theclerkwaivedrightto l m, c itin edly unconventional portrayalofNoah(PBUH). —AFP where someChristian institutionscriticizedCrowe’s report- prophet. Thefilmtriggeredcontroversy intheUnitedStates, Russell Crowe,sayingitviolated Islambyportrayinga screening of“Noah”,anotherHollywood biblicalepicstarring I didnottakethefilmoffschedule,” Belkadysaid. phoned andthreatenedtheywould shutdownthetheatreif with theclosureofhisbusiness ifheignoredtheban.“They told media24newswebsitethathehadbeenthreatened agers. HassanBelkady,whorunsCinemaRifinCasablanca, Centre, mediareportedonThursday,quotingtheatreman- Christmas blues give WestHam Slick Chelsea 48 In March,Al-Azhar,Egypt’stop Islamicbody,bannedthe tor PrabhuandMalayalamactressManjuWarrieralso g KuwaitCityyesterday.Kalyan,oneofIndia’s mistakes any reasonorpretext.—Agencies neglecting instructionsbysecuritybodiesfor order regardingdiplomaticmissionsor any violationagainstthelawandpublic The ministrystressedthatitwillnottolerate proper conduct,thestatementemphasized. confirming commitmenttopublicorderand or anyotherdiplomaticpremises,aswell transgression againstembassies,consulates ed. Italsoaimsatdeterringanypotential tecting diplomaticpremisesinKuwait,itnot- ministry’s domainofbeinginchargepro- Max Min 22º 05º LOCAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Bitter shoppers claim theft at co-op societies Workers’ honesty questioned over missing items

By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: Co-operative society workers are allegedly stealing food products, clothes and a lot of other items daily from dis- tracted shoppers. Many people have noticed that after returning home after shopping at co-ops, some items that are on the receipt are missing from the bags. Some women have children to take care of, and do not pay attention to where the bagger puts the things they bought. They also get in the car and wait for the worker to load the bags in the trunk. Small bags and shopping carts full of groceries are exploit- ed by thieves to distract people to steal stuff without notic- ing. “Items on the lower part of a shopping cart are easy to forget about, and that is what happened to me when I searched for the vegetable boxes I had bought,” said Lina Yousef, a housewife. “I cannot count how many times this has happened to me. Once when I got home I noticed that a laptop stand that I had just bought was missing, so I went back asking for it. But the manager said the receipt showed that I took it. I told him I did not, but he did not believe me, and did not even bother to check the cameras,” said Hiba Ismael, also a housewife.

Cashiers too With a loud voice and anger on her face, another shopper claimed she has repeatedly suffered from workers of co-oper- ative societies, specially the cashiers. “I always want to check KUWAIT: A worker puts groceries inside the trunk of a customer’s car at a local co-op society’s parking lot. my receipt and my money when they give it to me, but I feel — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat shy to do so in front of people,” said Abeer Bseso, a single woman living alone in Kuwait. Bseso noted that people should always count the change. “With KD 40, the only amount that was left from my salary, I went as usual to buy KPC new 5-year plan groceries that cost me KD 22, but the change I got was KD 8 instead of 18”. Um Mohammad, a housewife with four children, con- offers 7,851 jobs curred. She said she has been in the same situation when the cashier tripled the price of the meat she bought, and she once saw a worker hiding small, expensive items under the bags behind the cashier. PIC sign aromatics plant deal KUWAIT: Kuwait Petroleum affect the employment process in the tors of the Corporation. Co-ops history Corporation’s (KPC) five-year plan sector. On her part, Ibtihaj Al-Fawzan, Cooperative societies are considered among the most (2015-2020) envisages creating 7,851 KPC human resource strategy advisor Aromatics plant important economic establishments in Kuwait. They encom- new jobs at the Corporation and its sub- and director of worker affairs, said the Separately, Petrochemical Industries pass 70 percent of the retail trade in the country. At the same sidiaries, the KPC announced on Corporation adopted 11 initiatives for Company (PIC), a KPC subsidiary, said time, they play an important social and political role. Thursday. human resources. “The training pro- Thursday it signed a deal with Bahrain’s Cooperative societies in Kuwait look very much like modern These include 3,743 jobs for new grams constitute the main part of the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) commercial complexes. Kuwaiti graduates and 4,108 for experi- KPC strategy for human resources to partner in launching a plant for aro- The first attempts of consumer cooperation in Kuwait enced Kuwaitis and foreigners, Ahmad development which targets the best matics. The deal, signed by PIC’s Deputy started at Mubarakiya School in 1941 by establishing the Al-Hamad, KPC Deputy Managing possible performance of the workers at CEO for Aromatics Hadi Abul, provides school’s cooperative society. Some other cooperative soci- Director for Administrative Affairs, said the KPC and its all subsidiaries,” she not- for developing the feasibility study of, eties followed in some governmental entities in 1955 like the at a press conference on “KPC strategy ed. Fawzan added that the training pro- and operating, the plant to be launched cooperative society of the social affairs department and the for human resources.” grams are supervised by a higher com- in the Kingdom of Bahrain, according to education department. Those cooperatives were subject to “The current fiscal year, ending on mittee made up of the managing direc- a PIC statement. — KUNA the law of social organizations and clubs due to the non-exis- March 31, 2015, saw the employment of tence of a law for cooperatives at that time. Organized con- 650 workers, thus taking the total num- sumer cooperatives started only with the issuance of the law ber of new jobs in the current five-year No. 20 of 1962, which handled their establishment, member- plan to 1,140,” Hamad revealed. “The ship, management, control, dissolution and liquidation. total number of workers in the oil sector exceeded 19,000 and will rise further to 26,000 by in the last year of the new Foreign Ministry five-year plan (2019-2020),” he pointed out. Hamad noted that the national condemns former workforce represents 80 percent, adding that the employment and MP’s UAE comments appointments are bound to clear-cut criterions and conditions in order to KUWAIT: The Foreign Ministry denounced the recent com- ensure transparency. KPC has set mech- ments regarding the sisterly UAE and its leaders by former anisms for the development of its member of parliament Mubarak Al-Dowailah. human resources and building their The Ministry has begun contacting the Public Prosecution capacity through training programs to take a legal action on the issue, a source from the Ministry with a view to ensuring handing down told KUNA. experience from retiring veterans to the The source added that such action comes in the wake of new employees, he went on. the communications received by here from the UAE officials Hamad affirmed that the oil sector who expressed dismay and condemnation over the com- remains to be worker-attractive, noting ments made during a television interview with Dowailah. that rate of dropouts from the sector is On behalf of the State of Kuwait, the source reaffirmed very low when compared to other sec- denunciation of the comments and stressed commitment to tors. He ruled out the possibility that KUWAIT: PIC’s Deputy CEO for Aromatics Hadi Abul signs the deal with NOGA’s the fraternal and historical ties with UAE. — KUNA the recent decline in the oil prices could official. —KUNA Photo

LOCAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27 , 2014

Remains of one of the cars involved in the fatal crash One of the burned vehicles. The burning ferry. Motorist killed in 5-car pileup

By Hanan Al-Saadoun Vehicles burned Ferry blaze Farwaniya firemen were dispatched A fire broke out in an old unused KUWAIT: A citizen died and 6 others to deal with fire in four vehicles in ferry boat at Doha beach, said secu- were seriously injured when five vehi- Khaitan, which they managed to control rity sources, noting that the fire cles collided on the Seventh Ring Road, without any casualties, said security was so huge that four firefighting said security sources, noting that fire- sources, noting that an hour later, teams from Doha, Sulaibikhat, back- fighters and rescue forces from Mubarak another fire broke out in a fifth vehicle. up and Capital rushed to the scene, Al-Kabeer rushed to the scene and had Initial investigations suggest arson. where it took them three hours to to use heavy machinery to free the Further investigations are in progress to control the fire. No casualties were injured from their vehicles’ wreckage. identify the suspects. reported. Crime Report Frenchman arrested for fraud

KUWAIT: A French citizen was arrested for fraud, said secu- rity sources, noting that the suspect had convinced some citizens of his capability of turning blank white paper into Kuwaiti currency notes by using special chemicals, and he had collected thousands of dinars from his victims to do so.

‘Israel’ graffiti State security detectives are hunting an unidenti- fied graffitist who wrote ‘Israel...My Home Country’ on a pedestrian bridge near the Amiri Diwan, said security sources.

Drug possession An Egyptian man was arrested with 1,000 Tramadol pills, said security sources, noting that after being tipped about the suspect’s activity, an undercover agent was sent to make a deal with him and he was arrested red-handed.

Siblings assaulted A Syrian man and his sister reported that two Iranian lumber salesmen assaulted them at the Amghara scrap yard when they argued about some lumber they wanted to buy. A case was filed and the Upon direct instructions from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammed Al-Khaled and his suspects are being summoned for further investiga- undersecretary Lt Gen Suleiman Al-Fahd, traffic police intensified their inspection campaigns of violators parking in tions. spaces allocated for people with special needs all over the country, said security sources, noting that violators may face withdrawal of their driving license, vehicle impoundment and fines. — By Hanan Al-Saadoun Family feud Three citizens were arrested for assaulting their brother- in-law in Qurain, said security sources. The alleged Baby formula pulled for assailants said their sister’s husband was beating her and had taken a bank loan in her name without paying it back. possible contamination A case was filed and further investigations are in progress. Falcons smuggling foiled Doha customs inspectors prevented smuggling of KUWAIT: High-ranking sources at the ria. The sources added that the decision examine samples of the product to rare falcons worth around KD 100,000 into Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry said was made after the Saudi consumer pro- make the right decision and in case the by an Iranian. The suspect claimed he brought the that the ministry will withdraw a certain tection department pulled the same bacteria is actually found, the product birds to be sent to UAE through Kuwait for an brand of baby formula off the shelves product after detecting bacteria harmful would be completely removed off Emirati merchant. A case was filed and the birds because of the possibility of being con- to babies’ health in it. The sources said shelves and from the subsidized sup- were confiscated. taminated with a harmful type of bacte- the Health Ministry was contacted to plies given to citizens. — Al-Anbaa

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Family’s despair for Trial opens of Ivorian Struggling Croatia to Pakistan’s Siddiqui 8 ‘Iron Lady’ Gbagbo 9 elect new president 10

Acehnese women pray in an abandoned house, damaged by the Indian Ocean tsunami and turned into a monument, during a prayer commemorating the 10th anniversary of the disaster in Banda Aceh in Indonesia yesterday. (Inset) Candles on a sand sculpture are seen during commemorations of the 2004 tsunami at Patong beach in Thailandís Phuket province yesterday. — AFP Asia mourns tsunami dead Candles, prayers and tears on 10th anniversary

KHAO LAK, Thailand: Tearful mourners lit candles who lost her boyfriend on a nearby beach. “I had ing system was established, made up of a network rose and received help in an extraordinary way,” he yesterday to remember the 220,000 people who my back to the ocean. My boyfriend called me... the of sea gauges, buoys and seismic monitors, while said, hailing the outpouring of aid from local and died a decade ago when tsunami waves devastat- only thing I remember is his face. I knew I had to individual countries have invested heavily in disas- foreign donors. The disaster also ended a decades- ed coastal areas along the Indian Ocean, in one of run away, then the wave caught me,” the 45-year- ter preparedness. But experts have cautioned long separatist conflict in Aceh, with a peace deal the worst natural disasters in human history. On old told AFP. “I was pushed under water many against the perils of “disaster amnesia” creeping between rebels and Jakarta struck less than a year Dec 26, 2004 a 9.3-magnitude earthquake off times and thought it was the end,” she said. She into communities vulnerable to natural disasters. later. Mosques held prayers across the province, Indonesia’s western tip generated a series of mas- called for help, only to realise the people nearby The scale of the devastation in 2004 saw while people visited mass graves - the resting place sive waves that pummelled the coastline of 14 were already dead.”I managed to hold onto a tree nations initially struggle to mobilise a relief effort, of many of Indonesia’s tsunami dead. But a Red countries as far apart as Indonesia, Thailand, Sri branch,” she said. As the waves retreated, she was leaving bloated bodies to pile up under the tropical Cross display of hundreds of salvaged ID docu- Lanka and Somalia. Among the victims were thou- six metres (200 feet) off the ground. sun or in makeshift morgues. The world poured ments and bank cards served as grim reminder that sands of foreign tourists enjoying Christmas on the Nearby, 40-year-old Somjai Somboon was money and expertise into the relief and reconstruc- many victims simply vanished. region’s sun-kissed beaches, carrying the tragedy grieving for her two sons, who were ripped from tion, with more than $13.5 billion collected in the of an unprecedented natural disaster into homes their house when the waves cut into their fishing months after the disaster. Lives Needlessly Lost around the globe. village of Ban Nam Khem. “I remember them every Almost $7 billion in aid went into rebuilding In Sri Lanka, where 31,000 people perished, sur- In southern Thailand, where half of the 5,400 day,” she said, with tears in her eyes. “I will always more than 140,000 houses across Indonesia’s Aceh vivors and relatives gathered to remember around dead were holidaymakers, people recounted sto- miss my sons.” Among the international commem- province, where most of the nation’s 170,000 vic- 1,000 victims who died when waves derailed a pas- ries of horror and miraculous survival as the churn- orations, in Sweden, which lost 543 citizens to the tims were claimed. In the main city, Banda Aceh, senger train. ing waters, laden with the debris of eviscerated waves, the royal family and relatives of the victims several thousand mourners gathered in a park yes- The mourners boarded the restored Ocean bungalows, cars and boats, swept in without warn- attended a memorial service in Uppsala Cathedral terday for the nation’s official remembrance. It was Queen Express and headed to Peraliya - the exact ing, obliterating resorts and villages. A minute’s yesterday afternoon. near the epicentre of the massive undersea quake spot where it was ripped from the tracks, around silence in the resort of Khao Lak, much of which and bore the brunt of waves towering up to 35-m 90 km south of Colombo. The head train guard told was washed away by the towering waves, was bro- ‘Tears Fell, We Prayed’ high. “Thousands of corpses were sprawled in this AFP a lack of knowledge of tsunamis had led to ken by a lone trumpeter, as mourners each lit a sin- There was no warning of the impending tsuna- field,” Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla told the needless deaths. “We had about 15 minutes to gle white candle, some sobbing as they illuminated mi, giving little time for evacuation, despite the crowd, many among them weeping. move the passengers to safety. I could have done the darkness. hours-long gaps between the waves striking differ- “There were feelings of confusion, shock, sor- it. We had the time, but not the knowledge,” said Among them was a Swiss national, Katia Paulo, ent continents. In 2011 a pan-ocean tsunami warn- row, fear and suffering. We prayed. And then we 58-year-old Wanigaratne Karunatilleke. — AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Syria refugees suffer bitter Lebanon winter

AL-SAAYDEH CAMP, Lebanon: With just blankets to shield them against the icy wind and rain, Abu Ali’s family huddles in a flimsy tent in Lebanon - among the thousands of Syrian refugees struggling as winter sets in. Sixty-year-old Abu Ali is now relatively safe after fleeing the threat of Islamic State group jihadists in northern Syria’s Raqa province, but some of his 14 children are already coughing badly. They have taken shelter at an unofficial camp in Al- Saadiyeh, a village in the eastern Bekaa Valley home to tens of thousands of Syrian refugees inadequately equipped to cope with the cold. “This is our first winter here. We really didn’t expect it to be so cold,” said Abu Ali. “We have no sobia, noth- ing to heat us up,” he said, referring to a traditional Middle Eastern diesel or wood-powered stove that luckier refugee families have either received from humanitarian agencies, or bought with their savings. “All we have is blankets and God’s mercy,” said Abu Ali, wearing a red and white keffiyeh scarf on his head and a traditional camel-coloured Bedouin robe. KARACHI: In this photo taken on Nov 12, 2014, Fowzia Siddiqui, sister of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani scientist who is cur- ‘Cold and Sick’ rently serving a prison term in the US, gestures as she gives an interview in her home. — AFP His family’s tiny tent is made from sheets of white plastic and planks of wood, and only has straw mats as flooring. A single battery-powered lantern hangs in the tent, so to escape Family’s despair for the darkness, Abu Ali’s children brave the cold and rain and play outside. “I am cold all the time, but there is nothing I can do to keep myself warm, so we play anyway,” said 12-year-old Hammudi, whose striking green eyes glistened in the wind as Pakistan’s Siddiqui he wandered around in plastic sandals, his feet covered in mud. The United Nations says more than half of the 1.1 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon live in substandard housing. Abu Ali’s family is among the 17 percent in informal camps, mak- Aafia’s case very intriguing ing them especially vulnerable to the elements as winter takes KARACHI: From Algeria to Iraq to chemical weapons and New York’s upbringing in an elite family to suggest hold. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees says humani- Yemen, one name crops up again and Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State her life would pan out as it has. After a tarian agencies have provided 400,000 people with fuel again in the demands of Islamist Building. The Afghans handed her to childhood split between Pakistan and vouchers or cash for November and December, but that fund- hostage-takers: Aafia Siddiqui, the US forces who began questioning her. Zambia, the 18-year-old Siddiqui trav- ing shortfalls mean many refugees are left “in cold, adverse Pakistani scientist jailed in the United During her interrogation she grabbed a elled to Texas, where her brother lived, conditions”. States for attacking American soldiers rifle and opened fire, according to wit- before studying at Boston’s prestigious In Jabaa, another unofficial camp in the Bekaa, the wind in Afghanistan. Militant groups from Al- nesses, at US agents while screaming MIT and doing a PhD in neuroscience at beats down from the hills as Umm Ali, who is in her sixth Qaeda and its offshoots to the Islamic “Death to America” and “I want to kill Brandeis University. In the 1990s, her month of pregnancy, steps out of her tent. With her stomach State (IS) have sought the 42-year-old’s Americans”. The soldiers escaped family arranged a marriage for her with bulging from her traditional dress, she ignores the rain as she release in exchange for captives, most unhurt, but she was injured. Amjad Khan, a Karachi doctor who hangs up clothes to dry. “What can I do? It’s raining all the recently the US journalist James Foley, From Afghanistan, Siddiqui was put joined her in the US. Between her stud- time. We have to keep on living,” said Umm Ali, who is from beheaded by IS in August. on trial in the US and sentenced in ies, she devoted herself to charities and Aleppo province in northern Syria. In an interview with AFP in the 2010 to 86 years for attempted murder distributing Qurans at her university. Back in her tent, she and her family sit around the sobia. sprawling, violent Pakistani port - and not for any Al-Qaeda links. Much From 2001, the couple appeared on But Umm Ali has a cough, like several of her 11 children, who metropolis of Karachi, Siddiqui’s family about the case remains unclear - where the FBI radar for donations to Islamic sneeze as they try to stay warm. While they have a sobia, they protested her innocence and despaired was Siddiqui between her disappear- don’t have the money to buy diesel fuel or wood. Instead, organisations and the purchase in the at the horrors associated with her ance in 2003 and reappearance in four-year-old Khaled puts pieces of paper on the fire to keep it husband’s name of $10,000 worth of name. Siddiqui’s story, one of the most 2008? Even the US trial judge Richard going. nightvision goggles, books on warfare intriguing of the “war on terror” era, Berman acknowledged in his verdict and other equipment. The following began in March 2003 when Al-Qaeda that it had “never definitely been estab- ‘Can’t Afford Fuel’ year they returned to Pakistan and number three and alleged main 9/11 lished why Dr Siddiqui and her son “The kids are sick all the time, but none of them go to Aafia asked for a divorce. American offi- architect Khalid Sheikh Mohammed were in Afghanistan”. school, so I can’t stop them from playing outside,” said Umm cials suspect she has remarried Ammar was arrested in Karachi. Her supporters claim she was the Ali, her hair covered by a brightly-coloured scarf. She has only Al-Baluchi, KSM’s nephew, though her Mohammed, often referred to by his victim of a secret Pakistan-US plot. been to the doctor once during her pregnancy, because she family deny this. Some US officials cannot afford healthcare. “When little Doaa (aged two) got initials KSM, was handed to the According to her family, Siddiqui and believe Siddiqui was with Al-Qaeda sick, we spent $66 on medicine,” Umm Ali said. According to Americans and transferred to her three children - Ahmed, Mariam since her time in America and spent Maysam Mohammad of the British-based charity Oxfam, a Guantanamo Bay, where he was repeat- and little Suleiman, then six months old 2003-2008 in Afghanistan with the fam- and today dead - were about to leave pregnant Syrian woman lost her child last year after a major edly waterboarded and “rectally rehy- ily of Baluchi, who was arrested in 2003 drated” as part of interrogations, their house in the posh Gulshan-e-Iqbal storm struck the Bekaa area. —AFP and interned in Guantanamo. according to a Senate report on CIA district of Karachi for the airport when Her family deny this, while General torture. Soon after his arrest, Siddiqui - they were apprehended by Pakistani Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s military suspected of Al-Qaeda links by the US - and US agents. “When Aafia left, couple disappeared along with her three chil- of hours or so later, there was a knock ruler at the time, said he would not dren in Karachi. The few US media at the door. My mom walked to the have handed a Pakistani over to the US. reports about the incident described gate and asked ‘who is it?’” Fowzia “Our views were clear: no Pakistani will her as the first woman to be suspected Siddiqui, Aafia’s sister told AFP. “He... ever be handed over to anyone - that of links to Osama bin Laden’s terror said something like: ‘If you say any- was our policy and we followed it very network - earning her the moniker thing or report this to the police, you strictly,” Musharraf told AFP. As the “Lady Al-Qaeda”. will have four dead bodies’.” “war on terror” winds its way through At her trial in New York in 2010 - her its second decade, Siddiqui risks going Plot Claims only public appearance since 2003 - she from “Lady Al-Qaeda” to “Lady Islamic Five years later she turned up in said she was detained for a “long time” State”, after the Foley episode. “If the Pakistan’s war-torn neighbour in a “secret prison” in Afghanistan. Her US isn’t doing anything about it, if the Afghanistan, where she was arrested by supporters said she was the “ghost pris- Pakistanis don’t do anything about it, local forces in the restive southeastern oner” in Bagram, serial number 650, but people like Daesh (the Islamic State) SAADIYEH, Lebanon: Syrian children who fled the violence province of Ghazni. According to US this is denied by the US. will exploit” the case, her sister says. “If in Syria’s northern Raqqa province play in the mud at an court papers, she was carrying two Aafia knew about this the way her unofficial refugee camp in this village in the eastern Bekaa kilos of sodium cyanide hidden in mois- ‘If Aafia Knew...’ name is being used, she would be dev- Valley in Lebanon on Dec 20, 2014. — AFP turiser bottles, along with plans for There was little in Siddiqui’s astated.” — AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Teen arrested for ‘insulting’ Erdogan freed

ANKARA: A Turkish court yesterday saying he had been detained “as if he ordered the release of a 16-year-old were an armed terrorist”. “He is only a high school pupil arrested for “insulting” boy, his place is in school and not the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, follow- prison,” Nazmiye Gok told the Hurriyet ing accusations his detention was the daily. His arrest came amid growing con- latest sign of the country veering to cerns about freedom of speech in authoritarianism. The boy, Mehmet Turkey under Erdogan following raids Emin Altunses, was released following a earlier this month on opposition media complaint by his lawyer over his arrest linked to the president’s top foe, exiled in the central city of Konya. He was met cleric Fethullah Gulen. by his parents as he left the main court- Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had house building in the city but defiantly supported the court’s original decision declared his political activism would to arrest the boy, saying: “Everyone continue, the CNN-Turk channel report- must respect the office of president ed.”There is no question of taking a step whoever he is.” Sezgin Tanrikulu, vice back from our path, we will continue president of the main opposition along this road,” he said as he was Republican People’s Party (CHP), wrote released. on Twitter that the release would do Altunses had delivered a speech on nothing to change “the miserable situa- Wednesday in Konya, a bastion of the tion in which our democracy finds ruling Islamic-rooted Justice and itself”. Development Party (AKP), where he KONYA, Turkey: Turkish boy Mehmet Emin Altunses (center) is seen at home The authorities are hugely sensitive accused Erdogan and the ruling party of with his parents and relatives yesterday in this central city after being released to allegations of corruption following corruption. The boy, who was arrested from prison. — AFP sensational claims against key govern- by police at school, during questioning insulting Erdogan and faces trial at a support. His legal team had also pointed ment members and Erdogan’s inner cir- denied links with a political party but date yet to be specified. He risks up to out that accusations against Erdogan cle that broke in December last year. confirmed he had made the statements four years in prison if convicted.The and his inner circle have been circulat- Four cabinet ministers resigned but in question. Altunses had accused boy’s lawyer, Baris Ispir, had submitted a ing for months on social media without Erdogan accused the US-based Gulen of Erdogan of being the “chief of theft, petition for his release to the court, any action being taken. concocting the graft scandal and bribery and corruption”. Despite his together with around 100 colleagues The boy’s mother, an unemployed spreading leaks in social media to top- release, he still remains accused of who came from Istanbul in a show of cook, expressed shock over the arrest, ple his government. —AFP Struggling Croatia to elect new president Election key test for political parties

ZAGREB: Croatia’s piano playing presi- dent Ivo Josipovic is tipped to lead the field when voters in the European Union’s newest member vote tomorrow, as the country struggles with severe economic crisis. Josipovic, a popular politician and ZAGREB: A photo taken on Dec 18, 2014 shows Croatian President former law professor who won office on Ivo Josipovic speaking during a pre-election rally. — AFP an anti-corruption ticket, famously played Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” when Croatia Croatia’s classical joined the EU in 2013 hoping membership would revive its flagging economy. A poll composer president released days before Sunday’s vote showed the centre-left incumbent backed seeks second term by 46.5 percent support, followed by con- servative candidate Kolinda Grabar- ZAGREB: Croatia’s atypical president, Social Democrat Ivo Kitarovic, with 34.9 percent. Josipovic, is running for re-election tomorrow with an emphasis Though the president has limited pow- on the more conventional promise of restoring economic health ers - running the country is primarily left to to the European Union’s newest member. Josipovic, a former law the government - the election is seen as a professor and classical music composer, was elected in January key test for Croatia’s political parties ahead 2010 to the largely ceremonial presidential post on vows to fight of parliamentary contests in late 2015. corruption and help Croatia attain EU membership. When his With the centre-left government blamed country finally became the 28th member of the bloc in 2013, for failing to revive the economy, Grabar- ZAGREB: A group of people wait at a bus stop in front of a campaign poster for Josipovic celebrated by performing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” in a Kitarovic’s opposition HDZ party is likely to the presidential candidate of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) Kolinda televised piano appearance. gain considerable backing. But with nei- Grabar Kitarovic in downtown Zagreb yesterday. — AFP The 57-year-old, who enjoys a squeaky-clean political reputa- ther of the two top candidates expected changes .... are the condition for imple- Adriatic nation of 4.2 million had expected tion, has consistently topped the three other contenders in the to win more than 50 percent, a run-off mentation of economic reforms. Without EU membership would stimulate growth, race in opinion polls. His main rival is Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic of round on January 11 is likely. reforming the state, administration and notably through the use of potential finan- the opposition conservative party, HDZ. However, with none of Josipovic - the third president of the judiciary there will be no economic recov- cial aid from Brussels. the candidates expected to win an outright majority in balloting former Yugoslav republic since independ- ery,” he said. But Croatia remains one of the bloc’s tomorrow, a run-off round on January 11 is anticipated. ence in 1991 - is a member of Croatia’s weakest economies after six years of reces- Josipovic is appealing to voters to maintain their trust in him Social Democrats (SDP), the main partner Extremely Poor Economy sion. Unemployment is close to 20 per- as he struggles to boost the country’s economy and implement in the ruling coalition. Critics say the soft- Though still personally popular, cent, half of the country’s youth are job- institutional reforms. “I based my first mandate on achieving two spoken 57-year-old intellectual doesn’t important goals: social justice and Croatia’s full-fledged member- Josipovic’s standing has dropped as the less and public debt is close to 80 percent ship in the European Union,” he said during campaigning, before clearly articulate his stance on major now widely unpopular SDP-led govern- of gross domestic product (GDP), which is turning to fresh challenges that must be addressed. “Without issues and failed to push the government ment of Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic overly dependent on tourism. The govern- reforming the state, the administration and the judiciary there will to seriously battle economic decline. But has struggled to revive the economy. “The ment has failed to address structural be no economic recovery,” he said. Josipovic has taken firmer stances on main burden for Josipovic is an extremely weakness by reforming the huge and inef- But critics say he failed to press the government to work hard- issues in the months ahead of the election, poor economic situation in the country, ficient public sector, improving the invest- er on reviving the economy, which is expected to flatline in 2015 pledging in particular to initiate pressing for which the SDP is responsible,” political ment climate and trying to attract EU after six years of recession. —AFP constitutional changes. “Constitutional analyst Zarko Puhovski told AFP. The small funds. —AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Trial opens of Ivorian ‘Iron Lady’ Gbagbo Biggest judicial challenge faced by govt

ABIDJAN: Ivory Coast’s former first lady Simone Gbagbo went on trial yesterday for “attempting to undermine the secu- rity of the state” in events leading to a bloody 2010-2011 crisis that left thou- sands dead. Gbagbo, who has been held for three years and is also wanted by an MAKEEVKA, Ukraine: A miner works at the Kalinovskaya- international court for crimes against Vostochnaya coalmine in this eastern Ukrainian city near humanity, entered the Abidjan court Donetsk on Dec 23, 2014. — AFP where she is standing trial with 82 oth- ers, to cheers and applause from the Deep under east public. The 65-year-old wife of ex-presi- dent Laurent Gbagbo wore a yellow silk dress and tressed hair as she faced the Ukraine, miners judge, while outside riot police were deployed and officers body-searched people entering the law courts. keep working The trial is viewed as the biggest judi- cial challenge faced by the post-crisis government of the west African nation. MAKIIVKA, Ukraine: After an hour-long trek down mine shafts Nicknamed the “Iron Lady”, Gbagbo is twisting some 700 m below ground level, Yevgeny Kachel lies on being tried for her role in events leading his stomach as he ploughs a drill into a seam of coal. A few minutes to months of post-election violence that ABIDJAN: Simone Gbagbo, Ivory Coastís former first lady, sits next to former crawl away, another sweat-drenched miner churns up clouds of left some 3,000 people dead and badly thick black dust with a jackhammer. Just as it has done since work Ivorian Prime Minister Gilbert Ake N’Gbo in the dock at the Court of Justice rattled the economy of the prosperous yesterday for the start of their trial. — AFP started here some 50 years ago, the second shift at the cocoa-producing nation. Violence broke Kalinovskaya-Vostochnaya mine in east Ukraine’s Makiivka is get- out in Ivory Coast in 2010 when Laurent northwest of the country since April Abidjan refusing her transfer to The ting into swing. “It is the most complicated period I’ve known,” says Gbagbo refused to cede power to his 2011 but was transferred to the eco- Hague on the grounds that it would Kachel, 32, his face blackened from dust. “But we still need coal, so rival Alassane Ouattara, who was nomic capital, Abidjan, on December 1 undermine the political reconciliation we’re continuing to work.” declared the winner of a presidential ahead of the trial. Among those seated process and that the country is perfectly The problem is not what’s happening down at the coal face, but poll. Laurent Gbagbo himself has been in the dock next to her, smiling for the equipped to stage a just trial. Ivory what’s taking place hundreds of metres above on the surface. held for three years in The Hague facing cameras, was Gbagbo’s last prime minis- Coast recently appealed an ICC demand There, Russian-backed separatists are cementing control of the area charges of crimes against humanity by ter Gilbert Ake N’Gbo and Affi to hand her over on the grounds that after eight months of brutal conflict with Ukrainian government the International Criminal Court (ICC). N’Guessan, head of the Ivorian Popular the authorities “were not taking tangi- forces that has left more than 4,700 people dead. “Sometimes, But Ivory Coast has repeatedly refused Front (FPI) party. ble, concrete and progressive steps down in the mine it can feel easier,” says a miner named Dmitry. As to hand his wife over to the ICC on the Proceedings Friday were expected to aimed at ascertaining whether Simone a state-run enterprise, the Kalinovskaya-Vostochnaya mine is in a same charge. The presidential couple be limited to jury selection, with hear- Gbagbo is criminally responsible” for tricky position. Before the pro-Moscow rebellion it was run by were arrested April 11, 2011 after five ings beginning in earnest on Jan 5. “This crimes against humanity. Ukraine and its coking coal was used to fuel state and private steel months of fierce fighting after a final trial has been rushed through to obtain “The procedure examined by the ICC factories around the region. Now, the rebels have declared that the push by French forces against their resi- five million euros pledged by the EU as in no way stops the national authorities mine is working not for Kiev but for their self-declared Donetsk dence. part of a programme to rehabilitate the from starting procedures,” ICC People’s Republic. In this traditional mining region, the rebels are Pictures at the time showed the Ivorian justice system,” one defence spokesman Fadi El-Abdallah said this now in charge of considerable deposits of coal. once-powerful wife, a leading political lawyer said. week. The ICC works on a complemen- figure accused of links with anti- tarity basis to national courts of its Work Without Pay Ouattara “death squads”, haggard, fear- I Coast Refuses ICC Trial member states. It will only step in if For the miners, the instability has meant they’ve gone without ful and unkempt, her usually stylish hair Simone Gbagbo’s fate has been at countries themselves are unable or pay for long stretches - and when money has been handed over, it’s a mess. Simone Gbagbo had been held the centre of intense negotiations unwilling to put suspected perpetrators been only a portion of what’s due. “We didn’t receive our salaries for under house arrest in Odienne in the between Ivory Coast and the ICC, with on trial. — AFP months,” says veteran Vladimir Govrilenko. Even when they do get their pay, it’s difficult for the workers to access it because the bank- ing system is shut down in rebel-held areas. “They say we’ve just Ukraine, rebels try to revive peace talks received some of our pay for October, but I haven’t been able to check yet,” Govrilenko says. Despite the hardships, however, the KIEV: Ukrainian and pro-Russian rebel leaders tried yester- The talks were meant to reinforce two September deals mine has only shut down for a few days when fighting got too close. day to revive peace talks that stalled after just one round that aimed both to end one of Europe’s bloodiest conflicts in The majority of miners have continued showing up for work. Shift due to stark difference over how to end the eight-month decades and to preserve Ukraine as a single nation in which leader Sergei Grishanov says about 30 of the roughly 120 miners separatist war. A tense meeting mediated by European and Russian-border regions enjoyed more self-control. Yet little from this sector have signed up to fight for the rebels, but most of Russian envoys in the Belarussian capital Minsk on of what was agreed nearly four months ago has been the others are still reporting for work. “I think everyone has to want Wednesday was due to have been followed by a final one on achieved. The heavily-Russified industrial regions of Lugansk to do what they are best at,” says miner Alexei Popov. “If we signed Friday at which a comprehensive peace accord was signed. and Donetsk staged their own leadership polls in November up to fight and said let’s stop extracting coal, what would happen? But Wednesday’s session broke up after more than five that infuriated Kiev and dampened early glimmers of hope How would the power stations work, how would people heat their hours with a deal reached on only the least contentious of of a political settlement being reached soon. homes and everything else?” the four agenda points: a prisoner swap that will involve 225 And insubordinate field commanders from both sides Exactly how the mine is still running, who is profiting from the guerrillas and 150 Ukrainian troops. Smaller such exchanges continued ignoring the formal truce declaration and waged coal being brought out and where it is being sold is unclear. “We have been frequent and often involved dozens of men. battles that killed 1,300 more people. UN officials fear that now fall under control of the authorities currently in power where Yet they appear to have built far less trust between the their total toll of 4,700 deaths may be too conservative we are located,” says Vera Lyashenko, spokeswoman for the group warring parties than Ukraine’s Western allies would have because militias have been hiding their losses and denying that runs the mine. “Especially since they are armed.” “Our main task hoped. Belarussian foreign ministry said spokesman Dmitry outsiders access to their burial sites. The most difficult task isn’t to fight or to involve ourselves in politics, but to carry on func- Mironchik told AFP by telephone that “there will be no con- facing European mediators is finding a way for the sides to tioning for those working here.” For those who spend their days tact group meeting today”. begin pulling back their tanks so that a 30-km buffer zone underground, there doesn’t appear to be any other option but to And an aide to one of the two rebels at Wednesday’s could be established across the war zone. keep working even after authorities in Kiev ordered all government negotiations said he was heading back to the separatist east The insurgents are currently most interested in seeing companies in rebel areas to shut down. “We got a letter telling us Ukranian region of Donetsk because there appeared to be the resumption of social welfare payments that Kiev sus- that we should stop work and that all state-run enterprises should little point in staying in Minsk. But a senior Ukranian source pended last month out of fear that they were being used to be moved to areas under Ukrainian control,” said safety manager told AFP there was still a chance that a Minsk meeting could finance the revolt. Accounts of Wednesday’s meeting sug- Alexander Gorobtsov after emerging from the mine. “What were we be arranged for yesterday if more preliminary consultations gest that the teams cannot even agree what issues they supposed to do? Pack up the mine and all the deposits and move it were held. should be discussing in the first place. —AFP across the country?” — AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 India scales up offensive after northeast attacks

GUWAHATI: India’s army chief pledged yesterday to intensify a military offensive in Assam as it tries to track down separatist rebels who killed 69 villagers in the restive northeastern state this week. India has already deployed 6,000 additional security forces and military helicopters to scour the remote area where armed militants mounted a series of coordinated attacks on tribal villagers on Tuesday. Police have blamed the attacks on the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), which has waged a violent decades-long campaign for an independent homeland for the Bodo. India has sought cooperation from Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh in an offensive against a tribal militant group that had shot dead at least 80 people in Assam state this week, officials said yesterday. Police believe that a faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), fighting for a separate state for eth- nic Bodos, was behind coordinated attacks on tea plantation workers and their families this week, the deadliest in years. GUWAHATI: Indian security personnel (foreground left and right) keep watch as demonstrators shout slogans against Some militants may have fled to neighboring Bhutan while militants during a procession at Biswanath Chariali in northeastern Assam state’s Sonitpur district yesterday. — AFP their leader was believed to be in Myanmar, officials and police said, prompting calls for cooperation. “We are definitely going to intensify operations,” army Facilitator’ of Taleban chief Dalbir Singh Suhag told reporters after meeting home minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to discuss the security sit- uation in Assam. The state, which borders Bhutan and Bangladesh, has a school attack killed long history of often violent land disputes between the indigenous Bodo people, Muslim settlers and rival tribes. There have been reports of tribal groups armed with US missile strikes kill 7 in NW Pakistan machetes and bows and arrows setting fire to houses and shops in Bodo-dominated areas in retaliation for the attacks, PESHAWAR: Pakistani security forces have North Waziristan, which have been used to Four intelligence officials said the early in which 18 children were killed. Another three people were killed a Taleban commander who alleged- launch attacks on NATO forces in morning strikes hit the compounds of the killed on Wednesday when police shot at a mob demanding ly facilitated the Peshawar school mas- Afghanistan. The Pakistani military says it Punjabi Taliban and a group of Uzbek mili- justice over the attacks at a police station. sacre, which left 150 people dead in the has killed more than 1,700 militants so far tants in the Shawal area of North Around 7,000 people have fled their homes in the wake of country’s worst ever terror attack, officials in its heavy offensive in the tribal zone, Waziristan. the violence, many seeking refuge in makeshift camps set up said yesterday. with 126 soldiers having lost their lives. Two missiles struck the compound of by the government. Named only as “Saddam”, the militant Pakistan has ramped up its anti-terror the Punjabi Taleban in the village of Kund, Home Minister Singh has vowed authorities would be was killed Thursday night in a gunfight strategy in the wake of the December 16 killing four militants, the officials said. tough on those behind the killings, which he called “an act of with security forces in the restive Khyber slaughter at an army-run school in They said the compound was being used terror”. India’s foreign minister has approached the govern- tribal area, which borders the northwest- Peshawar, where 134 children were as a training facility by the group’s com- ment of Bhutan, where some of the rebels are believed to ern city of Peshawar where last week’s among the victims gunned down by heav- mander, Qari Imran, but it was unclear have fled after the attacks, he said. Rights groups have in the horrific attack took place. “Commander ily-armed Taleban militants. Prime Minister whether Imran himself was present at the past accused India’s government of not doing enough to tack- Saddam was a dreaded terrorist, who was Nawaz Sharif has announced the estab- time of attack. The officials all spoke on le violence in the isolated northeastern region, which is home killed in an exchange of fire with the secu- lishment of military courts for terror-relat- condition of anonymity because they were to many marginalized communities. — Agencies rity forces in Jamrud town of Khyber tribal ed cases in order to accelerate trials, and not authorized to brief the media. Minutes region,” top local administration official he has also lifted a six-year moratorium on later, another drone-launched missile Shahab Ali Shah told a press conference in the death penalty, reinstating it for terror- struck the compound of a group of Uzbek Afghans hope for change Peshawar. ism-related cases. militants in the village of Mangrotai, killing after bloody year “Six of his accomplices were injured three alleged militants, the officials said. and arrested.” He added that Saddam is Drone attack Drone strikes are largely unpopular in KABUL: When Graeme Smith arrived in Afghanistan in 2005, believed to have facilitated the school The suspected US drone fired missiles Pakistan where many consider them a he drove across the country from Kabul south to the Taleban’s attack, although the extent or capacity of at two compounds in Pakistan’s North violation of the country’s sovereignty former capital Kandahar on a newly paved road that cut travel- his alleged involvement was not yet Waziristan tribal region yesterday, killing and resent the collateral damage caused ling time from a bone-rattling 14 hours to just six. known. “Authorities are currently interro- at least seven alleged militants, while to Pakistani civilians. But the US insists Today, 13 years after the US-led invasion toppled the gating the injured terrorists,” Shah said. security forces killed the alleged planner these attacks are effective to eliminate Taleban’s brutal regime, and after billions of aid dollars flowed He described Saddam as an important of the deadly recent attack on a school, militants in areas inaccessible to the into one of the world’s poorest countries, making that same commander in the Pakistani Taleban, or Pakistani officials said. Pakistani military. — Agencies 460-kilometer (300-mile) trip would be like signing his own Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan (TTP), and said he had masterminded several bomb death warrant, said Smith, Afghanistan analyst with the attacks. Saddam and his accomplices had International Crisis Group, an independent conflict resolution been involved in several recent attacks on organization. security forces that had resulted in heavy “That journey is back up to being a treacherous 11-hour casualties, Shah said. slog because of all the explosions that have damaged the The Taliban and other militants have route and because you’re frequently stopped at Afghan securi- taken refuge in Khyber from a major army ty forces checkpoints and Taliban checkpoints. So it is com- offensive launched in June in North pletely suicidal for a foreigner like me to drive on that road Waziristan, another restive tribal area on now and will probably remain so for a long time as the insur- the Afghan border that has been a hub for gency rises,” he said. Al-Qaeda and Taleban militants since the With US-led forces shifting to a supporting role at the end early 2000s. of this month, Afghanistan will have to chart its own course Meanwhile, a US drone strike on a after the country’s bloodiest year since the 2001 invasion, a Taleban compound in North Waziristan year which saw record casualties among Afghan civilians and killed at least seven militants yesterday, security forces alike. officials said, the second such incident in a There is cause for measured optimism - a new president week. Another drone strike in North has vowed to overhaul the government, root out corruption Waziristan on December 20 killed at least and mend ties with neighboring Pakistan, where the Taleban five militants, officials said. is long believed to have enjoyed safe haven. But President The area is generally off-limits to jour- Ashraf Ghani faces a monumental challenge in trying to nalists, making it difficult to independent- reform the notoriously corrupt government and security ly verify the number and identity of the ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani woman who was displaced with her family from forces, and the Taliban have vowed to keep fighting until the dead. Washington pressed Islamabad for Pakistan’s tribal areas carries firewood home during a sandstorm in a poor last foreign soldier departs. —AP years to wipe out militant sanctuaries in neighborhood on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan yesterday. — AP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Philippine rebels free 2 captive soldiers MARIHATAG, Philippines: Philippine jailed rebel leaders. The government says raid police stations, mining companies can resume next month but that the gov- communist rebels freed two soldiers after it wants to resume talks without condi- and agricultural plantations. Regional ernment must free rebel consultants and four months of captivity yesterday as a tions. Madlos spoke to journalists at a military spokesman Maj Ezra Balagtey political prisoners. goodwill gesture prior to a possible rebel camp in southern Surigao del Sur confirmed that the two soldiers were Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita resumption of peace talks with the gov- province, where the rebels marked the released unharmed. Deles said yesterday that intermedi- ernment. 46th anniversary of the underground Madlos said the release of the captives aries have been shuttling between the Rebel spokesman Jorge Madlos said Communist Party of the Philippines. - who he said did not commit any crimes two parties to explore the possible three more soldiers will be released by It’s one of Asia’s longest running against the people - was meant to boost parameters for the talks. She said January as part of a push to resume the rebellions that has stunted rural develop- confidence for the restart of talks. The efforts were continuing to ensure that stalled talks, which broke down in 2011 ment and left thousands dead as rebels, exiled Communist Party founder, Jose talks don’t meet a major impasse again due to disagreements over the release of who number several thousand fighters, Maria Sison, said that formal negotiations as in the past. —AP Myanmar Catholics find voice

LOIKAW, Myanmar: Six decades after its first saint was murdered for his faith amid a bloody civil war, Myanmar’s Catholic Church is step- ping up calls for peace and religious tolerance as it celebrates its 500th anniversary. The grisly 1950 killing of Isidore Ngei Ko Lat, a reli- gious teacher travelling with an Italian priest in the wild and war-rav- aged eastern borderlands, had been almost forgotten after decades of military rule that severely restricted religious minorities in the mainly Buddhist country. But his canonisation in May has bolstered the Catholic Church, which marked five centuries in Myanmar with celebrations that had been delayed by four years because of curbs to religious freedoms under the former junta. We are very encouraged because we have the saint, the first saint officially beatified from Myanmar,” said Father Celso, a parish priest from the Kayah state capital Loikaw, near where Isidore and his colleague Father Mario Vergara perished. The pair had waded into a dispute with Baptist ethnic minority rebels in a remote area where they had started an energetic drive to recruit Catholics. Having accepted government help to travel in the region, they were seen as state allies by the insurgents, who were embarking on what was to become the world’s longest-running civil war. The missionaries were marched into the jungle and shot. Their COLOMBO: In this photo taken on Dec 15, 2014, Sri Lankan railway guard Wanigaratne Karunatilleke uses a flag to signal bodies were stashed in sacks and flung into the mighty Salween river, towards the driver before his train departs for Matara from the Colombo railway station. — AFP never to be seen again. “That time of conflict was not the time to take things slowly and build understanding,” Father Celso told AFP in the sun-drenched grounds of Loikaw’s imposing cathedral. He said the Lanka train guard mourns missionaries were “competing for the faith” of local people, many of whom were animists or had already converted to Baptism. But the Christian sects had since then put their differences behind them. tsunami dead 10 years on Speaking Out Since independence from Britain in 1948 there have been decades of civil strife in Myanmar’s border areas. Ethnic minorities Ocean Queen Express a symbol of the disaster have long complained of discrimination, religious persecution and abuses by the army, which ruled with an iron fist from 1962 until 2011. Successive military regimes enacted “particular discrimination PERALIYA, Sri Lanka: Head guard Wanigaratne Karunatilleke The tsunami first hit Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast, travel- against non-Buddhist religious minorities - Muslims and Christians”, was one of the few people to survive when a wall of water ling across the island at about 500 kilometres (300 miles) an said Benedict Rogers of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. slammed into the Ocean Queen train on Sri Lanka’s south hour and killing 31,000 people. Sri Lanka had not been hit by a Overall, Christians are thought to make up about four percent of coast a decade ago, killing around 1,000 people. Yesterday the tsunami in living memory before 2004 and the tragedy Myanmar’s 51 million population -around 500,000 of them Catholics. 58-year-old, who is still haunted by memories of the passen- became the country’s worst natural disaster. Muslims make up another four percent and Buddhists around 90 per- gers he could not save, flagged off the train for a special jour- Karunatilleke blames the huge loss of life on a lack of cent, with other religions including Hinduism and animism. —AFP ney to commemorate the victims of the Asian tsunami, Sri knowledge about tsunamis. He says a smaller wave that Lanka’s worst ever disaster. “I am sad so many of my passen- brought the train to an abrupt halt shortly before the tsunami gers died that day,” he said. “But I am happy we are remem- hit could have acted as a warning to people to flee to higher bering the victims and holding religious services.” ground. He overruled the signalling system after the first wave The Ocean Queen Express was rebuilt after the tsunami and and ordered the driver to move, but by then it was too late. has become a symbol of the disaster in Sri Lanka and was at When the tsunami hit, he became trapped inside a com- the centre of somber commemorations for the country’s partment that was floating in the water, managing to escape 31,000 victims yesterday. Survivors and relatives of the dead through a window. “We had about 15 minutes to move the boarded the train early yesterday morning in Colombo and passengers to safety. I could have done it. We had the time, headed to Peraliya, the exact spot around 90 kilometres (56 but not the knowledge,” Karunatilleke told AFP. miles) south of Colombo where it was ripped from the tracks. Disaster management minister Mahinda Amaraweera said Mourners laid flowers and lit incense at a memorial for some early warning systems were now in place. “We can’t stop 1,270 people buried in mass graves on Peraliya beach. tsunamis, but we can make sure that we will not have the loss- Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Muslim ceremonies were es we suffered 10 years ago,” he said. held in Peraliya to commemorate victims across the country. Shanthi Gallage was also among the few who survived the Remembrance services were held around Sri Lanka yesterday, train tragedy along with her eldest daughter, but her younger while President Mahinda Rajapakse observed his traditional daughter, then 13, is still listed as missing. “I think my hus- two minutes’ silence. band died, but my daughter is still alive somewhere,” the 55- Damayanthi Abeywardene was on the train, which runs year-old told AFP on board the Ocean Queen. “I will find her YANGON: Philip Backwood (center) a New Zealander gen- from Colombo to Matara, in 2004 with her two daughters, some day.” Every year on December 26, Karunatilleke stops at eral manager of V Gastro Bar, is escorted by Myanmar then aged 16 and 19. She was there to give thanks for their the exact same spot to pay his respects to his departed pas- police officers to face trial at a township court yesterday in survival and remember those who were less fortunate. “No sengers. Yangon, Myanmar. Blackwood with two Myanmar nation- one should have to see what we saw. The struggle of people He recalls rescuing a small girl and boy from the floodwa- als are facing charges in Yangon for allegedly insulting trying to stay alive... The hundreds of corpses,” the retired ters and placing them inside a train compartment only to see Buddhism after posting an online advertisement showing school teacher said, breaking down in mid-speech. it smashed minutes later. “I will remember those two children a psychedelic image of Buddha wearing headphones. Abeywardene recently published a book about her harrowing for the rest of my life” he said. “I did not know about tsunamis Following their arrest on Dec 10, authorities last week escape, but said she and her daughters had never discussed then and neither did anyone else on board. “I wish I had shut the newly opened V Gastro Bar, a tapas bar and their ordeal in the past 10 years because it was too traumatic. known... I really feel bad that I was not able to save those lounge, in an upscale Yangon neighborhood. — AP ‘I wish I had known’ lives.” — AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 US police struggle PM under fire as 118,000 to uncover threats on social media flee Malaysia floods

SAN FRANCISCO/LOS ANGELES: US law enforcement KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s worst flooding agencies are a long way from being able to effectively track in decades forced some 118,000 people to threats of the kind a gunman posted on Instagram before flee as premier Najib Razak came under fire his execution-style murder of two New York City policemen after photos showed him golfing with US last weekend. Police need more data analytics and mining President Barack Obama during the storms. software to monitor social media sites such as Facebook At least five people have been killed by and Twitter , as well as trained personnel to make sense of the rising waters and there appeared little what could be a deluge of data, say law enforcement offi- respite on the way yesterday, with forecasters cials and security experts. predicting further heavy rainfall across previ- “You can buy all the technology you want, but if you ously unaffected southern parts of the coun- want to figure out clever stuff, you better have smart people try. As local media carried photographs of able to use it,” said Christopher Ahlberg, co-founder of people wading through flood waters as deep Recorded Future Inc, which helps clients analyze social as two metres (6.5 feet) and entire houses media feeds. The company is partly backed by In-Q-Tel, a submerged by rising water, the government venture capital firm that serves US intelligence agencies. faced criticism for not declaring a state of According to the New York Police Department, Ismaaiyl emergency to help devastated communities. Brinsley posted anti-cop slurs on the Instagram photo-shar- Seasonal flooding hits Malaysia every year ing site hours before walking up to two officers in a parked and regularly forces tens of thousands from squad car in Brooklyn and shooting them dead on Saturday. their homes, but the latest round has forced Baltimore police said they discovered the Instagram posts authorities to evacuate around 118,000, after Brinsley shot and wounded his girlfriend earlier that mostly in the north-east, state news agency day. But the NYPD did not learn of the posts - which includ- Bernama reported. Among the dead was a KULA TAHAN: Hundreds of houses and buildings along a flooded river stand in mud- ed a photograph of a silver handgun and the message “I’m man who drowned at a relief centre on dy water in Malaysia National Park in Kuala Tahan, Pahang state, Malaysia. — AP Putting Wings On Pigs Today. They Take 1 Of Ours...Let’s Christmas eve, while a rescue boat carrying Take 2 of Theirs” - until it was too late. eight people including a young couple went trying to reach flood victims to step up their worry, I’m in charge.”Yassin also insisted the Monitoring social media for out-of-the-blue threats may missing after it became entrapped in a efforts to deliver food and water. Najib him- government had responded appropriately to be beyond the capabilities of most police forces including whirlpool and capsized, the news agency self came under fire, however, when photos the flooding, telling the newspaper: “We face even the New York Police Department, which has a relative- said. Rising flood water has rendered several emerged of the premier playing golf with floods every year but this is looking to be the ly extensive and aggressive intelligence operation, experts roads unusable and authorities have sus- Obama in Hawaii, with Malaysians question- worst the country has seen in the last 30 say. Analysts at the New York and Los Angeles police pended train services in some of the worst- ing why he was not at home to deal with the years.” “Unless there was a total breakdown departments routinely crawl through social media to keep affected areas. Communications have also crisis in posts on his official Facebook page. in electricity or water supply, or if the number tabs on individuals on their radar, such as gang members, or been badly hit by the storms. of evacuees rises to over hundreds of thou- to prepare for high-profile events. But in an era of shrinking Military officials told AFP that additional ‘PM needs a break’ sands, we will not declare a state of emer- or stagnant budgets, buying high-end software and hiring helicopters from Kuala Lumpur were sent yes- Critics have also charged his government gency.” Amid rising criticism, the government trained data analysts can be costly. Many police depart- terday morning to deliver medical supplies, with failing to respond quickly enough, with said yesterday Najib had decided to cut short ments utilize fairly rudimentary tools. food and drinking water to victims of the some lambasting the authorities for not his usual year-end vacation and return to The NYPD uses common search engines, experts say. It flooding. In a rare piece of positive news, declaring a state of emergency in the worst- Malaysia today to oversee rescue operations. is possible to program an algorithm to pick up threaten- around 100 tourists who were stranded in a hit regions. “The PM needs time to take a He is expected to land in Kelantan, one of ing messages, but the sheer volume of data and the remote resort in central Malaysia’s Mutiara break,” Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin the most severely-hit states, and meet people potential number of “false positives” would impede its Taman Negara Resort were rescued and sent Yassin was quoted as saying by the New affected by the crisis as well as discuss new effectiveness. —Reuters to a relief centre. Malaysian Prime Minister Straits Times. “He has been working very hard measures with authorities to help flood vic- Najib called on rescue workers desperately so let’s be fair to him as a human being. Don’t tims. —AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Sanders: I’ll decide on presidential run by March

BURLINGTON: Vermont independent Sen Bernie Sanders says he’ll decide by March whether to launch a 2016 presidential cam- paign and, if so, whether he’ll seek the Democratic nomination. Either way, Sanders says he wouldn’t run just to nudge the debate to the left. “I don’t want to do it unless I can do it well,” he told The Associated Press. “I don’t want to do it unless we can win this thing.” Sanders, a socialist, said he grew up “solidly lower middle class” in a Jewish family in Brooklyn - his father, an immigrant from Poland, sold paint for a living -and his views about the distri- bution of wealth were formed early. “A lack of money in my fami- ly was a very significant aspect of my growing up ... kids in my class would have new jackets, new coats, and I would get hand- me-downs,” Sanders said. After the University of Chicago, Sanders came to Vermont in the 1960s as part of the counterculture, back-to-the-land move- ment that turned the state from solid Yankee Republican into HAWAII: US President Barack Obama addresses troops on Christmas Day at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe on one of the bluest in the country. Thursday as First Lady Michelle Obama looks on. — AFP He won his first election - for Burlington mayor - by 10 per- centage points, and since then has carried a consistent message thought eight terms in the House and now, his second term in Democrats optimistic on the Senate: The rich have too much, the poor and working class not enough. Sanders said the issues about which he’s been rail- ing for all these years are only becoming more dire. The wealth 2016 presidential chances gap has grown, and the middle class, he says, is “collapsing.” “You have one family, the Walton family of Walmart, owning more wealth than the bottom 40 percent of the American people,” he Will Obama’s limited popularity be a burden? said. “We have 95 percent of all new income going to the top 1 percent. You have millions of families unable to afford to send their kids to college. People are desperately worried about ATLANTA: Republicans crowed in 2004 of different things happen.” there can make a difference,” Anderson whether or not they are going to retire with dignity.” that freshly re-elected President George W What if the GOP is able to continue its said. Republicans acknowledge that demo- Sanders has a 12-step plan that he says will restore the econo- Bush had established a “permanent gov- gains among non-white voters? Obama, graphic shifts make it more difficult than in my and especially the middle class, most of them dependent on erning majority” for the GOP. Eight years after all, lost ground in 2012 among most years past for the GOP nominee to depend higher taxes on the rich and corporations. Among the proposals: later, Democrats were touting the endur- demographic measures, compared to his mostly on white voters, who cast 87 per- A $1 trillion infrastructure building program that would “create ing power of the “Obama coalition” to 2008 performance. Those slides helped cent of presidential ballots in 1992 and just keep their party in the White House. But make him the first president since World 72 percent in 2012. At the same time, 13 million decent-paying jobs”; more worker-friendly internation- Democrats couldn’t sustain that coalition War II to win re-election with a lower pop- Democrats have watched white voters, al trade deals and legislation to strengthen unions; and trans- for this year’s midterm elections, leading ular vote total than he got in his initial vic- particularly those without a college forming the US energy system “away from fossil fuels and into to Republican gains in Congress, governor- tory. A GOP nominee such as the Spanish- degree, move away from the party during energy efficiency and sustainable energy.” He says he’ll make a ships and state legislatures nationwide. speaking Jeb Bush, former Florida gover- Obama’s presidency - and not just in the “gut decision” about running for the presidency - and, perhaps, “The notion of demographics as destiny nor, could make a difference. He is a pro- conservative South. Obama lost this group challenging Democratic favorite Hillary Rodham Clinton. is overblown,” said Republican pollster and ponent of comprehensive immigration by about 26 points in 2012, according to Health good media strategist Wes Anderson. “Just like reform who has the potential to capture exit polls and other analyses. By this He would be 75 in 2016, but “my health is good,” he said, (Bush aide Karl) Rove was wrong with that significantly more than the 27 percent of November, his Gallup approval rating knocking on a wooden conference room table. He said he ‘permanent majority’ talk, Democrats have the Latino vote that Mitt Romney claimed among the group stood at 27 percent. couldn’t remember the last time he’d called in sick to work. to remember that the pendulum is always in 2012. Meanwhile, Republicans hope Extending that trend into 2016 could Sanders said he is weighing whether to run as an independ- swinging.” So how will it swing in 2016? Is African-Americans make up a smaller share push Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa and New ent, as he has done in Vermont, or as a Democrat. He has been the path to 270 electoral votes so fixed of the electorate with Obama no longer Hampshire into the GOP column. Whites critical of both major parties over the years, though he has that one side just can’t win? Will President atop the ballot. also could tip Florida, Virginia and aligned with liberal Democrats on many issues. Barack Obama’s limited popularity be a “We’re not talking about winning those Colorado, although non-white voters in Tad Devine, a longtime consultant to Democratic presidential burden for the Democratic nominee in the groups, but these elections are fought on those states hold more influence than in candidates, agreed that 2016 might present an opening to next race for the White House? Or will an the margins, so improvements here and the Midwest and Northeast. —AP Sanders, a year in which his message could resonate. Fewer peo- increasingly diverse electorate pick a ple feel they can afford the American Dream of sending kids to Democrat for a third consecutive presiden- college and looking forward to a secure retirement, Devine said. tial election for the first time since Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman won five Wake to be held for 1 of “Even the majority of Republicans believe that the deck is straight elections from 1932 to 1948? stacked against the people in this country,” Devine said. “That’s Despite Democrats’ midterm shellack- 2 slain NYPD officers exactly what Bernie has been talking about for a long time.” ing and talk of a “depressed” liberal base, Devine said he plans to work for Sanders if the Vermont senator many in the party still like their starting NEW YORK: Mourners will gather at a up emotions in the already tense national enters the race. —AP position for 2016. Ruy Teixiera, a Queens church for the wake of a New York debate over police conduct. Since Ramos Democratic demographer, points to a Police Department officer who was killed and Liu were killed, police in New York say group of states worth 242 electoral votes along with his partner in an ambush shoot- they’ve arrested six people accused of that the Democratic presidential nominee ing. Officer Rafael Ramos will be remem- threatening officers. A seventh man was has won in every election since 1992. Hold bered Friday afternoon at Christ arrested Thursday on gun charges after a them all, and the party is just 28 votes shy Tabernacle Church, in the Glendale section bystander overheard him making threats of the majority needed to win the White of Queens, where he was a longstanding against police officers and talking about House next time. Obama twice compiled and deeply committed member, according guns in his home. at least 332 electoral votes by adding wins to family and friends. Liu’s funeral arrangements have yet to in almost every competitive state. He post- His funeral is scheduled to be held be announced. Ramos celebrated his 40th ed double-digit wins among women, huge there today; Vice President Joe Biden has birthday earlier this month. He had joined margins among voters younger than 30 said he will attend. the NYPD in 2012 after working as a school and historically high marks among blacks Ramos was killed Dec. 20 along with his security officer. The lifelong Brooklyn resi- and Latinos. partner, Officer Wenjian Liu, as they sat in dent was married with two sons: a 13-year- As non-white voters continue to grow their patrol car on a Brooklyn street. The old who is in middle school and one who as a share of the electorate, a Democratic shooter, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, later killed him- attends Bowdoin College in Maine. The nominee who roughly holds onto Obama’s self. Investigators say Brinsley was an emo- Silver Shield Foundation, a charity founded 2012 level of support across all demo- tionally disturbed loner, who started off his by the late New York Yankees owner graphic groups would win the national rampage by shooting an ex-girlfriend in George Steinbrenner, has set aside popular vote by about 6 percentage points Baltimore. He also posted online threats to $40,000 for the education of Ramos’ sons. and coast to victory in the Electoral police and made references to high-profile Bowdoin College said it will cover Ramos’ AMES: Sen Bernie Sanders (left) speaks during a town hall College, Teixeira estimates. cases of unarmed black men killed by older son’s education costs as long as he meeting in Ames, Iowa. Sanders says he’ll decide by March “Could a Republican win? Sure,” white police officers. The killings ramped remains a student there. —AP whether to launch a 2016 presidential campaign. — AP Teixeira said. “But they have to have a lot Saudi FM says no need Asian imports of Iran Trade, tension at Europe’s to create wealth fund crude up above 1m bpd Business16 17troubled African borders 18

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Russia gears up for sharp slump 19

TOKYO: Shoppers walk down a busy street in the Ginza shopping district in central Tokyo yesterday. — AFP Japan factory output down, Inflation slows Blow to Tokyo’s bid to reboot economy

TOKYO: Japan’s factory output and inflation rate slowed in to boost prices and slay deflation. “It depends on US employ- lowest since September 2013 and falling further behind the November, official data showed yesterday, dealing a fresh ment data and crude oil prices, but the BoJ could go ahead BoJ’s inflation target. challenge for Tokyo’s bid to re-boot the economy, just days with a stunning additional easing as early as January,” SMBC The internal affairs ministry yesterday also said household after pro-business prime minister Shinzo Abe was re-elected said in a note. spending fell 2.5 percent year-on-year in November while the following a snap election. The weak figures raised the On Friday, official data showed that industrial production jobless rate was unchanged at 3.5 percent. Millions of shop- prospect of further easing by the Bank of Japan as its ambi- contracted 0.6 percent in November from the previous pers launched a last-minute buying binge on everything from tious 2.0 percent inflation target, aimed at ending years of month, reversing two months of rises and missing a market cars and washing machines to televisions and alcohol, before tepid growth, appears increasingly out of reach. forecast for a 0.8 percent increase. the levy hike earlier this year. But spending dived after the The bank’s move in late October to expand its massive “Industrial production fluctuates indecisively,” the industry increase, throwing Japan into economic contraction and asset-buying plan, which now stands at about 80 trillion yen ministry said in a monthly report, leaving unchanged its over- prompting Abe to delay another sales tax rise next year. ($670 billion) annually, sharply weakened the yen and stoked all assessment despite the downturn. The tax rises are aimed at paying down Japan’s enormous a stock market rally. Japan slipped into recession during the Separate data from the internal affairs ministry showed national debt, but they have put Abe in a tricky position as he third quarter as an April sales tax rise slammed the brakes on core inflation, excluding volatile prices of fresh food, slowed tries to balance them with his pro-spending growth plan, growth in the world’s number three economy, and the to 2.7 percent from 2.9 percent in October. Prices had been dubbed Abenomics. impact of the additional easing has now “completely gone”, on the rise largely because due to the sales tax rise from 5.0 This week, Japan’s parliament overwhelmingly voted to according to SMBC Nikko Securities. percent to 8.0 percent on April 1, which drove up retail prices. return the 60-year-old premier to power, after he called for a Worse, Japan’s core inflation rate could dip into negative Adjusted for the tax increase, Japan’s core consumer-price snap election had billed as a referendum on his economic territory soon as a drop in crude oil prices weighs on efforts index rose 0.7 percent from a year earlier in November, the policies. — AFP BUSINESS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Saudi FM says no need to create wealth fund

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s finance minister said there was no need for the kingdom to create a sovereign wealth fund to manage its oil wealth, rebuffing suggestions by prominent officials and businessmen. At present, the surplus petrodollars of the world’s top oil exporter are mostly invested abroad by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), its central bank, which had net foreign assets worth 2.75 trillion riyals ($733 billion) in October. Most of that money is believed to be in low-risk US dollar assets such as US Treasury bonds and bank accounts, which tend to earn low returns compared to the more aggressive, higher-risk investments favored by some other rich oil exporters. So as oil prices have plunged this year, there have been calls for Saudi Arabia to create a sovereign wealth fund that would invest its money more actively, making RIYADH: A handout picture released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows Saudi Oil and Energy Minister Ali Al-Naimi (right) up for the reduction in oil revenues. and Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf attending a cabinet session in Riyadh to approve the state’s budget for 2015. — AFP The kingdom’s Shura Council, an advisory body to the government, has discussed a proposal for a sovereign fund this year, but without reaching a conclusion. Saudi Saudi ministry to discuss billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the king- dom’s leading international investors, urged the govern- ment last month to establish such a fund, saying its deficit financing with CB annual earnings would cover a large part of the budget deficits which the state might now run because of cheaper oil. Govt likely to cover shortfall with borrowing But Finance Minister Ibrahim Alassaf, speaking to Saudi television late on Thursday after projecting a RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Finance Ministry will discuss with the than 4 percent of GDP, which he called low under current global budget deficit of 145 billion riyals for 2015, said he saw central bank its options for financing the large state budget conditions. Saudi Arabia did not reveal the oil price assumed in its no need for such a change. “I believe the kingdom’s poli- deficit expected next year, and may cover some of the shortfall 2015 budget, but analysts estimate it was about $55 a barrel or cy is the most suitable for its circumstances,” he said, with borrowing, Finance Minister Ibrahim Alassaf said. slightly higher; Brent crude oil is now at $60. adding that Saudi Arabia had ridden out the global Responding to the plunge of oil prices, the ministry In past budgets, the government made very conservative financial crisis in 2008 with relatively little damage. announced on Thursday a 2015 budget plan which envisions a assumptions for oil revenues, resulting in much higher-than-pro- SAMA’s international reserves are managed profes- deficit of 145 billion riyals ($38.7 billion). A ministry statement jected revenues at the end of each year. That is unlikely to hap- sionally by Saudis as well as by international fund man- said the government could cover the deficit with its huge fiscal pen with the 2015 budget, Alassaf said. “We were realistic in our agers, and the return from investing the reserves is simi- reserves, but Alassaf told Al-Arabiya television late on Thursday estimates for next year’s revenues in light of current and expect- lar to - and in some years higher than - the returns of that borrowing might also be used. ed developments in the oil market. Maybe over the past years I Norway’s sovereign fund, he said. Over the past five “There is also a chance to borrow at good rates - this topic will agree we were conservative, but this year we were realistic,” he years the total return on SAMA’s reserves was around 11 be discussed with colleagues at the Saudi Arabian Monetary said. percent and over the past 10 years, including the period Agency at the appropriate time,” he said. Alassaf did not elabo- The ministry said on Thursday that Saudi Arabia’s inflation- of the financial crisis, it was 7 to 8 percent, he added. rate on the types of borrowing which might be used. Although adjusted GDP grew an estimated 3.6 percent this year, up from “Even the funds that were believed untouchable were Saudi state-run agencies and state-owned firms have occasionally 2.7 percent in 2013. Alassaf said those calculations used the base hit by the financial crisis and incurred huge losses, and issued foreign- and local-currency bonds in recent years, the gov- year of 2010, when the oil sector’s contribution to the economy were forced to shift their strategies to more secure ernment itself has not, preferring to pay down its debt. was unusually high. If the calculations had used 1999 for the base investments.” Alassaf also noted that Saudi Arabia The minister noted that Saudi Arabia’s public debt had year, as the government did previously, growth in 2014 would already had a large, domestic state fund, the Public dropped to 44 billion riyals or about 1.6 percent of gross domes- have come in at 4.1 percent, Alassaf said. He called that rate Investment Fund, which unlike a foreign-focused fund tic product, which would make it easy to borrow. Both state-run healthy and said it was expected to be maintained next year. was helping to develop the local economy by investing and private financial institutions have big resources from which Private sector growth was estimated at 5.7 percent this year, in local companies in areas from technology to agricul- the government could borrow, he added. showing the government’s efforts to diversify the economy ture. — Reuters Alassaf said next year’s budget deficit would be slightly more beyond oil are on track, he added. — Reuters Oil edges above $60 as Libyan output slumps

LONDON: Oil edged above $60 a barrel yes- report, which showed a 7.3 million-barrel rise terday as unrest in Libya cut supplies, offset- in crude inventories to their highest ting a growing supply glut in top consumer December level on record. Analysts had the United States and weak imports by expected a seasonal decline. Japan. Nonetheless, Brent still managed to close Fighting in Libya has cut output there to above $60, validating that psychological sup- 352,000 barrels a day, a state oil company port level as the bottom of Brent’s trading spokesman said on Thursday, or about half range of $60 to $70 for now, Jakob said. November’s average. This countered the US Crude imports by Japan, the world’s Department of Energy’s (DOE) report showing fourth-biggest oil buyer, in November a big stockbuild. “The fighting in Libya is start- dropped 17.3 percent from a year earlier to ing to be more and more about a battle for 14.68 million kilolitres (3.08 million bpd), gov- the oil resources and this will not end well,” ernment data showed on Thursday. said Olivier Jakob, analyst at Petromatrix in However, there is not enough downward Zug, Switzerland. “The DOE statistics are bear- pressure to keep prices down, Singapore- ish, Libya is bullish.” based Phillip Futures said in a note. “Prices Brent crude was at $60.55 at 1015 GMT, up seem adamant on staying above support 31 cents, while US crude added 55 cents at levels and it seems they will hold for this fes- ANKARA: Workers hold signs reading “The minimum wage should be 1,800 Turkish Lira” $56.39 in thin trade as many countries are still tive season,” it said. “We continue to attrib- as they protest against the government’s labor and economy policies outside the Labor on Christmas holiday. The market had come ute this to the short-covering at the end of Ministry in Ankara yesterday. — AFP under pressure from Wednesday’s DOE the year.” — Reuters BUSINESS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Asian imports of Iran crude up above 1m bpd Low Iran supplies helpful for balancing market

TOKYO: Asian imports of Iranian crude climbed above 1 million about 1 million bpd, versus 2.2 million bpd before toughened barrels per day (bpd) in November, after dropping to a one-year sanctions were put in place in 2012. trough below that level in the previous month, as higher seasonal Western officials said they were aiming to secure an agree- demand during winter boosted purchases. Arrivals of Iranian ment on the substance of a final accord by March but that more crude over January to November jumped 19.5 percent on year, time would be needed to reach a consensus on the all-important led by India that ramped up imports earlier in 2014 following an technical details. “My impression is both sides still have some easing of Western sanctions over Tehran’s disputed nuclear activi- gaps that they just would not be able to fill,” said Ken Hasegawa, ties. commodity sales manager at Newedge. “Amid crude oversupply, But overseas purchases by Asia, which is home to the top four no one would be in trouble if Iran’s lower production continues buyers of Iranian oil, could be hit by the uncertainty over when for the time being, and that is helping balance the market.” Tehran and world powers would be able to settle a 12-year dis- But some analysts believe that a near 50 percent plunge in oil pute over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, industry sources said. prices since June may soon compel Iran to a final agreement. Iran and the United States, France, Germany, Britain, China and Imports by Iran’s four biggest buyers - China, India, Japan and Russia failed last month to meet a self-imposed deadline to South Korea - have averaged 1.11 million bpd over January- resolve the standoff, extending the talks for seven more months November this year, due to soaring imports by the first two after and pushing back any recovery of Iranian oil exports to higher the partial easing of sanctions. The four buyers together took in levels to sometime next year at the earliest. 1.07 million bpd of Iran’s crude last month, up 11.1 percent year Under an interim agreement, Iran is allowed to keep exports at on year, government and tanker-tracking data shows. — Reuters

TOKYO: A pedestrian walks past a window display in the Ginza shopping district in central Tokyo yesterday. — AFP Gold rises in thin trade, eyes another weekly drop

SINGAPORE: Gold gained 1 percent in thin post- Christmas trading yesterday as the dollar slipped against a basket of major currencies, but the metal was headed for a second straight weekly drop, underscoring the bearishness in the market. Spot gold gained 1 percent to $1,186.05 an ounce by 0711 GMT, moving away from a three-week low of $1,170.17 hit earlier in the week. Liquidity was thin as key markets in the region such as Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore were closed yes- terday. The UK market will remain closed, although New York will be open. “The weaker dollar probably attracted URUMQI: Train conductors stand outside the cabin of a bullet train that will travel from Urumqi to Lanzhou at the Urumqi some bids but volumes are really low and this rally might south railway station in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang region yesterday. — AFP not last once everyone is back from the holidays,” said a precious metals trader in Singapore. The dollar index was 0.1 percent lower after climbing China extends high-speed to a near nine-year peak earlier this week. “Physical demand is light because people have closed their books for the year, so I don’t see that supporting prices either,” the trader said. rail network to Xinjiang Premiums in Singapore have dropped to between 80 cents and $1 an ounce over the global benchmark, from about $1.50 two weeks ago, traders said. “Trading vol- BEIJING: China tied the restive far-western region of Xinjiang closer have classified as religious-inspired terrorism. China is engaged in a umes between Christmas and the New Year can be noto- to the rest of the country yesterday, opening a high-speed rail line crackdown on militancy in the region and earlier this month a court riously thin. In a low-volume climate, bullion prices can between its capital Urumqi and Lanzhou, in neighboring Gansu, condemned eight people to death for two deadly attacks in Urumqi, move sharply in either direction on even light investor nearly 1,800 kilometers away. A slick bullet train took off from state media said, bringing the number of death penalties or execu- purchases or sales,” HSBC analysts had said in a note this Lanzhou West Railway Station at 10:49 am (0249 GMT), with female tions announced for Xinjiang-related violence to around 50 since week. attendants in Uighur and other ethnic costumes serving 622 pas- June. According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, the line link- Despite yesterday’s gain, the metal has lost about 1 sengers, live footage on state broadcaster China Central Television ing Gansu’s capital of Lanzhou to Urumqi is 1,776 kilometers (1,100 percent for the week. Bullion lost ground after data (CCTV) showed. The line, the first high-speed railway in China’s miles) long and its trains are designed to travel at a maximum speed showed the US economy grew in the third quarter at its remote and poor northwest, stretches through the high-altitude of 250 kilometers an hour. quickest pace in 11 years. Other data showed initial Qilian mountain range, an ancient section of the Great Wall and five claims for state unemployment benefits dropped for the strong wind zones, slashing travel time between the two cities by Plagued by scandal fourth straight week. half to less than 12 hours, CCTV said. The line was one of several being opened this month, including Strong data decreases gold’s appeal as a safe-haven Another train left Urumqi for Lanzhou two minutes later, accord- one that cut train travel times between the commercial hubs of asset and increases expectations of an interest rate hike ing to the report. Xinjiang, a vast area bordering Central Asia, is Shanghai and Guangzhou from 16 hours to seven. in the United States. A higher dollar makes gold more home to Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic groups. It has long Completion of another high-speed line linking Beijing and expensive for holders of other currencies. An increase in had a population of Han, China’s dominant nationality, whose num- Lanzhou in 2017 will cut train travel times between the Chinese cap- rates is also seen to dull demand for non-interest-bear- bers have increased strongly over the past half century through ital and Urumqi from 41 hours previously to just 16, Xinhua said in a ing bullion. immigration. Though rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, report last month. Other new lines opening yesterday include desti- Among other precious metals, silver was on track for the region has been the scene of ethnic and religious unrest charac- nations in some of China’s more remote and poorer provinces and a second straight weekly decline, while palladium and terized by clashes between local groups and authorities as well as regions, among them Guiyang in the southwest province of platinum were headed for weekly gains. —Reuters violence both inside and outside the region that Chinese authorities Guizhou and Nanning in Guangxi in the south.—AFP BUSINESS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Shanghai soars in muted post- Christmas trade

HONG KONG: Asian markets were mainly flat yester- day with trade quiet across the region as key bourses remained closed for the Christmas holidays, but Shanghai soared to a four-year high as financial stocks surged. Tokyo inched up 0.06 percent, or 10.21 points, to finish at 17,818.96, while Seoul edged up 0.08 per- cent, or 1.55 points, to finish at 1,948.16. Shanghai jumped 2.77 percent, or 85.06 points, to 3,157.60 on turnover of 488.9 billion yuan ($79.9 bil- lion). The close marked the highest since November 8, 2010 when the Shanghai index ended at 3,159.51 points. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks LONDON: Shoppers look for bargains in Selfridges department store in central London during the first hour of business yester- stocks on China’s second exchange, rose 1.04 percent, day in the post Christmas, Boxing Day sales. — AFP or 14.86 points, to 1,439.48 on turnover of 221.2 bil- lion yuan. Financial stocks lead the increases-Bank of Communications rose by 4 percent and Industrial and Trade, tension at Europe’s Commercial Bank of China was 3.2 per cent higher. In Japan, the market largely shrugged off a barrage of fresh Japanese data that provided further evidence troubled African borders of slowdown in the world’s number three economy. The nation’s industrial output suffered a surprise Undocumented cross-border trade promotes rich-poor split drop in November, turning down after two months of rises. Japanese core consumer inflation continued to MELILLA, Spain: Hassan Ibrahim, both physically and mentally dis- ‘A vicious circle’ slow in November, dealing another challenge to abled, staggers on his weakened legs as he pushes two huge packs of Unemployment among Ceuta and Melilla’s native workforce is Tokyo and the Japanese central bank’s battle to con- contraband goods loaded on a wheelchair. more than 30 percent-among the highest rates in Spain. Meanwhile, quer years of deflation. He is one of thousands of Moroccans toiling for a living in the authorities say some 30,000 Moroccan traders and menial workers Spanish territories of Ceuta and Melilla-two tiny specks of Europe at cross into each territory every day. There are no official figures for the Taipei rose 0.6 percent, or 55.37 points, to the northern tip of Africa which have the only two land borders value of what officials call the “atypical trade” in merchandise across 9,214.07. Markets in Hong Kong, Australia, New between the two continents. When he gets his load across the bor- the border, but Spanish media have estimated it at more than 600 Zealand, the Philippines and Indonesia were closed der from Ceuta to Morocco, Ibrahim will earn 30 euros ($37) for his million euros a year in each of the territories. Friday for a public holiday. labor. Tolerance of this cross-border trade makes Ceuta and Melilla “If people are earning a living that way, there is obviously a big dif- There was also no overnight guidance from Europe magnets for those on the Moroccan side of the fence, who jostle in ference in income between one side and the other,” said the Spanish or the US markets, which were closed for Christmas. tense queues for their turn to enter. But the borders are a headache government’s delegate in Melilla, Abdelmalik El Barkani. “But if it Oil prices rose in Asia yesterday as dealers reacted to a for Spanish police, whose duties range from chasing queue-jumpers means that thousands of families can support themselves from it, surprise Islamist attack on Libya’s main oil terminals with their batons to catching drug-traffickers and suspected terror- then it is welcome.” Melilla’s port handles turnover of 10 million euros that left 22 soldiers dead. US benchmark West Texas ists. a year in documented trade.Shipping companies favor it over the Intermediate for February delivery rose 10 cents to Critics complain that encouraging this undocumented cross-bor- neighboring Moroccan port of Nador where taxes and import duties $55.94 in afternoon trade, while Brent for February der trade reinforces the rich-poor split at this meeting of continents. are higher, said Gonzalo Escribano, a researcher at the Royal Elcano gained nine cents to $60.33. “Here there is just poverty and survival,” said Mohamed Alami, a civil- Institute of International and Strategic Studies in Madrid. “Who does Since fresh clashes between government forces ian steward supervising the chaotic queue in Ceuta. Some 400 kilo- that suit? It suits the transportation companies, but not the popula- and the jihadists erupted on December 13, Libya’s oil meters (250 miles) east, in Melilla, Naima Fakhri, 46, gets paid a euro tion overall,” he said. “The distribution of resources is very unequal production has dropped to nearly 350,000 barrels per for each of the thick blankets she carries home to Morocco on her because 40 or 50 import and transportation companies get all the day compared with 800,000 previously, according to back, leaning on a crutch since she twisted her ankle. business.”Escribano said Spain tolerates the contraband trade to calm industry experts. Production in Libya, a member of Today she has five blankets, tied in a bundle weighing 20 kilos (45 relations with Morocco, which claims sovereignty over the territories. the OPEC oil-producing cartel, has only just started to pounds). Previously, she could make two or three journeys a day. But But he argued that the quick income from contraband lures rise following a prolonged disruption due to civil tighter border controls imposed this year restrict her to one return Moroccans away from education and investment-a problem Spain unrest. On the currency markets, the greenback was trip, four days a week. “It’s disgusting. Sometimes the police hit me or and the European Union should help to ease, he said. changing hands at 120.25 yen, edging up from 120.14 stop me getting back across the border,” she said, seated and wearing “It supports many people in Morocco but at the same time it is in Asia on Thursday. The euro was mixed at $1.2214 a headscarf and pink dress. “But there’s nothing else for me to do but holding back long-term development there,” Escribano said. “In the and 146.87 yen, from $1.2216 and 146.78 yen. Gold come to Melilla.” short-term, the status quo is much more comfortable for both coun- was at $1,196.96 an ounce, compared with $1,179.80 Officials say the tighter controls are due to security concerns and tries. In the long-term it is very harmful. It is a vicious circle that some- late Christmas Eve.—AFP efforts to renovate the border crossings. one has to break.” — AFP Upbeat Tokyo investors head into last days of 2014

TOKYO: Tokyo stocks ended slightly higher yesterday after a quiet time”. On Friday, the Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange week with many investors away for the Christmas holidays, but mar- edged up 0.06 percent, or 10.21 points, to finish at 17,818.96, logging ket watchers were upbeat as the Nikkei sits at multi-year highs. The a weekly gain of 1.12 percent. The Nikkei is up more than nine per- Tokyo Stock Exchange is open for business on Monday and Tuesday cent this year. The broader Topix index of all first-section shares rose before shutting until January 5, the first trading day of 2015. Analysts 0.44 percent, or 6.24 points, yesterday to end at 1,427.50. It added pointed to strong performances on Wall Street, falling oil prices, an 1.27 percent over the week. expected Japanese government stimulus package, and the latest Earlier Friday, the market largely shrugged off a barrage of fresh round of Bank of Japan monetary easing which sharply weakened Japanese data that provided further evidence of slowdown in the the yen, boosting shares of Japanese exporters. world’s number three economy. Japan’s industrial output suffered a While Japan’s economic recovery stumbled after a sales tax rise in surprise drop in November, turning down after two months of rises. April, there are positive signs on the horizon, said Shigeo Sugawara, Meanwhile, Japanese core inflation rate continued to slow in senior investment officer at Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Asset November, dealing another challenged to Tokyo and the Japanese Management. “The virtuous cycle of improving corporate earnings, central bank’s battle to conquer years of deflation. European and US wage rises, and stronger spending is starting,” he said. stocks markets were closed Thursday for the Christmas holiday, while “It’s just the pace and the strength (that) is underwhelming,” he financial markets in Hong Kong and Australia were among those in told Dow Jones Newswires. Asia-Pacific closed on Friday. In yesterday’s Tokyo stocks trade, TOKYO: People walk by an electronic stock board of a securities Hiroichi Nishi, general manager of the equity division at SMBC Honda fell 1.12 percent to 3,620 yen after media reports said the firm in Tokyo yesterday, showing Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock Nikko Securities, also predicted healthy gains in 2015, saying that automaker would likely put off the January launch of a luxury sedan index that edged 29.69 points higher to 17,838.44. Shares were “I’m anticipating stocks to rebound after they struggled for some due to additional safety system checks. —AFP mostly higher in quiet trading yesterday in Asia.— AP BUSINESS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Russia gears up for sharp slump Dollar mortgage Bailed-out bank gets more funds holders urge Russia to

MOSCOW: Slumping oil prices have put Russia’s economy on The slide in the ruble will inevitably lead to higher inflation end ‘financial slavery’ course for a sharp recession next year, its finance minister said next year, which after years of stability threatens President yesterday, as authorities scaled up the bailout of the first bank to Vladimir Putin’s reputation for ensuring the country’s prosperity. MOSCOW: When Olga Savelyeva took out a $226,000 mort- succumb to the country’s currency crisis. Russia’s economy is gage to buy a small apartment on the outskirts of Moscow in slowing sharply as Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis deter ROUBLE TROUBLE 2008, she could never have imagined that the ruble would foreign investment and spur capital flight, and as a sharp slump in The Russian currency slipped yesterday after hitting its lose more than half its value in a few short years. But oil prices severely reduces Russia’s export revenues and pummels strongest levels in more than three weeks earlier in the day, At Savelyeva’s $2,090 monthly instalments have skyrocketed in the rouble. 1245 GMT, the ruble traded at over 54 per dollar, a sharp rebound ruble terms due to the Russian currency’s dive against the The government has taken steps to support key banks and from its recent all-time lows of 80 but still far weaker than the 30- dollar. The resulting jump in monthly payments from 49,000 address the deepening currency crisis in the past week, including 35 range it was trading at in the first half of 2014. to 115,000 rubles now devours most of her family’s income. a sharp and unexpected interest rate hike, but analysts are pes- “If oil goes down to $50 (per barrel)... I don’t think our authori- The 30-year-old mother of a young daughter and her hus- simistic on the outlook for both the economy and the ruble. ties will be able to artificially maintain the (ruble) rate even with band have tried to honour their repayment commitments but Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told journalists on Friday that higher sales by exporters,” said the head of treasury at a major despite their best efforts, December’s instalment was $400 the economy could shrink by 4 percent in 2015, its first contrac- Russian bank, who asked not to be named because he is not short. “We’re left with 3,000 rubles ($56) this month,” tion since 2009, if oil prices averaged their current level of $60 a authorized to speak to media. Savelyeva said. “We won’t be able to make the January pay- barrel. Siluanov also said the country would run a budget deficit On Friday, Russian authorities also significantly scaled up res- ment in full... “We also have other obligations,” she added, of over 3 percent next year if the oil price did not rise. Crude cue funds for Trust Bank, saying they would provide up to $2.4 referring to her retired mother and cancer-stricken father. prices have almost halved from their June peak amid a global glut billion in loans to bail out the mid-sized lender. The falling ruble Savelyeva is one of tens of thousands of Russians who took and a decision by producer group OPEC not to cut output. Saudi has prompted panic buying of foreign currency in Russia and a on lower-interest foreign currency-denominated mortgages Arabia said on Friday it was prepared to withstand a prolonged spike in deposit withdrawals, heaping pressure on a vulnerable in the years before the financial crisis and now struggle with period of low prices. domestic banking sector whose access to international capital repayments as the ruble’s value shrinks. Russia’s central bank “We need to have our budget break even at $70 per barrel by markets had already been restricted by Western sanctions. Credit says that as of November 1, foreign exchange mortgage debt 2017,” said Siluanov. Russia’s government also imposed informal agency Standard & Poor’s said this week it could downgrade totalled 120.5 billion rubles ($2.28 billion). According to the capital controls this week, including orders to large oil and gas Russia’s rating to junk as soon as January due to a rapid deteriora- state-run Agency for Housing Mortgage Lending, those loans exporters Gazprom and Rosneft to sell some of their dollar rev- tion in “monetary flexibility” in the country. represent 3.3 percent of the total volume of outstanding enues in a bid to shore up the ruble. Meanwhile Russian gold and forex reserves have fallen to their mortgage debt. Russians have kept a wary eye on the exchange rate since the lowest levels since 2009. Last week, reserves dropped by as much Critics say the government is deliberately downplaying collapse of the Soviet Union, when hyper-inflation wiped out as $15.7 billion to below $400 billion, down from over $510 billion the scope of the problem and claim some 100,000 to 150,000 their savings over several years in the early 1990s. at the start of the year. — Reuters people are likely affected. Hundreds of Russia’s hard-currency mortgage holders have created a social media group, attract- ing members from Yekaterinburg in the Urals to the exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea.In a letter to central bank chief Elvira Nabiullina, the group threatened a “powerful social explosion” if assistance isn’t provided. Some 100 homeown- ers picketed the central bank this month and around 500 people plan to take to the streets this week, the first signifi- cant protests over the collapse of Russia’s currency-down some 40 percent against the greenback this year.

‘Left alone with misfortune’ With Russia’s mortgage industry still in its formative phase, taking out a loan to buy a home is considered risky business. Even before the crisis, interest rates of 10 to 12 percent on for- eign currency loans-and 12 to 14 percent on ruble-denomi- nated mortgages-mean many Russians will wind up paying double to triple the principal borrowed on 15- to 20-year loans. The group of foreign currency mortgage holders says Russia’s financial crisis, exacerbated by falling oil prices and Western sanctions over Ukraine, has transformed their loans into “financial slavery”. To make matters worse, interest rates are expected to rise further still in the wake of the central bank’s decision this month to hike its key rate to 17 from 10.5 percent to prop up the ruble. “Why have ordinary borrowers been left alone with their misfortune?” asked members of the social media group in their letter to the central bank. They said some of them have MOSCOW: A woman browses foodstuffs at a butcher’s counter in a market in central Moscow. — AP “ended up out on the streets” and warned they would be ready to go on hunger strike if no solutions were found. A representative of the Bank of Russia said it had repeated- Russia to impose wheat export duty from Feb ly warned clients of the risks associated with dollar-denomi- nated mortgages. The bank added that “a restructuring of MOSCOW: Russia has said it will from February apply a duty of at export certificates. Dvorkovich said on national television on such loans, including converting them into rubles at a rea- least 35 euros ($43) per ton of wheat sent for export as it tries to Thursday that food safety inspections would remain “strict” as sonable exchange rate, would be in the interests of both bor- lower prices on its domestic market, hit by the ruble’s fall. Russia “can’t afford any longer to close its eyes to violations”. rowers and banks”. Zoya Kuliyeva, who borrowed $120,000 to The duty, announced in a government decree published late Russia has long been accused by its trade partners of using food buy a Soviet-era apartment in Moscow in 2008, said banks Thursday, aims to narrow a price difference that has emerged as safety inspections as a trade weapon, but usually to block imports. have so far refused to come up with an acceptable solution. Russia’s ruble has slumped by 40 percent against the dollar this Wheat prices have risen on international markets over the past The bank has offered to extend her loan until she turns 70. “It year. Despite a near-record wheat harvest this year, prices on the week as traders were anxious that Russia, usually the world’s num- means my children and grandchildren will be paying it off,” Russian market have been rising as growers prefer to export where ber 3 exporter, may ban exports as it did in 2010 when it had a Kuliyeva, chief accountant at a Russian firm, told AFP. prices, linked to foreign currencies, are now considerably higher. poor harvest due to a drought. A Russian wheat growers trade Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said on Thursday that association said the duty was preferable to an outright export ban, ‘State help needed’ farmers were getting around 225 euros ($275) per ton if they but that any measure which reduced income to farmers would Economist Yevgeny Gontmakher said the collapse of the export and 160 euros ($195) if they sold on the domestic market. have an impact on the next harvest. ruble was a huge blow to Russia’s middle class, which The duty in force from February 1 to June 30 will be 15 percent The Grain Farmers Union warned the duty could lead to a includes many holders of foreign-currency loans. “It’s a catas- of the price per ton plus 7.5 euros, with a minimum rate of 35 possible “loss of confidence in Russia as a reliable supplier of trophe for them,” said Gontmakher, deputy director of the euros per ton. At a price of 225 euros per ton, the duty of 41.25 grain to the international market, in particular by key importers Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the euros would still leave a price difference of over 20 euros. Even such as Turkey, Egypt or Iran”. According to government data, Russian Academy of Sciences. The government, he added, before it announced plans to introduce the duty in order to pro- Russia has already exported 21 million out of a potential annual tect the country’s “food security”, market participants said the gov- total 28 million tons since the export season began in July. It would likely pass the buck by putting pressure on the banks, ernment had taken other measures to slow exports as it suddenly exported 25.2 million tons during the last export season that which are already struggling with a liquidity squeeze.—AFP became difficult to book rail transportation and obtain food safety ended in June. — AFP BUSINESS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Futures edge higher, on track for weekly gain

NEW YORK: US stock index futures edged New York Stock Exchange, Peabody Energy higher yesterday, putting major indexes on Corp, trading only 3,100 shares by 7:12 a.m. track for a second straight weekly advance, EST (1212 GMT). The stock was flat at $7.71. though moves were likely to be slight with few US crude futures rose 0.6 percent to $56.16 market catalysts and many traders extending per barrel as unrest in Libya cut supplies, off- their Christmas holiday. Wall Street has rallied setting a growing glut in the United States and of late, with both the Dow and S&P 500 touch- weak imports by Japan. The modest rise could ing intraday records in Wednesday’s shortened help the beleaguered energy sector, which has session and the Dow eking out a sixth straight fallen alongside commodity prices. Crude oil daily advance. The S&P 500 has risen 5.5 per- has fallen in 12 of the past 13 weeks. cent over the past six sessions and notched 51 Biotechnology stocks will also be in focus record closes this year, the most since 1995 following heavy volatility throughout the and the fourth best ever in terms of record week. The Nasdaq Biotech index rose 1.6 per- closes. cent on Wednesday in a partial rebound from The gains have been sparked by central the drop of nearly 7 percent over the previous bank assurances about its intentions regarding two sessions. interest rate policy and still strong economic For the week, the Dow is up 1.3 percent, data. While no major economic indicators were the S&P 500 is up 0.5 percent and the Nasdaq due, the market’s upward bias looked set to is up 0.2 percent. It is the second straight continue. Low volume could increase volatility. weekly gain for all three, and the ninth posi- Market activity was quiet Friday morning, with tive week in the past ten for the Dow and one of the most actively traded names on the S&P. —Reuters NEW YORK: A man walks to work on Wall Street, in New York. — AP

China starts China challenges India’s building polished diamond throne huge new Beijing airport India seeks help from Russia to defend market share BEIJING: Construction on a massive new NEW DELHI: India’s long-held position as the world’s top diamond polish- monds directly to India. During President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New international passenger airport in Beijing er is being challenged by soaring output from China, compelling the south Delhi this month, Russia’s state-run diamond monopoly Alrosa signed a began yesterday, state media reported, as Asian country to seek help from ally and top rough diamond supplier dozen deals to increase direct rough diamond deliveries to India that booming demand for travel to and from Russia to defend its market share. India has traditionally relied on the mid- would help reduce the cut taken by middlemen in the secretive precious China stretches the capacity of existing facili- dlemen in trading hubs of Antwerp, Tel Aviv and Dubai for its supply of gems trade. The direct deals would also reduce risks linked to Western ties. Beijing’s current international airport is rough diamonds, which mainly come from Russia or Africa. Most of the sanctions imposed over Russia’s annexation of Crimea, while Modi is addi- the world’s second busiest, but also one of world’s diamond output is sent to India for cutting and polishing before tionally seeking arrangements that would allow Russian jewellery makers the most delayed, with fewer than 20 percent being retailed around the world. to send rough diamonds to India and re-import polished stones duty-free. of commercial passenger flights leaving on But China has managed to break the established trade route by getting But to compete effectively with China, India will also need to stream- schedule according to a 2013 report. diamonds directly from African mines in which Chinese companies have a line its tax and import rules, industry sources said. “China is not going to The new facility located in southern stake. This has boosted the value of China’s net exports of polished dia- displace India as the leading diamond polishing hub any time soon, but Beijing is designed to handle 72 million pas- monds by 72 percent in the past five years to $8.9 billion. India needs to reform its archaic tax rules to make the Indian diamond pol- sengers by annually by 2025, the official While India’s exports, supplied by firms such as Asian Star , Gitanjali ishing industry more attractive for foreign miners,” said Martin Rapaport, Xinhua news agency said. The airport is set to Gems Ltd and Venus Jewel, rose 49 percent to $14 billion over that time, chairman of diamond and jewellery service firm Rapaport Group. India is cost 80 billion yuan ($13 billion) and will be shipments have seen a sharp drop this year. looking to build a special notified zone where companies can import completed in around five years, Xinhua said, “China’s active procurement of rough supply from African countries rough diamonds on a consignment basis and re-export unsold ones, mir- adding that it will be able to handle 620,000 was reducing the supply available to Indian manufacturers,” said Sandeep roring China’s investor-friendly trading zones that avoid complicated flights per year. Travel demand in China has Varia, an executive of Indian industry body Assocham. “Many units across export and import taxes. soared as the country has grown to become the country had to lay off workers due to losses.” As a result, China’s share “These are positive moves for the industry,” said Mehul N Shah, com- the world’s second-largest economy and of the global polished diamond market has tripled to 17 percent in the mittee member of India’s Bharat Diamond Bourse. “It will increase profit Beijing’s current International airport in the past decade, according to data from the United Nations. India’s share has margins of the Indian diamond manufacturing industry and make it more city’s northeast has begun to reach its capaci- fluctuated between 19 and 31 percent. competitive.” Despite China’s upper hand in securing rough diamonds, its ty limits. Beijing International Airport was the cutting and polishing industry is not as organized as India’s and rising world’s second busiest airport in terms of pas- BRING IN RUSSIA labor costs are a problem. “The Chinese diamond polishing industry works sengers in 2013, Xinhua said, ranking behind Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who comes from the western on a contract-basis and through joint ventures,” said Rapaport. “They are Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International state of Gujarat where the polishing industry is centred, has answered calls consistent at mass producing small stones, but lack the expertise required Airport in the United States. to bolster the diamond sector by convincing Russia to sell rough dia- for bigger and finer stones.” — Reuters But it is also the world’s most delayed, according to a study last year by US-based air travel information service FlightStats, which said just 18 percent of flights were on time. About 42 percent of departures from Beijing suffered delays of 45 minutes or longer, the survey said. Xinhua cited aviation authorities as saying that the current airport is unable to handle an additional 300 flights daily and almost 10 million passengers annually due to restraints. Jet manufacturer Airbus said this month that China will oust the US in 2023 as the world’s biggest domestic air traffic market by passenger numbers, as economic develop- ment pushes demand for air travel. Beijing also has another smaller commercial airport in the city’s southern area. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s top economic planning agency, approved the airport plan this month, Xinhua said. — AFP India has traditionally relied on the middlemen in trading hubs of Antwerp, Tel Aviv and Dubai for its supply of rough diamonds. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 SATURDAY,

India’sIndia’s brassbrass bandsbands strugglestruggle amidamid changingchanging tastestastes Page 27

Colombian Salsa dancers perform inin thethe Salsodromo”Salsodromo” parade,parade, whichwhich marks the start of the 57th Fair of Cali, on Friday, in the Colombian city of Cali. Some 1,500 salsa dancers from different dance schools in Cali danced in the streets, staging different steps of salsa music through history, as the fair runs fromfrom DecemberDecember 2525 toto 30.30. —— AFPAFP SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Heidi Klum will spend Christmas with her boyfriend and ex-husband

he 41-year-old model wants Vito Schnabel and Seal - activity together to ensure there’s no animosity between the father of her kids Leni, 10, Henry, nine, Johan, them.” Heidi - who began dating Vito, 28, in February - has Teight, and Lou, five - to be part of her festive plans and remained close to Seal, 51, since their split in 2012 and has the two men have agreed, with the singer even suggesting even sought his blessing to take her new relationship fur- a “bonding activity” to get to know her new man better. A ther. The source said: “Heidi speaks to Seal most days and source said: “Heidi has told friends she’ll spend Christmas in still refers to him as her best friend. She’s even discussed the LA with Vito and Seal as she wants to unite them for the idea of marrying Vito with Seal and he’s given his blessing.” sake of her children. “Seal has agreed to meet Vito and spend time getting to know him as he’s spending so much time with his kids. “He even suggested they all do a bonding

Patrick Schwarzenegger’s family ‘has no problem’ with Miley Cyrus

he ‘Wrecking Ball’ hitmaker bonded with the 21-year-old student’s uncle Anthony Shriver, who is the founder and chairman of Best TBuddies, an international nonprofit that facilitates friendships and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, when they were in Miami for the Art Basel festival recently. A source said: “Anthony had a great time hanging out with his nephew and Miley dur- ing Art Basel. He said Miley was a lot of fun. As far as he’s concerned, the family has no problem with her.” The insider also told E! News that Patrick’s mother, Maria Shriver, has no issue with his new girlfriend and think she is a “very nice girl.” Miley - who ended her engagement to Liam Hemsworth in September 2013 - and Patrick were introduced by mutual friends, even though they “couldn’t be more different” to each other. But the insider said: “They might seem like an odd pairing, but they are quite good for each other. They’ve been friends forever.” Patrick - whose father is actor Arnold Schwarzenegger - first revealed in 2011 that he had a crush on the former ‘Hannah Montana’ star. After admit- ting he was single, he said at the time: “My eye, though, is set on Miley.”

Kim Kardashian buys for Katie Holmes treats her her daughter £35,000 dolls’ daughter Suri Cruise house for Christmas he ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ star and her husband Kanye West to monkey bread have splurged on the lavish gift, and other presents such as a person- Talised designer leather jacket, for 17-month-old North to have a memo- he 35-year-old actress loves to indulge in the calorific rable festive season. A source said: “Kim’s bought North a dolls’ house worth treat with her eight year old - her only child with ex-hus- £35k - it comes with a marble bathroom with NW encrusted in gold on the Tband Tom Cruise - but admits they will only have it once bathtub. “She’s also splashed out on a Dolce & Gabbana leather jacket with a year, on Christmas Day, because there is so much of the ‘North’ etched in Swarovski crystals. Kim doesn’t see any harm in spoiling her sweet treat that it seems as though it is “never-ending”. She rotten.” North won’t be the only member of the family to be spoiled on said: “On Christmas morning, we eat monkey bread - frozen Christmas Day, as it was recently revealed Kanye splurged $7,000 on an Yves bread dough with butter and brown sugar, which you put in Salomon fox fur jacket for his wife. Meanwhile, Kim, 34, has reportedly set her the oven until it’s all gooey and sticky. “One piece is never- heart on commissioning an “artistic” sculpture of her bottom as a present for ending, which is why you can only have it once a year.” As the 37-year-old rapper. The brunette beauty - who recently posed nude for well as her love of the gooey sweet treat, Katie admitted she Paper magazine - has reportedly paid over $20,000 for a Silicon replica of her also enjoys spending some quality time with her friends and behind. A source recently revealed: “The replica was her idea for a gift, she family over the festive period and loves to make sure her thinks it’s artistic and knew Kanye would love it. “It means he’ll always have a Christmas time goes off with a bang courtesy of some fire- piece of her, albeit her bum, if Kim’s away working.” works. When asked what excites her, the raven-haired beauty - who is expected to spend Christmas Day with Tom - replied: “Fireworks - I love them. Being with friends and family. Having big dinners. And Christmas - of course!” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Kanye West is ‘jealous’ of Taylor Swift

he ‘Stronger’ hitmaker - who infamously interrupt- ed the 25-year-old singer’s acceptance speech at Tthe MTV Video Music Awards in 2009 when she won the Best Female Video gong - reportedly “loses it” when people mention how successful she is. A source revealed: “There’s just something about Taylor that sends Kanye into a rage. He just doesn’t get why she’s so successful.” The 37-year-old rapper is believed to have “lost it” when he discovered her ‘Shake It Off’ video had received nearly eight times more views than his ‘Bound 2’ video. A source shared to Star magazine: “He can’t let go of a grudge, and it’s never more apparent than with Taylor. “If he hears her music or her name, he’ll curse Taylor out as long as anyone will listen.” His “jealousy” is reportedly only getting worse now Jay Z has refused to include Kanye in his musical plans with Taylor, Beyonce and Justin Timberlake. A source explained: “Kanye does- n’t see things over his ego very often if ever - and he is upset that he isn’t in the club with Taylor, Jay Z, Beyonce and JT.” The ‘Blank Space’ hitmaker’s dislike of Kanye is believed to be so strong that “Jay Z doesn’t want to ruf- fle any feathers with her by bringing Kanye into the fold on his Mount Rushmore idea.” However, the loss doesn’t appear to be too upsetting for the 45-year-old rapper Union J and music producer who is “moving on”. A source are going on a shared: “Jay Z did his thing with Kanye and he is moving on to bigger and better things.” festive holiday together

he boy band - who shot to fame after appearing on ‘The which won’t be happening at Christmas is J.J. Hamblett pro- X Factor’ in 2012 - spent Christmas Day with their fami- posing to his girlfriend, though he admits he wants to marry Tlies but are then jetting off to a secret location to com- her one day. Asked whether fans can expect to hear about a bine work and play. Josh Cuthbert said: “We’re spending festive proposal, he said: “Not at the moment. One day there’ll Christmas with our families, then on Boxing Day we’re going be a proposal but I don’t have a plan as to when. We’re plan- away together.” Jaymi Hensley added: “We can’t tell you ning a plan and one day we’ll plan to do it.” where we’re going - it’s a working holiday as we’re performing our new single.” George Shelley added: “We are.” One thing

Miley Cyrus bought Lauren Conrad is ‘doing X-rated Christmas presents nothing’ this Christmas he former ‘The Hills’ star, who married he ‘We Can’t Stop’ hitmaker was reportedly law student William Tell during a lavish seen stocking up on the gifts at a Los Angeles Tceremony at a winery in California in Tshop. A source revealed: “Miley bought a whole September, admits she just wants to relax at load of sex toys, including Sexcereal, a breakfast home with her husband over the festive sea- cereal that’s supposed to boost her body “She even son, as they had “a big year.” The 28-year- picked up some Foria oil for enhancing sexual old lifestyle guru said: “I’m doing nothing! appetite.” The 22-year-old singer seemed to be in the Just spending it with my family, I’m not trav- festive spirit as she shared a joke with a fellow shop- elling or doing anything! “It was a big year per. The source added to The Sun newspaper: “When so I just want to sort of relax, take time off, one shopper approached her she just joked that that’s all I want! Just laying low. No big she’s a very generous gift giver.” This comes just plans.” The blonde beauty has spent the hol- weeks after Miley celebrated her 22nd birthday. Last idays with William, 34, and his family before, month, the star threw a Happyland-themed birthday as they’re both from Orange County in bash at Factory Nightclub in West Hollywood, California. Asked if it will be their first cele- accompanied by boyfriend, Patrick Schwarzenegger. bration together, she told UsMagazine.com: The Los Angeles club was decorated in a similar X- “No, we already did Christmas with both rated theme with the walls covered in sex toys and families before - and we still will, they live illuminating fresh leaves. However, it’s Patrick that like twenty minutes apart. So it’s great! So parties harder, according to the pair’s close friend, we do multiple Thanksgivings, Christmases - Cody Simpson. Speaking about the 21-year-old stu- the whole thing.” Lauren loves being mar- dent, Cody said: “We met through a friend’s party ried, but insists their relationship hasn’t and stuff, he’s such a blast. He’s a good bloke.” Asked changed. She said: “It’s the same! It’s really who parties the hardest, he added: “Honestly, Pat. nice but really, the same. [laughs] Things are Every time I see him we have such a good time.” good.” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Helena Bonham Carter’s friends think Tim Burton is having crisis he British actress - who confirmed her split collaborated on more than seven films since Tim, 56, from the American director on Tuesday - is first directed Helena in ‘Planet of the Apes’ in 2001. Treportedly devastated that her efforts to save The duo had a famously unconventional relationship, their 13-year relationship have failed. A source close living in two neighbouring houses joined by a com- to the ‘Harry Potter’ star, who has two children, Billy, munal room. News of their split comes more than a 11, and Nell, seven, with the filmmaker, said: “Tim is year after Tim was photographed canoodling with having a classic mid-life crisis. All Helena’s friends another woman after a cinema date in Hampstead, think he’s a terrible old cliche. Helena gave him a lot London in September 2013. But Helena rubbished of time to sort himself out.” Another pal admitted to allegations he had been unfaithful at the time, say- MailOnline that the actress isn’t taking the split well, ing: “This is absolute nonsense. The pictures were saying: “Helena was very upset at the Chequers party taken whilst they were out and the large group earlier this month hosted by Samantha Cameron. includes family, friends and work colleagues.” Other guests noticed she was in a bad way. She is really upset. It’s all still very raw and they only told the children two weeks ago.” The former couple have

Chris Klein engaged to longtime girlfriend Laina Rose Thyfault he ‘American Pie’ actor, who previously engaged to source close to the couple, who met at a mutual friend’s Katie Holmes, proposed to the 29-year-old blonde wedding, also told UsMagazine.com: “Neither one is interest- Tbeauty in Venice Beach, California over the weekend ed in a long engagement, so they’re shooting for a summer after four years of dating. A spokesperson for the star told 2015 wedding.” Chris, 35, has kept a low profile in recent PEOPLE.com: “Chris and Laina are very happy and look for- years after opening up about his alcohol addiction in 2010. ward to celebrating their engagement over the holidays.” A The ‘Mamma Mia’ star checked into rehab after being charged with Driving Under the Influence [DUI] for the sec- ond time that year and later admitted: “It got to the point where I was a fragile shadow of the young man that came into this business. Today, I’m the luckiest guy alive.” Chris started dating Katie in 2000 and they got engaged three years later, but split in March 2005. The actress got engaged to Tom Cruise, who she divorced in 2012, just three months later, but her ex-boyfriend previously said: “When we were breaking up, we kept it to ourselves for a while. It looked like it was Katie and Chris together and two seconds later Katie and Tom together, but that’s ridiculously compressed... Kate was incredibly respectful about the decision she was making to move on. “She called and said, ‘Listen I want you to know before you see it anywhere else.’ “

Seth Rogen thinks ‘freedom has prevailed’ after Sony agrees to release ‘The Interview’ he 32-year-old actor is overjoyed the studio has decided Malin Akerman admits to distribute the film to a limited number of cinemas in Tthe US after previously cancelling it’s planned release on she’s had ‘ups and downs’ December 25 because several chains refused to screen the movie, which is about an assassination attempt on North he ‘Trophy Wives’ actress, who split from her Italian rock- Korean leader Kim Jong Un, because of a terrorist threat. er husband, Roberto Zincone, in November 2013 after Sharing his excitement on Twitter, the star tweeted: “The peo- Tsix years of marriage, says their 20-month-old son, ple have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn’t give up! Sebastian, is her “truest love” and credits him for helping her The Interview will be shown at theaters willing to play it on to remain positive. The blonde beauty, 36, posted a touching Xmas day!” US President Barack Obama previously criticised photograph of herself kissing her son’s nose on Instagram, Sony for pulling the plug on the film, and Seth’s co-star James with the caption: “My truest love... As I reflect upon this past Franco suggested his speech helped empower the studio to year, I can’t help but think about all the ups and downs... move forward with the release. He tweeted: “‘The Interview’ everything that helps us grow as human beings. No matter starring Seth Rogen and James Flacco saved by President how painful, no matter how joyful, life is a miracle! It is beauti- Obacco! I MEAN PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!! Sorry!!!” More than 20 ful. “And the fact that I have this little life to enjoy it all with cinemas, located in Atlanta, Texas, Colorado, Virginia and New brings me the biggest joy ever!! I am beyond #thankful for York, have already agreed to screen the film, according to everything that I have been given. So I start this holiday sea- gossip website TMZ.com. Sony previously considered trying son by saying Thank You and cheers! To life! #happyholidays” to release the film online. In a recent statement, the company The Swedish-Canadian actress was linked to ‘Rizzoli & Isles’ said: “Sony Pictures Entertainment is and always has been actor Colin Egglesfield in April, but she insisted at the time strongly committed to the First Amendment. “Free expres- that they were just friends. She said: “He’s a friend of mine. sion should never be suppressed by threats and extortion.” Yeah, I have friends who are guys! He’s so sweet [and] lovely.” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

In this Dec. 4, 2014 photo, a replica of the Alamo built for John Wayne’s 1960 movie “The Alamo,” is framed by arches at the movie set in Brackettville, Texas. Time and Mother Nature are threatening to dismantle the Alamo. Not the original, but the replica 18th Century Spanish mission and Old West movie set Wayne built for his Oscar- nominated movie and that for decades was a tourist mecca and film production site. (Right) A restroom fashioned to blend with the set built for John Wayne’s 1960 movie “The Alamo” is grown over by weeds in Brackettville, Texas. — AP photos Texas movie set used by John Wayne fading away

ime and Mother Nature are threatening to dismantle the Alamo. Not the original, but Tthe replica 18th-century Spanish mission and Old West movie set John Wayne built for his Oscar- nominated 1960 movie and that for decades was a tourist mecca and film production site. “It’s not just something that represents history to a movie set - it is now history for sure,” says Rich Curilla, the one-man curator and custodian of the now-closed Alamo Village. Alamo Village, a 400- acre plot of land about 120 miles west of San Antonio, was carved out of a large ranch in the late 1950s for Wayne’s directorial debut. Starring Richard Widmark as Jim Bowie and Wayne as Davy Crockett, “The Alamo” had an estimated $12 mil- lion budget, huge for its time. The 4-foot-thick Alamo facade was modeled off a 1936 map of the historic building - drawn up for the Texas centennial that year - and set construc- tion took nearly two years. Unlike the real Alamo, which is dwarfed by taller buildings in the heart of San Antonio, the view from Wayne’s Alamo offered a panorama of iconic Texas and Western images. “To Hollywood, a movie set is just a means to an end,” said Curilla, a film and Alamo historian who spent his summers in college during the late 1960s at the site and began working there full-time in 1988. “I think Wayne was cognizant of building a Rich Curilla walks past a replica of the San Fernando Cathedral, built for John Wayne’s 1960 movie “The Alamo,” in Brackettville, Texas. — AP monument and not just a movie set.” In its heyday, primarily is used for cattle grazing and hunting. In Wayne’s Alamo hosted Jimmy Stewart, Dean recent years, a large crack has developed on the Martin, Raquel Welch and even Willie Nelson. It’s front of the Alamo facade. A tree grows inside. where James Arness reprised his famous Matt Other walls and structures that have been replaced Dillon role in a “Gunsmoke” TV movie. or redone are failing. In all, nearly 40 major film and TV productions, At the main entrance to the ranch, only an plus hundreds of commercials, documentaries and abandoned ticket booth and a weathered sign music videos were shot at Alamo Village. And musi- telling visitors they’re entering the world’s largest cal shows, comedy skits and staged gunfights drew outdoor movie set hint at its storied past. hundreds of tourists daily. “It was magical,” said “The weather and elements are taking a toll on Penny Loewen, who was 18 in 1979 when she it,” Texas Film Commission Director Heather Page arrived from tiny St. Francisville, Illinois. She stayed said. “I think it would be disappointing to lose for three years, getting paid $350 a month to sing something like that.” and perform six days a week, 11 hours a day. Corpus Christi businessman David Jones, 74, “We would do just about anything,” the 55- envisions saving Alamo Village as a Texas version year-old retired Nashville songwriter who of Old Tucson, a thriving Old West theme park in remained involved with movie productions for 20 southern Arizona. Jones, who describes himself as years said. “That was the most fun I ever had in my a lifelong friend of the former owners, says he’s life.” Business at Alamo Village began to wane in close to raising the $8 million he believes is neces- the 1980s when traffic along the main east-west sary to buy the property and ready it for visitors. route through South Texas shifted north with com- The remote location won’t be a deterrent, Jones pletion of Interstate 10. It closed to the public after says, noting that Big Bend National Park, some 200 the last remaining owner died in 2009 and the miles to the west, typically draws more than Part of the set for John Wayne’s 1960 movie “The Alamo” still stands in Brackettville, property was divided among heirs. The land now 300,000 visitors a year. —AP Texas. — AP SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 ‘The Interview’ earns nearly $1 million on Christmas ‘Unbroken,’ ‘Into the Woods’ surging to $40m

People walk past a TV screen showing a poster of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Willie Mitchell and Samantha Mitchell, of Franklin County, Va., who drove to see the “The Interview” in a news report at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South movie,”The Interview,” on Christmas, wait in the lobby for the second showing of Korea. — AP photos the movie at Hollywood Cinema, in Martinsville, Va.

ony’s “The Interview” has delivered nearly less than 24 hours, it had already been down- Thursday. the first screening of the film in New York City, at $1 million on its opening day on loaded by about 900,000 torrent users world- A hacking group called the Lizard Squad the Cinema Village in Manhattan’s Greenwich SChristmas-an impressive launch for a title wide. On Wednesday, the studio announced the claimed it was behind disruptions at both Xbox Village, remained silent during a scene showing playing in only about 300 independent theaters launch of “The Interview” on Google Play, and Sony Corp’s PlayStation Networks, which the death of Kim Jong Un in the downing of his in the US. YouTube Movies, Microsoft’s Xbox Video and its was not carrying “The Interview.” The group’s helicopter. Matt Rosenzweig, 60, of Manhattan, The estimate for the controversial comedy own website, SeetheInterview.com, for $5.99 claim could not be verified. said the moments that drew the most applause came after a launch amid a barrage of news rental or $14.99 purchase. That came ahead of Neither Microsoft nor Sony offered explana- had to do with the idea of acting against censor- coverage with several theaters opting for mid- Sony’s planned US theatrical release of the film tions for the connectivity problems, though ship rather than animosity toward North Korea. night screenings. The Alamo Drafthouse chain to more than 300 independent theaters on both services expected heavy use as consumers had reported on Christmas Eve that it had sold Christmas Day. who received the devices for Christmas tried to Raucous applause out all of its opening day screenings at 17 loca- log on all at once. Although Cinema Village manager Lee tions. The opening day numbers for “The Illegal video sites Extra network traffic on Xbox from users Peterson said the New York Police Department Interview” may drop off in coming days, given In China and South Korea, two countries that downloading “The Interview” may also have planned to post officers outside the theater, that Sony launched a VOD release on share a land border with North Korea, hundreds exacerbated connectivity problems for there was no visible police presence outside or Wednesday morning via YouTube, Google Play, of thousands of people flocked to illegal video Microsoft. The film also was available to U.S. inside the venue for the first screening. An after- Microsoft’s Xbox Video and its own sharing sites to see the movie. online viewers through Google Inc’s Google noon screening at the Van Nuys Regency http://www.seetheinterview.com site. Major In the United States, movie theater managers Play and YouTube Movie, as well as on a Sony Theatres in the city’s San Fernando Valley was chains such as AMC, Regal and Carmike are and patrons alike said they believed there was website, www.seetheinterview.com. It can be two-thirds full and drew a diverse crowd rang- refusing to book “The Interview” due to the nothing to fear from the threats, and the initial seen in Canada on the Sony site and Google ing from teens to senior citizens, who laughed VOD release. The awareness of “The Interview” screenings on Thursday were uneventful. But Canada’s website. A Sony spokeswoman on loudly throughout at Rogen and Franco’s antics. may have benefited rival titles, which saw one of the online outlets that distributed the Thursday said she had no figures on the number “It was much better than I thought it would be,” Christmas grosses come in well above estimates film ahead of its theatrical release, Microsoft of downloads so far, and the studio was not said Carlos Royal, 45, a professor who came with with three titles-Universal’s “Unbroken,” Corp’s Xbox Live, reported that users were expe- expected to have box office numbers from the- a friend dressed in Santa hats and took selfies Disney’s “Into the Woods” and New Line-MGM’s riencing problems getting connected on aters before Friday morning. The audience at for the occasion in front of the theater’s “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” Hollywood sign marquis. “I wanted to support heading for at least $40 million each for the the US.” The movie, which is playing in theaters four-day Christmas weekend. in major metropolitan areas as well as in smaller Angelina Jolie’s war drama “Unbroken” per- cities ranging from Bangor, Maine, to Jasper, formed far above forecasts with Christmas Day Indiana, features Rogen and Franco as journal- grosses of about $15 million at 3,131 locations. ists who are recruited by the CIA to assassinate The tale of war hero Louis Zamperini could wind the North Korean leader. up hitting above $45 million for the holiday In Asia, online audiences seemed to find the weekend. “Into the Woods” delivered Christmas movie tedious. “There is no drama and not much box office in the $12 million to $13 million range fun,” said a blogger in South Korea. “It’s all about at 2,424 with the top numbers coming from forced comedy that turns you off. Couldn’t they large cities, portending a weekend in the $39 have done a better job making this movie?” million to $44 million range. However, Sony’s digital release of the Peter Jackson’s Hobbit finale doubled its $6 movie is currently available only in the US, As million Christmas Eve total to about $12 million such, it’s unsurprising that “The Interview” was at 3,875, leading to a probable $40 million quickly pirated, particularly given worldwide weekend-a hold that’s in line with the previous interest in the movie after the devastating two films-and a US total around $155 million by hack on SPE and allegations by US govern- the end of Sunday. ment that North Korea was responsible for the Paramount’s remake of “The Gambler” attack. Poached copies of “The Interview” had opened respectably with about $4.5 million at been downloaded by 904,237 clients world- 2,478 on Christmas, portending a weekend of wide as of about 4 pm ET Thursday after being around $15 million. The Weinstein Co.’s “Big uploaded less than 24 hours earlier to file- Eyes” looked moderate with an opening $1.5 sharing services, according to piracy-tracking million at 1,307. Shortly after Sony Pictures General view of the Plaza Theatre marquee during Sony Pictures’ release of “The firm Excipio. Of those, 28% were in the US-rep- Entertainment released “The Interview” on digi- Interview” at the Plaza Theatre on, Christmas Day in Atlanta, Georgia. Sony hackers resenting the country with the largest base of tal services Dec. 24, high-quality copies of the have been releasing stolen information and threatened attacks on theaters that pirates-where the film is legally available movie turned up on multiple piracy sites-and in screened the film. — AFP through digital services. — Agencies SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 India’s brass bands struggle amid changing tastes

he wedding season is in full swing in India, marking what should be the Tbusiest time of year for the traditional brass bands that lead raucous processions announcing the arrival of the bridegroom to the neighborhood. Dressed in faded military-style uniforms or long silken tunics and turbans, brass bands playing the latest Bollywood tunes have long been a must-have at any Indian wedding. But as the tastes of young, wealthier Indians shift to more modern music, young couples increasingly choose DJs playing elec- tronic music instead of live bands. The shift is leaving band owners and musicians strug- gling to find gigs, exacerbating an already dif- ficult existence. Poor wages, irregular work hours and endless travel eventually take their toll, said Shanawaz Ali, a bandmaster who plays several instruments. “At the end of more than 35 years of play- ing in different bands, I have no savings. Nothing,” said Ali, who has urged his children to take up other trades. “There is no future in the band musician’s profession.” Away from the bright lights of the wed- ding procession, it’s a tough life for the musi- cians, with lots of travel, long hours and inconsistent pay. Most members of the nearly 100 wedding bands that operate in and around Delhi come from villages in neighbor- ing Uttar Pradesh state, and many are related In this Nov 3, 2014 photo, members of Indian Brass band, play as they accompany a wedding procession, in New Delhi, India. by blood or marriage. The wedding season is in full swing in India, marking what should be the busiest time of year for the traditional brass bands that Hindu weddings in India generally take lead raucous processions announcing the arrival of the bridegroom to the neighborhood. — AP photos place on around 90 days throughout the year cellphones. They play again when the wed- - mostly during the winter months - that are ding ceremonies end hours later and the deemed auspicious by astrologers. Musicians newlyweds leave. “Often it is past midnight typically sign contracts with band owners for when we return to our lodgings and return about $1,000 a year. The rest of the time they the uniforms, before turning in for the night,” return to their villages where they eke out a said Ali, the band master. During wedding living as construction workers, painters or season, most band players sleep in cramped farm laborers. A typical day during the wed- quarters in the distant suburbs of Delhi, with ding season begins in the afternoon, when more than a dozen packed into a room, their 15-20 musicians gather at the band owner’s instruments and clothes hanging from hooks place and change into uniforms and collect on the grimy walls. “We are all related, so instruments - trumpets, drums, saxophones, we’ve learned to adjust, but sometimes it cymbals, clarinets, oboes and maracas - that becomes a bit too much,” said Raees Ahmed, are usually battered from long years of use. coughing and drawing on a thin cigarette. Then begins a long evening stretching into Ahmed, a trumpet player, said despite the the late hours as they travel by bus or train to poor pay he continued with the band the groom’s home, where they wait for him to because the annual contract money was the emerge. When he does, usually astride a single largest amount he would earn in the white stallion, the band begins to play, year. The owners of the bands also feel the marching ahead of the horse as the groom’s pinch as their margins shrink. Sanjay Sharma, friends and relatives dance all the way to the the current owner of the Master Band troupe, wedding venue. Once the procession reaches recalled days from his childhood when his the bride’s home or the hotel where the wed- father started the band company. “Weddings ding is held, the band musicians wait outside, Members of Indian Brass band, play drum or dhol in a wedding procession, in New were small, family affairs, where all the music playing cards or watching movies on their Delhi, India. was provided by the band,” he said. —AP

Salim, 23, from Agra, some 209 kilometres (130 miles) from Delhi, a member of Master Band, an Indian brass band spe- Members of Master Band travel in bus for work. cialized in playing weddings, poses for a portrait. Members of Master Band leave for work. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

A visitor is pushed in to test one of the “Famous Deaths” installations in Breda on November 25, 2014. With odors and sounds that last about five minutes, the dark coffin-like installation that consists of a cabinet often used in mortuaries, narrates the last moments of US president John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1963), Princess Diana (1997), Libyan dictator A visitor tests one of the “Famous Deaths” installations in Moamer Qaddafi (2011) and US singer Whitney Houston (2012). — AFP Breda. — AFP Dutch scientists use smell to recreate JFK, Diana and other famous deaths utch scientists are recreating experience Houston’s final Kadhafi’s last moments as the for- ed,” said Soepenberg. In the coming But the scientists admit battling the deaths of some of the moments are transported to a bath- mer Libyan strongman was hunted months the installation will be tak- to recreate the right scent for Jackie Dworld’s most famous person- tub at the upmarket Beverly Hills and killed by rebels in October en across Europe. “We’ve conduct- Kennedy’s perfume, which is no alities by reconstructing their last hotel where the diva died in 2011. ed extensive research,” said Wander longer made. “We had to rebuild moments using scents and sounds. February 2012 at age 48. “You can watch the pictures as Eikenboom, another lecturer at something that resembled it as From the sweet smell of A coroner ruled that the singing many times as you want, it’s just not Avans about the authenticity of the closely as possible,” said scientist Jacqueline Kennedy’s perfume min- legend died of accidental drowning, the same thing,” he said of the experience. Mark Meeuwenoord. gled with the scent of John F. with cocaine and heart disease list- attack on Kadhafi’s convoy, forcing “There’s already a lot of informa- The inventors of the “final Kennedy’s blood to Whitney ed as contributing factors. the long-serving leader to hide in a tion available on the Internet, such moments” smells said in any case, Houston’s last drug-fuelled To the sounds of splashing water drainage pipe before being mur- as what perfume Jackie Kennedy or exact historical accuracy was not moments in a Beverly Hills bathtub, and Houston’s voice, a visitor first dered. JFK were wearing,” said Eikenboom. their aim. Rather, they wanted to scientists at Breda university say gets a whiff of generic cleaner, used “Whitney Houston’s autopsy explore new ways of “smelling” old they offer visitors a unique, if some- in hotels around the world, fol- ‘I felt myself being hunted’ report for instance, is also avail- stories. — AFP what macabre, historical snapshot. lowed by the olive oil the singer “I almost felt myself being hunt- able,” he added. “We all have seen the images of used in her tub. JFK’s assassination, but what did it Then a strong chemical odour, smell like?” asks Frederik Duerinck, similar to that of cocaine fills the from the communication and multi- box, grabbing its occupant by the media design faculty of Breda’s throat, followed by the sound of Avans university of applied sci- rushing water and then silence. ences. To find out, visitors with a “Smell is rarely used in communi- sense of the morbid are invited to cation and we wanted to explore its lie in a series of four silver metal uses,” said Duerinck. “It’s a very boxes similar to those found in a powerful means of communica- morgue. The boxes, which are tion.” pitch-dark inside, are rigged with Scientists have proved that pipes leading to bottles containing smells are linked to the part of the pressurised smells. A soundtrack is brain that regulates emotion and played and on queue different memory. Odours are often used in scents are released into the box to the retail industry to trigger a buy- recreate a specific “final moment.” ing mood in customers. For around five minutes, visitors “Who doesn’t want to buy a loaf can relive the smells and sounds after catching a whiff of fresh believed to have surrounded four bread?” said Duerinck, who togeth- people whose deaths are etched er with other lecturers and students into the world’s collective memory: has put together an inventory of Kennedy (1963); Princess Diana odours and is devising new ways of (1997); Moamer Qaddafi (2011) and using smell: for instance in story- Whitney Houston (2012). telling. “It’s quite surprising and spectac- Strong chemical odour ular,” said Riks Soepenberg, 31, who A visitor is pulled out after testing one of the “Famous Deaths” installations. With odors and sounds that last For instance, those wanting to experienced a recreation of about five minutes, the dark coffin-like installation that consists of a cabinet often used in mortuaries. — AFP SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

This image released by Fox Searchlight shows Ralph Fiennes, left, and Tony Revolori in “The This photo released by Paramount Pictures shows, David Oyelowo, center, as Martin Luther Grand Budapest Hotel.” King, Jr and Carmen Ejogo, right, as Coretta Scott King in the film, “Selma.” Top 10 movies of the year

The top 10 films of 2014, according to AP Film Writer Jake Coyle: was the most mesmerizing; JC Chandor’s “A Most Violent Year” the 10. “Starred Up” - Four walls, a father and a son, plus a whole most atmospheric; and Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” the lot of violent rage. The ingredients of this British prison drama are 1. “Ida” - Where did this perfect little gem come from? Its director, tautest. But James Gray’s period Ellis Island tale was the most simple, but its force is ferocious. In one of the more remarkable Pawel Pawlikowski, wasn’t previously a major name in international majestic. The film’s powerful last shot is an absolute knock out. father-son dramas you’ll see (a young punk gets locked up in the cinema. Yet at a time when most filmmakers can’t keep their same facility as his dad), Jack O’Connell (the star of Angelina Jolie’s movies under two hours, Pawlikowksi plunges into Polish history 8. “Under the Skin” - Equal parts beautiful and terrifying in its “Unbroken”) dramatically arrives. But the movie’s also a reminder and back again in less than 90 minutes. Yes, an austere, black-and- alien mystery, Jonathan Glazer’s extraterrestrial shocker (with that there’s no more riveting actor in movies than Ben Mendelsohn, white Polish film doesn’t sound like the most appetizing stuff. But Scarlett Johansson as the other-worldly being that touches down who plays the father. it’s a hauntingly beautiful film, and thanks to the tremendous Agata in, of all places, Glasgow) made for a searing cinematic experience Kulesza, there’s humor here, too. of sound and imagery. Also just as good: “Two Days, One Night,” “The Babadook,” “Selma,” “Ernest & Celestine,” “Locke,” “Citizenfour,” “Stranger By 2. “Boyhood” - One of the most memorable parts of film in 9. “Leviathan” - There’s a stout Russian muscularity to Andrey the Lake,” “Dear White People,” “Timbuktu,” “The Trip to Italy” and 2014 was seeing the movies play with time, capturing it in elapse Zvyagintsev’s bleak, Job-like tale of corruption in a coastal Russian “Neighbors.” — AP (“Boyhood”), bending its particles (“Interstellar”) and wryly gazing town. A framed portrait of Vladimir Putin above the police chief at its courses across centuries (Jim Jarmusch’s excellent “Only looms large. Lovers Left Alive”). Richard Linklater’s 12-years-in-the-making “Boyhood” is a landmark, for sure. But for a much-lauded master- piece, it’s incredibly humble, warm and humanistic.

3. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” - Wes Anderson’s heroes are, like him, devotees of brilliant escapes: the beachside oasis of “Moonrise Kingdom,” the play land of Rushmore Academy, the pre- war elegance of this film’s Eastern European resort. Dreams are inevitably punctured by outside forces, and a new, compromised life must be found - some melancholy combination of fantasy and reality. Usually, Bill Murray’s there somewhere.

4. “Mr. Turner” and “Birdman” - In a year rich with colorful portraits of artists (the obsessive, rigorous drummer of “Whiplash,” the arrogant, oblivious author of “Listen Up Philip”) these two most stood out: “Birdman” for its blisteringly kinetic flow and the raging ego of Michael Keaton’s actor; and the masterful “Mr. Turner” for its total lack of pretention and Timothy Spall’s gruff, grunting painter.

5. “Interstellar” - Admittedly, I’m a sucker when it comes to sto- ries about dads and daughters. Many critics poked holes in the imperfectly stitched cosmic fabric of Christopher Nolan’s space epic, but I found the time-traveling epic - science fiction built on science fact - grandly moving. So I’m a sentimentalist who digs space. Sue me.

6. “Inherent Vice” - Obviously, I’m also an easy mark for a glori- ous mess. Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaption of Thomas Pynchon is probably a noble failure in an impossible task. But there’s no movie I’m keener to return to, to again feel its electric songs and its scruffy sadness.

7. “The Immigrant” - A number of films in 2014 weren’t shy about their Big American Themes. Bennett Miller’s “Foxcatcher” This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Matthew McConaughey in a scene from “Interstellar.” — AP photos TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

TOKYO: In this Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014 photo, a shopper walks on the logo of Sony’s PlayStation 4 at an electronics store in Tokyo. Sony’s online PlayStation store and Microsoft’s Xbox site suffered disruptions to users on Christmas Day in the latest possible cyber-attacks on the companies. — AP Russia offers support to Sony’s PlayStation, Microsoft’s N Korea amid Sony hack Xbox offline in ‘hacker attack’ MOSCOW: Russia on Thursday offered sympathy to North Korea amid the Sony hacking scandal, saying the movie WASHINGTON: The online gaming net- users are having issues logging into PSN gamers were convinced a link exists. that sparked the dispute was so scandalous that works for Sony’s PlayStation and - engineers are investigating.” “I blame that darn movie ‘The Pyongyang’s anger was “quite understandable.” Microsoft’s Xbox consoles-hot gifts this Its @AskPlayStation Twitter account Interview’,” wrote as2009man on a Washington failed to offer any proof to back its claims of Christmas-were disrupted for a second wrote early Friday, a day after the diffi- PlayStation community forum message Pyongyang’s involvement in the hacking, Russian Foreign day yesterday in what hackers said was a culties began: “Our engineers are contin- board. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said at a brief- coordinated attack. uing to work hard to resolve the network he said. Another poster to the same ing, adding that the US threats of retaliation were “coun- The disruption started Christmas Day, issues users have experienced today. forum said he was getting fed up with terproductive.” PlayStation and Xbox said on their Thanks for your continued patience!” the game world’s vulnerability to repeat- The US has blamed Pyongyang for the recent cyberat- Twitter feeds, adding that they were Analysts said a direct connection with ed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. “A tack on Sony Pictures, which produced “The Interview,” a working to restore service. the Sony Pictures attack was unlikely, DDos attack is like a semi (truck) driver comedy depicting the assassination of North Korean A message posted to the Xbox status and that the latest hack was probably intentionally jackknifing his rig on a busy leader Kim Jong Un. Pyongyang has denied a role in the page early Friday upgraded service to the work of fame-seeking amateurs. interstate and shutting down traffic for a hacking, but also praised it as a “righteous deed.” “limited”-a sign that support teams were “The timing suggests that this is an few hours,” said one gamer, who wrote Sony initially decided not to release the film because of making inroads in fixing the problem. attack that we can put in the category of under the name “shadoefax.” threats against US cinemas, but released the movie online A new Twitter user going by the adolescents who are looking for a bit of Game users also took to Twitter to Wednesday. Russia’s ties with the communist North soured name “Lizard Squad” took credit for the glory,” said Pierre Samson of the vent their frustration. “After this christ- after the 1991 Soviet collapse, but have improved under President Vladimir Putin’s watch. Moscow has taken part in disruption, claiming it had the “nation on European Circle Security and mas, #lizardsquad is forever on the international efforts to help mediate the standoff over strings.” The name is the same used by a Information Systems. naughty list,” one frustrated gamer Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs, although its group of hackers that has targeted Sony “There is a very small probability that fumed. Experts said hackers had warned diplomatic efforts have had little visible effect. in the past, though it was not possible to there was a direct link with the attack on they might strike on Christmas Day, and Last week, the Kremlin said that it had invited Kim to verify the Twitter account’s authenticity. Sony Pictures, you can order an attack to that major companies should have been Moscow in May to attend festivities marking the 70th The account did not return request for online services fairly easily with few more prepared. anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. comment and only became active resources.” He said thousands of similar “What is very strange is that Sony and Commenting on the Sony hack scandal, Lukashevich Wednesday. hacks are launched daily, although they Microsoft are used to this kind of attack, said that “the concept of the movie is so aggressive and Sony this month was hit by a sophisti- are not always effective. and I don’t understand why these big scandalous, that the reaction of the North Korean side, cated hacking attack that stole massive companies don’t do more to protect and not just it, is quite understandable.” amounts of data from its servers. The US GAMERS VENT themselves,” Jean-FranÁois Beuze, presi- He went on to say that Pyongyang had offered to con- has blamed North Korea for the attack, Meanwhile, Microsoft on a site for its dent of Sifaris information systems told duct a joint investigation into the incident, adding that with the reclusive state seen as furious at Xbox customers pleaded with its game AFP. “Maybe they think the government the proposal could help ease tensions and reflected a “sin- the release of a Sony movie comedy, fans to be patient. “We’re aware of this will step in to help them restore the situ- cere desire of the North Korean side to study the issue in “The Interview,” which parodies leader issue, and we’re working to find a fix ation and flush out hackers, making an detail.” “We perceive the US threats to take revenge and Kim Jong-Un. After initially canceling the ASAP! We appreciate your patience in example by catching groups like Lizard calls on other nations to condemn the Democratic December 25 release of “The Interview,” the meantime, and we encourage you to Squad.” People’s Republic of Korea as absolutely counterproduc- Sony backtracked and brought it out in a retry signing in when you get a chance. A major cyber attack on PlayStation in tive and dangerous, as they only would add tensions to few US theaters and made it available We’ll update you as soon as we know 2011 saw personal details from 77 mil- the already difficult situation on the Korean Peninsula and online-including through the Xbox con- more,” the message said. lion customers stolen, preventing cus- could lead to further escalation of conflict,” Lukashevich sole and, soon, the PlayStation. Though a direct connection between tomers from playing online and forcing said. — AP Sony’s @PlayStation Twitter account “The Interview” and the service disrup- Sony to disable the network for more said Friday: “We’re aware that some tions could not be confirmed, some than three weeks. — AFP HEALTH SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 India’s birth rate shrinks: study

NEW DELHI: India’s birth rate declined Survey. India, which is set to become the doned targets for family planning in child mortality,” said Muttreja. dramatically in the last two decades due world’s most populated country in the 1996, local authorities still offer cash “Also, population stabilisation and in part to rising female literacy, a new next decade, has been trying for decades incentives to women who undergo steril- demographic dividend can only happen study shows, but experts warned against to curb population growth. isation. when our youngsters are educated and complacency in the country of 1.2 billion. “The new data shows India does not Rights groups say this amounts to trained for employment.” The demo- The Total Fertility Rate-the number of need to panic,” said Poonam Muttreja, coercion. The problem was highlighted graphic dividend refers to the advantage children the average woman will have in director of the Population Foundation of last month when 13 women died after a that India has over an ageing Western her lifetime based on current trends-fell India, a non-profit advocacy and research government-run mass sterilisation pro- world, with nearly 50 percent of its popu- to just 2.3 last year from 3.6 in 1991, group. “Even the poorest and most mar- gramme in the central state of lation under the age of 24. “We must con- according to official figures. ginalised women want no more than two Chhattisgarh. tinue our focus on family planning, spac- Improvements in female literacy were children, thanks to the country’s focus on “We have to give the women a basket ing methods and postponing the age of having “a direct impact on fertility”, said family planning in recent years.” While of choices. Investing in informed family marriage. We cannot afford to give up,” the report, called the Sample Registration the national government officially aban- planning choices prevents maternal and Muttreja said. — AFP

Firm recalls caramel apples amid listeria fears

WASHINGTON: A Missouri firm is recalling its Happy Apple brand caramel apples because of the poten- tial that they could be contaminated with listeria. The recall comes after at least three deaths and at least 29 ill- nesses in 10 states have been linked to an outbreak of the deadly bacteria. Happy Apple Co. of Washington, Missouri, said in a statement Wednesday that one of the apple suppliers to its California facility reported that there may be a connec- tion between the listeria outbreak and the apples it had supplied. The recall covers 31 states. The Food and Drug Administration is continuing to advise consumers not to eat prepacked, commercially pro- duced whole caramel apples. The recalled Happy Apple caramel apples were sold in single pack, three packs, four packs and eight packs with a best use by date between Aug. 25 and Nov. 23. They were available for retail sale through grocery, dis- count and club stores in Alabama, DUBLIN: A Saturday, July 6, 2013 file photo showing thousands of anti-abortion protesters filling Dublin’s major thoroughfare, as they Arizona, Arkansas, California, march against Ireland’s abortion bill. Ireland is debating its constitutional ban on abortion again because of a case involving a brain-dead Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, pregnant woman on life support. — AP Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Irish court mulls rights Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and of dead woman vs fetus Wisconsin. Happy Apple said the recalled DUBLIN: A lawyer representing a 17-week-old fetus living inside the survival is even a dim possibility. caramel apples were no longer avail- clinically dead body of its mother told a Dublin court Wednesday that Mary O’Toole, a lawyer representing the woman’s family, argued able in stores. The grocery chain the unborn child’s right to life trumps the woman’s right to a dignified that the constitution’s anti-abortion amendment was irrelevant to the Safeway pulled prepackaged caramel death. case. She noted it commits Ireland to defend the life of the woman and apples from its shelves after the fami- Conor Dignam, representing the fetus on behalf of the state, made unborn child equally “as far as practicable.” But the woman was already ly of an 81-year-old woman who died his closing arguments to three High Court judges who must decide dead, and nobody was conspiring to abort a fetus, she argued. She said of listeria filed suit Monday. She had whether Ireland’s anti-abortion laws - the most restrictive in Europe - the law should permit doctors to take decisions based on feasibility, not bought several caramel apples from a permit the woman’s life support machines to be turned off. Their judg- futility. Safeway supermarket in Felton, ment is expected Friday. Cormac Corrigan, representing the woman’s interests on behalf of California, in October, the suit Seven doctors, the woman’s father and her partner agreed in testi- the state, argued to keep her on life support. He said it was debatable mony Tuesday that artificial support to sustain the woman’s deteriorat- whether she was legally dead. claimed. ing body should end because she has been clinically dead for three He said the failing condition of her body since clinical death was The FDA says five deaths have weeks and her fetus has no reasonable chance of survival. declared Dec. 3 was “as undignified as anyone could ever imagine,” but been reported, with listeriosis con- They described a horror of problems keeping the infection-riddled prolonging this could do her no further harm. tributing to three of the deaths. It is body at a stable temperature and said it would be grotesque to One judge, Justice Caroline Costello, intervened to question why the unclear whether it contributed to a attempt the experimental care for two more months, when the fetus court should agree to sustain the woman in such an appalling state. fourth, the agency said, while a fifth would reach minimum safe age for delivery. Corrigan conceded that if it wished to impose “minimum indignity,” the death was unrelated to listeriosis, the But Dignam countered that Ireland’s constitutional ban on abortion court should order life support ended now. The woman, in her late 20s, infection caused by the bacteria.— AP provides no leeway for medical judgments based on low probability. has two young children. She suffered catastrophic brain trauma after He said the law requires authorities to defend the fetus’ right to life if falling in a hospital bathroom Nov. 29. — AP TV listings SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

06:10 Sweet Genius Basics Dogs 22:00 Master Of Disaster 13:00 Witches Of East End 07:00 Tastiest Places To Chowdown 19:30 Siba’s Table 18:05 Breathless 23:00 Beyond Magic With Dmc 14:00 24 07:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:55 Siba’s Table 19:00 Andrew Lloyd Webber Special: 16:00 Live Good Morning America 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 20:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 40 Years... 17:00 Castle 08:15 Food Network Challenge 20:45 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 20:30 Cilla 18:00 Witches Of East End 00:20 Philly Throttle 09:05 Siba’s Table 21:10 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 21:25 Big Star’s Little Star 19:00 24 01:10 Highway To Sell 09:30 Have Cake, Will Travel Basics 22:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 20:00 Castle 02:00 Fast N’ Loud 09:55 Have Cake, Will Travel 21:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 23:15 Coronation Street 21:00 Witches Of East End 02:50 Storage Hunters 10:20 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 22:00 Grimm 03:15 Container Wars Basics 22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Stewart 23:00 Boardwalk Empire 03:40 Garage Gold 10:45 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 22:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:00 The Colbert Report 04:05 How It’s Made Basics 22:50 Fast Food Gone Global - Special 01:30 Married 04:30 How It’s Made 11:10 Siba’s Table 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 02:00 Last Man Standing 05:00 Treehouse Masters 11:35 Siba’s Table 02:30 Mixology 06:00 Ben Earl: Trick Artist 12:00 Guy’s Big Bite 00:00 Battleground Brothers 03:00 The Neighbors 00:00 Hit And Run 06:50 Magic Of Science 12:25 Unique Eats 01:00 Armageddon Outfitters 03:30 Last Man Standing 02:00 Red Dragon 07:15 Magic Of Science 12:50 Unique Eats 02:00 Megacities 04:00 Growing Up Fisher 04:15 Europa Report 07:40 Troy 13:15 Hungry Girl 03:00 Mega Factories: Supercars 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 06:00 Hunt To Kill 08:30 Get Out Alive With Bear Grylls 13:40 Hungry Girl 04:00 Engineering Connections Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Summoned 09:20 Deadly Islands 00:40 Four Weddings UK 14:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 05:00 Live Free Or Die 05:30 Better Off Ted 10:00 The Cold Light Of Day 10:10 Manhunt 01:30 Brendan’s Magical Mystery Tour 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 06:00 Ape Man 06:00 Til Death 11:00 Philly Throttle 02:00 Paul O’grady For The Love Of 12:00 Europa Report 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:00 Knights Of Mayhem 06:30 My Name Is Earl 11:50 Philly Throttle Dogs 14:00 One Good Cop 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 08:00 Battleground Brothers 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:40 Philly Throttle 02:55 Emmerdale 16:00 Summoned 15:45 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 09:00 Armageddon Outfitters 08:00 Growing Up Fisher 13:30 Idris Elba: King Of Speed 05:00 Coronation Street 18:00 The Cold Light Of Day Basics 10:00 Megacities 08:30 Better Off Ted 14:20 Idris Elba: King Of Speed 07:05 Cilla 20:00 The Last Stand 16:10 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 11:00 Beyond Magic With Dmc 09:00 The Neighbors 15:10 Idris Elba: King Of Speed 08:00 Murdoch Mysteries 22:00 Tactical Force Basics 12:00 The Next Mega Tsunami 09:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 16:00 Gold Rush 09:45 Derren Brown - An Evening Of 16:35 Siba’s Table 13:00 Hard Time 10:00 Young & Hungry 16:50 Gold Rush Wonders 17:00 Siba’s Table 14:00 Chasing UFOs 10:30 My Name Is Earl 17:40 Alaskan Bush People 11:10 Brendan’s Magical Mystery Tour 17:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 15:00 Access 360 World Heritage 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 18:30 Get Out Alive With Bear Grylls 13:15 Tricked 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey Jimmy Fallon 19:20 Deadly Islands 14:05 The Jonathan Ross Show 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 17:00 Naked Science 12:00 Til Death 20:10 Manhunt 15:00 Andrew Lloyd Webber Special: 00:00 Red Dragon-18 18:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 18:00 Master Of Disaster 12:30 Growing Up Fisher 21:00 Garage Gold 40 Years... 02:15 Europa Report-PG15 Basics 19:00 Witness Disaster 13:00 Better Off Ted 21:25 Garage Gold 16:20 Big Star’s Little Star 04:00 Hunt To Kill-PG15 19:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 20:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey 13:30 My Name Is Earl 21:50 Garage Gold 17:15 Paul O’grady For The Love Of 21:00 Naked Science 14:00 Last Man Standing 06:00 Summoned-PG15 22:15 Garage Gold 14:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 08:00 The Cold Light Of Day-PG15 22:40 Garage Gold 15:00 Young & Hungry 10:00 Europa Report-PG15 23:05 Airplane Repo 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 12:00 One Good Cop-PG15 23:55 Street Outlaws Stewart 14:00 Summoned-PG15 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:00 The Cold Light Of Day-PG15 16:30 Til Death 18:00 The Last Stand-PG15 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 20:00 Tactical Force-PG15 18:00 Hot In Cleveland 22:00 The Expatriate-PG15 00:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 18:30 Modern Family 00:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 19:00 Modern Family 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 19:30 Young & Hungry 01:25 THS 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 02:20 E! News Jimmy Fallon 01:30 Keeping The Faith-PG15 03:15 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 21:00 The Daily Show Global Edition 04:00 Scary Movie 5-PG15 Hamptons 21:30 The Colbert Report Global 06:00 See Spot Run-U 04:10 E!ES Edition 05:05 E!ES 22:00 Saturday Night Live 08:00 Standing Ovation-PG15 06:00 Kourtney & Kim Take New York 23:00 Mixology 10:00 Keeping The Faith-PG15 06:55 Keeping Up With The 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:30 The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Kardashians Galaxy-PG15 07:50 Style Star 14:30 Mystery, Alaska-PG15 08:20 E! News 16:30 Standing Ovation-PG15 09:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 00:00 Suits 18:30 Hello Ladies: The Movie-PG15 09:45 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 01:00 Devious Maids 20:00 So I Married An Axe Murderer- 10:15 E!ES 02:00 American Horror Story: Freak PG15 11:10 THS Show 12:05 E! News 03:00 Supernatural 22:00 The Big Lebowski-18 13:05 Giuliana & Bill 04:00 Switched At Birth 14:05 Giuliana & Bill 05:00 Grey’s Anatomy 15:00 Fashion Bloggers 06:00 Suits 15:30 Fashion Bloggers 07:00 Sleepy Hollow 16:00 House Of DVF 08:00 C.S.I. 01:15 The Letter-PG15 17:00 House Of DVF 09:00 Switched At Birth 03:00 Celeste And Jesse Forever-PG15 18:00 E! News 10:00 Grey’s Anatomy 05:00 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 19:00 THS 11:00 Devious Maids 07:00 Nobody Walks-PG15 20:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 09:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle-PG15 Hamptons 14:00 C.S.I. 11:00 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 21:00 Untold With Maria Menounos 15:00 Suits 13:00 The Factory-PG15 22:00 E! News 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:00 Knife Fight-PG15 23:00 The Soup 18:00 C.S.I. 17:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle-PG15 23:30 House Of DVF 19:00 Once Upon A Time 19:00 The Caller-PG15 21:00 The Strain 21:00 Pawn-PG15 22:00 Sons Of Anarchy 23:00 End Of Watch-18 23:00 Supernatural

00:05 Chopped 00:55 Amazing Wedding Cakes 01:45 BBQ Crawl 01:00 Kill For Me-18 02:10 BBQ Crawl 03:00 Spiderwick Chronicles-PG 02:35 Pizza Cuz 00:00 Witches Of East End 05:00 Tales Of The Night-PG 03:00 Pizza Cuz 01:00 Good Morning America 06:30 Searching For Sugar Man-PG15 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 03:00 Grimm 08:30 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 03:50 Amazing Wedding Cakes 04:00 Boardwalk Empire 10:30 Spiderwick Chronicles-PG 04:40 All You Can Meat 05:00 Good Morning America 12:30 Son Of Rambow-PG 05:05 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 14:30 Beasts Of The Southern Wild- 05:30 Reza’s African Kitchen 09:00 24 PG15 05:50 Siba’s Table 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 16:30 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 RED DRAGON ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 12:00 Castle 18:30 Meet Joe Black-PG15 TV listings SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

21:30 Hyde Park On Hudson-PG15 12:00 Top 14 23:30 Once Fallen-18 14:00 World Match Racing Tour 15:00 Hero Indian Super League 00:00 The Host-PG15 Highlights 02:30 Oblivion-PG15 15:30 Hero Indian Super League 05:00 21-PG15 Highlights 07:30 Holidaze-PG15 01:45 The World’s End-PG15 16:00 Live Hero Indian Super League 09:15 Transformers-PG15 03:45 The Hot Flashes-PG15 Football 11:45 Oblivion-PG15 05:30 All Is Lost-PG15 19:00 Golfing World 14:00 Madea’s Witness Protection- 07:15 One Direction: This Is Us-PG 20:00 World Match Racing Tour PG15 09:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 21:00 NFL Gameday 16:00 Holidaze-PG15 11:00 Labor Day-PG15 21:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 17:45 Good Deeds-PG15 13:00 Seven Days In Utopia-PG15 22:00 Live PDC World Darts 19:45 What To Expect When You’re 15:00 Peeples-PG15 Championship 17:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 Expecting-PG15 18:45 Her-PG15 21:45 Rush-18 21:00 Admission-PG15 23:00 Machete Kills-18 00:45 World Match Racing Tour 02:00 Golfing World 03:00 European Senior Tour 03:00 Live NHL Highlights 06:00 Sevens World Series Highlights 04:00 European Senior Tour 06:30 Challenge Series Golf Highlights 01:00 Wizards And Giants Highlights 07:00 PDC World Darts Championship 02:45 Escape From Planet Earth 05:00 NFL Gameday 12:00 Trans world Sport 04:30 Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. 05:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 13:00 Sevens World Series Highlights Hare 06:00 Golfing World 13:30 This is PGA Tour 06:00 Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia 07:00 Hero Indian Super League 14:00 Challenge Series Golf Highlights 08:00 Krazzy Planet Highlights 14:30 Golfing World 09:45 Astro Boy 07:30 Hero Indian Super League 15:30 Live PDC World Darts 11:30 Princess And The Pea Highlights Championship 13:00 Escape From Planet Earth 08:00 Top 14 19:30 NHL 14:30 Happily N’Ever After 2: Snow 10:00 Hero Indian Super League 21:30 Sevens World Series Highlights White Highlights 22:00 Top 14 16:00 The Apple & The Worm 10:30 Hero Indian Super League 18:00 Astro Boy Highlights 20:00 Barbie And The Magic Of 11:00 Hero Indian Super League Pegasus Highlights 22:00 Happily N’Ever After 2: Snow 11:30 Hero Indian Super League White Highlights 00:30 ICC Cricket 360 23:30 The Apple & The Worm 01:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales

MYSTERY, ALASKA ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD

01:30 New Zealand v South Africa ODI 21:45 The Nightmare Before 01:00 Pawn Stars Highlights Christmas-PG 01:30 Pawn Stars 02:30 Australia v South Africa ODI 23:00 What Women Want-PG 02:00 American Pickers Highlights 03:00 Storage Wars 03:30 Big Bash League T20 Highlights 03:30 Storage Wars 04:30 Big Bash League T20 Highlights 04:00 Storage Wars 05:30 Story of the World Cup 1992 04:30 Storage Wars 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 05:00 Pawn Stars 07:30 LG ICC Awards 2014 00:00 The Listener 05:30 Pawn Stars 08:30 Big Bash League T20 Highlights 01:00 Fit For Fashion 06:00 Pawn Stars 09:30 Big Bash League T20 Highlights 02:00 The Bridge 06:30 Pawn Stars 10:30 ICC Cricket 360 03:00 Dirt 07:00 Storage Wars: New York 11:00 Live Big Bash League T20 04:00 Detroit 1-8-7 07:30 Counting Cars 14:30 ICC Cricket 360 05:00 Dirty Sexy Money 08:00 Counting Cars 15:00 LG ICC Awards 2014 06:00 According To Jim 08:30 Counting Cars 16:00 India v Sri Lanka ODI Highlights 08:30 MasterChef Australia 09:00 Counting Cars 17:00 Big Bash League T20 Highlights 11:00 Happy Endings 09:30 Counting Cars 18:00 Big Bash League T20 11:25 Happy Endings 10:00 Counting Cars 21:30 ICC Cricket 360 12:00 Melissa & Joey 10:30 Counting Cars 22:00 Australia v South Africa ODI 12:25 Melissa & Joey 11:00 Pawn Stars Highlights 13:00 Army Wives 11:30 Pawn Stars 23:00 Big Bash League T20 Highlights 15:30 Fit For Fashion 12:00 Pawn Stars 16:30 The Listener 12:30 Pawn Stars 17:30 How I Met Your Mother 13:00 Pawn Stars 17:55 How I Met Your Mother 13:30 Pawn Stars 18:30 According To Jim 14:00 Pawn Stars 18:55 According To Jim 15:00 Christmas Specials 00:15 Crimson Tide 19:30 Grey’s Anatomy 16:00 American Restoration 02:15 Picture Claire-FAM 20:15 Grey’s Anatomy 16:30 Christmas Specials 03:45 Shanghai Knights 21:00 According To Jim 17:00 Duck Dynasty 05:45 Toy Story 3-FAM 21:30 According To Jim 18:00 Pawn Stars 07:30 Bringing Down The House 22:00 Fit For Fashion 18:30 Pawn Stars 09:15 Last Orders-PG 23:00 The Listener 19:00 Pawn Stars 11:00 One Day-PG 20:00 Christmas Specials 13:00 Miracle 21:00 Shipping Wars 15:15 Crimson Tide 21:30 Shipping Wars 17:15 The Patriot 22:00 American Pickers 23:00 Storage Wars 20:00 The Odd Life Of Timothy Green- 00:00 Storage Wars 23:30 Storage Wars THE EXPATRIATE ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION U 00:30 Storage Wars WHAT’S ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Ambassador of Myanmar to Kuwait Aye Khaing hosted an open day at the Equestrian Club for ambassadors and embassy members of ASEAN countries in Kuwait. The guests partici- pated in a bowling tournament held as part of the event. - Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat WHAT’S ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

ASSE Kuwait Chapter organized presentation for KNPC staff

merican Society of Safety Engineers Kuwait Chapter in with the welcome speech by Ujwal Ritwik ,Senior Specialist in a nutshell, followed by an extensive presentation by Muath line with its objective of offering the professional devel- HSE. The introductory speech was delivered by Hamed Al Ansari, Secretary , ASSE Kuwait Chapter wherein he present- Aopment opportunities of upcoming engineers held a Jassem, Acting Manager HSE, KNPC wherein he shared his ed all the major benefits of ASSE Membership and the meeting with KNPC HSE New Hire Engineers. The meeting was long term association with ASSE Kuwait Chapter and the key Opportunities of professional development in ASSE Kuwait held on 18 December 2014, at HSE Training Center - MAA benefits of being an ASSE Member. Mr. Mohammad Riaz Chapter. The presentation was followed by question and Refinery, KNPC. The familiarization lecture was well attended Shareef - President ASSE - Kuwait Chapter, in his speech answer session and all the participants took active participa- by more than 20 Kuwaiti Engineers. The meeting kicked off briefed the ASSE Kuwait Chapter activities and its functioning tion.

Kuwait Engineers Forum conducts drama fest

uwait Engineers Forum (KEF) which is The story unfolds when the husband, bril- “Bathanya” written by KEF’s Jessy Jaison the umbrella association of Keralite liantly played by Daniel Mathew gets a and directed by Rajagopal was also enjoyed KEngineers in Kuwait and one of the readymade head, which he thinks would by audience. In this drama main artists were largest Engineers’ associations in Kuwait bring luck to him. At home his wife, beauti- ladies from KEF family. conducted a drama festival as a part of its fully played by Devika Sajithlal, is also Children’s drama “Bhavappakarcha” was Silver Jubilee celebrations. The program was seduced by the head. They both dream out written and directed by KEF Arts Convener organized in the Kuwait Boy Scouts their deep most desires. The play ends with Sanjay Cherian. All directors, artists, singers Association hall, Hawally on Friday 12th both husband and wife fighting for the and supporting crew in the Dramafest pro- December 2014. head. gram were from KEF family. Three dramas and a number of ever- green drama songs were presented in front of a packed auditorium. The program was inaugurated by the General Convener of KEF Santhosh Kumar in the presence of the Chief Guest Chandrahasan who is a renowned film director and playwright. The drama “Madhyadharanyazhi” written by famous dramatist and film actor Joy Mathew and directed by KEF’s KK Shemej Kumar and was presented by artists from KEF family. T K Abdu was the Associate Director for this drama. The drama Madhyadharanyazhi speaks about the unseen undercurrents between a middleclass couple who are government employees. Director Shemej Kumar, a Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademy award winner, used suggestive realism to materialize the play. HEALTH SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Ebola expert calls for European anti-virus ‘corps’

LONDON: Europe will be “vulnerable” if vulnerable,” said the Belgian scientist, The paper quoted a response from a all we have to beat it is quarantine,” he it does not regard viruses as a “national who is director of the School of Hygiene spokesman for the British health ministry said. Piot co-discovered the virus in 1976 security issue” like the United States, the and Tropical Medicine in London. saying: “The outbreak has shown the in what is now the Democratic Republic microbiologist who discovered Ebola said Piot, who recently returned from a visit need to strengthen global response to of the Congo, naming it after a nearby in an interview published yesterday. to treatment centres in Sierra Leone, epidemics and the UK will play its full river. “I couldn’t imagine it would get out “It’s time the UK and Europe had a praised the Centres for Disease Control in part.” Piot has been highly critical of the of control,” he told The Independent. The well-trained corps of people who are the United States as a “formidable force”. delay in local and international responses World Health Organization said on globally experienced and deployable,” “We don’t have this ‘epidemic intelli- to the outbreak in west Africa, but said Monday that more than 7,500 have died Peter Piot told the British daily The gence service’. You don’t want to depend that now “the effort is paying off”. from the Ebola virus in the past year- Independent. on information coming from the US... “There is an opportunity to make sure almost all of them in Guinea, Liberia and “We don’t have that and that makes us That’s a national security issue,” he said. that this is the last Ebola epidemic where Sierra Leone. — AFP

Japan lab dismisses ground-breaking stem cell study

TOKYO: Japan’s top research institute yesterday ham- mered the final nail in the coffin of what was once billed as a ground-breaking stem cell study, dismissing it as flawed and saying the work could have been fabricated. The revelations come a week after a young researcher at the centre of the scandal, which has rocked the coun- try’s scientific establishment, said she would resign after failing to reproduce the successful conversion of an adult cell into a stem cell-like state, known as “STAP” cells. The failure marked a stunning fall from grace for 31- year-old Haruko Obokata, whose co-researcher commit- ted suicide amid the embarrassing scandal that prompted respected science journal Nature to retract an article detailing the research. On Friday the government-backed Riken institute, which sponsored the study, said embryonic stem cells had been added in the process of the research, hammering Obokata’s contention that she had found an easier way to generate new stem cells in the lab. “But we can’t conclude whether the mixing was done MALI: In this file photo taken Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, a health worker, right, briefs another, left, on the use of their Ebola on purpose or by mistake nor can we conclude who did security gear before working with diseased Fanta Kone at a Ebola virus center in Kayes, Mali. The last Ebola patient it,” probe team chief Isao Katsura, head of the National being treated in Mali has survived the disease and been released, the Health Ministry said yesterday. — AP Institute of Genetics, told a news briefing in Tokyo. In January, Riken trumpeted Obokata’s simple method to re-programme adult cells to work like stem cells. The study was top news in Japan, where the photogenic In Liberia, Ebola Obokata, a Harvard-trained scientist, became a phenome- non. But media attention soon grew into scepticism as doubts emerged about Obokata’s papers on Stimulus- steals Christmas Triggered Acquisition of Pluripotency (STAP). Mistakes were discovered in some data published in two papers, photograph captions were found to be mis- S Leone nurses strike over Ebola hazard leading, and the work itself could not be repeated by oth- er scientists. MONROVIA: The Ebola epidemic has cast suburbs urging people to be particularly Leone and Guinea. The killer disease in the Yesterday the head of the probe team, which was a dark shadow over Christmas this year in vigilant against the disease during the hol- year-old outbreak has claimed 7,588 lives made up of scientists outside the institute and lawyers, Liberia, where small businesses are espe- idays. Samuel Streete, an engineer, told overall so far, almost all in the three con- said the committee interviewed Obokata three times. cially feeling the pinch. AFP: “I told my family, I told my kids that tiguous countries. “This is the worst Christmas we have they are not going out. No celebration, we In a small sign that Liberia is at last “During the last of our interviews we told her that we ever seen,” said Isaac G. Chea, a trader. will stay home and watch movies all day turning the corner, it was finally able on had enough evidence to show the mixing-in (of embryon- “Because of the Ebola crisis... people don’t because of Ebola.” Saturday to hold Senate elections that had ic stem cells),” Katsura said. want to come in the market, there where Angie Gardea, a cosmetician, said busi- been postponed twice because of the epi- “Then, before us asking anything, Ms.Obokata said ‘I’ve people gather; touching each other” for ness had fallen off. “Customers are not demic. But Streete, the engineer, said that never mixed them.’” Embryonic stem cells are prototype fear of contracting the disease. really pouring in like before, so today I even if containment efforts seemed to be “mother” cells found in early-stage embryos, with the Monrovia residents cannot remember a could not buy my children Christmas bearing fruit, Liberians should not “be potential to become any kind of tissue in the body. But more morose Christmas period since the clothes.” Nor has Sunny Fassiah, 53, wild, going around and celebrating like critics argue that an embryo is a human life, pointing to west African country’s back-to-back civil bought any Christmas presents this year. our tradition; no! Things have to be differ- ethical problems. wars, which claimed some 250,000 lives “You celebrate only when you are ent for this Christmas. That’s the main Another way of generating stem cells from adult skin between 1989 and 2003. healthy,” he said. “Ebola is still here, we thing.” cells, called induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS), are cumber- The Ebola crisis, which has seen more have to keep the biggest portion of the some compared with the method which Obokata claimed than 3,000 Liberians lose their lives, money for preventive measures and pre- Nurses go on strike to have discovered, scientists have said. prompted President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf ventive medicine.” Meanwhile, nurses at a public hospital Obokata, who earlier said she created STAP cells some to cancel a traditional event in which she Posters aimed at raising awareness in northern Sierra Leone were on strike to 200 times, since July has been trying in tandem with inde- invites children to her office to give them about preventing the spread of Ebola demand hazard pay for treating Ebola pendent teams to reproduce her own results. Christmas presents. were far more prominent than Christmas patients, as the region was under lock- She claimed there was a secret knack for creating STAP Some youths and children could be decorations in the capital of the impover- down in a bid by authorities to combat the cells, but has refused to publicise it, asserting it is a sub- seen engaging in another Christmas tradi- ished nation. killer virus. Some 30 nurses at the ject of her future papers. As the scandal deepened, tion-putting on disguises and dancing in The death toll in Liberia stands at 3,384, Mabenteh Hospital in the town of Makeni Obokata’s mentor and co-author, stem cell scientist the streets to raise pocket money to buy with 7,862 cases, according to the latest said they had been refusing to work since presents with-but the usual verve was World Health Organization figures, making Wednesday because of “the non payment Yoshiki Sasai, hanged himself, further shaking Japan’s sci- lacking. More prominent were anti-Ebola it the country with the most fatalities in of risk allowance” by the government for entific establishment. —AFP teams plying the streets of the capital and the current outbreak, followed by Sierra the month of November.—AFP HEALTH SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 FDA going after sellers of pure caffeine powder

WASHINGTON: The Food and Drug Administration is building a legal case against companies that sell pure powdered caffeine, which can be fatal even in small doses. The FDA warned consumers to avoid pure pow- dered caffeine this summer after the death of an Ohio teen. Some major retailers have stopped selling it in bulk, but the substance is still widely available on the Internet and in some stores. Even a teaspoon of the powder can be lethal - it is equivalent to 25 cups of cof- fee. Some teenagers and young adults have been par- ticularly drawn to the powder for its perceived energy boost. Eighteen-year-old Logan Stiner of LaGrange, Ohio, died in May after consuming it. It was also linked to the death of a Georgia man this year. Caffeine powder is usually marketed as a dietary Children play in the snow in Kleinmachnow, eastern Germany, yesterday. Weather forecasts predict more snow in the next few days in supplement and is unregulated, unlike caffeine added Germany. — AP to soda. Since the FDA doesn’t have the legal authority to just pull such a substance off the shelves, the agency is in process of building a legal case against those who are marketing it in bulk in an attempt to persuade them Officials cite progress on to stop. Michael Taylor, FDA’s deputy commissioner of foods, said in an interview with The Associated Press health care enrollment Monday that it is “inherently irresponsible” to market such a potentially dangerous product. “I would hope WASHINGTON: The second sign-up season under President Barack the Supreme Court case argue that the law, as written, only allows subsi- that people would get the message that they just Obama’s health care law is off to a good start but has a way to go to make dies in states that have established their own insurance markets. ought to stop selling it,” Taylor said. The agency will it a success, administration officials said. Health and Human Services Supporters of the law say that while the text may be confusing, Congress “pursue all legal options” against those who don’t, he Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said 1.9 million new customers have picked a clearly intended to subsidize coverage in all 50 states. said. He did not give a timeline for legal action. The FDA plan as of Dec. 19 through the federal insurance market that serves 37 Burwell wouldn’t outline any contingency plans in the event the court has said that people may not realize the powdered states. Another 4.5 million have renewed existing coverage, with most rules against the administration. “We believe that our position is the posi- form is a pure chemical, and that the difference automatically re-enrolled. The numbers don’t include states running their tion that is correct and accurate,” she said. More than 8 in 10 customers in between a safe amount and a lethal dose is very small. own insurance exchanges, including California and New York. The admin- the insurance markets receive subsidies. Without them millions would be Symptoms of caffeine overdose or toxicity include rapid istration will release a full 50-state report next week, Burwell said. “We still unable to afford their premiums. If the court’s ruling goes against the or erratic heartbeat, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and have a lot of work to do,” she said. “But this is an encouraging start.” At administration, it’s unclear if there would be a grace period while officials disorientation. Stiner’s parents visited Washington earli- her year-end news conference, Burwell dodged questions about a pursue a legislative fix or other solutions. Burwell said Congress intended er this month to lobby for more regulatory oversight. Supreme Court case seen as the most serious threat left to Obama’s law. to offer consumers subsidies regardless of where they live. Florida, for “Before May 27, 2014, we had never heard of ‘caffeine The case, King v. Burwell, will be argued in early March. example, did not set up its own market. But more than 900,000 Floridians powder.’ Now we think about it every day,” Dennis and The health care law provides taxpayer-subsidized private insurance to enrolled for coverage through the federal exchange, which was created Katie Stiner said in a meeting with lawmakers. — AP people who don’t have access to coverage through their jobs. Plaintiffs in under the law as a backstop.—AP SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (25/12/2014 TO 31/12/2014)

SHARQIA-1 INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 4:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM ANNIE 4:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 9:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 AM ANNIE 9:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 9:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM

SHARQIA-2 FANAR-5 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:00 PM PADDINGTON 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 1:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM PADDINGTON 1:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 4:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:00 PM CHINNADANA NEE KOSAM -Telugu 3:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM CHINNADANA NEE KOSAM -Telugu 6:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM P.K -HINDI 6:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM CHINNADANA NEE KOSAM -Telugu 9:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM P.K -HINDI 9:30 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:30 AM SHARQIA-3 PADDINGTON 11:30 AM MARINA-1 PADDINGTON 1:30 PM PADDINGTON 12:30 PM PADDINGTON 3:30 PM PADDINGTON 4:19 PM PADDINGTON 5:30 PM ANNIE 4:45 PM PADDINGTON 7:45 PM PADDINGTON 7:15 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 10:15 PM ANNIE 9:15 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:45 AM ANNIE 11:45 PM

MUHALAB-1 MARINA-2 ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 11:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 11:45 AM ANNIE 1:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM ANNIE 2:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM ANNIE 4:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM NO FRI NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:00 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 4:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM ANNIE 7:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 8:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 9:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:15 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM

MUHALAB-2 MARINA-3 INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 7:30 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 10:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 10:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 10:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM AVENUES-1 MUHALAB-3 P.K -HINDI 12:30 PM PADDINGTON 12:15 PM P.K -HINDI 3:30 PM PADDINGTON 2:15 PM P.K -HINDI 6:30 PM PADDINGTON 4:15 PM P.K -HINDI 9:30 PM PADDINGTON 6:15 PM P.K -HINDI 12:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:15 PM AVENUES-2 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM MONTANA 11:45 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:15 PM MONTANA 2:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:30 AM MONTANA 4:15 PM MONTANA 6:45 PM CHANGE OF NAME MONTANA 9:00 PM FANAR-1 NO THU+FRI+SAT I am Shivaji Jaivant Rajput, ANNIE 11:30 AM MONTANA 11:30 PM Indian national, Passport ANNIE 2:00 PM MONTANA 1:30 PM Number G6775517, perma- ANNIE 4:30 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 4:00 PM nent address house no. 1126, ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 7:00 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 7:00 PM Muslim Wada, Industrial ANNIE 9:30 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 10:00 PM Road, Bicholim, Goa, hereby ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:05 AM changing my name to Shiva 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 9:30 PM AVENUES-3 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 12:00 PM Jaiwant Rajput, (C 4893) 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:00 AM THE WATER DIVINER 2:30 PM 27-12-2014 THE WATER DIVINER 5:00 PM FANAR-2 THE WATER DIVINER 7:30 PM I, Utukuru Rama Gubbaiah, NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:00 PM holder of Indian Passport No. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 2:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 12:30 AM J2020031 hereby changed NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:15 PM changed my name to NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:30 PM AVENUES-4 Utukuru Rama Subba Reddy. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:45 PM Upparapalli Konduru 112 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:30 PM PADDINGTON 3:00 PM Penagalur, Kadapa, A.P. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 5:15 PM PADDINGTON 7:30 PM (C 4891) FANAR-3 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 9:45 PM Prayer timings THE WATER DIVINER 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB I, Harsh Mehta, holder of Fajr: 05:16 PADDINGTON 1:45 PM Indian Passport No. PADDINGTON 3:45 PM AVENUES-5 F3832096, resident of 2559B, Shorook 06:341 THE WATER DIVINER 5:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 PM Gali No. 3, Rampura Mohalla, PADDINGTON 8:15 PM ANNIE 2:45 PM Hisar, Haryana, India, have Duhr: 11:49 THE WATER DIVINER 10:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 5:30 PM changed my name from Asr: 14:39 THE WATER DIVINER 12:45 AM ANNIE 8:00 PM Harsh Mehta to Harsh Ahuja. THE WATER DIVINER 10:30 PM In future, I will be known as Maghrib: 16:57 FANAR-4 THE WATER DIVINER 1:00 AM Harsh Ahuja. (C 4892) INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 10:30 PM Isha: 18:20 25-11-2014 information SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers use seats

Arrival Flights on Saturday 27/12/2014 IZG 4161 Mashhad 17:45 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 JZR 174 Dubai 10:10 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 SVA 500 Jeddah 18:00 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 KLM 413 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 KAC 542 Cairo 18:25 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KAC 118 New York 18:30 IRM 1181 Mashhad 10:50 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 KAC 541 Cairo 11:05 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 CLX 856 Luxembourg 18:50 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 KAC 741 Dammam 11:45 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 MEA 406 Beirut 01:40 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 JZR 259 Beirut 02:00 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:45 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 IRA 669 Mashhad 19:50 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:55 SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 JZR 553 Alexandria 02:45 KAC 104 London 19:55 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:10 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 IAW 158 Al Najaf 14:20 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 AGY 685 Sohag 14:40 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 KNE 474 Jeddah 20:25 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:00 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 ABY 123 Sharjah 20:35 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 KAC 546 Alexandria 04:10 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:05 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 TBZ 5484 Mashhad 15:20 BAW 157 London 06:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 KAC 416 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 06:45 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 JZR 563 Sohag 06:45 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KNE 471 Jeddah 15:50 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 KAC 501 Beirut 16:15 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 KAC 773 Riyadh 16:20 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KLM 415 Amsterdam 22:15 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KNE 463 Madinah 16:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 MSC 403 Sohag 22:45 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 JZR 157 Dubai 23:05 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:15 IRM 1186 Tehran 09:40 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 AGY 684 Sohag 23:15 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 Departure Flights on Saturday 27/12/2014 IRM 1187 Tehran 18:15 KAC 204 Lahore 11:25 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 JZR 156 Dubai 18:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 JZR 562 Sohag 00:05 IRM 1188 Mashhad 11:45 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 IZG 4162 Mashhad 18:45 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 JZR 241 Amman 12:55 KLM 413 Amsterdam 01:55 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 KAC 203 Lahore 02:00 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 IAW 157 Al Najaf 13:20 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 SVA 505 Jeddah 19:30 JZR 779 Jeddah 13:35 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 AGY 680 Alexandria 13:40 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 MEA 407 Beirut 02:40 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 CLX 856 Hong Kong 20:20 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:15 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 IRA 666 Esfahan 20:50 TBZ 5483 Mashhad 14:20 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 MSR 607 Luxor 21:05 JZR 175 Dubai 14:45 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:05 KAC 742 Dammam 14:45 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 KNE 475 Jeddah 21:10 KNE 470 Jeddah 14:55 OMA 644 Muscat 04:15 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 ABY 124 Sharjah 21:15 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:40 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 KNE 462 Madinah 15:45 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:15 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 JZR 778 Jeddah 07:55 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 JZR 257 Beirut 16:30 BAW 156 London 08:45 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 JZR 256 Beirut 09:05 KLM 415 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KAC 543 Cairo 23:20 IRM 1180 Mashhad 17:00 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 MSC 404 Sohag 23:45 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:50 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

2. The basic unit of money in Yemen. 3. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic protozoa that form temporary pseudopods for feed- CROSSWORD767 ing and locomotion. 4. A federation of North American labor unions that merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955. 5. (British) A disparaging term for an appointee. 6. The branch of engineering science that studies the uses of electricity and the equipment for power generation and distribution and the control of machines and communication. 7. Danish philologist whose work on Old Norse pioneered in the field of comparative linguistics (1787-1832). 8. Realistic Norwegian author who wrote plays on social and political themes (1828-1906). 9. Any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue. 10. The craniometric point that is the most prominent point at the back of the head (at the occipital protuberance). 11. A heavy ductile magnetic metallic element. 12. Hungarian choreographer who developed Labanotation (1879-1958). 13. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum. 14. English monk and scholar (672-735). 21. (of experimental animals) Raised under sterile conditions. 23. A virtually extinct Caucasian language spoken exclusively in Turkey. 25. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology. 27. United States tennis player who was the first Black to win United States and English singles championships (1943-1993). 29. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group. 31. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice. 34. (trademark) Nylon fabric used as a fastening. 35. Of the appetites and passions of the body. 37. Antipsychotic drug (trade name Moban) used in the treatment of schizophrenia. 38. A burn cause by hot liquid or steam. 40. A very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk. 41. 16 ounces. 43. Greek anatomist whose theories formed the basis of European medicine until the Renaissance (circa 130-200). 46. The virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). 49. A member of the Finnish people living in Karelia in northwestern European Russia. 50. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper. 52. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve ACROSS problems creatively. 1. A federal agency established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related prod- 55. Large dark brown North American arboreal carnivorous mammal. ucts. 56. Tall feather palm of northern Brazil with hard-shelled nuts yielding valuable oil and a kind of 4. Taken before a meal as an appetizer. vegetable ivory. 12. An easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc. 58. The state prevailing during the absence of war. 15. The shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object. 61. (Roman Catholic) A diplomatic representative of the Pope having ambassadorial status. 16. Hairy perennial Eurasian herb with yellow daisylike flowers reputed to destroy or drive away 65. Urgently needed. fleas. 66. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. 17. Any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all. 68. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey). Yesterday’s Solution 18. Used of a single unit or thing. 69. Massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and 19. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily. strong claws. 20. An antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin so that more sero- 70. Produced by a manufacturing process. tonin is available to act on receptors in the brain. 71. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls. 22. (Babylonian) God of wisdom and agriculture and patron of scribes and schools. 72. A system of one or more computers and associated software with common storage. 24. A block of solid substance (such as soap or wax). 73. (used of count nouns) Every one considered individually. 26. A city of southeastern Mexico. 75. (computer science) A coding system that incorporates extra parity bits in order to detect 28. Perversely irritable. errors. 30. Norwegian explorer of the Arctic and director of the League of Nations relief program for 80. Being nine more than forty. refugees of World War I (1861-1930). 81. A colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube. 32. God of the Underworld. 33. A colorless explosive liquid that is volatile and poisonous and foul-smelling. 36. A city in the Asian part of Russia. 39. A leisurely walk (usually in some public place). Yesterdayʼs Solution 42. German chemist who did research on high-speed chemical reactions (born in 1927). 44. German bacteriologist who isolated the anthrax bacillus and the tubercle bacillus and the cholera bacillus (1843-1910). 45. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens. 47. City in southwestern Colombia in a rich agricultural area. 48. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. 51. Perennial herb of East India to Polynesia and Australia cultivated for its large edible root yielding Otaheite arrowroot starch. 53. The smallest multiple that is exactly divisible by every member of a set of numbers. 54. Capable of being perceived by the senses or the mind. 57. Type genus of the Viperidae. 59. The first beta blocker (trade name Inderal) used in treating hypertension and angina pec- toris and essential tremor. 60. Half the width of an em. 62. An organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom which in turn is doubly bonded to another carbon atom. 63. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables. 64. The part of the eye that contains the iris and ciliary body and choroid. 67. An esoteric or occult matter that is traditionally secret. 74. Age or bleach flour with Agene (nitrogen trichloride). 76. A legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legisla- tive body. 77. Tropical starchy tuberous root. 78. The federal agency that insures residential mortgages. 79. Minute sedentary marine invertebrate having a saclike body with siphons through which water enters and leaves. 82. A drug combination found in some over-the-counter headache remedies (Aspirin and Phenacetin and Caffeine). 83. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium. 84. A small round body of protein in a cell nucleus. 85. A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that controls the degree of pigmenta- tion in melanocytes.

DOWN 1. The basic monetary unit in many countries. CHALLENGING MAZE Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SPORTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Thunder beat Spurs, Heat roll

SAN ANTONIO: Russell Westbrook scored 34 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-106 on Thursday in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals. The Thunder earned their sixth straight reg- ular-season victory over the defending NBA champions in the first meeting between the teams since San Antonio topped Oklahoma City in six games on the way to a fifth title. The Thunder was without reigning MVP Kevin Durant, and the Spurs were missing Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, but there was still plenty of fire- power. Serge Ibaka had 21 points, including going 3 for 4 on 3-pointers for Oklahoma City (14-16). Steven Adams added 16 points and 15 rebounds to offset San Antonio center Tiago Splitter matching his season-high with 14 points. Matt Bonner had 17 points to lead seven players in double figures for San Antonio (18- 12), which has lost five of six. Tim Duncan had 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.

HEAT 101, CAVALIERS 91 Dwyane Wade scored 24 of his 31 points in the first half, Luol Deng finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, and the Miami Heat beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in LeBron James’ first game back at his former home. Chris Andersen scored 12 for the Heat, who led by as many as 17, trailed for a moment in the fourth quarter before gathering themselves and pulling away again. James scored 30 points for the Cavaliers, hugging his former teammates before the game and after the final buzzer. It was James’ first time as an opponent in Miami since he helped the Heat reach each of the last four NBA Finals, winning two titles. Kyrie Irving added 25 points, and Kevin Love scored 14 for Cleveland. Miami was again without Chris Bosh, still sidelined by a calf injury.

CLIPPERS 100, WARRIORS 86 Jamal Crawford scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, Chris Paul added 22 points, and Los Angeles handed NBA-leading Golden State its second Staples Center loss in three days. The Warriors held the Clippers to 4-for-24 shooting in the first quarter and 39.1 percent for the game, two nights after the Lakers shot SAN ANTONIO: Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) grabs a rebound against San Antonio Spurs forwards Aron Baynes (left) 51.7 percent without Kobe Bryant to beat them of Australia, and Matt Bonner (second from left) as Thunder forward Serge Ibaka looks on, in the first half of an NBA basketball game. — AP 115-105. That loss ended a streak of 27 straight games by the Warriors in which they held oppo- champion in six-plus seasons with the Lakers, nents under 50 percent. was 9 of 14 from the field in his first game The Clippers, beginning a nine-game home- NBA results/standings against Los Angeles since joining the Bulls in stand after back-to-back losses to San Antonio the summer. Wesley Johnson led Los Angeles and Atlanta, haven’t dropped three in a row Washington 102, NY Knicks 91; Oklahoma City 114, San Antonio 106; Miami 101, Cleveland with 19 points. since March 29-April 1, 2013. Blake Griffin 91; Chicago 113, LA Lakers 93; LA Clippers 100, Golden State 86. missed his first eight shots and was 5 for 16 WIZARDS 102, KNICKS 91 overall with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Eastern Conference Western Conference John Wall had 24 points and 11 assists, elud- DeAndre Jordan had 14 points and 12 boards. Atlantic Division Northwest Division ing the Knicks all day until getting knocked to Klay Thompson scored 15 points, and W L PCT GB Portland 23 7 .767 - the floor by a flagrant foul that sparked an alter- Stephen Curry 14 for Golden State, which has Toronto 22 7 .759 - Oklahoma City 14 16 .467 9 cation, and Washington beat New York. lost three of five following a 23-3 start that Brooklyn 12 15 .444 9 Denver 12 17 .414 10.5 Wall toyed with the Knicks for 3 1/2 quarters, included a franchise-record 16-game winning Boston 10 16 .385 10.5 Utah 9 20 .310 13.5 highlighted by a spinning, 360-degree layup, streak. NY Knicks 5 26 .161 18 Minnesota 5 22 .185 16.5 before Quincy Acy knocked him down with a forearm shove with 5:31 to play. Wall got up Philadelphia 4 23 .148 17 Pacific Division and pushed Acy, who responded with a punch BULLS 113, LAKERS 93 Central Division Golden State 23 5 .821 - Chicago 20 9 .690 - that appeared to hit Wall behind the neck. Acy Pau Gasol had 23 points and 13 rebounds LA Clippers 20 10 .667 4 Cleveland 17 11 .607 2.5 was ejected in the Christmas dust-up, and Wall against his former team and Chicago beat Los Phoenix 16 14 .533 8 Milwaukee 14 15 .483 6 received a technical foul. Angeles with Lakers star Kobe Bryant resting his Sacramento 12 16 .429 11 sore body. Jimmy Butler added 21 points, and Indiana 10 19 .345 10 Bradley Beal added 17 points for the LA Lakers 9 20 .310 14.5 Derrick Rose had 20 points and six assists to Detroit 5 23 .179 14.5 Wizards, who had their top five of Wall, Beal, help the Bulls win their season-high fifth Southeast Division Southwest Division Paul Pierce, Nene and Marcin Gortat in the start- straight. With Bryant missing his second Atlanta 21 7 .750 - Memphis 21 7 .750 - ing lineup for the first time this season. Carmelo straight game, the Lakers were unable to pull Washington 20 8 .714 1 Houston 20 7 .741 0.5 Anthony scored 34 points for the Knicks, who off another upset. They stunned Golden State Miami 14 16 .467 8 Dallas 20 10 .667 2 fell to 5-26 and have the most losses in the NBA. on Tuesday night but came up short against the Orlando 11 20 .355 11.5 San Antonio 18 12 .600 4 They have dropped six straight and 16 of 17. Central division leaders. Gasol, a two-time Charlotte 10 19 .345 11.5 New Orleans 14 14 .500 7 New York fell to 22-28 in a league-high 50 Christmas appearances. — AP SPORTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Bat on Everest planned as a tribute to Hughes

MELBOURNE: Planning is under way to place a bat around the world and a spontaneous #putyourbatsout Cricket Australia has trademarked the phrase “63 not which once belonged to Australian cricketer Phillip campaign received a massive response with thousands out” to prevent people from cashing in on the death of Hughes on Mount Everest in a tribute to the batsman posting pictures of bats on Twitter. the batsman. “Cricket Australia registered the trade- who died last month, an official said yesterday. Edwards also told a Boxing Day Test lunch there mark in conjunction with Phillip’s management purely The death of Hughes, 25, from a head blow sus- were plans for a 63-over game to be played in Nepal as as a defensive registration to prevent others trying to tained while playing a domestic match at the Sydney part of the tribute to Hughes who was 63 not out when exploit Phillip’s memory,” a CA spokesman told The Cricket Ground stunned the sports world and triggered he sustained the fatal injury, Australian Associated Press West Australian. “There was some evidence of that an outpouring of grief. reported. “So although we enter the festive season with starting to occur which is why we have taken this Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards said yes- heavy hearts, the community’s response has been com- action,” the spokesman said. terday that the Cricket Association of Nepal had pro- forting and in many ways uplifting,” Edwards said in The West Australian said unlicensed Hughes mer- posed the Everest idea. After Hughes’ death, bats were Melbourne. chandise is being sold by online auction sites including left outside the front doors of homes in Australia and In another development, a report said Friday that t-shirts, stickers and memorial trophies. — AFP South Africa punish West Indies

PORT ELIZABETH: Dean Elgar and Faf du Plessis pun- ished the West Indies for fielding lapses as South Africa built a strong position on the first day of the second Test in Port Elizabeth yesterday. South Africa were 270 for two at the close after being sent in to bat in overcast conditions at St George’s Park. Elgar made a Test-best 121 and shared a second wicket partnership of 179 with Du Plessis, who finished the day on 99 not out. The West Indies missed four chances to break the Elgar-Du Plessis stand. The West Indian bowlers could feel aggrieved as they bowled with much better control and discipline than they did in Centurion where they were heavily beaten by an innings and 220 runs in the first Test. “The pitch was slow but there was a lot of seam movement,” said Elgar. “They bowled very well. They had their chances but they didn’t take them.” Du Plessis was put down by Marlon Samuels at gully off Jerome Taylor when he had eight and again by Devon Smith diving to his right off left-arm spinner Suleiman Benn when he had 26. One ball after Du Plessis’ second escape, the left- handed Elgar went down the wicket to Benn and was well out of his ground as the ball squeezed through to hit low on the pad of captain and wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin. Elgar was on 48 and to add insult to the disap- pointed bowler he went down the wicket again and lofted Benn to the straight boundary to raise his fifty. Elgar could have been run out on 73. After a mix-up with Du Plessis, he was several metres short of safety when Kenroy Peters’ throw from midwicket missed the stumps at the bowler’s end. West Indian troubles did not end with the missed PORT ELIZABETH: South Africa’s Faf du Plessis (right) plays a shot on the first day of the second Test cricket match chances. Benn left the field after falling heavily while between South Africa and the West Indies at St George’s Park. — AFP trying to stop an Elgar drive. Holder was prevented from bowling in Benn’s place half-century off 137 balls. He faced 228 balls before the SCOREBOARD in the next over because he had not been on the field close and hit 12 fours and two sixes. long enough after being treated for a hand injury. Elgar and Alviro Petersen put on 47 for the first wick- Instead Taylor had to fill in at a time when he would et before Petersen played a rash stroke against PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa: Scores at close on the first have expected to be resting up ahead of taking the sec- day of the second Test between South Africa and the West Shannon Gabriel and was caught by Leon Johnson, run- Indies at St George’s Park on Friday. ond new ball. ning back from cover. Benn returned in time to bowl four overs before the Peters and Gabriel were among three seam bowling South Africa, first innings close as the West Indies delayed taking the new ball changes in the West Indian bowling line-up, with the A. Petersen c Johnson b Gabriel 17 until the last over of the day. tall Holder also getting his first game of the series. D. Elgar c Ramdin b Peters 121 The left-handed Elgar made his third Test century - Peters said it had been a “joyous day” for him, mak- F. du Plessis not out 99 and his second at St George’s Park - where he has now ing his Test debut at the age of 32, six days after being H. Amla not out 17 scored 323 runs in three Tests at an average of 107.66 called up as a replacement for the injured Kemar Roach. Extras (lb4, nb7, w5) 16 Total (2 wkts, 88 overs) 270 compared to 362 runs at 22.62 in 11 appearances at “I noticed the step up immediately. There are fewer mis- other venues. It was slow going for much of the day, Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Petersen), 2-226 (Elgar) takes made by the batsmen and the bowlers have to Bowling: Taylor 19-4-64-0 (2nb, 1w), Peters 15-6-44-1, with South Africa seldom getting their run rate above work extra hard.” He said he had been determined to Holder 13-5-25-0 (1nb), Gabriel 15-0-52-1 (1nb), Benn 25-3- three an over. Elgar took 127 balls to reach 50 and 208 take a wicket to dedicate to his seven-week-old son, 81-0 (1nb), Samuels 1-1-0-0 balls for his century. Ethan. Batsman Temba Bavuma became the sixth black To bat: A. de Villiers, S. van Zyl, T. Bavuma, V. Philander, D. He batted with more fluency later in his innings and African - and the first since Lonwabo Tsotsobe four sea- Steyn, M. Morkel, Imran Tahir had faced 239 deliveries, hitting 18 fours, when he sons ago - to play Test cricket for South Africa. He edged a catch to Ramdin off debutant left-arm seamer replaced the injured Quinton de Kock. He was the 85th West Indies: D. Ramdin, K. Brathwaite, D. Smith, L. Johnson, M. Samuels, S. Chanderpaul, J. Holder, J. Taylor, S. Kenroy Peters. player to be capped since South Africa returned to Test Benn, S. Gabriel, K. Peters Du Plessis was even slower than Elgar in reaching a cricket in 1992. — AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 McCullum whips Sri Lanka

CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand’s big-hitting skipper Brendon McCullum was hailed yesterday for his rollicking 195 to dra- matically turn the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. His dominating 134-ball performance which led New Zealand to 429-7 at stumps also carried special significance for the 8,000 people who packed Christchurch’s Hagley Oval. They were looking for an outstanding performance to mark the return of Test cricket to the earthquake-battered city and the signs were against them until McCullum strode to the crease with New Zealand at 88-3. The wicket was green and McCullum, who lost the toss, was forced to bat on a pitch where he desperately wanted to bowl. But within a session and a half he had Sri Lanka on the ropes at the oval, a venue purpose built after the city’s former cricket ground at Lancaster Park was destroyed in the devas- tating 2011 earthquakes which claimed 185 lives. McCullum spreadeagled the field, smashing 18 fours and 11 sixes, in a record-breaking performance that New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan rated the best opening day in New Zealand Test history. “It was a very special day. It was the sort of day this venue and this city deserved with what they’ve gone through,” McMillan said. As McCullum bludgeoned the bowling, he took just 74 balls to crack the fastest century in New Zealand Test history and became the first New Zealander to score 1,000 runs in a calendar year. He equalled McMillan’s New Zealand record of 26 off one over when he smashed three sixes and two fours off six balls from Sri Lanka’s strike bowler Suranga Lakmal. He also equalled the New Zealand record of 11 sixes in an MELBOURNE: Australia’s Brad Haddin (right) hits a cut shot as India’s MS Dhoni (left) watches on during their play on innings, one short of the world record of 12 sixes held by day one of the third cricket Test. —AP Pakistan’s Wasim Akram. In his career, McCullum has now hit 92 sixes, closing in on the world’s best of 100 by Australian Adam Gilchrist. “Even in Australia’s Smith torments India your wildest dreams you would never have picked a day of Test cricket like that, especially when the pitch is a little bit on MELBOURNE: Australia’s Steve Smith good in some respects but it’s also very Burns hoisted Ashwin over mid-wick- the green side and you lose the toss,” McMillan said. played another captain’s knock and disappointing,” Rogers said. “As an et for four in a positive show of confi- “I don’t think I have enough superlatives to describe Chris Rogers and Shane Watson hit opener you do the hard work and put dence at Test level. But he lasted 27 (McCullum’s) innings. “He has the ability to dominate, disman- fifties on the opening day of the third yourself in a position where you can get balls before he attempted a pull shot on tle bowlers very quickly and change the tempo and the way Test against India in Melbourne yester- a big score so to get out like that was 13 and bottom-edged through to Dhoni an innings is heading very quickly. “He’s so destructive. I think, day. disappointing because I felt good today, off Yadav. Warner, who scored twin tons probably the most destructive and domineering player who Before a Boxing Day crowd of almost I felt my feet were going and I had a real in the opening Adelaide Test, was out in has played for New Zealand.” 70,000, Smith joined teammate David desire to get a big score.” the second over of the innings. He only The innings capped a stellar year for McCullum who in Warner in reaching 1,000 Test runs for Watson followed six balls later in off- lasted six balls before he played across February became the first New Zealander to join the elite club the calendar year with his unbeaten 72. spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s seventh Umesh Yadav and edged to Dhawan at of cricketers to score 300 in a Test innings. Against Sri Lanka At the close, Australia were 259 for over with an ill-judged sweep shot and third slip for a duck. Shami and Yadav he starred in two century partnerships-with Kane Williamson five after winning the toss with Brad was out leg before wicket for 52 in 89 finished with two wickets each. (54) and Jimmy Neesham (85) — as he led his side out of trou- Haddin seeking a confidence-boosting balls. Watson had a let off on 37 nearing India made two changes from the ble and put them in command of the Test. innings on 23. Smith passed 50 for the lunch when Shikhar Dhawan fumbled team that lost the second Brisbane Test, When he was eventually undone, caught by a diving fourth time in five innings in this series him at second slip at the third attempt with debutant Lokesh Rahul and Dimuth Karunaratne to give off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal his among them an unconquered 162 in off Shami. Mohammed Shami coming into the maiden Test wicket, McCullum left the ground to a standing Adelaide and 133 in Brisbane. So far he It was Watson’s 23rd half-century in side. ovation. —AFP has amassed 447 runs at 223.5 for the Tests with just a below-par conversion Rahul, who replaced Rohit Sharma, series. Smith, who won his first Test as rate of four centuries in his 55th Test for was selected to bat at number six, while SCOREBOARD skipper in four days in Brisbane last the senior top order batsman. speedster Varun Aaron made way for weekend, was well positioned for his It was the 27th time in 102 Test Shami, who was off the field for injury CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Scoreboard at stumps on third ton of the series after Rogers and innings Watson had been dismissed leg treatment late in the day. the opening day of the first Test between New Zealand and Watson missed out on cashing in on sol- before wicket. Shaun Marsh again failed Team officials said Aaron was flying id starts. “It’s phenomenal to watch and to go on after a solid start and was home for his grandfather’s funeral and Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday: great to be a part of. He is just growing caught behind by Dhoni off Shami with would be returning to Australia by the New Zealand 1st innings day by day and it’s scary to think how no addition to his tea score of 32 off 83 end of the Melbourne Test. T. Latham c Kaushal b Eranga 27 good he can be,” Rogers said of Smith. balls. Debutant Joe Burns was given a Dhoni’s tourists trail 2-0 in the four- “Someone threw a ball back at him rousing welcome as he came out to bat match series after defeats in Adelaide H. Rutherford b Lakmal 18 today and he had the confidence to say at four wickets down and got a roar with and Brisbane, and have not won at the K. Williamson b Prasad 54 a few words back at him so it looks as if his first scoring shot off Shami for three. MCG for 33 years.—AFP R. Taylor run out (Silva) 7 he knows he belongs and he knows he’s B. McCullum c Karunaratne b Kaushal 195 one of the better players in the world at the moment.” Rogers hit his third SCOREBOARD J. Neesham c Sangakkara b Mathews 85 straight half-century of the series and BJ Watling lbw Mathews 26 Watson made 52 in a 115-run stand MELBOURNE: Scoreboard at the close on the opening day of the third Test M. Craig not out 5 before they were dismissed five minutes between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday: apart in the hour after lunch. Extras (lb4, w2, nb6) 12 Australia 1st innings Extras (b1, lb6, w1, nb2) 10 The pair had put on 59 runs off 131 C. Rogers c Dhoni b Shami 57 Total (5 wickets, 90 overs) 259 Total (7 wickets, 80.3 overs) 429 balls for the fourth wicket. Rogers, who D. Warner c Dhawan b Yadav 0 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Warner), 2-115 Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Rutherford), 2-60 (Latham), 3-88 scored 116 in last season’s correspon- ding Boxing Day Test against England, S. Watson lbw b Ashwin 52 (Rogers), 3-115 (Watson), 4-184 (Taylor), 4-214 (Williamson), 5-367 (McCullum), 6-420 pushed at paceman Mohammed Shami S. Smith not out 72 (Marsh), 5-216 (Burns) (Neesham), 7-429 (Watling) Bowling: Lakmal 17-3-83-1 and was snapped up behind by MS S. Marsh c Dhoni b Shami 32 Bowling: I. Sharma 21-6-54-0 (2nb), (1nb), Eranga 18-1-82-1, Mathews 9.3-1-34-2, Prasad 12-2- Dhoni for 57. J. Burns c Dhoni b Yadav 13 Yadav 20-2-69-2, Shami 17-4-55-2 (1w), B. Haddin not out 23 Ashwin 27-7-60-1, Vijay 5-0-14-0. 62-1 (2w), Kaushal 22-0-159-1 (5nb), Thirimanne 2-0-5-0. “I think three scores in the 50s is SPORTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Kuwait crowned basketball champions

By Abdellatif Sharaa of cooperation between the administration, players and technical staff. He said the sev- KUWAIT: Kuwait was officially crowned enth tournament was of a high technical lev- champion of the seventh Gulf handicapped el, as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and UAE competed basketball tournament by defeating Oman for the title, while Bahrain and Oman showed 62-64. This is Kuwait’s fourth win in a row, good potential. while Oman ended in the fifth and last place Hajiri dedicated the win to HH the Amir after losing all their matches. UAE was second Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahamd Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber and the Kuwait people. He hoped that the players be honored for this achieve- ment. Kuwait player Mohammad Al-Ghareeb expressed extreme pleasure on Kuwait’s win in the tournament for the seventh consecu- tive time. He said the players dealt with all matches seriously to be able to keep winning. He said this win forms a good base for realiz- ing outstanding achievements abroad.

by winning three matches and losing one, while Saudi Arabia came third with two wins and two losses. Fourth place went to Bahrain, which had one win against three losses. Kuwaiti team members did not face any Kuwait’s Al-Enezi clinches difficulty in going past the Omanis as they were in total control, and deserved to be champions. Honorary president of the Kuwait Gulf Bowling Championship Shooting Sports Club Sheikha Sheikha Al- Abdullah lauded the outstanding perform- By Abdellatif Sharaa committee selected the best 16 players who had he attempted to catch up with Enezi, but failed. ance of Kuwait national team all along the the best numbers at the Gulf level, and Kuwait The result of the first game was Enezi 225 and tournament, which enabled them to secure KUWAIT: Kuwait national bowling team member had the highest number of selected players Janahi 205, and the second game Enezi 235 and the championship. Basel Al-Enezi added yet another trophy to including Enezi, Yaqoub Al-Shatti, Khalid Al- Janahi 221. President of the Asian Bowling Sheikha Sheikha said Kuwait’s handi- Kuwait’s bowling achievements. This is the first Thabyan, Rakan Al-Amiri, Jasem Darweesh and Federation and President of Kuwait Bowling Club capped sports has made many achievements title for one of the game’s stars in the Gulf, as he Mohammad Al-Rujaiba, though Rujaiba did not Sheikh Talal Al-Mohammad congratulated the in various games, which calls upon official won the first Gulf Bowling Masters Championship participate because he announced his retirement. Kuwait delegation for the title. The national team and private entities to give the necessary sup- that was held in Bahrain under the supervision of Enezi reached the final without losing a match, manager Mohammad Darweesh said the players port to the club so that they continue the the GCC organizing committee. while the rest of Kuwait players did not reach the were able to achieve what Sheikh Talal asked The final match was very exciting between final despite their outstanding performance. Enezi them for, and came back with the first Gulf title at achievements. Chairman of the Higher Enezi and Bahrain’s Mohammad Al-Janahi, in remained ahead during the match’s two games, the first masters’ tournament to prove Kuwaitis Organizing Committee and President of the which Enezi won both games. The organizing though Janahi is among the strongest players and are pioneers of championships. club Shafi Al-Hajiri said the win was the “fruit” SPORTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 Eriksen keeps Spurs in top four chase

penalty area and found Ulloa, whose spec- make a last-ditch tackle. Kane heading Erik Lamela’s free kick frac- tacular volley was pushed over by Lloris. Leicester continued to threaten and tionally wide. Leicester 1 From the resulting Riyad Mahrez corner Schlupp’s shot deflected into the hands of Nugent had the first chance for the hosts Marcin Wasilewski headed over following Lloris before Ulloa drove wide after a well- after the break as he volleyed over follow- David Nugent’s flick-on. Tottenham went worked move involving Drinkwater. ing a long kick by Hamer. The hosts were close again when Eriksen forced Hamer into Mahrez saw his left-footed effort well level on 48 minutes as Danny Simpson’s Tottenham 2 a save while at the other end Danny saved by Lloris as the hosts started to turn deflected pass fell nicely to Mahrez who Drinkwater dragged a shot wide. the screw, and Ulloa then headed against beat Bentaleb before crossing for Ulloa The visitors should have made it 2-0 just the post from Mahrez’s inch-perfect cross. who flicked home his seventh goal of the LEICESTER: Tottenham claimed their third past the half hour with Bentaleb running Tottenham, though, could have scored a season. successive Premier League win as Christian through but Paul Konchesky raced back to second in first-half stoppage-time with Within moments Mahrez had struck the Eriksen’s free kick sealed a 2-1 success at bar with a 25-yard free kick as Leicester bottom-of-the-table Leicester yesterday. looked to have swung the game their way. Mauricio Pochettino’s side had goal- Leicester continued to press with keeper Hugo Lloris to thank for an out- Schlupp’s low cross well held by Lloris as standing performance as Leicester domi- the cold and wet conditions became more nated for long periods after Leonardo Ulloa treacherous. cancelled out Harry Kane’s first-minute Lloris came to Tottenham’s rescue again opener for Spurs. when he saved a powerful Schlupp drive The north Londoners’ gritty win means but Tottenham took the lead against the they are in sixth place and just two points run of play on 71 minutes. behind Southampton in the race to qualify Eriksen’s low free kick from 25 yards beat for the Champions League via a top four Hamer at his near post, finding the net via finish. the woodwork for his seventh of the sea- Leicester manager Nigel Pearson was son. serving a one-match touchline ban follow- Kane struck the side-netting shortly ing his recent confrontation with a support- afterwards with another long range effort er and he watched his out-of-form team, but Leicester continued to attack with now without a victory in 12 games, get off Drinkwater’s left-foot drive going just wide to the worst possible start. and Mahrez blazing over from Schlupp’s Nabir Chadi’s cross found Kane who cross. Substitute Jamie Vardy then headed coolly beat Wes Morgan before finishing Mahrez’s free kick just over and Wes well past Ben Hamer for his 14th goal of the Morgan was unable to scramble home season against the side he played for on another Mahrez cross. loan two seasons ago. Tottenham Lloris kept out another Morgan header appeared to be in total control when Nabol from Anthony Knockaert’s corner, but Bentaleb fired wide after a fine run. Leicester could not a force an equaliser LEICESTER: Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (right) is beaten to the ball by But Leicester were close to a leveller despite Hamer going up for two late cor- when Jeffrey Schlupp broke from his own Leicester City’s English goalkeeper Ben Hamer (floor) and Leicester City’s English defender Wes Morgan (left) during the English Premier League football match. — AFP ners. — AFP Hull out of drop zone Saints down Palace

While Poyet made two changes, bring- stride and almost took the lead when ing in Billy Jones for Wes Brown and Alderweireld’s looping effort hit the crossbar. Sunderland 1 Ricardo Alvarez for the suspended Crystal Palace 1 The visitors continued to dominate the Connor Wickham, Bruce shuffled his pack. early stages and deservedly went ahead in In came five new faces, with Curtis the 17th minute when Mane raced onto Davies, Liam Rosenior, Stephen Quinn, Steven Davis’s pass and rounded Palace goal- Hull 3 Robbie Brady and Sone Aluko coming keeper Julian Speroni before slotting into the replacing Andy Robertson, the suspend- Southampton 3 empty net. ed Jake Livermore, Abel Hernandez and Fraser Forster preserved Southampton’s SUNDERLAND: Gaston Ramirez scored Jelavic. lead with saves from Mile Jedinak and Joel Southampton climbed back into Ward. Fraizer Campbell then hit the crossbar one goal and made another as Hull City It seemed to little avail as Johnson LONDON: struck after only 30 seconds, intercepting the Premier League’s top four with a 3-1 win from Jedinak’s header as Palace probed for an escaped the Premier League relegation against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park yester- equaliser, but the effort wouldn’t have count- zone by coming from behind to win 3-1 Davies’s under-hit back-pass and round- ing Allan McGregor before walking the day. ed as the flag had already gone up for offside. at Sunderland yesterday. Ronald Koeman’s side moved into the Koeman’s team could have added a sec- ball over the line. Adam Johnson had put Newcastle fourth and final Champions League place ond before the break when Bertrand’s United to the sword with a last-minute But Ramirez equalised 13 minutes with their second successive victory to main- deflected cross was only half cleared by winner last weekend and he gave before half-time, taking aim from 25 tain their revival after a run of five games Jedinak and James Ward-Prowse headed just Sunderland the edge against another of yards with a shot that skipped off a bob- without a win. over. their north-east rivals with a first-minute ble and left Sunderland goalkeeper Senegal winger Sadio Mane’s third goal for But they didn’t have to wait long to double opener at the Stadium of Light. Costel Pantilimon clutching thin air. Southampton, and his first since October, their lead as former Chelsea defender But on-loan Uruguayan playmaker Sunderland had a succession of strong opened the scoring in rain-lashed south Bertrand struck in the 48th minute. Mane was Ramirez equalised with a speculative penalty appeals waved away by Andre London and second half strikes from Ryan the provider this time as he skipped past 32nd-minute shot and then crossed for Marriner before half-time, with Alex Bruce Bertrand and Toby Alderweireld sealed the Ward and crossed for Graziano Pelle. The James Chester to head Hull in front and then Quinn appearing to handle the points. Palace have gone six matches without Italian missed his shot but Bertrand was on before substitute Nikica Jelavic added a ball inside the Hull box. a win since their shock victory over Liverpool hand to rifle a first-time effort into the top third in stoppage time. It gave Hull man- And six minutes into the second half, last month and Neil Warnock’s team slipped corner. Southampton’s third goal killed off ager Steve Bruce a much-needed victory Hull completed the turnaround when into the relegation zone after a dispiriting the contest in the 53rd minute when Belgian over his former club, after a run of 10 Chester met Ramirez’s corner with a pow- performance. defender Alderweireld powered a header past games without a win that had seen last erful near-post header. Romania defender Florin Gardos was Speroni for his first Saints goal. season’s beaten FA Cup finalists slide into With Sunderland pushing forward, handed his first Premier League start in place England right-back Nathaniel Clyne stung of suspended former Eagles defender Jose Speroni’s hands with a blistering effort as the drop zone. Gus Poyet’s Sunderland Jelavic killed the game off in the sixth minute of injury time, dropping his shoul- Fonte, while Mane and Morgan Schneiderlin Southampton almost added a fourth goal. remain 14th, four points above the bot- also came into the Saints line-up. Dann’s 86th minute header reduced the tom three. der and drilling a low shot past Pantilimon. — AFP Southampton, buoyed by their win against deficit but that was little consolation for well- Everton last time out, were quickly in their beaten Palace. — AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014

Sigurdsson strike sees Swansea past Villa

Swansea 1

Aston Villa 0

SWANSEA: Iceland international Gylfi Sigurdsson delivered the goal that earned Swansea a 1-0 Boxing Day win over Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium yesterday. Swansea manager Gary Monk made four changes from the side that beat Hull by the same scoreline last weekend. Top scorer Wilfried Bony returned after being left on the bench against Hull, and also back after injury were Sigurdsson and Jefferson Montero. Monk’s Aston Villa counterpart Paul Lambert was able to field Gabriel Agbonlahor after his successful appeal against the red card he picked up in the draw with Manchester United last time out. Alan Hutton and Tom Cleverley were back after suspension. With heavy rain falling at the Liberty Stadium, Tottenham import Sigurdsson sent Swansea into a 13th minute lead, his free-kick narrowly escaping the clutches of Villa’s keeper Brad Guzan on the American’s 100th appearance for the club. Villa were downed 4-1 on their last visit to the Liberty in April and in a bid to shake up his attack Lambert sent on strik- er Andreas Weimann to replace left-back Aly Cissokho for the second half And in the 62nd minute he forced Swansea ‘keep- er Lukasz Fabianski into saving his left-footed shot from the right of the box. Down at the other end, Sigurdsson almost turned provider, presenting Ki Sung-yueng with a chance to put Swansea further ahead but the South Korean sliced his shot wide. In stoppage time, Christian Benteke almost nicked an equaliser, his header from the centre of the box only denied by good work from Fabianski. The win pushed Swansea up a place into seventh, with Villa slipping a spot into LONDON: Burnley’s Ashley Barnes (right) holds off Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva during their English Premier League soccer match at Turf Moor. — AP 13th. — AFP Sterling sinks Burnley Stoke see off Everton

The last time Liverpool had visited the ball frequently had Liverpool on Everton 0 Turf Moor, in 2010, a facile 4-0 win the back foot and Ashley Barnes and Burnley 0 confirmed Burnley’s relegation back George Boyd both threatened with to the Championship at the first time efforts that went over the top. of asking. Liverpool had offered little at the But this time around, the other end, despite the darting runs of Stoke 1 Liverpool 1 Lancashire club look far better Sterling, and it should have been the equipped to handle the top flight and home side who led at the break. in striker Danny Ings have a potential Scott Arfield went close when his LIVERPOOL: Everton slumped to back-to-back Premier League BURNLEY: Raheem Sterling scored star in the making. goal-bound volley was diverted just defeats for the first time this season as Stoke City came away with a 1- the winner as Liverpool won 1-0 at The England Under-21 internation- wide following a corner via a vital toe 0 win at Goodison Park yesterday. al was instrumental in a dominant from Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva. Having been humbled 3-1 at Southampton last Saturday, Everton Burnley yesterday to end a three- game winless run and keep their first-half performance by Sean Dyche’s Rodgers made a change at the start were hoping to bounce back and make up ground on the top five, side, as Liverpool were made to look of the second half, but did not alter but a 38th minute penalty from Bojan Krkic sealed all three points for opponents in the Premier League rele- coach Mark Hughes on a return to one of his former clubs. gation zone. nothing like a team heading back in his formation, as midfielder Emre Can Bojan was fouled by James McCarthy and then stepped up to rifle It was a far from convincing per- the right direction. The three-man replaced Kolo Toure in the back three. home the spot-kick, right-footed into the bottom right-hand corner. formance by Brendan Rodgers’s side defence preferred by Rodgers in It did little to add any authority to A number of injury delays in a physical first-half on a miserably and the outcome was tough on a recent games was badly exposed, par- Liverpool’s performance, but in cold, wet day on Merseyside led to almost 10 minutes being added Burnley team who lost at home for the ticularly down Liverpool’s left side, Sterling they always have a potential on, but Stoke showed no sign of relinquishing their advantage, first time in five outings. where Mamadou Sakho and Lazar match-winner. despite Everton having the lion’s share of possession. But the result was all that mattered Markovic, who looked out of place as The England international has not Martinez’s side remained unable to show much intensity after the for Liverpool, whose position of 10th a wing-back, were targeted time and done his talent justice with sufficient break, as Ross Barkley struck wide and Romelu Lukaku shot tamely to in the Premier League on Christmas time again. goals this season, but when his side goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. There was more tough tackling before the Day was their lowest since 1992. Liverpool also had to make an early needed him to deliver, he duly did. end, though, with Gareth Barry being booked for clattering Steven And it came thanks to Sterling, change in goal, with Simon Mignolet, From Philippe Coutinho’s lofted pass, Nzonzi and Stoke substitute Charlie Adam receiving the same punish- who, in the absence of the injured left out for the previous three games, Sterling sprinted away, rounded goal- ment for bringing down Kevin Mirallas. Daniel Sturridge and with the return- replacing the injured Brad Jones after keeper Tom Heaton, and finished The result brought Everton’s five-match unbeaten home run to an a quarter of an hour. calmly from a diminishing angle. end and stemmed the slide for Stoke, who had taken just four points ing Mario Balotelli being trusted only with a place on the bench, is currently Moments earlier, Jones had been Burnley must have feared such an from a possible 18 in their previous six games. only a spectator as Ings shot against outcome after not being able to Steven Naismith had a header cleared off the line, Kevin Mirallas being asked to lead Liverpool’s attack. the foot of a post. From virtually score themselves. Their last hope of passed up a decent-looking chance to equalise and Leighton Baines’ The 20-year-old had not scored in drive was parried by Asmir Begovic, but Everton struggled overall to the league since September, but his Mignolet’s first touch, the Belgium any reward disappeared when on- create much against a solid Stoke outfit. In an inconsistent season, superbly taken sixth goal of the sea- international allowed Ings to charge loan Manchester United defender Everton have now lost three times at home and won only one of their son, 17 minutes into the second half, down his attempted clearance, which Michael Keane headed into the side- last six league games. Roberto Martinez’s men slipped a place to 12th, at least edged Liverpool closer to the did little to help bring any calm to netting from a Kieran Trippier cross with Stoke - following only their second victory in seven matches - top-four place Rodgers believes they Rodgers’ jittery rearguard. following another mistake by replacing them in 11th. — AFP are still capable of securing. Burnley’s energy and clever use of Mignolet. — AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 City down Albion to keep pressure on leaders

WEST BROMWICH: Manchester City kept the pressure on Premier West Brom 1 League leaders Chelsea with a convincing 3-1 vic- tory at West Bromwich Albion yesterday. Man City 3 Fernando, Yaya Toure and David Silva were on the scoresheet as Manuel Pellegrini’s second-placed side pro- vided an emphatic response to Chelsea’s win against West Ham earlier in the day. It was a seventh successive win for the champions as they continued their excellent recent form and provided further evidence they remain firmly in the title race with just three points separating them from Chelsea. They will have few easi- er games this campaign, however, after being gifted the initia- tive early on by a poor Baggies side and, such was City’s domi- nance, they already had the game won by the time heavy snow started to make playing conditions difficult in the sec- ond half. Alan Irvine’s side, who scored a late consolation via Brown Ideye with his first Premier League goal, have now won just one of their last eight games and that sequence combined with their disappointing level of display, leaves the head coach’s position under increasing pressure. Midfielder James Milner again led City’s attack for the Boxing Day trip in the absence of the injured Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko, with the fit-again Stevan Jovetic only ready to be named among the substitutes. It made no difference, how- ever, as Pellegrini’s side raced into a two-goal lead within the opening 13 minutes. Yet the Baggies had only themselves to blame after a pair of costly errors from two of their most experienced campaign- ers. First, Ben Foster had a moment to forget in the eighth minute as he dropped what a appeared a routine Jesus Navas cross - gifting Fernando the simplest of finishes into the emp- ty net. Then five minutes later, Joleon Lescott - in his first MANCHESTER: Newcastle’s Daryl Janmaat (left) heads the ball away from Manchester United’s Ashley Young as Jack appearance against the side he left for the Hawthorns in pre- Colback (right) looks on during the English Premier League soccer match. —AP season - mis-timed a challenge on Silva to hand the champi- ons a penalty. Toure made no mistake with the resulting spot- kick and, although Foster guessed the right way, the Ivory Coast midfielder’s shot was precisely dispatched inside the Rooney gives Newcastle left post to leave the goalkeeper with no chance. So poor were their opponents, City looked capable of scor- ing every time they ventured forward and it was no surprise to a Boxing Day lesson see them add a third before the interval. Fernando drove forward unopposed before slipping the Just six minutes later, United were ond invitation to double United’s lead ball out wide to Jesus Navas, he laid off neatly to Silva, on his indebted to the ever-impressive David after 36 minutes with another goal Man United 3 inside, and the unmarked Spaniard curled expertly inside the de Gea as the Spanish goalkeeper flew orchestrated by a magnificent Mata far upright. It was so straightforward for City that they were to his right to keep out a magnificent pass. twice guilty of complacency moments later as Albion were 25-yard shot from Daryl Janmaat, who After Falcao won the ball back, Phil had been set up by Newcastle’s teenage Jones found Mata, who waited for gifted two gilt-edged opportunities. Newcastle 1 debutant Adam Armstrong. Rooney to arrive and slipped through a First, a Toure challenge on Stephane Sessegnon inadver- The 17-year-old Armstrong was an perfect assist for the England captain, tently handed Craig Gardner a strike at goal only for the mid- unwitting accomplice to the opening who made no mistake with a clinical 12- fielder to fire straight at Joe Hart. goal, showing brilliant pace to beat yard finish. It did not take long for Then, just seconds later, James Morrison’s slide-rule pass MANCHESTER: Wayne Rooney scored Paddy McNair but then wasting posses- United to punish Newcastle further in sent Saido Berahino through from the left channel yet he fired twice as Manchester United rewarded sion by shooting directly at the legs of a the second half, with Rooney this time disappointingly wide. City were capable of carving their oppo- manager Louis van Gaal’s decision to United defender. the provider. nents open at will and they came agonisingly close to a fourth grant his players Christmas Day off by It proved a costly decision by the He advanced, paused, and then lifted when, after more slick combination play, Samir Nasri’s shot beating Newcastle United 3-1 yesterday. teenager as Rooney broke upfield and an inviting pass forward for Van Persie, deflected agonisingly wide.—AFP Rooney, relishing the deeper midfield squared the ball for Mata, who, in turn, who steered a header past the dive of role which he has been assigned recent- launched an accurate pass into the area Jak Alnwick. Not for the first time, a bril- ly, effectively decided the contest with for Radamel Falcao. liant Young cross was wasted as Van two lethal finishes and set up a third The Colombian forward seemed Persie and Falcao both failed to make a goal for Robin van Persie in the second poised to shoot from a tight angle, but connection. half. instead squared the ball for Rooney to Meanwhile, Rooney, seeking a hat- But although United won for the convert into a gaping goal. trick, went close with a 19-yard free-kick 18th time in their last 21 Boxing Day It was an impressive assist from that soared over the wall and dipped outings, they were obliged to survive a Falcao, who could have single-handedly onto the roof of the Newcastle goal. spirited opening quarter to the match put the game beyond Newcastle in the Van Persie also spurned a glorious from Alan Pardew’s visitors. first half, given the amount of half- chance, completely mis-kicking with an Rooney settled nerves with an excel- chances that came his way. attempted volley, while Ayoze Perez, lently worked 23rd-minute opener, but On 13 minutes, he should have done one of the few bright points on the day United had lived dangerously up to that better from Ashley Young’s left-wing for Newcastle, forced De Gea into a rare point, despite enjoying a glut of posses- cross, appearing to duck out of the way piece of action, low at the foot of his sion. of the winger’s fiercely hit centre. near post, as the game wore down. The The visitors looked dangerous on the Then, shortly after United had taken visitors’ consolation finally came, five counter-attack and United were fortu- the lead, the on-loan Monaco striker did minutes from time, after Jones needless- LONDON: Manchester City’s James Milner (right) is tackled nate to avoid conceding a penalty when connect with a cross from Young, only ly tripped Jack Colback and substitute by West Brom’s Gareth McAuley, left, during the English Juan Mata appeared to clip the heels of to glance his header just wide of the far Papiss Cisse convincingly beat De Gea Premier League soccer match at the Hawthorns, Yoan Gouffran, sending the Newcastle post. with a penalty into the top-right cor- Birmingham. —AP man clattering to the ground. Rooney, however, did not need a sec- ner.—AFP Rooney gives Newcastle a SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014 SATURDAY, SportsSports Boxing Day lesson47

LONDON: Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas (right) competes for the ball with West Ham’s Enner Valencia during the English Premier League soccer match. — AP Terry, Costa keep Chelsea top of table

Andy Carroll volleyed wide in the first near post. James Collins was the first man minute as West Ham-criticised by into the book for a tackle on Costa in full EPL results/standings Chelsea 2 Mourinho for their defensive tactics in the flight, despite the defender rightly claim- 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge last season- ing he had played the ball. Oscar had pre- Burnley 0 Liverpool 1 (Sterling 62); Chelsea 2 (Terry 31, Costa 62) West Ham 0; indicated they might be more ambitious viously fired one wide, so it was Cesc Crystal Palace 1 (Dann 86) Southampton 3 (Mane 17, Bertrand 48, this time. There was a much better chance Fabregas who took the free-kick, which Alderweireld 53); Everton 0 Stoke 1 (Bojan 38-pen); Leicester 1 (Ulloa 48) for Chelsea soon after when the West he fired at Adrian. Willian did the same Tottenham 2 (Kane 1, Eriksen 71); Manchester United 3 (Rooney 23, 36, Van West Ham 0 Ham defence failed to deal with a cross from open play as Chelsea continued to Persie 53) Newcastle 1 (Cisse 87-pen); Sunderland 1 (Johnson 1) Hull 3 from Willian that found Oscar, but the exert immense pressure on the West Ham (Ramirez 33, Chester 51, Jelavic 90); Swansea 1 (Sigurdsson 13) Aston Villa 0; recalled Brazilian blasted over with only defence, and this time Adrian could only West Brom 1 (Ideye 87) Manchester City 3 (Fernando 8, Toure 13-pen, Silva 34). LONDON: Chelsea showed why they are goalkeeper Adrian to beat. Gary Cahill parry. A goal was coming and it was Terry then headed over from a delivery into the who provided it in the 31st minute, side- Playing later Swansea 18 8 4 6 23 19 28 the Premier League leaders with a com- Arsenal v QPR Arsenal 17 7 6 4 30 21 27 prehensive 2-0 dismissal of London box by fellow centre-back Terry as footing home from a couple of yards out Liverpool 18 7 4 7 22 24 25 neighbours West Ham United in yester- Chelsea continued to dominate the open- after Costa had headed on a Fabregas English Premier League table after Newcastle 18 6 5 7 19 26 23 day’s early Boxing Day fixture. ing exchanges. There was a nervous corner. Chelsea continued to move the yesterday’s matches (played, won, Stoke 18 6 4 8 19 23 22 John Terry and Diego Costa were the moment for the visitors when Hazard ball about speedily and Adrian had to drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, Everton 18 5 6 7 27 28 21 men on target as Jose Mourinho’s side pushed the ball between Winston Reid’s dive to keep out a low drive from defen- points): Aston Villa 18 5 5 8 11 22 20 moved six points ahead of second-place legs and went down on the edge of the sive midfielder Nemanja Matic before Sunderland 18 3 10 5 16 27 19 Manchester City, who are in action later in box when the defender made contact, Costa’s deflected effort spun just wide. Chelsea 18 14 3 1 40 13 45 West Brom 18 4 5 9 18 26 17 the day. West Ham had begun the day in but referee Michael Oliver allowed play to Tempers flared just before half-time when Man City 18 13 3 2 39 15 42 QPR 17 5 2 10 20 32 17 fourth place, but the gulf in class between continue. Enner Valencia fired a West West Ham’s players reacted angrily to Man Utd 18 10 5 3 33 19 35 Hull 18 3 7 8 18 25 16 the two teams was apparent throughout, Ham free-kick over, but Adrian was soon what appeared to be a dive inside the Southampton18 10 2 6 31 14 32 Crystal Palace 18 3 6 9 20 30 15 Burnley 18 3 6 9 12 27 15 with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard the game’s required to make a save at the other end area by Branislav Ivanovic, who went to West Ham 18 9 4 5 29 21 31 Leicester 18 2 4 12 16 31 10 most eye-catching performer. as Cahill let fly from close range at the ground near Carroll. —AFP Tottenham 18 9 3 6 24 24 30